Best crab in Tampa?

[CheBeret]

I'm heading to Tampa soon and have been having a considerable crab jones. I'll take it any which way - soft shell, deviled, Chinese style - whatever. Ideas?

[Tipp]

50 years ago, used to go to a place in Ybor City, right down the street from the Columbia restaurant, a little bar by the name of Casablanca had the best deviled crabs. We went there for years. Didn't go to FL for a couple years, went back and the building was torn down. that was probably 35 years ago. Anybody have any info on the casablanca, may not be the right spelling. THANK YOU

[rhnault]

Unfortunately we are experiencing a shortage of blue crabs this year. There have been weekly stories in the local papers about it.
A popular local place for Chinese is China Yuan and they have fresh crabs swimming in their tank as well as eel and a couple types of fish. I haven't had the crabs but I have had fish fesh from the tank and it was wonderful. Ginger and scallion style.

[rshally]

I LOVE the crab(all kinds) at Crab Shack on Gandy Blvd in St. Pete, cool atmosphere and great portions of crab.

[rhnault]

I love Crab Shack. Where else can you get a shrimp, fish, and scallop platter with sides for 12.95 that's fresh and tasty! I hope the blue crab shortage isn't hurting them too much.

[CheBeret]

Is China Yuan super authentic? My grandparents lived in Hong Kong and are giant insufferable snobs about Chinese. I want to take them out for some real deal Chinese but if it's not like they remember it, I will get it on the nose....!

[RibDog]

Yes!

[rhnault]

super duper authentic lol. I would say half the time we eat there we are the only Americans there and the other half maybe one of 2 or 3 tables.

[rebecca.kukla]

It is quite authentic, but it is not Hong Kong style, so it will not be like they remember it. Certainly not Americanized Chinese food though...

[RibDog]

For deviled crabs, go to Cacciatore on Armenia for the best in Tampa. Excellent!

john

[laurie]

Cooters on Clearwater Beach has all you can eat snow crab on Mondays and Tuesdays. Their snow crab is super-fresh and delectable.

[JB222]

The Alaskan King Crab Legs at the Council Oak (in the Seminole Hard Rock Casino) are hard to beat. They apparently fly them in fresh every day from Alaska. Just make sure they come out piping hot-- if not, send 'em back!