How two Brooklyn moms built a crab house
The Crabby Shack started with a craving, a conversation, and zero crab spots in New York. Eleven years later, Crown Heights hasn't been the same since.
The Crabby Shack | Our Story
A craving nobody could satisfy
Fifi Bell-Clanton grew up in Philly, where crab houses are essential as corner stores. She moved to New York, found nothing like it, and called her friend Gwen Woods. One dinner party sparked everything.
The Shack opens its doors
In 2014, Fifi and Gwen opened on Franklin Avenue with a crab-only menu and zero apologies. For two years they didn't even serve lobster — crab deserved its moment.
The Clobster Roll is born
When they finally added lobster, they did it their way — crab and lobster together, the now-iconic Clobster Roll. Pair it with the house-made Beer Sauce and you'll understand why it's never been matched.
Crown Heights claimed us as its own
The New York Times, The New Yorker, and CNBC came calling. What matters most: Crown Heights claimed this MWBE, Black-owned, women-owned restaurant as its own.
Roll up your sleeves
Indoor and outdoor dining, catering, a hot sauce line, and crabs steamed fresh every single day. Come as you are — crack some legs and leave happy.