House Of Crabs

The Verdict

Melbourne has fallen hook, line and sinker for US-inspired dive bars and BBQ joints in recent years, but Miss Katie’s aside, we haven’t really been swimming in authentic Southern-style seafood. Until now. Throwing open its doors this month, House of Crabs has side-scuttled into the underbelly of St Kilda’s Newmarket to bring the good people of Melbourne what is quite possibly the worst first date meal ever: the crab boil.

While there are ribs and steaks on the grill and I’m sure they’re tender as all get out, you deserve a good, hard pinch if you bypass the signature boil. Leave your dignity at the door and don your bib and blue gloves (don’t try to be cute—you’ll need them), then choose from four types of crab, Port Arlington mussels, or Qld prawns cooked in your sauce of choice—creole (yes), Cajun (yesss), spicy Malay, Singapore or lemon pepper. 

Image credit: Supplied.