Crab Island Cajun Seafood & Bar

- 1016 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011

Welcome, New Jersey seafood enthusiasts! If you're on the hunt for a dining experience that combines fresh, quality seafood with the bold, finger-licking flavor of Cajun cuisine, look no further than Crab Island Cajun Seafood & Bar in Clifton. This lively establishment has quickly become a local favorite, renowned for its customizable and generously portioned seafood boils—the perfect excuse to grab your friends, put on a bib, and dive into a truly memorable meal. More than just a crab house, Crab Island provides a full-service bar and a vibrant, casual atmosphere, making it a stellar destination for lunch, dinner, or a fun night out in North Jersey.

The core of the Crab Island experience is the authentic Cajun seafood boil. Diners are encouraged to choose their seafood—from Snow Crab Legs and Dungeness Crab to shrimp, crawfish, mussels, and clams—then select their preferred seasoning and desired level of spiciness. The restaurant’s signature "Island Special Sauce" is a combination of all their sauces, including Old Bay, Cajun, Garlic Butter, and Lemon Pepper, which has been widely praised by customers as an absolute must-try. The focus here is on hands-on eating, a communal, messy, and delicious style that brings the vibrant spirit of the South right to your table in Clifton.

Beyond the celebrated boils, the menu is extensive, catering to every palate and hunger level. You can find a huge variety of options, from a selection of wings in flavors like Lemon Pepper and Cajun, to various fried seafood baskets and Po Boy sandwiches. The culinary diversity ensures that while the star is the seafood, guests who prefer other options will find plenty to enjoy, including various fried chicken options and appetizers like Lobster Cheesy Fries and Fried Spinach Mozzarella Ravioli. The restaurant's popularity is a testament to its flavorful cuisine, generous portions, and fair pricing, often cited by locals as a favorite "go-to place for seafood boils."

Location and Accessibility

Crab Island Cajun Seafood & Bar is conveniently located right in the heart of Clifton, New Jersey, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors from Passaic County and beyond. Nestled in a shopping center setting, its location is straightforward to find for those driving in.

The exact location is:

1016 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

Accessibility is a priority at Crab Island, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests. The establishment offers a variety of amenities and considerations for easy access:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance

• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot

• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom

• Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Parking is available with a free parking lot on-site, which is shared with nearby businesses, and free street parking is also an option. While parking can sometimes be tricky during peak hours due to the location's popularity, the availability of both a lot and street parking helps accommodate the steady flow of customers. The atmosphere is casual and vibrant, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Services Offered

Crab Island Cajun Seafood & Bar offers a comprehensive range of services and dining options to suit various needs, from a quick solo lunch to a large group dinner celebration. The main services available for New Jersey patrons include:

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LI Dine-in: Enjoy the full, lively experience of the nautical-themed dining room, complete with music and a full bar. Seating and table service are provided for a comfortable experience. LI

LI Takeout and Delivery: For those nights when you crave a seafood boil at home, the restaurant provides both in-person takeout and convenient delivery services, including no-contact delivery options. LI

LI Bar Service: A full bar is available, offering a great selection of beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor. This includes happy hour drinks for unwinding after a long day. LI

LI Happy Hour Food Specials: Enjoy discounted small plates and appetizers during dedicated happy hour times. LI

LI Outdoor Seating: For those beautiful North Jersey days, outdoor seating is available for a pleasant alfresco dining experience. LI

LI Accepts Reservations: While the atmosphere is generally first-come, first-served, the restaurant does accept reservations, which is particularly helpful for planning for groups. LI

LI Late-Night Food: A great option for those with later cravings, the menu includes late-night food items. LI

LI Menu Versatility: The menu caters to different dining preferences, including comfort food, quick bites, small plates, and substantial seafood dinners. LI

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Features / Highlights

Crab Island Cajun Seafood & Bar stands out among New Jersey’s dining landscape due to several key features that enhance the customer experience:

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LI The Ultimate Cajun Seafood Boil: This is the signature attraction. The option to "Get Your Seafood" allows for complete customization of fresh seafood choices, seasonings (Cajun, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Butter, Old Bay, and the celebrated Island Special Sauce), and spice levels, creating a personalized feast. LI

LI Vibrant and Casual Atmosphere: The decor often features sea-themed elements and is described as lively, trendy, and family-friendly. It’s a popular spot that is often packed, especially during peak hours, creating a high-energy dining environment with good music. LI

LI Full Bar Service with Great Drink Selection: Patrons can enjoy a wide array of alcoholic beverages, including great cocktails and an excellent beer selection, perfect for pairing with spicy Cajun dishes. LI

LI Wide-Ranging Menu Beyond Boils: The menu is robust, featuring extensive appetizers (like a variety of wings and popcorn shrimp), multiple fried seafood baskets (such as Fried Lobster Tail and Soft Shell Crab), Po Boy Sandwiches, and different types of fried rice and pasta. LI

LI Quick and Attentive Service: The service is consistently noted as friendly, attentive, and fast, ensuring that even when the restaurant is busy, guests feel well taken care of. LI

LI Value and Portion Size: Many New Jersey customers rave about the generous portion sizes and fair pricing for fresh seafood, often noting that the combos offer great value compared to other local boil spots. LI

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Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order from Crab Island Cajun Seafood & Bar, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1016 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

Phone: (973) 955-2911

For the most current operating hours, it is always recommended to check their website or call ahead, though typical hours have been observed as:

• Monday - Thursday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• Friday - Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Sunday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

What is worth choosing at Crab Island Cajun Seafood & Bar

For anyone in New Jersey looking for a standout dining experience, Crab Island Cajun Seafood & Bar offers a compelling proposition. The number one reason to visit is undoubtedly the Cajun Seafood Boil. Whether you opt to Build Your Own or choose one of their extensive Daily Special Combos (like Combo E with whole lobster, snow crab legs, shrimp, mussels, corn, potatoes, and eggs), the experience of getting your hands dirty with fresh, flavorful, and generously seasoned seafood is unparalleled in the Clifton area. The rich, bold taste of their signature Island Special Sauce is a must-try for any first-time visitor.

Beyond the signature boils, customers consistently praise the appetizer selection. The Lemon Pepper Wings are often highlighted as delicious and flavorful, and the various Popcorn Shrimp options (Cajun, Sweet Chili, etc.) are a great way to start the meal. For a side that complements the boil, consider the Crab Fried Rice, which some patrons recommend drizzling with the leftover sauce from your boil bag for an extra kick of flavor.

Overall, Crab Island is worth choosing for several critical reasons that resonate with local users: excellent flavor, large portion sizes, competitive pricing for seafood boils, and a fun, communal atmosphere. It's an ideal setting for groups, families (with high chairs available), and anyone who appreciates a dining experience that is as lively and engaging as the food is delicious. While the atmosphere can get loud and busy—as is common for a popular crab house—this energy is part of the draw for those seeking a vibrant spot to enjoy some of the best Cajun seafood in North Jersey.

Crab Island Cajun Seafood & Bar

1016 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA