Miss Katie’s Crab Shack Review – Melbourne – Australia

Miss Katie’s Crab Shack Review

Miss Katie’s Crab Shack is a revamped trendy restaurant located in The Public Bar on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, right across from the renowned Queen Victoria Market. This place is an old backpacker bar that has been transformed, with the introduction of Miss Katie and her crabs. What was a cheap local drinking joint for weary travellers has been hipsterized, like so many other fallen hangouts, for young foodies and after work drinkers. American Chef Katie Marron previously worked at Movida and Eue du Vie before branching out and taking on her own food project to replicate food from her youth.

Miss Katie’s still has some of the remnants of old with the backpackers still located upstairs, the old furniture and the weathered bar that seems as if they have seen many a defiant night. Drinks still flow at Katie’s, but the food options and strategically placed shark head monuments are something new. The place still has a relaxed feel – walk in and order at the bar and drinks still flow from Coopers taps.

The difference is that the Crab Shack now offers a menu that replicates an American styled port town with fresh seafood and southern cooking. The menu includes Crispy Fried Clarence Organic School Prawns, Katie’s Fried Chicken, French Fries with seasoning, Blue Swimmer Crab, House Baked Corn Bread, Fried Green Tomatoes and Fresh Corn on the Cob in addition to sides and daily specials. For $25 you can get Katie’s Low Country Boil consisting of one portioned blue swimmer crab, boiled corn, kranski and garlic butter. All the food is served on paper plates or in disposable containers to further rid this joint of any pretentiousness that would have not ever existed.

The food is good here. All meals are cooked to order and with the Queen Victoria Market across the street; one can be assured that ingredients are brought in on a daily basis. I had the chance to try an array of dishes and was happy with everything that came out. This is a fun place to be – food is good and fresh, beer is cold and people are relaxed.