Crabtown in Oklahoma City: Casual Seafood and Raw Bar in Midtown
Crabtown is a casual seafood restaurant and raw bar in Oklahoma City's Midtown neighborhood, built around fresh oysters, shrimp, crab, and fish prepared simply and served at moderate prices without table service formality.
What Crabtown actually is
The restaurant operates as a counter-order, eat-in-or-take-out format rather than full table service. The menu centers on raw oysters, steamed shrimp by the pound, crab cakes, fish sandwiches, and daily seafood specials. Seating is limited to roughly 30 seats arranged at high-top tables and a bar counter facing an open kitchen. The space is undecorated but functional, with the focus entirely on product and speed rather than atmosphere.
Menu and pricing
Oysters are priced by the dozen at roughly $18 to $22 depending on variety and supply; individual oysters cost around $2 to $2.50 each. Steamed shrimp runs $16 to $24 per pound and comes with cocktail sauce and crackers. Crab cakes are $14 to $16 per order. Fish sandwiches, typically grouper, mahi, or seasonal options, cost $13 to $15. Sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, and fries are $3 to $5 each. Beer and wine are available; no full bar. Most entrees fall in the $12 to $16 range before sides.
Prices reflect raw material costs and shift seasonally; confirm current pricing by phone or at the counter, as oyster and shrimp availability affects daily pricing.
How Crabtown compares to other Oklahoma City seafood options
Ted's Cafe Escondido in Midtown serves ceviches and shrimp tacos with a Mexican emphasis; choose Crabtown if you want raw oysters and steamed shrimp as primary offerings rather than prepared dishes. The Loaded Bowl, also in Midtown, focuses on composed salads and grain bowls with seafood additions; choose Crabtown for a pure seafood counter experience. Cattlemen's Steakhouse in Stockyard City is a full-service, sit-down venue specializing in beef with seafood as secondary; choose Crabtown for lower cost and faster service. Crabtown's closest direct competitor is a takeout-focused shrimp and seafood counter model, making it distinct among sit-down options in the city.
Who Crabtown suits and who it does not
Crabtown suits oyster and raw seafood enthusiasts, groups sharing platters, and people wanting quick lunch or casual dinner without waiting for table service. It works well for those on a moderate budget who prioritize product quality over ambiance. It does not suit diners seeking a full bar, fine dining presentation, or table service; it is not ideal for large groups beyond 6 to 8 people given seating limits, and it is not the choice for those uncomfortable ordering at a counter.
What the first visit involves
Walk in and order at the counter; staff will indicate available oyster varieties and daily fish specials. Specify how many oysters and which type, the weight of shrimp if ordering that, and any prepared items. Pay at the counter. Food is plated and handed over within 10 to 15 minutes. Find a seat at an available high-top or the bar, add hot sauce or cocktail sauce to your plate, and eat. No reservations are taken.
Hours and logistics
Verify current hours before visiting, as restaurant hours change seasonally in Oklahoma City. Street parking is available on Midtown blocks near the restaurant; there is no dedicated lot. The location is wheelchair accessible at entry; seating at high-tops may pose difficulty depending on mobility. No table service means limited accommodation for those unable to stand and order at a counter.
Crabtown fills a gap between Oklahoma City's steakhouse tradition and the demand for fresh, simply prepared seafood at accessible prices, making it a necessary addition to the seafood dining guide.
