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The Crab Trap

Reviewed by Ashley J. Cerasaro   
Posted March 8, 2010

The Crab Trap
2 Broadway, Somers Point
609-927-7377

Hours: Lunch–Daily, 11 am-3 pm; Early Bird Dinner–Mon-Fri, 3-5 pm; Dinner–Sun-Thurs, 3-10 pm; Fri and Sat, 3-11 pm

Price: $$/$$$

Style: This dimly lit, upscale seafood shack seats 400 and overlooks the Great Egg Harbor Bay.

Don’t Miss: You’re probably dining at the Crab Trap for its fresh seafood, but you’ll be sorry if you skip the complimentary housemade bread basket filled with warm sweet rolls and blueberry muffins. Great Beginning is an appropriate title for the golden-fried lobster puffs appetizer ($7.50). Another good start is the Soup 1-1-1 combination appetizer ($5.25), a sampling of the Trap’s clam chowder, crab bisque, and Maryland crab soup. But save room, because entrées are more than generous, like crispy crabcakes ($24.95) griddled with crumbs and served with Chardonnay cream sauce, or the 1 1/2-pound serving of steamed Alaskan king crab legs ($30.95) with drawn butter, a feat to finish.

Heads Up: The restaurant only takes reservations on Easter, Mother’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. But during winter, there shouldn’t be a wait, except about 30 minutes on Friday and Saturday nights. In summer, the wait is typically one to two hours. Dine before 5:30 pm or after 8 pm for a shorter wait.

The Scoop: The Crab Trap is located on the site of Somerset Plantation, the property of one of the area’s original settlers, John Somers. It was established in 1967 by Jack Wallace. Then known as Maenner’s Café, it served tap beer and sandwiches to Somers Point residents. Wallace and his family are still at the helm, working with staff to ensure a pleasant experience.