Old Town Crab 2: What to Know About This Atlanta Seafood Spot
If you’re craving seafood in Atlanta and searching for Old Town Crab 2, you’re likely trying to figure out what kind of restaurant it is, what to expect from the menu, and whether it fits what you’re in the mood for while you’re in the city.
This guide walks through what diners typically look for with a place like Old Town Crab 2, how seafood boil and crab-focused restaurants work around Atlanta, and how to decide if this style of restaurant is right for your visit or night out.
Old Town Crab 2 in the Context of Atlanta’s Seafood Scene
Atlanta isn’t a coastal city, but it has a strong seafood boil and crab-restaurant culture, especially in and around:
- Westside / Downtown
- Doraville and Chamblee (Buford Highway area)
- South Atlanta and College Park
- Busy suburban corridors like Gwinnett and Cobb County
Restaurants with names like “Old Town Crab,” “Krab,” “Cajun Crab,” or “Juicy Seafood” tend to follow a similar model:
- Casual, family-friendly dining
- Seafood boil bags (shrimp, crab, crawfish, mussels, clams, etc.)
- Cajun-inspired butter sauces with adjustable spice levels
- Combo platters meant for sharing
- Plastic bibs, gloves, and lots of napkins for a hands-on meal
If you’ve found Old Town Crab 2 in Atlanta listings or on a map, it almost certainly fits into this Cajun seafood boil style that has become popular all across the metro area.
What You Can Typically Expect at Old Town Crab–Style Restaurants
While every restaurant has its own recipes, most Atlanta crab-boil spots share some common features. When you’re considering Old Town Crab 2, here’s what you can reasonably expect.
Atmosphere and Dining Style
Most Atlanta crab boil restaurants are:
- Casual and lively, often with TVs showing sports
- Group-friendly, with large tables and music at a moderate volume
- Focused on messy, hands-on eating rather than formal presentation
Expect:
- Paper-covered tables or plastic tablecloths
- Gloves and bibs provided on request
- Food often served in plastic bags or trays rather than on traditional plates
This is the kind of spot locals choose for a laid-back dinner, birthday gathering, or a meal after a long day of sightseeing around Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
Typical Menu at an Atlanta Crab Boil Restaurant
Menus at Old Town Crab–type places are usually straightforward and easy to navigate, even if you’ve never had a seafood boil before.
1. Build-Your-Own Seafood Boil
You usually:
Pick your seafood
Common options:- Head-on or headless shrimp
- Snow crab legs
- King crab (sometimes, at higher price)
- Blue crab or Dungeness crab (depending on availability)
- Mussels or clams
- Crawfish (more common in cooler months and during crawfish season)
Choose a seasoning or sauce
Typical Atlanta flavors:- Garlic butter
- Lemon pepper
- Cajun
- A “house special” mix of all three
Choose your spice level
Generally:- Mild
- Medium
- Hot
- Extra hot
If you aren’t used to spicy food, Atlanta diners often recommend starting at mild or medium, as Cajun-style spice can build up quickly.
- Add sides to the bag
Common add-ins:- Corn on the cob
- Red potatoes
- Sausage slices
- Boiled eggs
2. Seafood Combos
Most crab restaurants around Atlanta offer combo platters that bundle a few items at a set price, such as:
- Shrimp + Snow Crab + Sausage
- Crawfish + Mussels + Corn + Potatoes
These can be more budget-friendly than ordering everything piece by piece.
3. Fried Baskets and Starters
If someone in your group doesn’t love boiled seafood, there are usually fried options:
- Fried shrimp baskets
- Fried fish (catfish, tilapia, whiting)
- Fried oysters or calamari
- Chicken tenders and wings
- Fries, hushpuppies, onion rings
4. Kid-Friendly Options
For families in Atlanta, many similar seafood spots also offer:
- Chicken tenders
- Fried shrimp baskets
- Simple fries and corn on the cob
This makes an Old Town Crab–style restaurant workable for mixed groups where not everyone wants crab legs.
Quick Snapshot: What an Atlanta Diner Can Expect
Here’s a simple overview you can use to decide if Old Town Crab 2–type dining fits your plans:
| Feature | What It Usually Means in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Dress code | Casual; jeans, T‑shirts, and sneakers are common |
| Price range | Moderate; crab legs and king crab can raise the total |
| Best for | Groups, families, casual dates, birthday dinners |
| Dining style | Hands-on, messy, fun; often served in bags on paper-covered tables |
| Reservations | Often walk-in friendly; calling ahead for larger groups is helpful |
| Parking | Varies; many locations in plazas or near major roads have lot parking |
| Takeout | Many crab boil spots prepare boil bags for pickup or to-go orders |
Tips for Ordering Seafood Boil in Atlanta
If you’re new to this style of restaurant but want to try Old Town Crab 2 or a similar spot, a few practical pointers can improve your experience:
1. Plan for Messy Eating
- Wear darker clothing or something you don’t mind getting a bit splashed.
- Ask for extra napkins, gloves, and a bib if you’re worried about the mess.
- If you’re heading to a show or event afterward (like at State Farm Arena or Fox Theatre), allow time to freshen up.
2. Be Strategic With Spice and Sauce
- Start with mild or medium spice if you’re unsure.
- The “house special” mix is often the go-to for many Atlanta diners who like bold flavors.
- If you’re sensitive to salt or spice, you can ask for a lighter coating of sauce.
3. Think About Portions and Sharing
- Crab legs and crawfish are more work per bite, but part of the fun.
- Combos are usually shareable for two light eaters or one very hungry person.
- If you’re visiting Atlanta and eating out multiple times, consider splitting a large boil and adding a fried basket to sample more.
4. Ask About Market Pricing
Items like king crab, Dungeness crab, or seasonal crawfish can be priced at “market” rates that vary.
You can always:
- Ask the current per-pound price before ordering.
- Compare with more standard items like shrimp or snow crab if you’re watching your budget.
Dietary and Practical Considerations
Shellfish Allergies and Sensitivities
Most crab boil spots have heavy cross-contact with shellfish in the kitchen. If you or someone in your party has:
- Shellfish allergies
- Fish allergies
it can be difficult to guarantee no exposure, even if a restaurant offers fried chicken or fries cooked separately. When in doubt, speak clearly with staff and consider an alternative restaurant if safety is a concern.
Halal, Kosher, and Other Dietary Needs
Some Atlanta diners follow specific dietary practices. In general:
- Many seafood boil restaurants do not specialize in halal or kosher preparation.
- Pork sausage is common in boil bags, but you can typically request no sausage.
- For plant-based diners, options may be limited to sides (corn, potatoes, fries, sometimes vegetables), so it’s worth calling ahead.
How Old Town Crab 2 Fits Into an Atlanta Outing
For locals in Atlanta, a crab boil spot like Old Town Crab 2 is often:
- A weekend or after-work treat
- A spot for casual birthday gatherings
- A go-to when everyone wants something indulgent and shareable
For visitors, it can be a fun addition after:
- A day exploring Downtown attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
- Shopping in Buckhead or Atlantic Station
- Outdoor time on the Atlanta BeltLine or at Piedmont Park
Because these restaurants are usually located along major corridors or in shopping plazas, many people pair them with errands, shopping trips, or movie nights in the area.
Practical Steps if You’re Trying to Visit Old Town Crab 2
If you’ve seen “Old Town Crab 2” mentioned and want to plan a visit in or around Atlanta:
- Search by full name and city
- Use “Old Town Crab 2 Atlanta GA” or include the neighborhood you’re in.
- Check current hours
- Many crab boil restaurants stay open later on weekends but may have different weekday hours.
- Call ahead for groups
- For parties of six or more, calling ahead can help with seating and timing.
- Ask about parking and accessibility
- Many Atlanta spots are in strip centers with parking lots, but it’s still useful to confirm if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
- Confirm takeout or to-go options
- If you prefer to eat at home, in a hotel, or at a short-term rental, ask if they do to-go boil bags and how they package sauces.
If You’re Comparing Seafood Options Around Atlanta
If you’re not sure whether Old Town Crab 2 is the right style of seafood restaurant for you, consider:
- Do you want a casual, hands-on crab boil with Cajun sauces?
- If yes, Old Town Crab–style spots fit well.
- Are you looking for raw oysters, sushi, or fine-dining seafood instead?
- In that case, you may want a different type of seafood restaurant, such as a raw bar, sushi restaurant, or upscale fish-focused spot in areas like Midtown, Inman Park, or Buckhead.
Knowing the difference can help you avoid surprises—especially if you’re taking out-of-town guests who might be expecting a different style of seafood experience.
By understanding how Old Town Crab 2 fits into Atlanta’s broader seafood and crab boil scene, you can decide whether it matches what you’re craving, plan your visit comfortably, and set the right expectations for your group.