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Happy Hours in Gaithersburg

Review of Joe's Crab Shack

MCR Rating:

These places still get points because they do serve alcohol after all. But that’s about all they have going for them. You’re likely to leave the joint doubting you’ll ever go back in.

Disappointing

221 Rio Blvd Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Google Map

301-947-4377

Venue Website

Specials		Drink	Food
Monday	4pm-7pm	$1 off drafts (become $2.50 - $3.50), $1 off rail drinks (become $3)	None	No
Tuesday	4pm-7pm	$1 off drafts (become $2.50 - $3.50), $1 off rail drinks (become $3)	None	No
Wednesday	4pm-7pm	$1 off drafts (become $2.50 - $3.50), $1 off rail drinks (become $3)	None	No
Thursday	4pm-7pm	$1 off drafts (become $2.50 - $3.50), $1 off rail drinks (become $3)	None	No
Friday	4pm-7pm	$1 off drafts (become $2.50 - $3.50), $1 off rail drinks (become $3)	None	No

Special is available in the restaurant area.

Performance

Food:Mediocre
Service:Mediocre
Atmosphere:Mediocre
Price:Average

Vitals

Capacity: Medium # Bars: 1 # Floors: 1 # Draft Beers: 6 Wine selection: Some Liquor selection: Full Only in MoCo: No

Themes/Styles: American / Restaurant w/Bar Parking Accessibility: Easy Less than a mile from I-270 Exit 9. Street parking, adjacent lot, and nearby parking garage…plenty of spaces, all of them free.
Metro Accessibility: Difficult/Impossible A short drive from Shady Grove Metro station, but it is by no means walkable.

What is Joe's Crab Shack?

Joe’s Crab Shack is a seafood restaurant situated around the lake and located between the many shops and restaurants of the Rio complex. The inside portion contains a small bar area and a larger seating area with a very open design. The outside contains a near wrap-around deck with seating. The décor is centered on a marina theme, with wood pilings and various other sea-related decorations. Outside Area: Yes. Deck area with tables overlooking the lake and main walkway/bridge through the Rio area. Great for scenery for a spot in the suburbs! Entertainment: No.

Our Review

One of many restaurants scattered around the Rio complex, this lake-front seafood restaurant seems to have a prime location and layout - when the weather is good. During the colder months, however, the place is dead enough to wonder if your watch is ahead 2 hours. Some may say we should do a summertime review, but we don't see things other than the crowd size improving much. Service was mediocre: attentive and quick, but quite stand-offish and bit unwelcoming. Drink prices weren’t especially enticing; with $3.50 Coronas weak mix drinks, your best bet would be the domestic bottles. Not only were there no food specials, the somewhat plain and unfulfilling appetizers make it hardly worth it to snack at the bar. Although the decor is thoughtful and thorough, it's not a very comfortable atmosphere. The establishment will tell you summertime is better (seafood is seasonal afterall), it's apparent to us that the only reason to grab some drinks for happy hour is for the sunny deck with a nice view.

The Run Down

Drop your anchor at Joes if you're looking for a place to have a few drinks on a deck overlooking a lake and a popular summer hangout. If you're looking for good deals or quality food with a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, you're better off setting sail for somewhere else.

Reviewed by Lee on Tuesday, February 19, 2008.