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Welcome to Backfins Crabhouse

Backfins Crabhouse, located at 1009 Stadium Dr, Wake Forest, NC, specializes in seafood delicacies that pay homage to Maryland's rich culinary heritage. With a casual yet inviting atmosphere, guests rave about the highlight dishes, including the charbroiled oysters and perfectly seasoned crab cakes, lauding their quality and flavor. While some reviewers note the menu's fluctuating prices—ranging from $20 to $100—many agree that the food is worth the spend. Exceptional service enhances the experience, making Backfins a must-visit destination for seafood lovers seeking hearty portions and genuine hospitality. Fans are excited to return for more memorable meals.

Backfins Crabhouse: Reviews & Ratings

Heath Winslow
Heath Winslow

A simple, casual atmosphere, but very pricey for this area. I e always enjoyed the food, but I feel they're prices are a good bit higher than other places I like. No prices on the menu, you have to look up prices on your phone, I guess because the prices change daily. Dishes range from 20 to 100. You better look before you order. I got charged 38 for a 2 item combo plate of shrimp and oysters one visit. And about 26 the next time. I get the same thing at Cape Fear and it's cheaper and you get more.

S Alston
S Alston

My husband and I had the pleasure of dining here for the first time this evening. This will not be our last! The service we received was impeccable! I wish I knew our servers name because she was so genuinely sweet, attentive, and made our visit perfect. The food was delicious. We started with the charbroiled oysters and they were some of the best I’ve personally had. Very flavorful and charbroiled to perfection. We enjoyed our combination platters. The portions were plentiful! Thank you all for making our visit a great experience. Looking forward to visiting again soon.

Jen Stanbro
Jen Stanbro

Been meaning to try the crab cake and crab legs here. Finally made it out, and they did not disappoint! Cooked and seasoned perfectly. Chef’s kiss yum! Hubs and kiddos were all happy with their meals too. They had fried shrimp and chicken tenders. Cheese curds and hush puppies for appetizers. Will definitely be back!

Angela Montgomery
Angela Montgomery

Best food on our whole trip to NC. We visited Calabash and the outer banks and the best place to eat is here in Wake forest. I was so excited when our food arrived I forgot to take pictures. The service was great and one of the owners was there and he was super friendly too. We plan on returning to the area for something else we found while here and we will definitely be back at Backfins for food.

Kristin
Kristin

First time here & I’m from Maryland. Got Maryland crab soup & it was delicious then got pan seared crab cake platter & there’s no filler & tastes just like MD! Sat at the bar & the service was great.

Joe Dunbar
Joe Dunbar

I was raised in Southern Maryland, the blue crab capital. For me, having the best crab-cake ever was simply going to grandma's freezer and pulling them out. Her crab-cakes were packed with backfin meat. Guess what Jimmy and John (the owners) make their's the same way. When I left Southern Maryland, I accepted my fate of never having good crab-cakes again. Boy, was I wrong. The only thing that could make these more authentic is if their restaurant was transported to a lazy backwater in Maryland. I am a North Carolinian who has found my seafood nirvana. The food and service at this fine restaurant are both top shelf. My experience with amazing seafood was gained in Grandma's kitchen. The owners of Backfins Crabhouse have matched her home cooked seafood that I grew up with. I can give no higher compliment to them and their staff.

Jack Memphis
Jack Memphis

If you're craving seafood and fried goodness, this spot is a must-visit! The crab legs were absolutely incredible—perfectly cooked, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Every bite was a treat. They did rely heavily on the butter completing the taste, but is was super delicious. The cheese curds were another highlight. The garlic seasoning took them to the next level, making them one of the best I’ve ever had. They were crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor. The mozzarella sticks were decent—nothing extraordinary, but still a solid option if you're a fan of classic appetizers. The surprise standout for me was the hot hush puppies with butter. They were warm, golden, and paired perfectly with the butter for a rich, comforting bite. Simply amazing! Overall, this place nailed the seafood and fried treats. I’d definitely come back just for the crab legs and those garlic-seasoned cheese curds!

Terri Weaver
Terri Weaver

5/3/2024 - Updating to add more pictures of the food from this awesome place. Just look at the monster crab legs Rob and I got from Backfins! Picked up cold to grill out at home. Pictures are: 1. ready to go on the grill, 2&3. grill 4-5 minutes each side, 4. end result ready to eat! Simply perfection. Fresh, delicious seafood. Combo platter with snow crab legs, pan seared scallops, new potatoes and green beans. Crab Cake Sandwich with fresh cut fries. AND...some delicious cold beverages ... Served with pride and eaten with joy. Support local folks!

Location

If you find yourself in Wake Forest, North Carolina, make sure to stop by Backfins Crabhouse. This charming seafood restaurant, nestled at 1009 Stadium Dr, offers a culinary adventure that seafood lovers won't want to miss. Known for its fresh, delicious dishes, Backfins combines a simple, casual atmosphere with an impressive menu that reflects the maritime heritage of the region.

The reviews speak volumes about the dining experience here. Patrons rave about the charbroiled oysters, which one guest described as "some of the best" they’ve ever had—cooked to perfection with a burst of flavor. With a menu that highlights local seafood, ranging from Shrimp and Oysters to Maryland crab cakes, expect generous portions that are sure to satisfy. One satisfied visitor delved into the crab cake platter and praised its quality, stating it was "cooked and seasoned perfectly," resonating with flavors reminiscent of Maryland's finest offerings.

While the pricing structure can be a point of concern, with some customers noting the daily changes and absence of menu prices, many feel the quality justifies the cost. Reviews indicate that dishes generally range from $20 to $100. Of particular note, one customer shared they paid different prices for the same combo plate on separate visits—an aspect to consider when ordering.

The dining experience is further complemented by the exceptional service. Reviewers frequently mention the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff, enhancing the overall charm of the establishment. One couple remarked on their lovely server who made their first visit memorable and indicated their plans to return. In addition, the inviting presence of the restaurant owners adds a personal touch that fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

If you are in search of great seafood with flavorful offerings and a casual vibe, Backfins Crabhouse should be at the top of your list. The blend of quality in both food and service makes it more than just a meal; it’s an experience that you’ll want to savor time and again.