Joe's Crab Shack

Apparently we've developed a habit! Tonight we needed to get another "fix". I was actually anticipating something a little more exotic but Debbie's hopes for the evening fell somewhere different than we'd ever been before but within our normal paradigm of eating establishments. Tonight we ventured across the Columbia River to the Portland suburb of (tongue in cheek) Vancouver, WA. This evening our destination was Joe's Crab Shack. It is located right along the river and features a choice of indoor

or outdoor seating.

Our concern regarding the outrageously obnoxious mosquito population this year heavily weighted our decision to dine within the sanctuary of the inside dining area.

This establishment is a fun and happening sort of restaurant. The wait staff seemed generally helpful, eager, and youthful. Nearly all of them were in their late teens or early twenties. Good for them! They probably need to tap into that energy because along with their focus on their patrons, every 45 minutes or so, they break into some entertaining group dance. Just a few minutes into our visit we were treated with the Macarena, perhaps three quarters of an hour later it was some choreographed rendition of "Staying Alive". I got the impression that we as guests were invited to join them but it would have required copious amounts of tequila to get me to do that. In fact, the only people that I saw involved in the dancing, that weren't employed by Joe's, was a couple of kids a few tables away.

Well now, Mateys. Let's get down to the menu and our dinner selections.

Now I would have loved to try and tie into one of Joe's buckets of crab and things but that would have set me back at least $27.00 per plate and up to over $40.00 depending on what was in them. We decided to be a little conservative though we still spent what I consider to be a lot for two people. Debbie chose something called Salmon Orleans

which I suppose was a Cajun influenced blackened salmon. It came on a bed of rice and according to her was quite good. Mine was a platter which included fried clams, shrimp a couple of different ways, and a nice fried fillet of fish.

Unfortunately, neither of these selections is featured in the online menu so I can't let you read for yourself what it was like. I suppose you'll have to take my word that it was good. With all of that fried food, however, I'd wager that any benefit from eating fish was heavily compromised. But, like I said, it was good! We were unable to be tempted by the dessert plate due to our over indulgence in the main course. There were some very interesting selections available, however, and perhaps we might be tempted to sneak up there just for dessert sometime.

Now this particular establishment is part of a national chain and like so many has chosen to offer various souvenirs to boost the bottom line. They have a rather large, in my opinion, selection of T-Shirts available for purchase. They didn't suck us in this time as the colors were far more flamboyant than my boring tastes will allow.

Overall, a very nice time. So, if you're looking for a casual atmosphere with good seafood and a great view, Joe's Crab Shack is a lot of fun!