An Appetizing Oasis
In the mood for an off-the-beaten path and off-beat restaurant tucked into a unique setting, with reasonable prices, a casual, welcoming atmosphere and mouthwatering seafood (as well as many other selections) this summer? If so, I’ve got a place for you. The Red Eyed Crab restaurant is a one-of-a-kind destination. Situated in a building appropriately decorated with a rustic nautical theme, it’s sumptuous fare includes broiled fish, fried platters, steam pots, burgers, steaks, wings, pasta, soups, salads and desserts.
Only the most intrepid of explorers might haphazardly bump into its rural location. While its postal address indicates Port Norris, it actually sits on the banks of the Dividing Creek in the tiny hamlet bearing the same name within the borders of Downe Township. Having originally been settled in the 1700’s, the town of Dividing Creek is in the midst of New Jersey’s Delaware River Bayshore area, a mixture of wetlands, farms and forests. The region has supported, at various times, shipbuilding and sawmills, basket making and oyster farming. Mostly, it seems to be just a quiet crossroads today.
With the wetlands, the river and the historic village as the background, the Red Eyed Crab stands out as a friendly oasis to the hungry traveler. After all, if you’ve gotten this deep in South Jersey on your journey, you’re bound to need sustenance. The building is unpretentious and inviting, the staff very attentive and accommodating and the food was expertly prepared.
For a first course, both the Crab Corn Chowder and Manhattan Clam Chowder were greedily inhaled, as was a fresh salad. Next, one of the steam pot dishes, the Kraken, and one of the specials, the Scallops Florentine with spinach and pasta, arrived. The Kraken consisted of a bountiful feast of perfectly steamed clams, mussels, shrimp, crab legs and lobster tails, and butter, which easily served two, and the scallops were also a big hit. Of course, that seafood extravaganza was followed up with a healthy slice of chocolate éclair pie for dessert, which was the ideal finish to this compelling, immensely satisfying experience.
The Red Eyed Crab’s address is 977 Main Street, Port Norris, NJ. It is BYOB and seasonal (it shuts down before winter). Open Thursday – Sunday, 3-9 pm, and you can confirm their daily specials on their Facebook page.
