Ernie's Original Crab Shack

Fish Chips. Very tasty! After a day in DC, this meal hit the spot.

I wasn't expecting a white tablecloth experience, so the kraft paper table covers and styrofoam plates were perfectly acceptable. The crabcakes were good, not exceptional, but good. I was very surprised at the pricing. Two crabcakes for $30 is about twice what the price should have been. I was very surprised to see plates for over $50 at a place that looks more like an affordable local eatery. I most likely won't go back, but I am glad I checked it out.

Ernie’s Crab House in Alexandria is conveniently located near the King St Metro Station. It’s one open dining space with large tables and a small bar towards the back. They’re known for their crabs, of course, but definitely order some French fries and onion rings and fried calamari to go with your meal. This place is good for large groups, because of how the tables are situated. You get a good amount of seafood for the price. There’s also a jukebox near the entrance with a lot of songs from throughout the decades. Get messy, eat your fill, and enjoy!

This Mom and Pop shop was a delight. I came here for dinner on a cold and snowy night in January, and I was the only customer there for the duration of my meal. Which is a shame, because their food is excellent. I ordered a fisherman 's platter and was very impressed with the quantity and quality of food. I was able to order the shrimp boiled instead of fried, and due to the various fishing tchotchkes on the wall, I was able to identify their size as 'extra jumbo. ' The crab cake was the real deal; very little breading and large chunks of crab. The fried fish was either cod or halibut and was fine, but the tartar sauce had a nice zest that I hadn 't tasted before. The price of my meal was considerable; if I wasn 't on business travel I probably wouldn 't have ordered the platter. But considering the prime location on King Street near the metro, Ernie and his wife probably have some major overhead costs. I hope they survive; crab cakes such as theirs are unobtainable where I 'm from.

Wanted crabs but didn't want to get them ride home and eat so I found this place that you could eat in. Nothing fancy not crowded. My BFF and I ordered a dozen med crabs. They were big meaty hot and great. Other customers stopped by our table to check out the crabs and took pictures. Could not believe the size. Will definitely keep this on my go to place for crabs. It's a must try.