From the owner of Manna Epicure, comes a new Gulf cuisine-inspired eatery that is now in the place of Jackal and Hyde on Kloof Street.
The Deckhouse Crab Shack and BBQ has a strong nautical theme complete with crayfish/crab/some kind of crustacean traps adorned to the ceiling. Because of the space, it feels similar to Jackal and Hide inside but now more oceanic; rustic tables and chairs complemented by comfortable couches with enough space to lounge around.
It might be best to order an Uber though, because crab walking out of The Crabshack (as it will now be affectionately called) is totally achievable here thanks to their selection of pitchers, all half price between 4pm and 5pm on weekdays. During our visit, we went with the Basil Batch, a large pitcher with gin aplenty.
But it’s not the pitchers they have been coming for. At The Crabshack you’re faced with a menu which has every meal of the day covered. The 300g option of Crab Shack’s Shrimp Popcorn is quite literally a delicious bucket full of battered and deep-fried scampi. 300g doesn’t sound like a lot but even the larger option could probably fit the Kraken inside.
Carnivores will love the dinosaur ribs here, Fred Flintstone would be proud. But if you would like the full Crab Shack experience, try the crabby pot. At R325 it may be a bit steep for the average spender, but it does contain snow crab, a whole crayfish, spicy sausage and a bucket-load more to stimulate the senses. A cheaper option would be a bucket of three deep-fried and battered, soft-shell crabs for R90. You can’t go wrong with the burgers here either.
Apart from being a great option for lunch, dinner and after-work drinks, The Crab Shack has a great breakfast offering too. Should you ever feel like a corn dog for brekkie, this is where to find it. Crayfish Benedict anyone?
OF NOTE
Where 108 Kloof Street, Gardens
When Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 10 pm
Cost R350 pp, 20 seats available
Contact +27 21 424 1020, [email protected], www.thedeckhouse.co.za
Photography Josh Adams/ HSM Images