Fenwick Crab House has long been celebrated as a culinary gem along the Delaware coastline, renowned for its fresh seafood offerings and inviting atmosphere. Nestled in Fenwick Island, Delaware, the restaurant has cultivated a dedicated following by consistently delivering exceptional flavors that pay homage to the region’s rich maritime heritage.
The menu is a testament to the vibrant coastal cuisine, blending classic crab dishes with innovative preparations designed to delight both locals and visitors alike.
What sets Fenwick Crab House apart is its commitment to quality, sustainability, and authenticity. Every dish on the menu reflects a careful selection of the freshest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible to ensure that each bite bursts with natural flavor.
From the iconic Chesapeake blue crab to mouthwatering shellfish and savory accompaniments, the dining experience here is both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a special celebration, Fenwick Crab House’s menu offers a diverse array of options that cater to all tastes. This detailed exploration of the menu highlights the restaurant’s culinary philosophy and reveals the standout dishes and categories that make it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers.
Dive into the flavors of the sea and discover the unique charm that defines Fenwick Crab House.
Signature Crab Dishes
The heart of Fenwick Crab House’s menu lies in its expertly prepared crab dishes. Known for their use of locally sourced blue crab, these offerings showcase the versatility and rich flavor of this beloved crustacean.
Whether steamed, sautéed, or baked, the crab dishes form the cornerstone of the dining experience.
Among the standout selections is the classic steamed blue crab, served whole and seasoned with a house blend that accentuates its natural sweetness. This dish invites diners to savor the pure taste of fresh crab, making it a favorite among purists.
For those who prefer something more indulgent, the crab imperial combines tender crab meat with a creamy, seasoned sauce, baked to golden perfection.
Additionally, the crab cakes at Fenwick Crab House are a signature dish that exemplify balance and finesse. Made with lump crab meat, minimal filler, and a hint of spice, these cakes are pan-seared to create a crispy crust while maintaining a moist interior.
They are often accompanied by tangy remoulade or tartar sauce to complement their flavor.
Popular Crab Preparations
- Steamed Blue Crab: Fresh, whole crabs steamed with a special seasoning
- Crab Imperial: Baked crab meat with a creamy, seasoned sauce
- Crab Cakes: Lump crab, lightly spiced and pan-seared
- Crab Dip: Warm, cheesy dip loaded with crab meat, perfect for sharing
“Our crab dishes are crafted to highlight the freshest local seafood, honoring tradition while inviting innovation.”
Fresh Shellfish and Seafood Entrees
Beyond crab, Fenwick Crab House offers an impressive selection of fresh shellfish and seafood entrees that showcase the diversity of the Atlantic coast. This section of the menu balances classic regional favorites with contemporary preparations designed to satisfy a wide range of palates.
The menu includes succulent shrimp dishes, tender scallops, and a variety of fish options, each prepared to preserve their distinct textures and flavors. From grilled to fried, the cooking methods are carefully selected to enhance the natural qualities of the seafood, whether paired with vibrant sauces or simple seasonings.
One highlight is the seafood platter, which offers a curated combination of fried shrimp, scallops, crab cake, and clam strips. This dish provides an excellent way to sample multiple flavors in a single meal, perfect for those wanting to experience the breadth of the menu.
Additionally, the grilled fish selections often feature daily catches, ensuring freshness and variety.
Seafood Varieties Offered
- Fried Shrimp: Lightly breaded and fried to a golden crisp
- Seared Scallops: Perfectly caramelized with a tender interior
- Grilled Fish: Fresh catch, seasoned and grilled
- Seafood Platter: Combination of fried seafood favorites
| Seafood Item | Cooking Style | Flavor Profile |
| Fried Shrimp | Light breading, deep-fried | Crispy, savory, slightly salty |
| Seared Scallops | Pan-seared | Sweet, buttery, tender |
| Grilled Fish | Grilled with herbs and lemon | Fresh, smoky, citrusy |
Soups and Starters
Fenwick Crab House understands that a great meal begins with an inviting starter. The soup and appetizer selection is designed to whet the appetite with flavorful, comforting options that complement the main courses.
This section is particularly popular among guests seeking a light beginning or sharing plates with companions.
The crab soup, a rich and hearty option, combines chunks of crab meat with a flavorful broth that balances creaminess and spice. It’s a stellar choice for those craving something warm and satisfying.
For a lighter start, the oyster shooters or steamed clams provide fresh, briny bites that prepare the palate for the courses ahead.
Appetizers also include fried calamari, served with a zesty marinara sauce, and crab-stuffed mushrooms, which offer a blend of savory crab filling and tender mushroom caps. These thoughtfully prepared starters highlight the restaurant’s commitment to quality and freshness from the very first bite.
Featured Starters
- Crab Soup: Creamy, flavorful, loaded with crab meat
- Fried Calamari: Crispy rings served with marinara
- Steamed Clams: Fresh, tender, lightly seasoned
- Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory crab filling baked in mushroom caps
“A great meal starts with an appetizer that sets the tone — at Fenwick Crab House, every starter is crafted to excite the senses.”
Salads and Lighter Fare
For diners seeking fresher, lighter options, the salads and lighter fare section of the menu offers a variety of dishes that don’t compromise on flavor. These selections are perfect for those looking to balance indulgence with nutrition or for a midday meal that energizes without weighing down.
Salads here often feature fresh greens topped with seafood such as crab meat, shrimp, or grilled fish, accompanied by house-made dressings that enhance the natural ingredients. The Crab Louie salad is a standout, combining crisp vegetables with generous chunks of crab and a tangy dressing that ties it all together.
In addition to seafood salads, the menu includes options like a classic Caesar salad and mixed greens with seasonal vegetables. These dishes offer versatility, catering to a range of dietary preferences and making them ideal for sharing or enjoying as a main course.
Popular Salad Choices
- Crab Louie Salad: Fresh greens, crab meat, and tangy dressing
- Grilled Shrimp Salad: Mixed greens topped with seasoned shrimp
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, parmesan, and house dressing
- Seasonal Vegetable Salad: Fresh, local vegetables with vinaigrette
| Salad | Main Protein | Calories (Approx.) |
| Crab Louie | Blue Crab | 450 |
| Grilled Shrimp | Shrimp | 400 |
| Caesar | None | 350 |
Classic Sandwiches and Burgers
The menu’s sandwich and burger offerings provide hearty, flavorful options that are perfect for casual dining. These dishes combine quality ingredients with expert preparation, often incorporating seafood to maintain the restaurant’s coastal identity.
They are popular choices for lunch or a relaxed dinner.
The crab cake sandwich is a signature item here, featuring one of Fenwick’s famous crab cakes nestled in a fresh bun with crisp lettuce and a tangy sauce. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness, making it a favorite among repeat guests.
Other sandwiches include shrimp po’boys and fish sandwiches, each prepared with care to emphasize the seafood’s natural flavors.
For those seeking something more traditional, the burger options include beef and turkey choices, often served with classic toppings and house-made sides. These sandwiches are designed to satisfy a variety of cravings while maintaining the restaurant’s dedication to quality.
Featured Sandwiches and Burgers
- Crab Cake Sandwich: Lump crab cake with lettuce and remoulade
- Shrimp Po’Boy: Fried shrimp with spicy mayo and slaw
- Grilled Fish Sandwich: Fresh fish filet with tartar sauce
- Classic Cheeseburger: Beef patty with cheddar and traditional toppings
“Our sandwiches bring the coast to your plate, delivering comfort and flavor with every bite.”
Side Dishes and Accompaniments
Complementing the main courses at Fenwick Crab House are a variety of thoughtfully crafted side dishes. These accompaniments enhance the overall dining experience, offering textures and flavors that balance the rich seafood offerings.
The sides range from traditional favorites to more creative vegetable preparations.
Classic fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw are staples that provide familiar comfort and crispy textures. For a healthier option, steamed vegetables or seasoned rice are often available, adding freshness and color to the plate.
Many sides incorporate subtle seasonings and herbs that elevate them beyond mere afterthoughts.
By offering a diverse selection of sides, Fenwick Crab House ensures that every meal feels complete. These dishes are designed to pair seamlessly with the main entrees, rounding out the plate with complementary flavors and satisfying portions.
Available Side Dishes
- French Fries: Crispy, golden, lightly salted
- Hush Puppies: Fried cornmeal balls with a hint of sweetness
- Coleslaw: Creamy, tangy cabbage salad
- Steamed Vegetables: Seasonal, lightly seasoned
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Typical Pairing |
| French Fries | Salty, crispy | Sandwiches, fried seafood |
| Hush Puppies | Slightly sweet, crunchy | Crab cakes, seafood platters |
| Coleslaw | Creamy, tangy | Po’boys, grilled fish |
Desserts and Beverages
No meal at Fenwick Crab House is complete without sampling the dessert and beverage options. The dessert menu offers a selection of sweet treats that provide a satisfying conclusion to the seafood-forward meal.
From classic American sweets to lighter fruit-based dishes, there is something for every preference.
Key desserts include rich cheesecake topped with fresh berries, homemade key lime pie, and decadent chocolate cake. Each is prepared with attention to detail, using quality ingredients that maintain the restaurant’s standard of excellence.
These desserts provide a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor.
On the beverage front, Fenwick Crab House offers a curated list of wines, local craft beers, and specialty cocktails. The drink menu is designed to complement the seafood flavors, with crisp whites and refreshing mixed drinks that enhance the dining experience.
Non-alcoholic options include freshly brewed iced tea and traditional sodas.
Dessert and Drink Highlights
- New York Cheesecake: Creamy, topped with seasonal berries
- Key Lime Pie: Tangy, with a graham cracker crust
- Chocolate Cake: Rich and moist, perfect for chocolate lovers
- Local Craft Beers: Rotating selection from Delaware breweries
- Signature Cocktails: Fresh, coastal-inspired mixes
“Our desserts and drinks are crafted to provide the perfect finish, celebrating the flavors of the coast with every sip and bite.”
Special Dietary and Seasonal Options
Understanding the diverse needs of its clientele, Fenwick Crab House offers special dietary options and seasonal menus that cater to a variety of preferences and restrictions. This approach ensures that all guests can enjoy the restaurant’s culinary offerings comfortably and confidently.
Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available, with dishes thoughtfully prepared to maintain flavor and quality without compromising dietary requirements. Seasonal specials often highlight the freshest catches of the day or locally sourced produce, reflecting the changing flavors of the region throughout the year.
The kitchen staff is well-versed in accommodating allergies and dietary restrictions, often suggesting modifications or alternative preparations to meet individual needs. This personalized approach reinforces Fenwick Crab House’s dedication to guest satisfaction and culinary excellence.
Dietary Accommodations and Seasonal Features
- Gluten-Free Crab Cakes: Prepared without breading, served with a fresh salad
- Vegetarian Seasonal Salad: Featuring local, fresh vegetables
- Daily Catch Specials: Highlighting the best local fish of the season
- Allergy-Friendly Preparation: Customizable dishes to avoid common allergens
| Option | Description | Best For |
| Gluten-Free Crab Cake | No breading, served with mixed greens | Gluten-sensitive diners |
| Vegetarian Seasonal Salad | Fresh, local produce with vinaigrette | Vegetarians, light eaters |
| Daily Catch Specials | Varies based on fresh local catch | Seafood enthusiasts, seasonal diners |
“Adapting to our guests’ needs is part of our commitment to excellence, ensuring everyone enjoys the best of Fenwick Crab House.”
Fenwick Crab House’s menu is a celebration of coastal cuisine, expertly balancing tradition and innovation. Its focus on fresh, local ingredients and diverse offerings makes it a destination for seafood lovers of all kinds.
From the iconic crab dishes to lighter salads, hearty sandwiches, and decadent desserts, every item is crafted with care and passion.
The variety ensures that whether you are visiting for a casual meal or a special occasion, there is something to satisfy your cravings and delight your palate. The restaurant’s attentiveness to dietary needs and seasonal changes further enhances the dining experience, making each visit unique and memorable.
Ultimately, Fenwick Crab House stands as a beacon of quality and flavor on the Delaware coast, inviting guests to savor the bounty of the sea in an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. Embark on a culinary journey where every dish tells a story of tradition, freshness, and the art of seafood dining.
