Crab Louie's Bistro

great seafood breakfast place, tried their seafood burritoo and seafood omelete

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

food was incredibly overpriced service was overbearing they constantly gave us different verbal discount/meal offers that somehow ended up costing us more than the original item price. Also, they add a 20% gratuity on parties of more than six but conveniently leave that out on the receipts, and finally the servers were leering at my friends wife, like she was an unattended 8 year old at a pool party - avoid

WORST PLACE ON THE WARF! 6 bites of soup was $10, a fountain drink from 2005 was 6 dollars!!! The small dinning area was crowded and more intrusive than intimate.
The worst part was the service, rude and unhelpful. They were very curt and obviously not there to serve the customer!
Go to another place on the WARF and get cheaper and better tasting chowder and oysters! DISAPPOINTED AND SCAMMED 20 DOLLARS! I was not even given my change they just took their tip! Wow. Can't believe they are still getting any business. If I could I would give it 0 stars.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

the service was amazing, the people were super kind and not only that but I got free calamari

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

⭐☆☆☆☆ Disappointing Experience – Not Worth the Hype

We were drawn into Crab Louie’s Bistro by the very friendly and persuasive host at the door, who confidently told us this was the best food on the pier. He was definitely convincing—and honestly, he deserves a raise for doing his job well. Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the promises.

We ordered the fish and chips, and it was very underwhelming. The fish was a small portion, overly oily, and the fries were cold. The coleslaw was warm, barely there, and didn’t taste fresh. They offered us a free promo calamari as a starter, which we appreciated, but it was honestly one of the worst we’ve ever had.

We also ordered a kid’s fish and chips for $16.95—which didn’t even include a drink. The portion was tiny: just a small handful of fries and two mini pieces of overly greasy breaded fish.

One positive note: the view at the back of the bistro was beautiful, with a lovely look over the boats and the ocean—we even saw a seal swimming nearby.

A heads-up: they automatically add 18% gratuity to the bill, and then provide another receipt with an empty tip line, which can be misleading if you’re not paying close attention.

In total, we spent nearly $100 for 2 adults and 1 child, drank only water, and barely touched most of the food. We left disappointed and wouldn’t return. Save your money and choose another spot on the pier.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Bug in chowder then accuse my 11 year old of her placing it in her chowder

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

Food is expensive and mediocre. Mixed drinks are pretty watery and the food is bland. Server also refused to split our bill. I asked to have it split before she printed it off and she said “it’s on one bill” and rushed away. When she came back to the table I once again asked to have it split, and she said “you can figure it out. cash app each other or something.” They do not itemize your bill, and sneak in gratuity but still ask for a tip on top of that. Avoid if you can.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

i would avoid this place i’ve eaten here on a few occasions and always try to give it the benefit of the doubt. however this time is a NO for me. my first visit here was about 3 months ago i was greeted by a tall man with short black hair he said he will offer my family and I ‘world class customer service ,and we did in fact have a pleasent meal he had reccomended my husband and i come by tomorrow for breakfast and so when we did i was surprised to see the employee being harrassed multiple times from everyone else when he was doing a fantastic job he just complied and he didnt stick a finger out to his boss in fact i saw him cleaning tables reffilling water and moving everywhere around while the boss was telling him that he’s doing a terrible job while he gets to smoke outside… Today was like no other experience i was gritted my way in to the restraunt and sadly didnt get any world class service today

Food: 3

Food was okay, typical seafood.
Owner was trying to chitchat with us, but doing so a bit awkwardly - not much to complain.

However, at checkout, itemized receipt was not given and roughly 40% tip was added automatically.
Owner also avoided my question “does this include the tip already” he knew he wasn’t being honest.

There is a reason this store has a 3.0 score over 400+ reviews.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 3

We are British staying at Monterey and I have to say that was such a good experience, especially the service. Definitely recommend to anyone staying in Monterey.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

avoid. tourist trap. so so foods, high prices and automatic 20% tips added for so so service that was negligible.

twas such a nice day outside, so we opted to try a different restaurant instead of waiting do our favorite next door and across the street (g).

greeter offered free calamari appetizers and clam chowder at the front. we asked if there is a table by the window, they said they will moved us once 1 opened up which never happened despite of the restaurant was half filled when we left.

free appetizer was a tiny plate. tasted: meh.

we felt rushed in looking at the menu. ordered 3 main dishes + an extra bowl of chowder (was confused. when i asked if chowder was included, waitress said no. only calamari. - ended up there was a small bowl of bland chowder came with each entry).

the tomato base of the cioppino was tasty. and the stuffed fish was decent.

though the option of adding a crab to the cioppino (came with half a tiny crab at premium additional charges). small tiny portions except for the cioppino.

overall the food was eatable but for the price and forced gratuity, definitely not worth it.

no wet nap was available in a seafood restaurant. shocking.

the busboy was trying his best to removed all plates asap while we were still eating our lunch.

total bill for 4 was over $211. almost $40 was the forced gratuity. absolutely absurd and ridiculous.

absolutely never coming back. highly not recommended to try.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

First time trying this restaurant and my family and I really enjoyed. Kid friendly and the food amazing. All the servers were great and welcoming. Definitely will go back

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We tried to go to another restaurant on the wharf and were told no kids. This restaurant was very friendly, played with our kids, treated my husband and uncle to free beers for early Father’s Day, brought out a banana for our baby, and gave my son crackers for the sea gulls. Food was all very good! We had seafood pasta, salmon, and fish and chips. Calamari appetizer is kind of a tease but a nice gesture. Kids menu was also pricey $15 for essentially boxed Mac and cheese but all the attention they gave made it a very enjoyable meal

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food here is excellent! I had a crab cake, calamari appetizer, and salmon, snapper, and prawn platter. It was so good. Fresh ingredients, tasteful presentation, and great service. Thank you.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The margaritas and food are the best gotta stop by and grab something to eat and drink!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5