The Original Sand Crab Tavern/Escondido (7), which was established in 1988, is in a league of it’s own and a major San Diego attraction. This is a fun, family-friendly place with a New Orleans and nautical atmosphere. Their great seafood and terrific service keep the locals and area visitors coming back time after time.

The Sand Crab’s Seafood Combos are what put the Sand Crab Tavern on the map. Featured is a feast of assorted shellfish, including choices like fresh Maine lobster, King, Dungeness, Blue, Snow and Stone crab, along with Louisiana sausage, corn-on-the-cob and red potatoes, all spread out before you onto a sheet of white butcher paper. No utensils or plates needed, it’s just Ready, Set, EAT! It’s all served with assorted dipping sauces and real melted butter, plus a chubby loaf of sourdough bread. The Sand Crab Seafood Combos are great fun for large groups, but perfect for couples or smaller families, too.

The Original Sand Crab Tavern with owner Captain Rick at the helm has just added not just an Oyster Bar, where every Friday and Saturday evening he shucks the freshest oysters available, but he also has an extensive menu filled with wonderful fish and seafood entrées, like Alaskan halibut and chips, assorted New Orleans-style Po’ Boy sandwiches, Ketchican crab cakes and traditional Maine lobster rolls to name a few. And their signature Voodoo shrimp is out of this world-jumbo peel & eat shrimp sautéed in an authentic New Orleans-style sauce. Wow. Local Carlsbad mussels or clams steamed in white wine, garlic, butter and herbs are a terrific appetizer, as is their famous hot crab dip with homemade potato chips.

For any Landlubbers out there, the Sand Crab has you covered, too. Their Admiral Bird roasted chicken is fantastic and they make a wicked Black Angus burger, too. Plus, there are assorted chicken sausage, Philly cheese steak and “Barge’ burgers on the menu for lunch.

For incredible clam chowder, gumbo or lobster bisque, look no further than the Sand Crab Tavern. They’ve got the best in the County.

They also offer a “Swashbuckler” menu for kids age 10 and under.

Wine lovers will be pleased with their modestly priced selection of wines by the glass ($3.75 – $4.00) and The Sand Crab’s extensive beer selection includes top notch national and regional brands like Stone IPA, Dogfish Head IPA, Ballast Point Yellow Tail, Alaskan Amber, Fat Tire, Coronado Mermaid Red and at least two dozen others to choose from – all COLD and the perfect accompaniment to any great seafood meal. Considering Sand Crab’s cozy size, the beer selection is quite impressive, and it sure got this reviewer’s attention – and a salute to Captain Rich for a job well done!

Remember to save room for dessert because the Original Sand Crab Tavern has a fabulous selection of homemade treats, such as their wonderful key lime pie and a fantastic cheesecake. An order of Deep Fried Ice Cream paraded past our table, and I have to tell you it looked fantastic, too. That’s the dessert I’ll try next time we’re in the Original Sand Crab Tavern.

Sunset Cruise Happy Hour at the San Crab Tavern/Escondido is a daily event from 3 p.m. until closing time, 7 days a week, with 50% off selected appetizer specials – just ask one of their servers which appetizer is featured that day; either Calamari Strips, Jalapeño Crab Poppers, Popcorn Shrimp, or Clam Strips.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, come to find out it can. The Sand Crab now has their “Big Easy” Sunday Brunch with live Blues music! It’s a 3-course, prix-fixe delight you won’t want to miss.

And for large groups, be sure to reserve “The Captain’s Party Patio” it’s available all year long, and can handle groups up to 50 people. Bring the whole crew for a birthday celebration or rehersal dinner you’ll never forget. Just give the Sand Crab a call and they’ll be ready for you.

Part of the charm and adventure of dining at the Sand Crab Tavern is finding this little hidden gem, which has spent the past “24 years in the same, obscure location.” However you get there, make it a point to visit The Original Sand Crab Tavern. It’s not just another seafood restaurant, it’s a destination!

Getting there
Part of the charm and adventure of dining at The Original Sand Crab Tavern is finding this little hidden gem. Tucked away on the edge of an industrial park in Escondido, it used to be a little hard to find. But after “twenty-three years in the same, obscure location” the Sand Crab’s staff are experts at giving patrons perfect directions from anywhere in San Diego County. With Google, MapQuest and GPS systems, finding “the coolest little seafood joint in North County” (San Diego Union-Tribune) is a snap. Are you coming to the Sand Crab Tavern from Carlsbad or the Orange County/Los Angeles area? Great! Just park your car at the Sprinter train station in Oceanside and take the Sprinter eastbound to the Nordahl train stop. It’s less than a five minute walk from the train to the Sand Crab’s front door – the ultimate Designated Driver if you want to enjoy a cold bucket of beers with your meal. You can make it a drive-free trip entirely from San Diego or the OC/LA areas by taking the train to Oceanside and switching to the Sprinter train. It’s safe, fun and easy – and there’s no traffic to deal with!

The Original Sand Crab Tavern is located at 2229 Micro Place, Escondido, CA 92029. They have plenty of free parking in their lot or on the street in front. The phone number is (760) 480-2722 (CRAB). Call them if you need directions. Or go to their website at
www.sandcrabtavern.com for detailed directions from popular areas around San Diego and southern California.

However you get there, make it a point not to be the last to discover The Original Sand Crab Tavern – a charming and unique North San Diego County institution. It’s not just another seafood restaurant, it’s a destination!

DIRECTIONS FROM POINTS AROUND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

From downtown San Diego:
Take either Hwy 163 or Interstate 15 North towards Escondido.
Take Hwy 78 WEST and exit at the first off ramp, Nordahl. Turn LEFT on Nordahl to Mission Ave. Turn RIGHT on Mission Ave. Now, MAKE THE NEXT 3 POSSIBLE LEFT TURNS; which are Barham, Opper and Micro Place. You’ve arrived at The Original Sand Crab Tavern!

From Orange County or the Los Angeles:
Take Interstate 5 SOUTH to Hwy 78 EAST. Go about 16 miles to the Nordahl Exit. Turn RIGHT on Nordahl to Mission Ave. Turn RIGHT on Mission Ave. Now, MAKE THE NEXT 3 POSSIBLE LEFT TURNS; which are Barham, Opper and Micro Place. You’ve arrived at The Original Sand Crab Tavern!

From the Sea World or La Jolla area:
Take Interstate 5 North to either Hwy 52 or Hwy 56 EAST. Take 52 or 56 to Interstate 15 NORTH. Take 15 NORTH to Hwy 78 WEST. Take Hwy 78 WEST and exit at the FIRST off ramp, Nordahl. Turn LEFT on Nordahl to Mission Ave. Turn RIGHT on Mission Ave. Now, MAKE THE NEXT 3 POSSIBLE LEFT TURNS; which are Barham, Opper and Micro Place. You’ve arrived at The Original Sand Crab Tavern!

From Riverside or the Temecula Wine Country:
Take Interstate 15 SOUTH to Hwy 78 WEST. Take Hwy 78 WEST and exit at the FIRST off ramp, Nordahl. Turn LEFT on Nordahl to Mission Ave. Turn RIGHT on Mission Ave. Now, MAKE THE NEXT 3 POSSIBLE LEFT TURNS; which are Barham, Opper and Micro Place. You’ve arrived at The Original Sand Crab Tavern

The Original Sand Crab Tavern (7) is a place where you should definitely bring your friends because you will have a lot more fun sharing this dining experience, which is second to none!

Huge Selection of Seafood	Rick's Black Pearl Oyster Bar	The Captain’s Party Patio