Crab Shop

(Dollarton) Crab Shop
121 – 2455 Dollarton Highway
North Vancouver, BC

Earlier this summer, I drove through Dollarton Highway to go to Cates Park to try the burgers from Wally’s Burger (which was blogged here). Wally’s Burger was a disappointment but, on my way there, I noticed one place that caught my attention: Dollarton Crab Shop – or simply Crab Shop. I recall reference to this place because it was closed years ago due to a fire and lots of people were awaiting/wondering if they would ever re-open. It is a long drive (not THAT long but) and I partially forgot about it. Until, that is, my visit to Pajo’s (again, blogged here). So, on a weekend, I decided to drive to North Vancouver for fish and chips. Hey, if I would drive all the way to Steveston, why won’t I drive to North Van, specially considering that most of the trip will be on “highways”!

I will admit I almost drove by and missed the place. What happens is that a lot of places/guides don’t have the correct address. If it wasn’t because of the sign outside, I would have almost driven by to what seems to be their old burnt down location – Or at least I think it is that location, as there was an old burnt location with the same crab logo outside… However, the oddity of its new place is that it is part of a modern complex which is perplexing in its own ways. But, hey, I was only there for the food!

First and foremost, this is a seafood shop with food as a “side” business (fish and chips, of course, and other goodies like tuna melt, calamari, chowders, et al). So don’t be surprised people just come to grab some seafood to cook at home. As for the eating area itself, it would be two tables and some stools. Yes, not the place for a date or something on those lines. After queueing in the line, I made my order and it was waiting time…

I ended up ordering two pieces of cod with fries ($9; had it been salmon, it would have been $10; $13 for halibut) and a coleslaw ($3). The slaw was interesting and odd at the same time. It is not the creamy version but it wasn’t too vinegar-y either. However, what was “noticeable” was the fact it had a hint of blue cheese. If it wasn’t because I have had that before, I would have thought the dressing had gone bad. Regardless, I will give them some credits for this “twist”.

Now the fish. If somebody tells me the batter looks “heavy”, I will partially agree with them. However, the one from Pajo’s wasn’t “light” either (or Davo’s for that matter). But, then again, if I wanted fried fish my way, I would have to go all the way to Panama… Or visit local Latin American spots for their version of fried fish. Still, I will admit they did something that other fish and chips shops do not do: season the batter/fish. In this case, I think both were seasoned, with the batter a bit more than the fish. Do you see some black specks on the fried batter? Not sure what that was (pepper? herbs?) but, regardless, it was not bland and did not needed too much help from the tartar sauce. Best of all, it cooked through, i.e., it did not have spots with “raw” batter. As for the fish itself, it was also cooked without being overdone and retained its flakiness. Things would have been better had it be served with a lemon wedge (for acidity purposes to create a contrast. Yes, there was vinegar but it isn’t the same acidity). Finally, the fries… Well, they were just regular fries so I won’t say much about it.

Overall, I must say this trip was really worth it. Reasonable price, decent portion size and locals seem to like it. As for me, other than that drive, I see no reason why I would not want to come back here. But, again, when I compare this drive to that to Steveston or White Rock (yes, visit pending!)…

Tagged under: Fish • North Vancouver • Seafood