Restaurant Review: Joe's Crab Shack in Wilmington, Delaware

Joe's Crab Shack is the place to go for moderately tasty seafood at a decent price in a playful, casual atmosphere. Wonderful? No. Salty? Yes.

Upon walking into Joe's, diners can expect to be greeted by a group of tropical-shirt wearing employees with attitudes that in no way match that of person on a tropical getaway. After a drowsy huff of, "Follow me," we were led through a maze of a tiki bar meets scrap-yard explosion dining area

As if the dirt-bike suspended from the ceiling hanging over my head wasn't enough to make me uncomfortable, the people laughing at the overpriced T-shirt on the wall behind me reading "Don't be a dick, eat at Joe's" surely was.

Shortly after being seated, we were met by our waitress. It was 5:30 p.m., early for a Saturday night dinner, and we were her only table. Her pleasant demeanor, as opposed to that of the hostess, was refreshing.

In an attempt to channel the vacationing tourist vibes Joe's offered, I ordered a Joe's Ya Ya. The drink, composed of Smirnoff Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Bacardi Coconut Rum, Grenadine, and cranberry and orange juices was in one word: refreshing.

My significant other stuck with a manly classic, Heineken, which he described as "cold and good." So expressive, that one.

For an appetizer, we chose the Great Balls of Fire ($6.99) along with a cup of New England Clam Chowder ($2.99). The Great Balls of Fire, described by the menu as being stuffed with jalapeno, shrimp and crab meat, were awful. The six fried, donut hole-looking things that came to us via basket were filled with melted-cheese tasting, liquid consistency insides. I could not see, feel, or taste a trace of shrimp or crab meat in a single one of those balls of fire.

The clam chowder, however, was very tasty and affordable. Nothing earth-shattering, but it was good.

In terms of entrees, I chose the Joe's Steampot ($19.49). It was a metal bucket filled with Dungeness crab, Snow crab, boiled shrimp, smoked sausage, potatoes and corn on the cob.

My partner decided on the 1 ¼ pound Dungeness crab bucket ($22.99) with potatoes and corn on the cob for sides.