Fatty Crab

08/30/2008 Posted by nychica5

My friend and I arrived a little past 8pm on a Friday night and were immediately given a table (although to be fair 10 min later, there was a line out the door). The waiter was attentive and his recommendations were on point. The best dish by far was the Fatty Duck and for $14 a terrific bargain. The food is made for sharing, and although the portions are not that big, the food is rich enough that they don't need to be. I had an amazing and enjoyable experience and will definitely be back.

Pros: Food, Service, Beer List

Cons: Small space

06/04/2008 Posted by Link17

Just finished a wonderful dinner with superb (yes messy but not to be missed) crab, unbelievably tender short ribs, great shrimps which you wrap in lettuce with lots of accompaniments--actually every dish was good. Service was very friendly, very efficient, didn't rush us at all. We went with kids 6 and 9 who loved the spicy food, paid their compliments to the chef and got a big appreciative smile.

04/21/2008 Posted by dtp1

avoid the chili crab. it's a f***ing mess, and it's $40 (M.P. on the menu), which I found shocking considering a menu of $10-16 items.

03/12/2008 Posted by woshiyivon

I went to Fatty Crab with a friend last night. We read the reviews and arrived before 8pm to avoid the long wait. We were seated promptly and started to enjoy the yummy cocktails right away. Our waiter was attentive and we finished the order within 5 minutes. Since one of my friend may be joining us later, I asked the waiter if it was possible to add a chair when she arrived. Everything was great so far -- then the manager came over to discuss with us about our query. He first told us that he could not add a chair to our 2-seat table, which is understandable considering it's a small dining room, but he went on and said that he could not have us occupying his table and not ordering food. I was stunned by his rude assumption, but I calmly told him that we had finished our order (4 dishes and wine) . He seemed a bit embarrassed by what he said, but did not apologize and just went away. It is quite a shame that a wonderful restaurant is staffed with a manager who is poor at communicating with the customers. We still left a hefty tip for our waiter because he was very sweet and helpful. But we will not go back and take the risk of being rudely treated by the manager again.

Pros: Atmosphere; creativity of food

Cons: Rude manager

03/07/2008 Posted by Joanneksn

I'm a Malaysian so trust me when I say its worth the wait!!! The food here is as authentic to Malaysian food as you can get anywhere else in New York. Service is good as well. So waiting in the cold for a seat was definitely worth the wait!!

Pros: Authentic Malaysian Food

Cons: Long wait

01/28/2008 Posted by dstnystoy

went to fatty crab for dinner with a girlfriend this past saturday night, around 9:30 p.m. they don't take reservations, but we were seated almost immediately. we had time for a drink at the bar. the bartender greeted us within a minute, and he was friendly - a rarity for the MPD. The moment our drinks came up, we were seated. tables are small, but cozy (sort of like the restaurant itself). our waiter was over moments later, and again, he was super friendly and knowledgable. we decided to order a starter of sliders, the watermelon pickle salad, and for our entrees, the short ribs and fatty duck. the watermelon salad came out a few minutes later, and it was delicious - the salty and slightly sweet flavor of the pickle counteracted the cubes of rich pork belly on the salad. the sliders came next, and although they were really good, the aioli was a bit much - just a little bit too spicy, which sort of overpowered the other flavors on the burger. the short ribs were melt-in-your mouth tender, and while they were also spicy, the coconut milk sort of mellowed out the flavor. the fatty duck was FATTY!! crispy and delicious, definitely can't use chopsticks on these. we didn't have dessert (i don't think they even do dessert), but we did get two little cubes of coconut mochi with our check. all told, it was about $100 for 4 plates and 4 drinks. i thought it was a pretty good deal (i've paid much more for much less interesting food and good service.) i would definitely go back to fatty crab - i loved the atmosphere (and soundtrack - we went from MIA to Public Enemy in the course of a meal), and the service was great (and also very VERY nice to look at, which is reason to return a few times... ). i'm not sure when other reviewers have gone that they've had bad experiences with service, etc., but i can't think of anything bad to say about this place!

Pros: incredible food, friendly, efficient service, great location, foxy waiters ;)

Cons: tiny tables, single restroom, no dessert menu, didn't see many vegetarian options

01/18/2008 Posted by pizzabagel30

I have never EVER posted a comment on citysearch before..However, after my dining experience last night at Fatty Crab..I feel it is necessary. NY mag listed this place to have the “best” burgers….I am quite perplexed as I just don’t get it. A horrible blend of beef and pork, and a spice to make your head start spinning! Now on to the lovely noodle dish that was drowned in coconut milk with a smell I don’t even want to describe. My night ended with a $$ bill, and a meal that consisted of coconut rice…NICE!! So next time you want to get “the best burger”, take my advice and go down the street about 5 blocks to Pop Burger!!!!!!

01/18/2008 Posted by gossipgirl28

This is the 1st time I am ever posting a comment on citysearch. com. I am doing so because I would never wish the meal that I experienced at fatty crab on my worst enemy. NY Magazine recommended this restaurant as one of the best burgers in NYC. In what country does this awful blend of pork and beef constitute as a burger? Would have rather eaten at McDonalds....

Cons: Food

01/10/2008 Posted by ellenbrody

Having eaten at the Fatty Crab 3 times, I have found the food is going downhill fast. The first time I ate here, the crab was amazing. Last night it was horrible, and for $36 per crab you are getting ripped off. I ate a better one at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco last week for $11 that kicked butt. The pork belly tea sandwiches are a joke - there's barely any meat on it, and pork belly is one of the cheapest meats to purchase. The sauteed spinach was gross. While I understand this place is for hipsters, I have no problem with the crowded tables, and loud music, but this music was super loud to the point of a rock concert. Ironically, I found the service to be excellent, fast, and knowledgeable despite what others have written. Sad to say I will not return to eat here.

Pros: service, if you like loud music

Cons: food, noise, cramped space

10/31/2007 Posted by jan52

I heard a lot of reviews about FattyCrab and decided to head down for dinner with 4 friends of mine. Reach the spot at around 7pm. The restaurant was like 10% full, we were possibly the biggest group other than two other couples eating there. We were promptly seated to two small tables, We requested for one more table because the seating were really small but the waiter there refused, saying that in 10 mins time, the restaurant will be filled up. We even politely requested to use the table next to us and promised to give it up when the crowd gets in but again we were refused. We ordered about 10 dishes in all, and everything the food gets brought in, we had to shuffle to make space and keep dumping the empty plates next to the empty table that we requested. The food was awful. The KangKong belacan was soggy and my order of Wanton noodles were so so. Being raised from SouthEast Asia, i know how the food should exactly taste. The chicken wings were undercooked. I requested for extra broth for my soup because it came in a tiny rice bowl and i was charged 4 dollars for it which I think its really extravagant and unnecessary. In all, only one waiter was nice and attentive. When we finished our dinner and settle the bill, the table next to us is still empty, and the restaurant wasn't even full house. I will never go back there to eat again!

Pros: near subway.

Cons: Bad service, mediocre food.