DANCING CRAB

DANCING CRAB keeps a tidy record. Its most recent health inspection on January 20, 2026 came back an A at 93 out of 100.

On health score it's safer than 55% of Seminole County restaurants we grade. Diners rate it 4.4 from 2,718 reviews. Cuisine: Seafood. Menus here flag gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, paleo, and other dietary options.

Get directions Call (407) 636-8033

Restaurant details

Health grade
A (93/100)
Violations
5 total — 1 intermediate, 4 basic
Address
884 W SR 436, Altamonte Springs, FL
Cuisine
Seafood
Categories
Seafood restaurant
Price
$20–80
Rating
4.4 stars (2718 reviews)
Seats
267
Phone
(407) 636-8033
Website
Official website
Photo of DANCING CRAB
Photo: The Dancing Crab

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.4 Community-sourced rating 2,718 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

The inspection record is the stronger half of this page. Opinion on service is split — those reviews land at 3.0 on average. After that, pacing appears most often — 44% of the corpus, averaging 2.2.

Older reviews score better than newer ones (1.5 recent against 4.5 earlier), so direction is worth weighing alongside the average. If you had to pick one number to represent this corpus it would be 5, the most frequently given rating (11 reviews). A third strand, freshness, appears in 40% of them at 2.8 stars.

On the inspection side the picture is cleaner: DBPR graded this kitchen an A (93/100), with 1 intermediate and 4 basic violations. Whatever the reviews argue about, sanitation is not the weak point. DBPR last walked in on January 20, 2026. Across its inspection history the kitchen is improving, which argues for giving it the benefit of the doubt. On health score it sits safer than 55% of the Seminole County restaurants we grade. The citations behind that grade include nonfood-contact surfaces clean and plumbing installed & maintained.

Worth separating: the complaints above cluster on the state of the room, not on the kitchen, which inspected well. Read the originals below and judge the pattern yourself.

Our own analysis of 25 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 26, 2026

    We’ve been here a few times now and the food and service have always been great. The price is a great deal and the food is always quick to come out. Definitely deserves to see more people as it’s one of my favorite places to eat in the Altamonte area.

  • June 21, 2026

    Waited 2 hours for an order I never got. Manager told me I would be moved in the front of the queue and that never happened. I will not be returning, wouldn’t be shocked if this place closed soon. Ac was going out and dinner time on a Saturday I only say 3 family’s sweating at tables. Very disappointed.

  • June 14, 2026

    "WHAT CAN I DO? I'AM NOT THE COOK." (Visited on June 05th 2026) in few minues Walk a way to Another resturent . Very disappointing experience. From the moment we entered, the bald gentleman at the reception made us feel unwelcome. Instead of greeting us, he looked at us as if we were disturbing them. We decided to stay and dine anyway, but the overall cleanliness was not impressive. The table was not properly cleaned, and even the tissue box was covered in dirt. When placing our order, the same staff member was unfriendly and unhelpful. Whenever we asked questions, there was no guidance or effort to assist us. Despite our disappointment, our group of three families with children went ahead and ordered. The food arrived quickly, but unfortunately, most items were not cooked properly. The French fries, fish, and chicken all seemed undercooked and not fried well. When we raised our concerns, the same staff member responded with, "WHAT CAN I DO? I'AM NOT THE COOK." That response summed up the entire experience—poor customer service, lack of care, and disappointing food quality. Unfortunately, we will not be returning.

  • June 6, 2026

    0/0 Stars I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was bad from start to finish. First, the restaurant had no air conditioning and no real fans to accommodate guests. The only fan in the dining room was a small desk fan, which made the restaurant extremely uncomfortable. I do want to recognize our server, Maia, who was kind and did her best throughout the experience. Unfortunately, the service was very slow, and several items listed on the menu weren’t available. There was even a beer on the menu that they didn’t have, and apparently nothing was available on draft. The biggest issue was our seafood boil order. We ordered Combo A, which was supposed to include 1 lb of shrimp, 1 lb of snow crab, 4 potatoes, and 4 pieces of corn. What arrived was clearly not what we ordered. We received roughly 1/2 lb of shrimp, a single snow crab cluster, 2 potatoes, and 2 pieces of corn. Somehow, we also received a large amount of sausage that we never ordered. When we asked about it, the manager told us the sausage was “free” because another table didn’t want it. That explanation raised more questions than answers. Why weren’t we told that when the food was delivered? And why were we missing half of what we actually paid for? To make matters worse, we overheard another table complaining that they had received the wrong order, which strongly suggested that our table had been given someone else’s food. When we raised our concerns again after receiving the check, the manager came…

  • May 31, 2026

    I wish I could review the food but we never got served. We entered the Orlando location at approx 4pm. The door was propped open and it was obvious there was no working AC. A large sign alerted us that their phones weren't working. A servers children ran around the dining area unsupervised. There was no one at the host counter nor at the bar. Stood for nearly 10 minutes waiting for anyone to come from the back to either check us in or serve the two tables they were ignoring. Decided to eat elsewhere.

  • May 31, 2026

    We ordered two seafood boils along with extra crab and lobster, and a few appetizers. The crab in my order was undercooked. The drinks were decent, but they took a long time to arrive—after we had already received our appetizers. The service was also slow throughout the meal, with very little attention or follow-up from the staff.

  • May 31, 2026

    Mal servicio, pésimo servicio no vayan

  • May 30, 2026

    It was my nephew’s birthday, and I was dying to have some seafood. We went there, and the person at the front treated us in the worst possible manner. First, he told us he didn’t have room for us; then, he asked if we had the money to pay the 18% service charge for parties of more than eight people (that was completely disrespectful). The place seemed to be without A/C—it was hot, scorching hot. We decided to leave and go to Crafty Crab, just across the street; it turned out to be 100 times the better decision. This took place on May 23, after 7:30 PM

  • May 30, 2026

    My food was fresh and hot the customer service was also awesome l would return for more seafood..l got my food to go next time l would sit inside and enjoy the food..

  • May 26, 2026

    Marlon was great and helpful

  • May 22, 2026

    The place was hot, service not really accommodating, no bartender on duty, cook in restroom with apron on and lifted it to the urinate. No sanitary at all. We left without getting food.

  • May 19, 2026

    I would like to give a huge shoutout to our server, Alanis! She was absolutely amazing!! She made this visit one to remember. Our food was hot, fresh and delicious and Alanis made sure that we were completely satisfied with everything. She was so attentive to us and the other guests and her personality was top tier!! We will definitely be returning and will request to be seated in her section every time!!!! We made sure to tip her well to show our appreciation for her stellar service! Ally, girl, 10/10!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • May 17, 2026

    My server was nice but $82 dollars for some crab legs that were under cooked. I was hoping for some good crab legs in the Orlando area since I’m not even from here and this place really disappointed me. I will never be back again.

  • May 16, 2026

    BIG SHOUTOUT TO OUR SERVER ALANIS!!!! She ran the whole show. GREAT JOB!!! Manager was the cook lol did a good job!! Other than it was HOT in there!!! NO A/C!! Chicken wings was delicious, Seafood boil was good, I enjoyed it. BUT Let's get that A/C fixed ASAP especially for your staff and of course your customers who you want to keep coming back and recommend to others.

  • May 13, 2026

    The food was really good and prices were fair! We came on a Monday and there was only 1 host/server. They seemed understaffed, and I understand that working in the service industry. She was a great server! I just think things could’ve been possibly smoother had there been more staff.

  • May 13, 2026

    Hot no air conditioning service mediocre. Waiter walked away from my DIL 3 times before she was finished speaking. Food was alright. Not much flavor and difficult to crack, no crab crackers hard to get the meat out. No salt on the table. I don't recommend it. Pricey for subpar food.

  • May 10, 2026

    We went for Mother's Day lunch, the service was extremely slow, unprepared, the air conditioning was broken, and they somehow never have frozen drinks. The last few times we've been here this has happened, the appetizers come after your main course, drinks half full. This will be our last time at this restaurant.

  • May 7, 2026

    All I have to say is wow. This place is AMAZING. I came here for the first time on my birthday with my boyfriend and we were in shock with how great everything was. To the service, atmosphere, and the food. Our server was Elsa, she was the sweetest lady ever, 10/10 service. This place made me feel so special on my birthday, the guy on the karaoke even sang me happy birthday on the microphone. The food was delicious, it came out quick. I’m so glad we found this spot and will definitely be coming back.

  • May 3, 2026

    Great spot, good service, and delicious food

  • May 3, 2026

    I have to say, that each and every time I come here, service is spot on. I never have to worry about anything when I'm here, I get all that i need. Good food, a good laugh and great service all around. If you haven't tried this location, you're missing out. Shout out to Marlon! He's always a pleasure to be around and get serviced by!

  • April 26, 2026

    Food was amazing! There are other options such as wings (which were super good) if you’re with someone that doesn’t like seafood. The atmosphere is fun, creative, and lively. Service was quick and friendly. Will definitely be back!

  • April 23, 2026

    Called 3 times on April 22nd around 9:10pm-9:20pm to place an order for pickup - none of the phone calls were answered so myself and my family drove to the store to place an order for pickup. When i arrived I was greeted and asked if they were still serving food, I called 3 times and nobody answered. The Gentleman wearing a blue collared shirt & glasses said “Yeah, That’s because we’re closing” I then again asked if I was able to place an order and he sighed in disappointment and annoyance and slaps the cash register and says “What do you want.” So I turned and walked out wearing a USMC Veteran shirt he sees Marines printed on my shoulders then yells Sorry, Sir you can come back and order. Disrespectful, didn’t know it took you seeing I was a USMC Veteran to WANT to take my Order.

  • April 23, 2026

    The lemon pepper wings were probably the best I’ve ever had. Perfectly crisp and flavorful.

  • April 21, 2026

    I enjoyed myself and I hope I get another opportunity to experience the Dancing Crab Restaurant experience again sometime in the distant future! Thank You.

  • April 14, 2026

    My server, Marlon was courteous and fun. My food came out in a timely manner, and the oysters were good. But the snow crabs with the combination seasoning was excellent. You will not be disappointed With the seafood boil. Thank you, Mr. martin for making my experience great

Overall Score

81 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 40/40
    Grade A
  • Dietary transparency 17/20
    5 options listed
  • Community rating 18/20
    4.4★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 6/10
    Improving, 0% clean

Composite score from health grade, dietary options, ratings, and inspection record — distinct from the state-derived health grade.

Opening hours

Monday
12 to 10 PM
Tuesday
12 to 10 PM
Wednesday
12 to 10 PM
Thursday
12 to 10 PM
Friday
12 to 11 PM
Saturday
12 to 11 PM
Sunday
12 to 10 PM

Inspection history

The following records are from Florida DBPR public inspection records, most recent first.

  1. January 20, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 4 basic

    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
    • 41 — Chemicals / toxic substances properly stored & used
  2. July 17, 2025 · Complaint Full

    Call Back - Complied

    0 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 3 basic

    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention (×2)
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
  3. July 9, 2025 · Complaint Full

    Call Back - Extension given, pending

    0 high-priority · 4 intermediate · 3 basic

    • 04 — Facilities to maintain foods at proper temperature
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention (×2)
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
    • 41 — Chemicals / toxic substances properly stored & used
  4. July 8, 2025 · Complaint Full

    Warning Issued

    1 high-priority · 4 intermediate · 3 basic

    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
    • 04 — Facilities to maintain foods at proper temperature
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention (×2)
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
    • 41 — Chemicals / toxic substances properly stored & used

This grade is calculated by us from Florida DBPR public inspection records — Florida does not issue official grades. How we calculate it →

Data last updated: January 20, 2026