JOE'S CRAB SHACK

JOE'S CRAB SHACK is on the mend. The grade is a B (81/100), yet the trajectory across its recent inspections points up.

It currently ranks safer than 21% of Orange County restaurants we grade. The most recent report (January 28, 2026) still cited 2 high-priority and 1 intermediate violations, so there's room to climb. Diner rating: 4.2 from 5,931 reviews. Menus here flag gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, paleo, and other dietary options.

Trend: improving · B (81/100) · safer than 21% of Orange County restaurants we grade

Get directions Call (407) 352-2928

Restaurant details

Health grade
B (81/100)
Violations
3 total — 2 high-priority, 1 intermediate
Address
8400 INTERNATIONAL DR, Orlando, FL
Cuisine
American
Categories
Seafood restaurant, American restaurant, Family restaurant
Price
$$
Rating
4.2 stars (5931 reviews)
Seats
332
Phone
(407) 352-2928
Website
Official website
Photo of JOE'S CRAB SHACK
Photo: Joe's Crab Shack

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.2 Community-sourced rating 5,931 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

The recurring subject in this corpus is front-of-house, not the food in general. The staff tends to be raised approvingly here, averaging 5.0 stars.

What nobody raises here is tidiness — it goes unmentioned across all 25 reviews. The split is 25 positive to 0 negative across 25 rated reviews. More reviewers landed on 5 stars than any other score — 24 of 25.

The kitchen graded a B (81/100) on 2 high-priority and 1 intermediate violations at its last inspection, which is roughly where the reviews sit too. That result dates from January 28, 2026. The trend across inspections is improvement. That puts it ahead of 21% of graded kitchens in Orange County. What the inspector actually wrote up: cross-contamination and dishwashing facilities.

Nothing here pulls in opposite directions — an unusually clean read. The underlying reviews are reproduced in full underneath.

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

  • June 30, 2026

    Joe was so friendly and personable. The food was also piping hot and delicious.

  • June 30, 2026

    Amazing food and great service, Crystal was awesome!

  • June 30, 2026

    Great waitress and great experience!

  • June 29, 2026

    Our server Crystal was fantastic, on top of everything our entire experience with a large table. Food was good and fresh. Enjoyable experience.

  • June 29, 2026

    Crystal was super friendly and such a great server!

  • June 29, 2026

    Crystal was super friendly and knowledgeable about the new food items.

  • June 29, 2026

    Our server, Crystal, was great! Thanks ok good care of us without being pushy and gave great recommendations. We loved the food and would highly recommend this place!

  • June 29, 2026

    Crystal was great

  • June 28, 2026

    Our wait was short as a walk up without reservations ww only waited approximately 15min to be sat. Our waitress was very nice as she quickly took our orders and expedited the food quickly. The food was very tasty and flavorful. We will definitely return

  • June 28, 2026

    Its good for a chain .

  • June 28, 2026

    I LOVE THE SERVER JOE. MAKE HIM THE HEAD MASTER OF EVERY RESTAURANT NEAR HERE. HE HAS THE BEST SERVICE AND IS SO WELCUMING. PROMOTE JOE👏👏

  • June 28, 2026

    We had a two year old that wasn’t happy and the servers were so good with him. Debbie was our server but another came by, maybe a manager, and brought him two sharks. Our two year old has kept those sharks by his side every moment since then!!

  • June 27, 2026

    Crystal was great!! We had a great time and good food!!

  • June 27, 2026

    Our server Bruce provided quality service and made sure we understood everything on the menu.

  • June 27, 2026

    Crystal was great, food was amazing 10/10.

  • June 27, 2026

    Leon is really a great server!!! Drinks are really good! Bring your wallet because between the food and the service don't be a cheap skate!!!

  • June 27, 2026

    Good was delicious as always! And Joe is the absolute BEST server!!!!

  • June 27, 2026

    Joe was amazing! Really kind, energetic, and made a amazing experience for our family!

  • June 27, 2026

    it was great debbie was amazing

  • June 27, 2026

    Great experience with my family. Crab was delicious!

  • June 26, 2026

    Seated quickly, food was great and our server Crystal was top notch!

  • June 26, 2026

    Crystal was wonderful and very friendly and professional, try out the seafood pasta bake! It’s fire 🔥

  • June 26, 2026

    Crystal was phenomenal!!! Definitely coming back.

  • June 26, 2026

    This time is my second time here visting from Texas, Mr. Joe was very funny and he served my Family very nicely.

  • June 26, 2026

    Joe is hands down one of the best servers we’ve ever had! Friendly, attentive, and always one step ahead. He made us feel like valued guests and added so much to our experience. Great job!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall Score

73 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 30/40
    Grade B
  • Dietary transparency 20/20
    6 options listed
  • Community rating 17/20
    4.2★ 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
11 AM to 10 PM
Tuesday
11 AM to 10 PM
Wednesday
11 AM to 10 PM
Thursday
11 AM to 10 PM
Friday
11 AM to 11 PM
Saturday
11 AM to 11 PM
Sunday
11 AM to 10 PM

Inspection history

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

  1. January 28, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    2 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 0 basic

    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
  2. September 23, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 4 basic

    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×2)
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
    • 51 — Other conditions of sanitary & safe operation

Safer options nearby

Higher-graded restaurants close to JOE'S CRAB SHACK, by Florida DBPR grade:

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 28, 2026