Are you ready for the best seafood of your life? Then make your way to Tony's Crab Shack in Bandon, Oregon. They will serve you the freshest crab and fish the Pacific Northwest offers. The menu has evolved from simple cold crab cocktails and oysters to become home to Bandon's famous crab sandwich and grilled halibut. One bite of Tony's cooking and you'll be hooked. So come on down to Tony's Crab Shack, where the food is fresh, the beer is cold, and the vibes are chill. Your taste buds will thank you.
Tony’s journey from the East Coast to the West is the classic American story of following your dreams. In 1989, Tony Roszkowski left behind the familiar shores of New Jersey for the wild coast of Oregon, looking for adventure and opportunity. After a few years of getting to know the area, his entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. Why not share the taste of fresh seafood, straight from the source, with visitors?
Slowly but surely, Tony began cooking and selling crab cocktails and oysters to tourists along the picturesque Bandon boardwalk. His friendly nature and skill in the kitchen led to a loyal following of regulars who couldn’t get enough of his cooking. In 1995, he took the plunge and opened Tony’s Crab Shack, realizing his vision of an unpretentious spot where people could enjoy the local catch in a fun, casual setting.
Over time, Tony’s menu has expanded to include crowd favorites like the Famous Crab Sandwich, fish and chips, clam chowder, and grilled salmon. However, Dungeness crab remains the star of the show. There’s nothing quite like cracking into Tony’s hot, buttery crab, fresh from the pot and served with a cold beer. It’s the taste of summer in Bandon.
Through hard work and perseverance, Tony built his little shack into a destination for locals and visitors alike. After over 25 years, Tony’s Crab Shack remains a Bandon institution and a testament to following your dreams, wherever they may lead you. For Tony, the road from New Jersey to Oregon was long, but it ended in paradise.
Tony didn’t always have the best crab shack in Bandon. When he first arrived from New Jersey in 1989, all he had was a dream of living by the sea and a knack for cooking.
Tony started small. He got a job cooking for a local seafood restaurant, learning the tricks of the trade. On his days off, he’d head to the docks and buy crabs straight from the fishermen, cooking them up for tourists on the beach.
Word spread quick about the friendly guy with the killer crab cocktails. Before he knew it, Tony had more customers than he could handle.
Passing the Torch
After over all these years in business, Tony has decided to pass the ladle to David Hisel, a longtime employee. David will take over operations in January 2020, ensuring Tony's legacy of quality, community and unbeatable seafood lives on.
Tony's inspiring story proves that following your passion can lead to great things. His journey from New Jersey to becoming the “Crab King” of Bandon is a testament to perseverance, vision, and the importance of community. Under David's leadership, Tony's Crab Shack is poised to continue serving the freshest seafood and making cherished memories for years to come.
Serving the Freshest Seafood in Bandon
Tony sources the best local catch from Bandon’s fishermen and docks daily. Whether it’s Dungeness crab, Pacific cod, salmon, or razor clams, you know you’re getting the crème de la crème.
As soon as the fishing boats come in, Tony hand-selects the choicest seafood to showcase on the menu that day. His discerning eye has been honed over the years, so you can trust only the best to make it to your plate. When you crack into one of his Dungeness crabs or dig into a bowl of his famous clam chowder, you’ll be hooked.
The seafood shines through in each dish thanks to organic simple preparations that let the natural flavors shine through. A little garlic, lemon, and herbs are all that’s needed to enhance the sweetness of the crab and cod.
Tony’s menu is filled with the freshest seafood in town, straight from local fishermen. Whether you’re craving crab, fish, and chips, or oysters on the half shell, Tony’s has you covered.
Crab
You can’t visit Tony’s without trying their famous Dungeness crab sandwich or Crab Louis. The meat is sweet, flaky, and packed with flavor from the coastal waters. Get it served cold in a cocktail, or hot in Tony’s garlicky butter.
Fish and Chips
For a classic seaside treat, order the beer-battered fish and chips. Tony uses only the freshest cod, dipped in his secret batter recipe and fried golden brown. The chips are hand-cut fries, perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Tartar sauce and malt vinegar are must-haves for drizzling.
Oysters
Slurp down briny oysters from Netarts Bay, just up the road. Tony offers them raw on the half shell or battered and fried. For the adventurous, try the oyster shooters - oysters in a shot glass with vodka, hot sauce, and clam juice.
Chowder and More
A hearty seafood chowder, thick with clams, crab, fish, and potatoes will warm you up on a blustery day. Lobster rolls, whole Dungeness crab, shrimp cocktails, and fish tacos are also available depending on the fresh catch.
The Freshest Catch
At Tony’s, you know you’re getting the best quality seafood right off the boat. Whether it’s their famous Dungeness crab, wild salmon, razor clams, or shrimp, Chef Tony and his team have connections with local fishermen to source the finest seafood in the region. Their crab is caught daily in pots set right in the Coquille River. You just can’t get fresher than that!
A Menu for Everyone
Tony’s menu has something for all tastes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their award-winning cioppino seafood stew or paella with saffron rice and chorizo. For lighter fare, their fish and chips or fresh oyster po’boy sandwiches hit the spot. And you can’t go wrong with their classic crab cakes, fried calamari, or clam chowder in a bread bowl.
Top-Notch Customer Service
At Tony's, every customer is treated like family, whether you walk through the door or order online. Their user-friendly app helps them to keep track of the regulars, ensuring they're not just patrons but VIPs with loyalty rewards and exclusive subscriptions.
A Memorable Experience
Beyond the food, Tony’s offers an unforgettable experience. Dine in the cool breeze on their outdoor patio overlooking the Coquille River, or inside which has a warm, welcoming vibe. A meal at Tony’s Crab Shack is the perfect way to enjoy all the natural beauty and beach vibes of Bandon. Treat yourself to a crab feast you won’t forget.
So the next time you find yourself cruising down, do yourself a favor and make a pit stop at Tony's Crab Shack. Treat yourself to the best crab sandwich this side of the Pacific, grab an ice-cold beer, and soak in the salty sea air and good vibes. You'll soon find yourself falling for the charm of this unassuming little shack by the sea, just like Tony did all those years ago. Before you know it, you'll be planning your next road trip around a return visit to your new favorite crab shack. Luck, knack, grit, and opportunity—the secret ingredients in Tony's recipe for success are also what keep folks like you coming back for more.