If you are ever driving through West Point on the way to somewhere, consider a detour on your journey. A turn down Main Street will lead you to West Point’s Historic District, a picturesque residential neighborhood that also includes interesting shops and restaurants, one of which is The Blue Crab. The casual, cozy seafood restaurant has been part of the community since it opened in 2018, but has been under new management since 2020.
In addition to people enjoying the sunny day at the outside tables, a steady stream of customers came through the doors of the eatery, located in what our server, Taylor, tells us used to be a movie theater. The interesting architecture allows for a private room in the back that can accommodate a larger group for special occasions. A truly come-as-you-are restaurant, on this Sunday afternoon they welcomed all—families and couples, young and old, the casual and after-church crowds.
Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays for late risers. In addition to special brunch cocktails like the classic mimosa, there are mimosa flights and a “beermosa”—Shock Top and orange juice if you are curious—and the delicious sounding strawberry Prosecco lemonade. The menu also includes classic brunch items and “Blue Crab Faves” like the breakfast burger, club sandwich and buffalo chicken wrap. The brunch menu is served alongside their regular menu, so if you are not in a brunch state of mind, there are other options. Being a family-friendly restaurant, a children’s menu is included.
At Taylor’s recommendation we started with the fried Brussels sprouts, which she described as “stupid good.” She was not wrong. The sprouts were crispy, crunchy, caramelized and drizzled with a sweet… something. When I asked Taylor she said, “It’s a balsamic reduction and that’s all I’m allowed to say.” Whatever the secret ingredients, it could make nearly anyone a fan of sprouts. I know I was. I was also told to try the crab bites, and as someone who never says no to crab cakes, these bite-sized cakes were a great way to start a meal.
For entrees, we chose a seafood take on a brunch classic, softshell Benedict, and a Southern classic, shrimp and grits. My husband and brunch partner raved about the crunchy, breaded soft shell crab and how well it contrasted with the softly poached eggs and creamy hollandaise sauce. I raved about the creaminess of the grits, how well the shrimp were seasoned, and how well they complemented one another.
We ordered dessert, because you have to try a little bit of everything in order to be thorough, right? Salted caramel cheesecake and classic bread pudding were sweet and satisfying ways to end our meal. The bread pudding was generously portioned, so I had enough for a treat with my coffee the next morning.
If you are ever in the neighborhood, check out this local hangout, a place for a relaxing brunch or special dinner.
The Blue Crab
620 Main Street
West Point, VA 23181
804-843-7070
Open
Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Fridays 11 a.m-10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Brunch:
Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Customer favorites
Fried Brussels sprouts
Tacos
Did you know?
The Blue Crab has daily specials plus all-you-can-eat nights!
Shrimp (Thursdays) and Snow Crab Legs (Sundays)
“…as someone who never says no to crab cakes, these bite-sized cakes were a great way to start a meal.”
