Tracy’s King Crab Shack: Best Legs in Town
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I spent five summers working on a cruise ship in Alaska. There are lots of things I think back on nostalgically now, but nothing makes me miss Alaska more than seeing pictures on Facebook of my friends eating at Tracy’s King Crab Shack.
My love for Tracy’s runs deep!
- A co-worker of mine literally made up a song about how Thursdays are crab day at Tracy’s (Thursdays were when we would port in Juneau).
- There were times when my mood the entire week was set by whether or not I was able to get off the ship and get crab at Tracy’s.
- Honest to goodness, I am currently writing this article while wearing a Tracy’s Crab Shack shirt.
Seriously people. It is that darn good.
The true test of a restaurant
Wanna know how to tell if a cruise ship port restaurant is incredible? The crew eat there. Furthermore, they continue to eat there even after the popularity of the place explodes, and it’s overrun with passengers. We do what we can to get away from the passengers during our time off – but at Tracy’s, every one is equal and happy…and eating lots of crab.
Tracy’s is not a chain. Your only chance to get this delicious treat is in Juneau, Alaska (although I’ve thought for years they would make a killing on the dock in Ketchikan – looking for investors, guys?) and there’s a chance you may even be served by Tracy herself.
Their customer service is out of this world. They have one manager, Kris, who would remember me each year when our ship turned up in port – and I was rarely on the same ship twice!…So, maybe I was eating a little too much crab each summer. All of the employees there are extremely accommodating, full of great recommendations, and always willing to give you an extra roll to sop up the last of the butter sauce (which is great because the rolls are terrific).
The menu
Say you’ve got one shot at a meal at Tracy’s King Crab Shack. What should you get? As someone who has eaten every single thing on their menu, I must say that the hands down winner is the Crab Shack Combo. It includes 1 King Crab Leg, 4 Crab Cakes and 1 cup of Bisque. It says it serves 1-2. You’re not going to want to share.
Largely, I’m indifferent to crab cakes, but Tracy’s are great. I’m a total sissy about spicy things, and Tracy’s crab cakes are at the very limit of what I can handle. But, there’s so much flavor in them! If you’re not into spicy, they also have coconut crab cakes, which you can ask them to substitute. That’s usually what I do, because they are so good. So, so, so good.
The prices may seem a little steep, but you are buying top quality crab…and you will taste the difference in the first bite. I don’t know if you’re into shows like the Deadliest Catch, but if you have seen an episode, then you know how dangerous it can be to obtain crabs too.
If Alaska isn’t on your immediate to do list, Tracy’s website does have a shop where you can order her bisque or frozen king crab legs. Or, if you have a friend or family member headed out on an Alaskan adventure that includes Juneau, pick up a gift certificate for them to use at the Crab Shack – trust me, it’s a gift they’ll never forget!
How to find Tracy’s King Crab Shack
In downtown Juneau, head down to the dock near the Mt. Roberts Tramway. Then walk along the dock in the direction of all the stores. You’ll find them just off the dock behind a really cool trinket store called Trove at 406 S Franklin St. You’re gonna love it!
