We keep reelin’ ’em in: Restaurant with one Utah location to test Idaho waters, open here

Based on Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar opening in Meridian last year and Anthony’s arriving in Boise this winter, we’re hooked on seafood.

Now Nampa will make waves with a new restaurant.

(Don’t get crabby, but my ocean of puns is just beginning.)

O’Crab Cajun Seafood & Bar has leased a 6,022-square-foot space at 16808 N. Market Place Blvd, and it definitely won’t be a dive. The building used to be the home of Native Grill & Wings, a short-lived chicken venture that closed in 2017 after a year of business.

O’Crab lures customers with “a wide selection of freshly imported seafood and Cajun dishes inspired by the style of cooking made famous in New Orleans,” according to its website. The restaurant is a relative minnow to the scene with a single location in West Jordan, Utah.

O’Crab is strikingly similar to Hook & Reel, a nationwide chain. You can mix and match with crab, shrimp, lobster, calamari and other options, choosing from three spice levels. Plates are served with corn on the cob and potatoes. There’s a selection of po’ boys, soups and salads. And like every other restaurant navigating the waters of the coronavirus pandemic, takeout is a priority.

Interestingly, YouTube promotional videos for O’Crab and Hook & Reel restaurant grand openings in Utah were posted by the same account.

So when will O’Crab open in Nampa?

I’ve had no luck fishing for more information.

Queries casted at O’Crab didn’t generate any bites.

This story was originally published October 12, 2020 at 4:00 AM.