In the heart of St. Petersburg, where the allure of fresh seafood is as vibrant as the Gulf Coast sunsets, Rocking Crab Seafood & Bar finds itself in hot water again. Known for its Southern seafood specialties like seafood boils and fried platters, this local eatery has faced a temporary shutdown after a recent state inspection—marking its third closure in recent years.
Rocking Crab Seafood & Bar, nestled on 34th Street North, has garnered a decent reputation among locals and visitors alike. With a 4.2-star rating, many patrons praise its crab and shrimp boils and the warm, friendly service.
However, despite these glowing reviews, the restaurant’s kitchen has recently faced scrutiny from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. On July 16, 2024, an inspection revealed a staggering 26 violations.
The state inspection uncovered a host of issues ranging from basic to severe. Among the basic violations were uncleanable cutting boards and noticeable soil residues in reach-in coolers. More concerning were the sightings of dead roaches and improper storage of single-serve utensils. Intermediate violations included a handwash sink that was not always accessible to employees and the absence of paper towels.