Hidden in a Canton, Ohio strip mall is a taste of The Big Easy – A Plus Crab Canton restaurant Specializing in the bold flavors of New Orleans, A Plus Crab brings authentic Cajun seafood boils and po’ boys up north As a Louisiana ex-pat in Ohio, I was thrilled to discover this spot satisfying my cravings for Bayou cuisine.
In this article, we’ll take a mouthwatering tour of A Plus Crab Canton’s menu, atmosphere, and signature dishes. Whether you’re a fellow Southern transplant or just looking for somewhere new and exciting for date night, read on to see why this Cajun seafood joint is worth a visit.
Bringing NOLA Flavor to Canton
Stepping into A Plus Crab Canton instantly transports you from Ohio to New Orleans The aroma of cayenne, garlic, lemon and shellfish fills the air Red and white checkered tablecloths and displays of fresh seafood complete the French Quarter ambiance.
Owner Johnson Zhang opened A Plus Crab in 2019 after finding Canton lacked the kind of flavorful Cajun seafood spots he enjoyed back home in Louisiana. He brought chef Luis Solis from New Orleans to replicate the city’s iconic dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The result is authentic cuisine that rivals the classics I grew up eating in Lafayette. From the perfectly seasoned boiled shrimp to the crispy catfish po’ boys one bite will make you feel like you’re on Bourbon Street instead of Route 62.
Traditional New Orleans Dishes Done Right
Here are some of my favorite dishes I’ve tried at A Plus Crab Canton that truly capture the essence of Cajun and Creole cooking:
Louisiana Seafood Boils
No self-respecting Cajun restaurant is complete without seafood boils brimming with shellfish soaked in zesty broths. A Plus Crab offers extensive boil options with your choice of head-on shrimp, crawfish, blue crab, clams, mussels and more.
The aromatics – garlic, lemon, onions, peppers, and plenty of Cajun spices – perfume the seafood without overpowering their natural sweetness. Dip your shells in melted butter infused with more garlic, thyme and spices for the full experience.
Pro Tip: Go for the extra dirty rice and corn on the cob sides to complete your boil feast.
Po’ Boy Sandwiches
These overstuffed sandwiches on New Orleans French bread are the ultimate Cajun comfort food. I’m partial to the catfish po’ boy, which comes either fried crispy or blackened with intensely smoky spices. Chicken, oyster and shrimp po’ boys are also available for lighter options.
Each bite of the soft French bread and fried seafood transports you to the hole-in-the-wall po’ boy shops lining the French Quarter. Served dressed with lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickles, they’re the perfect meal on the go.
Seafood Gumbo & Jambalaya
For a taste of Creole cooking, try A Plus Crab’s hearty seafood gumbo or jambalaya rice. The gumbo roux has deep, dark color and flavor teeming with shrimp, chicken, sausage and okra. The jambalaya is almost more akin to paella, packed with plump shrimp, chicken and Louisiana hot sausage over fluffy rice.
Both dishes exemplify the famous “holy trinity” of onion, celery and green bell pepper that forms the base of Creole cuisine. If you want an authentic homestyle meal, gumbo or jambalaya are your best bets.
Other Menu Highlights
Beyond the Cajun classics, a few other A Plus Crab Canton dishes are worth your attention:
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Fried Catfish – Hand-breaded, juicy catfish fried golden and crispy. Served with chipotle mayo for kick.
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Fried Oysters – Plump oysters lightly fried leaving the interior tender and briny.
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Seafood Quesadillas – Shrimp, crab meat and cheese grilled in a flour tortilla and served with avocado salsa.
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Cajun Fries – Crispy fries dusted with Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick. Dip in remoulade or chipotle mayo.
Rounding Out the Experience
Beyond the standout food, a few other things make dining at A Plus Crab Canton special:
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Full bar stocked with local Ohio beers and wine
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Daily specials like All You Can Eat Snow Crab on Wednesdays
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Outdoor patio seating for warm weather months
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Family-friendly atmosphere with kids’ menu
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Attentive and friendly wait staff
For the quality of the cuisine, the prices are very affordable – perfect for a casual dinner out. Expect to spend around $15-20 per entree.
Satisfying Those Cajun Cravings in Northeast Ohio
Finding authentic Southern flavors up north isn’t easy, which is what makes A Plus Crab such a prized spot. Their menu takes me right back to sitting at the dinner table in Louisiana, savoring Mom’s gumbo and Dad’s crawfish boils.
The owners stay true to their roots, using recipes handed down over generations and ingredients that meet their high standards. The care and skill that goes into each dish shines through in every bite.
So if you’re looking for somewhere new and different for your next night out, or just love quality Cajun cooking, put A Plus Crab Canton on your list. I’m thankful to have a homey taste of South Louisiana right here in my new home state.
