Cockrell's Creek Seafood & Deli

You ever go to NYC and walk up to a vendor to buy a bottle of water? If you look like you're a tourist they'd tell you it costs $2.50 or maybe more. If you try to call them out on it, they usually back track and give you the right price. I was surprised to see this kind of tactic out here in Reedville.

So we wanted soft shell crabs and saw this place as one of our options. I bought a substantial amount of seafood here on Thursday by myself: a dozen soft shell crabs, 6 crab cakes, some fresh fish that they had, et al. The first red flag was that they didn't write down how much I was charged for the crab cakes and the soft shell crabs. The soft shell crabs, I found out via signage was $40 for the L (4 different sizes are available: essentially S, M, L, XL). We had them cooked and cleaned for an additional $5.95! The crab cakes (cooked) were $8.95ea.

I came back on a Saturday with the rest of the fam and we were charged $10.33ea (mine) and $13.33ea (my aunt) for crab cakes. They were the same size and same everything. We were told they charged extra because it was lunch time and they were busy and that there was an extra charge for cooking crab cakes. Um, what?

The soft shell crabs we ordered would be the same price (plus extra $5.95 to cook) but since we ordered about 5 dozen, they can't stop their small operation to cook and clean 5 dozen soft shell crabs during the lunch rush. To note, there was no line and 3 of the 8 tables inside were occupied. I guess we have different views on a 'lunch rush.' The older lady running the cashier told us we should have called in advance if we wanted to order that many. I'm glad we didn't, though. We went somewhere else and they sold us 5 dozen cooked and cleaned soft shell crabs (during the lunch hour) with no problem and for much, much, much less.

This place ruined an otherwise enjoyable experience for us in Reedville, VA.

Look elsewhere for seafood when you're in this area. I'm sure there are more reputable businesses in Reedville. This place is NOT the only option.

The only bright spot was the outdoor seating. It was right by the water and in the shade. I would bring food from elsewhere to eat at this spot just to spite this place.

Manager/owner is horrible! He fussed at my fiancé who gave them a second chance today & made him pay for yesterday's order that wasn't taken & today's order. Yesterday's order had been refunded after it sat in styrofoam for 40min on the counter until he was finally told the steamer for the shrimp was out of steam & the order couldn't be completed. Was he really supposed to take soggy food that had been sitting 40min? Was a scene necessary? He called before going today to make sure the steamer was working. They could've just told him they didn't want to serve him b/c he asked for a refund. Horrible service & horrible attitude!!!!!

Great softshell crab sandwich! Best I've had at a good price (8.95 for sandwich and fries). I want to try their other selections: rockfish, oyster, scallop, etc. Will definitely go back.

Nice down home atmosphere. All the staff was very nice.

They sell fresh seafood as well.