Overview
Busting out the bibs to enjoy a shellfish feast, hearing the sound of cracking echoing, sipping boozy slushies over a showcase of sports and arcade games: this all became a reality in Bowen Hills in 2023 when Claw BBQ opened its doors. It's the crab shack that King Street didn't know that it needed. Soon, it'll also be the red- and white-hued, American-inspired joint that Brisbane's southeast didn't know that it was missing as well.
Come early September 2024, the River City will boast two Claw outposts: the OG location and a new site in Carindale. If thinking about the latter suburb makes you think of the sprawling shopping centre that shares its name, that's where you'll be heading. The eatery will transport the same concept across to its new digs, but with a few features all of its own.
So, buckets of shellfish will still be on the menu, as will fried chicken, barbecue ribs, burgers and the like. The brand's eating challenges will also make the jump, getting adventurous (and hungry) patrons attempting to wolf down a one-kilogram burg with a side of fries in just half an hour or half a kilogram of hot wings in 20 minutes. That said, whatever is satisfying your appetite, you'll be doing so in a spot with 4.5-metre boat in its ceiling — which definitely isn't the kind of thing that you see elsewhere.
The new crustacean-slinging eatery will also include ice cream shakes and mocktails among its drinks range, alongside a hefty number of tap beers; a heap of large-screen televisions broadcasting all of that sport; and consoles for you to mash buttons at.
While Potentia Solutions Leisure's crab shack chain heroes its fondness for seafood in its moniker, including crab in buckets, prepared Louisiana-style and in balls — as well as paired with crawfish, prawns and bugs — the Bowen Hills venue's menu also extends to cheeseburger spring rolls, pulled-pork tacos, whole grilled chickens and more. Add Cheetos mac 'n' cheese as a side, then an Oreos and cream pizza for dessert.
To wash down all of the above, cocktails are a big feature at Bowen Hills. The current drinks list features cactus apple margaritas, strawberry and kiwi mojitos, frozen cola with rum and lime, mango macadamia piña coladas and sangrai towers. Beer lovers can go with local and international brews. If you prefer wine, there's a short array of options.
Find Claw BBQ Carindale at Carindale Shopping Centre, 1151 Creek Road, Carindale sometime from early September 2024 — we'll update you with more details and an exact opening date when they're announced.