Huntington’s Best-Kept Industry Secret: Crabtrees on Main
Tucked upstairs on Main Street in Huntington, Crabtrees isn’t just a bar—it’s a sanctuary for the service-weary, a beacon for the night owl, and a deliciously low-lit escape from the ordinary. From the moment you step into its warm, exposed-brick cocoon and lock eyes with the glowing, steampunk-inspired bar, you know you’ve entered something special.
The ambiance hits like a perfectly tuned jazz trio—smooth, lively, and just unpredictable enough to keep you intrigued. Stylish without trying. Cool without caring. The kind of place where you can talk shop with a fellow bartender or dissolve into the plush chaos of a Thursday night hang with your crew.
A Merger of Huntington Restaurant Royalty
Crabtrees opened in the fall of 2016, the culinary lovechild of Chef Andrew Crabtree and his longtime partner Dean Phillipis (of Piccolo on Wall Street). Andy ran the kitchen like a general who knew every soldier by name, until he recently moved west to be closer to family. Enter Jack Cutrone—Huntington native, hospitality veteran, and the new captain of the ship. Jack brings a fresh perspective while keeping the soul of the place intact. It’s like handing the keys to your vintage Mustang to someone who actually knows how to drive stick.
Craft Cocktails & Beer Done Right at Crabtrees
The cocktail program isn’t an accessory here—it’s an art form. Lavender-infused sours, rosemary-garnished gin creations, and smoky bourbons that arrive like a warm hug from your most interesting uncle. Every drink is Instagram-worthy, sure—but more importantly, every one of them is good. And if beer’s your jam? You’re in luck. The tap list reads like a dream journal written by a Cicerone. Crisp pilsners, juicy IPAs, bold porters—you name it, they’ve thought about it, tasted it, and put it on for a reason.
Late-Night Lifeline for the Industry at Crabtrees
Here’s where Crabtrees truly earns its stripes: it’s an industry pub. This place feeds the folks who feed everyone else. It’s where chefs, servers, bartenders, and hospitality pros go when they finally clock out and need something more than stale pizza or a sad gas station sandwich. The kitchen stays open absurdly late—like “just finished breaking down the line and still made it in time to order real food” late. It’s Huntington’s after-hours heartbeat.
Food That Overdelivers
Crabtrees serves the kind of food that punches way above its weight class. The buffalo chicken wrap is a heavy-hitter—crispy, spicy, creamy, crunchy, and generously stuffed with romaine and blue cheese in a grilled tortilla that’s basically a sleeping bag for deliciousness.
The wings are sticky-finger bliss, whether you go hoisin lime, honey sriracha, or classic buffalo. Truffle fries? Addictively crisp and the kind of snack that mysteriously vanishes before you realize you’ve eaten all of them.
Honorable Mentions (a.k.a. The Hall of Crave)
• Short Rib Mac & Cheezit – This dish is pure comfort chaos. Melt-in-your-mouth short rib swimming in molten mac and cheese, capped with a Cheez-It crust that crunches like your childhood dreams coming true.
• Crabtree’s Cheese Plate – You’ll feel like you accidentally wandered into a Napa tasting room. Three well-chosen cheeses, fruit, nuts, and crackers—perfectly paired and absurdly classy for a place that serves tater tots with reckless abandon.
• Reuben Tater Tots – Whoever came up with this should win a James Beard Award and a Nobel Prize. It’s like a deli sandwich got into a bar fight with a loaded potato skin—and they both won.
• Late Night Egg Sandwich – Fried eggs, mortadella, provolone, arugula, and basil aioli on a toasted roll with tater tots on the side. It’s breakfast, brunch, and a glorious mess all rolled into one. If a breakfast sandwich and a Philly hoagie had a baby, this would be it.
• The Bread Pudding – Rich, gooey, studded with chocolate, and topped with a scoop of ice cream that melts into every bite like it was born to be there. It doesn’t just ruin you for other desserts—it makes you question why you ever bothered with crème brûlée.
The Verdict
Crabtrees on Main is that rare triple-threat: ambiance, drinks, food—and a soul. It’s got heart, hustle, and just the right amount of edge. It respects your time, your palate, and your need to unwind without pretense. Whether you’re fresh off a shift or just craving something real after hours, this is where Huntington finds its second wind.
