Southern Craft makes a strong case for seafood in Parkersburg

The public consensus

Southern Craft Restaurant & Bar carries an impressive 4.8 Google rating from 290 reviews, a strong signal for a relatively small Parkersburg dining room. Across the sample of public feedback, diners repeatedly describe food that arrives hot and fresh, service that feels welcoming, and meals that hold up from appetizer through dessert.

Seafood drives much of the enthusiasm. Reviewers mention gumbo, crab pasta, shrimp and grits, lobster bisque, a tuna tower, salmon dip and Chilean sea bass, while a New York strip provides at least one well-received option from the land. The overall picture is of a Southern and seafood-leaning restaurant with enough range for mixed dining groups.

What stands out on the menu

The shrimp and crab gumbo receives particularly detailed praise for its savory character and manageable portion. Another diner ordered gumbo to go after enjoying the rest of the meal, adding to the sense that it is one of the safer starting points for a first visit.

Cornbread is another recurring favorite. Public reviews describe it as moist and notably sweet, especially alongside the gumbo. That sweetness will appeal to diners who like cornbread approaching dessert territory, though those who prefer a more savory version should take note.

The shrimp and grits and crab pasta with lobster sauce drew enthusiastic reactions in one account. Elsewhere, pasta with shrimp was praised for being hot and fresh, with the shrimp properly deveined. Jambalaya also earned approval for a subtle spicy kick, although one reviewer wished it contained more chicken.

Other individual recommendations broaden the menu’s appeal. A repeat customer singled out the tuna tower as a favorite, while lobster bisque, smoky salmon dip, New York strip and Chilean sea bass were also part of a warmly reviewed meal.

Room and service

One diner described Southern Craft as a small restaurant in a Parkersburg strip mall, estimating roughly 12 to 15 tables plus bar seating for about 10. That account also noted that no tables were available on a Tuesday evening without a reservation, although bar seats provided an alternative.

The setting appears more polished than the exterior location might suggest. Reviewers call the decor attractive and report friendly greetings, prompt seating when space was available, and positive interactions with the team. The compact layout may contribute to a lively, close-knit atmosphere, but it also limits flexibility during busy periods.

Editorial take

Based on its rating and the supplied public reviews, Southern Craft looks like one of Parkersburg’s stronger choices for a seafood-focused dinner at a moderate price level. Gumbo and cornbread form the clearest recurring pairing, while shrimp dishes, pasta and jambalaya offer several directions for a fuller meal.

The main practical consideration is capacity. Advance reservations appear worthwhile, particularly for diners set on a table rather than the bar. For those who secure a seat, the available feedback points to careful cooking, personable service and a menu that encourages repeat visits.