Welcome to "Hot Crustacean," the Beach Club's new sushi bar and lounge, where it gets its own version of a fun "Trader Sam's" tiki bar-type hangout. Taking over the existing "Martha's Vineyard" space, this exciting dining establishment is a nod to the resort's former restaurant, "Ariel's," while bringing in a lively and upbeat, yet relaxed vibe.
Hot Crustacean is named after Sebastian's band from "The Little Mermaid". Here, guests get to experience a taste of the film's "Under the Sea" sequence, while sipping creative cocktails and enjoying a selection of unique hand rolls.
The lounge entryway retains its existing steps and ramp, offsetting it from the Beach Club's long winding hallway. The lounge is instead closed off, with a wall between the space and the ramp, requiring guests to use a door to enter. White planks across the wall mimic outdoor siding, giving the restaurant the appearance of its own building, resembling a seaside bar and tackle shop. Large fish tanks act as windows into the restaurant, reminiscent of Ariel's (while operational), filled with bright tropical fish and mini coral reefs. A cursive neon sign stating "Hot Crustacean" is situated above a metal door, appearing as though it was taken off of an old submarine. Upon closer inspection, the door's wheel-like crank is styled after an octopus tentacle, with a "porthole" window above providing a peak inside.
The interior of Hot Crustacean utilizes the existing space, with a deeper color scheme and a mash-up of design elements. A party atmosphere is created through a mixture of disco and beachy aesthetics, with naturalistic features contrasting the artificial. The walls and ceiling are painted in dark shades of purple and blue, mimicking life below the surface. Driftwood-look floors, along with brighter turquoise tiled spaces, bring subtle light to the lounge. A disco ball, lanterns, party streamers, and small nautical chandeliers hang from the existing trellis ceiling, shining low party lights. A sense of under-the-sea whimsy ties the room together.
A sushi bar takes up the majority of the wall on the left side of the restaurant. The bar top is waved and coated with a shiny mirror affect. Disco ball-like mirrors continue behind the sushi bar, and decorative greenery, and flowers such as orchids and lilies, surround the area. Beige wicker seating has a slightly modern shape, and cushions feature an Asian-inspired fish print. A long aquarium separates the sushi area from the main dining room. On the sushi side, patrons can sit adjacent to the aquarium, at additional counter height seating. Hot Crustacean's maki rolls include tropical fruit components, such as pineapple and papaya, and Epcot's famous "frushi" is offered year round.
On the dining room side, banquet seating also lines the freestanding aquarium. Tiled tables add pops of color around the room, accompanied by island-inspired wicker chairs with iridescent brocade cushions. More banquet seating frames the right-side walls, underneath an additional row of aquariums. The remaining wall space is filled with planters and the same streamers, flowers and greenery. Instrumental reggae music can be heard in the background.
Hot Crustacean's cocktail bar remains in its existing location, at the back of the restaurant. It is constructed of waved, natural wood, along with wicker bar-height stools. An overhang above the counter gives a tiki-esque feel, but with a slight New England touch, appearing made of driftwood and the siding seen outside the restaurant, plus metal shingles towards the top. The bar specializes in rum drinks, both classic and whimsical, stocking an exceptional variety. Drinks are decorated with flowers, fruit, and fun straws, and can be served in limited-edition ceramic mugs that are available for purchase. The mocktail and children's cocktail list is also extensive.
Hot Crustacean opens mid-afternoons to start the party early, and stays open late into the evening, to provide a colorful, after-Epcot fireworks snack.
Hot Crustacean is named after Sebastian's band from "The Little Mermaid". Here, guests get to experience a taste of the film's "Under the Sea" sequence, while sipping creative cocktails and enjoying a selection of unique hand rolls.
The lounge entryway retains its existing steps and ramp, offsetting it from the Beach Club's long winding hallway. The lounge is instead closed off, with a wall between the space and the ramp, requiring guests to use a door to enter. White planks across the wall mimic outdoor siding, giving the restaurant the appearance of its own building, resembling a seaside bar and tackle shop. Large fish tanks act as windows into the restaurant, reminiscent of Ariel's (while operational), filled with bright tropical fish and mini coral reefs. A cursive neon sign stating "Hot Crustacean" is situated above a metal door, appearing as though it was taken off of an old submarine. Upon closer inspection, the door's wheel-like crank is styled after an octopus tentacle, with a "porthole" window above providing a peak inside.
The interior of Hot Crustacean utilizes the existing space, with a deeper color scheme and a mash-up of design elements. A party atmosphere is created through a mixture of disco and beachy aesthetics, with naturalistic features contrasting the artificial. The walls and ceiling are painted in dark shades of purple and blue, mimicking life below the surface. Driftwood-look floors, along with brighter turquoise tiled spaces, bring subtle light to the lounge. A disco ball, lanterns, party streamers, and small nautical chandeliers hang from the existing trellis ceiling, shining low party lights. A sense of under-the-sea whimsy ties the room together.
A sushi bar takes up the majority of the wall on the left side of the restaurant. The bar top is waved and coated with a shiny mirror affect. Disco ball-like mirrors continue behind the sushi bar, and decorative greenery, and flowers such as orchids and lilies, surround the area. Beige wicker seating has a slightly modern shape, and cushions feature an Asian-inspired fish print. A long aquarium separates the sushi area from the main dining room. On the sushi side, patrons can sit adjacent to the aquarium, at additional counter height seating. Hot Crustacean's maki rolls include tropical fruit components, such as pineapple and papaya, and Epcot's famous "frushi" is offered year round.
On the dining room side, banquet seating also lines the freestanding aquarium. Tiled tables add pops of color around the room, accompanied by island-inspired wicker chairs with iridescent brocade cushions. More banquet seating frames the right-side walls, underneath an additional row of aquariums. The remaining wall space is filled with planters and the same streamers, flowers and greenery. Instrumental reggae music can be heard in the background.
Hot Crustacean's cocktail bar remains in its existing location, at the back of the restaurant. It is constructed of waved, natural wood, along with wicker bar-height stools. An overhang above the counter gives a tiki-esque feel, but with a slight New England touch, appearing made of driftwood and the siding seen outside the restaurant, plus metal shingles towards the top. The bar specializes in rum drinks, both classic and whimsical, stocking an exceptional variety. Drinks are decorated with flowers, fruit, and fun straws, and can be served in limited-edition ceramic mugs that are available for purchase. The mocktail and children's cocktail list is also extensive.
Hot Crustacean opens mid-afternoons to start the party early, and stays open late into the evening, to provide a colorful, after-Epcot fireworks snack.