If you can never get enough seafood to satisfy your appetite, an all-you-can crab restaurant could be your ticket to food heaven. Whether we’re taking tiny seafood shacks or swanky restaurants, you’ll find no shortage of places up and down the country serving up belly-busting portions of fresh, sweet crab.
If you’re lucky, you might even get to tuck into some other favorites like shrimp, lobster, and clams while you’re there. Here’s our pick of the 20 best restaurants for all-you-can-eat crabs in the US.
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20. George Inlet Lodge, Ketchikan, Alaska
If George Inlet Lodge has one downside, it’s the location. Or rather, the accessibility of that location. Set on an isolated inlet in the equally remote city of Ketchikan, getting here requires some serious effort and the help of a tour operator.
Is it worth it? Judging from the number of customers raving about the freshness and quality of the Dungeness crab, it definitely seems that way.
Make sure to leave just enough room to tuck into a slice of the legendary cheesecake with blueberry topping for dessert.
19. Popei’s Clam Bar, Bethpage, NY
If you’re craving some of the best seafood on Long Island, don’t miss a trip to Popei’s Clam Bar in Bethpage. The family-owned restaurant offers nightly all-you-can-eat specials, including snow crab, shrimp, fried clams, and calamari.
Each comes with your choice of side – choose between salad, linguine, fries, or a baked potato. There’s also an excellent selection of other menu options to consider, including numerous lobster dishes and a clam chowder that’s worth traveling miles for.
18. Charlie Horse Restaurant, Ormond Beach, Florida
Regardless of what day you visit the family-owned Charlie Horse Restaurant, you can always guarantee that all-you-can-eat snow crab will be on the menu.
There’s plenty of other options available too, including Peel & Eat Steamed Shrimp, Loaded Nachos, Coconut Shrimp, and Fiery Jalapeño Bottle Caps. Portions are always generous and the prices are more than reasonable.
There’s also a great selection of wine, beers, and cocktails to wash it all down with, including an awesome Green Wave (Absolut Citron, Melon Schnapps, Blue Curacao, Pineapple, sour mix) that draws rave reviews.
17. Kathy’s Crab House, Delaware City, DE
As Only In Your State says, Kathy’s Crab House is a longstanding Delaware City icon. Bring your appetite along and prepare to feast on belly-busting portions of Delaware fried chicken, corn on the cob, and the biggest, sweetest blue claw crabs you’ll find in the state.
While you’re there, be sure to try some of the crab cakes – customers say they’re among the best they’ve ever eaten.
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16. Whitlow’s on Wilson, Arlington, VA
If you’re ready to fill your belly with some seriously good eats, take the advice of Eater and head for Whitlow’s on Wilson. Each Thursday, it offers an all-you-can-eat snow crab special that’s guaranteed to please even the biggest appetite.
If you prefer a little more variety, try the weekend brunch buffet, which offers unlimited snow crab legs, an omelet station, fried chicken, sausage gravy, corned beef hash, popcorn shrimp, and more besides.
15. The Crab Bag, Ocean City, MD
If you were asked to picture the perfect Maryland crab shack, there’s a good chance you’d come up with something a lot like The Crab Bag in Ocean City. Causal, friendly, and with a big deck to sit out on and catch the sea breeze, it’s the ideal place to enjoy some of Maryland’s most famous sea treats.
If you arrive hungry, you definitely won’t be leaving that way – with several all you can eat options on the menu (steamed craps; steamed crabs and fried chicken; or steamed crabs, baby back ribs, steamed spiced shrimp, and fried chicken), each of which is served with generous sides of fries, coleslaw, and corn, it’s the kind of place that will defeat even the biggest appetite.
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14. Deer Valley Seafood Buffet, Park City, UT
Deer Valley Seafood Buffet is a foodies dream. There’s an entire poke bar to help yourself from, along with unlimited quantities of seared ahi, smoked Scottish salmon, king crab, Dungeness crab, crab legs, boiled shrimp, white fish ceviche, oysters, and, for the non-seafood lovers, hand-carved prime rib using local ranch beef and free-range duck breast, lamb chop “lollipops,” and baby back ribs.
There’s also a lovely selection of beautifully presented salads, along with a large display of craft cheeses from award-winning labels like California’s Humbolt Fog goat cheese.
Be sure to take the advice of USA Today and save room for desserts like the banana split cake, peanut butter chocolate cake, and the “Snowball,” a flourless chocolate torte completely enveloped in a mound of whipped cream.
13. Clemente’s Crab House, Brooklyn, NY
Located just off the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn, Clemente’s Crab House offers marina views, a tiki bar, friendly service, a lively atmosphere, and some of the best seafood in the Big Apple.
Visit every Monday and Tuesday to enjoy unlimited quantities of stupendously fresh, incredibly tasty crab. You’ll get butter to dip it in, but don’t bother – crab this tasty doesn’t need any accompaniment. According to Eater, the crab cakes, crab chowder, and raw oyster and clam services are also worth trying.
12. Crabby Mike’s, Surfside Beach, SC
If you like quiet, restrained places where the men wear jackets and the women wear pearls, stay well away from Crabby Mike’s. As cheapism.com says, this is a restaurant that’s big and brash and usually crowded with hungry tourists.
But it’s also got a reputation as one of the best places on the South Carolina coast to tuck into a gut-busting all-you-can-eat buffet.
Expect as many sweet, juicy snow crab legs as you can hoover up, along with a fabulous selection of seafood favorites like clams, mussels, shrimp and grits, fried scallops, baked salmon, oysters, crab cakes mahi-mahi, fried and broiled shrimp, and a whole lot more besides. On any given day, you might also find a DJ, karaoke and hula hoops to keep you entertained between mouthfuls.
11. Berry’s Seafood and Catfish House, Florence, MS
Visit Berry’s Seafood and Catfish House on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings to gorge on an all you can eat buffet of crab, fried oysters, stuffed crab, boiled and fried shrimp, seafood pasta, and Southern comfort dishes like macaroni and cheese, turnip greens, and cornbread. Kids, first responders, and seniors all get a discount, but even the full price is affordable enough. On top of the great food, expect efficient, exceptionally friendly service and a lively, upbeat atmosphere.
10. Old Mill Crab House, Delmar, DE
Old Mill Crab House has been a Delaware institution since the 1980s, attracting generations of seafood lovers with its fresh-as-can-be seafood.
There are four all-you-can-eat specials to choose between every day: steamed shrimp, snow crab, fried chicken, or blue crab. If that wasn’t enough, each is served with a generous selection of tasty sides like fried shrimp, clam strips, hush puppies and corn on the cob.
If you’re not in the mood for seafood, there’s plenty of other options on the menu. Rounding out the list of attractions is a friendly, lively atmosphere and incredibly efficient wait service.
9. Billy’s Stone Crab, Hollywood, FL
Finding an upscale all-you-can-eat crab shack can be a challenge… but not impossible. If you’re looking to enjoy white tablecloth dining and as many crabs as you can shovel down your throat, head on over to Billy’s Stone Crab in Hollywood, Florida.
Regardless of the day, you’ll be invited to tuck into unlimited stone crabs, stone crab claws, or Alaskan king crab while enjoying a very swanky dining experience. It’s not the cheapest place around, but the freshness of the produce and the excellent service make it worth the blowout.
8. Waterman’s Crab House, Rock Hall, MD
If you want a side order of romance to go with your crabs, don’t miss Waterman’s Crab House. With its picture-perfect oceanfront location, this is a restaurant that does sunset views and soothing sea breezes almost as well as it does sweet, tasty seafood.
The all-you-can-eat buffet comes with a two-hour time limit, but unless you’ve got a particularly insatiable appetite, that’s usually more than enough time to eat your fill of crabs, Maryland crab soup, corn, and coleslaw. Grab a seat on the west-facing dock and get ready to tuck in.
7. Fenwick Crab House, Fenwick Island, DE
The Fenwick Crab House has been dishing up steaming bushels of crab for so long (50 years to be exact), it’s become a Fenwick Island institution.
The all-you-can-eat steamed crabs are always wonderfully fresh and sweet, full of flavourful meat and easy to crack open. For anyone in your party who’s not a fan of crab (although a few of the restaurant’s awesome crab cakes might convert them), there’s plenty of other things to enjoy on the menu, including fresh fish, Angus steaks, veal, chicken, BBQ ribs, salads and more besides.
If you like to wash your food down with a beer, the restaurant has 10 excellent microbrews on tap. It also does a very fine martini for those who prefer a cocktail to a pint.
6. Harris Crab House, Grasonville, MD
Recommended by Eater as one of the best places for Maryland blue crabs in the US, Harris Crab House is a must-visit for anyone in traveling distance of Grasonville. Founded in 1981 by Jerry Harris, his sister, Karen Oertel, and their spouses, the restaurant has been keeping generations of customers happy with its all-you-can-eat steamed crab special for years. Grab a seat on the outdoor pavilion to enjoy some live music and loverly waterfront views as you tuck in.
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5. Pier 2934, Washington DC
Come to Pier 2934 on a Tuesday, and for just $40, you can plow your way throw as much snow crab, crispy calamari, New England clam chowder, corn on the cob, and curly fries as your belly can handle.
Everything from the food and service to the friendly atmosphere and immaculate facilities is exceptional, guaranteeing an exceptional dining experience you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry.
4. Captain George’s, Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach isn’t short on seafood restaurants, but judging by the crowds of customers queuing out the door for a seat each evening, you’ll struggle to find one quite as good as Captain George’s.
The standout attraction is the all-you-can-eat buffet of seafood favorites like snow crabs, crab legs, oysters, clams, and fried scallops. The trays are kept constantly loaded, so no matter how many times you go back and forth, you don’t have to worry about running out of your favorite.
3. King Crab House, Chicago, IL
King Crab House is a Windy City legend, a seafood stable that attracts generation after generation of loyal customers with its lively, causal setting, friendly service, and, of course, superb seafood.
If you’re ready to stuff your belly with some of the finest crabs in Chicago, book a table for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to enjoy an all-you-can-eat extravaganza of fresh, sweet crab meat.
Other menu options worth a try include the New England Clam Chowder, the Oyster Rockefeller, and the Maryland-style Crabcakes. Be sure to wash it all down with a mai tai – according to customers, they’re the best around.
2. Surf Shack Coastal Kitchen, Tampa, FL
With laid-back vibes, friendly service, and cool, surfer-style decor, the Surf Shack Coastal Kitchen in Tampa is the ideal family-friendly destination.
The menu of casual seafood is always delicious, but if you’re up for a belly buster of epic proportions, visit on a Saturday to enjoy an all-you-can-eat crab special.
1. Salty’s, Seattle, WA
You can visit Salty’s any day of the week for seafood, but if you want to stuff your belly with as much crab as it can take, hold fire for the Saturday or Sunday brunch.
Along with epic quantities of fresh Dungeness crab and chilled Alaskan snow crab legs, you’ll also have your pick of clam chowder, oysters on the half shell, peel-and-eat shrimp, clams, and mussels, all of which can be enjoyed as you check out the stunning harbor views from the terrace.
You can also read:
- The 20 Best Seafood Restaurants in Massachusetts
- The 20 Best Seafood Restaurants in NYC
- The 20 Best Seafood Restaurants in Baltimore
FAQs
Where is the best crab in the US? ›
Baltimore, Maryland
Without a doubt, the number one place for crab in the U.S. is Baltimore. This seaside town takes its blue crab seriously, with steamed crustaceans being one of the oldest traditions in the city.
Costco's Red King Crab Legs sell for $549.99 online for a 10 lb. box that includes 16-22 crab legs. This equates to $549.99 per pound.
What US state is known for crabs? ›#3 Louisiana
The largest commercial fishery in the U.S., Louisiana is best known for its oysters, shrimp, blue crab, crawfish, catfish, drum, red snapper, and tuna.
Maryland crabs are the best because of the “mustard” as we call it, that bright yellow liquid, that sweetens the meat of the crab. This is actually the hepatopancreas, a main component of the crab's digestive system that looks like tubes acting as the crabs liver and pancreas.
What are No 1 crabs? ›1 crabs are the largest, heaviest males, No. 2s are smaller males and No. 3s are the smallest crabs, including females. Estimate quantity: Crabs are priced by the crab, by the dozen or by the half or full bushel (a bushel includes between six to seven dozen large crabs).
What is the best tasting crab in the world? ›- Maryland Blue Crab. Here at Cameron's we specialize in the Maryland Blue Crab. ...
- Soft-Shell Crab. ...
- Dungeness Crab. ...
- Snow Crab. ...
- Florida Stone Crab. ...
- Buy Maryland Blue Crabs Online.
As a rule of thumb, if you have crab lovers we recommend about 1 1/2 pounds per person. If you have some big eaters you might want to go with 2 pounds per person.
Is Costco king crab from Russia? ›Which is why the 10-pound boxes of Arctic Seafood brand frozen king crab sold in Costco's freezer section are labeled as a product of Russia. The product is processed in the United States by Seattle-based Orca Bay Foods.
How much does 5 lbs of crab legs feed? ›You can also drop them into boiling water with your favorite seasonings for five minutes. Either method will produce the most delicious crab legs! 5 lbs of crab legs will serve 4 to 5 people.
What city in the United States has the best seafood? ›- Seattle, Washington.
- Boston, Massachusetts.
- New Orleans, Louisiana.
- San Francisco, California.
- Baltimore, Maryland.
- Charleston, South Carolina.
- Honolulu, Hawai.
- Miami, Florida.
Where do the best crabs come from? ›
But many connoisseurs consider Maryland blue crabs to be superior to all other varieties thanks to their delicate texture and buttery taste. Turns out that these features are thanks to their upbringing in Maryland waters.
Where is the crab capital of the world? ›Oregon Commercial crabbing began in 1889, with small boats working inland bays. By 1915, gas powered boat engines allowed fishermen to venture out to the open ocean.
What is the seafood capital of USA? ›Calabash is a small fishing town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,786 at the 2010 census, up from 711 in 2000. It prides itself on being known as the "Seafood Capital of the World" because of the town's "Hillbilly grease fried" seafood restaurants.
What is the best month to buy crab? ›The primary season for all crab species is October to January, when they are often at their largest and populations are highest after spawning. Some regions even stretch crabbing season into July. It depends on the area and specific type of crab to know when the season is and when crabs will be their freshest.
What state has biggest blue crabs? ›Louisiana fishery
Louisiana now has the world's largest blue-crab fishery. Commercial harvests in the state account for over half of all landings in the Gulf of Mexico.
The colourful mosaic crab (Lophozozymus pictor) found in Singapore waters, is the world's most poisonous crab. Its shell contains saxitoxin. Gram for gram, it is 1,000 times more deadly than cyanide. If consumed it causes paralysis and death, even after cooking.
Which crabs taste better male or female? ›Much myth surrounds the taste differences between the sexes, but, truth be told, other than the fact that the ladies are lighter than the gents, experts say there's no distinction in flavor.
Which crab is better male or female? ›Which Blue Crab tastes better: female or male? Many believe that the female crab's meat boasts denser, sweeter flavor, but agree that the amount of meat differs. Point-to-point comparison weighs the male crab at heavier, but flakier meat.
Is crab the healthiest meat? ›Crab is one of the best possible dietary sources of protein available. It contains almost as much protein per 100 grammes as meats without anywhere near the same levels of saturated fat, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
What is the sweetest crab in the world? ›Blue Crabs
They're caught with dredges, traps, and bottom trawls, and also as a by-catch on shrimp boats. These crabs are incredibly sweet—and many aficionados prefer them to any other type of crab. They're sold live, cooked whole, frozen, and as picked meat. Blue crab claws are also available.
Which crab is good for health? ›
Crab is packed with protein, which is important for building and maintaining muscle. Crab also contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. These nutrients play vital roles in improving general health while helping prevent a variety of chronic conditions.
How much does 10 pounds of king crab legs cost? ›Anatomy of a crab feast
A good rule of thumb is about 6-10 Maryland Blue Crabs per person. If you are serving other food, we recommend about a 1/2 dozen crabs per person. A bushel of large crabs will feed 8-10 people.
A good rule of thumb is three to four crabs per person.
Where does Costco's king crab come from? ›Wild Caught in Bering Sea.
How can you tell real crab from fake? ›“Any chef, gourmand, or other human person with at least one functioning taste bud will tell you the flavor [of imitation crab] is duller, saltier, and the texture far denser and more rubbery, whereas real crab is bright, fresh, and naturally sweet-tasting, and flaky to the touch.”
Where does Costco get their king crab from? ›Arctic Seafoods, a San Francisco, California-based company that has long been relied upon by US superstore chain Costco as a supplier of red king crab, has just imported nearly 6.5 million pounds (2,944 metric tons) from Russia, Undercurrent News has learned. [...]
What side dishes go well with crab legs? ›- Potatoes. Whether roasted, baked, mashed or fried, potatoes are a classic go-to side with crab legs. ...
- Corn on the Cob. ...
- Coleslaw. ...
- Cornbread. ...
- Steamed artichokes. ...
- Salad. ...
- Roasted Vegetables. ...
- Steak.
If you are just serving crabs, a good rule of thumb is about 8-12 crabs per person. If you are serving other food, we estimate about a 1/2 dozen crabs per person. To put it in short, a bushel of large crabs will feed approx. 8 people.
How many crab legs are in 1 pound? ›2 - 4 Legs Average Per Pound Pre-Steamed Already.
What is the most liked restaurant in the US? ›
- Olive Garden.
- The Cheesecake Factory.
- Bonefish Grill.
- Texas Roadhouse.
- The Capital Grille.
- P.F. Chang's China Bistro.
- Red Lobster.
- Outback Steakhouse.
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portland, OR | 69.96 |
| 2 | Orlando, FL | 66.63 |
| 3 | Miami, FL | 66.15 |
| 4 | San Francisco, CA | 65.10 |
Crabs have no mechanism for delivering these toxins, such as through a bite or poisonous spines, so poisoning only occurs when people consume the crabs. These xanthid crabs can accumulate two of the most lethal natural substances known - saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin - in their muscles and egg masses.
What type of crab is most popular? ›Dungeness Crab
Found along the Pacific Coast of the U.S., Dungeness crabs are one of the most abundant varieties on the market.
Compared to the delicate, sweet meat of blues, it was easy to detect the more complex nutty-briny flavor of the Dungeness, its meatier texture—which my East Coast pals liked, but it didn't sway them from preferring their local crab.
Why is there no king crab in Alaska? ›Brian Hagenbuch. Low stocks have prompted the U.S. state of Alaska to cancel the red king crab fishery in Alaska's Bering Sea for the winter 2021-2022 season.
What state is popular for eating steamed crabs? ›Most, but not all, Marylanders love eating crabs. It's one of the things the state is known for, after all! Most, but not all, Marylanders love eating crabs. It's one of the things the state is known for, after all!
Who is the largest seafood company in the US? ›Providing a considerable variety and quantity of fish to the market, including shrimp, catfish, cod, haddock, swordfish, halibut, perch, pollock, salmon, scallops, mussels, and squid, the Red Chamber Group earns its place as the largest seafood supplier in the United States.
What state catches the most seafood? ›...
Seafood industry landings in the United States in 2021, by state (in million pounds)*
| Characteristic | Landings in million pounds |
|---|---|
| Alaska | 5,272 |
| Louisiana | 742 |
| Virginia | 346 |
| Oregon | 318 |
What state is famous for seafood? ›
Maine is considered the seafood capital state of the United States for those that like lobster. The entire state is respected as the place that you'll find the best lobster in the country. Georgetown is one of the main cities one should visit when looking to explore the lobster meals in Maine.
What time of day is best to crab? ›Expert Crabbers say that the best time to go crabbing is during slack tide. Slack tide usually starts 2 hours before high tide and lasts up until around 2 hours after. This is when the water moves the most, which makes sure you bring in the most crabs possible.
What month is Dungeness crab season? ›California's Dungeness crab season will begin on New Year's Eve. Dec. 22, 2022 Updated: Dec.
What time of year is King Crab The cheapest? ›PRICES OF ALASKAN KING CRAB
However, during the AKC season which runs from late February to mid to late March, the prices drops to something more affordable. It will go below $15 per pound and in some places it could even go as low as … $10.
...
Which states eat the most seafood?
- #8 South Carolina. Robby C./Yelp. ...
- #7 Hawaii. ...
- #6 Maine. ...
- #5 Massachusetts. ...
- #4 Alaska. ...
- #3 Louisiana. ...
- #2 Florida. ...
- #1 California.
- Puget Sound, Washington. Pike Place Market in Seattle is ground zero for locals and visitors wanting an eye-popping glimpse into some Puget Sound seafood action. ...
- Gulf Coast, Louisiana. ...
- Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. ...
- Florida Keys, Florida.
When it comes to the price of picked local crab meat, the increase in prices can be traced to the industry's long-standing labor shortage. Many of Maryland's crab processing facilities rely on migrant workers from Mexico and Central America who require temporary H-2B visas to work locally.
Who has world's best seafood? ›- Nova Scotia – for lobster. ...
- West Sweden – for oysters. ...
- Norfolk – for crab. ...
- Lille – for moules. ...
- Mozambique – for prawns. ...
- The Peloponnese – for octopus. ...
- Sussex – for scallops. ...
- Cornwall – for all kinds of seafood.
| Maryland Blue Crabs | Reg. | |
|---|---|---|
| Large Female Hard Crabs Our large female crabs measure 6" to 6½". | Bushel 5 to 6 Dozen | $369.99 |
| Regular Female Hard Crabs Our regular female crabs measure 5" to 6". | Dozen | $69.99 |
| Half Bushel 3 to 3½ Dozen | $159.99 | |
| Bushel 6 to 7 Dozen | $299.99 | |
| DOZEN PRICES | BUSHEL PRICES | |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo Males | $140 | n/a |
| Small Females | $34 | |
| Medium Females | $50 | |
| Large Females | $70 | n/a |
Why is blue crab so cheap? ›
“Every crabber on the Bay has a limit on how many crabs they can catch and nobody has come even close to that limit. That's why the exploitation rate is down so low, you know, because they haven't caught that many crabs.”