For some reason, people think fishermen like to tell stories. Well, our fishermen don’t. At the same time that our crabbers and captains were back home cooking with spices and boiling the best of their fresh catch for the family, everyone else was drinking and telling stories about the sea. Ok, they were probably drinking too. We haven’t been telling our story since 2004, but we do write it down almost every day. It’s written in Sha-bang sauce all over your bib and with beer spilt across the table. Every face in here has our story written on it in smiles and smears. Because the best stories aren’t just told, they’re tasted and lived.
Crab legs make for an indulgent delicious meal. Their sweet succulent meat is perfect for everything from crab cakes to seafood boils. But finding high-quality, fresh crab legs nearby can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look.
This guide will overview the best places to find crab legs based on your location and preferences. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy tender, flaky crab legs sourced right in your neighborhood.
Checking Local Seafood Markets
One of the best ways to find fresh crab legs is to check out seafood markets and fishmongers in your area. Look for stores with high turnover that move fresh seafood quickly. The crab legs at these retailers are often sourced directly from local fishermen.
When buying crab, make sure the legs look glossy and moist. Avoid any with dry, cracked shells. It’s always best to cook crab legs within a couple days of purchasing for optimal freshness.
Some top seafood markets in major cities include
- New York City: Citarella, Fulton Fish Market, Ocean Fish Market
- Los Angeles: Santa Monica Seafood, Pacific Seafood
- Miami: Casablanca Seafood Market, La Camaronera Fish Market
- Chicago: Paulina Meat Market, Calumet Fisheries
- Seattle: Pike Place Fish Market, Pure Food Fish Market
Ask your local fishmonger when they get shipments in for the freshest options.
Checking Restaurant Menus
Another great option for finding crab legs nearby is to check out restaurant menus in your city. Many steakhouses, seafood restaurants, and buffets serve various types of crab entrées featuring crab legs.
Some popular restaurant crab dishes to look out for include:
Crab legs platters – Typically Alaskan King, Snow crab, or Dungeness crab legs steamed or broiled with drawn butter.
Seafood boils/bakes – Dungeness, snow crab, or king crab legs boiled with sausage, corn, and potatoes.
Crab cakes – Lump crab meat formed into patties and fried, often with rémoulade sauce.
Crab louie – Chilled crab salad with greens and tomato.
When dining out, inspect crab legs upon serving to ensure they look moist and fresh. High turnover establishments will have the best quality.
Checking for Weekly Specials
Many restaurants and buffets offer crab legs as a weekly or monthly special. Stay on the lookout for all-you-can-eat crab promotions at buffets, or discounted crab on certain nights of the week at local restaurants.
A few places to watch for specials:
- Asian buffets often offer weekend crab leg specials
- Steakhouses and surf-and-turf restaurants may do 1/2 price crab legs on weekdays
- Seafood restaurants frequently have promotional pricing on crab during peak seasons
Subscribe to mailing lists and pay attention to restaurant social media to stay on top of crab leg specials in your area.
Buying Frozen Crab Legs
Frozen crab legs are another convenient option for enjoying crab at home. They have often been flash-frozen right on the boat to lock in freshness.
Look for frozen crab legs at local grocery stores, warehouse clubs like Costco, and online seafood retailers. Reputable brands like Cold Water Seafood Company sell variety packs of crab legs shipped overnight.
When buying frozen:
- Opt for legs with minimal ice crystals and no freezer burn
- Prioritize sustainable wild-caught crab like Alaska King, Snow, and Dungeness
- Store in original packaging and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking
Ordering Crab Legs Online
Many companies now offer overnight shipping of fresh crab legs right to your door. This opens up options for enjoying crab even if you don’t live near a coast.
Some popular national crab leg retailers include:
- Seattle Fish Company
- Lobster Anywhere
- Citarella
- Maine Lobster Now
Check company shipping maps to see if they deliver to your location. Prices and sustainable sourcing will vary between brands.
Eating Crab Legs on Vacation
When traveling near coastal areas, take the opportunity to indulge in fresh local crab legs! Ask your hotel concierge or check restaurant reviews to find top seafood spots.
Some of the best U.S. destinations for eating crab include:
- Maryland and Virginia – Blue crab from the Chesapeake Bay
- Pacific Northwest – Dungeness crab
- Alaska – King crab from the Bering Sea
- Gulf Coast – Fresh snow crab clusters
Don’t be shy about asking waitstaff for recommendations for the freshest crab available during your travels.
Sourcing Sustainable Crab
With crab populations under pressure, it’s important to source sustainable crab legs when possible. Look for certification from organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council that verify responsible fishing practices.
The most sustainable types of crab to enjoy include:
- Dungeness Crab
- Alaska King Crab
- Snow Crab
- Atlantic Blue Crab
Avoid crab from depleted or overfished regions like Southern blue crab, or imported king crab from Russia. Supporting sustainable fisheries helps protect crab populations.
Get Craacking on Fresh Crab Legs
With so many options for finding crab legs near you, there’s no reason to settle for subpar seafood. Use this guide to source high-quality, delicious crab for your next beach feast or surf and turf dinner. Seek out sustainable and local crab when possible to experience the sweet flavor of just-caught legs.
