Patricia TaloricoDelaware News Journal
Dedicated crab lovers set out crab pots or capture their own blue crustaceans with nets to ensure the freshest catch.
While crabbing is a lot of fun, there are plenty of crab houses in and near Delaware to visit when you don't want the hassle of catching, cooking, and the ensuing crab cleanup at home.
Some restaurants feature all-you-eat specials, though just as many sell hot, steamy crabs by the half-dozen and dozen. Prices vary due to the size and availability of crabs. Seasonal houses usually stay open until October (when you can still get heavy, fat crabs).
Here are some restaurants to consider:
Boondocks Restaurant & Package Store, 825 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna, has all-you-can-eat crabs on Thursday nights from 5 to 8 p.m. The restaurant says they keep the special going "as long as there are crabs and the response is good." The cost is $40 per person. Cool the burn from the Old Bay spices coating the crabs with a watermelon co*cktail or "Swamp Water," the house's specialty $14 beverage served in a mug with a cattail.
Crushers Crabs & Cuisine, 251 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach,has outdoor patio dining featuring seafood and hard shell blue crabs.
Crab Barn Restaurant & Lounge, 32600 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, in addition to Maryland blue crabs, also has specials on Mondays on snow crab and Dungeness crabs.
Eastern Shore Seafood, 2626 S. Dupont Boulevard, Smyrna,has an outdoor beer garden across from Willis Chevrolet where patrons can sip brews and pick steamed, seasoned crabs. The garden is closed during inclement weather. The new outdoor dining area includes 25 tables with umbrellas, cornhole boards and a stage. It's open from April through October.
Sambo's Tavern, 283 Front St., Leipsic, this seasonal tavern on the Leipsic River was founded years ago by Samuel “Sambo” Burrows. Sambo's only has a tavern license, meaning no children are allowed and you must be 21 or older to enter. They only accept cash. Crab prices on Aug. 2 were $80.00/dozen, $45.00/half dozen.
Bushels Sports Bar & Grille, 18289 Coastal Highway (Route 1), Lewes, has taken over the home of the former Lazy Susan's. It has all-you-can-eat blue crabs, snow crabs and shrimp. No sharing and there is a two-hour time limit.
Claws Seafood House, 167 Rehoboth Ave, in downtown Rehoboth Beach, is part of Fins Hospitality Group and serves brews made by Big Oyster Brewery.Crabs are delivered daily and range in size from medium to jumbo. Sides include hush puppies, mac and cheese, and corn on the cob.
The Crab House, 19598 Coastal Highway (Route 1), Rehoboth Beach, has all-you-can-eat steamed, No. 1 male, blue crabs seasoned with J.O. Spices (there's a two-hour time limit) and 36 draft beer selections. The restaurant is part of Big Fish Restaurant Group. An all-you-can-eat seafood buffet also is offered daily from 4 to 8 p.m.
Fenwick Crab House, 100 Coastal Highway (Route 1) Fenwick Island, has steamed crabs ranging in size from medium to jumbo. The restaurant also has soft shell crab sandwiches, Maryland cream of crab soup, fried chicken and ribs.
Gus's Crab Shack, 29 W. Market St., Port Penn, open Thursday through Sunday has all-you-eat- No.1 crabs, along with shrimp, and corn on the cob on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. for $59 per person.
Hilltop Crab House Restaurant & Bar, 8980 Gap Newport Pike, Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania, is a short hike over the Delaware state line. It's closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Kelly's Tavern, Congress & Market streets, Port Penn, only allows adults in the bar; you must be 21 or older to enter. The tavern often features steamed crabs, but patrons are encouraged to call 302-834-9221 and reserve crabs. A steamed shrimp special is offered on Wednesdays.
Kathy's Crab House & Family Restaurant, 107 Fifth St., Delaware City, around since 1982, has had medium to large steamed crabs ranging from about $45 to $65 per dozen.
Lestardo's Crab House, 135 Christiana Road, New Castle, suggests calling ahead of time at 302-328-5070 and ordering its dine-in crabs, which frequently sell out.
Old Mill Crab House, 8829 Waller Road, Delmar, operating since 1983, has all-you-can-eat crabs and crabs by the dozen.
Meding's Seafood, 3697 Bay Road, Milford, located on Route 1 South on the way to the Delaware beaches, has indoor and outdoor seating. It offers steamed blue crabs and an all-you-can-eat Alaskan snow crab special is available on Wednesday beginning at 4 p.m. for $59.99 per person.
The Tap Room, 201 Bohemia Ave., Chesapeake City, Maryland, has steamed and garlic hard-shell crabs available year-round. It's open daily and has been a part of Historic Chesapeake City since 1981.
Starboard Claw, 1818 Coastal Highway (Route 1) Dewey Beach, steamed No. 1 blue crabs are available in orders of three, six or a dozen. Sizes can range from medium to jumbo, depending on availability.
Mickey's Family Crab House, 39610 Jefferson Bridge Road, Bethany Beach, all-you-can-eat blue crabs and snow crabs are available daily with a cut-off at 8:45 p.m. Mickey's does offer carry-out.
Surfing Crab, 16723 Coastal Highway, Lewes, suggests calling ahead at 302-644-4448 to check crab availability and to pre-order. Crabs are cooked to order. The restaurant does not accept reservations.
Dig in: We found juicy bargains on burgers at Delaware restaurants up and down the state
Crab feasts and more: New to Kent food and drink scene: Beer garden, Mexican and Indian fare and liquor store
Woody's Crab House, 29 S. Main St., North East, Maryland, brown paper covers the tables at the restaurant that has been serving crabs since 1993. Steamed Chesapeake Bay blue crabs are available in small and large sizes and Woody's has weekly seafood specials such as 1⅟₂-pound whole Maine lobster for $28 on Thursdays.
The Wellwood, 523 Water St, Charlestown,Maryland, on the Historic North East River, has steamed crabs at its casual River Shack, which has indoor and outdoor seating. It's open Friday through Monday. The Wellwood is about 30 minutes from Newark.
Water Street Seafood, 654 Water St., Havre De Grace, Maryland, the restaurant along the Susquehanna River, serves steamed Maryland blue crabs from April through October. Call 443-502-8855 to check on prices and availability.
Patricia Talorico writes about food and restaurants. You can find her onInstagram, XandFacebook. Email ptalorico@delawareonline.com. Sign up for her Delaware Eats newsletter.
