Where to Eat Crab Legs Near Me: A Guide to Finding Delicious Crab Legs in Your Area

Crab legs are a delicious and indulgent seafood treat that many of us crave from time to time. If you’re someone who loves cracking open fresh crab legs and digging out the sweet, succulent meat, you likely find yourself wondering: where can I get high-quality crab legs near me?

The good news is that crab legs are a popular menu item at many restaurants across the country. With a bit of searching you can almost always find a spot nearby that serves up this tasty delicacy. In this article, we’ll go over some tips for finding the best crab legs close to home.

Check Out Local Seafood Restaurants

One of the most obvious places to find crab legs is at local seafood restaurants Oftentimes, these types of restaurants will feature crab legs as an appetizer, entree, or part of a seafood platter Going to a seafood-focused restaurant is a good bet for finding quality crab legs sourced from reputable vendors and prepared properly by experienced chefs.

When looking for seafood restaurants in your area, read through the menu carefully to see if they serve crab legs Dungeness crab and king crab are two common varieties you’ll see. Look for words like “steamed,” “boiled,” or “split” to indicate how they are prepared Check online reviews to see what customers say about the freshness and flavor of the crab legs.

Some seafood restaurants will highlight crab legs as a signature dish or have them available only during certain seasons when they are in peak supply. Be on the lookout for limited-time crab leg specials!

Scope Out Casual Dining Chains

In addition to dedicated seafood eateries, many casual dining chains have crab legs on the menu as well. National chains like Red Lobster and Joe’s Crab Shack are obvious choices. But you can also find crab legs at Longhorn Steakhouse, Casey’s, Bonefish Grill, and other mainstream restaurants.

Chain restaurants can be nice options because they offer consistent preparation and ingredients across locations. The crab legs may be imported frozen instead of locally sourced, but you’ll know what to expect when ordering. Check the restaurant’s website for prices and confirm your local branch has them available.

Visit Your Local Fish Market

If you want the absolute freshest crab legs to prepare at home, visit a local fish market or seafood store. Many seafood markets will carry fresh crab legs in season and frozen legs throughout the year. You can inspect the seafood for quality and buy exactly the size and amount you want.

Talk to the fishmongers for cooking recommendations based on the type of crab legs available. They may also have deals or be able to order them for you specially if they don’t have any in stock. This is the best option for getting high-quality crab legs you’ll enjoy in home-cooked meals.

Book a Reservation for Special Occasions

For a celebratory night out or a special treat, consider making reservations at an upscale steakhouse or fine dining restaurant that serves crab legs. Steakhouses will often have king crab legs on the menu as a decadent add-on. Fine dining seafood restaurants may offer multiple types of crab legs prepared in creative ways.

Though pricier, these restaurants use only the highest quality crab legs, resulting in unforgettable flavor and presentation. The white-tablecloth ambiance also enhances the indulgent experience. Save this for date nights, birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions.

All-You-Can-Eat Buffets

For those with a hearty appetite, all-you-can-eat buffets often have crab legs as part of their selections. Chinese buffets, Sunday brunch buffets, and seafood buffets are good places to find crab legs in a help-yourself setting. The crab legs may be smaller legs or snow crab, but you can eat to your heart’s content!

Keep in mind that the supply can run out at busy times, so go early. Also be aware that the lack of a trained chef preparing them means the quality may not be as high as at full-service restaurants. But for big eaters, buffets can be a fun way to satisfy a crab leg craving on a budget.

Order Grocery Store Sushi

Believe it or not, many grocery store sushi counters have crab legs for sale that you can take home! These prepared crab legs are usually imitation king crab flavored with real crab extract. But they can satisfy a craving in a pinch.

Look for crab leg sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, and cream cheese. Or choose crab salad with Surimi crab legs on top. This affordable grocery store option means you can enjoy crab legs without dining in.

Check Restaurant Delivery Apps

If you want crab legs delivered straight to your doorstep, check menus on restaurant delivery apps and websites. In addition to seafood restaurants, you may be able to order crab legs for delivery from diners, American eateries, and other surprising spots.

Search keywords like “crab legs” or filter by cuisine type to see which local restaurants offer them for delivery or takeout. Compare prices and minimum order amounts. Make sure to order them with dipping sauces! Delivery is a convenient way to satisfy a crab leg craving from the comfort of home.

Where to Avoid for Crab Legs

While many places serve crab legs, there are a few types of restaurants best avoided if you’re seeking high-quality crab legs. These include:

• Fast food chains, which typically don’t have fresh seafood options.

• Asian buffets or hibachi grills, which tend to have lower quality imitation crab legs.

• Food trucks, which have limited kitchen space for preparing fragile crab legs.

• Hole-in-the-wall restaurants, which are less likely to serve expensive seafood like fresh crab.

Stick to reputable seafood restaurants, steakhouses, or fish markets for the real deal when it comes to crab legs.

Key Crab Leg Terms to Know

When browsing menus and fish market selections, you may come across some specific crab leg terms, including:

• Clusters or segments: The full leg sections including the muscles and joints

• Cracked legs: Legs that have been cracked at the joints to make the meat easier to access

• Snow crab legs: Legs from smaller snow crab, known for tender meat

• King crab legs: Legs from king crabs, the largest variety and often the most expensive

• Dungeness crab legs: Legs from Dungeness crabs, a Pacific Northwest specialty

• Alaskan crab legs: Usually referring to king crab legs from Alaska waters

• Jumbo, colossal, or gigantic: Size terms for extra-large crab leg clusters

Tips for Cooking Crab Legs at Home

Once you’ve procured some delectable crab legs from a trusted source, here are some tips for preparing them at home:

• Steam or boil gently to maintain moisture. Season the water.

• Split the shells prior to cooking so flavors can penetrate.

• Cook 8-10 minutes for pre-cracked legs or 12-15 minutes for whole segments.

• Test doneness by looking for opaque, pearly flesh. Don’t overcook.

• Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges, garlic aioli, or cocktail sauce for dipping.

• Use crab crackers and forks to gently extract the meat from the shells.

• Refrigerate leftover crab meat up to 2 days. Reheat gently.

• Get creative with crab leg meat by adding it to pastas, omelets, or salad.

With this guide, you should be equipped to track down the best crab legs in your neighborhood, across town, or wherever your travels take you. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from local fishermen, chefs, and fellow foodies. Once you find a reliable crab leg hookup, you’ll be set up for countless delicious crab feasts at home or on the town. Get cracking on locating your new go-to spot for prized crab legs!

Yes, crab legs are generally considered a healthy food choice. They are a good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals, while also being relatively low in calories and fat.