What Restaurants Have Crab Legs? Your Guide to Finding Delicious Crab Legs Near You (2024)

Crab legs are a delicious and popular seafood option loaded with flavor. Their sweet, succulent meat is perfect for special occasions or anytime you’re craving something decadent from the sea But where can you find the best crab legs near you? This guide will highlight the top restaurants known for serving up mouth-watering crab legs.

The Appeal of Crab Legs

Crab legs come from various crab species but the most common are snow crab and king crab. Snow crab legs come from snow crab a species found in colder northern waters like Alaska. The snow-white meat is delicate, sweet and flaky. King crab legs come from the prized king crab species and feature a sweeter, richer flavor with a hint of saltiness.

Crab legs are often enjoyed steamed or boiled, letting their briny seafood flavor shine. A simple drizzle of melted butter or dip in a mustard sauce is all you need to accentuate their sweetness. They make an indulgent appetizer or entree.

Where to Find Crab Legs on Menus

Seafood restaurants – Seafood restaurants, especially those specializing in crab, are often your best bet for finding crab legs on the menu. Look for restaurants advertising their fresh local crab or Alaskan crab legs.

Steakhouses – Many steakhouses feature crab legs as a classic surf and turf pairing. Treat yourself to crab legs alongside a juicy steak.

Buffets – All-you-can-eat buffets at casinos and resorts often have crab legs as part of their lineup. Sample crab legs alongside various buffet flavors.

Markets – Fresh seafood markets and stores are handy places to buy cooked crab legs to take home and enjoy. Select your own fresh crab legs and prepare them how you like.

Best Restaurant Chains for Crab Legs

National casual dining chains known for their crab legs include Red Lobster, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Bonefish Grill. Red Lobster offers snow crab legs and king crab legs seasonally, along with crabfest specials. Joe’s Crab Shack is a lively crab-centric chain with crab legs roasted in garlic butter. Bonefish Grill has garlic crab legs on the menu in various preparations.

Higher end chains like Capital Grille, Eddie V’s, and Mitchell’s Fish Market also serve crab legs for special occasions. Their king crab legs and cold water rock crab legs make for an indulgent meal.

Best Local Restaurants for Crab Legs

Ask locals where to get the best crab legs, and beloved independent restaurants are often recommended over chains. Here are some top picks for local restaurants serving amazing crab legs:

• Maine: Barnacle Billy’s in Ogunquit, The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport
• Maryland: Cantler’s Riverside Inn in Annapolis, The Point Crab House & Grill in Arnold
• Louisiana: Deanie’s Seafood in New Orleans, Bon Creole Seafood in Baton Rouge
• Oregon: Local Ocean Seafoods in Newport, Bowpicker Fish & Chips in Astoria
• Washington: Taylor Shellfish Farms in Seattle, Wake ‘N’ Bake Oysters in Anacortes

Look for restaurants that source fresh local crab. Their flavorful crab legs will showcase the region’s bounty.

Tips for Enjoying Crab Legs

Here are some tips to get the most of out your crab leg experience:

• Crack them open – Use a mallet or cracker to break open the hard shell and access the sweet meat inside.

• Have tools ready – Crab picks and small forks help pull meat from narrow spaces in legs. Provide napkins too.

• Try dipping sauces – Melted butter, mustard sauce, and lemon wedges complement briny crab.

• Watch out for splinters – Cracked shells can leave tiny splinters, so take care when eating crab meat.

• Go slow – Take your time to savor the delicious crab meat. Don’t rush this indulgent eating experience.

• Order a variety – Try ordering both snow crab legs and king crab legs to compare their flavors.

Satisfy Your Crab Leg Craving

Crab legs offer tender, sweet flavors from the sea that can feel like an indulgent treat. Follow this guide to satisfy your crab leg craving at the many restaurants serving up this popular crustacean delicacy. Whether you opt for crab legs at a local independent spot, a steakhouse, or a special all-you-can-eat buffet, this list will point you towards the best places to enjoy delicious crab legs near you. So crack open those crab shells, dip the succulent meat in butter or sauce, and get ready for a memorable meal.

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