Summer is the season of seafood, and especially steamed crabs from the Chesapeake Bay region. Get ready to get cracking. Here are some places to try to get for fresh crabs.
Captain Pell’s Fairfax Crabhouse
The origin story of Captain Pell’s Fairfax Crabhouse stems from William Pell’s childhood adventures catching Maryland blue crabs on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. He opened Captain Pell’s in 1977 with his brother, and the restaurant has been at its current Fairfax location since 1999. Steamed crabs are a specialty at Captain Pell’s. Order a dozen, the price is based on crab size, or indulge in an all-you-can-eat feast of smaller and lighter crabs for $54.95 a person. 10195 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
Crosby’s Crab Co.
Bushels of crabs arrive daily at Crosby’s, a favorite in Manassas since the 1980s. The seafood market posts the prices daily on a large blackboard and offers deals on crabs for the day before. Crosby’s is just a market, so you will have to take crabs home to eat. 14718 Bristow Rd., Manassas
Giant Food
You may not realize it but Giant offers steamed crabs. Hooper’s Crab House in Ocean City, Maryland, sends up trucks with live crabs every weekend until Labor Day. It goes to different grocery locations and steams them on location. You can pre-order your crabs to ensure you get them, or go to the store and order while supplies last. Various Giant locations
Lowry’s Crab Shack
Lowry’s is a family-owned crab shack that sells seasonal Chesapeake Bay crabs, fish, oysters, and other seafood. You can eat in or order out. 420 W. Colonial Hwy., Hamilton
Out of the Blue
This locally owned and operated restaurant in Gainesville strives to bring an exciting selection of seafood to the table, including blue crabs. Out of the Blue’s crabs are steamed, seasoned with its own special crab spice, and served with drawn butter. Size and availability vary by day, since the crustaceans are brought in live. 5005 Wellington Rd., Gainesville
Quarterdeck
Crabs are steamed fresh year-round at Quarterdeck, a beloved neighborhood joint known for its expansive seafood menu. In season, the restaurant has a Maryland Blue Crab feast. Crab sizes are subject to availability, but can range from medium to jumbo. If you just can’t get enough crab — blue or otherwise — pair yours with an order of crab dip, mini crabcakes, crab balls, or crabcake sliders. Reservations are highly recommended. 1200 Fort Meyer Dr., Arlington
Tim’s II at Fairview
Crack your crabs and enjoy the view of the boats on the Potomac River at Tim’s II in Fairview. The deck and the Tiki bar at this restaurant give you a chance to unwind with friends. The restaurant offers a number of other seafood dishes, salads, and shareables. Closed Mondays. 5411 Pavilion Dr., King George
Tim’s at Lake Anna Restaurant & Crabhouse
You will find fresh crabs, oysters, and other seafood delicacies at this family-friendly restaurant on the waterfront at Lake Anna. Your jimmies come to the table piping hot, so come hungry. Closed Tuesdays. 200 G. Boardwalk Wy., Mineral
Feature image reve15/Adobe Stock
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