Where to Buy the Best Alaskan King Crab Legs

Alaskan king crab is one of the most prized seafood delicacies. With its sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture, it’s no wonder this crab is in such high demand. However, king crab can be difficult to find and quite expensive at local grocery stores or restaurants. So where can you buy high-quality Alaskan king crab legs at a reasonable price? Here’s a breakdown of the best places to buy king crab straight from Alaska.

Buy Direct from Alaskan Suppliers

One of the best ways to source authentic Alaskan king crab is to buy directly from processors and suppliers in Alaska. Companies like Alaskan King Crab Company and Great Alaska Seafood catch, process and ship king crab straight from the cold Alaskan waters to customers across the lower 48 states.

Buying direct eliminates the middlemen so you get fresher crab for less. These processors flash-freeze the crab right on the docks within hours of being caught. The crab is then packaged in insulating coolers and shipped overnight direct to your doorstep. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor.

When you buy directly from the source in Alaska, you can choose from a range of size options like colossal, super colossal and captain’s select. You can also buy king crab in bulk to save, with free overnight shipping on large orders.

Benefits of Buying Direct from Alaska:

• Eliminates middlemen so prices are very reasonable
• Ships super fresh crab straight from the source
• Large selection of sizing options to choose from
• Can buy king crab legs in bulk and save
• Free overnight shipping on large orders

Purchase King Crab Legs Online

Another convenient way to buy Alaskan king crab is through online seafood retailers that source from Alaska These online stores offer easy ordering, quick shipping and excellent prices on wild king crab legs

Retailers like Seattle Fish Company, Vital Choice and Fulton Fish Market all sell genuine Alaskan red king crab legs. You can order king crab legs right on their website and have them delivered to your door. These online seafood markets offer great variety from huge 16/20 legs to rich merus claw meat.

Buying king crab online makes getting this premium seafood easy and affordable. You can shop from the convenience of home and prices are very competitive, thanks to direct purchasing relationships with Alaskan suppliers. Most online retailers also pack the crab in insulated shipping coolers with plenty of dry ice to keep it fresh.

Advantages of Purchasing King Crab Legs Online:

• Huge selection of leg sizes and products like chunks or cakes
• Very easy online ordering and quick delivery
• Low prices by purchasing direct from Alaska
• Insulated overnight shipping maintains freshness
• Convenient way to buy king crab from home

Check Local Specialty Fish Markets

Your local high-end fish market or specialty grocery store may carry premium Alaskan king crab from time to time. Especially during peak seasons like the holidays or summer, some retailers will source wild-caught Alaskan king crab legs.

Stores like New Seasons Market, Whole Foods Market, Catalina Offshore Products and Rouses Market are all known to carry real Alaskan king crab at certain times of year. You can call ahead to ask if they have any wild king crab legs in stock to avoid making a wasted trip.

The downside is local inventory can be hit or miss based on seasonal availability. But if you happen to find king crab legs in stock at your local fish market, the quality is likely to be excellent. The advantage is you can inspect the crab for freshness before purchasing.

Things to Consider When Buying Locally:

• Inventory and selection can be limited based on seasonality
• Prices may be slightly higher than buying direct
• Upside is being able to inspect the king crab first-hand
• Only buy from reputable fish markets with high turnover

Order King Crab Delivery from Restaurants

Certain high-end restaurants and steakhouses serve genuine Alaskan king crab on their menus. While pricier than buying the crab yourself, this lets you enjoy fabulously fresh king crab without any work.

Some top restaurants and chains known for Alaskan king crab include The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s, Ocean Prime, Ruth’s Chris, Hy’s Steakhouse, Mastro’s Ocean Club and McGuire’s Pub. Just check the daily menu to see if they’re currently serving wild Alaska king crab.

Many of these restaurants will also let you order raw king crab legs to prepare at home. You can call ahead to place an order for delivery or curbside pickup. This is a deliciously easy option if you don’t want the hassle of cooking and cleaning up.

Things to Note About Ordering Crab Delivery:

• Prices will be higher than buying yourself but crabs comes cooked or ready to cook
• Check menus daily, availability varies seasonally
• Order ahead for delivery or pickup on a set schedule
• Raw legs can be ordered for cooking at home
• Lets you enjoy fresh king crab with no prep or cleanup

Buy King Crab Legs at the Source in Alaska

Finally, if you’re planning a trip to Alaska during king crab season, buying genuine king crab directly at the source is a bucket-list experience. In major port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Kodiak, you’ll find dockside crab shacks cooking up just-caught king crab by the plate or pound.

Or visit the huge warehouses where crews process tons of king crab freshly pulled from the Bering Sea. Many facilities offer dockside sales so you can buy king crab straight off the boat. Experiencing the Alaska king crab industry first-hand and eating dock-to-dinner crab makes for an unforgettable travel experience.

Tips for Buying King Crab in Alaska:

• Head to a port city like Ketchikan, Juneau or Kodiak
• Check out local crab shacks serving freshly cooked king crab
• Take a tour of a crab processing facility and buy dockside
• Time your trip during peak king crab season from October to January

No matter where you choose to buy your Alaskan king crab legs, always look for signs like pure white meat, a fresh sea breeze aroma and firm, translucent legs. Avoid any crab with an ammonia odor or yellowish tinge. With proper handling, genuine Alaska king crab is a true taste of the sea and a meal you won’t soon forget.