The Best Places to Buy Delicious Crab Legs

Crab legs are a delicious and indulgent seafood treat. Their sweet, briny flavor and tender meat make them a favorite for special occasions and celebrations. But finding high-quality crab legs at an affordable price can be tricky. This article will explore the best places to buy fresh, meaty crab legs so you can enjoy this luxurious food at home.

Online Seafood Retailers

Ordering crab legs online from seafood retailers is one of the most convenient ways to buy them. The crab legs are flash-frozen right on the docks after being caught locking in freshness. Then they’re shipped overnight right to your door. Here are some of the best online seafood stores for crab legs

• FishEx – This store specializes in premium wild-caught Alaska seafood like king crab, snow crab, and Dungeness crab. They have colossal king crab legs over 1 pound each as well as king crab combos with legs and claws

• FultonFishMarket.com – You can choose between snow crab legs, king crab legs, and Dungeness crab legs here. They also sell crab claws and lump crab meat.

• SeattleFishCompany.com – This retailer sells Pacific Northwest Dungeness crab and Alaska king crab legs by the cluster or split cluster. Fast overnight shipping is available.

• LobsterAnywhere.com – In addition to live lobster, this store sells split king crab legs and snow crab legs. You can order them already cracked if desired.

When ordering crab online, look for retailers that process and ship the crab legs as quickly as possible to maintain freshness. Overnight shipping is ideal. Sturdy freezer packs and insulation will keep the crab legs frozen solid during transit.

Local Independent Fish Markets

Visiting a local fish market is a fun way to hand select your crab legs The benefits of local seafood stores include:

• Seeing the seafood firsthand so you can pick the best quality options.

• Supporting small independent businesses in your community.

• Getting seafood expertise and recipes from the fishmongers.

Some of the top local fish markets across the U.S. for buying crab include:

• Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle – Famous for flying fish but also has Dungeness crab and king crab when in season.

• Ocean Prime Seafood markets in California – Several locations with a rotating stock of fresh crab varieties.

• Stinky’s Fish Market in Florida – Specializes in local Florida seafood but stocks Dungeness crab legs in season.

• Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. in New York – Has cooked and uncooked king crab legs from Alaska available.

• Jack’s Catch Seafood in Chicago – Retails king, snow, and Dungeness crab legs from Alaska.

• Salt Water Seafood & Catering in Texas – Sells seasonal crab legs like blue crab in the summer.

The selection will vary by location based on what’s local and fresh. Tell the fishmonger your recipe plans and they can advise you on the best type, size, and amount of crab to buy.

Warehouse Clubs

For bulk buying, warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale carry large packs of crab legs, usually at a discount. Benefits of buying crab legs at warehouse stores include:

• Buying multiple pounds of crab legs at once, often saving money per pound on bulk.

• Grab-and-go purchasing without needing assistance.

• One-stop shopping since you’re already there to buy groceries and other household items.

The crab leg selection will depend on the region and season, but popular options include:

• Snow crab legs – Sold in 3 to 5 pound bags either as whole clusters or splits. This is the most affordable type of crab legs.

• King crab legs – Usually sold frozen in 2 pound bag splits. More delicate flavor and texture than snow crab.

• Dungeness crab – On the West Coast, they sell fresh, cooked Dungeness crab in the shell during peak season.

Check the ingredients label carefully when buying crab legs at warehouse stores. Some contain additives like phosphates so read the fine print.

Asian Supermarkets

For an especially wide range of crab species, head to your local Asian supermarket. Benefits of buying crab legs at an Asian grocery store include:

• Access to exotic crab varieties you won’t find elsewhere, like hairy crabs from China.

• Buyers can select live crab and have it prepared onsite.

• Competitive pricing, especially on imported Asian crab.

Some of the unique crab species you may spot at an Asian seafood market include:

• Red Swimming Crab – Bright red legs with delicate meat from Southeast Asia.

• Mud Crab – A hearty, rich crab from Australia and the Philippines.

• Blue Crab – These are caught right here in the U.S. and have a signature blue hue.

• Spider Crabs – Spindly, long-legged crabs popular in Japanese seafood dishes.

Don’t be intimidated by unusual varieties. The friendly fishmongers can explain them and share cooking suggestions.

Direct from the Docks

For the freshest local crab, buy directly from fishermen as they dock. Coastal areas like Maryland, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska offer seasonal dockside crab sales. Perks include:

• Buying crab at the source before they go to market.

• Supporting local fishing communities.

• Enjoying one-of-a-kind local crab varieties.

Research the crab seasons in your region so you know when to visit the docks to buy crab. For example:

• In Oregon, you can buy Dungeness crab right off the fishing boats from December through August.

• Maryland’s famous blue crab peak season is April through November.

• Alaskan king crab is sold on docks in Kodiak between October and January.

Bring a cooler with ice to transport your fresh-caught crab legs home. Cooking and enjoying them soon after purchasing guarantees unbeatable flavor.

Tips for Buying Crab Legs

Keep these tips in mind to help you pick the perfect crab legs, wherever you buy them:

• For whole crab clusters, choose legs that are thick, heavy, and tightly packed. Avoid any with broken or cracked shells.

• Pick split crab legs that are filled end-to-end with meat. Watch out for mostly empty legs.

• King and snow crab legs should have a fresh, ocean-like aroma. Avoid any with a strong fishy odor.

• For fresh crab in the shell, choose crabs that are lively and active, not lethargic or lifeless.

• Cook or freeze raw crab legs within two days of purchasing for best flavor and quality.

With so many excellent places to buy crab legs, you can enjoy this decadent seafood any time a craving strikes. Use the tips in this guide to source the freshest, most delicious crab legs for your feasts.

Frequency of Entities:
FishEx: 1
Fulton Fish Market: 1
Seattle Fish Company: 1
Lobster Anywhere: 1
Pike Place Fish Market: 1
Ocean Prime Seafood: 1
Stinky’s Fish Market: 1
Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co.: 1
Jack’s Catch Seafood: 1
Salt Water Seafood & Catering: 1
Costco: 1
Sam’s Club: 1
BJ’s Wholesale: 1
Asian Supermarket: 1
Red Swimming Crab: 1
Mud Crab: 1
Blue Crab: 1
Spider Crab: 1
Oregon: 1
Maryland: 1
Alaska: 1