Where to Buy Fresh Crab Near Me: A Guide to Finding Local Seafood Markets

Nothing beats the sweet, succulent taste of fresh-caught crab Whether you’re planning a crab boil, stuffing mushrooms, or just cracking and dipping, finding high-quality crab is key But where exactly can you purchase fresh crab nearby? This guide will explore tips for locating the best crab markets and seafood suppliers in your area.

Checking Local Supermarkets

An easy place to start your search is at your mainstream local grocery store. Many larger chains like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, H-E-B, and Albertsons have fresh seafood counters or markets. Here you can find:

• Fresh raw crab options like lump, claw, or snow crab legs
• Precooked crab cakes, stuffed crab shells, or crab dip
• Canned crab meat for salads, seafood pasta, etc.
• Frozen crab entrees or crab-filled appetizers

While selection is more limited, the convenience and familiarity of your neighborhood supermarket can’t be beat. Be sure to check when they get deliveries in for the freshest picks.

Visiting Warehouse Club Stores

Warehouse retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s are great spots to buy fresh crab at bulk pricing. Benefits include:

• Huge frozen piles of snow crab clusters
• Value multipacks of cooked king crab legs
• Rotating inventory of seasonal fresh crab
• Member-only discounts on quality seafood

The savings on seafood are big when you buy in quantity, Just be prepared to store or use plenty of crab in a short window

Supporting Local Fishermen

Buying directly from local crab fishermen allows you to get just-caught freshness right off the boat Options for sourcing include

• Seafood markets that work with area fishers
• Local fishermen selling at farmers markets
• Roadside crab shacks and mobile seafood trucks
• Direct purchase via a fisherman’s website or pre-order

When possible, go straight to the source for crab still snapping fresh.

Checking Ethnic Grocery Stores

International markets catering to Asian, Hispanic, Caribbean, etc. cuisines often have live seafood tanks or robust frozen inventories. Explore:

• Asian stores for mud crabs, blue crabs, spider crabs
• Hispanic grocers for fresh jumbo lump crabmeat
• West Indian markets for seasoned soft shell crabs

The diversity of options from around the world is worth a browse when you need crab.

Purchasing from Seafood Markets

Specialized seafood markets and fishmongers offer the widest selection of crab species and forms. Look for:

• Live tank Dungeness, king, and snow crab
• Handpicked jumbo lump crabmeat
• Fresh caught soft shell crabs in season
• Frozen Alaska king clusters or crab cakes
• Housemade crab bisques, dips, or stuffed rolls

For crab fans, a dedicated seafood market is paradise. Many also offer recipe ideas or cooking tips.

Ordering Online

Can’t find high-quality crab nearby? Turn to the web for overnight delivery options:

• National seafood purveyors like Seattle Fish Co. or Fulton Fish Market

• Regional crab and shellfish companies like Bay Port Seafood or Maine Lobster Now

• Sustainable vendors like Vital Choice or Sitka Salmon Shares

• Subscription seafood clubs that ship fresh catches monthly

Online ordering means ultra-fresh crab right to your door, no matter where you live.

When is Crab in Season?

Timing your crab purchase to align with peak season ensures the best flavor and pricing:

• King crab – Winter to early spring
• Snow crab – Winter into spring
• Dungeness crab – Winter along Pacific Coast
• Blue crabs – Spring through fall in the Gulf and East Coast
• Soft shell crabs – Spring into summer

Buy in season to get the tastiest crab at the best value.

Choosing Your Preferred Crab Type

With so many crab varieties, it helps to know their key differences:

• Dungeness – Sweet, tender meat from Pacific Northwest waters

• King – Large legs with rich flavor and delicate texture

• Snow – Affordable smaller clusters with sweet delicate meat

• Blue – Prized for lump meat from the Chesapeake Bay area

• Stone – Tasty claws and firm meat from cool North Atlantic waters

• Soft shell – Prized for edible soft shells when molting

Try a few kinds to discover your favorite go-to for recipes.

Inspecting Crab Quality Before Buying

Learn what to look for when buying whole fresh crab:

• Heavy for size with cold, moist shell

• Clear eyes without fog or film

• Firm claw meat that isn’t withdrawing

• Solid body shell without cracks or dents

Take a quick peek before purchase to ensure peak freshness and enjoyment.

Storing Crab to Maximize Freshness

Once home, use these tips to keep crab as fresh as possible:

• Place live crab in a ventilated cooler until ready to cook.

• Store fresh cooked crab tightly wrapped in the fridge for 2-3 days max.

• Freeze uncooked crab in airtight packaging for 4-6 months.

• Seal cracked crab in an airtight container for up to 3 months frozen.

Proper storage preserves texture and flavor.

Handling Raw Crab Safely

As with any raw seafood, safe handling prevents illness:

• Keep raw and cooked crab separated. Avoid cross-contamination.

• Thoroughly wash hands, prep tools, surfaces after working with raw crab.

• Cook crab to an internal temperature of 145°F to kill bacteria.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.

Following food safety rules prevents harmful bacteria from ruining your fun.

Cooking Methods to Try at Home

Once you source fresh crab, now the fun really starts. Cook it:

• Boiled – The classic way to enjoy whole crab dunked in melted butter

• Baked – Stuff crab shells with Ritz cracker mixes or seafood stuffing

• Grilled – Quickly grill cracked crab bathed in olive oil, garlic, and Old Bay

• Sautéed – Toss lump crabmeat in linguine, atop toast, or in omelets

• Crab cakes – Bind together crab with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices then pan fry

From traditional to creative, crab is delicious prepared many ways.

Getting Your Fill of Crab via Dining Out

Local restaurants are an easy option for enjoying crab someone else has expertly prepared:

• Seafood boils – All you can eat crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, and fixings

• Seafood shacks – Casual dining on crab sandwiches, baskets, and entrées

• Upscale seafood – Elegant crab-focused appetizers, entrées, and sides

• Buffets – Endless snow crab legs perfect for hungry families

• Happy Hours – Discounted crab tacos, sliders, nachos, and more

Dine in or carry out – either way, you’ll get your crab craving satisfied.

Cracking Open Fun at Crab-Themed Festivals

For total immersion in crab culture, attend an annual crab festival:

• Enjoy live music, crafts, and parades

• Feast on unlimited crab cakes, crab soup, and more

• Watch expert crab picking and shelling contests

• Shop market stands piled high with fresh crab

• Check out educational crab displays and demos

Bring your appetite and celebrate the glorious crab! Popular festivals happen in Oregon, California, and Maryland, among others.

Indulging Your Crab Obsession on Vacation

If you just can’t get enough crab in your life, make it the star of your next beach vacation:

• Go crabbing off piers or on chartered fishing trips

• Take crab cooking classes for picking techniques and recipes

• Tour working crab boats and processing plants

• Visit crab and seafood museums showcasing local history

• Shop themed gift stores stacked with crab t-shirts, trinkets, and home goods

Immerse yourself in regional crab culture for an unforgettable and educational trip.

So where can you buy delectable fresh crab in your neighborhood? With so many sources from grocers to fishmongers, live markets to online ordering, locating top-notch crab is easier than you think. Get cracking on satisfying your crab cravings ASAP!