where to eat crab legs near me

Indulge in Delicious Crab Legs at Nearby Restaurants

Succulent crab legs drenched in butter or cocktail sauce are a seafood lover’s dream If you’re craving this decadent dish, look no further – there are plenty of spots nearby serving up crab legs just the way you like them. This guide covers everything from the best places to eat crab legs to how to pick them when dining out

Why Crab Legs Are So Delicious

Before getting into where to eat crab legs, let’s look at what makes them such a treat:

• Sweet, delicate flavor – Crab meat has a sweet nuance and flaky texture. Legs yield hearty chunks of meat.

• Fun, hands-on meal – Cracking and picking crab legs makes for an interactive dining experience.

• Rich, indulgent taste – Melted butter or tangy cocktail sauce complements crab’s natural sweetness.

• Special occasion fare – Elegantly served legs feel celebratory and lavish.

• Versatility – Legs work in pastas, salads, starters and entrées.

With so many advantages, it’s no wonder crab legs are a go-to favorite!

Choosing the Best Crab Legs

If you want the best crab leg experience, choose varieties and sizes that yield plump, easy-to-extract meat:

• Snow crab – Prized for its tender meat and slender leg shape .

• King crab – Hefty legs contain chunks of premium meat.

• Dungeness crab – Smaller legs but lots of sweet meat.

• Stone crab – Firm, lump crabmeat with great flavor.

• Jumbo or colossal legs – Bigger leg size means more meat per crack.

• Avoid broken/damaged legs – Inspect that shell and meat look intact.

Scope out restaurant menus or seafood counters to find ideal crab leg options.

Where to Find Crab Legs Nearby

Luckily, numerous spots in your area serve stellar crab legs. Here are the best places to check out:

• Seafood restaurants – Crab focused or general seafood eateries often feature legs.

• Steakhouses – Surf and turf plates pair crab legs with steak.

• Buffets – All-you-can-eat buffets may include snow crab legs on ice.

• Markets – Gourmet markets with prepared foods sell fresh legs to take home.

• Fish markets – Grab pre-cooked legs from the cold case to crack open at home.

• Food trucks/stands – Keep an eye out for seafood trucks with crab offerings.

• Festivals – Summer seafood festivals serve crab dishes like buttery legs.

Consult local restaurant guides and foodie blogs to find new spots plating sublime crab legs.

Insider Tips for Ordering Crab Legs

Follow these pro tips when ordering crab legs for optimal indulgence:

• Inquire about sourcing and freshness – Ask where they source legs from to ensure quality.

• Specify leg size – Request jumbo or colossal legs for a meaty bite.

• Ask for a taste test – See if you can sample a bit of meat to check for sweetness and tenderness.

• Choose a sauce – Clarify if butter, cocktail sauce or other dip is included.

• Estimate accordingly – Order 1-2 pounds per person, depending on appetite and other items.

• Time it right – Visit during peak crab season in colder months for the best flavor.

• Make substitutions – Switch sides for healthier roasted veggies if you want to offset butter.

With the right questions and choices, your crab leg dinner will be sheer perfection!

Cracking and Eating Crab Legs

Once your crab legs arrive, dig in using proper cracking technique:

• Twist off the skinny, pointy leg tip to access the meat.

• Use a crab cracker or small hammer to crack open the shell on leg segments.

• Pull cracked shells apart gently to remove large chunks of meat.

• Dip meat in accompanying butter, garlic sauce or cocktail sauce.

• Watch for stray shell fragments and remove before eating meat.

• Suck out any meat and juices from inside the leg cavity.

Take your time picking, and don’t forget to provide empty shells for pets like dogs and cats who go crazy for leftover crab.

Trying Crab Legs at Home

While dining out is a treat, you can also create amazing crab legs at home. Pick up pre-cooked, frozen legs and just heat and serve. Check out recipes for roasted, grilled or broiled crab legs using garlic butter or bold seasonings. Simple sides like coleslaw, corn and potatoes make for a complete meal. Setting out melted butter, lemon wedges and dipping sauces adds to the restaurant-style experience.

Cracking open perfectly cooked, buttery crab legs is a match made in seafood heaven. Now you’ve got all the know-how to satisfy your crab leg craving at sensational spots near you. So grab some napkins and get ready to feast on these succulent shellfish!