Crabs!

As a local Delawarian, or someone visiting, one of our state’s specialties is crabs. This guide is meant to guide you in your crab eating adventures, without leaving you hangry, or in this case, crabby. This guide is not meant to be taken as a tier list, with 1 being the best and 3 being the worst, it is however meant to show you commonly praised and locally loved restaurants! However, fear not, this guide also isn’t just a list of one local’s opinion. We did our research and asked around. So, whether you enjoy your crabs picked, out of a buffet, or caked, we hope you find the restaurant for you! Make sure to stop back from time to time, because this list isn’t a one time thing; We plan on continuing to update and add to it. Let us know below or at any of DE Beaches Online’s socials if you have any additions! If we did make any mistakes, let us know, and we’ll quickly fix it!

Market Price & Disclaimer

You’ll notice as you scroll this article that many establishments will have a range instead of an exact price. This is because they go off the market, but rest assure the ranges listed are accurate. All of them are for Blue Claw Crabs in medium, large, and jumbo sizes. If you are looking for straight crab meat in pounds/kilograms, a good average price is $20 dollars a pound or $43 dollars a kilogram; but stick to ordering online or doing your own research for things like that. Some of these establishments also do not sell bushels or even dozens, in which case we have listed some of their best crab related menu items.

Lewes

1. The Surfing Crab
   
   
   • Location: 16723 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958-3653
   • Specialties: Incredible Delaware and Maryland crabs in all forms, undeniably some of the best around.
   • Contact info: Their website or 302 644 4448
   • Note: The surfing crab is typically only open late and during the summer.
2. Bushels Crab House & Seafood
   • Location: 18289 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, DE
   • Specialties: AYCE Delaware and Maryland crabs, seafood dishes, and various specials.
   • Contact info: Their website or 302-645-5115
3. Striper Bites
   
   • Location: 107 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958
   • Specialties: Seafood combinations, mixed seafood, nice dining areas and experiences. While they do not sell bulk crabs, they do have crab items such as Bisque, Dip, and Cakes.
   • Contact info: Their website or 302-645-4657

Rehoboth Beach

1. The Crab House
   
   • Location: 19598 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE
   • Specialties: AYCE seafood buffet, clams, mussels, crab legs, and fresh Maryland crabs.
   • Contact info: Their website or 302-227-2019
2. Claws Seafood House
   
   • Location: 167 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE
   • Specialties: Maryland blue crabs, seafood platters, raw oysters.
   • Contact info: Their website or 302-227-2529
3. Big Fish Grill
   
   • Location: 20298 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE
   • Specialties: Steamed crabs, crab cakes, seafood combinations. Does not sell bulk crabs, however it still well worth going to for the crab, shrimp, and fish related dishes.
   • Contact info: Their website or 302-227-3474

Bethany Beach

1. The Blue Crab
   
   • Location: 210 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE
   • Specialties: AYCE Maryland and Delaware crabs, hush puppies, fried chicken.
   • Contact info: Their website or 302-537-4700
2. Mickey’s Family Crab House
   
   • Location: 39610 Jefferson Bridge Rd, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
   • Specialties: Known locally for their amazing quality and tasty Delaware and Maryland crabs
   • Contact info: Their website or 302-539-5384
3. South Bethany Seafood Market
   
   • Location: 33260 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
   • Specialties: Lobster, crab, and baked goods for dessert, and mass selection of seafood. While it doesn’t sell bulk, it’s crab and other seafood dishes are amazing and compliment it’s wide array of options.
   • Contact info: Their website or 302-537-1332

Dewey Beach

1. Starboard Claw
   
   • Location: 1818 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE
   • Pricing info:
     • Medium Crabs:
       • Dozen: $55-$65
     • Large Crabs:
       • Dozen: $70-$80
     • Jumbo Crabs:
       • Dozen: $85-$95
   • Specialties: Steamed blue crabs, crab cakes, seafood platters.
   • Contact info: Their website or 302-550-CLAW
2. Rusty Rudder
   
   • Location: 113 Dickinson Street, Dewey Beach, DE
   • Specialties: crab dishes
   • Contact info: Their website or (302)-337-8868
3. The Starboard
   
   • Location: 2009 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE
   • Specialties: Seafood dishes, cocktails. No bulk, but they do have some meals you won’t be eating anywhere else.
     
   • Contact info: Their website or 302-227-4600

Crab Prices & Food Quality Reminder

The best way to get accurate crab prices is to call ahead, but the price ranges listed here still offer a helpful general guide. Just a heads-up: this isn’t a tier list—it just might look like one.

Also, a quick reminder: When it comes to crabs and seafood, freshness and safety matter. According to the State of Delaware Food Code, all shellfish must be properly labeled, sourced from approved suppliers, and kept at safe temperatures—below 41°F for live crabs and refrigerated seafood. Restaurants are required to follow strict handling and storage guidelines to make sure your meal is not only tasty but safe. So when you’re enjoying crabs in Delaware, you can feel confident knowing local spots are held to high state standards for quality and freshness.