Best Crab Houses at the Jersey Shore
Blue crabs, steamed clams, and Old Bay. Find the best crab houses from Cape May to Sandy Hook for authentic shore seafood.
Crab Houses at the Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore has a proud tradition of crab houses—casual restaurants where you spread newspaper, grab a mallet, and dig into piles of steamed blue crabs.
While Maryland gets most of the blue crab fame, New Jersey has excellent crabbing waters in Barnegat Bay, Great Bay, and Delaware Bay. Many local crab houses source directly from Jersey watermen.
The best crab houses serve crabs steamed with Old Bay seasoning, accompanied by corn on the cob, coleslaw, and melted butter. Most are casual BYOB spots where the focus is on the food, not the decor.
Cape May County
Southern shore crab houses
Iconic fish market and restaurant with fresh-off-the-boat crabs.
Casual boardwalk spot with all-you-can-eat crab specials.
Waterfront marina restaurant known for quality crabs and sunset views.
Atlantic County
Back bay crab spots
Historic AC institution serving crabs since 1897.
Crab Trap
Classic crab house with bay views and casual atmosphere.
Oyster Creek Inn
Rustic bayfront spot known for crab boils and Old Bay.
Ocean County
Barnegat Bay crab spots
Fish market and restaurant with some of the best crabs on LBI.
Family-owned crab house with a loyal local following.
Tuckerton Crab House
Classic South Jersey crab house with AYCE specials.
Monmouth County
North Shore crab spots
Inlet Cafe
Riverside spot with fresh crabs and casual atmosphere.
Clam Hut
No-frills seafood shack with excellent steamed crabs.
Crab House Tips
Season Matters
Blue crab season runs May-November, with peak fat crabs in August-September. Off-season crabs may be imported.
Dress to Get Messy
Crab picking is messy work. Wear casual clothes and skip the jewelry. Most places provide bibs.
Order by Size
Crabs are graded by size: #1 (large), #2 (medium), #3 (small). Go for #1s if you want more meat per crab.
BYOB Saves Money
Many crab houses are BYOB. Bring a bucket of ice and your favorite beers—the perfect pairing for steamed crabs.
FAQ
When is blue crab season in New Jersey?
Blue crab season runs from May through November, with the fattest crabs typically in August and September. Off-season crabs may be imported from warmer waters.
What does AYCE mean at crab houses?
AYCE stands for "All You Can Eat." Some crab houses offer AYCE crab specials where you pay one price and can eat as many steamed crabs as you want.
Are most crab houses BYOB?
Many traditional crab houses are BYOB (bring your own beer/wine), which keeps prices down and lets you bring your favorite beverages. Always call ahead to confirm.
What is the best way to eat steamed crabs?
Remove the claws, pull off the apron, lift the shell, remove the gills ("devil fingers"), break in half, and pick the meat. A mallet helps crack the claws.
How many crabs should I order per person?
Plan on 6-8 medium crabs or 4-6 large crabs per person if crabs are the main course. Order fewer if you have side dishes or appetizers.
What sides go with steamed crabs?
Traditional crab house sides include corn on the cob, coleslaw, hush puppies, french fries, and melted butter. Some places serve Old Bay potatoes.