Boston’s culinary scene is a treasure trove for seafood lovers, and blue crabs are no exception. Known for their sweet, succulent meat, these crustaceans are a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned crab connoisseur or a curious foodie, Boston offers a variety of spots where you can savor the best blue crabs.
From bustling seafood markets to upscale restaurants, the city boasts a range of options that cater to all tastes and budgets.
Dive into this guide to discover the top 10 places in Boston where blue crabs reign supreme. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey that promises to leave your taste buds tingling.
Top 10 Best Blue Crabs in Boston
Boston is known for its seafood scene, and blue crabs are a delicacy that can be enjoyed in a variety of restaurants across the city.
Here are the top 10 best places to enjoy blue crabs in Boston:
1. The Barking Crab
The Barking Crab, located at 88 Sleeper St, is a lively seafood spot known for its top-notch blue crab dishes. Offering a vibrant atmosphere with picnic-table seating overlooking the Boston Harbor, it caters to casual seafood enthusiasts.
Their menu includes a variety of fresh seafood options like crab cakes and steamed blue crabs. With dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, it suits both gatherings with friends and at-home feasts.
Rated 4.1 stars from nearly 6,000 reviews, it’s praised for its food quality and ambiance, costing about $30–50 per person.
Additionally, it boasts open-air seating with harbor views and a welcoming, LGBTQ+ friendly environment. More details are available at barkingcrab.com or by calling (617) 426-2722.
2. Red’s Best Fish Market
Located in the Boston Public Market at 100 Hanover St, Red’s Best Fish Market is a go-to for fresh, locally caught seafood, including delicious blue crabs.
With a high rating of 4.8 stars from 380 reviews, this market stands out for its quality and variety.
Red’s Best offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, making it easy for seafood enthusiasts to enjoy their blue crabs however they prefer.
Patrons can indulge in prepared eats like lobster rolls and clam chowder or select fresh blue crabs to cook at home.
With endorsements such as, “Craving Seafood? Check out Our Wide Seafood Selection and Eat to Your Heart’s Content!” Red’s Best exemplifies top-tier Boston seafood. Visit them online at redsbest.com for more information or call (857) 930-4831.
3. Ocean Prime
Ocean Prime, located at 140 Seaport Blvd, is a top-tier destination for blue crab enthusiasts. This upscale chain is renowned for its sophisticated decor, extensive wine list, and diverse menu featuring classic steak and seafood dishes.
Patrons can enjoy blue crab in a refined setting, perfect for a special occasion or a high-end dining experience.
With a strong rating of 4.6 stars from over 2,198 reviews, Ocean Prime excels in both food quality and service.
Its menu includes a variety of delicious seafood items, making it a standout choice for blue crab lovers in Boston.
Options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery add convenience, ensuring guests have a memorable culinary experience. For reservations or more details, visit ocean-prime.com or call (617) 670-1345.
4. Shaking Crab (Boston Common)
Shaking Crab, located at 140 Boylston St, serves some of Boston’s best blue crabs. This homey spot, nestled in Emerson College, specializes in seafood bags filled with crab, lobster, and other delights, all shaken with flavorful spices.
At $30–50 per person, the dining experience comes highly recommended, holding a 4.1-star rating from 684 reviews.
Guests can enjoy their blue crabs with Southern sweet tea, enhancing the homey, aromatic vibe of the restaurant. Offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery options ensures flexibility for all patrons.
The cozy atmosphere, combined with savory seafood options, makes Shaking Crab a must-visit for blue crab enthusiasts. For reservations, visit their website or call (617) 936-3162.
5. Atlantic Fish Company
Atlantic Fish Company, located at 761 Boylston St, offers an upscale dining experience perfect for seafood lovers.
With a robust wine list and a refined interior, it stands out for its blue crabs. The restaurant, boasting a rating of 4.6 stars from 3,688 reviews, features outdoor seating for those who enjoy dining alfresco.
One of the highlights is their fresh blue crabs, prepared with premium quality and flavorful seasonings. Priced between $50–100 per person, Atlantic Fish Company provides an option for dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery.
It’s LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring an inclusive environment for all patrons. For reservations, guests can visit atlanticfish.com or call (617) 267-4000.
6. Row 34
Row 34, located at 383 Congress St, is a top Boston seafood restaurant, celebrated for its excellent oyster menu and blue crabs.
With a rating of 4.6 stars from 3,372 reviews, customers praise both the food quality and the welcoming atmosphere. Its stylish brick-and-wood decor enhances the dining experience, making it a favorite among locals.
The menu offers a variety of seafood options, including delectable blue crabs. Patrons can enjoy their meal with craft beers, elevating the overall experience.
Priced between $50–100 per person, Row 34 provides dine-in, curbside pickup, and no-contact delivery options, ensuring convenience for all guests. For reservations, visit row34.com or call (617) 553-5900.
7. Holly Crab Mad For Chicken
Holly Crab Mad For Chicken is a must-visit for blue crab enthusiasts in Boston. Located at 1098 Commonwealth Ave, this Cajun restaurant combines Southern-inspired dishes with a Boston twist.
With a solid 4.4-star rating from 624 reviews, it’s well-loved for its spicy crab offerings and other seafood boils.
The menu features a variety of seafood options, such as blue crabs seasoned with bold Cajun spices. Patrons rave about the gumbo, which pairs perfectly with the crab dishes.
Holly Crab Mad For Chicken provides multiple dining options, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, ensuring convenience for every guest.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a visit to Holly Crab Mad For Chicken promises a memorable dining experience filled with flavor and spice.
8. James Hook & Co
James Hook & Co, nestled at 440 Atlantic Ave, is a waterfront gem famous for its delectable blue crab dishes. With a stellar rating of 4.5 stars from 3,705 reviews, this shanty-style restaurant offers a unique blend of dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
Patrons rave about the live lobsters and prepared shellfish fare, which includes their standout blue crab offerings.
The restaurant opens its doors at 10 AM, making it a popular spot for both early and late seafood enthusiasts. It’s particularly known for its authentic New England seafood experience, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Owned and operated by a family deeply rooted in Boston’s seafood industry, James Hook & Co ensures quality and freshness in every dish.
9. Saltie Girl
Saltie Girl, located at 279 Dartmouth St in Boston’s Back Bay, is a top destination for blue crab enthusiasts.
This charming raw bar serves a variety of seafood offerings, including dishes made with tinned fish, attracting 2,963 reviews and a solid 4.4-star rating.
Known for its fresh blue crab dishes, Saltie Girl offers a unique dining experience with both dine-in and takeout options.
The restaurant’s atmosphere combines casual elegance with a modern twist, making it a perfect spot for enjoying high-quality seafood.
Popular dishes include blue crab toast and the blue crab roll, each meticulously prepared to highlight the sweet, succulent meat of the blue crab.
With a price range of $50–100 per person, Saltie Girl ensures an upscale yet approachable dining adventure in the heart of Boston.
10. Legal Sea Foods – Harborside
Legal Sea Foods – Harborside, located at 270 Northern Ave, is a premier destination for blue crab lovers. This upmarket seafood restaurant boasts a stellar 4.4-star rating from over 5,500 reviews.
Known for its contemporary decor and stunning waterfront views, this venue serves not just seafood but also steaks and craft cocktails.
Its blue crab dishes, praised for their freshness and flavor, draw both locals and tourists. Legal Sea Foods offers multiple dining options, including dine-in, curbside pickup, and delivery.
Open daily from 11 AM, Legal Sea Foods ensures a memorable dining experience with their high-quality seafood offerings.
Reservation options are available via OpenTable or the restaurant’s website, making it convenient for patrons to plan their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Boston a great place to enjoy blue crabs?
Boston’s diverse culinary scene offers numerous top-rated restaurants and seafood markets specializing in blue crabs, catering to a wide range of dining preferences.
What is The Barking Crab known for?
The Barking Crab is known for its lively waterfront atmosphere, fresh seafood, and options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
What is the dining experience like at Ocean Prime?
Ocean Prime provides an upscale dining experience with sophisticated decor and a diverse menu featuring classic steak and seafood dishes.
What type of dining options does Shaking Crab offer?
Shaking Crab specializes in seafood bags filled with crab, offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery options in a cozy atmosphere.
What sets Atlantic Fish Company apart for blue crab lovers?
Atlantic Fish Company offers an upscale dining experience with a robust wine list and outdoor seating, known for its fresh, high-quality blue crabs.
What can guests expect at Row 34?
Row 34 features a stylish decor with a focus on fresh oysters and blue crabs, providing dine-in, curbside pickup, and no-contact delivery options.
What makes Holly Crab Mad For Chicken a must-visit?
Holly Crab Mad For Chicken combines Southern-inspired dishes with a Boston twist, offering spicy Cajun-seasoned blue crabs and multiple dining options.
What makes James Hook & Co special for blue crab dishes?
James Hook & Co offers a unique waterfront dining experience with a shanty-style atmosphere known for its fresh New England seafood, including blue crabs.
What type of dining experience does Legal Sea Foods – Harborside offer?
Legal Sea Foods – Harborside provides a premium dining experience with contemporary decor, stunning waterfront views, and both seafood and steak options.
Conclusion
Exploring Boston’s top destinations for blue crab provides a culinary adventure like no other. Whether enjoying the lively atmosphere at The Barking Crab or savoring upscale dishes at Ocean Prime, there’s something for every seafood enthusiast.
From markets like Red’s Best Fish Market to cozy spots like Shaking Crab, and elegant settings like Atlantic Fish Company, the variety ensures all preferences are catered to.
Row 34’s craft beer pairings, Holly Crab Mad For Chicken’s bold flavors, James Hook & Co’s authentic New England experience, Saltie Girl’s unique creations, and Legal Sea Foods’ premium offerings round out a list that promises unparalleled dining experiences throughout Boston.
Timothy Russell Dewart