NEW JERSEY - Summer at the Jersey Shore is a sensory experience filled with sun, salt air, and the unmistakable aroma of steamed seafood. A cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike is gathering around a paper-covered table with a mallet in hand for an authentic crab feast. New Jersey is home to numerous crab shacks and seafood houses, from rustic dockside spots to lively family restaurants, all dedicated to serving up delicious blue crabs and other coastal bounty. This guide will take you on a tour of eight of the best and most beloved crab shacks in the state.
What Makes a Great Jersey Crab Shack?
- Freshness is Key: The best spots source their blue crabs locally when in season and serve a variety of other fresh seafood.
- The Preparation: Whether it's classic steaming with seafood seasoning, sautéing in garlic and oil, or serving them chilled, the preparation should allow the sweet flavor of the crab to shine through.
- The Atmosphere: An authentic crab shack is casual, lively, and unapologetically hands-on. Expect rolls of paper towels, bowls for shells, and a fun, communal vibe.
8 Must-Visit Crab Shacks in New Jersey
- The Crab Trap (Somers Point, NJ)
- The Vibe: A legendary, family-owned institution for over 50 years, The Crab Trap is a massive, bustling seafood restaurant with a classic nautical theme. It's a go-to destination for a traditional Jersey Shore seafood dinner.
- The Crabs: They are renowned for their consistently high quality and generous portions of steamed blue crabs (in season), snow crab legs, and King crab legs, served with drawn butter. Their menu is extensive, featuring every seafood classic imaginable.
- Keywords: Somers Point seafood, classic crab house, snow crab legs
- Mike's Seafood & Dock Restaurant (Sea Isle City, NJ)
- The Vibe: Located in the historic Fish Alley of Sea Isle City, Mike's offers a quintessential dockside dining experience. You order at the counter from a vast menu board and grab a spot at a picnic table right on the water.
- The Crabs: Known for incredibly fresh seafood, Mike's serves up delicious steamed blue crabs, snow crabs, and Dungeness crabs. It's the perfect casual spot to enjoy a feast with a view of the fishing boats.
- Keywords: Sea Isle City seafood, dockside dining, fresh blue crabs
- Two Mile Landing Restaurant & Crab House (Wildwood Crest, NJ)
- The Vibe: This expansive restaurant offers stunning waterfront views of the Intracoastal Waterway and spectacular sunsets. With multiple bars and dining areas, it's a lively spot perfect for groups.
- The Crabs: A full-service crab house, Two Mile Landing features steamed blue crabs, snow crab legs, and Dungeness crab on its extensive menu, making it a reliable choice for a crab dinner with fantastic ambiance.
- Keywords: Wildwood crab house, waterfront dining, sunset views
- H&H Seafood Market (Cape May, NJ)
- The Vibe: While primarily a fresh seafood market, H&H is a local secret for obtaining high-quality, perfectly cooked crabs to go.
- The Crabs: You can buy live or steamed blue crabs, as well as snow crab legs, to take back to your beach rental. They are known for their freshness and the quality of their seafood.
- Keywords: Cape May seafood market, steamed crabs to-go, fresh blue crabs
- Keyport Fishery (Keyport, NJ)
- The Vibe: A historic, no-frills, takeout-only fish market that has been serving the Bayshore area for decades. It's a legendary spot with a fiercely loyal following.
- The Crabs: While famous for their fried fish platters, they also offer excellent steamed and cleaned blue crabs (when in season) that are perfectly seasoned and ready to eat.
- Keywords: Keyport Fishery, Bayshore Seafood, takeout crabs
- Spike's Fish Market & Restaurant (Point Pleasant Beach, NJ)
- The Vibe: A casual seafood market and restaurant with a classic Jersey Shore feel. Spike's offers both fresh seafood to take home and a menu of cooked dishes.
- The Crabs: A great spot to find fresh blue crabs, steamed to order. Their menu also features other seafood staples, such as fried shrimp and clam strips.
- Keywords: Point Pleasant seafood, fish market, steamed blue crabs
- The Clam Bar (Somers Point, NJ)
- The Vibe: Another Somers Point institution, The Clam Bar is a casual, roadside seafood shack known for its fresh, simple, and delicious offerings.
- The Crabs: While famous for clams, they also serve excellent steamed crabs and other seafood in a laid-back, unpretentious setting.
- Keywords: Somers Point seafood shack, clams, crabs
- Crab's Claw Inn (Lavallette, NJ)
- The Vibe: A cozy, welcoming inn and restaurant that has been a staple in the Lavallette community for years. It offers a comfortable, family-friendly pub atmosphere.
- The Crabs: The Crab's Claw is renowned for its delectable crab dishes, including steamed crabs, crab cakes, and its popular garlic crabs.
- Keywords: Lavallette restaurant, garlic crabs, Jersey Shore dining
The Jersey Shore is a paradise for crab lovers, offering a diverse range of experiences from bustling waterfront restaurants and historic markets to casual dockside shacks. These eight destinations represent some of the best places to crack into a delicious, authentic crab feast. So grab your mallet, a roll of paper towels, and your appetite, and get ready to enjoy one of New Jersey's most cherished culinary traditions.
