Philadelphia, PA—Crab Soup is a rich soup similar to bisque. It is made of milk or heavy cream, crab or fish stock, and Atlantic blue crab meat. The Chef may add a small amount of dry sherry.
Best Crab Soup in Philadelphia: Bisques, Chowders, and Where to Find Them
With its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, Philadelphia is a prime destination for fresh seafood, and crab soup is a local favorite. Whether you're craving a rich, creamy crab bisque, a hearty Maryland crab soup, or even a taste of Southern-style she-crab soup, have you covered Philly's restaurants and seafood markets? This article guides you to some of the best spots in Philadelphia to indulge in this comforting and flavorful dish.
Understanding Crab Soup Varieties:
Before we begin our soup journey, let's clarify the common types of crab soup:
- Creamy Crab Bisque/Soup: A smooth, rich soup typically made with cream, butter, and crab meat. It is often seasoned with sherry or other flavorings and is often called "cream of crab soup."
- Maryland Crab Soup: A tomato-based soup with vegetables (often including corn, lima beans, and potatoes) and a generous helping of crab meat. It usually has a spicy kick from Old Bay seasoning.
- She-Crab Soup: A Southern specialty (more common in the Carolinas), but sometimes found in Mid-Atlantic areas. It's a rich, creamy soup made with crab meat, crab roe (for a distinctive flavor), sherry, and heavy cream or stock.
Philadelphia's Crab Soup Hotspots:
1. Benny The Bum's (Northeast Philadelphia)
Benny The Bum's, located in The Shops At Red Lion, is renowned for having the best cream of crab soup in Philly. This seafood-focused tavern offers a thick, crabmeat-filled soup that's made fresh daily. While a bit pricier, reviewers consistently say it's worth every spoonful. This is a must-try for creamy crab soup enthusiasts.
- Location: 9991 Bustleton Ave #3, Philadelphia, PA 19115 (The Shops At Red Lion)
- Highlights: Best cream of crab soup, thick and creamy, full of crabmeat, made fresh daily, seafood restaurant, tavern
2. Crab Du Jour Philly (Center City)
Crab Du Jour Philly, conveniently located in Center City, is another excellent spot for crab bisque. Their bisque is made fresh daily, highlighting the sweet flavor of crab in a creamy, satisfying base. This is an excellent option for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.
- Location: 822 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Highlights: Crab bisque, made fresh daily, convenient location, Center City, seafood restaurant, eat-in or takeout
3. Bob's Crab House (Northeast Philadelphia)
Bob's Crab House, a laid-back venue specializing in crab and other seafood, offers a noteworthy Shrimp and Crab Bisque. This is an excellent option for those who want more seafood variety in their bisque.
- Location: 301 W Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19133
- Highlights: Shrimp and Crab Bisque, laid-back venue, seafood dishes, counter-serve
4. Anastasi Seafood (Italian Market)
Anastasi Seafood, located in the historic Italian Market, is primarily a seafood market. Reviewers mention their white chowder soup with crab as a delicious option. This is a great place to find fresh seafood and potentially a unique take on crab soup.
- Location: 1039 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA (Italian Market)
- Highlights: Seafood market, white chowder with crab, fresh seafood, Italian Market location
5. Loch Bar (Center City)
Delicious Crab Soup and a Warm Atmosphere Loch Bar is a great seafood restaurant in the center of the city. It is known for its delicious crab soup and warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Location: 301 S Broad St Highlights: Seafood, Crab Soup
Tips for Enjoying Crab Soup:
- Pairings: Crab soup is often enjoyed with crusty bread, oyster crackers, or a side salad.
- Seasonality: While crab soup is available year-round, fresh, local crab may influence the soup's quality. Crab season typically runs from April to November.
Philadelphia's crab soup scene offers a delicious range of options, from classic creamy bisques to unique variations. Whether you're seeking a luxurious bowl at a fine-dining restaurant or a comforting cup from a neighborhood seafood market, Philadelphia has the perfect crab soup to warm you up and satisfy your seafood cravings.
