NEW JERSEY - A trip to the Jersey Shore is synonymous with fresh, delicious seafood, and for many, the ultimate indulgence is a steaming platter of sweet, succulent snow crab legs. This beloved crustacean, known for its long legs packed with tender meat, is a staple at the region's best seafood houses, dockside restaurants, and classic crab shacks. Whether you like them steamed with drawn butter or as part of a massive all-you-can-eat feast, South Jersey has a perfect spot to get your crab leg fix. Here is a guide to some of the best places to find them.
What Makes Snow Crab Legs So Popular?
Unlike the local blue crab, which requires a bit more work, snow crab legs offer an easy and rewarding dining experience. Their long, easy-to-crack shells yield large, sweet pieces of meat that are perfect for dipping in melted butter. They are typically flash-cooked and frozen at sea, ensuring a fresh taste year-round.
Top Spots for Snow Crab Legs in South Jersey:
- The Crab Trap (Somers Point, NJ)
- The Experience: A true Jersey Shore institution for over 50 years, The Crab Trap is a legendary, family-owned seafood restaurant with a massive menu and a classic, nautical atmosphere.
- The Crab Legs: They are famous for their generous portions of steamed snow crab legs, served piping hot with drawn butter. It's a classic, no-frills preparation that lets the sweet flavor of the crab shine. They also feature King Crab and Dungeness Crab when available.
- Vibe: Old-school, bustling, and always popular. Expect a wait during peak season, but it's well worth it.
- Mike's Seafood & Dock Restaurant (Sea Isle City, NJ)
- The Experience: Located right on the water in historic Fish Alley, Mike's Seafood offers a quintessential dockside dining experience. It's both a fresh seafood market and a casual restaurant where you order at the counter and grab a seat at one of the picnic tables.
- The Crab Legs: Their snow crab legs are a top seller, known for being incredibly fresh and perfectly steamed. It's the perfect casual spot to enjoy a pound (or more) with a view of the fishing boats.
- Casino Buffets (Atlantic City, NJ)
- The Experience: For those who believe more is more, the all-you-can-eat buffets at Atlantic City's premier casinos are a go-to destination for endless snow crab legs.
- What to Expect: Major casino buffets, such as the one at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, often feature a massive seafood section where piles of steamed snow crab legs are a main attraction, served alongside shrimp, clams, oysters, and prime rib. It's a true feast.
- H&H Seafood Market (Cape May, NJ)
- The Experience: While primarily a fresh seafood market, H&H Seafood in Cape May is a local secret for getting high-quality seafood cooked to order.
- The Crab Legs: You can buy fresh snow crab legs to cook at home, or you can have them steamed on-site for a perfect takeout meal to enjoy at your rental or on the beach. They are known for their freshness and quality.
- Two Mile Landing Restaurant & Crab House (Wildwood Crest, NJ)
- The Experience: This expansive restaurant and crab house offers stunning waterfront views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the sunset. It features multiple bars and dining areas with a casual, lively atmosphere.
- The Crab Legs: Snow crab legs are a staple on their extensive seafood menu, served steamed and ready to crack. It's a great spot to combine a delicious seafood dinner with fantastic waterfront ambiance.
South Jersey offers a fantastic array of options for satisfying your snow crab leg cravings. Whether you're enjoying an all-you-can-eat feast at an Atlantic City casino, cracking into a fresh platter at a legendary spot like The Crab Trap, or grabbing a casual takeout order from Mike's Seafood, the Jersey Shore delivers. There's no better way to cap off a day of sun and sand than with a delicious, buttery platter of perfectly steamed snow crab legs.
