5 Top Crab Shacks in The State of New York

A Taste of the Coast: A Guide to New York's Best Crab Shacks

Here is a guide to some of the best and most beloved crab shacks and seafood spots in the state.

What to Expect from a New York Crab Experience:

• Blue Crabs: Especially on Long Island and near New York City, you'll find locally caught blue crabs served up steaming hot, typically during the summer and early fall months.
• Other Varieties: Many establishments also specialize in other popular crab varieties, such as Snow Crab and Dungeness Crab legs, often served by the pound.
• The Vibe: The best crab experiences range from casual, paper-on-the-table crab houses to lively, modern restaurants with a fun, communal atmosphere.

Top Crab Destinations in New York:

1. The Boil (New York, NY):
   • The Experience: A hugely popular spot in Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side, The Boil specializes in Louisiana-Cajun style seafood boils. It's a fun, messy, hands-on dining experience.
   • The Crabs: Choose your catch, including Dungeness or Snow Crab legs, pick your sauce (like the signature "The Boil Special" - a blend of garlic butter, Old Bay, and lemon pepper), and select your spice level. The seafood is served in a bag, ready for you to dump on the table and dig in.
   • Vibe: Loud, energetic, and always crowded. It's a party atmosphere perfect for groups.
2. Red Hook Lobster Pound (Brooklyn, NY):
   • The Experience: While famous for its Maine-style lobster rolls, Red Hook Lobster Pound is a top-tier seafood destination that also offers fantastic crab dishes. They are known for their commitment to fresh, high-quality seafood.
   • The Crabs: Look for seasonal crab offerings, from crab cakes to steamed crab legs, all served with the same quality as their renowned lobster.
   • Vibe: A casual, New England-style seafood shack atmosphere in the heart of Brooklyn.
3. Clemente's Maryland Crab House (Brooklyn, NY):
   • The Experience: For an authentic, Maryland-style steamed blue crab feast without leaving New York, Clemente's in Sheepshead Bay is a legendary destination.
   • The Crabs: They are famous for their all-you-can-eat blue crab specials during the season. Crabs are steamed and seasoned perfectly, served on paper-covered tables with mallets and pitchers of beer.
   • Vibe: A classic, no-frills, waterfront crab house with a massive outdoor deck. It's all about the crabs here.
4. Claw Daddy's (New York, NY):
   • The Experience: Similar to The Boil, Claw Daddy's on the Lower East Side offers a Cajun-style seafood boil experience with a variety of seafood and sauce options.
   • The Crabs: They offer a range of crab options, including Dungeness, King, and Snow Crab legs, which can be mixed and matched with shrimp, crawfish, and clams in a flavorful boil.
   • Vibe: A fun, casual spot perfect for a hands-on, interactive seafood meal.
5. Jordan's Lobster Farms (Long Island, NY):
   • The Experience: A Long Island institution located right on the water in Island Park, Jordan's is both a fresh seafood market and a sprawling indoor/outdoor restaurant.
   • The Crabs: They serve a wide variety of fresh seafood, including seasonal blue crabs and snow crab legs, prepared to let the fresh flavor shine.
   • Vibe: A bustling, family-friendly seafood spot with beautiful waterfront views from its large deck.

New York State offers a fantastic and diverse crab scene for seafood lovers. From the authentic Maryland-style steamed blue crabs at Clemente's and the lively Cajun boils at The Boil and Claw Daddy's to the classic waterfront experience at Jordan's Lobster Farms, there are incredible options to explore. Whether you're in the city or out on Long Island, a delicious and messy crab feast is a perfect way to celebrate summer.