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A sizable soft shell crab entree at Tony & Joe’s.

Where to Spot Soft Shell Crabs Around D.C.

The crispy crustacean starts making appearances on menus this May

by Tierney Plumb May 2, 2023, 12:25pm EDT

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A sizable soft shell crab entree at Tony & Joe’s.

| Tony & Joe’s/Leading DC

by Tierney Plumb May 2, 2023, 12:25pm EDT

It’s time to roll out the red carpet for soft shell crabs, a mid-Atlantic delicacy that becomes available when Chesapeake Bay blue crabs molt from their hard shells each year. D.C. chefs are preparing the spring-to-early summer specialty with pickled ramps and other seasonal ingredients. Spot them atop salads, as part of weekly specials, or inside sushi rolls. Sadly, D.C. lost a few reliable spots for the annual favorite with the closures of Grillfish and Pogiboy.

Given their relative scarcity and popularity, it’s always best to confirm with restaurants if they have soft shells on hand. This map will be updated accordingly as more softies land on menus in the coming weeks.

For Maryland crab-picking fans, consider these must-try destinations both near and far this spring.

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Esaan

This essential Thai eatery out in McLean, Va. has two spring specials starring fresh (never frozen) shipments of soft shell crab. A fried main comes with chili and basil sauce ($21) or opt for a pair of fried or grilled softies with Esaan’s special sauce ($42). Dine-in or order online.

1307 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101

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Also featured in:

Where to Still Spot Soft Shell Crabs Around D.C.

Shibuya Eatery

Chef Darren Norris’ Japanese restaurant in Adams Morgan puts a karaage-style spin on soft shell crabs with citrus crust and lemon verbena.

2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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Señor Fukushima Pop-Up at Haikan

Daikaya Group chef/owner Katusya Fukushima’s Shaw ramen bar Haikan, now named Señor Fukushima through the summer, specializes in wafu (Japanese-style) Mexican dishes. The pop-up features soft shell crab with Veracruz sauce, stewed tomatoes, olives, capers, peal onions, garlic, and micro cilantro ($16).

805 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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A soft shell crab starter at Señor Fukushima.

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Ivy City Smokehouse

Ivy City’s main sit-down seafood attraction sends out fried soft shells with basmati rice, corn, red pepper, and zucchini.

1356 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

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A post shared by Ivy City Smokehouse (@ivycitysmokehouse)

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Zeppelin

Shaw’s Japanese standby sends out sushi stuffed with tempura soft shell crab. Choose from a five-piece Spider Roll with avocado, masago, and cucumber or eight-piece Spiderman Roll with avocado, yuzu tobiko, spicy tuna, spicy mayo, and eel sauce.

1544 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Zeppelin offers a pair of soft shell crab-stuffed rolls.

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Sushi Taro

Dupont’s beloved sushi bar lets tempura softies shine in a roll alongside spicy mayo ($18). Available for dine-in or pickup.

1503 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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The tempura soft shell crab roll at Sushi Taro.

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Birch & Barley

Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s longtime Logan Circle tavern serves a plate of pan-fried soft shell crabs with braised collards, pickled ramps, and sauce gribiche ($29).

1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

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Nina May

The hyperlocal eatery in Logan Circe serves crispy soft shell crab with caper remoulade, celeriac slaw, and chili oil. The seasonal dish is also available during its new lunchtime pop-up on Fridays previewing its forthcoming Chevy Chase restaurant Elena James.

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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King Street Oyster Bar

The DMV-wide raw bar, with locations in Leesburg, Middleburg, NoMa, and Potomac, offers a French-styled preparation. The soft shell crab entree is sauteed with toasted almonds and brown butter.

22 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002

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Tony and Joe's Seafood Place

The Georgetown Harbor mainstay currently offers crispy buttermilk-battered soft shells with red bliss potato salad, green beans, and spicy remoulade.

3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007

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A sizable soft shell crab entree at Tony & Joe’s.

Also featured in:

Equinox Restaurant

Chef Todd Gray’s White House-adjacent American eatery serves softies on a salad comprised of grilled avocado, pickled fennel, watermelon radish, and green goddess vinaigrette.

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818 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

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Brine H Street

The essential seafood and raw bar on H Street NE just received its first shipments of seasonal softies. Cornmeal-crusted soft shell crabs are only served as a special when they get them in fresh, but they’re typically available on weekends only (market price). A newer location sits at the top of Dupont Circle.

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1359 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

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A post shared by Brine Oyster & Seafood House - H Street (@brineoysterdc)

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L'Ardente

Downtown’s flashy Italian restaurant offers a soft-shell crab entree flanked with charred scallion. Pan-seared in butter and served with saffron aioli, the crustacean sits atop a bed of farro risotto dotted with spring peas. Available during dinner service while supplies last.

200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

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A post shared by L’Ardente (@lardentedc)

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Sushi Rock

The soft shell crab roll at Arlington’s hip sushi hangout features nori, okonomiyaki sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, and creamy avocado.

1900 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

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The soft shell crab roll at Sushi Rock.

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Nam-Viet Restaurant

Arlington’s Vietnamese stalwart just brought back its annual crowd-pleasing order of two Saigon-style soft shell crabs. They’re deep fried and sauteed with garlic, ginger, jalapenos, and house seasonings, all served atop a bed of fresh salad. The gluten-free entree (market price) comes with a hit lemon pepper dipping sauce made on-site.

1127 N Hudson St, Arlington, VA 22201

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nam-Viet Restaurant (@namvietrestaurant)

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Hill East Burger

It’s softies o’clock at this meaty Hill East newcomer, with a brand-new fried soft shell sandwich.

1432 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

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Moruss Seafood & Crab House

This casual crab house in Southeast sends out Maryland softies in sandwich form. Battered in its house breading and fried, softies come on a bun with toppings of choice. The “works” includes lettuce, tomato, fried onions, mayo, pickles, and hot peppers ($11.99). Order online.

2902 Minnesota Ave SE, Washington, DC 20019

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Still Spot Soft Shell Crabs Around D.C.

The Salt Line

Chef Kyle Bailey’s annual entree — the Nashville hot soft shell crab — comes with grilled white bread, pickled Earth N Eats green tomatoes, and black garlic honey.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

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Also featured in:

The Point D.C.

The scenic seafood staple in Buzzard Point prepares tempura soft shell crab with charred scallion, cilantro, and a chili sauce kick.

2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20024

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Tempura soft shell crab at The Point.

Also featured in:

Sea Boil Crab House

For just $14, try a fried basket of softies and fries at this all-seafood stalwart in Alexandria. Carryout and delivery are available.

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7305 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306

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Also featured in:

Where to Still Spot Soft Shell Crabs Around D.C.

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Esaan

1307 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101

This essential Thai eatery out in McLean, Va. has two spring specials starring fresh (never frozen) shipments of soft shell crab. A fried main comes with chili and basil sauce ($21) or opt for a pair of fried or grilled softies with Esaan’s special sauce ($42). Dine-in or order online.

1307 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101

Visit Website

Shibuya Eatery

2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Chef Darren Norris’ Japanese restaurant in Adams Morgan puts a karaage-style spin on soft shell crabs with citrus crust and lemon verbena.

2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Señor Fukushima Pop-Up at Haikan

805 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Daikaya Group chef/owner Katusya Fukushima’s Shaw ramen bar Haikan, now named Señor Fukushima through the summer, specializes in wafu (Japanese-style) Mexican dishes. The pop-up features soft shell crab with Veracruz sauce, stewed tomatoes, olives, capers, peal onions, garlic, and micro cilantro ($16).

805 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A soft shell crab starter at Señor Fukushima.

Ivy City Smokehouse

1356 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Ivy City’s main sit-down seafood attraction sends out fried soft shells with basmati rice, corn, red pepper, and zucchini.

1356 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ivy City Smokehouse (@ivycitysmokehouse)

Zeppelin

1544 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Shaw’s Japanese standby sends out sushi stuffed with tempura soft shell crab. Choose from a five-piece Spider Roll with avocado, masago, and cucumber or eight-piece Spiderman Roll with avocado, yuzu tobiko, spicy tuna, spicy mayo, and eel sauce.

1544 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Zeppelin offers a pair of soft shell crab-stuffed rolls.

Sushi Taro

1503 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Dupont’s beloved sushi bar lets tempura softies shine in a roll alongside spicy mayo ($18). Available for dine-in or pickup.

1503 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Visit Website

The tempura soft shell crab roll at Sushi Taro.

Birch & Barley

1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s longtime Logan Circle tavern serves a plate of pan-fried soft shell crabs with braised collards, pickled ramps, and sauce gribiche ($29).

1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Nina May

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The hyperlocal eatery in Logan Circe serves crispy soft shell crab with caper remoulade, celeriac slaw, and chili oil. The seasonal dish is also available during its new lunchtime pop-up on Fridays previewing its forthcoming Chevy Chase restaurant Elena James.

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

King Street Oyster Bar

22 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002

The DMV-wide raw bar, with locations in Leesburg, Middleburg, NoMa, and Potomac, offers a French-styled preparation. The soft shell crab entree is sauteed with toasted almonds and brown butter.

22 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

Tony and Joe's Seafood Place

3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007

The Georgetown Harbor mainstay currently offers crispy buttermilk-battered soft shells with red bliss potato salad, green beans, and spicy remoulade.

3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

A sizable soft shell crab entree at Tony & Joe’s.

Equinox Restaurant

818 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Chef Todd Gray’s White House-adjacent American eatery serves softies on a salad comprised of grilled avocado, pickled fennel, watermelon radish, and green goddess vinaigrette.

Open in Google Maps

818 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Visit Website

Brine H Street

1359 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

The essential seafood and raw bar on H Street NE just received its first shipments of seasonal softies. Cornmeal-crusted soft shell crabs are only served as a special when they get them in fresh, but they’re typically available on weekends only (market price). A newer location sits at the top of Dupont Circle.

Open in Google Maps

1359 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brine Oyster & Seafood House - H Street (@brineoysterdc)

L'Ardente

200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Downtown’s flashy Italian restaurant offers a soft-shell crab entree flanked with charred scallion. Pan-seared in butter and served with saffron aioli, the crustacean sits atop a bed of farro risotto dotted with spring peas. Available during dinner service while supplies last.

200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by L’Ardente (@lardentedc)

Sushi Rock

1900 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

The soft shell crab roll at Arlington’s hip sushi hangout features nori, okonomiyaki sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, and creamy avocado.

1900 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Visit Website

The soft shell crab roll at Sushi Rock.

Nam-Viet Restaurant

1127 N Hudson St, Arlington, VA 22201

Arlington’s Vietnamese stalwart just brought back its annual crowd-pleasing order of two Saigon-style soft shell crabs. They’re deep fried and sauteed with garlic, ginger, jalapenos, and house seasonings, all served atop a bed of fresh salad. The gluten-free entree (market price) comes with a hit lemon pepper dipping sauce made on-site.

1127 N Hudson St, Arlington, VA 22201

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nam-Viet Restaurant (@namvietrestaurant)

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Hill East Burger

1432 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

It’s softies o’clock at this meaty Hill East newcomer, with a brand-new fried soft shell sandwich.

1432 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

Moruss Seafood & Crab House

2902 Minnesota Ave SE, Washington, DC 20019

This casual crab house in Southeast sends out Maryland softies in sandwich form. Battered in its house breading and fried, softies come on a bun with toppings of choice. The “works” includes lettuce, tomato, fried onions, mayo, pickles, and hot peppers ($11.99). Order online.

2902 Minnesota Ave SE, Washington, DC 20019

Visit Website

The Salt Line

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Chef Kyle Bailey’s annual entree — the Nashville hot soft shell crab — comes with grilled white bread, pickled Earth N Eats green tomatoes, and black garlic honey.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

The Point D.C.

2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20024

The scenic seafood staple in Buzzard Point prepares tempura soft shell crab with charred scallion, cilantro, and a chili sauce kick.

2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Visit Website

Tempura soft shell crab at The Point.

Sea Boil Crab House

7305 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306

For just $14, try a fried basket of softies and fries at this all-seafood stalwart in Alexandria. Carryout and delivery are available.

Open in Google Maps

7305 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306

Visit Website

Related Maps