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Salt Line’s popular Nashville-hot soft shell crab dish recently returned for the season at its Navy Yard and Ballston locations.

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

Find the Mid-Atlantic favorite fried, tucked into sandwiches, and stuffed inside sushi rolls

by Tierney Plumb Updated Jun 23, 2022, 2:02pm EDT

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Salt Line’s popular Nashville-hot soft shell crab dish recently returned for the season at its Navy Yard and Ballston locations.

| Salt Line/official photo

by Tierney Plumb Updated Jun 23, 2022, 2:02pm EDT

It’s almost last call for soft shell crabs, a Mid-Atlantic favorite that becomes available when Chesapeake Bay blue crabs molt from their hard shells each year. D.C. chefs are preparing the late spring-to-early summer specialty with seasonal ingredients like asparagus and tomatoes. Spot them in sandwiches, as part of weekly specials, or inside sushi rolls. Equinox chef Todd Gray, who got in on the season early this year, tells Eater many crabs are in between sheddings right now and more softies should return to menus in July.

Given their relative scarcity and popularity, it’s always best to confirm with restaurants if they have soft shells on hand.

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Esaan

This essential Thai eatery out in McLean, Va. has two summer specials starring 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.

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1307 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101

Visit Website

Primrose

Brookland’s neighborhood wine bar just dropped a tempura-fried soft shell crab sandwich with banh mi flavors. A veggie slaw (carrot, jalapeno, radish, cucumber) joins cilantro, mint, basil, and garlic aioli. Available starting Saturday, June 25, through the rest of the softie season.

Open in Google Maps

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017

Visit Website

Primrose’s new softie sandwich.

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Hot N Juicy Crawfish

A soft shell crab basket ($17) can be jazzed up with Cajun seasoning, served with regular or Cajun fries at this DMV-wide chain.

2651 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Nine Restaurants Dishing Out Fresh Seafood Boils in a Bag in Las Vegas and Henderson

Shibuya Eatery

Chef Darren Norris puts Japanese spins on the Chesapeake Bay delicacy at his Adams Morgan izakaya. Crispy soft shell crab joins sweet chili sesame mazemen (brothless ramen), scallion, beni shoga, and a heap of noodles for one filling entree ($25). On the sushi side, crispy soft crab stars in a Spider Roll ($18) with cucumber and avocado. A fried soft shell crab sandwich comes with house pickles, bang bang sauce, and wasabi fries. Order any from the basement Shibuya Eatery or up at its penthouse cocktail bar (Death Punch).

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2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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A soft shell crab entree at Shibuya Eatery.

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Grillfish

The West End raw bar sends out the seasonal delicacy several ways as a special (when they can get them in). There’s a soft shell crab app with lemon, clam juice, and saffron ($25) and a softy-and-crab cake tower ($40).

1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

Visit Website

A soft shell entree with mashed potatoes, asparagus and lemon-butter sauce at Grillfish ($40).

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PogiBoy

Tom Cunanan and Paolo Dungca’s fast-casual Filipino stall in the downtown outpost of the Block food hall tucks chicken-fried soft shell crab in a bright purple ube mantou (steamed bun), dressed with chili/crab-fat mayo, cilantro, hot honey, and cucumbers. Available Fridays through Sundays while they last. PogiBoy just got major props by Food & Wine, gracing the cover of their new “Innovators” issue.

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1100 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

You said keep it all summer so we are!! Chicken-fried soft shell crab in house made ube mantou bun Available...
Posted by Pogiboy DC on Sunday, May 16, 2021

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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. Neighboring waterfront sister spot Nick’s Riverside Grill serves a crispy fried soft shell crab sandwich with fries, slaw, and tartar sauce.

Open in Google Maps

3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

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

Brine

The essential seafood and raw bar on H Street NE started sending out seasonal softies this month. Cornmeal-crusted soft shell crabs are only served as a special when they get them in fresh, but they’ve typically been available on weekends (market price).

1359 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brine Oyster Bar (@brineoysterdc)

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Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

The glitzy surf-and-turf standby near the White House sends out a fried soft shell crab appetizer simply served alongside lemon garlic butter ($19.95).

Open in Google Maps

750 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

A soft shell crab app at Joe’s.

NewBigWong

The Chinese staple’s salt-and-pepper soft shell crab entree, located under the “chef’s suggestions” section, brings the heat ($21.95).

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610 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Clyde's of Gallery Place

The local chain of trusty bar and grills offers a soft shell crab entree dressed with savory watercress and cucumber salad, crispy potatoes, scallions, and avocado buttermilk aioli ($21.99). It’s only available at select Clyde’s locations, Gallery Place being one of them.

707 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Clyde's (@clydes_restaurant)

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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.

Open in Google Maps

1900 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Visit Website

The soft shell crab roll at Sushi Rock.

Also featured in:

Nam-Viet Restaurant

Arlington’s cult favorite for Vietnamese food is back with a hefty helping of two Saigon-style soft shell crabs that are 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.

Open in Google Maps

1127 N Hudson St, Arlington, VA 22201

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Also featured in:

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.

Open in Google Maps

2902 Minnesota Ave SE, Washington, DC 20019

Visit Website

The Salt Line

Chef Kyle Bailey brings back his popular Nashville-hot softshell crab dish at his Navy Yard and Ballston locations. The crabs are buttermilk-fried, topped with homemade hot sauce and served with pickled green tomatoes and a black garlic-infused honey with griddled white bread.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

Chef Kyle Bailey brings back his popular Nashville-hot softshell crab dish with black-garlic honey.

Also featured in:

The Point D.C.

The scenic seafood spot in Buzzard Point prepares tempura soft shell crab with charred scallion, cilantro, and a chili sauce kick. Meanwhile, its Northeast sibling Ivy City Smokehouse Tavern sends out fried soft shells with basmati rice, corn, red pepper, and zucchini.

Open in Google Maps

2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

7305 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306

Visit Website

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Esaan

1307 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101

This essential Thai eatery out in McLean, Va. has two summer specials starring 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.

Open in Google Maps

1307 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101

Visit Website

Primrose

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017

Brookland’s neighborhood wine bar just dropped a tempura-fried soft shell crab sandwich with banh mi flavors. A veggie slaw (carrot, jalapeno, radish, cucumber) joins cilantro, mint, basil, and garlic aioli. Available starting Saturday, June 25, through the rest of the softie season.

Open in Google Maps

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017

Visit Website

Primrose’s new softie sandwich.

Hot N Juicy Crawfish

2651 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

A soft shell crab basket ($17) can be jazzed up with Cajun seasoning, served with regular or Cajun fries at this DMV-wide chain.

2651 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Visit Website

Shibuya Eatery

2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Chef Darren Norris puts Japanese spins on the Chesapeake Bay delicacy at his Adams Morgan izakaya. Crispy soft shell crab joins sweet chili sesame mazemen (brothless ramen), scallion, beni shoga, and a heap of noodles for one filling entree ($25). On the sushi side, crispy soft crab stars in a Spider Roll ($18) with cucumber and avocado. A fried soft shell crab sandwich comes with house pickles, bang bang sauce, and wasabi fries. Order any from the basement Shibuya Eatery or up at its penthouse cocktail bar (Death Punch).

Open in Google Maps

2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

A soft shell crab entree at Shibuya Eatery.

Grillfish

1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

The West End raw bar sends out the seasonal delicacy several ways as a special (when they can get them in). There’s a soft shell crab app with lemon, clam juice, and saffron ($25) and a softy-and-crab cake tower ($40).

1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

Visit Website

A soft shell entree with mashed potatoes, asparagus and lemon-butter sauce at Grillfish ($40).

PogiBoy

1100 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

Tom Cunanan and Paolo Dungca’s fast-casual Filipino stall in the downtown outpost of the Block food hall tucks chicken-fried soft shell crab in a bright purple ube mantou (steamed bun), dressed with chili/crab-fat mayo, cilantro, hot honey, and cucumbers. Available Fridays through Sundays while they last. PogiBoy just got major props by Food & Wine, gracing the cover of their new “Innovators” issue.

Open in Google Maps

1100 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

You said keep it all summer so we are!! Chicken-fried soft shell crab in house made ube mantou bun Available...
Posted by Pogiboy DC on Sunday, May 16, 2021

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. Neighboring waterfront sister spot Nick’s Riverside Grill serves a crispy fried soft shell crab sandwich with fries, slaw, and tartar sauce.

Open in Google Maps

3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

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

Brine

1359 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

The essential seafood and raw bar on H Street NE started sending out seasonal softies this month. Cornmeal-crusted soft shell crabs are only served as a special when they get them in fresh, but they’ve typically been available on weekends (market price).

1359 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brine Oyster Bar (@brineoysterdc)

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

750 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

The glitzy surf-and-turf standby near the White House sends out a fried soft shell crab appetizer simply served alongside lemon garlic butter ($19.95).

Open in Google Maps

750 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

A soft shell crab app at Joe’s.

NewBigWong

610 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The Chinese staple’s salt-and-pepper soft shell crab entree, located under the “chef’s suggestions” section, brings the heat ($21.95).

Open in Google Maps

610 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Clyde's of Gallery Place

707 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The local chain of trusty bar and grills offers a soft shell crab entree dressed with savory watercress and cucumber salad, crispy potatoes, scallions, and avocado buttermilk aioli ($21.99). It’s only available at select Clyde’s locations, Gallery Place being one of them.

707 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Clyde's (@clydes_restaurant)

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.

Open in Google Maps

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 cult favorite for Vietnamese food is back with a hefty helping of two Saigon-style soft shell crabs that are 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.

Open in Google Maps

1127 N Hudson St, Arlington, VA 22201

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.

Open in Google Maps

2902 Minnesota Ave SE, Washington, DC 20019

Visit Website

The Salt Line

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Chef Kyle Bailey brings back his popular Nashville-hot softshell crab dish at his Navy Yard and Ballston locations. The crabs are buttermilk-fried, topped with homemade hot sauce and served with pickled green tomatoes and a black garlic-infused honey with griddled white bread.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

Chef Kyle Bailey brings back his popular Nashville-hot softshell crab dish with black-garlic honey.

Related Maps

The Point D.C.

2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20024

The scenic seafood spot in Buzzard Point prepares tempura soft shell crab with charred scallion, cilantro, and a chili sauce kick. Meanwhile, its Northeast sibling Ivy City Smokehouse Tavern sends out fried soft shells with basmati rice, corn, red pepper, and zucchini.

Open in Google Maps

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