Move over, Maryland. Delaware’s Culinary Coast is packed with crab houses – and there’s always room for another. The latest: Hocker’s Family Restaurant & Crab House in Ocean View, where steamed crabs share the menu with burgers, meatloaf, and fried chicken.
With Chesapeake and Delaware crabs in season – and at their heaviest in fall – here’s where to grab a mallet. Start in Lewes and follow Route 1 south to Fenwick Island, stopping at crab houses along the way:
THE SURFING CRAB RESTAURANT & BAR
Call ahead if you want a specific size, but don’t expect a table reservation. The restaurant doesn’t take them. Seating sprawls across three porch-style spaces, and the menu covers plenty of non-crab choices. Open seasonally.
16723 Coastal Hwy., Lewes
302-644-4448
BUSHELS CRAB HOUSE & SEAFOOD
Anthony and Chris Jacona (Zogg’s, The Wheelhouse) took over Lazy Susan’s old Route 1 spot and turned it into Bushels. Like Surfing Crab, there’s no shortage of parking – a plus along the coast.
18289 Coastal Hwy., Lewes
302-645-5115
THE CRAB HOUSE
The signature white restaurant was part of Big Fish Restaurant Group before its merger with Baltimore’s Atlas Restaurant Group. This Route 1 staple reels in crab lovers with all-you-can-eat deals Monday to Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.
19598 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach
302-227-2019
CLAWS SEAFOOD HOUSE
Downtown Rehoboth’s crab hub steams crabs to order. The restaurant is part of Fins Hospitality Group, which also owns Big Oyster Brewery.
167 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach
302-227-2529
STARBOARD CLAW
Dewey Beach’s crab-and-crush headquarters boasts a “claw bar” with shrimp, clams, and crab legs.
1818 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach
302-560-CLAW
THE BLUE CRAB
This Bethany Beach staple dishes up blue crabs and snow crab legs in a laid-back, family-friendly setting.
210 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach
302-537-4700
MICKEY’S FAMILY CRAB HOUSE
Opened in 1990 by Michael “Mickey” Walker, this spot serves all-you-can-eat blue and snow crabs. Fried chicken and hush puppies are also big sellers.
39610 Jefferson Bridge Rd., Bethany Beach
302-539-5384
HOCKER’S FAMILY RESTAURANT & CRAB HOUSE
The menu goes well beyond seafood – think filet mignon, fried chicken, and seven burgers – but steamed crabs still get their share of the spotlight.
30244 Cedar Neck Rd., Ocean View
302-537-8900
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FENWICK CRAB HOUSE
For more than 50 years, this Fenwick Island icon has served hot steamed crabs, crab cakes (also available for shipping), and more.
100 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island
302-539-2500
No matter the town, nothing brings people together faster than a table covered in crabs and a cold pitcher of beer. So get cracking.
