Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Boiling Crab

    3.8 (163 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Waitlist - The Boiling Crab

    Waitlist closed

    The restaurant is not taking waitlist parties right now

    The Boiling Crab Photos

    Business Info

    THE BOILING CRAB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Dogs allowed

    More like The Boiling Crab

    Recommended Reviews - The Boiling Crab

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Get dirty combo
    Mariam K.

    The seafood boil was sooooooo good! The flavor of the sauce was not too salty and just right.

    Menu
    Jimmy A.

    What makes this place special isn't just the food. it's the experience. You ditch the silverware, roll up your sleeves, and dive in. It's communal, a little chaotic, and totally fun. Perfect for catching up with friends, cracking jokes between bites, and bonding over buttery garlic goodness. If you're looking for a laid-back spot that delivers flavor and fun in equal measure, Boiling Crab hits the mark.

    Leroy R.

    No pictures of the food but trust it was good! Came here for my little sisters birthday (turning 10). I called ahead just to be sure they could accommodate large groups because they don't do reservations, and they stated they could seat large groups. There were about 10 of us including children and a crying baby. We were seated upstairs, which was just us, which was great. It wasn't very busy there - thankfully for us. Our server was amazing. She was very patient and attentive! The space was large with lots of seating. Everyone enjoyed their boils and food. Will definitely go back at some point.

    Snow crab
    Bobbi D.

    Upstairs was closed and they were out of lemons, but still tasty. Service was good. Crab is delicious. Those fries are my fav.

    Snow Crab cluster boil
    NeShawn L.

    Came here yesterday right around 5pm when they opened. Very cute place, spacious in the inside, with nice decor. They also have a few table in front of the building for those who may prefer to eat outside. Lovely city views from upstairs. Now, getting into the food Honest opinion, the food awful! My friend had their chicken wings w/ranch. The wings were fried to extra superrrr hard, and lacked flavor/seasoning. They appeared to have some type of light "seasoning" sprinkled on the outside after they fried, but it didn't help. She also said the side of ranch had a weird taste. Side of onion rings were also hard as a brick and had no flavor. My other friend and I both had boil bags. I don't say this lightly, but I'm sure it was the WORST boil bag I've ever had ‍ I had a snow crab cluster and added corn. The snow crab was great size, but I couldn't enjoy it because of the flavor! Better put, the lack of flavor. It tasted like mild Cajun spice (but not salted/seasoned) and a couple chucks of garlic and butter. The corn was undercooked. My friend let me taste her egg and potatoes. Potatoes had an awful aftertaste on the skin and could've been cooked a little longer. How is an egg in a boil bag nasty?! ‍ Idk what their base recipe/spice selection is for the boils, but they need to scratch it and start all the way over. On a good note, the service was very good. S/O to Jason, who was our waiter. The man that brought out the food was also very nice. We also got a free order of fries after checking in via Yelp. Got the "Cajun" flavor. They were hot and fresh, but flavor wise absolutely nothing to holler about. All in all, if your looking to actually enjoying your food I would recommend trying one of the many other boil places. **No happy hour or real alcoholic drink selection**

    Raw Oysters
    Krissy L.

    They only had one server so the service was extremely slow and for that reason, I may not return but the oysters were delicious. I liked the special sauce they paired with it on the platter.

    Fried options, sides and drinks
    Jack G.

    Food is always great! Great service! Haven't been disappointed at this location at all!

    She put what they brought in a Togo box and dumped it out on the table she didn't even want it anymore
    Robert R.

    Holy cow I literally just had the worst dining experience ever on planet earth. Ok so for starters I knew something was off when I called before I arrived and asked was there a wait time and there answer was no. I have ate at boiling crab in Korea town in California and this place should not be allowed to have the boiling crabs name on the building it's nothing like the original location. Ok so me and my date walk in they sit us upstairs right next to the windows that are not properly sealed right it's 20 degrees outside and we were instantly cold like freezing so we move no big issue there but wow were we in for a treat tonight one I wish I could throw back up. So we moved tables like everyone did who was sat there. So I ordered the shrimp boil and my date did to. My shrimp was supposed to be a pound it came out a half a pound my dates food after sitting there for an hour never came. She ordered also fried calamari she said it taste like a frozen bag from the grocery store he words were these taste like fish sticks. Ok so we're n hour in and her food is still not at the table but people who came in way later than us are sitting and enjoying there food. So they bring her food finally but it's rushed and throw together like a toddler made it then it's not even the right mix it's hot she can barely eat it she ordered mild . So they after thirty minutes bring her the right food at this point she is tired and exhausted and really just trying to be nice about it and I was too. The manager ended up apologizing a couple of times and comped a portion of our bill. Not only did you ruin my memory of boiling crab in California you insulted us by feeding every table around us while we sat there starving eating those lemon pepper fries which is all u should sale at this point. I payed 58 bucks after the comp for over and hour at a table without food having to say to My date multiple times. I had a very bad experience here and the reason they kept giving us was the kitchen was backed up. I do not understand how your kitchen is backed up on a Friday night with an empty restaurant. We left feeling cheated and with massive headaches because we were so hungry waiting for our food. I feel the one in Korea town should ship some workers here or really make them take the name down because this is not a true boiling crab nor was the experience. Some chains are hit and miss and this tonight was def a miss to the point im calling somebody in charge of the Korea town location to ask them wtf is this place on H street cuz it sucks how they get to use your name and brand. Terrible to go somewhere and have to pay for a headache and poor poor kitchen awareness. Sorry doesn't make up for my time and the look on a woman's face when she is hungry at a restaurant and not getting fed. Y'all suck like majorly suck

    Menú

    See all

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron P.

    Aaron P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron P.

    Aaron P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron P.

    Aaron P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 5 of 5

    Ask the Community - The Boiling Crab

    How is parking around here? Street, garage, any free times?

    There is street parking, no nearby garage except for the apartment buildings. I actually parked in the neighborhood and walked a couple of blocks.

    Do they take reservations?

    No reservations, seating is first come.

    Are they open yet?

    Not yet! A few more weeks. We appreciate your patience as we get everything ready. Follow TBC's Instagram to be updated on Grand Opening details.

    View All 7 Questions

    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Grilled Seafood Platter

    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

    4.3(2.2k reviews)
    1.8 miDowntown
    $$$

    One of the best happy hours in town from 2:30-6:00 pm. 1/2 off Classic Cocktails, wine by the…read moreglass, and draft beer. Great service, great drinks & always a good vibe.

    Service is always great at this location! Love that that the happy hour starts at 2:30, this is…read morenice for people who get off work early and want to come enjoy a cocktail and a few bites and still be home before 8pm. We always manage to come here whenever we're traveling. I think the chicken tenders are good but that sauce they serve with them is horrible! So make sure you order something honey mustard or something else lol The chopped salad is the BEST salad! Simple and the vingerette dressing is delicious. The bread that comes out is a variety of different breads that range from onion roll, regular roll, corn bread and even an everything salted cracker. I don't care for the Mac and cheese, it's supposedly a "four cheese" but I can't taste the four cheeses. Very bland and not worth $10! Overall this place has great service and mostly good menu items. The restaurant is pretty dark, so it makes you feel like it's night when you're inside lol and I would suggest bringing a jacket because the air will be on blast. Restrooms are located upstairs but they do have an elevator if needed! I'm only giving four stars because we kept having to remind the waitress about things we asked for and although it was busy, I still felt like she dropped the ball a little bit! But normally Service is usually on point

    Photos
    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Area near hostess stand

    Area near hostess stand

    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese

    4 Cheese Mac and Cheese

    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Back dining room

    See all

    Back dining room

    Hank’s Oyster Bar, Dupont Circle

    Hank’s Oyster Bar, Dupont Circle

    3.9(1.6k reviews)
    2.1 miDupont Circle
    $$

    Came here on vacation for a late evening dinner. We got oysters to start. I got a spicy fettuccini…read moreseafood dish that was the special for the day for mains. 10/10 food and great service. We had a group of 4 and nothing was left on all of our plates after the meal.

    It has been years since I have eaten at Hank's. Too long really. But we wanted some seafood and…read moretheir Dupont location was close so - off we went. We were seated immediately and the dining room is adequate. Sufficiently decorated to make it okay. It is furnished for maximum occupancy which is fine. Think casual place, almost bar with food, not fancy at all. I do not mean for this to be a negative comment. Hank's presents itself as more of a beachside joint, not a high end seafood restaurant. Each of these sorts of restaurants has a place in the spectrum. Our waiter - Keith or Kevin - I'm so sorry but I cannot remember his name - was GREAT! Funny, good at his job, great personality and helpful. He started out with a corny, but cute, joke and he kept getting better all night. The manager too was quite good, professional and friendly. What a great staff! The food is good. I could talk about the lobster bisque (a bit on the strong side) or the flounder (a bit on the salty side). But, honestly, the food was good and I enjoyed it a lot. I did not complain about any of it nor do I think a complaint was necessary. So, as I said before, it had been years since I had last eaten at Hank's. But it won't be that long anymore. I recommend Hank's for a casual seafood meal.

    Photos
    Hank’s Oyster Bar, Dupont Circle
    Hank’s Oyster Bar, Dupont Circle - Seafood Fettucine

    Seafood Fettucine

    Hank’s Oyster Bar, Dupont Circle - From left to right: Strawberry-peach margarita (margarita of the day), Bellini, Purple Reign cocktail

    See all

    From left to right: Strawberry-peach margarita (margarita of the day), Bellini, Purple Reign cocktail

    Fish Shop - Sourdough bread

    Fish Shop

    4.0(75 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$$

    The restaurant is nice and airy, with minimal but charming decorations. I couldn't tell how noisy…read moreit gets because there weren't many customers when we were there for brunch last week, which is too bad as the food is really good and not unreasonably priced. We had the very large breakfast burrito and the garden vegetable shakshuka. Both were excellent; delivered hot and were well seasoned. The coffee is strong but not acidic. The servers were very helpful and attentive, and responsive to requests for additional items. I would definitely return again for a meal before a play at Arena stage or otherwise.

    One of my new friends lives at the Wharf so there is literally something to do all day, every day!…read more Fish Shop was in my bookmarks and I had mentioned this a few times but never came. He literally picked everything around the Wharf but this place. One morning after getting his boat docked, before heading this is condo, I said let's go to Fish Shop. I guess I know why he never wanted to come. The place is never packed and I know why. We got a few things for brunch and the fish came out raw. Charbroiled Oysters were good. I wouldn't return. They need a better menu and the food needs to be memorable. One and done for me. Ambiance is nice! Date night worthy at least to try.

    Photos
    Fish Shop - The Bar and entrance of Fish Shop

    The Bar and entrance of Fish Shop

    Fish Shop - Twice baked potatoes - the little pot was so cute!

    Twice baked potatoes - the little pot was so cute!

    Fish Shop - The private dining room, with a giant canoe hanging above.

    See all

    The private dining room, with a giant canoe hanging above.

    The Boiling Crab - seafood - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...