Fresh Steamed Crabs by the Bushel Locally? (Manassas, Woodbridge: restaurant, prices)

[vermonter16]

Hey all - on the side of Rt. 28 in Manassas there used to be a guy who would steam and sell crabs on the side of the road. I haven't seen him this year. Well, my neighbor and my husband both love crabs (alas, I don't) so they want to have a pick-fest. Where can they get reasonably priced crabs to bring back home? I know that Blue Ridge Seafood in Gainesville has them but they were soooo bloody expensive the last time we called that it was ridiculous and that's how we wound up with the guy on the side of the road .

[saganista]

Being in the Vienna/Oakton area, we rely on Capt. Pell's Crabhouse. It's on 50, just east of 123 to the south of the exit off 66. The good Captain was once that guy by the side of the road, but he eventually opened a humble crab shack on Lee Highway west of Merrifield, and since that became very popular, he was later able to take over the present place when a Hungarian restaurant folded the tents and developers were about to gobble up the crab shack property. Unfortunately, Capt. Pell himself passed away a few years ago, but the family has kept the place going very nicely. They do bushels and half-bushels on a regular basis and also party-sized orders of some pretty good spiced shrimp. But the prices vary by season and availability, sometimes by a lot. You'd have to call to see what the going rate is this week. It's 703-560-0060 if you've a mind to.

[oneasterisk]

There's this place off Bristow:

Crosbys
14718 Bristow Road
Manassas, VA 20112

And across the street is this place:

Shrimp Connection
14735 Bristow Rd
Manassas, VA 20112

They also serve Bulgogi if you like Korean food. A Korean couple operate the place.

[Catamounts]

It would be quite a drive but I think there's a trailer selling steamed crabs on Rt. 1 in Woodbridge (in the Wawa parking lot/off Neabsco Rd). Whenever we drive past it (usually on the weekends) it looks quite popular. Unfortunately I can't tell you if it's any good or what their prices are...

[ChristineVA]

There is a place off Cardinal Drive in Woodbridge. Called Vernon and Steve's. It's at a house, not a restaurant. They've been selling for years and my husband has bought from them.

I will tell you, though, I have never purchased what I thought was a decent bushel of crabs since I moved from southern MD into NOVA. They just aren't as good.

As for pricing, crabs are VERY expensive this year and the prices seem to be the same from place to place. You might find someone who's $5 cheaper than the guy down the road but you won't find any signficant deals.

[vermonter16]

I don't mind crabs being 'expensive' as long as they are good! Last year when I spoke with Blue Ridge Seafood - the prices were just completely unreasonable I couldn't believe it. Yes, please keep the suggestions coming - I don't mind driving....or my neighbor doesn't mind driving . These crabs aren't even for me!

[Caladium]

You guys are making me hungry.

[Natthapol]

Originally Posted by saganista

Being in the Vienna/Oakton area, we rely on Capt. Pell's Crabhouse. It's on 50, just east of 123 to the south of the exit off 66. The good Captain was once that guy by the side of the road, but he eventually opened a humble crab shack on Lee Highway west of Merrifield, and since that became very popular, he was later able to take over the present place when a Hungarian restaurant folded the tents and developers were about to gobble up the crab shack property. Unfortunately, Capt. Pell himself passed away a few years ago, but the family has kept the place going very nicely. They do bushels and half-bushels on a regular basis and also party-sized orders of some pretty good spiced shrimp. But the prices vary by season and availability, sometimes by a lot. You'd have to call to see what the going rate is this week. It's 703-560-0060 if you've a mind to.

I know people who love Capt Pell's so much that they drive from NYC to here.. Well, I have to say that it's not my cup of tea.. There are much better crabs at SW Waterfront, Quarterdeck or in Annapolis area if you are willing to drive.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by Natthapol

I know people who love Capt Pell's so much that they drive from NYC to here..

You are kidding me...Really?

[ceomom703]

There's Lowry's Crab Shack in Hamilton and it gets great reviews all the time. I have yet to try it though.