‘Tis the season for soft-shell crabs. This seasonal delicacy is available in spring and lasts through the summer months, making it an unofficial indicator that summer’s on the way in the Lowcountry. Tap here to learn about the molting crustaceans, then keep reading for 10+ spots where you can get a taste.
FIG | Stop by this upscale neighborhood bistro for a sautéed softie with sunchoke rice grits and sauce grenobloise.
Félix Cocktails et Cuisine | Stop by for lunch and enjoy a softie sandwich with baby red Russian kale and pickled ramp gribiche, served with cucumber salad.
If you come back for dinner, you’ll get a panko-breaded soft shell crab with Carolina Gold Rice, tarragon aioli, asparagus, radish, herbs, and lemon.
The Grocery | This Cannon Street spot is serving up softshell crab sandwiches topped with vinegar slaw and remoulade, served on brioche.
Or try them three ways — old school (sauteed in lemon caper butter), old South (cornmeal-dusted and fried), old world (wood-fired with tomato vinaigrette).
The Ordinary | Our mouths are already watering; we can’t wait to try thesautéed soft shell with rutabaga, cauliflower, and a warm green garlic vinaigrette.
Fleet Landing | This waterfront location is offering a Spring Fling Bahn Mi. Your toasted po’boy will be layered with shad roe pate, Nước chấm, and finished with an aioli.
Kultura | The Rutledge Avenue spot is serving soft-shell crustaceans from Cuda Co; they’ll be fried and served with crispy vegetable fritters and yuzu kosho mayo.
Saltwater Cowboys | Classic and coastal — that’s how this Shem Creek spot is serving the softie — it will be fried on a brioche bun and paired with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.
Husk Charleston | This classic spot is serving them tempura fried with ginger chawanmushi, sorghum glaze, wood-fired spring onion, and watermelon radish.
Kwei Fei | Yes, please. This spot’s sweet-and-sour crispy soft-shell crab with cucumber salad, pickled chili, daikon, garlic, and cilantro sounds too good.
Sorelle | Known for its Italian ways, this classic spot is serving them piccata-style with brown butter, lemon, and capers — can we go ahead and request seconds?
167 Raw | This King Street seafood spot is whipping up tempura fried soft-shell crab sandwiches topped with Yuzu Kosho butter and pickled napa cabbage, served on a sesame bun with black garlic mayo.
Marbled & Fin | Prepare for a pan-fried soft-shell crab with Vietnamese fish sauce caramel, a shaved asparagus salad with charred spring onion and orange vinaigrette, finished with pea shoots and micro herbs from King Tide Farms.
