Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Boiling Crab

    3.8 (160 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated a few days 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
    Good for groups

    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

    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.

    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

    Fried options, sides and drinks
    Jack G.

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

    Menú

    See all

    11 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    12 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    I love boiling crab! Great food, always. Excellent service and friendly and the place is very spacious!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    The ambiance of the restaurant is really chill and I loved the food here! Restaurant was clean and the crew were so nice!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jack G.
    198
    6
    2

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Great service and we really missed Boiling Crab! Best best best best! Staff os great too!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Good food, get the Shabang sauce - medium spice! Reasonable prices, chill environment!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vi L.
    0
    14
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joel B.
    135
    8
    0

    8 months ago

    This place is great. The service is good and since it was my wife and I first time they were very accommodating.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Very friendly server! Good location! We haven't tried the food yet. Good menu choices.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jess J.
    35
    40
    62

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jaisie S.
    0
    225
    23

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    I always enjoy going to the Boiling Crab! It is a fun experience and I really enjoy the vibes within the restaurant!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Wheelchair accessible and good food. I got the miled it was very spicy. Delightful interior!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Great food. Really really great and awesome food. Very delicious for my taste buds and easy on my stomach.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Thank you for the positive rating, Mike! Hope to see you again soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Boobie D.
    436
    229
    335

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Day S.
    1
    47
    3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Little expensive food is good my family liked it. I suggest sitting upstairs. The waiters need to be more friendly

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike W.
    60
    695
    9

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Aaron D.

    Aaron D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 4

    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

    The Jambalaya Shack - Before the liquid...yum

    The Jambalaya Shack

    4.5(2 reviews)
    2.8 miColumbia Heights

    Disclaimer: I haven't tried their jambalaya, but I did try a boudin link and experienced their…read moreservice. Because I've not found real Louisiana boudin anywhere else in the DC area, and because of the family's hospitality, I will give them 4 stars. The Jambalaya Shack is a catering business that was present at this past weekend's Breaux Vineyards Cajun Festival. They're from southern Louisiana, and seem to get invited to cater many of their events. They had jambalaya, corn maque choux, and boudin links. Because I was waiting on live boiled crawfish from another vendor, I decided to just share a link of boudin for $5. Their young boy said after I ordered, "Sure! You have to ring the boudin bell!" So I did, while his mother laughed and wrapped up a link for me. She made sure I knew how to eat it (I did), and I asked her if it was spicy or not (she said not at all...probably due to the DC clientele...but that they were good and that they shipped them straight from Louisiana). They also had an assortment of mild Cajun seasonings and hot sauces. It was not the best boudin I've ever had (that one goes to the Boudin King in Louisiana), but it was slightly better than the boudin I can get at the grocery store in Texas (but bigger). The Jambalaya Shack's also had good amounts of little liver pieces in it. I wish I had had hotter seasonings (cayenne chile powder would have been awesome) to spice it up with... I wish I had also tried their namesake jambalaya, but it was the chicken/sausage variety and other than the boudin, I was in the mood for seafood. I do think I was the only person I saw at the festival that tried the boudin (or probably knew what it was). Speaking of seafood, the other caterer's boiled crawfish was bland, and Jambalaya Shack was nice enough to let us have some of their seasonings. They saved the day.

    The nicest folks and lawd is the food right. I wish I had that big old pot so I could make a…read moreJambalaya at home that way. It's not a good Samedi Gras in VA unless you see them there.

    Puddin' - Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Puddin'

    Puddin'

    4.3(523 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Boyfriend and I went to Union Market for a post-dinner sweet treat. I saw this place all over…read moreTikTok, I knew I needed that Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Pudding. They give free samples for NEARLY ALL of their food, I mentioned I traveled to DC from CA, and the workers gave me a sample of one of everything on the menu! Gosh, I have never experienced such AMAZING customer service! My boyfriend loved the etouffee and my favorite was the gumbo sample. We were so stuffed from our previous dinner, and couldn't order more. We noticed everything on the menu was VERY affordable for DC pricing and gave good portions. We ended up opting for the bread pudding, and finished it in minutes. The bread pudding feels like a warm hug, and is a MUST with the ice cream. It has hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and the bourbon perfectly balanced the creaminess and sweetness of the ice cream.

    On my DC visit my friend told me this place was good and she didn't lie. The bread puddin is what I…read morewent for and it didn't disappoint. They have a decent size location located in the market and of course there's a line to stand in but it's not bad. Let me tell you, I got one small order and went back for a big order. The customer service was good and it's a walk up and keep it moving type of vibe. They call your number out, you pick up your order, find a seat or sit outside. Overall it was good and I would visit this location again.

    Photos
    Puddin' - Stall sign // Puddin * Union Market, DC

    Stall sign // Puddin * Union Market, DC

    Puddin' - Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Puddin'

    Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Puddin'

    Puddin' - Chicken 'n Beef Sausage Gumbo

    See all

    Chicken 'n Beef Sausage Gumbo

    Blues Alley - Catfish and chicken wings

    Blues Alley

    3.9(364 reviews)
    3.3 miGeorgetown
    $$

    Got the crab cakes; food was okay, but the venue itself really stole the show! Honestly, it's…read moreprobably my favorite concert venue I've ever been to. The space feels so intimate, which makes the whole experience more personal and memorable compared to larger, more crowded venues. The atmosphere was great from start to finish, and everything felt well-organized. The service was also a highlight, our server was incredibly sweet, attentive, and made us feel really comfortable throughout the night. Even though the food was just alright, the overall experience more than made up for it. Between the vibe, the quality of the show, and the excellent service, it's definitely a place I'd come back to again and recommend to others looking for a unique night out/date night!

    Blues Alley has maintained their street cred after all these years as being one of the best places…read morein town to catch a live jazz performance. I enjoyed the crab cake with a Caesar salad. The cocktails were veteran made and solid. The dining room is intimate, adding to the connection of the artists and the show. Deborah Bond dropped her new album Amber Dust, a true R&B artist keeping the tradition of the music well and alive. She hosted a listening party show with a customized cocktail menu with drinks named after her latest album! The show was amazing and the sound was clear. Although the menu is a bit limited I enjoyed my crab cakes, which had no filler. Oh and be sure to save yourself time and park in the parking garage across from the alley. This is an amazing little space with big names. Every time I've come here I've always met with the artists after the show. So if you're a super fan and your favorite artist is performing here, GO!

    Photos
    Blues Alley - Performance

    Performance

    Blues Alley
    Blues Alley

    See all

    RT's Restaurant - FRIED BRUSSEL SPROUTS

    RT's Restaurant

    4.1(669 reviews)
    5.4 mi
    $$$

    I have ordered take out here multiple times before but this was my first time dining in. I have to…read moregive them 5 stars for consistency over the years as I can always count on the flavour and taste of my favorite dish here which is their crawfish etoufee. The red beans and rice was also delicious ! Dining in, we were well received, seated and offered lunch salads. Inside is spacious, quite nostalgic and comfortable atmosphere like a mom and pop shop. Large enough for large groups and small parties and also a seated bar area. There was one or two picky eaters and everyone was able to find something they enjoyed as the menu is quite large. I find the price perfect for the amount and quality of food received. This has been one of my favourite restaurants for creole food and will continue to be in the dmv area.

    The alligator soup lacked flavor to me. The shrimp and crawfish etouffee tasted the same as the…read morealligator soup, however, once the weather brought over the Tabasco it was a smash hit! I also ordered the brussel sprouts which were fried perfectly however, I didn't get to taste the sauce until I decided to bring the dish home then, I could taste the sauce from what I poured into the container onto the brussel sprouts and then they were delicious! Maybe they can find a way to have the sauce throughout the dish The bread pudding was just okay also. The staff was delightful. They paid attention to detail and made sure to check on the table regularly. The restroom was really small. I would go back and try another dish.

    Photos
    RT's Restaurant - Inside of restaurant

    Inside of restaurant

    RT's Restaurant - SMOTHERED CATFISH

    SMOTHERED CATFISH

    RT's Restaurant - FRIED GULF SHRIMP

    See all

    FRIED GULF SHRIMP

    The Boiling Crab - seafood - Updated May 2026

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