Cancel

Open app

Search

The Boiling Crab

3.8 (161 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?
Casual
Trendy
Moderate noise
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.

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

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 2
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

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

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 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

My wife loves this place, she always looks forward to going when we get the chance, the food and wait staff was excellent

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

2 years ago

Their food was amazing and our waiter was very attentive. Next time we are in DC, we will visit again!

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

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Betty J.
335
38
46

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

4 years 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 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Vivien S.
219
92
108

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sharon S.
78
112
192

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Mike B.
3
111
74

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tony Q.
373
53
78

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

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

Great environment & good guest service. Music is great for the atmosphere. My drink is amazing

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Very nice customer service , the food looks amazing I love the vibes and music, I was very impressed by the customer service

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Thank you very much, Ali! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Mel B.
3
50
28

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Aaron D.

Aaron D.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 2 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 - 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

4.3(2.1k reviews)
1.8 miDowntown
$$$

"Not Your Average Joe !" Classy Restaurants come with a certain charm the minute you enter the…read moreestablishment , and their inner decor for one reason or another ( which I can't explain ) makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Well Joe's Seafood checks every box and some others I didn't mention. The entire staff is professional, in a warm welcoming way. They ensure that your experience is a delightful one, filled with superb pampering service. And then there's the food !!! This is when I was totally floored... for starters the assorted bread basket for the table is absolutely delicious ( I literally had to force myself to stop alternating between the muffins and mini biscuits ) Since I was eating light today I ordered the seafood salad ( chilled lobster & shrimp on top ) and the salad was so fresh and had that crisp salad crunch that mesmerized my taste buds with every bite !!! DC hands down is one of the top restaurant city's in the country and Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a big reason I can make that statement with absolute confidence !!!

You can't go wrong with any of their seafood or steak options. Their Famous Grilled Tomatoes are a…read moresolid appetizer. Their seafood tower is a must if you have a few people willing to share. Joe's also offers a great 3-course lunch special from 11:30-4 and cocktail hour from 2:30 - 6:00 for the power lunch and/or happy hour crowd. Classic restaurant, great service, and something for everyone.

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

Area near hostess stand

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

Grilled Seafood Platter

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
$$

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.

I finally checked out Hank's Oyster Bar for their Monday $1 oyster special, and it lived up to the…read morehype. I sat at the bar to access happy hour (bar-only, but oysters are available everywhere). Ordered a dozen oysters, bacon-topped deviled eggs, Old Bay fries, a salmon slider, and a tequila pineapple drink. Everything was solid-- the oysters were fresh, the deviled eggs were flavorful, and the Old Bay fries were perfectly seasoned. The standout for me was the salmon slider-- the sauce was so good I wish I ordered more. Great vibe for a casual happy hour. I'd definitely come back, especially for the $1 oysters.

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

Cordelia Fishbar - HERILOOM CARROTS

Cordelia Fishbar

4.3(148 reviews)
0.5 mi

Stopped here for drinks because the place across the street wasn't open yet. Happy we came because…read morewe ended up dining in and was well worth it. Family enjoyed the oysters. I tried the calamari, first time having too, and I was shocked with how well it was. I had a large meal the day before so I munched on a salad for dinner which hit the spot. I ended up finishing my grandmothers burger which was also delicious. I forgot what the dessert was called but everyone shared it and enjoyed it.

Great Friday Night Vibe! && they have Happy Hour after 9 on a Friday !…read more Beautiful bar area with a steady crowd Marlon provided exemplary service from the time the hostess set me at his table until we walked out the door! Thank you!! Appetizers Chicken Chermoula: 5/5 large shareable portion, perfect spice and flavor with the spiced yogurt. Crispy skin! Honeycrisp Apple & Celery Salad: 4/5 fresh, nice crunch, and slight tanginess! Rhode Island Calamari: my friend had this dish and enjoyed. It grilled and not fried. Entrees Whole Grilled Branzino: 4/5 crispy skin, perfectly flaky fish. The fish itself does not have much seasoning flavor, but the bed of capers and a squeeze of lemons is good. Double cut Lamb Chops: again, my friend's order but I tasted and it was perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful! 51st Century Cocktail and Cry My Eyes Out Cocktail both tequila 5/5! Union Market do if unfamiliar, there is limited parking.

Photos
Cordelia Fishbar - Part of bar

Part of bar

Cordelia Fishbar - BRUNCH BURGER

BRUNCH BURGER

Cordelia Fishbar - Brussel Sprouts

See all

Brussel Sprouts

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - florida stone crab claws on ice

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab

4.0(512 reviews)
1.2 mi
$$$$
Fine dining
Takes reservations

I had an horrible experience. Came here for my birthday and it started off great. Until my husband…read moretold the server that he had an allergy and the dish came out with his allergy. Once the new meal came out it was made incorrectly. We had to flag down a manger just for him to say well what do want us to do about it. Very disappointing. Would not recommend. I am open to discussing this further with the establishment.

My husband and I dined here yesterday evening, and unfortunately, the experience was very…read moredisappointing. We had a 4:30 reservation. We arrived to the area at 4:30, but due to the confusing and poorly marked parking situation, we were unable to get to the restaurant entrance until about 4:50. The nearby parking garage that was suggested was extremely difficult to navigate. I strongly recommend valet parking for anyone considering dining here. Because of our delayed arrival, we were not seated in the booth I had requested and were instead placed at a table in front of a window. The service was extremely slow. It took nearly four hours to receive our complete meal, which is unacceptable. To make matters worse, we ordered a Caesar salad and a lobster bisque as starters, and they were never brought to the table. No explanation was given. The food did not justify the $405 total bill. My mashed potatoes were cold. The calamari was overwhelmingly sweet with no depth of flavor. I ordered the king crab leg for $175 and was shocked to discover that it was a single leg. That was not made clear when ordering, and for that price, the portion and overall quality were very disappointing. The only positive note was that my husband did enjoy his steak. I chose not to complain during the meal because I do not like sending food back, but the overall experience was unsatisfying and not worth the cost. We will not be returning.

Photos
Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab
Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab
Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab

See all

The Boiling Crab - seafood - Updated May 2026

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