Understanding the Boiling Crab menu and prices helps you prepare for a hands-on seafood feast with friends. This popular chain is known for its messy, flavorful bags of crawfish, shrimp, and crab, all drenched in spicy butter sauce. Before you head out, knowing what to order and how much it costs makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Boiling Crab is not your typical sit-down restaurant. You pick your seafood, choose your seasoning, and decide on the spice level. Then, they dump everything into a plastic bag, and you dig in with your hands. It’s casual, loud, and incredibly fun. But the menu can feel overwhelming if you are not prepared.
In this guide, I break down the full Boiling Crab menu and prices for 2025. You will learn about each seafood option, the signature sauces, combo deals, sides, and drinks. I also include tips to save money and answer common questions. Let’s get started.
Boiling Crab Menu And Prices
The Boiling Crab menu is built around fresh seafood cooked to order. You choose your base protein, then select a cooking style and spice level. Prices vary by location, but the following figures are averages based on current data from multiple U.S. outlets.
Seafood By The Pound
Most items are sold by the pound. You can mix and match different seafood types, but each pound is priced separately. Here are the standard options:
- Crawfish – Seasonal, typically $8.99–$12.99 per pound. Available from late winter through early summer.
- Shrimp (head-on) – $10.99–$14.99 per pound. These are larger, juicier shrimp with the heads still attached.
- Shrimp (head-off) – $12.99–$16.99 per pound. Easier to eat, but slightly more expensive.
- Blue Crab – $14.99–$19.99 per pound. Usually sold as whole crabs, not just claws.
- Snow Crab Legs – $19.99–$26.99 per pound. A popular choice for special occasions.
- King Crab Legs – $29.99–$39.99 per pound. The priciest option, but very meaty.
- Dungeness Crab – $18.99–$24.99 per pound. Sweet and tender, available whole or in sections.
- Lobster Tail – Market price, usually $24.99–$34.99 each. Not always on the menu.
- Mussels – $8.99–$11.99 per pound. Often sold in half-pound increments.
- Clams – $9.99–$12.99 per pound. Smaller and less common than mussels.
- Oysters – $1.99–$3.50 each, served raw on the half shell.
Prices can shift by $1–$3 depending on your city. For example, locations in Texas tend to be cheaper than those in California or New York.
Signature Cooking Styles And Sauces
After you pick your seafood, you choose a cooking style. The most popular is “The Whole Shebang,” which combines all three signature sauces. Here are the options:
- The Whole Shebang – A mix of garlic butter, lemon pepper, and spicy seasoning. This is the default choice for most customers.
- Garlic Butter – Rich, buttery, and savory. Great if you want less heat.
- Lemon Pepper – Tangy and slightly spicy. Pairs well with shrimp and crab.
- Spicy – Extra cayenne and chili flakes. For heat lovers only.
- No Sauce – Steamed plain. You can add your own seasoning at the table.
You also pick a spice level: Non-Spicy, Mild, Medium, Hot, or X-Hot. Be careful with X-Hot—it is seriously intense. Most people stick with Mild or Medium on their first visit.
Combo Meals And Buckets
Boiling Crab offers combo meals that bundle seafood with sides and drinks. These are a good value if you want variety. Common combos include:
- Shrimp & Crawfish Combo – 1 lb shrimp + 1 lb crawfish + 2 corn + 2 sausage + 2 potatoes. Price: $29.99–$34.99.
- Crab & Shrimp Combo – 1 lb snow crab + 1 lb shrimp + 2 corn + 2 sausage + 2 potatoes. Price: $39.99–$49.99.
- Family Bucket – 3 lbs of your choice (mix and match) + 4 corn + 4 sausage + 4 potatoes. Price: $59.99–$79.99.
- Lobster & Shrimp Combo – 1 lobster tail + 1 lb shrimp + 2 corn + 2 sausage + 2 potatoes. Price: $44.99–$54.99.
Combo prices vary by location and market rates. Always check the board at your local store for the most accurate pricing.
Sides And Add-Ons
You can add extra sides to any order. These are cooked in the same bag as your seafood, soaking up all the flavor. Popular sides include:
- Corn on the Cob – $1.50–$2.50 per piece.
- Andouille Sausage – $2.00–$3.00 per link.
- Potatoes (red or russet) – $1.50–$2.50 per piece.
- Rice – $2.00–$3.00 per bowl. Good for soaking up extra sauce.
- Garlic Noodles – $5.99–$7.99 per order. A popular non-seafood side.
- French Bread – $1.50–$2.50 per slice. Great for dipping.
If you order a combo, sides are usually included. But you can always add more.
Appetizers And Starters
Before your main bag arrives, you might want a small bite. Boiling Crab offers a few appetizers:
- Cajun Fries – $4.99–$6.99. Seasoned with Cajun spice.
- Fried Okra – $5.99–$7.99. Crispy and salty.
- Onion Rings – $5.99–$7.99. Thick-cut and battered.
- Hush Puppies – $4.99–$6.99. Cornmeal fritters, often served with remoulade.
- Shrimp Po’ Boy – $10.99–$13.99. A fried shrimp sandwich on French bread.
Appetizers are not the main attraction here, but they help pass the time while your seafood cooks.
Drinks And Desserts
Boiling Crab has a limited drink menu. Expect standard sodas, iced tea, lemonade, and bottled water. Some locations serve beer and wine. Prices are typical for a casual restaurant:
- Soft Drinks – $2.50–$3.50.
- Iced Tea – $2.50–$3.50.
- Lemonade – $2.99–$3.99.
- Bottled Water – $1.99–$2.50.
- Beer (bottle or can) – $4.99–$6.99. Usually domestic brands.
- House Wine – $6.00–$8.00 per glass.
Desserts are rare. Some locations offer beignets or bread pudding, but don’t count on it. Most people skip dessert and focus on the seafood.
How To Order At Boiling Crab
Ordering at Boiling Crab is different from a regular restaurant. You follow a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Find a table – The host seats you. Write your order on a paper slip if available.
- Choose your seafood – Decide how many pounds of each type you want. Remember, 1 pound per person is a good starting point.
- Pick your cooking style – Most people choose “The Whole Shebang.” If you want less spice, go with Garlic Butter.
- Select spice level – Start with Mild if you are unsure. You can always add hot sauce later.
- Add sides – Corn, sausage, and potatoes are classic choices. Add one of each per pound of seafood.
- Order drinks and appetizers – Get a soda or beer, and maybe some Cajun fries to start.
- Wait for your bag – The kitchen cooks everything together and brings it to your table in a plastic bag. They will shake it and cut it open for you.
- Eat with your hands – No utensils needed. Use the bib and gloves they provide.
Pro tip: Order extra sauce on the side. It costs about $1.00–$2.00 and lets you control the flavor as you eat.
What To Expect At The Table
When your food arrives, the server will shake the bag to mix the sauce. Then they cut the bag open and pour everything onto a tray or leave it in the bag. You get a bib, plastic gloves, and a roll of paper towels. The table is covered in butcher paper for easy cleanup.
Do not expect plates or silverware. This is a hands-on meal. You crack shells, peel shrimp, and dip bread into the sauce. It gets messy, but that is part of the fun.
Tips To Save Money At Boiling Crab
Boiling Crab is not cheap, but you can keep costs down with a few strategies:
- Go during crawfish season – Crawfish are cheaper than crab or lobster. If you visit between February and June, you can get a full meal for under $20 per person.
- Share a combo – Two people can split a Family Bucket or a large combo. Add extra sides to stretch it further.
- Skip the appetizers – They are overpriced for what you get. Focus on the seafood.
- Bring cash – Some locations offer a small discount for cash payments.
- Check for happy hour – A few stores have drink specials in the late afternoon. Call ahead to ask.
- Order head-off shrimp – It costs a bit more per pound, but you get more edible meat. Head-on shrimp have less meat per pound.
- Use the sauce wisely – Do not drown your food. You can always ask for extra sauce on the side.
Also, consider visiting on a weekday. Weekends are busier, and prices are the same, but you might wait longer for a table.
Boiling Crab Vs. Other Seafood Boil Chains
Boiling Crab is one of the most popular seafood boil chains, but it is not the only one. Here is how it compares to competitors:
- The Boiling Crab vs. The Kickin’ Crab – Kickin’ Crab is slightly cheaper and has more locations. Their sauces are similar, but Boiling Crab’s Whole Shebang is more flavorful.
- The Boiling Crab vs. Hot N Juicy Crawfish – Hot N Juicy is a smaller chain with a focus on Cajun flavors. Their prices are comparable, but they offer more combo options.
- The Boiling Crab vs. Claw Daddy’s – Claw Daddy’s is a regional chain in the South. They have lower prices on crawfish and shrimp, but their crab legs are more expensive.
- The Boiling Crab vs. The Crack Shack – Crack Shack is a local favorite in some areas. Their menu is smaller, but they offer a “build your own” option that can be cheaper.
Overall, Boiling Crab is mid-range in price but high in quality. The sauce is the star, and the atmosphere is lively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest item on the Boiling Crab menu?
Crawfish (when in season) and mussels are the cheapest options, usually under $10 per pound. Sides like corn and potatoes are also affordable.
Does Boiling Crab have a kids menu?
No, Boiling Crab does not have a dedicated kids menu. However, you can order smaller portions of shrimp or chicken tenders for children. Some locations offer a “mini” bag for kids.
Can I order Boiling Crab online for pickup?
Yes, most locations accept online orders through their website or third-party apps. You can place an order for pickup and skip the line. Delivery is also available in some areas.
How much does a typical meal cost per person at Boiling Crab?
For one person, expect to spend $25–$45 depending on what you order. A pound of shrimp with two sides and a drink is around $30. Crab legs will push it closer to $50.
Does Boiling Crab offer any vegetarian options?
Very few. The sides like corn, potatoes, and fries are vegetarian. Garlic noodles and French bread are also plant-based. But the main focus is seafood.
Is the spice level at Boiling Crab adjustable?
Yes, you choose the spice level when you order. Non-Spicy, Mild, Medium, Hot, and X-Hot are available. You can also ask for sauce on the side to control the heat yourself.
Do I need to tip at Boiling Crab?
Yes, tipping is standard. Servers bring your food, refill drinks, and clean up the mess. Tip 15–20% of the total bill.
Final Thoughts On Boiling Crab Menu And Prices
The Boiling Crab menu and prices are straightforward once you understand the system. Pick your seafood, choose a sauce, and add sides. The cost varies based on what you order and where you live, but a satisfying meal is within reach for most budgets.
Remember to bring your appetite and a willingness to get messy. The experience is about sharing food and having fun. Whether you go for crawfish in spring or snow crab in winter, you are in for a treat.
If you are planning a group outing, call ahead to confirm prices and wait times. Some locations get very busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early or late can save you a long wait.
Now you have all the information you need to enjoy a Boiling Crab feast. Go ahead, grab some friends, and dig into a bag of spicy seafood. You will not regret it.