The Boiling Crab menu prices depend on what you pick, from shrimp to crab legs to corn and potatoes. You choose the seafood, the seasoning, and the spice level, so your total can change a lot. This guide breaks down every cost, portion, and combo so you know exactly what to expect before you order.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, understanding the pricing helps you plan your meal and your budget. The Boiling Crab is known for its casual, messy, and delicious seafood boils, but the menu can feel overwhelming. Let’s simplify it.
How The Boiling Crab Menu Prices Work
The Boiling Crab doesn’t have a fixed price for a single dish. Instead, you pick your seafood by the pound, then add sides and seasonings. This means your final bill depends on your choices. For example, a pound of shrimp costs less than a pound of king crab legs.
Here’s the basic formula: Seafood price per pound + side items + drink + tax and tip. The seasoning and spice level are free, but extra sauces or add-ons cost extra. You also pay for the cooking process, which is included in the per-pound price.
Most locations have similar pricing, but there can be small variations by state or city. Always check your local menu for exact numbers. The prices below are averages from multiple locations across the US.
Seafood Prices Per Pound
The core of your meal is the seafood. You order it raw by the pound, and the kitchen boils it with your chosen seasoning. Here are the typical per-pound prices:
- Shrimp (head-on): $13.99 – $15.99 per pound
- Shrimp (head-off): $14.99 – $16.99 per pound
- Crawfish (seasonal): $9.99 – $14.99 per pound (price varies wildly by season)
- Blue Crab: $14.99 – $18.99 per pound
- Snow Crab Legs: $24.99 – $29.99 per pound
- King Crab Legs: $39.99 – $49.99 per pound
- Dungeness Crab: $29.99 – $34.99 per pound
- Mussels: $11.99 – $13.99 per pound
- Clams: $12.99 – $14.99 per pound
- Lobster Tail: $18.99 – $24.99 each (not by pound)
- Whole Shrimp (peeled): $15.99 – $17.99 per pound
These prices are for the seafood alone. You still need to add sides like corn, potatoes, and sausage to make it a full meal. The Boiling Crab also offers combo deals that bundle seafood with sides for a slightly better value.
Combo Meal Prices
Combos are a smart way to save money. They include a set amount of seafood plus two sides (corn and potato) and one link of sausage. Here are typical combo prices:
- Shrimp Combo (1 lb): $18.99 – $21.99
- Crawfish Combo (1 lb): $16.99 – $19.99
- Snow Crab Combo (1 lb): $32.99 – $37.99
- King Crab Combo (1 lb): $49.99 – $59.99
- Dungeness Crab Combo (1 lb): $38.99 – $44.99
- Mixed Combo (choose two types): $28.99 – $45.99 depending on choices
Combos are a good deal if you want a balanced meal. They also save you from ordering sides separately. But if you want extra corn or potatoes, you’ll pay for them individually.
The Boiling Crab Menu Prices: Sides And Add-Ons
Sides are where you can customize your meal further. They are priced individually and can be added to any order. Here are the standard side prices:
- Corn on the Cob: $1.99 – $2.49 per piece
- Potato (whole): $1.99 – $2.49 per piece
- Andouille Sausage: $3.99 – $4.99 per link
- Boiled Egg: $1.49 – $1.99 each
- Extra Seasoning (side cup): $0.99 – $1.49
- Garlic Noodles: $5.99 – $7.99 per order
- Fried Rice: $6.99 – $8.99 per order
- French Fries: $4.99 – $6.99 per order
- Coleslaw: $3.99 – $4.99 per order
Most people order at least one corn and one potato per pound of seafood. The sausage is a popular addition because it soaks up the seasoning. Garlic noodles are a fan favorite for a reason—they’re rich and flavorful.
Seasoning And Spice Level Options
The Boiling Crab is famous for its seasoning blends. You can choose from several flavors, and each is free. The spice level ranges from mild to XXX hot. Here are the seasoning options:
- The Whole Shebang: A mix of all seasonings—garlic, lemon pepper, and Cajun
- Garlic Butter: Rich, buttery, and garlicky
- Lemon Pepper: Tangy and peppery
- Garlic Butter & Lemon Pepper: A blend of two favorites
- Garlic Butter & The Whole Shebang: Extra garlic with the full mix
- Mild, Medium, Hot, X Hot, XXX Hot: Choose your heat level
There is no extra charge for any seasoning or spice level. You can also ask for a mix of two seasonings. The kitchen will combine them for you. This is a great way to customize your flavor without extra cost.
Drinks And Desserts
Drinks are standard for a casual restaurant. Prices are similar to other fast-casual spots:
- Soft Drinks (fountain): $2.49 – $3.49
- Bottled Water: $1.99 – $2.49
- Iced Tea: $2.49 – $3.49
- Lemonade: $2.99 – $3.99
- Beer (bottle or can): $4.99 – $7.99
- Mango or Strawberry Lemonade: $3.49 – $4.49
Desserts are limited. Most locations offer a few options like:
- Key Lime Pie: $5.99 – $6.99
- Chocolate Cake: $5.99 – $6.99
- Ice Cream (cup or cone): $3.99 – $4.99
Desserts are not the main attraction here. Most people skip them and focus on the seafood. But if you want something sweet, these are available.
How To Order And Save Money
Ordering at The Boiling Crab is straightforward, but there are ways to keep your bill lower. Follow these steps for a good experience:
- Decide on seafood type. Shrimp and crawfish are cheapest. King crab is the most expensive.
- Choose your portion size. One pound per person is usually enough if you add sides. Two pounds per person for heavy eaters.
- Pick your seasoning and spice level. This is free, so experiment.
- Add sides. One corn and one potato per pound is standard. Sausage is optional but recommended.
- Consider a combo. Combos include sides and sausage, often saving you $2-$4 compared to ordering separately.
- Share with others. Ordering family-style is common. Split a few pounds and sides among the group.
- Skip drinks or bring your own. Some locations allow outside drinks, but check first. Water is free.
Another tip: go during lunch hours if your location offers lunch specials. Not all do, but some have discounted combos or smaller portions at lower prices. Call ahead to ask.
Average Meal Cost Examples
To give you a clearer picture, here are three typical meal scenarios with estimated totals:
Budget Meal (1 person):
- 1 lb shrimp (head-on): $14.99
- 1 corn: $2.49
- 1 potato: $2.49
- 1 link sausage: $4.99
- Soft drink: $2.99
- Total before tax and tip: ~$27.95
Standard Meal (1 person):
- 1 lb snow crab legs: $27.99
- 1 corn: $2.49
- 1 potato: $2.49
- 1 link sausage: $4.99
- Garlic noodles: $6.99
- Iced tea: $2.99
- Total before tax and tip: ~$47.94
Group Meal (4 people):
- 2 lbs shrimp: $29.98
- 2 lbs snow crab: $55.98
- 4 corn: $9.96
- 4 potato: $9.96
- 4 sausage: $19.96
- 2 garlic noodles: $13.98
- 4 soft drinks: $11.96
- Total before tax and tip: ~$151.78
These examples show how quickly costs add up. King crab is the biggest expense. If you’re on a budget, stick with shrimp or crawfish and add plenty of sides to fill up.
Location And Price Variations
The Boiling Crab has locations in several states, including California, Texas, Nevada, and Florida. Prices can vary by location due to local costs and seafood availability. For example, a pound of snow crab in Los Angeles might cost $28.99, while the same pound in Houston could be $25.99.
Seasonal changes also affect prices. Crawfish is cheapest in spring and early summer. In winter, prices go up because supply drops. King crab prices are highest around the holidays. Always check the menu board at your specific location for current prices.
Some locations offer daily specials or happy hour discounts. These are rare but worth asking about. The Boiling Crab does not have a national loyalty program or coupons, so don’t expect discounts unless you find a local deal.
Tips For First-Time Visitors
If you’ve never been to The Boiling Crab, here are a few things to know:
- You will get messy. They provide bibs, gloves, and wet wipes. Use them.
- Ordering is done at the counter. You pay first, then they bring your food.
- Wait times can be long, especially on weekends. Go early or late to avoid crowds.
- Portions are generous. One pound of seafood plus sides is usually enough for one person.
- If you don’t like spicy food, stick with mild or garlic butter. XXX hot is very intense.
- Ask for extra napkins. You’ll need them.
Also, note that the menu does not include many non-seafood options. If someone in your group doesn’t eat seafood, they can order garlic noodles, fries, or a salad. But the restaurant is really about seafood boils.
The Boiling Crab Menu Prices: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions about pricing and ordering:
What is the cheapest item on The Boiling Crab menu?
The cheapest seafood is crawfish during peak season, at around $9.99 per pound. Sides like corn and potato are also low-cost. The most affordable combo is the crawfish combo at about $16.99.
Are there any hidden fees or extra charges?
No hidden fees. You pay for the seafood by the pound, plus any sides or drinks. Seasoning and spice level are free. Tax and tip are extra. Some locations may add a small charge for splitting a meal, but this is rare.
Can I order half a pound of seafood?
No, The Boiling Crab only sells seafood by the full pound. You cannot order half pounds. Minimum order is one pound per type of seafood. However, you can mix different seafood types in the same bag.
Do prices include tax and tip?
No. Prices listed on the menu are before tax. Tip is not included, but it’s customary to tip 15-20% on the pre-tax total. The staff brings your food and refills drinks, so tipping is appreciated.
How do The Boiling Crab menu prices compare to other seafood boil restaurants?
The Boiling Crab is mid-range. It’s cheaper than high-end seafood restaurants but more expensive than casual chains like Joe’s Crab Shack. For example, a pound of snow crab at The Boiling Crab is about $27, while at a fancier place it could be $35. But it’s also more expensive than buying raw seafood and cooking at home.
Final Thoughts On The Boiling Crab Menu Prices
Understanding the pricing structure helps you control your spending. The key is to choose your seafood wisely, add sides to fill up, and consider combos for better value. The Boiling Crab menu prices are fair for the quality and portion sizes, but they can add up quickly if you order expensive seafood like king crab.
Remember that the experience is part of the value. You get a fun, interactive meal where you crack shells and dip in butter. It’s not a cheap eat, but it’s a treat worth planning for. Go with a group to share costs and try different items.
One last thing: always check the menu board at your location for the most current prices. They can change without notice. And if you’re unsure about something, just ask the staff. They’re usually happy to help you decide.
Now you know exactly what to expect. Go ahead and plan your next seafood boil with confidence. The Boiling Crab menu prices are clear once you understand the system. Enjoy your meal.