Where is the best place to go for crab in or around Washington DC?

Try this place, my daughter has been there and recommends it::

Rolling Seafood & Crab House

409 61st Street Northeast, Washington DC

Ph:: (202) 388-7554

Or have a look at this site and choose one::

http://www.dcseafood.com/

I like Cheryl's idea about the Chesapeake Bay. I lived in Northern Virginia for about 8 years and never really spent much time on the Bay. When I moved to Maryland, I found myself visiting it more often...and what a gem it is for the Washington DC area. I would suggest you simply get a road map and look online for some places to stop along the way. There are some neat litte towns along the Bay and also many parks as well. I'd say a visit to Calvert Cliffs Park would make for a nice outting.

Unfortunately, this time of year, your chances of getting Maryland Blue's are slim to none. They bring crabs up from NC this time of year, and even in the summer on occasion, that are just as good. There is a place in Edgewater, called Mike's Crab House, great low key, good bar, casual, pitchers of beer type place.

There are also two crabhouses in Bethesda Maryland.Bethesda Crab House, and one other I cannot remember the name of, sorry! but only 2 in Bethesda, right off of Woodmont Ave. Either way, this time of year like I said, you are not going to get the "best" that our waters offer, but should still be able to enjoy a good crab dish.

Mike's is right on the South River, water view, the two in Bethesda, obviously not. D.C. has some good seafood rest's right on the water as well, but cannot recall their names either. Have fun, but again, not the best time for crab dishes here unfortunately, because I LOVEEM!

Fingers & Claws on Muddy Branch Rd in Gaithersburg has exceptional crabs (including an all you can eat option) at a very raesonable price.

Their spiced shrimp is also exceptional. I've had most of the other seafood they offer:oysters,clams, King crab legs, & mussels to name a few & have never been disappointed.

They have a casual atmosphere, & are just off i270 using the i370 exit.

There's a restaurant in old town Alexandria called The Wharf. It's only a couple of miles from Reagan.

No water view, I'm afraid.

Note, this isn't a crabhouse (where you get a sheet of newspaper, a mallet, and a pile of steamed crabs), just a really good seafood restaurant.

If you want to be close to Washington, I recommend the Quarterdeck in Rossyln, very close to Iwo Jima. It's a divey-looking bar with a restaurant and back deck. They'll cover any table for you with butcher paper and lots of delicious crabs.

In Annapolis, I like Cantler's RIverside Inn. Great atmosphere, out on the water, and it's not in the too-crowded downtown area. If you sail there, you can keep your boat at their pier while you eat!

Cantler's in annapolis is the best. Great food in a great setting on the water. It's easier to get there by boat. I got tlost the 1st 2 times I drove there.

Quaterdeck in Roslyn has great crabs. If you want great crabs, close by, in a hole in the wall setting, it can't be beat.

I love the Quarter Deck in Arlington over by Fort Meyers. They also have great key lime pie. I might call ahead depending on group size and too what they have in season. Sadly no view.

Quarterdeck Restaurant

1200 Fort Myer Dr, Arlington, VA 22209-3503

703-528-2722

only problem is there are no local crabs this time of year here. If you find them, they are coming up from the south, and they are not as good as Chesapeake bay crabs.

now..oysters are in season!

To cook it ourself i think thats hard to find now since it out of season vut you can go to Phillps restuaruant in DC on the waterfront next to H2o they have good crabs or order from Camron's