Bill_I

Leaving on Friday for the drive to Williamsburg, VA; & then going to Richmond. Are there any places in either of these areas that can be recommended for steamed blue crabs &/or crabcakes? Not going to make it to Maryland this trip but still would like to feast on some steamed crabs.

rb_travelerxATyahoo

Crabs? I caught them once at .. oh! sorry.

Berretts (spelling?) in Williamsburg's Merchant Square might be just what you're looking for.

OBXGIRL, are you out there?? (she's a Wburg expert)

Birdie

There aren't any places that are particularly known for their crabs such as you would find on the Eastern Shore. I think crabs should be eaten on a picnic table covered with paper. I don't know of any places like that here or in Richmond. You can try Berrets but the outdoor patio overlooks the parking lot. Rivers Inn in Gloucester (1/2 hr) is owned by the same people but in a much prettier setting overlooking a creek. I've heard mixed reviews about the Backfin. Some love their crabcakes. I always enjoy the food at Cities Grill. They have crabcakes. I just haven't heard anyone rave about them.

ronkala

last night one of the DC stations did a bit on the crab situation in the area. Expensive--- $96.00 a dozen in the Washington.

obxgirl

Bill_I,

I agree with Birdie and rd_traveler about the selection of restaurants for good and regional seafood. Berrets and the Cities Grille are in Wmbrg as is the Backfin (tho I'd rate it a distant 2nd). The Gloucester Inn is a lovely setting with fine food but it's bit off the beaten track.

None of these placese are going to have the big pile of steamed blue crabs seasoned with Old Bay and offered up on brown paper with hammers, picks and bad tarter sauce. (Tho, Bill, if you ever do discover such a place there are those who'd pay boatloads for the info....)

If you gotta have crabcakes, I'd go to Berrets or Cities Grille. Both are good but not seaside experiences.

Roadside stands coming up from OBX to Wmbg this week had super fresh shrimp, scallops and soft shells if by chance you have a place to cook where you are staying.

obxgirl

...and I mentioned "rd_traveler" who is actually "rb_traveler" and an extremely well versed visitor to this part of the world.

Bill_I

Thanks for the responses. I will look into your suggestions, but maybe thinking that we might have to take a sidetrip to MD for some crabs steamed with Old Bay spice. I seem to recall 2 yrs ago, that a dozen extra large were about $40 - $45. I guess even if I will need to pay twice as much, since I only have them about once every year or so, I will splurge. Thanks.

Budman

I can remember spending $40-50 for a bushel of crabs in the DC/Maryland area. $40-45 per dozen? WOW!!! 2 years ago? Must have been a bad year for crabs.

obxgirl

Bill_I

Today I just happened to overhear an acquaintance talking about having steamed crabs at a place called Bubba's in Virginia Beach. She swears by the good food there even tho it's a hike from Williamsburg. She said crabs were $32.95 a dozen and flying out of there! Address is: 3323 Shore Drive, Va Beach.

Regardless of whether you get your crab fix, have a super trip!

LaurenSKahn

Berrett's in Williamsburg has great crab cakes.

You might find hard shell crabs at the River Inn in Gloucester, VA. It's a great place to eat anyway as you are right on the water. It is just a short drive from Williamsburg.