What Kickin' Crab is and how to order

Kickin' Crab is a seafood restaurant chain that specializes in boiled crabs, shrimp, and other shellfish served in a casual, hands-on style. You order by the pound, choose your seasoning level and sauce, and the kitchen boils everything fresh to order. The food arrives in a bag or on a tray lined with paper, meant to be cracked open and eaten with your hands — there are no plates or utensils at most locations.

The ordering process is straightforward: you walk up to a counter, tell the staff what you want (crab, shrimp, crawfish, or lobster), how much of it, and which seasoning blend you prefer. Most locations offer a house seasoning that is moderately spicy, plus options to go milder or hotter. You pay before you eat, and the kitchen typically has your order ready in 15 to 25 minutes depending on how busy they are.

Kickin' Crab locations vary in size and setup. Some are full sit-down restaurants with tables and a bar; others are smaller counter-service spots where you order and take your food to go or eat at communal picnic tables outside. Check the specific location's hours and seating before you visit, because not all locations operate the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Kickin' Crab serves boiled shellfish by the pound with your choice of seasoning blend, and you eat it with your hands from a paper-lined tray or bag.
  • You order at a counter, specify the type of seafood and weight, choose your spice level, and pay before eating.
  • Wait times are usually 15 to 25 minutes because everything is boiled fresh after you order.
  • Most locations offer sides like corn, potatoes, and sausage that cook in the same pot as your seafood for added flavor.
  • Locations differ in seating and atmosphere, so call ahead or check online to confirm whether a specific restaurant has dine-in tables or is counter-service only.

What to order and how much to get

The main items are live or fresh crabs (usually blue crabs or snow crabs depending on season and location), shrimp by the pound, crawfish when in season, and lobster at some locations. Most people order between one and three pounds per person, though that depends on appetite and whether you are ordering sides. A pound of crab yields roughly 4 to 6 pieces depending on size; a pound of shrimp is usually 15 to 20 pieces.

Sides are cooked in the same pot as your seafood, so they absorb the seasoning. Common add-ons include corn on the cob, red potatoes, smoked sausage, and sometimes mushrooms or zucchini. These cost extra per pound or per piece and are worth ordering if you want more food or want to stretch your meal further. Many people order one to two pounds of seafood plus a pound of potatoes and corn to share.

Seasoning blends vary by location but typically include a house blend (medium heat), a mild version, and a hot or extra-hot version. Some locations also offer garlic butter or lemon pepper as alternatives. You can ask to taste or smell the seasoning before committing, and staff can usually tell you which blend is closest to what you like if you describe your heat tolerance.

Pricing and what to expect to spend

Prices vary significantly by location, season, and what type of seafood you order. Shrimp is usually the least expensive per pound; crabs cost more; lobster costs the most. Most locations charge between $12 and $25 per pound for crab, $8 to $18 per pound for shrimp, and $20 to $40 per pound for lobster. Sides like potatoes and corn add $2 to $5 per pound. These prices fluctuate with market rates, so call ahead or check the menu board if you want to know the exact price before ordering.

A typical meal for one person — one pound of crab or shrimp plus a pound of sides — runs between $20 and $40 before tax and tip. If you are sharing or ordering for a group, the per-person cost can be lower. Many locations accept cash and card, though some smaller spots are cash-only, so check before you arrive.

How the seasoning and cooking process works

The kitchen boils everything in large pots with water, seasoning, and sometimes beer or vinegar. Your seafood and sides go into the same pot so the flavors blend together. The cooking time depends on what you order — shrimp cooks in a few minutes, crabs take 15 to 20 minutes, and potatoes and corn take longer, so the kitchen times everything to finish at once.

The seasoning is added to the boiling water, not sprinkled on after, so it penetrates the meat and the shells. This is why the potatoes and corn taste so flavorful — they have been cooking in the same seasoned water. If you order extra hot, the kitchen uses more seasoning or a hotter blend; if you order mild, they use less or a gentler version.

Once everything is cooked, it is drained and dumped into a bag or onto a tray lined with butcher paper. Some locations toss it with melted butter or extra seasoning at this point. You get a bib, a small hammer or crab cracker, and napkins, and you crack open the shells yourself at the table.

How to eat crab and other shellfish at Kickin' Crab

Crabs are eaten by hand. Twist off the claws and legs, crack them with the small hammer provided, and pull out the meat. For the body, lift the pointed flap on the underside, then pry off the top shell. Remove the gray gills (they are not edible) and scoop out the meat from the body cavity with a small fork or your fingers. The meat in the claws is the sweetest and easiest to get to; the body meat requires more work but is plentiful.

Shrimp are simpler: pinch off the head if it is still attached, peel away the shell starting from the legs, and eat the meat. Crawfish are tiny versions of crabs — twist off the tail, peel the shell, and eat the tail meat; the claws have very little meat. Lobster is similar to crab but larger, so use the same technique with more force.

Wear the bib they give you — the seasoning water and butter splash. Have plenty of napkins nearby. Wash your hands before and after eating. Most locations have a sink or hand-washing station, and many provide wet wipes at the table.

Dietary restrictions and allergies

Kickin' Crab is a shellfish restaurant, so if you have a shellfish allergy, most locations cannot safely serve you. Cross-contamination is a real risk because everything cooks in the same pots and the kitchen handles shellfish constantly. Call ahead and speak to a manager if you have a severe allergy; do not assume a location can accommodate you.

If you are vegetarian or vegan, the sides (potatoes, corn, mushrooms) can be ordered separately and cooked in a clean pot if you ask in advance. Not all locations will do this, so call ahead. Gluten-free diners should ask about the seasoning blends and any sauces, as some may contain gluten or be processed in a facility with gluten.

Most locations do not have a full printed menu with ingredient lists, so if you have a specific dietary need, call the restaurant directly and speak to someone who can check the ingredients or cooking methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my food?

Most orders are ready in 15 to 25 minutes because everything is boiled fresh after you order. During busy times (weekends, evenings), it can take longer. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait, or ask the staff when you order.

Can I bring my own beer or drinks?

This depends on the location. Some Kickin' Crab restaurants have a full bar and do not allow outside alcohol. Others are counter-service only and may allow you to bring your own. Check with the specific location before you arrive.

What if I do not like spicy food?

Order the mild seasoning blend, or ask the kitchen to go even lighter. You can also request that your sides be cooked separately from the seafood if you want to avoid the seasoning altogether. Some locations offer butter or lemon as a dipping sauce instead of the house seasoning.

Is Kickin' Crab good for groups or parties?

Yes, many locations welcome groups and can handle large orders. Call ahead to let them know how many people are coming and what you want to order, so the kitchen can prepare. Some locations have private areas or can push tables together for groups.

Do I need a reservation?

Most Kickin' Crab locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not take reservations. During peak times, there may be a wait. Call ahead to ask about current wait times, or arrive during off-peak hours (early afternoon or late evening on weekdays).