During these take-out times, local restaurants are finding ways to get creative with their take-away and delivery offerings. It’s not quite the same, but soft-shell crab season is upon us, meaning Charleston restaurants have even more inspiration for jazzing things up. Don’t let the haters tell you soft-shell crabs don’t belong in a to-go box, these are the Charleston establishments are making softies on the couch the next big thing.
The Grocery has softies in stock as part of their new “To Go-cery” menu. The cornmeal-crusted crab is joined by a vinegar slaw and remoulade on a brioche bun.
“Our approach is to do the most minimal preparation as possible so we can let the crab shine,” says executive chef Kevin Johnson. “Typically, we wouldn’t serve a sandwich, but we feel that’s the best vehicle for take out.” These puppies are made-to-order, so Johnson is asking guests to call or text when they get to the parking lot in order to guarantee a crispy crab.
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The Glass Onion isn’t letting COVID-19 stop them from serving up softies. The crispy crustaceans come on a po’ boy with Bibb lettuce and house-made tarter sauce or on a platter with two sides. Both options are $15. “The crabs are from McClellanville and will be a slow but steady source of fresh fish for us,” says owner Chris Stewart.
Xiao Bao Biscuit is serving their softie on a steamed bun with green garlic mayo and fava beans.
Zero Restaurant + Bar is selling 20 tickets per day for their “Softie Take-Out Experience.” Reserve your spot for Thurs. April 9, Fri. April 10, or Sat. April 11 here.
Want to whip up some softies at home? Call (843)-324-5281 to reserve some fresh soft-shell crabs from Tarvin Seafood.
[embed-1] The American cheese-topped soft-shell “Big Mac” is officially back on the menu at Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company. As of Fri. March 27, guests can order a single ($18) or double ($33), which can be paired with a side of crispy potatoes ($3) or coleslaw ($4). Order by dialing (843) 718-3224.
Slightly North of Broad is serving a fried softie sandwich with a cherry tomato salad, marinated feta, lettuce, onion, and chimichurri on a brioche bun.
Pier 41’s menu items are available for take out at The Basement, the arcade bar located at the Mt. Pleasant eatery. They’re dishing out two options for soft-shell crab-lovers. Opt for their fried softie sandwich ($15) or a platter with two sides featuring one ($20) or two ($30) crabs. Place your order by phone at (843)-352-9235.
Dockery’s on Daniel Island has a soft-shell crab BLT on their take out and delivery menu. Order online or by calling (843)-471-1130.
Mt. Pleasant’s Graze is serving a cornmeal crusted soft-shell crab over butterbean succotash with tomato jam and honey Tabasco mayo.
Thurston Southern Catering’s new automated meal delivery service Rosebay has a soft-shell crab sandwich on the menu for $15. Order online for take out or delivery.
Estadio has added a soft-shell crab sandwich ($18) to their to-go menu.
[embed-5] 167 Raw has added a softie sandwich to their take out menu.
Chubby Fish is serving a soft-shell crab rice bowl with a poached egg on their take out and delivery menu.
Bistro Toulouse received their softies on Wednesday and are serving them pan seared with a salad of mixed greens, roasted red peppers, beets, chickpeas, and charred tomato vinaigrette. Order one ($20) or two ($30) crabs by dialing (843)-216-3434 or emailing OrderBistroToulouse@gmail.com.
Rappahannock Oyster Bar is frying their softies in a vodka-tempura batter.
This list will be updated as the soft-shell season continues — if you’ve got crabs, email parker@charlestoncitypaper.com.
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