Soft Shell Crabs in Mount Pleasant, SC
Come by Land or by Sea
Softies 101
What is a soft shell crab? Is it different from a normal crab? How do you eat them? If you are asking these questions, you have come to the right place. Soft shell crabs, or “softies” as they are called in the Lowcountry, are Atlantic blue crabs that have recently molted their normally hard shell. These crabs are consistently growing and will naturally shed their old shells. After molting, the crab will be nearly a third larger than it was before.
Why All The Hype?
A recently molted Atlantic blue crab is very soft to the touch. This means the entire delicious crab can be prepared to eat… and you can toss the shell crackers! The soft tissue of the “new” shell is safe to eat along with the entire crab. Although, the Atlantic blue crab’s molting season only lasts from around Easter (when the water temperature is near 50 degrees) through summer. Mount Pleasant is the right place at the right time for softie season!
How and Where
This limited-time sought after delicacy is prepared several different ways in Mount Pleasant. Pulled from local waters and put on plates, you can find them deep fried, pan seared, and frequently in a sandwich. Local seafood markets also offer live soft shell crabs to prepare at home. See below for a list of local restaurants and markets offering softies. If you notice a missing destination, let us know!
Photo from NICO Oysters + Seafood Facebook
Soft shell crab has arrived at NICO! Starting April 2, (limited availability) get your hands on one of these beauties!
201 Coleman Blvd
(843) 352-7969
3 way serving is ready.
1035 Johnnie Dodds Blvd suite b-9
(843) 388-8001
Soft shells are in! Tempura fried soft shell crab / coconut red curry / boiled peanuts / broccoli / fingerling potatoes / thai basil / cilantro
1039 SC-41
(843) 388-4229
Photo from Ville Sainte Bistro Facebook
Sautéed in butter, garlic and parsley served over a bed of local Bibb lettuce dressed with champagne vinaigrette and a side of house-made succotash.
1035 Johnnie Dodds Blvd B7
(843) 388-5778
Photo from Butcher & the Boar Facebook
Fried Soft Shell Crab sandwich with 1000 island, American cheese, onion, lettuce & pickle.
730 Coleman Blvd.
(843) 868-8000
Photo from Savi Cucina + Wine Bar Facebook
Come enjoy Chef’s latest creation — Cornmeal Crusted Softies with Roasted Garlic-Citrus Glaze, Smoked Tomato Polenta, Cucumber + Calabrian Chili Salad. Our SAVI Somms recommend pairing this with Cakebread Chardonnay (YES! We have half bottles available too!)
1324 Theatre Drive.
(843) 606-1856
Photo from Kiki & Rye Facebook
Korean Fried Soft Shell Crab Sandwich.
656 G Long Point Rd.
(843) 981-0312
Photo from Mount Pleasant Seafood Facebook
Restocked and ready to go! Stop in and scoop up your soft shell crabs today! $9.49 each.
1402 Shrimp Boat Ln
(843) 884-4122
Photo from Tarvin Seafood Facebook
We are lucky enough to have access to our very own stash of soft shell crabs this season! The tanks are up and the crabs are ready! We HAVE A LIMITED supply of soft shells available for retail. They are $8/per CRAB. PLEASE TEXT (843)425-8695 with your name AND the number of crabs you would like, we will set them aside for you.
102 Haddrell St
(843) 324-5281
This list is updated often when new locations come in.
Life is different in Mount Pleasant. Here, you can watch the sunrise on the dock while sipping your morning coffee with your feet dangling in the water. In the afternoon, sneak away to the beach or go on a shopping expedition where you'll find one-of-a-kind treasures. For the evening, kayak or paddleboard to dinner. On the creek, you will find nationally-recognized cuisines and unforgettable views. Discover the magic of Mount Pleasant today!
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