Garlic crabs may sound easy to make, but they’re kind of an art form when it comes to getting the mixture right. Let’s just say I can’t figure it out, so I hunt down places to get garlic crabs from and I’ve narrowed it down to three places that each have a different style of garlic crab and all three are really, really good.

The first place, and probably my favorite, is American Crab Company just outside of northeast Philly. It’s in Bensalem, PA, off Route 1 and they use peanut oil and roasted garlic. It’s the greasiest thing you’ll eat, but damn it’s so good. Their mix is top notch, but you’ll be covered in oil. If you’re ready to make a mess and have some good garlic crabs, then go here.

The second is Grabbe’s in Westville, NJ. These garlic crabs are great and the garlic sauce they mix is a lot lighter, less greasy, and full of flavor. You can eat a lot more of these because there’s a lot less oil, so if you’re in the area over there, then go for it. They have great garlic crabs too.

The third place I’d go to is a new place I tried this week. The garlic crabs you see in the photo are from the other day and they’re from Loupy’s Crabs Seafood & Catering in Marlton, NJ. These were great garlic crabs too. They’re a bit lighter, without all the oil, and were very good.

All three locations have awesome people working there who’ve been in business for years and have their own unique way to make garlic crabs. I’ve been going to American Crab Company since I was a kid and any time I get a chance to be in Philly, I always try my best to get up there and go home with garlic crabs, some cajun shrimp, and usually a dozen of their steamed crabs too. I gotta stock up since I don’t live in town anymore!

No matter what, these are the top three places I’d go to in Philly and South Jersey. I’ve tried a bunch of other places and either the prices weren’t that great or the crabs were just meh. I ain’t picky, but give me a good deal and some good flavor and we’re going to flavor town.

Follow all three crab places on Facebook. They may not be super active, so check their websites too or look them up on Google. Just give them a call if you want to know what’s in stock or what the current deals are:

American Crab Company on Facebook / American Crab Company website

Grabbe’s on Facebook / Grabbe’s website

Loupys on Facebook / Loupy’s website