Top Restaurants with the Best King Crab Price in Seattle: Where to Savor Premium Seafood

by Oleg Nikitenko October 23, 2024

Seattle is one of the best cities in the US to eat king crab -- its proximity to Alaskan fishing grounds means the supply chain is shorter than almost anywhere else in the lower 48, and the city's seafood restaurant culture is deep and competitive. This guide covers five of the best Seattle restaurants for king crab, with practical details for planning a visit, plus tips for recreating the experience at home.

Note: Restaurant menus, hours, and availability change seasonally. Always verify current menu offerings and hours directly with the restaurant before visiting.

Alaskan Red King Crab Legs | Golden King Crab | King Crab Leg Pieces

1. Elliott's Oyster House

Elliott's is one of Seattle's most established waterfront seafood restaurants, situated on Pier 56 with views of Elliott Bay. Their menu consistently features Alaskan King Crab Legs, steamed and served with drawn butter -- a straightforward preparation that lets the quality of the crab speak for itself. The waterfront location and daily sourcing make it a reliable choice for a special occasion king crab dinner.

Address: 1201 Alaskan Way, Pier 56, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (206) 623-4340
Website: elliottsoysterhouse.com
Reservations: Recommended; available online and by phone.

2. The Crab Pot

The Crab Pot is a Seattle institution for a reason -- their "SeaFeast" format (a massive pile of mixed shellfish including king crab, snow crab, clams, and shrimp dumped directly on the table) is one of the most fun and social ways to eat seafood in the city. It is a casual, family-friendly experience designed for groups. The format makes it excellent value for the quantity of seafood you receive, and king crab is typically a featured component of the feast.

Address: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (206) 624-1890
Website: thecrabpotseattle.com
Reservations: Accepted; recommended for groups of 4 or more.

3. Chinook's at Salmon Bay

Located at Fishermen's Terminal -- the home port of the North Pacific fishing fleet -- Chinook's has one of the most direct connections to the source of any Seattle seafood restaurant. The menu features Alaskan seafood including king crab, served simply to highlight the natural flavor. The setting (working fishing docks, boats visible from the dining room) adds genuine context to the meal. Prices tend to be more moderate than waterfront tourist-area restaurants for comparable quality.

Address: 1900 W Nickerson St, Seattle, WA 98119
Phone: (206) 283-4665
Website: anthonys.com/restaurants/chinooks (part of the Anthony's Restaurants group)
Reservations: Available by phone and online.

4. Duke's Seafood

Duke's is a Seattle-based chain with multiple locations across the city and surrounding area. Their commitment to sustainable sourcing is well-documented, and king crab legs appear on their seasonal specials menu when available. The casual atmosphere and consistent quality make Duke's a reliable everyday option for king crab without the formality or price premium of a high-end restaurant. Multiple locations make it accessible from most parts of the city.

Flagship location: 1111 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 382-9963
Website: dukesseafood.com
Reservations: Accepted online and by phone; walk-ins welcome.

5. Anthony's Pier 66

Anthony's Pier 66 is the flagship of the Anthony's Restaurants group, located on the central waterfront with panoramic views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The menu features Pacific Northwest and Alaskan seafood including king crab, with a more upscale presentation than the group's other locations. The combination of waterfront views, quality sourcing, and a broad seafood menu makes it one of the best all-around king crab dining experiences in Seattle.

Address: 2201 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: (206) 448-6688
Website: anthonys.com/restaurants/anthonys-pier-66
Reservations: Strongly recommended; available online and by phone.

Cook King Crab at Home: Same Quality, Lower Cost

Restaurant king crab carries a significant markup over the ingredient cost -- typically 3-4x the wholesale price once labor, overhead, and presentation are factored in. Cooking king crab at home from a quality supplier delivers the same eating experience at a fraction of the cost. Global Seafoods ships Alaskan king crab directly to your door:

Full cooking guide: How to Cook King Crab at Home Like a Pro

Watch seafood preparation videos on the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average price of king crab at Seattle restaurants?

King crab pricing at Seattle restaurants varies significantly by restaurant format, season, and market conditions. Casual formats like The Crab Pot's SeaFeast offer good value for the quantity of seafood; upscale waterfront restaurants charge a premium for presentation and setting. Always check current menus directly -- prices change seasonally.

Where can I find the best king crab deals in Seattle?

The Crab Pot's SeaFeast format offers the best value for quantity. Chinook's at Salmon Bay tends to offer competitive pricing relative to quality due to its location at Fishermen's Terminal. Duke's Seafood is the most accessible option across multiple price points and locations.

Is king crab cheaper to buy online than at a Seattle restaurant?

Yes -- significantly. Restaurant pricing includes labor, overhead, and presentation markup (typically 3-4x ingredient cost). Buying directly from a specialty retailer like Global Seafoods and cooking at home delivers the same quality at a fraction of the restaurant price.

How do I cook king crab at home?

Commercially sold king crab is pre-cooked -- you are reheating it, not cooking from raw. Steam for 5-7 minutes over boiling water (recommended), grill at medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or bake at 375°F covered with foil for 15-18 minutes. Full guide: How to Cook King Crab at Home Like a Pro .

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