4100 Northpoint Blvd.
Baltimore, Maryland 21222

Call For Reservations: 410.477.1975




What is a Soft-Shell Crab?

Soft-Shell Crab

A soft-shell crab is a delicacy that you have to try!

A soft-shell crab is a delicacy that is best served in Maryland. When you order a soft-shell crab at Costas Inn, you receive an entire crab that is battered and fried to golden perfection. You won’t find any sharp claws or hard shell on a soft-shell crab, so feel free to dig in! Read on to learn more about soft-shell crabs, and pay a visit to Costas Inn to try one for yourself!

What Makes a Soft-Shell Crab Soft?

When you think of crabs, sharp claws come to mind. However, a soft-shell crab is just as it sounds: soft. Getting a soft-shell crab is all about timing. As crabs grow, they have to shed their shells, just as a snake sheds its skin. The crab will develop a soft shell underneath its hard shell, then puff itself up to break the hard shell to make room for the new shell. Crabs that have just shed their hard shells expose a soft, delicate shell that hardens within hours. So, in order to make a soft-shell crab, the chef has to get a crab just within the small window of time after it breaks off its old shell and before the new shell hardens. To do this, crabs are captured pre-molting. They are contained and monitored until just the perfect time when they are softest and best to batter and fry. And voila! You have a delicious, mouth-watering soft-shell crab! Now you can enjoy the full-bodied flavor of crab without having to deal with the hassle of prying off the hard shell. The short time window that crabs have soft shells creates extra-intensive labor on the part of the chef, but it results in an extra-special treat for the guest. This is why soft-shell crabs are a delicacy that you should try at Costas Inn!

MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WITH COSTAS INN!

Costas Inn has been a family owned and operated restaurant for over 40 years. We were recently voted the 2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by local expert Tamar Fleischman of USA Today, putting us in the company of other prestigious restaurants like Cinghiale, Aldo’s, Pazo, Miss Shirley’s, and The Prime Rib! We were also voted #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal! You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for anytime eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube!

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Taste a Baltimore Tradition!

You can now order our famous and award winning Maryland crabcakes online and we'll ship them fresh to your door. We will gladly ship them nationwide. Crabs, crab cakes, party packages, clothing, seasonings, and more available to order online now!

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  • Online Gift Card

    Online gift cards make a great gift that can be redeemed for any products available at costasinn.com only. Not redeemable at the restaurant.

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  • More Information About Crabcake Delivery: What Are Some of Our House Policies?

    Costas Inn Gift Card

    A 10.95 charge will be applied for next day delivery on Gift Certificates. If you desire regular shipping via USPS, please call Pete at 410-477-1975.  

    $25.00 - $100.00 buy
  • 5 oz. Maryland Jumbo Lump Crabcake

    One 5 oz. Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake  Garnish and roll not included

    $20 buy
  • 10 Pack 5 oz. Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

    A Costas tradition since 1971: 5 ounces of all Jumbo Lump crabmeat made with Costas seafood spices. A local favorite!

    $190 buy
  • What Makes a Maryland Crab So Special?

    8 oz. Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

    One 8 oz. Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake.  Garnish not included

    $29 buy
Costas Inn
5 stars - based on 699 reviews
4100 Northpoint Blvd. Baltimore , Maryland
410-477-1975 URL of Map Categories: Seafood Price Range: $$ Takes Reservations: yes
Costas Inn
5 stars - based on 695 reviews
4100 North Point Boulevard Baltimore , Maryland 21222
(410) 477-1975 URL of Map Categories: Seafood & Crabs Price Range: $$ Takes Reservations: yes