10 Columbia restaurants currently serving soft-shell crabs

Soft-shell crab sandwich | Photo by @spottedsalamander

Table of Contents

Soft-shell crabs

Columbia has a weird obsession with soft-shell crabs. We like ‘em on sandwiches, over grits, in salads – you name it. And it seems like the season lasts of all of two weeks, which makes them *extra special* – and in high demand (so make sure you call ahead to confirm your cravings or else return home crabby).

Here are 10 local restaurants that are serving softies:

  • Terra | 💰 TBA | 🦀 Pan-fried with a parsnip puree, S.C. asparagus, fava bean, + green garlic. Served with a green tomato carpaccio, basil, + sherry mustard butter.
  • Cellar on Greene | 💰$14 for the app, $27 as an entree | 🦀 Fried with Romesco beurre blanc + pickled veggies (as an app) or nestled on top of polenta + sautéed broccolini (as a main course).
  • Hunter-Gatherer Brewery (Main St.) | 💰$24 | 🦀 Pan-seared with a seafood risotto, poached shrimp, crab meat, citrus, asparagus, + mushrooms.
  • Solstice Kitchen | 💰$14 | 🦀 Crispy fried McClellanville softies.
  • Inakaya | 💰$8 | 🦀 Soft-shell crab sushi roll.
  • Lula Drake |💰 $25 | 🦀 Fried with creamed corn, roasted red peppers, + leeks – finished with a sriracha beurre blanc.
  • Motor Supply | 💰$19 | 🦀 Fried tempura-style with local, seasonal ingredients.
  • Mr. Friendly’s | 💰$28 | 🦀 Fried, then topped with a sherry-mustard beurre blanc and a grilled corn-tomato “salad.”
  • Spotted Salamander | 💰$16.50 | 🦀 Nashville hot soft-shell sandwich with b&b pickles, lettuce + mayo – all nestled atop a piece of white bread.
  • Also, look out for a special from The War Mouth. We hear they’re getting a shipment in today + will be offering them soon.

Poll


More from COLAtoday
The Fireflies revive the Capital City Bombers at Segra Park July 10–12 with throwback merch, promotions, and Columbia baseball history.
Birds like the ruby-throated hummingbird will be appearing in Columbia in the spring — find out where you can go to catch a sighting.
South Carolina Ballet’s William Starrett received the Order of the Palmetto during the company’s 65th anniversary performance.
Plan your day at the 44th annual St. Pat’s in Five Points with this quick guide to music, the parade, races, and more.
Columbia arts leader Larry Hembree will receive One Columbia’s 2026 Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award, honoring decades of cultural leadership.
Nearly 200 free wellness classes — from yoga to Zumba — launch at Finlay Park starting Monday, March 16.
We asked new COLAtoday subscribers their favorite restaurant in the Columbia area. These 10 spots were mentioned the most.
It’s free to attend as the sports network spotlights Greenville and the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament.
South Carolina opens the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Friday, March 6, in Greenville, with fan deals, downtown events, and the Gamecock Club headquarters.
Presales are open and spring temps are rising — here’s where to stock up on natives, heirlooms, and blooms before they sell out.