Soft Shell Crab Season Is Here, Despite COVID-19

Well, it’s soft shell crab season once again in the Lowcountry, but instead of the normal fanfare and obsessive tracking of softies, crustacean-seekers are mostly at home due to COVID-19. Restaurants can still offer takeout and delivery, so Southern restaurant the Glass Onion decided to move forward with a soft shell crab special today for pickup.

One of the first restaurants to offer softies, owner Chris Stewart says he received a phone call yesterday that it was time. He tells Eater, “In spite of coronavirus, Mother Nature is still plowing ahead. Yesterday I got the annual message from Chris Grime at Local Seafood about soft shell crabs. The warm weather last week started the season.”

The recent cool down in temperature will slow the season, so this might be the last chance for the softies for awhile.

Stewart is frying the crabs and offering them with two sides or as a po-boy for $15. The rest of the menu is also available for carryout. Call (843) 225-1717 to place an order from 11 a.m. to 8 pm. today.

Update: Mount Pleasant restaurant the Basement also has softies for carryout today. The restaurant opens at 4 p.m. for soft shell sandwiches and platters. Call (843) 352-9235 for takeout.

• Where to Find Soft Shell Crabs in Charleston, 2019 [ECAR]
• The Glass Onion [Official]