Did you know that in the 1800s, San Franciscans considered Dungeness crab a pest? Today, Dungeness crab season in San Francisco is one of the Bay Area’s favorite times of year. In this guide, we will share everything you need to know about Dungeness crab and when the Dungeness crab season is.
When you’re ready to taste sweet Dungeness crab meat, check out Crab House at Pier 39. Crab House at Pier 39 sources sustainable Dungeness crab and serves them on sizzling iron skillets roasted in a secret garlic sauce. Perfection.
History of Dungeness Crab Season in San Francisco
Dungeness crab used to be considered a pest because they would snag and break fishing nets. However, in the early 1900s, Italian fishermen tasted the Dungeness crab and realized their splendor.
These Italian fishermen’s homes were the best places to eat Dungeness crab. In Dungeness crab season in San Francisco, some of the fishermen would cook the fresh crab in large cauldrons of boiling water set up on the sidewalk, serving Dungeness to paying visitors in paper cups.
Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach in San Francisco became hubs for this seafood delicacy. Restaurants in these neighborhoods popularized Dungeness crab. Today, the best Dungeness crab around is at PIER 39 restaurants.
When is Dungeness Crab Season in SF?
If you are looking for information on when Dungeness crab season is, you can check the State of California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the most recent dates. Dungeness crab season usually begins around mid-November and ends by July.
But commercial Dungeness crab season in San Francisco is often delayed for a variety of reasons. During the last five years, migrating whales delayed the season. Crabbing puts the whales at risk of becoming entangled in nets and fishing gear.
What Does Dungeness Crab Taste Like?
Dungeness crab has a mild, sweet, and nutty flavor. It is juicy and tender with firmer leg meat. In fact, the body meat is ideal for adding to recipes like crab bruschetta or crab soups. These factors make the crab one of the more versatile ingredients to cook with, as its flavor profile merges well with other flavors.
Where to Find Dungeness Crab Bay Area
During Dungeness crab season, they can be found in the shallow waters of the Pacific Ocean, from Mexico to San Francisco, and even Alaska. Did you know they were named after the port of Dungeness, Washington? Bay Area fishermen go crabbing in the San Francisco Bay. In fact, they are the most abundant crab in California’s waters.
If you know when Dungeness crab season is due and you’re looking for fresh live crab to cook at home, visit the fishermen along Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Actually, both off-boat fish and crab sales are available there.
We recommend getting your Dungeness crab fix directly on the Pier. Crab House at Pier 39 has been a favorite spot among locals and tourists for its crab dishes.
Dungeness Crab and the Economy
Dungeness crab season in San Francisco opens up doors for the local economy. Because this crab is a delicacy on the West Coast, seafood restaurants are eager to support local fishermen who work in line with responsible fishing methods. Local fishermen and fisheries alike are all abuzz with catching crabs for local eateries.
This time of year brings in most of their income. Especially for fishermen, who rely on crab season to support their families. But it’s not only the fishermen who benefit. Supporting industries like boat repairmen, bait shops, and gear suppliers also benefit.
As soon as out-of-towners know it’s Dungeness crab season, they often make their way to San Francisco. This also means the tourism industry gets a boost, local markets get livelier, entertainment venues see more customers, and restaurants feed more visitors.
This leads to job creation as well- chefs, waiters, dishwashers, and other restaurant employees will have additional work throughout the season due to the increased demand for crab.
Crab House at Pier 39
During Dungeness crab season in San Francisco, Crab House at Pier 39 is the best restaurant to enjoy crab at Fisherman’s Wharf. The restaurant’s walls are lined with large windows overlooking the bay. Enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island while enjoying succulent crab dishes. Even more, the restaurant is family-owned and operated by the same family who helped found PIER 39, making it a special place to dine with your loved ones.
Sustainably Sourced
During Dungeness crab season (and off season), Crab House at Pier 39 only serves sustainably sourced seafood. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability results in more delicious seafood and healthier oceans.
Our Signature Crab Dishes
Dungeness crab season in San Francisco is an exciting time, and many dishes on Crab House at Pier 39’s food menu feature Dungeness crab. The restaurant is famous for its Killer Crab®—which has 2+ pounds of Dungeness crab—served on sizzling iron skillets, coated in a secret garlic sauce.
Guests also love Crab House at Pier 39’s crab fried rice, garlic noodles with crab, and crab chowder. If you are visiting San Francisco, you must try the local classic- cioppino. This traditional dish features shrimp, mussels, fish, and crab simmered in a tomato broth sauce.
FAQs
How do crabs make their way from the ocean to my plate?
As soon as Dungeness crab season in San Francisco is declared open, fishing boats will make their way out to the ocean and drop baited traps. Small crabs can escape, while the larger crabs are trapped. This is one of the methods used by responsible fishermen. Once the boats land, the crabs are distributed to restaurants and markets, so you get the most delicious crab on your plate.
Is crab healthy to eat?
Everyone looks forward to when it is Dungeness crab season, because crab is one of the healthiest meats to eat. It offers a lot of protein as well as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which all aid in a healthy diet.
How do I eat crab meat?
Crab is served with a crab cracker, which helps you open the hard shells. Start by detaching the legs and claws from the main body. You can twist these off. Remove the shell from the body and break the body in half to enjoy the delicate white meat below. Use the cracker on the legs and claws, and pull the meat out with your fish fork or fingers. This is the best way to enjoy Dungeness crab season in San Francisco.
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