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 SF dungeness crab season.
When you’re ready to taste sweet Dungeness crab meat, check out Crab House at PIER 39. Crab House sources fresh, 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. 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 freshest Dungeness crab around is at PIER 39 restaurants.
When is Dungeness Crab Season in SF?
For the most current dates of the season, check the State of California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Dungeness crab season usually begins around mid-November and end by July.
But, commercial crab season 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. Check out Pier Market’s Ultimate Guide to Cooking Crab.
Learn more about what Dungeness crab tastes like and how it can be prepared: check out our blog post.
Where to Find Dungeness Crab Bay Area
Dungeness crab are in the shallow waters of the Pacific Ocean, from Mexico to California to 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, Dungeness is the most abundant crab of California’s waters.
If 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 eating crab at PIER 39 restaurants. PIER 39 restaurants like Crab House source fresh and sustainable seafood. This guarantees the best flavors and a healthier ocean.
Crab House at PIER 39
Crab House at PIER 39 is the best restaurant to enjoy Dungeness crab in San Francisco. 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 founded PIER 39, making it a special place to dine with your loved ones.
Fresh & Sustainable
Crab House at PIER 39 serves only the freshest and most sustainable seafood possible. Chefs will only source Dungeness crab from fishermen who crab sustainably. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability results in fresher, more delicious seafood.
Our Signature Crab Dishes
Almost every dish on Crab House’s food menu features Dungeness crab. The restaurant is famous for its Killer Crab ®–which has 2+lb of Dungeness crab–served on sizzling iron skillets, roasted in a secret garlic sauce.
Guests also love Crab House’s crab fried rice, garlic noodles with crab, and crab chowder. If you are visiting San Francisco, you must try the local classic Seafood Cioppino, which features shrimp, mussels, fish, and crab simmered in a tomato broth sauce.
Make a reservation (walk-ins welcome!)