The Best Crab Rolls In Seattle, Ranked

Look, we get it—eating lobster or crab on toasted bread is more of an East Coast thing. But Seattle can’t deny there’s something wonderful about the combination of juicy crustacean meat with buttery rolls, made even better by local Dungeness (save those frozen lobster-based ones for Boston expats). Seattle has its fair share of seafood restaurants, but finding a spot that consistently makes a decent crab roll can be a challenge. Here are the best we’ve found, serving refreshing sandwiches that work as well on a sweltering day as they do in the chill of winter.

8.6

#1

Local Tide

$$$$Perfect For:Impressing Out of TownersLunchQuick EatsSerious Takeout OperationWalk-Ins

This Fremont seafood counter’s weekend-only crab roll regularly draws long lines and raves—for good reason. The hand-cracked Dungeness is chunky and succulent, topped with a subtle housemade version of Old Bay seasoning and a touch of mayo that adds creaminess without making the perfectly toasted Macrina bun soggy. You’ll want to get to Local Tide around its 11am opening to guarantee you actually get a roll, but the early lunch on a Saturday or Sunday is well worth it.

#2

Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar

Long known as Seattle’s great oyster emporium, Taylor Shellfish’s Pioneer Square location serves a mighty fine crab on toasted bread at $30 (with fries). There’s a welcome crunch from pickled celeriac and red onion, with a rich tarragon aioli on the side to distribute as you see fit. The roll is sturdy and not overly buttered, letting the Dungeness meat spill out in all its shredded glory. Sidle up to the marble bar on a low-key weekday afternoon for lunch and a mini show as you watch staff bust open those shells with crackling flair.

8.2

#3

Seattle Fish Guys

$$$$Perfect For:KidsLunchQuick EatsSerious Takeout Operation

The running rate for crab rolls in this town is around $30—but for $8 less, you can get a large, tasty sub bursting with Dungeness meat at this low-key Central District counter, which throws in mac salad and chips as part of the deal. The crab has a nice little dusting of Old Bay seasoning, and although they go a little heavy-handed on the mayo, a few extra napkins is a small price to pay for a satisfying seafood sandwich. It’s best enjoyed right away on the sunny sidewalk patio that’s great for people watching.

#4

Luke's Lobster

This popular New York chain has a little shop adjacent to Pike Place with lots of vintage buoys and shiplap. But don't let the tourist energy fool you—the seafood is high quality. We also like that they offer different crab roll sizes along with two options: local Dungeness and the sweeter (and cheaper) Jonah. Even if the buns tend to be a bit flabby, both versions are packed with juicy meat. True crustacean lovers should order a flight that includes shrimp and the signature lobster rolls, completing a shellfish trifecta.

#5

Burien Fish House

You can find really good seafood at this laid-back Burien strip mall joint that isn’t near any body of water, but feels like a beachside diner. While the fish & chip dishes stand out the most, the restaurant’s crab rolls don’t disappoint. There’s a substantial portion of meat mixed with celery, diced red pepper, and housemade tartar sauce that adds depth (though you’ll probably need to sploosh in a lot of lemon to add brightness). This roll also has nicely toasted bread and crispy fries are included in the $30 price.

#6

Bar Harbor

$$$$Perfect For:Dinner with the ParentsDrinks & A Light BiteHappy HoursLunchOutdoor/Patio Situation

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Inside a mini SLU food court sits this casual counter named after a Maine coastal town that specializes in East Coast seafood rolls. If you don’t like mayo, the Connecticut style drenches crab in warm butter instead—tasty on the first couple of bites, but a little overwhelming to finish. We’d stick with the mayo and celery versions, which can be ordered with sides like coleslaw or chips. There’s also a nice patio with large tables where you can sip on a drink, drop your r’s, and pretend you’re on a crab and lobstah-filled New England vacation.

#7

Market

This Edmonds-based operation running the kitchen at the Seattle Art Museum’s cafeteria offers stuff beyond sad packaged sandwiches and salads. After perusing abstract sculptures all day, you can refuel in a pleasant dining area with seafood like poke, clam chowder, and rockfish tacos. But the crab and lobster rolls are the biggest draws. We have no complaints about the meat inside—the crab ends get lightly toasted, adding a welcome texture. It’s just that the bread is a tad weak and you may wonder why you’re paying $36 for a full roll (or $22 for half) when you can get more for your money elsewhere in town.