A little Outer Banks softshell crab lesson in honor of OBX Soft Shell Crab Week🦀
That yellow “mustard” inside a softshell? That’s not something bad or unclean. Around here, a lot of locals believe it’s where some of the richest flavor comes from. It’s been eaten this way on the coast for generations and is part of what makes softshell season so special.
Some folks prefer them cleaned more, some like them the old school way fresh off the boat. No right or wrong way to eat a softshell around here — just a whole lot of coastal tradition and good seafood.
It’s also a big part of our local watermen culture and the hardworking crabbers who spend long days on the water during soft shell season bringing this coastal delicacy to our tables. Around here, soft shells aren’t just a meal — they’re a piece of Outer Banks history.
We’re proud to be participating in OBX Soft Shell Week with specials all week long. Whether you like them classic, crispy, spicy, or loaded up, this is one of the best local traditions the coast has to offer.
OBX Soft Shell Week ends May 16th, so come grab our specials before the season slips away.

It's feeling like summer today on the Outer Banks. Celebrate coastal life with the Southern Gates® Harbor Series! Inspired by surfers, sun worshippers and everyone who makes their fun on the water, these Charleston, SC designed pieces are the perfect summer beach jewelry 🌊 💎💜

It’s that time of the year again…Ocracoke Ghost and History Walks are starting up on Tuesday, May 19! And, if you can’t wait that long to get your ghost fix, you can sign up for Ghost Stories around a Beach Fire on Monday, May 18 (Ocracoke Beach Fires). The walks in the village are scheduled for most Tuesdays and Fridays through the end of September, and the Beach Fire Ghost Stories are most Mondays from May 18 through the end of August. Come join the fun!

Soft Shell Crabs are back! Every May we are able to get FRESH LOCAL soft shell crabs! These beautiful crabs are fresh (and swimming this morning) from Collington Harbor! Thanks as always to Kissy at Endurance for supplying us with these delicious crabs! Come in and get your soft shells while we still have them!