A 1961 crab family steams to order by the Nassau Bridge
The Surfing Crab brings Bethesda Crab House bloodlines to Route 1 in Lewes. Every crab goes into the steamer after you order it.
The Surfing Crab
The Surfing Crab grew out of the Bethesda Crab House, which Henry Vechery opened outside Washington in 1961. Around 2009 Donald Vechery branched out to Sussex County. He took over the former Curley's barbecue building on Route 1, just north of the Nassau Bridge. Crabs are steamed to order. Expect a 20 to 30 minute wait. They sell by the half dozen and dozen in four sizes, selects to extra-large. Your server quotes market pricing. A stainless hand-washing sink hangs on the dining room wall. Hours are seasonal. It closes Tuesdays.
Our reporting
Rehoboth crabs come with a check. Lewes crabs come with a phone call
A field guide to the six rooms and shacks from the Tanger outlets to Second Street, and how to buy steamed blues in each. Only one posts a firm crab price online.
