California, Food, San Diego, USA

The Best Seafood Boil in San Diego: Top 12 Places You Need to Try!

April 4, 2023

Are you searching for the best seafood boil in San Diego that’ll have you salivating? If so, read ahead for our favorite spots!

Looking for the best seafood boil in San Diego? We don’t blame you!

There’s nothing better than a seafood boil, especially in San Diego. From the super greasy fingers to the social aspect, it’s a fabulous way to eat.

So, if you’ve been searching for the best seafood boil in San Diego, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve rounded up an amazing list of places to get the best seafood boil in San Diego that won’t let you down.

Almost every spot is relatively budget-friendly. But there are a couple of places that you can visit for a bumper blowout.

Whether you adore shrimp or are a sucker for lobster, you’re bound to enjoy these picks for the best seafood boil in San Diego.

Now let’s dig in – literally!


The Best Seafood Boil in San Diego…


The Boiling Crab

The Boiling Crab is right at the top of our list of places for the best seafood boil in San Diego.

It’s conveniently located on Mira Mesa Boulevard and boasts a huge dining room which is ideal for large groups.

We’d say that this place served the best seafood boil in San Diego as you’re able to choose your catch and customize your sauces.

Oh, and if you want the best seafood boil in San Diego without the spice – you can go super mild too!

This place puts the customer first, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to some of the best seafood boil in San Diego.

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/boilingcrab/

Submarine Crab

Next on our list of spots that offer the best seafood boil in San Diego is Submarine Crab.

This place is all about embracing its Louisiana roots. So, you should expect bold flavors, hearty sides, and big portions.

These guys specialize in crab and crawfish. But there are several other seafood goodies that you can throw into your boil if you’re feeling funky.

While this place serves the best seafood boil in San Diego, you shouldn’t sleep on their hotpot or appetizers.

With everything from spring rolls to soups and salads on offer, this place has got it going on.

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/submarinecrabsandiego/

Joe’s Crab Shack

Joe’s Crab Shack might not sound like much, but this relaxed chain serves some of the best seafood in San Diego, and it’s next on our list of where to find the best seafood boil in San Diego.

We adore their classic approach to cooking American comfort food and things here always get messy.

You don’t need to bring a bib. However, you’ll want tons of napkins if you’re going to devour the best seafood boil in San Diego!

These boils usually come with sides of corn and you can bulk things out with extra mussels if you’re super hungry.

Whatever you order, this is the spot for the best seafood in San Diego that’s affordable and reliable.

Read more about San Diego: 38 fun things to do in San Diego at night!

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/officialjoescrabshack/

Crab Fever

For the best seafood boil in San Diego that’s affordable and completely delicious, try out Crab Fever.

This lesser-known gem is on East Plaza Boulevard, so it’s a bit of a trek if you’re around La Jolla or downtown.

But honestly, this place serves some of the best seafood boil in San Diego for bargain prices.

So, it’s worth the trek!

All their seafood boil combos are served with corn, potatoes, and sausages, making this a well-rounded meal that’ll keep you super full.

And if you’re not feeling the heat on a particular day, just dial the spice way down to suit your tastebuds.

Read more about San Diego food: 11 best seafood markets in San Diego!


Crab Town

Next on our list of where to find the best seafood boil in San Diego, it’s Crab Town.

If you’re on the hunt for large portions and lashings of butter, you’ll adore Crab Town.

This is one of our favorite seafood restaurants in San Diego as it’s laid-back, cool, and serves HUGE platters.

And really, that’s all you need if you’re searching for the best seafood boil in San Diego.

To make things even more appealing, these guys often stream popular sports matches on their flatscreens.

So, settle in with your friends and catch up on the latest football game with the best seafood boil in San Diego! Total perfection.

Read more about San Diego: 24 things to do in Old Town, San Diego

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/crabtownsd/

Shrimp Heads

Next on our list of places to grab the best seafood boil in San Diego, we have Shrimp Heads.

As you might have guessed from its name, this is our top pick for the best seafood boil in San Diego for shrimp lovers.

They nail those moreish flavors, serve awesome sides (hello piping hot fries!), and the portions are always generous.

They offer the best seafood boil in San Diego, but you can’t go wrong with any of their fried baskets either!

Read more about visiting San Diego: 30 fun things to do in the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego!

Image credit: https://www.shrimpheadssd.com/

Crab Pub

For the best seafood boil in San Diego and killer Cajun flavors, you can’t beat Crab Pub.

But it’s not just about Louisiana flavors here. These guys put their own West Coast Asian twist on every single dish for a unique take on traditional seafood boil.

You can get the best seafood boil in San Diego made with crab, shrimp, lobster, and way more.

Just pick your poison (well, seafood!) and dig right in.

Oh, and this place has several locations across the city. So, you can grab the best seafood boil in San Diego without traveling miles!

Read more about San Diego: Top 10 La Jolla restaurants on the water!


Crab City

Next up on our list of places to get the best seafood boil in San Diego, it’s Crab City!

We adore this place for its awesome craft brews (on tap!) and incredible Monday – Thursday Happy Hour.

But it’s the seafood boil here that keeps people sticking around.

You can choose what seafood you want, the flavors to add to the bowl, and the spice level before everything’s cooked.

So, there should be no surprises.

It’s not the cheapest place to grab the best seafood boil in San Diego. But the awesome service and delicious drinks make up for the cost!

Read more about San Diego: Our favorite cheap eats in La Jolla! For budget-friendly travelers!


Rockin’ Baja Lobster

If you’re searching for a twist on the best seafood boil in San Diego, Rockin’ Baja Lobster has you covered.

While most spots serve seafood boil in San Diego with Cajun spices, these guys bring Mexican flavors to the fore.

You’ll still get the classic tastes and textures of seafood boil, but you’ll be able to enjoy things with a side of tacos!

And really, what’s better than the best seafood boil in San Diego mashed up with Taco Tuesday?


Krab Bros

Krab Bros is an unassuming spot for grabbing the best seafood boil in San Diego.

But just because it’s small, doesn’t mean it isn’t mighty!

This place serves locally-sourced seafood from San Diego’s waters, and everything is beautifully flavored with Cajun spices.

Honey garlic butter, anyone?

If you want the best seafood boil in San Diego, we recommend ordering one of their iconic platters (the shrimp and crab ones are awesome!).

They’re ridiculously affordable and you’ll even have change for a few drinks if you get the smaller sizes.

Read more about San Diego: 26 things to do alone in San Diego


King Crab

Next on our list of places to get the best seafood boil in San Diego, we have King Crab.

This place is one of the cheapest spots for the best seafood boil in San Diego. 

Whether you choose the snow crab legs or the clams, you’ll need plenty of wet tissues to see you through this experience!

To finish things off, why not chow down on one of their delicious desserts or sip on a boba tea?

The sky’s the limit!

Read more about San Diego: Top 20 best restaurants in San Diego with a view!


Pacific Beach Fish Shop

The final place on our list of spots for the best seafood boil in San Diego is Pacific Beach Fish Shop.

This glimmering gem of a restaurant is right in the Pacific Beach area and serves the best seafood boil in San Diego.

All you need to do is pick your fish and a marinade before the chefs get to work!

We adore the fish shop seasoning and the lemon butter, but any of their marinades are glorious.

If you’re not around Pacific Beach, you’ll also find the best seafood boil in San Diego at their Point Loma and Encinitas locations.

Read more San Diego food recommendations: Top 20 places for Mexican food in San Diego


Hopefully this list of the best seafood boil in San Diego has made you hungry and given you loads of ideas!

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