Grilling and smoking always get plenty of attention this time of year but steaming and boiling (specifically when seafood is involved) deserve just as much summer loving. Few gastronomic endeavors can top getting down and dirty with a southern seafood boil or northern clambake, popular get-togethers that are notable for mountains of shellfish—not to mention wet naps. These are the best seafood dinner delivery options from coast to coast.
New England natives are already well acquainted with the clambake. Despite its name, the long-celebrated seasonal seafood celebration consists of steamed aquatic delights such as lobster, mussels, and, of course, clams served with corn and potatoes. Whether you opt for a traditionally prepared clambake—the seafood and vegetables are cooked over a fire pit dug in the sand, sandwiched between layers of seaweed and covered with a burlap sack—or take the simpler stovetop route, you’re in for some great, yet messy, eats.
A few hundred miles south, the seafood boil reigns supreme. Strongly associated with Cajun culture but common throughout the Gulf Coast, these always festive affairs feature a bounty of crawfish, shrimp, and vegetables, swimming harmoniously in a generously spiced bubbly bath.
Thankfully, you don’t need to travel up and down the eastern seaboard (with a quick detour to Louisiana) to enjoy these seafood feasts. With the options below, they can be delivered straight to your door for parties big and small. Whether you’re planning a fourth of July bash or an intimate dinner for two, be sure to keep these options in mind.
Clambake for Eight, $315.00 from Woodman’s of Essex
For over a century Woodman’s has been serving up some of the highest-quality seafood you can find in New England. The Essex, Mass. institution provides a sampling of their finest (and freshest) offerings with their classic clambake. This impressive package not only includes live lobster, fresh steamer clams, chowder stock, and corn on the cob, but you’ll get other key essentials such as claw crackers and seafood forks. Cooking instructions are also provided to ensure that you’ll be serving up an authentic Woodman’s experience.Buy Now
Stove Top Clambake for Six, $325 from Lobster Place
Lobster Place
The only thing missing from this comprehensive clambake package is the stress, at least when it comes to cooking. New York’s Lobster Place has everything covered here from the seafood to the vegetables, not to mention butter and utensils, and a (one-time use) pot. All you need to do is add water, crank up the heat, and you’re good to go. The only hard part is trying to figure out who to include on the guest list.Buy Now
Live Five Pound Crawfish Party Pack, $64.99 from Louisiana Crawfish Co.
Louisiana Crawfish Co.
Be prepared to crank up the Zydeco when this signature party pack from the Louisiana Crawfish Co. arrives at your doorstep. Yes, these are live crawfish so be prepared to cook them up A.S.A.P. Don’t worry about the seasoning, that’s included, plus beads, bibs, a t-shirt, and even a koozie (this is a party pack, after all). If five pounds of lobster’s tiny cousin isn’t enough, you can crank the lbs up to 90 if you want to gather together the whole neighborhood. Don’t forget to suck the head to get the most out of your of mudbug.Buy Now
Mix & Match Seafood Boil, Prices Vary from Tony’s Seafood
Baton Rouge’s legendary Tony’s Seafood has everything you need for the ultimate seafood boil. In addition to crawfish, oysters, blue crabs, and other goodies from the Gulf and beyond, Tony’s offers a variety of authentic spice mix blends plus pots and burners for first time boilers.Buy Now
Seafood Party Pack, $328.66 from Cape Porpoise Lobster Co.
If you want a Lobster Fest done right, it doesn’t get any better than this. With Cape Porpoise Lobster Co.’s spread for 10, you’ll enjoy Maine’s tastiest export delivered straight from the Pine Tree State, paired with a healthy side of rock crab claws and steamers to round out your clambake.Buy Now
Shellfish Party, $124.78 from Charleston Seafood
Charleston Seafood
South Carolina’s shrimp season officially kicked off at the tail end of May and this package from Charleston Seafood features a pound of jumbo beauties from this year’s crop. Of course, it wouldn’t be a shellfish party without clams and mussels to throw into your boil. A pound of lump crab meat makes a special guest appearance for a side of crispy crab cakes or a meaty crab salad.Buy Now
Boston Lobster Bake for Two, $139 from Lobster Anywhere
LobsterAnywhere
Large gatherings are fun and all, but sometimes a meal with just you and your loved one is often all you need for the perfect evening. With this Beantown-inspired dinner you’ll get a pair of lobsters, sorry, lobstahs, and creamy New England clam chowdah. Steel crackers and seafood forks come wrapped in red gingham napkins for an added touch of class.Buy Now
Crab Dinner for Two, $119.99 from Harbour House Crabs
Harbour House Crabs
Harbor House earns raves for serving up Maryland’s most famous clawed export by way of Harrisburg, Pa. This pre-steamed package combines hard-shell blue crabs (don’t worry, mallets are also included) and jumbo shrimp. But that’s not all! You’ll also receive a pair of jumbo lump crab cakes and four bite-sized espresso bean brownies to round out this sumptuous meal.Buy Now
