Ruff N Ready Crab House

Seafood restaurant · Queens Chapel

Ruff N Ready Crab House

Seafood restaurant · Queens Chapel

1

903 Chillum Rd, Chillum, MD 20782

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Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null
Ruff N Ready Crab House by null

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Enduring, no-frills stand selling steamed, fried & frozen seafood specialties, plus smoothies.  

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903 Chillum Rd, Chillum, MD 20782 Get directions

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903 Chillum Rd, Chillum, MD 20782 Get directions

+1 301 559 2800
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ruffnreadycrabhouse

$$

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dine in
takeout
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Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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"A fixture in Hyattsville since 1963, Ruff N Ready specializes in steamed crabs, shrimp, and crab legs." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

14 Places to Pick Crabs Around D.C.
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Ashley Blue

Google
Been coming here for years . Since I was a kids …. With the new people here . The crabs are good and then there are days when they are not! They hide the good crabs in the Back for the Customers that they like ! They have been going down hill lately . I received crabs with blackouts on them . I also received crabs that were bad . All gray ! Idk I just might take my money else where bc they are not cheap

Hunter Long

Google
I can only speak on what I buy Alaskan King crab legs 2 doz always. No seasoning always done the way I like it. You can stand outside and take a walk and wait on your order. The staff always nice and friendly. If you're weight is a little off, they'd give you extra leg. You want fresh seafood Ruff n Ready is your place. Don't you worry about Warhf anymore. You aint gotta pay for parking just pull up and park. You can walk around the block while you wait for your food to get done. Cross the street, go to 7-11, the Chinese joint next door.

Queen Afua

Google
Always a great place to get crabs, shrimp and crab Legs for a decent price. Its not a sit and eat place. You place your order get your seafood and go. They have specials a lot but they also may sell out fast, so try and get there early!

Jazmine S.

Google
Honestly only worth coming in the summer when they aren’t overly priced. Came this January& February just for a dozen male it’s $50. I get it but still.

Tina Jackson

Google
The crabs was $85 last weekend and they were full of little black dots which are eggs on the meat. Waste of money. Very disappointed 😞

Willie Lucas

Google
Ruff N Ready had some good crabs the last couple of times I went there, they were good 💯

Anthony Wright

Google
Let me start by saying I've had Ruff N Ready Crab House before and the crabs were good, but the last couple of times I've gotten crabs from them that have been really bad. First off half the crabs were empty. I was so disappointed then the second half of my crabs were black on the inside. I'm not sure what's going on with this place but I hope the get it together.

Jazzy Williams

Google
Would not ever go back staff or rude they were very frustrated when you ask him for a product they will get mad and yell at you overall did not like it

Gloria P.

Yelp
No crabs all summer . Came here got a great deal added some crab legs and finally got to eat my succulent crabs. Good prices No need to shop around, this is the best place, period.

Lamont B.

Yelp
Ruff-n-ready is not known only for there "Blue Crabs".. Lets be clear, this is always a go to after my regularly trip to the Barbershop! Shout out to my barber Cheta! I'll do a separate review for him next. The shrimp is almost always seasoned to perfection. Nice and hot out of the steamer. This is literally a pit stop before the real meal. Service is quick and precise, get in and get out. This is definitely a place you have to visit if you're in the are Eastern Ave or Chillium Rd. area. Trust me you won't be disappointed!

Ebonee L.

Yelp
Great service! Great food! Ambiance is great too! I would recommend them to anyone who enjoys seafood!

Letisha W.

Yelp
Friendly down to earth services. I had a hard time figuring out how much to order and they assisted me in making the right choice. Females were less than males. Makes were bigger. We also added 21 shrimp for $24 at the time. A dozen females and a half dozen male crabs and 21 shrimp came up to be about $70-$80 dollars.

NIecy J.

Yelp
Crabs were huge, very meaty and delicious. I wish that they answered the phone to make the experience better

Michael S.

Yelp
Good seafood! My only complaint would be the cost but crabs aren't usually cheap so it's understandable. I would go back to this place again in the future.

Linda K.

Yelp
I purchased a dozen of large male crabs on October 27. They were big and meaty. I have been buying crabs from them all summer, and not one crab was bad. I hope they will keep up the good work. I wish they would answer the phone or post their prices on the website.

LaKisha B.

Yelp
A good friend of mine bought us some crabs from here a few years ago and ever since this place has been my go to for crabs. The crabs are always good, meaty and large. They're expensive for sure but definitely worth it when you get good crabs each time. The staff is always nice and helpful. One negative is that It's sometimes hard to get in contact with them by phone (especially when you want to call ahead or to make sure the establishment is opened) because the line is either busy or the call doesn't go through. Other than that this is place is alright with me!

Shemica H.

Yelp
Clean , tasty and affordable . I will definitely be back. I got 12 . I'm getting half a bushel next time

Annalisa M.

Yelp
The guy my husband got crabs from hooked it up! They were HUGE and super super tasty and all boys. It's a real staple and I plan to get my crabs from them for years to come!

Guillermo K.

Yelp
Delicious crab, friendly staff, great prices. Get ruff n ready tonight! Highly recommend!

Jen S.

Yelp
My go-to crab place as I grew up in the area! Good priced, meaty crabs that are steamed fresh with a perfect amount of seasoning. The shrimp is also cooked just right! To bring at a potluck, I got a dozen large males, two dozen females, and 42 shrimp. Also they sell wooden mallets! The place also can show you what the crab looks like/size before you order. Fast customer service. Will be coming back especially for large orders where all the party-goers will enjoy!

Chuq Y.

Yelp
I love Ruff N Ready Crab House. Some days, I get a hankering for some crab, and I hop in my car and drive over here. The parking sucks. But the crabs are very much worth it. They are always heavy and full of meat. In the past, I've opted for say, a half dozen medium crabs, but this last time, I opted for jumbos, and I bought 4 of them. That day, I could only eat two of them. and I was stuffed. I think it was very well worth the extra cost of the jumbos. Much less work and a lot more meat per crab. I've always been happy with the crabs that I get from ehre, and usually I'm not the only person who wants crabs. The staff at Ruff N Ready have always been kind to me, and I'm not sure how they do it, but the crabs are ready in no time. I always get the seasoning on the side, since sometimes they are more heavily seasoned than I would like. Since we can't eat there, I bring them home and then my car smells like delicious delicious steamed crabs.

SunFlower M.

Yelp
Ruff and Ready is a hit or miss . Some days they are good , others not so! Everybody have an off day ! However, I've been getting the good days because large males have been meaty and cooked good !

Joyce W.

Yelp
i had not been to Ruff N Ready for years... stopped by last week to get the grand kids crabs. While i did not eat them, they said they were good and meaty. I am going by today to order some for me!

Dee J.

Yelp
I stopped by on Sunday and the crabs were fresh, hot, and delicious ! Staff is very friendly and the store is clean.

Charlene W.

Yelp
I love this place! The employees are super friendly and accommodating. The crabs are delicious and priced well! Fast service.

Melissa G.

Yelp
Everytime I come here, I have had a great experience. The staff are friendly and professional. They prices are decent as well. I have never had a problem ordering or getting what I need. Depending on the time of day, or day of the week determines what options they have available especially with the season.

Sonia R.

Yelp
The crabs here are better than the wharf; the crabs are always meaty and hot. The best time to buy is during the week....on the weekends, the lines bend around to the parking lot.

Nessa R.

Yelp
Wow! Yes! So it's on the corner of a 3 way intersection you can't miss it. Love that I don't have to drive all the way to DC for crabs. It helps that there is a carry out right next door. The guys are very nice and it really is super yummy. It was 15.99$ per pound and the claws were about 1.5 pounds per bundle. We ended up getting 7 bundles of legs. Came out to 94$. For me, it beats buying them at a restaurant. Cheaper to get them like this. They were thick and full of meat. For our family it's easier to eat these than the blue crabs. My kids are too impatient to crack and find meat. I'd definitely come back!

Julee W.

Yelp
Went for some crabs Got a dozen medium for $42 (totally worth it!) A pound of shrimp for $12 (nice but not deveined) Order of french fries $3 meh Order of hush puppies $3 meh eh The crabs are where it's at! We had them spiced and that was perfect. We didn't need anything else. Took them Togo...didn't really see a dinning area anyways.

Keisha M.

Yelp
Been here several times for blue crabs and shrimp. Had both male and female on different occasions depends on what's available. Always meaty and delicious. Love there cooked peal and eat shrimp. Perfect amount of seasonings with a little spicy kick to it. Buy enough to eat the next day as it tastes even better. I find the prices reasonable to the quality of food you're getting compared to other places. Read a lot of reviews about staff being rude. As a black woman I've never had that experience or felt any racism toward myself or others while there. However, I'm respectful and polite no matter the persons race or color. I believe it was my first visit when they even offered me to sample there shrimp which is how I got hooked to it. On another occasion they threw in a few extra crab craws they had as spares. I like that they show you the crabs before ordering too. Service is quick. Usually no more than two people waiting in line. Orders are ready in moments. Although it's a little distance from me, certainly worth making the 30 mins drive. Call first tho to make sure they have what you want.

Liz M.

Yelp
When I ate here. The owner was very rude. Trump supporter and let our group know that he didn't like blacks. Will not be returning here. Food was fine but I don't support places who's owners are rude and decide to let me know they are racist.

Keech C.

Yelp
I woke up one morning in the mood for some juicy crabs. I remembered that my friend told me about this establishment and how she practically swears by them, so I decided to blow their phone up as soon as they opened... it was on Fathers Day weekend. I kept getting their VM, but decided I was going to head down there anyway. I arrived 5-10mins. after they opened and there was already a line. However, by the time I parked (very limited spaces FYI) and walked up to the door, there was hardly a line at all. I ordered a box of crabs and an order of shrimp. The service was very smooth and extremely quick! The employees were friendly and helpful. I was in and out in all of 10mins. Once I got home and prepped things (sauces, corn, table etc.), my family and I dug into the crabs; they were sooooo meaty, flavorful and still hot! They were all sorts of sizes, yet they all contained so much meat! We didn't even finish half of the box.... There were 3 of us. I didn't care for the shrimp too much, but my sis liked them and I only ordered a dozen, so it was all good. I will MOST definitely be back there when it's crab season! Whoot!

Jacqueline T.

Yelp
The crabs itself was good. The smoothies was good to. The seasoning on the crab it tasted like seasoning salt. I understand they add that to the crab seasoning blend but it didn't taste like crab seasoning it tasted like salt. As if seasoning salt was just on it ALOT OF IT.

Sheena W.

Yelp
They have more options for crabs that may not be listed on the menu board so make sure you ask. They show you examples of each type of crab and you pick your desired sex and size. I prefer crabs that are made to order. This usually requires some time for the crabs to cook. The crabs here were available immediately. There was no real way to know if they were freshly steamed beyond the servers word. Admittedly they had a brisk business going of customers coming and going with larger orders. The crabs were probably fresh. I didn't get sick and they didn't taste old or off putting in anyway. The server was nice. He provided extra bags and seasoning if asked. It was weird that it Was behind a metal grate/fence but no one else seemed put off by it. The fee seemed reasonable given the quality. Parking is meh. Definitely meh. But again they do a pretty brisk business and cars are coming and leaving frequently. All in all an ok crab experience. If I happened to be on the area I would probably drop in and grab some without hesitation.

Rebecca G.

Yelp
HOT DAMN! I have been living in Takoma Park for 2 years and NEVER KNEW ABOUT THIS PLACE. I cannot believe it is so close, so cheap and so so so delicious. I went 2 weeks ago and got a dozen. Small, but its not even crab season yet so I was thrilled. I went again last week and got 2 dozen more. I think I may become a crab addict this summer....and I will blame Ruff N Ready Crab House. The service was fast, the man helping me was really knowledgeable and friendly and the prices are completely reasonable. I think it was about 40$ for the first dozen and maybe 75$ for the second two dozen batch. Both times I got lots and lots of the butter substitute which was delicious with the crabs. He even has hammers for $1 and the proceeds all go to charity. Love it.

K.Elizabeth B.

Yelp
Crab. Crab. Seafood. Crab. I love local seafood and crab-cakes. Especially if they overload my meal with crab. Ha! Staffers are beyond wonderful. Parking can be tricky and limited. This location is great to bring newbies to the area to experience local favorites. One thumb up.

Sabrina J.

Yelp
Dont waste your time or money on their crabs. All but 2 out of a doz were empty. $60 down the drain...smh

Ime W.

Yelp
I've been getting my crabs from here for the past 3 months. I haven't had any issues so far. I usually get a half bushel because they had what I'm assuming was a pandemic special. Half bushel for $60 which is extremely reasonable. Since then, the price has gone up to $80 which is still good in my opinion. The bushel is mixed, male and female with it being mostly female. Initially I thought I would want males but their females are really good. I've had some bad batches before but the ones I've gotten from them have all been good. I'm in and out in than 5-10 minutes every time. Definitely my go-to crab spot.

Tiana S.

Yelp
Today was a wonderful day for crab legs, I got two Clusters and shrimp. Everything was cooked to perfection and seasoned. The crab legs were meaty and very tasty, and the shrimp were firm. I feel like they have changed the seasoning they used but it was really tasty. I can tell they have improved on their customer service because everyone was nice and helpful. I'm excited to go back later this summer and get more seafood. I can't wait to try their smaller crabs.

Amanda R.

Yelp
Omg I love itttt ! I'm from Florida and I came to visit ! This is amazing ! The spices are perfect and cooked to perfection. The lines can get pretty long but this is amazing !!!!!!

Amber C.

Yelp
The best! I luckily live about 10 minutes from this treat. It's a small crab house, lines can be out the door in the summer. By far the best crabs in the area. The crabs are always juicy and the meat had delicious and sweet. The crab seasoning is amazing. It's definitely not the typical Old Bay you get from some other places. It's a house blend and it's salty mix is great with the sweet crab meat. Attached to it they sell crab legs as well. The staff is great as well. Always friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend giving this place a try.

Tierra H.

Yelp
I hate that all these transplants have discovered my coveted crab spot, but whatever. I've been coming here for years. I tried to get crabs from other places, closer places. Naw, I'll just have to make the drive from Centreville. The crabs are always fresh, well-seasoned, and meaty. Never had an issue here. Also, the shrimp are amazing. I didn't need the sauce that came with them, as they were seasoned to perfection already. This could be described as a crab shack, as opposed to a crab house. You get your crabs and go. There's nowhere to eat them. Take your amazingness home. So the next time i want crabs, I'll haul myself out of the house and make the drive to Ruff N Ready.

Davita Q.

Yelp
I was very upset with ruff n ready yesterday I brought a half bushel of crabs yesterday for 75 bucks and every single crabs was the size of my pinky I was so pissed because it was Mother's Day and I wanted to get my mom and grandma some nice crabs and I was let down I'm sorry I won't come here again

Sherita C.

Yelp
Love, love, love the crabs from Ruff n Ready! It definitely beats driving into the traffic zone of D.C. To visit the wharf. Ruff and ready has been my go to spot for years ( I used to live next door). The prices have always been fairly cheaper in comparison to other crab shacks in the area. They have amazingly well seasoned, meaty crabs that are to die for. The shrimp are succulent and cooked to perfection (nothing is worse than over cooked shrimp). Whenever I go I get the crabs and shrimp or crab legs and shrimp. I have never had a problem with my service or my crabs but I will say that the parking is a hassle. That is the only problem Ive encountered but not a big enough problem to keep away.

Marie H.

Yelp
So I totally came here on Mother's Day and of course the line was long. It was actually outside the door long. But it moved swiftly. They sell their crabs here by the dozen...which was weird to me. It seems like they want to make more mula...typically when I go to my usual spot I order a 1/2 of bushel. I did a quick google search and figured out I only needed 3 dozen. I only eat female crabs as they tend to have more flavor...however, they are smaller. When I asked for female crabs I noticed how small they were and I was sadden. Overall, the lines moved fast. You can pay with CC. I didn't like how stingy they were with the seasoning. The top crabs got a majority of the seasoning...while the ones at the bottom didn't. I will say that I love their shrimps. I needed up getting 12 jumbo shrimps for $12. Next time I'm definitely going to get 42 shrimps for $21. They are yummy and the cocktail sauce was super sweet and tasted fresh. I would've given them a 3.5 but they messed up my order. And the receipt that they print out for you doesn't tell you what you're paying for. Just merely the price. Overall, if they had bigger females then this place would've been right on the money. I ended up paying $102 in total. The females were $30 for a dozen...I told you the shrimp price earlier ;) Oooh and on Mother's Day they were open at 11am and not 12pm as stated on Yelp...maybe it was to accommodate the masses.

Joi E.

Yelp
I have bought crabs from here 2-3 times in the past. I won't be back. The crabs are small and poor quality. The owner is openly racist and the employees are rude and condescending.

Brit L.

Yelp
This dive joint is where it's at! Let me give you a rundown if you're new: -park at one of the places next door and walk over -when you're standing at the door, to your left is the fried food counter, to your right is the shrimp and whole crab counter and the outside window is for crab legs and whole crabs. You will order and pay at each window based on what you want. -very friendly despite the intimidating bars all over (you'll see) -usually in and out unless you're awaiting fried foods (if so, always order those first) -they sell hammers for your crabs that are made by a local specialty school -make sure you ask for butter/make sure you get it 10/10 would recommend.

Melissa S.

Yelp
I ordered 5 pounds of crab legs and they were SO good! I will never get crab legs from the grocery store or Shoreline again! The crab legs were a really nice size. They steamed and seasoned them well and were very efficient from the time I ordered to the time that I received them....maybe 8 minutes if that! This will be my only go to spot for crab legs. For 5 pounds and like 18 shrimp, I spent $80ish dollars. They sell whole crabs and shrimp too. I ordered crabs for someone else but didn't try them. They seemed to enjoy them. The shrimp were just OK and come were mushy but I only got enough to try it. My main focus was the crab legs and they didn't disappoint! I regret that it took me so long to come here.

Brittany A.

Yelp
Crabs are delicious. Service is quick and staff is friendly. Don't have a compliant. Definitely my Go To.

Amy H.

Yelp
My mistake I thought this was an eat in but they only have carry out. We got 2 dozen number 1 male crabs paid $48 per dozen. On the high side. Some of the crabs were OK weight most were light upsetting because they assured me they were heavy number 1 crabs. We had to drive an hour when we got home the crabs were at best cool, my husband put in the car so I asked him were the crabs hot when we left there he said they were warm. I have lived in the metropolitan area and been eating crabs for 55 years. The place was clean I will give them that also they gave a big piece of think paper so the car would not get smelly. I have seem post where they talk about the owner being racist I was surprised they had many races working there, I was glad to see.

Casey N.

Yelp
I can't reiterate enough times how dearly in love i am with this place. The staffs are always helpful, and prompt. Stopped by one afternoon hoping to get some Selects Female, but they were out. After asking if they had anything larger than medium Male, they made a face and asked me to wait. Don came back to inform me that there is one dozen jumbo available. I swear i wanted to jump for joy on the spot. I caught myself right in time, since this is not the type of neighborhood you'd want to be caught jumping for joy. Walked away with a half of jumbo, and we were happily ever after that night:)

Rita G.

Yelp
Not bad, best crabs I've had all season. Crabs were on the small side but were full of meat. Prices were high. $30dz. for regular females $48 dz for medium males. Would probably visit again, the price would be the reason I wouldn't. Visited on 7/17/16

Candice W.

Yelp
Best that ever did it. Love this place and wish she was a little closer. It's well worth the drive visiting my mom in Waldorf and decided to go to BMS seafood trap. Waste of time and waste a freaking money. Crabs were paper thin. I love this place

Amanda H.

Yelp
Came here on a Friday afternoon during the holiday weekend. They have their specials posted on the wall when you arrive so you know exactly what you're getting. It's very fast paced, go in, order, pay (they take cards), then wait for your order to be called. Even though it was packed I was in and out in about 15 minutes. Everything except the crab legs are steamed and ready to go. I waited an extra 6 minutes to have my crab legs steamed. I ordered a dozen male and female crabs, shrimp, and a few crabs legs. You have the option to get them spiced. All that came up to around $60. Not bad at all. I ate for two days.

Damn D.

Yelp
I haven't had crabs in a while but I must say the male crabs today from Ruff N Ready were amazingly full of meat. $70 for half a bushel. I thought they were a little pricey but when we got into it, it was well worth it.

Fred J.

Yelp
First time having blue crab since I moved to D.C. from Florida, I must say I felt like I was back at home. Seasoned nicely and the shrimp is second to none I've tried elsewhere in the D.C. area. Definitely will order a bushel of the blue crab and a larger quantity​ of​ shrimp.

Malik M.

Yelp
The real real. Get'em in your paper bag, find a bench, and SMASH. Make sure you already have your drinks on ice because the soda selection here is minimal. The shrimps bang too.

A J.

Yelp
Crab size has been a disappointment, but the crabs are full, heavy and tasty. I usu prefer the male crab but on a few occasions I purchases female and found that they are usu fuller and sweet. The shrimp here are usu over cooked, but if ur focus is crabs then you shall not be disappointed.