Blue Crab 2 Go in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Order
If you’re craving blue crab, shrimp, and other seafood in Atlanta and you’ve heard about “Blue Crab 2 Go,” you’re probably wondering what it is, where to find something similar locally, and how seafood “to go” typically works in the city.
Because business names, menus, and locations can change frequently, it helps to understand how Atlanta’s seafood takeout scene works overall, how to find blue crab to go near you, and what to look for in terms of quality, safety, and convenience.
This guide focuses on Atlanta, Georgia, and is written for people who live here, are visiting, or are planning a trip.
What “Blue Crab 2 Go” Usually Means in Atlanta
When Atlantans mention “Blue Crab 2 Go”, they’re typically talking about:
- A seafood takeout or delivery concept that focuses on:
- Steamed or boiled blue crab
- Crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and clams
- Cajun-style seafood boils with corn, potatoes, sausage
- A place where:
- You order for pickup or delivery
- Food is often served in bags or trays ready to eat at home
- Some spots may have limited dine-in, but the focus is “to-go”
In Atlanta, you’ll see similar seafood spots under names like crab boil, seafood & wings, or seafood to-go. Even if an exact “Blue Crab 2 Go” location isn’t on every corner, the style of restaurant is very common across the metro area.
Where to Find Blue Crab To Go in Atlanta
1. Areas of Atlanta Known for Casual Seafood
You’re most likely to find blue crab and seafood boil–style takeout in:
- South Atlanta & South DeKalb
- Neighborhoods like College Park, East Point, Forest Park, Decatur, and Lithonia often have multiple casual seafood and wings spots.
- Westside & Southwest Atlanta
- Corridors along Cascade Road, Camp Creek Parkway, and MLK Jr. Drive frequently feature crab and seafood boil restaurants.
- Doraville & Chamblee
- Along Buford Highway, you’ll find seafood restaurants with both dine-in and to-go options, sometimes with Asian Cajun fusion styles.
These areas are good starting points if you’re looking for that “bag of crab and shrimp with butter sauce to go” experience.
2. Using Local Tools to Track Down Blue Crab
To find a place similar to “Blue Crab 2 Go” in Atlanta:
- Search for:
- “seafood boil Atlanta to go”
- “blue crab takeout near me”
- “crab legs to go Atlanta”
- Filter for:
- Takeout and delivery
- Locations within your ZIP code or neighborhood
Because restaurants open, close, and rebrand, checking recent reviews, photos, and menus helps confirm that blue crab is actually available that day.
How Seafood “To Go” Typically Works in Atlanta
Most seafood-focused takeout spots in Atlanta follow a similar pattern.
Ordering Style
Expect to see one or more of these formats:
Build-Your-Own Seafood Bag
- Choose your seafood (e.g., blue crab, snow crab, shrimp, crawfish).
- Choose your sauce (garlic butter, lemon pepper, Cajun, “house” blend).
- Choose a heat level (mild to extra hot).
- Add sides (corn, potatoes, sausage, boiled egg).
Seafood Platters or Trays
- Pre-set combos like:
- “Crab & Shrimp Combo”
- “Low Country Boil”
- “Family Seafood Tray”
- Good if you don’t want to do a lot of customizing.
- Pre-set combos like:
By-the-Pound Ordering
- Common if you’re buying blue crab live or steamed:
- You choose how many pounds.
- Some shops will clean and steam for you; others sell live or raw.
- Common if you’re buying blue crab live or steamed:
Pickup vs. Delivery
- Pickup
- Many seafood spots in Atlanta are built around walk-up or phone orders.
- Some have small waiting areas; others are counter-only with little seating.
- Delivery
- Many use third-party delivery apps serving most of the Atlanta metro area.
- Delivery is especially common around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Westside.
If you’re staying at an Atlanta hotel or short-term rental, it’s common to get a seafood boil bag delivered for a low-effort dinner.
Blue Crab in a Landlocked City: What Atlantans Should Know
Atlanta is not on the coast, but blue crab and other seafood still arrive here daily through distributors. Here’s how that plays out for local consumers.
Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Previously Frozen
In Atlanta, blue crab can be:
- Live – Usually in specialized seafood markets mainly around:
- Buford Highway
- Parts of South DeKalb and South Fulton
- Steamed on-site – Cooked to order at some seafood markets and to-go restaurants.
- Frozen or previously frozen – Very common in casual crab boil spots.
Most casual “crab to go” shops rely on frozen or previously frozen crab for consistency and cost control. That’s normal in Atlanta and not a sign of poor quality by itself.
How to Judge Quality as a Customer
When you pick up your seafood:
- Smell – Should smell like the ocean, not sour or strongly “fishy.”
- Texture – Meat should be firm, not mushy.
- Temperature – Hot items should be hot, cold items properly chilled.
- Packaging – Bags or containers should be sealed well to prevent leaks.
If something seems off, most Atlanta spots will remake or replace if you speak up politely and quickly after pickup.
Safety and Regulation for Seafood in Atlanta
Even for something as casual as crab to go, it helps to know who’s watching over food safety.
Who Regulates Restaurants?
Seafood restaurants and takeout kitchens in Atlanta are generally inspected by:
Fulton County Board of Health – Environmental Health Service
10 Park Place South SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 613-1303
If the restaurant is in a neighboring county, the relevant county health department (like DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, or Clayton) handles inspections.
Health Scores
In many Atlanta seafood spots, you’ll see a health inspection score posted near the entrance or checkout counter.
- High scores (often in the 90s) are common expectations from consumers.
- If a score is visibly low or missing, many locals choose to order elsewhere.
You can also search health scores through county health department websites if you want extra reassurance before trying a new place.
What a Typical Blue Crab To-Go Order Looks Like in Atlanta
Here’s a simple snapshot of what you can expect at many Atlanta seafood boil–type spots.
| Item Type | What You’ll Commonly See in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Main Seafood | Blue crab (when in season), snow crab legs, shrimp, mussels, crawfish |
| Flavors/Sauces | Garlic butter, Cajun, lemon pepper, “house special” (mix of multiple) |
| Spice Levels | Mild, medium, hot, extra hot |
| Standard Sides | Corn on the cob, red potatoes, sausage, boiled eggs, sometimes broccoli |
| Serving Style | Plastic bags, foil pans, or styrofoam trays, often well-sauced |
| Add-Ons | Fried shrimp, fried fish, wings, hushpuppies, fries |
Many Atlantans order one seafood bag or platter per person, plus an extra side or two to share.
Tips for Getting the Best Blue Crab To Go in Atlanta
A few small decisions can make your takeout experience smoother and tastier.
1. Call Ahead During Busy Times
On weekends, game days, and holidays, seafood spots can get crowded. To avoid long waits:
- 📞 Call ahead to:
- Confirm blue crab is available that day.
- Ask about wait times and whether they accept call-in orders.
- If using delivery apps:
- Order earlier in the evening to avoid rush delays.
2. Ask About Blue Crab Availability
Blue crab availability can vary by:
- Season
- Supplier shipments
- Daily demand
When you call or walk up, it’s normal in Atlanta to ask:
- “Do you have blue crab today?”
- “Is it sold by the pound, tray, or combo?”
- “Can you steam it to go?”
If blue crab isn’t available, many locals switch to snow crab legs or shrimp at the same spot.
3. Plan for Messy Eating
Seafood boils and crab bags are messy whether you’re in Buckhead or South Atlanta. Before you dig in at home or your hotel, it helps to have:
- Plenty of napkins or paper towels
- Crab crackers or mallets if you’re dealing with hard shells
- Disposable table covering (plastic bag or newspaper)
- A trash bag nearby for shells
If you’re picking up from a restaurant, you can ask for extra gloves, bibs, or napkins—many Atlanta spots are used to people taking these meals back to hotels or Airbnbs.
4. Check Your Order Before Leaving
Before you leave the counter or meet your delivery:
- Confirm:
- Correct seafood type (blue crab vs. snow crab, for example)
- Spice level (mild vs. hot)
- All sides and add-ons are included
- Quickly feel the bag or container to ensure it’s hot if it’s supposed to be.
Most Atlanta restaurants will fix simple mistakes on the spot if you let them know right away.
Parking, Access, and Neighborhood Considerations
Depending on where you are in Atlanta, getting to a seafood to-go spot can feel very different.
- Intown (Downtown/Midtown/Old Fourth Ward)
- Parking is often limited or paid.
- Many people rely on walking, scooters, or rideshare to pick up food.
- South and West Atlanta, and Suburbs
- More locations in strip malls or standalone plazas.
- Typically free parking right in front of the restaurant.
- Late-Night Hours
- Some seafood and wings combinations stay open late, especially on weekends.
- If you’re new to an area, many locals prefer well-lit, busier plazas for late-night pickup.
If you’re visiting the city, it can help to check a map view of the restaurant’s surroundings before heading over.
How to Handle Leftover Blue Crab and Seafood at Home
Once you’ve brought your seafood home (or back to your hotel), a few basic steps can help keep it enjoyable and safer to eat later.
- Refrigerate promptly
- Don’t leave seafood bags or trays out at room temperature for long.
- Use shallow containers
- If you have leftovers, transferring to shallower containers helps them cool faster in the fridge.
- Reheat gently
- Many Atlantans reheat seafood in:
- A covered pan with a little water or extra sauce
- A low oven in a covered dish
- Very high heat can make crab and shrimp rubbery.
- Many Atlantans reheat seafood in:
If you’re staying at a hotel without a fridge, consider ordering only what you’ll eat in one sitting.
When a Dedicated “Blue Crab 2 Go” Isn’t Nearby
Even if there isn’t a restaurant literally called “Blue Crab 2 Go” in your part of Atlanta, you can still get a very similar experience by:
- Looking for:
- Seafood boil
- Crab & shrimp to go
- Cajun seafood & wings
- Choosing:
- A build-your-own bag with blue crab (if available)
- A crab and shrimp combo with the sauce and spice level you like
Across metro Atlanta—from Downtown and Midtown to Decatur, College Park, and beyond—there are many casual seafood places operating in this same style, so you usually won’t have to travel far to get blue crab and other seafood to go.