Steamed Crabs, Shrimp And Claws At Lopo's Traveling Crab Shack In Chantilly

Get your fill of steamed crabs, shrimp and claws

When Congress lets out and humidity surges up, it's time for D.C.'s seasonal rite of passage, the crab feast.

Now Lopo's Traveling Crab Shack makes it easy to bring the party home, serving steamed-to-order crabs by the dozen and bushel (around 70 crabs), available Thursdays through Sundays from their trailer-size mobile kitchen.

The Chantilly food truck is a one-stop destination for steamed seafood, specializing in whole crabs, crab legs ($11 per pound) and jumbo shrimp ($14 per pound), all served in the preferred local style: dusted with plenty of Old Bay.

This early in the season, the company sources regular ($30 per dozen) and medium ($45 per dozen) crabs from the Mid-Atlantic, plus large or jumbo blue crabs from warmer Southern waters. But as soon as local options become available, Lopo's will source the full range from the Chesapeake.

The truck has perfected the formula for cooking its large, juicy shrimp and sweet crabmeat, so once you get home, all you'll need are mallets and cold beer.

The truck doesn't offer side dishes or dessert, but an area farmer aims to set up shop in the coming weeks with corn, salad greens and fruit to round out the take-home feast.

Lopo's Traveling Crab Shack, 43083 John Mosby Hwy., Chantilly; 703-896-6117