There's nothing that says spring and summer quite like the opening of the best crab shacks in Delaware! Throughout March and April, the best of the best start to bring in fresh crabs from the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, and Delawareans everywhere begin to gather around brown table paper to crack crabs and celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of warm weather. Here are a few of the places you've got to try as soon as they open!

1. Crab House, Rehoboth Beach - Opened on March 8th

The Crab House in Rehoboth Beach is one of the best places to find fresh crabs in our biggest beach town. Be sure to try your drabs dipped in their delicious, vinegar-based crabby sauce, and be careful not to fill up on the popcorn that will start your meal. Address: 19598 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach

2. Fenwick Island Crab House - April 1st

The oldest crab house in the state is still one of the best! This quirky spot is decorated with all sorts of memorabilia, from Delmarva and New Orleans. And it's got the best crab guarantee in the state - they'll replace any crab that you think is too light.Address: 100 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island

3. Lazy Susan's Hot Fat Crabs - Open Now

Lazy Susan's is a landmark, and you'll find it to be one of the best places you'll ever dine! The quirky atmosphere doesn't take away from the incredibly tasty crabs, which you can buy by the dozen. Be sure to stop out back on a warm day and meet the Crab Shack's foster pups - you never know when you might want to come home with a new friend of your own.Address: 18289 Coastal Hwy., Lewes.

4. Kathy's Crab House, Delaware City - April 19th

Kathy's Crab House in Delaware City has long been a place where New Castle County residents come to dine on fresh-from-the-bay blue crabs. Be sure to bring an appetite, because their crab platters are enormous!Address: 107 5th St, Delaware City

5. Boondocks, Smyrna - April 6th

Boondocks is quite literally in the middle of nowhere, but it's so worth the drive. Enjoy their Pig Out Platter, which comes with six crabs, steamed shrimp, chicken wings, fries and corn for just $40! Make sure you have a designated driver in your group, because their famous swamp water punch is always mixed strong. Address: 825 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna

6. Sambo's Tavern, Leipsic - March 28th

Sambo's is one of Delaware's most iconic crab shacks, and many people choose to boat right up to the dock! These fresh-from-the-bay crabs are about as local as you can get, and the rowdy crowd makes this an experience you're sure to remember.Address: 283 Front St., Leipsic

7. Old Mill Crab House, Delmar - April 5th

Old Mill Crab House is another state favorite, and it draws people from all over the Delmarva peninsula to feast on their all-you-can-eat platters! Enjoy some tasty fried chicken paired with some of the freshest, meatiest crabs you'll ever enjoy.Address: Del. 54 and Waller Road, Delmar.

What's your favorite crab shack in Delaware? I can't wait for Sambo's to open - it's always a good time! For more crabby goodness in the First State, check out our list of 11 Restaurants in Delaware That Serve The Most Mouthwatering Crab Dip