Talk about a ‘claw’ some feast — Dixie Grill BBQ & Crab Shack’s annual Crab Fest is coming Oct. 1 to 31. The ‘Aiea-based eatery is bringing in Pacific Northwest Dungeness crab and king crab specifically for the monthlong celebration.
Dixie Grill’s Crab Fest platters ($42.50-$85, depending on the type of crab) and Crab Fest boil trashcan ($205) are visually impressive and are designed to feed a group. Platters feature one pound of crab served with red potatoes, corn on the cob, warm butter and house tartar. Crab choices include Alaskan snow ($42.50), Dungeness ($55) and king crab ($85). The Dungeness crab is meaty and boasts a delicate texture and sweeter flavor. Meanwhile, the Alaskan snow crab is a bestseller at Dixie Grill because of its sweet, tender meat.
The Crab Fest boil trashcan ($205) features a half-pound each of Cajun garlic butter poached jumbo snow crab, Dungeness crab and king crab; two soft shell crabs; peel-and-eat shrimp; sausage, corn on the cob, red potatoes and coleslaw. This platter is designed to serve four to six individuals, but it features a generous portion.
The eatery’s crab spinach and artichoke dip ($13) is new to this year’s Crab Fest. Creamy and savory, the dip combines crab’s rich flavors with the cheesy spinach and artichoke.
Other popular appetizers include the She crab bisque ($9) and crab stuffed deviled eggs ($11). The warm, creamy crab bisque is served with toasted crostini; meanwhile, the eggs are battered, deep-fried and served with a refreshing lemon aioli. The soup is light, and the fried deviled eggs are a delectable savory starter.
This luxe crab cobb salad ($17) was one of my favorite dishes. Mixed greens are topped with crab claw meat, tomatoes, avocado, corn, egg, bacon, blue cheese crumbles and your choice of dressing. It’s a nice option if you want something lighter, but don’t want to miss out on Crab Fest.
Dixie Grill will feature two special sandwiches for Crab Fest. The crab cake burger ($17) features a jumbo lump crab cake with tartar sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and sliced onions on a brioche bun and is served with sweet potato fries. The soft shell crab sandwich ($19) includes a deep-fried soft shell crab with lemon aioli, bacon, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun, served with sweet potato fries.
If you love crab cakes, the eatery also offers a crab cake platter ($23), consisting of two jumbo lump crab cakes served with coleslaw, house tartar sauce and fries.
If you’re looking for a hearty entrée, the crab pasta ($22) is sure to satisfy. Fettucine pasta is coated in a tomato cream sauce with capers, diced tomatoes and a generous portion of crab meat.
The 2025 Crab Fest is a significant one, as the restaurant is commemorating its 25th anniversary. Dixie Grill will be featuring different specials each week, including $5 dessert specials (Oct. 1-7), $5 peel-and-eat shrimp specials (Oct. 8-14), $5 32-ounce Bud Light specials (Oct. 15-21), and $8 32-ounce Mai Tai specials (Oct. 22-31).
For more information about the eatery’s anniversary specials, visit dixiegrill.com.
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CONTACT
Dixie Grill BBQ & Crab Shack
99-016 Kamehameha Hwy, ‘Aiea
808-485-2722
dixiegrill.com
Instagram: @dixiegrillhi
Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
