Alabama Was The First State To Fry The Tastiest Part Of Crab

Alabama's blue crab catch — at 1.4 to 4 million pounds per year — may be tiny compared to the nearly 30 million pounds Maryland has pulled out of Chesapeake Bay but the state has certainly gained a reputation of making the most out what it catches. Fried crab claws are a prime example. Bill Bayley, a Mobile, Alabama, merchant marine-turned-restaurateur opened his own spot in 1947 along Dauphin Island Parkway — in the middle of blue crab country.

Bayley's was originally a steakhouse, but it soon became a seafood destination, thanks to its owner's inventiveness. At the time, it was typical for chefs to discard crab claws while working with crabmeat. Bayley saw an opportunity: He decided to bread them, fry them, and serve them with tartar sauce. Mobile is now known as the dish's birthplace.

Fried crab claws soon became a local favorite and the dish made its way onto menus throughout the Gulf Coast. Bayley's son, Bill Bayley, Jr., kept the tradition going after opening a new restaurant in the original's former catering facility but sadly closed the business in 2022.

Fried crab claws have earned their place in Gulf Coast dining for good reason — they're simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. At their core, they're exactly what they sound like: blue crab claws, breaded and fried until golden. The result is a dish that balances the tender, moist sweetness of the claws with the crisp, crunchy texture of its coating.

The preparation might change slightly depending on where you try fried crab claws, but when paired with a tangy remoulade or spicy aioli, the natural flavors of the crab shine through with just the right amount of richness from the sauces. While Bayley's is now a relic of the past, crab-lovers can visit well-rated Gulf Shores favorites like The Original Oyster House and Bahama Bob's Beach Side Cafe to get their fix.

Fried crab claws are right in line with other Lower Alabama culinary traditions that use light breading and fresh ingredients. You'll see the dish alongside hush puppies, fried fish, oysters, and shrimp on most menus. While they didn't make Daily Meal's roundup of Southern foods the rest of the world needs to try, fried crab claws deserve their own recognition. So, the next time you're hunting for the best food in Alabama like flaky apply pie or sizzling shrimp and grits, fried crab claws should be at the top of your list. After all, even the most memorable dishes can come from the simplest beginnings, served with a side of Southern tradition.