The Crab Factory, Crystal River
 

If you enjoy "picking" steamed blue crabs, you must try THE CRAB PLANT (www.thecrabplant.com) in Crystal River! Crabs were large and heavy and prepared "Maryland Style" with lots of seasoning. Call ahead for availability.

Hi - Thank you for the post - looks great. However the link did not work. I googled it. The correct web address is Crystal River Seafood Market Stone Crabs Blue Crab Shrimp Grouper Fresh Fish Sales (crabplant dot com without "the") -- thanks for the information.

Crystal River appears to be about 35 or so miles from the heart of TV but hey for good crabs may be worth it!

Attachment 61029I am sure it is a great market. But before driving all the way over there why not go local. We buy lots of fresh seafood right here in The Villages at Lighthouse Seafood - Home. Take your cooler and they will pack your purchase with all the ice you need. Will attach a picture of shrimp he prepared for us. Cleaned, Cooked, and put on a platter all I had to do was pick it up.

I'm sure the Lighthouse has good carryout shrimp, but the OP mentioned Maryland style crabs. Those you have to really look for in Florida and are worth the drive. This photo will make many Marylanders hungry.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...2a8ca12fb2.jpg

From the Crab Plant website it appears they were a seafood market that opened in 2014 and has just recently started serving prepared meals on site. However, they only show tables outside for dining. For crabs it may be worth a try.

http://www.crabplant.com/index_htm_files/1051.jpg

http://www.crabplant.com/index_htm_files/956.jpg

Lighthouse Seafood has the best scallops going. Also tried the cod and that was delicious too.

Crabs
 

Are you absolutely sure they're "Marylin" style, hon? Another free-stater here in TV said he had crabs at a place up that way which advertised "Maryland crabs," and they were served boiled!

Also, does Crab Plant have a beer license? Need cold beer to chase the Old Bay.

Crystal River Seafood Market Stone Crabs Blue Crab Shrimp Grouper Fresh Fish Sales

This link seems to work OK.

Never been there so cannot comment any other way.