This essential Thai eatery out in McLean, Va. has two summer specials starring soft shell crab. A fried main comes with chili and basil sauce ($21) or opt for a pair of fried or grilled softies with Esaan’s special sauce ($42). Dine-in or orderonline.

Brookland’s neighborhood wine bar just dropped a tempura-fried soft shell crab sandwich with banh mi flavors. A veggie slaw (carrot, jalapeno, radish, cucumber) joins cilantro, mint, basil, and garlic aioli. Available starting Saturday, June 25, through the rest of the softie season.

Asoft shell crab basket($17) can be jazzed up with Cajun seasoning, served with regular or Cajun fries at this DMV-wide chain.

The West End raw bar sends out the seasonal delicacy several ways as a special (when they can get them in). There’s a soft shell crab app with lemon, clam juice, and saffron ($25) and a softy-and-crab cake tower ($40).

Tom Cunanan and Paolo Dungca’s fast-casual Filipino stall in the downtown outpost of the Block food hall tucks chicken-fried soft shell crab in a bright purple ube mantou (steamed bun), dressed with chili/crab-fat mayo, cilantro, hot honey, and cucumbers. Available Fridays through Sundays while they last. PogiBoy just got major props byFood & Wine,gracingthe cover of their new“Innovators” issue.

The essential seafood and raw bar on H Street NE started sending out seasonal softies this month. Cornmeal-crusted soft shell crabs are only served as a special when they get them in fresh, but they’ve typically been available on weekends (market price).

The glitzy surf-and-turf standby near the White House sends out a fried soft shell crab appetizer simply served alongside lemon garlic butter ($19.95).

The Chinese staple’s salt-and-pepper soft shell crab entree, located under the “chef’s suggestions” section, brings the heat ($21.95).

The soft shell crab roll at Arlington’s hip sushi hangout features nori, Okonomiyaki sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, and creamy avocado.

Arlington’s cult favorite for Vietnamese food is back with a hefty helping of two Saigon-style soft shell crabs that are deep fried and sauteed with garlic, ginger, jalapenos, and house seasonings, all served atop a bed of fresh salad. The gluten-free entree (market price) comes with a hit lemon pepper dipping sauce made on-site.

This casual crab house in Southeast sends out Maryland softies in sandwich form. Battered in its house breading and fried, softies come on a bun with toppings of choice. The “works” includes lettuce, tomato, fried onions, mayo, pickles, and hot peppers ($11.99). Orderonline.

The scenic seafood spot in Buzzard Point prepares tempura soft shell crab with charred scallion, cilantro, and a chili sauce kick. Meanwhile, its Northeast sibling Ivy City Smokehouse Tavern sends out fried soft shells with basmati rice, corn, red pepper, and zucchini.

For just $14, try a fried basket of softies and fries at this all-seafood stalwart in Alexandria.Carryout and deliveryare available.