Philadelphia, PA - The Maryland tradition of picking crabs is well-known, but choosing a favorite crab house can be even more challenging. Finding a place that strikes the perfect balance of unpretentious vibe, locally-sourced crustaceans, and years of perfecting recipes and service aren't easy. Luckily, five legendary crab houses embody the Bay's service and history. Read on to discover which crab house is the best.
Best Crab Houses in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay
Cantler's Riverside Inn
If you're in the mood for a seafood feast, you should head to the Riverfront Crab House & Deck at Cantler's Riverside Inn, Maryland. Here, the menu features Maryland's seafood specialties in an old-school setting. You can sample the freshest catch of the day and enjoy the sights and sounds of Chesapeake Bay.
Jimmy Cantler, the chef at Cantler's, is a native of Maryland. He once worked as a waterman on the Chesapeake Bay. His restaurant has nautical items laminated beneath the tabletops. He serves fresh seafood daily, including local crab. His soft shell crab platter is a particular favorite. Water-view outdoor dining is available seasonally. The restaurant offers limited free parking during the summer.
Located on the waterfront of Mill Creek in Annapolis, Maryland, Cantler's is a favorite among locals and visitors. It is known for its fresh blue crab and other shellfish. The restaurant offers steamed crabs by the dozen and soft shell crab. Guests can enjoy crab dip while watching the boats dock nearby. A meal at Cantler's is a treat for the entire family.
Abner's Crab House
If you're in the mood for a seafood dinner, you've come to the right place. Located on the marina, Abner's Crab House serves seafood on paper-covered tables. It offers beer and wine, but it's even better to try the oysters. After a long day of fishing, you'll be ready for dinner at this Maryland Chesapeake bay restaurant.
You've got to check out the crab house in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay region if you love crab. This crab house is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Maryland and had its highest-grossing day in July. The food is fantastic, but the atmosphere is also quite memorable. You'll feel the local atmosphere and ambiance while eating crab and shrimp.
In addition to the freshest crabs, you'll find a variety of other seafood and delicious cocktails. If you're not in the mood for crabs, you can try non-crab appetizers, such as fried oysters, spinach pie, or bacon-wrapped BBQ scallops. You can also treat yourself to a special occasion at Abner's Crab House.
Abner's Crab House serves steamed crabs at bayside tables covered with brown paper. The family-run establishment uses local ingredients and serves seafood throughout the year. Crab feasts and on-site catering are available, as well. If you're hosting a special event, you can reserve the restaurant's boat for a party or event. There's also a restaurant near Fredericksburg, Maryland, serving crab feasts and offering on-site catering.
Pell's Crab House
You can't beat a visit to Pell's Crab House in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay for a delicious meal. Open in 1977, this local establishment is known for its steamed blue crabs and fried seafood. This seafood house will satisfy your cravings whether you're visiting for a romantic date or a quick family gathering.
The All U Can Eat Crab Feast is a crab lover's dream! Originally from Merrifield, Va., Captain Pell's Crab House was a family business that expanded to Fairfax, Virginia, in 1999. The a la carte menu offers fresh seafood entrees to please any palate. With over a dozen fresh blue crabs steamed in seasoning, this feast will satisfy any craving. Guests can even order hush puppies or corn on the cob to go with their meal.
Picking crabs from the Chesapeake Bay is an old-fashioned tradition that many residents of Maryland practice. The atmosphere of a crab house is genuinely different from any other restaurant. There is a distinct atmosphere that accompanies every visit. The crabs are served with the requisite amount of Old Bay spice and apple cider vinegar. This Maryland crab house offers fried clam strips and delicious crab dip for an added touch of sophistication.
Whether you prefer the traditional crab or seafood dishes, you'll find a great meal at Pell's Crab House in Maryland Chesapeake Bay. There's plenty of outdoor seating, and the food is delicious. You can even take the crab home or have it delivered to your door! Pell's Crab House's prices are comparable to other crab houses in the region.
Nick's Fish House
Nick's Fish House is an iconic Baltimore seafood destination situated on the Maryland Chesapeake Bay waterfront. Nick's offers daily specials, known for serving steamed crab, local seafood, and regional specialties. In addition to an extensive menu, Nick's also serves domestic and imported alcohol. Located just south of the Inner Harbor, the seafood restaurant is conveniently located within walking distance of Camden Yards. Visitors can enjoy the waterfront deck and the renowned crab cakes and crab cake dinner.
Located on the waterfront, Nick's offers indoor and outdoor dining. Situated at the end of a long row of docks, the restaurant has a picturesque setting ideal for a romantic date or a family get-together. The restaurant is a mainstay in the Fells Point community, so plan your visit accordingly. Don't forget to bring your camera because the place is always crowded, so don't be surprised if you are seated outside.
While a crab feast is a delightful experience, it's also an unpleasant experience. Instead of a noisy, crowded crab feast, opt for a more relaxed dining environment and a friendly staff. The atmosphere is casual, so you can enjoy your meal with a friend or a loved one. Nick's is conveniently located in an industrial park near the Ft. McHenry Tunnel, so it's a great location for a family gathering.
Stoney Creek Inn
Crab Cakes & Soups are the main draws at Stoney Creek Inn, a charming seafood restaurant in the Maryland Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy a fresh crab soup or tasty crab cake on the back deck of this seafood joint. There are also picnic tables to enjoy your meal. For the most part, Stoney Creek Inn is open all year long.
This crab house in Maryland opened in 1998 as Bill's Seafood Carry Out and Crabs. Since then, it has grown into a full-service restaurant. During crab season, the restaurant serves Maryland crabs. The restaurant was even visited by Food Network star Guy Fieri in 2008! Located just off the Chesapeake Bay, Stoney Creek Inn is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 12 to 9 PM and from 12 to 8 PM on Saturdays.
Maryland has an abundance of crab, and local crab houses have adapted to the changing times. These restaurants offer takeout and outdoor dining in addition to the traditional crab feast. Located just an hour away from Washington, D.C., you won't have a hard time finding a crab house in Maryland. And if you're looking for a more upscale restaurant, Stoney Creek Inn is one of the best.
Located adjacent to a tropical-themed beach, Kentmorr's crab house has become a staple in Maryland's state capital. The location of this crab house on Mill Creek makes it a must-visit spot for visitors. The crabs, steamed or fried, are market-priced, and you can enjoy crab dip and fried oysters while admiring the view from the outside pavilion. This restaurant also has several picnic tables adjacent to the beach and Breezy Point Campground.
