12 Maryland Crab Houses Full Of Summer Flavor
Maryland summers mean one thing to seafood lovers: blue crab season! When the weather heats up, locals and tourists alike flock to waterfront restaurants for heaping trays of steamed crabs dusted with Old Bay seasoning. Nothing beats gathering around a paper-covered table, wooden mallets in hand, ready to crack into these Chesapeake Bay treasures. Here are twelve must-visit crab houses where summer memories are made one delicious bite at a time.
1. Mike’s Crab House: Waterfront Wonder Since 1958
Family owned for over 60 years, Mike’s sits prettily on the South River in Riva. Locals swear by their jumbo crabs and generous seafood platters.
Summer evenings here mean spectacular sunsets while cracking crabs on the expansive deck. The steamed crab feast comes with corn on the cob and makes for the perfect Maryland experience.
2. Fisherman’s Crab Deck: Kent Island’s Crab Paradise
Perched on Kent Narrows, Fisherman’s offers panoramic water views that complement their legendary all-you-can-eat crab feasts. Seagulls soar overhead as boats cruise by the bustling marina.
First-timers often marvel at the restaurant’s signature crab soup, a tomato-based treasure packed with lump crab meat. After crossing the Bay Bridge, hungry travelers make this their first delicious stop.
3. Nick’s Fish House: Baltimore’s Urban Crab Oasis
Nestled along the Patapsco River, Nick’s combines city vibes with waterfront charm. Live music fills the air most summer weekends, creating an electric atmosphere for crab feasting.
Boaters frequently dock directly at the restaurant, making a grand entrance for their seafood fix. Regulars recommend pairing the jumbo lump crab cakes with an Orange Crush cocktail for true Baltimore bliss.
4. Cantler’s Riverside Inn: Annapolis’ Hidden Gem
Tucked away on Mill Creek, finding Cantler’s feels like discovering a local secret. Watermen deliver crabs directly to the dock, guaranteeing the freshest catch possible.
Naval Academy midshipmen and politicians rub elbows with tourists at communal tables. The no-frills atmosphere keeps focus where it belongs: on perfectly seasoned, steaming hot crabs served with a side of Eastern Shore hospitality.
5. Harris Crab House: Five Generations of Seafood Excellence
Family tradition runs deep at Harris, where five generations have served Chesapeake treasures since 1887. The Kent Narrows location boasts breathtaking bay views from virtually every table.
Watermen bring their daily catch straight to the docks below the restaurant. Beyond crabs, their seafood corn fritters have achieved legendary status among Eastern Shore food enthusiasts who drive miles specifically for this crispy, sweet treat.
6. L.P. Steamers: Rooftop Crabs with Baltimore Skyline Views
Housed in a converted rowhouse in Baltimore’s Locust Point neighborhood, L.P. Steamers offers authentic crab experiences without waterfront prices. Savvy visitors head straight to the rooftop deck for city views.
Owner Bud Gardner personally teaches first-timers the art of picking crabs. The unpretentious atmosphere welcomes everyone from dock workers to tourists seeking the real Baltimore crab house experience.
7. Conrad’s Seafood Restaurant: From Waterman to Restaurant Owner
Founded by former crabber Tony Conrad, this Perry Hall hotspot brings boat-to-table philosophy to life. Tony still catches many of the crabs served in his restaurants, ensuring peak freshness.
Summer weekends mean long waits, but regulars insist the crab pretzel appetizer makes time fly. Their award-winning crab cakes ship nationwide, spreading Maryland flavor across the country to homesick Marylanders.
8. Schultz’s Crab House: Baltimore County’s Century-Old Institution
Since 1969, this Essex landmark has served generations of crab lovers in its wood-paneled dining rooms. Awarded the prestigious James Beard American Classic designation, Schultz’s remains refreshingly unchanged by time.
Regulars come for the extra-large #1 male crabs, heavily seasoned with their secret spice blend. Crab imperial here arrives bubbling hot in a casserole dish, rich with butter and Maryland tradition.
9. The Point: Scenic Crabbing on Frog Mortar Creek
Spectacular sunset views accompany every crab feast at this Middle River destination. Arriving by boat? The Point offers plenty of slips for hungry sailors seeking shoreside sustenance.
Summer weekends feature live bands on the outdoor patio, creating perfect soundtrack for mallet-wielding diners. Their signature crab dip arrives bubbling hot, loaded with lump meat and served with pretzel bread for dipping.
10. The Crab Claw: St. Michaels’ Maritime Treasure
Overlooking St. Michaels harbor since 1965, The Crab Claw serves vacation vibes alongside their famous crabs. Sailboats bob gently in the harbor while diners crack crabs at waterfront tables.
The Eastern Shore charm extends to friendly servers who happily demonstrate proper picking techniques. After lunch, visitors stroll to nearby maritime museum or explore the quaint shops of this historic watermen’s village.
11. Hooper’s Crab House: Ocean City’s Crab Celebration
Spanning the Route 50 bridge entrance to Ocean City, Hooper’s welcomes beachgoers to vacation mode with their famous all-you-can-eat crab feasts. The massive outdoor deck buzzes with energy all summer long.
Vacation memories form around tables piled high with spicy crabs and pitchers of beer. Their signature Crab Bomb contains over a half-pound of jumbo lump crabmeat with minimal filler.
12. Jimmy’s Famous Seafood: Baltimore’s Blue Crab Institution
Family-owned since 1974, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood has earned its reputation as a Baltimore landmark where locals and celebrities alike gather for authentic Chesapeake Bay flavors. The massive restaurant buzzes with energy as servers deliver trays of steaming hot crabs to eager diners.
Their jumbo crabs are hand-selected daily from local watermen, ensuring only the meatiest specimens make it to your table. The traditional preparation, steamed with generous layers of Old Bay seasoning, lets the sweet crab meat shine.
