Maryland Crab Houses Where Locals Say The Crab Cakes Are Actually Worth It

Golden crust gives way to sweet, tender crab with every bite. Perfection isn’t easy to find, but Maryland diners know it when they taste it.

Across the state, crab houses guard their recipes closely, serving cakes packed with lump crab and just enough seasoning to let the meat shine.

Some spots have been perfecting the craft for decades, while others bring a fresh touch to a beloved tradition. All share one goal: delivering the kind of crab cakes that keep locals coming back year after year.

1. Cantler’s Riverside (Annapolis)

Family-owned since 1974, this waterfront institution serves crab cakes that Maryland natives drive miles to enjoy. The secret? Jumbo lump meat with barely-there binding.

Overlooking Mill Creek, the rustic setting enhances the experience as much as the crab cakes themselves. Many regulars claim you haven’t truly experienced Annapolis until you’ve eaten here.

2. Fisherman’s Crab Deck (Kent Narrows)

The Eastern Shore ambiance alone makes this spot worth visiting. Wooden tables overlook bustling Kent Narrows where watermen bring in the day’s catch. Sunset views enhance meals here.

Their crab cakes honor the Chesapeake tradition: minimally handled jumbo lump meat with subtle Old Bay seasoning. Served with classic Eastern Shore sides, it’s the quintessential Maryland meal that locals cherish.

3. Nick’s Fish House (Baltimore)

Nestled along the Patapsco River, Nick’s combines urban Baltimore charm with waterfront tranquility. The sprawling deck becomes a summertime hotspot where locals gather for live music and stellar seafood.

Their broiled crab cakes arrive golden-brown outside while remaining moist inside. Lightly seasoned, these cakes showcase blue crab’s natural sweetness that hometown critics consistently praise.

4. Harris Crab House (Kent Narrows Area)

Multi-generational watermen heritage informs the menu at this dockside eatery. From the deck, guests watch boats navigate Kent Narrows while savoring authentic Eastern Shore flavors.

Their family recipe produces crab cakes with remarkable texture – chunks of sweet lump meat held together with minimal binding. Accompanied by homemade tartar sauce, these cakes embody what Maryland natives mean when they say “let the crab speak for itself.”

5. G&M Restaurant & Lounge (Maryland)

Enormous portions define the experience at this beloved Linthicum Heights institution. Their softball-sized crab cakes have earned such fame that they ship nationwide – though locals insist nothing compares to eating them fresh on-site.

What makes them special? Sweet jumbo lump meat with minimal filler, broiled to perfection. The interior remains moist while the exterior develops just enough crust. Even skeptical Maryland natives admit these massive cakes live up to the hype.

6. The Crab Claw (St. Michaels)

Situated in picturesque St. Michaels, this waterfront establishment offers harbor views that enhance already exceptional meals. Opened in 1965, it maintains the charm that first made it a local favorite. Their crab cakes arrive with a gorgeous golden crust concealing sweet, tender meat inside.

Minimal binding lets the Eastern Shore blue crab flavor shine through. Paired with their homemade cocktail sauce, these cakes represent the authentic taste of Maryland that locals treasure.

7. Schultz’s Crab House (Essex)

Since 1950, this no-frills crab house has been serving what many Essex locals consider the gold standard for Maryland crab cakes. The vintage décor hasn’t changed much over decades – and neither has the recipe.

Awarded the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s “America’s Classics” honor, their crab cakes feature hand-picked meat with minimal filler. The slightly crisp exterior gives way to chunks of sweet crab that practically melt in your mouth.

8. Jimmy’s Famous Seafood (Baltimore)

From humble beginnings in 1974, Jimmy’s has grown into a Baltimore institution that even the most particular locals recommend without hesitation. The buzzing atmosphere reflects its popularity among everyone from sports celebrities to multi-generation Baltimore families.

Their award-winning crab cakes feature mostly jumbo lump with just enough mayonnaise and seasoning to hold things together. Broiled to golden perfection, they represent what Maryland crab cakes should aspire to be.

9. L.P. Steamers (Baltimore)

Housed in a converted rowhouse in Baltimore’s Locust Point neighborhood, this unpretentious spot offers rooftop dining with harbor views. The blue exterior makes it impossible to miss – and locals wouldn’t want to. Their crab cakes stand out for perfect seasoning and exceptional meat quality.

Served with traditional sides like corn and coleslaw, these hand-formed beauties represent Baltimore’s seafood heritage. The casual atmosphere only enhances the authentic Maryland experience that draws regulars back repeatedly.

10. Faidley’s Seafood (Baltimore, Lexington Market)

Standing at a high-top table inside historic Lexington Market might not seem glamorous, but generations of Baltimoreans swear these are the best crab cakes anywhere.

Founded in 1886, Faidley’s remains family-operated. Their award-winning recipe features hand-formed, softball-sized cakes with sweet jumbo lump meat and a secret blend of spices that’s remained unchanged for decades.

11. Mike’s Crab House (Annapolis / Riva)

Perched on the South River since 1958, Mike’s draws crowds for crab cakes that strike the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

The waterfront views complement meals that keep locals coming back season after season. Their broiled crab cakes showcase sweet, local blue crab with just enough seasoning to enhance without overwhelming. Regulars recommend the platter with homemade coleslaw and crispy fries.