When it comes to staple foods in Maryland, crabs are right at the top. This local favorite is always in demand, with market prices often shifting based on availability, season and size. Whether you want to crack open a dozen yourself, pick up crab meat for a recipe or head out for a meal, there are plenty of crab options within a quick drive. We’ve highlighted several local favorites below.
Anne Arundel Seafood
This Pasadena spot, easily recognized by its blue roof, serves fresh seafood for dine-in and carryout. Looking for something big? Choose from one of more than 20 platters, each served with crackers, cocktail sauce and two sides. The menu also includes sandwiches and wraps, submarines, seafood orders, appetizers, soups and a large raw bar. Crab lovers will find plenty to choose from, with crab-based selections featured throughout nearly every major section of the menu.
Boatyard Bar and Grill
Boatyard Bar & Grill, long known for its award-winning crab cakes, brings a coastal feel to Annapolis dining. From the gravel parking lot to the raised deck with white picket details, the restaurant leans into its seaside atmosphere. The menu includes crispy crab balls, crab and artichoke dip, two crab soup options and, of course, its popular crab cakes. Daily specials change regularly, and guests can also order Boatyard’s award-winning crab cakes online.
Cantler’s Riverside Inn
Located on the quiet waters of Mill Creek, just a short distance from Annapolis City Dock, Cantler’s Riverside Inn has been serving seafood to boaters, locals and visitors for decades. Open year-round, seven days a week, this classic Maryland crabhouse offers favorites like crab dip, crab pretzels, cream of crab soup and Maryland crab soup. The menu also features several crab sandwiches and signature dishes, including a lump crab cake platter, crab imperial, soft-shell crab platter, crab-stuffed shrimp and fried crab cake platter.
The Choptank
Located along Ego Alley in downtown Annapolis, The Choptank brings a classic fish-and-crab-house feel to City Dock. Local seafood is the focus here, with a menu that includes steamed blue crabs, crab cakes, oysters, soups, sandwiches and entrées. It’s a strong choice for anyone looking to pair Maryland crab with a waterfront setting, especially if you want a downtown option close to the heart of Annapolis.
Crabtowne
Known for its arcade and old-school seafood-house feel, Crabtowne opened in 1971 and has been serving fresh seafood ever since. Guests can start with crab balls, a crab dip boat or crab dip waffle fries before moving on to mains such as crab mac and cheese, crab soups, Crabtowne flatbread, crab sandwiches, crab burgers or crab cakes. For those who prefer steamed seafood, snow crabs are available individually or as part of steamed baskets.
Kent Island Crab Co.
Located on Mountain Road in Pasadena, Kent Island Crab Co. is home to the Super Crab and offers crabs live or steamed year-round. Customers can choose from large and mixed females, small males, medium males, large males and extra-large males. The shop also sells crab meat, including jumbo, regular and claw, along with fresh and frozen soft crabs. Beyond crab, Kent Island Crab Co. offers shrimp, soups, fish fillets and steaks, clams, scallops, oysters, lobster tails, mussels, crawfish and even alligator meat.
Mike’s Restaurant & Crab House
With locations in Riva and Pasadena, Mike’s Restaurant & Crab House has been serving Chesapeake seafood since 1958. The menu includes crab dip, crab balls, snow crab legs and homemade crab soup, along with crab sandwiches and several seafood entrées featuring crab. Guests can also order steamed crabs by the half dozen, dozen or two dozen, with size options including medium, large and jumbo.
N.B.S Seafood
This Glen Burnie seafood spot is a popular choice for bringing crabs home. N.B.S. Seafood sells crabs by the dozen, three dozen and bushel, with Maryland crab options including large to extra-large males, small to medium males and local females. For a Southern twist, N.B.S. also sells Louisiana crabs in similar sizes. Customers can also purchase lump or jumbo lump Maryland crab meat and snow crab clusters.
The Point Crab House & Grill
Just outside Annapolis in Arnold, The Point Crab House & Grill offers casual waterfront dining with a seasonal menu built around local fare. Crab lovers can find live steamed crabs, sourced from the Chesapeake Bay and cooked to order, along with jumbo lump crab cakes and other seafood dishes. With marina views and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a good pick for a crab meal that still feels close to the water.
The Seaside Restaurant
In business for more than 30 years, The Seaside Restaurant focuses on quality seafood and attentive service. The menu includes several crab appetizers, jumbo snow crab legs and Dungeness crab from the steamer, along with cream of crab and Maryland crab soup. Guests can also choose from crab-focused entrées, sandwiches, wraps and specialty dishes. According to the restaurant’s website, an 18% gratuity is added to checks for parties of five or more.
Wild Country Seafood
Wild Country Seafood offers fresh blue crabs caught directly in the Chesapeake Bay. Customers can order steamed-to-order crabs or live crabs, along with whole fish, fish fillets, oysters, crab meat and fish heads. Orders must be placed in advance through the website, making this a good option for those planning a crab feast at home.
