
Maryland’s love for crabs is more than a culinary preference—it’s a way of life. Known for its delicious crab delicacies, such as crab cakes, steamed crabs, and flavourful soups, the state honors its seafood heritage with occasions like the Maryland Crab Feast. Here are 20 of the best crab restaurants in Maryland to experience this rich heritage!
Disclaimer: This piece reflects the writer's opinion; the reader's discretion is advised. Do let us know in the comments what you think should have made the cut.
20. Conrad's Seafood Restaurant

Conrad's Seafood restaurant is located at 9654 Belair Rd, Perry Hall. The True Blue-certified crab restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, the menu also features oysters and other seafood favorites. It takes pride in sourcing its crabs from Maryland and the waterways of the Southeast. The kitchen is open on weekends until 11 PM. You have plenty of options to choose from, and you can choose from different servings, small and medium. Drinks are also available to wash down your steamed crabs.
19. Schultz's Crab House

Schultz’s Crab House is located at 1732 Old Eastern Ave, Essex, MD. Established in 1969, The James Beard Foundation named this restaurant as one of "America's Classic." A local favorite, Schultz's is open every day at 11 a.m. throughout the year and specializes in Chesapeake-style crab cakes along with a range of deliciously prepared entrées.
18. L.P. Steamers

L.P. Steamers is located at 1100 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, in Locust Point. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m., serves crabs of all sizes, and offers reasonably priced beverages, such as pitchers of Natty Boh beer. It offers a view of the Baltimore skyline and harbor.
17. Choptank

Choptank, located in the renovated Broadway Market in Baltimore, MD 21250, is a popular seafood house known for seasonal blue crabs. Named after the Choptank Indians, it honors local history. It serves all types of seafood, all fresh. With a large outside bar, pool tables, ping pong, and live music, this is the place to visit. Recently, a second store opened in Annapolis.
16. The Point

The Point is located at 700 Mill Brook Rd, Arnold, MD 21012 which is open all year round. The point offers a view of the creek. The crabs are sourced from the Chesapeake Bay and are prepared to order. Online ordering allows you to enjoy seafood treats and steamed crabs on the boat or the dock, while summer wait times might reach two hours.
15. Cantler's Riverside Inn

For almost forty years, Cantler's Waterfront Restaurant, which is situated at 458 Forest Beach Rd, Annapolis, MD 21409, has been a Maryland icon. The place is around Annapolis City Dock and serves fresh seafood year-round. It's famous for trays of crabs, steamed corn, and dips.
14. Harris Crab House

Harris Crab House, located at 433 Kent Narrow Way N, Grasonville, MD 21638, is a fifth-generation seafood spot run by the Harris family. Capt. Billy Harris founded it in 1981, it quickly became the spot for people for their casual dineouts. Serving throughout the year, live music with fresh seafood, and an all-you-can-eat steamed crab special, it's the place to visit.
13. Fisherman's Crab Deck

Fisherman’s Crab Deck, located at 3032 Kent Narrow Way S, Grasonville, MD 21638, is a seasonal waterfront spot in Kent Narrows. It opens from 11 AM to 10 PM serving one of the best steamed crabs and cocktails. Their menu also includes fresh seafood such as lobster, scallops, and fish, as well as steaming pots with crabs, prawns, clams, and mussels.
12. Mike's Crab House

Mike’s Crab House, located at 3030 Riva Rd, Riva, MD 21140, is famous for its crabs which are complemented by butter corn hush puppies. The restaurant offers a view of the South River. With multiple locations all over Maryland, you can't deny that it's not a Maryland favorite.
11. The Kentmorr Beach Bar and Grill

Kentmorr Beach Bar & Grill, located at 910 Kentmorr Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666, is known for serving its Blue Crabs from spring to autumn. The restaurant provides beachside cozy vibes along with hammock swings, making it an ideal location for a beachside crab feast.
10. The Crab Claw

The Crab Claw is a family-run restaurant that has been serving the people of Maryland for decades and serves one of the best crabs. Located at 304 Burns St., St. Michaels, MD 21663, the place serves seasoned and steamed Maryland blue crabs by the dozen or individually. The place is open from April to October
9. Tylers Crab House

Tylers Crab House is located at Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732 known as a tackle store and crab house. You can opt for takeaway or dine here and enjoy the affordable crabs here which are sold by the half or whole bushel. The restaurant is open all year round.
8. Captain Billy's

Captain Billy’s, located at 11495 Popes Creek Rd, Newburg, MD 20664, is a historic Southern Maryland favorite. It is famous for its seasoned crabs and desserts. The place has an amazing scenic view of the Potomac River which looks better at sunset. The perfect place to be with your loved ones. Open from Thursday to Sunday from 11 AM.
7. The Red Roost

The Red Roost, located at 2670 Clara Rd, Quantico, MD 21856, is a former chicken shack turned beloved crab house on the Eastern Shore. Open since the 1970's the place is famous for its unique fried chicken and blue crabs. It's a must-visit for people who come into town.
6. Captain John's Crab House

Captain John’s Crabhouse, located at 16215 Cobb Island Rd, Newburg, MD 20664, has been a family-owned favorite since 1963. Serving fresh Maryland steamed crabs, crab cakes, oysters, prawns, and more. It is open all year round and is the perfect place for a family outing.
5. Crab Shack 2

Joe’s Crab Shack, located at 6324 1/2 Windsor Mill Rd, Woodlawn, MD 21207, serves a large selection of seafood along with steak, sandwiches, and chicken selections. Their seafood is amazing and worth trying consisting of fried prawns, crabs, oysters, and fish meals.
4. Thames Street Oyster House

Thames Street Oyster House, located at 1728 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231 is known for its seafood mainly their oysters but their crabs are also worth mentioning as they come from the East and the West Coast. They also offer handmade cocktails, local drafts, and wine.
3. Crab Galley

Crab Galley, located at 7410 Laurel Bowie Rd, Bowie, MD 20715 is a family-owned restaurant known for its seafood market and catering. They guarantee the best seafood as they work directly with their own fishermen. Their specialty is steamed crabs, crab cake platters, coconut shrimp, and crab ball appetizers.
2. Nicks Fish House

Nick’s Fish House, located at 2600 Insulator Dr, Baltimore, MD 21230, is a waterfront landmark on the Baltimore Peninsula. Known for its famous crab cakes, fresh seafood, regional specialties, excellent steamed crabs, and deck fries. Drinks are also provided, so there is something for everyone. Open all year long it's the perfect place to visit with family and friends.
1.Ocean Odyssey

Ocean Odyssey, located at 316 Sunburst Highway / US Route 50, Cambridge. They provide go to crabs and other seafood which are all fresh. They also serve craft beers. A relaxing place to enjoy your fresh seafood and craft beers with your family and friends.