The Best Crab Houses in Maryland

Maryland is known for its blue crabs, and for locals, enjoying a crab feast is a summer tradition. From the renowned crab houses on the Chesapeake Bay to hidden gems in Baltimore, here’s a list of the best crab houses you must visit in Maryland.

1. The Point Crab House and Grill, Arnold

Located along the Magothy River in Arnold, The Point Crab House and Grill serves freshly steamed blue crabs from the Wye and Chester rivers. Their signature dish is live-steamed crabs, cooked to order. Don’t miss their baked lump crab dip or crab cakes. The atmosphere here is perfect for seafood lovers, and the view is stunning.

2. Schultz’s Crab House, Essex

Rated by the James Beard Foundation as an American Classic, Schultz’s Crab House in Essex is a must-visit for those craving fresh Maryland blue crabs. Along with crab soup and lump crab cakes, they offer nostalgic menu items like sour beef and dumplings. This family-friendly joint is known for its authentic crab house experience.

3. The Crab Claw, St. Michaels

For a taste of upscale crab dining in a quaint setting, head to The Crab Claw in St. Michaels. Famous for its steamed crabs, crab imperial, and soft-shell crabs, this place offers a relaxed vibe with views of the bay, perfect for a leisurely seafood feast.

4. Mike’s Crab House, Riva

Mike’s Crab House, located on the South River in Riva, is one of Maryland’s most popular crab houses. Known for its jumbo steamed crabs and corn hush puppies, it’s a great spot for families and seafood enthusiasts alike. The live music and waterfront views enhance the dining experience.

5. Harris Crab House, Grasonville

Located just past the Kent Narrows bridge, Harris Crab House offers a breezy dining experience with a large outdoor deck. Feast on steaming hot crabs, crab cakes, and fried seafood while watching boats cruise by. Their seafood is always fresh, making it one of the top crab houses in the state.

6. Conrad’s Seafood, Perry Hall

If you’re looking for fresh, locally-caught crabs, Conrad’s Seafood in Perry Hall is a top choice. This family-run business started when owner Anthony Conrad left his corporate job to become a Chesapeake Bay waterman. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal, and their outdoor patio is ideal for enjoying the warmer months.

7. Hooper’s Crab House, Ocean City

Known as the “big barn on the Bay,” Hooper’s Crab House is a must-visit in Ocean City. With its relaxed atmosphere and expansive seating options, this crab house offers an all-you-can-eat crab feast along with unique dishes like crab empanadas and crabby pretzels.

8. Locust Point Steamers, Baltimore

Located in Baltimore’s Locust Point neighborhood, Locust Point Steamers is a hidden gem for steamed crabs. With an unassuming exterior and an inviting rooftop deck, this spot serves up “ginormous” crabs year-round, making it a favorite among locals.

9. Jimmy Cantler’s Riverside Inn, Annapolis

Jimmy Cantler’s Riverside Inn is a long-standing institution in Annapolis. Famous for its all-lump crab cakes, soft-shelled crabs, and cream of crab soup, it’s the go-to spot for seafood lovers looking to enjoy delicious crabs in a serene waterfront setting.

10. Captain James Landing, Baltimore

For an all-you-can-eat crab feast in Baltimore, Captain James Landing is the place to go. Situated on the waterfront, this crab house offers hot steamed crabs served with Old Bay and classic sides like hush puppies, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.

11. Captain Billy’s, Newburg

Situated on Popes Creek in Newburg, Captain Billy’s offers a more relaxed crab dining experience. This crab house serves up some of the freshest crabs and seafood in the region, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a pile of steamed crabs as the sun sets over the Potomac River.

How to Get Maryland Steamed Blue Crabs Shipped

Can’t make it to Maryland? Don’t worry! You can still enjoy a Maryland crab feast at home. Several retailers, like Harbour House Crabs and Cameron’s Seafood, will ship fresh steamed blue crabs right to your door.

Source: USA Today