Sit-down crab places you can’t miss
An Eastern Shore institution, Harris Crab House is sublime – Photo courtesy of Lindsay Lowery
We Marylanders know it’s not really summer until we’ve sat down for our first classic steamed crab feast of the season. Our Mid-Atlantic crab season runs from April to October, when locals harvest fat blue crabs from the bottom of Chesapeake Bay. Knowing where to get the best crabs in Maryland is half the battle. From waterfront crab decks in Baltimore to family-owned crab houses in Annapolis, our state offers plenty of options. As a Marylander who’s enjoyed her fair share of steamed blue crabs, these 11 spots top my list as the best crab restaurants in Maryland.
Best crab houses in Maryland
The Point Crab House and Grill, Arnold
Among the best crab restaurants in Maryland, The Point never pre-steams its Chesapeake Bay blue crabs – Photo courtesy of The Point Crab House and Grill
Located on the Magothy River in Arnold, The Point Crab House and Grill features a full menu of steamed crabs (when in season), oysters, shrimp, and steamers. The Point sources the majority of its crabs from the Wye and Chester rivers. They never pre-steam them; all crabs are cooked live to order. Also of note: The baked lump crab dip, crab cakes, and cream of crab soup are consistent winners. For those in your group who aren’t into seafood, The Point makes an excellent burger on a brioche roll, as well as savory pork tacos. Don’t miss out!
Schultz’s, Essex
Since 1969, Schultz’s Crab House has served fresh seafood and steaks in Essex, just south of Baltimore. Rated by the James Beard Foundation as an American Classic, Schultz’s is an authentic neighborhood joint known for its steamed Maryland blue crabs. In addition, Schultz’s serves homemade crab soup and lump crab cakes. While seafood is the main event, Schultz’s is also known for nostalgic menu items like sour beef and dumplings, pickled beets, and macaroni salad. It may not be your typical crab house, but Schultz’s is a classic for a reason.
The Crab Claw, St. Michaels
Blue crabs turn red thanks to steam and Old Bay – Photo courtesy of Lesley Balla
The charming town of St. Michaels on Maryland’s Eastern Shore has earned the reputation of being an upscale weekend destination. However, those who live here know that one of the best restaurants in town is a no-frills crab house that’s been around since 1965. The Crab Claw has spectacular views and a summertime vibe, perfect for steamed crabs, soft shell crabs, crab imperial, and even a crab corn dog.
Mike’s Crab House, Riva
Mike’s Crab House has two locations: one in Pasadena and the original in Riva, which overlooks the South River just minutes from Annapolis. On weekends, wait times can reach several hours, but customers don’t mind so long as they can taste Mike’s jumbo steamed crabs, corn hush puppies, and lump crab cakes. The live music and waterfront views make this a must-visit among sit-down crab places in Maryland.
Harris Crab House, Grasonville
Steamed crabs and an Orange Crush, a classic combo at Harris Crab House – Photo courtesy of Lindsay Lowery
Beyond the Kent Narrows bridge in Grasonville, Harris Crab House welcomes diners with an airy dining room and spacious outdoor crab deck serving steamed crabs, heavy with sweet meat and covered in a seafood spice blend. You’ll also find crab cakes, fried seafood, and the freshest Mid-Atlantic oysters. Enjoying a pile of spicy crustaceans while watching the boats cruise past the Narrows is a sublime experience among Maryland’s best crab restaurants.
Conrad’s, Perry Hall
Although Conrad’s Seafood in Perry Hall hasn’t been open as long as some of the iconic Maryland crab houses on this list, it quickly established itself as one of the freshest purveyors of Maryland blue crabs. Owner Anthony Conrad left the corporate world to pursue a career as a Chesapeake Bay waterman. He then opened this restaurant, serving crabs caught right from his boat. Conrad’s has a large dining room with an outdoor patio that’s open during the warmer months.
Hooper’s Crab House, Ocean City
Hooper’s Crab House is the ‘big barn on the Bay’ – Photo courtesy of Hooper’s Crab House
What started as a cornfield in West Ocean City in 1982 evolved into one of Maryland’s most beloved crab houses. Hooper’s Crab House, also known as the “big barn on the Bay,” offers views of the Ocean City skyline and plenty of seating, plus one of the best all-you-can-eat crab and corn feasts. The menu features unique dishes like crab empanadas, a crab-topped flatbread, and a crabby pretzel. Order the all-you-can-eat steamed crab special at the barn or the adjacent overwater gazebo, Sneaky Pete’s.
