Maryland blue crabs are more than a meal. They are tradition, summer afternoons, and a reminder that the Chesapeake Bay is central to the state’s culture. Steamed crabs with seasoning, cold drinks, and paper-covered tables bring families and friends together in a way few foods can.
Whether you are in a bustling city market or along a quiet river, crab feasts feel like both celebration and ritual. The Old Bay spice and the sound of wooden mallets cracking shells are instantly recognizable.
From historic markets to waterfront restaurants, here are some of the best places to enjoy the state’s favorite crustacean.
1. Faidley’s Seafood (Baltimore)
Faidley’s Seafood has been part of Lexington Market since 1886, making it one of Baltimore’s best-known seafood spots. Its crab cakes are nationally recognized and made with jumbo lump crab and very little filler. Customers order at the counter, find a seat at a communal table, and enjoy food in a lively setting. Orioles fans debate baseball while families dive into platters of seafood.
The crab cakes have been praised by travel writers and food critics for decades. Open Monday through Saturday from late morning to late afternoon, it is wise to arrive early because the crabs and cakes often sell out.
2. The Point Crab House (Arnold)
The Point Crab House sits on the Magothy River in Arnold, offering waterfront dining that attracts both locals and visitors. The restaurant is known for steamed blue crabs seasoned with a house blend, served alongside favorites like hush puppies. Happy hour here is popular, with people gathering on the deck for food and views.
The river breeze and sunset create an atmosphere that feels like a mini getaway. Customers come casually dressed, often staying longer than planned because the scene is relaxed. Open daily from morning until evening, it has become a dependable place for fresh seafood with scenery to match.
3. Cameron’s Seafood Market (Rockville)
Cameron’s Seafood Market is a major supplier of Maryland blue crabs and ships seafood nationwide. The Rockville location is a busy stop for people who want to buy crabs by the dozen or bushel, either live or steamed. The staff explains how to choose between male and female crabs, ensuring customers understand what they are buying.
The company is certified under the True Blue program, which highlights restaurants and markets serving Maryland-harvested crabs. Open daily, Cameron’s allows customers to host their own crab feasts at home with local seafood. For many families, it has become a trusted source for gatherings and cookouts.
4. Bridge Restaurant (Hurlock)
Located on the Choptank River in Hurlock, Bridge Restaurant is famous for its all-you-can-eat crab feasts. Customers can enjoy steamed blue crabs on shore or take part in a paddlewheel riverboat dinner cruise. The restaurant has been serving seafood since 1983 and has built a reputation across Maryland.
Crabs are heavy and flavorful, coming directly from the waters of the Eastern Shore. The combination of local history and traditional food makes it a destination for anyone who wants the full Chesapeake Bay experience.
5. Cantler’s Riverside Inn (Annapolis)
Cantler’s Riverside Inn sits on Mill Creek near Annapolis and has been family-run since 1974. The restaurant is known for serving crabs caught daily by local watermen. Guests line picnic tables covered in paper and dig into steamed crabs with Old Bay seasoning. The setting is informal, with flip-flops and crab mallets more common than fine dining.
Locals and tourists crowd the dock in summer, sometimes waiting for a table while boats unload nearby. Fresh crabs, cold drinks, and a no-frills approach keep Cantler’s a favorite after nearly fifty years.
6. Chesapeake Crab Festival (Baltimore + National Harbor)
Each summer, the Chesapeake Crab Festival is held at National Harbor. The event features all-you-care-to-taste blue crabs and cold drinks, combined with live music. Families, groups of friends, and seafood fans gather with mallets and trays piled high. The setting on the Potomac River adds to the appeal, with waterfront views and room for large crowds.
The festival is popular enough to draw visitors from across the region. It has become a summer highlight for anyone who wants to eat Maryland crabs in a lively outdoor atmosphere.
7. Blue Point Crab House (Baltimore)
Blue Point Crab House in Baltimore is a straightforward spot for steamed blue crabs. Customers order by the dozen and eat at tables covered with paper, using plenty of seasoning and plenty of napkins. The place attracts regulars ranging from families to workers stopping in after long shifts.
Staff are experienced in sourcing large and heavy crabs, often from local waters. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, which is exactly what most crab eaters want. For many Baltimore residents, Blue Point is a reliable choice for a crab night without distractions.
8. Kent Island Crab Co. (Stevensville)
Kent Island Crab Co. is a carryout market located just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Stevensville. It is well known for offering steamed or live crabs by the dozen. Customers often stop here first before heading to a picnic spot or backyard gathering.
The staff provides tips on choosing heavy crabs and will steam them on request. Many locals recommend calling ahead during summer weekends because supply runs out quickly. For travelers crossing the bridge, it is a convenient and authentic start to a crab feast.
9. Stoney Creek Inn (Pasadena)
Stoney Creek Inn in Pasadena is a long-standing neighborhood restaurant that emphasizes fresh blue crabs. The setting is simple, decorated with local memorabilia, and filled with the sound of conversations about boating, baseball, and crab-picking. Families spanning several generations often gather here for summer crab feasts.
Steamed crabs are served hot and heavy with seasoning that fills the air. Locals consider it one of the more authentic crab houses away from major tourist spots. The sense of community is as much a draw as the seafood itself.
10. Maryland Seafood Festival (Annapolis)
The Maryland Seafood Festival takes place each September at Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis. Vendors serve a wide variety of seafood, including steamed blue crabs and crab cakes. Visitors enjoy live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and family activities along with the food. The festival has been running for decades, becoming one of the most recognized seafood events in the state.
The location at the foot of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge provides sweeping views of the water. For many Maryland residents, the festival is a yearly tradition and a showcase of local seafood culture.
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