Maryland is famous for its delicious blue crabs and crab cakes. Crab cakes are a staple of Maryland cuisine and a point of pride for locals. But with so many restaurants and crab shacks claiming to have the best crab cakes in Maryland, it can be hard to know where to go for the real deal. After extensive research and tasting, I’ve rounded up the top 10 places in Maryland to get sublime crab cakes.
1. G&M Restaurant & Lounge – Linthicum Heights
Without a doubt G&M Restaurant & Lounge in Linthicum Heights serves some of the finest crab cakes around. This family-owned restaurant has been serving their famous jumbo lump crab cakes since 1984. Each 8-ounce cake is packed with fresh crab meat and minimal filler. The secret is in the recipe passed down from generation to generation. You can enjoy these crabby creations in the restaurant or order them online for nationwide shipping. I highly recommend getting them grilled or broiled instead of fried—it allows the sweet crab flavor to really shine through. Don’t miss out on their creamy crab soup and shrimp salad while you’re there too.
2. Koco’s Pub – Baltimore
For delicious crab cakes in a fun pub atmosphere head to Koco’s Pub in Baltimore. Their award-winning crab cake platter features two colossal cakes brimming with chunks of lump crab meat. The cakes are delicately broiled to a beautiful golden brown. Pair your crab cakes with one of Koco’s local draft beers for a quintessential Baltimore experience. This laid-back neighborhood haunt serves up awesome crab cakes at a reasonable price.
3. Boatyard Bar & Grill – Annapolis
The Boatyard Bar & Grill is a legendary crab cake destination situated right on the waterfront in Annapolis. Their jumbo lump crab cakes have won numerous awards and are a local favorite. Each cake contains virtually no filler just delicious crab piled high and seasoned perfectly with Old Bay. Enjoy your crab cake sandwich or platter on the outdoor deck overlooking the harbor—it doesn’t get more Maryland than that. The Boatyard has a fun, nautical vibe and also serves up excellent oysters clams, and steamed shrimp.
4. Pappas Restaurant – Multiple Locations
With locations in Cockeysville, Parkville, and Glen Burnie, Pappas Restaurant is beloved for its splendid crab cakes. These beauties contain just the right amount of binder to hold the chunky crab meat together. A sprinkle of Old Bay adds that signature Maryland flavor. Opt for the crab cake sandwich served on a soft roll with lettuce and tomato. Or go all out with the crab cake platter which comes with two sizable cakes, plus your choice of sides. Oprah herself is a fan and featured Pappas crab cakes on her famous “Favorite Things” list back in 2015.
5. Cantler’s Riverside Inn – Annapolis
No list of top Maryland crab cakes is complete without the legendary Cantler’s Riverside Inn. This Annapolis institution has been serving their award-winning crab cakes since 1974. Each cake is bursting with fresh jumbo lump crab meat sourced right from the Chesapeake Bay. Broiling allows the sweet crab flavor to shine. Cantler’s offers smaller crab cake sandwiches along with hearty full-size platters served with fried potato wedges. Enjoy your crab cake feast at a picnic table overlooking the water—it’s a quintessential Maryland experience.
6. The Narrows – Grasonville
On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, The Narrows is a favorite for its skillfully crafted crab cakes. Each cake is packed with juicy lump crab and the perfect amount of seasonings like Old Bay and parsley. The Narrows offers both fried and broiled preparations, but I recommend broiled to let the crab flavor come through. Pair your crab cake with one of the restaurants signature orange crushes and soak in the stunning views of the Grasonville Creek. The Narrows also serves amazing cream of crab soup, crab balls, and crab pretzels.
7. Box Hill Pizzeria – Abingdon
You may not expect to find incredible crab cakes at a pizzeria, but Box Hill Pizzeria in Abingdon defies expectations. Their jumbo lump crab cakes are the stuff of legend. Each cake contains virtually no filler, just huge chunks of sweet crab meat straight from the Chesapeake Bay. A light sprinkling of Old Bay adds the finishing touch. The crab cakes are broiled to perfection. Enjoy one of these crabby masterpieces in the laid back dining room or order online for carryout. Don’t leave without trying their amazing pizza and wings too!
8. Mike’s Crab House – Multiple Locations
With locations in Riva, Annapolis, and Pasadena, Mike’s Crab House is a longtime favorite for outstanding crab cakes. Their secret is using only lump crab meat and minimal breadcrumbs to hold the cakes together. The result is a delicious cake packed with sweet crab flavor. Mike’s offers crab cakes in several sizes along with platters, sandwiches, and even crab cake topped burgers. The Riva location has a view of the water, making it the ideal place to dive into a jumbo lump crab cake.
9. The Point Crab House & Grill – Arnold
Situated along the Magothy River, The Point definitely lives up to its name when it comes to phenomenal crab cakes. This Arnold crab house serves up lump crab cakes that are generously portioned and overflowing with crab. The cakes have just the right amount of seasoning to complement the natural sweetness of the crab. Choose from fried or broiled preparations. Take in the relaxing views of the river while savoring every bite. The Point is open seasonally and does not accept reservations, so come prepared to wait for the best crab cakes in Maryland.
10. Captain James Landing – Chesapeake Beach
For delicious crab cakes in a unique setting, check out Captain James Landing located right on the Chesapeake Bay. Their colossal broiled crab cakes are loaded with sweet lump crab meat and minimal filler. The cakes are seasoned to perfection with Old Bay. Enjoy your crab cake feast at a picnic table overlooking the beach—it’s the quintessential Maryland experience. Captain James Landing is open seasonally and also serves up amazing steamed crabs, shrimp, oysters, and other local seafood.
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Baltimore’s BEST Crab Cakes [5 Best Places]
FAQ
What city in Maryland is famous for crab cakes?
You can’t visit Baltimore without sampling our famous crab cakes.
Who makes the best Maryland crab cakes?
Since 1974, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood has been recognized as the premier restaurant of the Maryland Crab Cake. We use the finest ingredients from our family recipe, handed down from generation to generation.
Where does Oprah get her crabcakes?
Oprah still orders with us to this day. Our very own Pappas Seafood Shipping Department sends her Crab Cakes straight from Baltimore.
What city is famous for crab cakes?
Fishing with Dynamite, Manhattan Beach, California
He brought both the memories and the recipe with him to this beloved Manhattan Beach restaurant, whipping up Maryland blue crab cakes for the hungry patrons that book tables months in advance.