The Best Seafood Dives in Maryland

A feast worth the journey at Old Salty's Restaurant — Photo: Chris M. Rogers

If restaurant-goers divided seafood dives into boxing categories, Maryland would punch in the heavyweights. It's home to some of the most famous crab feasting you can find throughout the country—perhaps throughout the world. Served steamed, fried, in soup, and any other preparation your stomach desires, the crab joints throughout the state will have some of the freshest seafood catches for your enjoyment. Surrounded by picturesque waterfront views, the Chesapeake Bay and eastern coastline are home to some fine seafood dining restaurants, but only locals and frequent visitors know the best dives to find this state's most celebrated food. Here are 20 of the best restaurants that will have you immediately booking your trip to Maryland.

01 of 20

Old Salty's

Fishing Creek, Maryland

An Eastern Shore crab quest is not complete without a visit to this cozy, well-loved booth at this sprawling, big-hearted family place. Old Salty's Restaurant serves enormous broiled crab cakes made entirely of pure lump meat—no fillers. Showing off the spoils of this watermen community, it's magic how they prepared this classic dish. Crab Imperial's flavorful piping-hot combination of crab, mayo, and cheese, is simply an ideal coastal dish. The fresh-from-the-oven dinner rolls are splendid, baked pineapple is the side of choice, and house-made meringue pies complete the Chesapeake dream.

02 of 20

Capsize

Oxford, Maryland

This tiny, picturesque Eastern Shore town on the Town Creek waters is home to a casual, locally-admired restaurant with shaded decks and bright interiors. Capsize's generous crab cake sandwich is fried or broiled, satisfying this favorite request from local visitors and out-of-towners. This restaurant, which boaters can through its dock, is quintessential Maryland and delivers this charm with its Bloody Mary with an Old Bay rim.

03 of 20

Phillips Seafood

Baltimore, Maryland

At Phillips Crab Deck, you'll feel right at home whether you are a seasoned crab picker or experiencing a crack-and-eat cuisine for the first time. This restaurant has prepared crab cakes by hand in the heart of The Inner Harbor since its opening. Committed to safety, the expert team of crab pickers believes in monitoring the seafood quality from extraction to when it arrives on your plate.

04 of 20

Minnow Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland

It's a far aesthetic cry from Baltimore's old-school crab houses, but this standout South Baltimore seafood restaurant's devotion to regional catch is equally authentic. The results are truly memorable. Crab lovers need to put cornmeal-dusted soft-shell crabs at the center of the experience. Cocktail lovers will fall in love with the assured and creative moves behind the bar, and brunch fans will go wild for Minnow's epic, bottomless brunch.

05 of 20

Chick and Ruth's Delly

Annapolis, Maryland

Considered among the biggest in the state, this narrow fluorescent-lit landmark in downtown Annapolis packs jumbo lump crab into its cakes with flavor to match. Grab a stool at the counter for a bird's eye view of Chick and Ruth's hard-working, incredibly friendly staff, but remember to leave room for pie. The in-house bakery prepares sweets daily, all hand-made and preservative-free.

06 of 20

Bertha's Mussels

High Angle View Of Seafood In Plate — Frank Grtner / EyeEm / Getty Images

Baltimore, Maryland

An institution in Fells Point, Bertha's is legendary for its many delicious variations on steamed mussels. Pinnacle of this seafood menu, shrimp, clams, and crab-based soups are more steaming options. All you need to do is listen to the ubiquitous call of the restaurant's merchandise to "Eat Bertha's Mussels," and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

07 of 20

Cantler's Riverside Inn

Annapolis, Maryland

For a time-honored crab ritual, wait in line for an outdoor table at Cantler's Riverside Inn, a revered crab house perched on Mill Creek outside of town. Try everything (steamed crab, crab dip, Maryland crab soup), enjoy the company of devoted locals, and don't miss watching the sorters working downstairs along the water. You'll only be served quality seafood at Cantler's Riverside Inn, as experienced handlers inspect every catch.

08 of 20

Captain Billy's Crab House

Newburg Locals come to this waterfront restaurant right on the Potomac River for great crabs, which they love eating right off the rolled-out butcher paper on the table; captbillys.com, 301-932-4323 — Katie Graves

Newburg, Maryland

Locals come to this waterfront restaurant for great crabs, which they love eating right off the rolled-out butcher paper on the table. On the Maryland Crab and Oyster Trail, Captain Billy's Crab House has beautiful views of the Potomac River. Soak up the state's history at this scenic site.

09 of 20

Courtney's Restaurant & Seafood

Chesapeake blue crab lifts up its claws standing in basket, Dundalk, Maryland. — VW Pics / Getty Images

Ridge, Maryland

Off the mouth of the Potomac River, this off-the-radar spot serves freshly caught rockfish and crabs. The family-owned restaurant has become a tradition for visitors and vacationers. Don't let the casual interior fool you. Courtney's Restaurant & Seafood has the fresh catch of the day.

10 of 20

The Crabcake Factory

Ocean City Among the best crab cakes on any coast. Choose regular (backfin, which some say is sweeter) or all-lump crab cakes. You won't be disappointed; crabcakefactoryonline.com, 410-250-4900 — Johnny Crabcakes

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City is home to some of the best crab cakes on any coast. The Original Crabcake Factory serves crab in various dishes, including macaroni and cheese, pita pizza, cheese fries, and Cuban sandwiches. Crab is their specialty, but it's up to you to choose the best way to enjoy it.

11 of 20

Davis' Pub

Annapolis, Maryland

Davis' Pub's comfortable neighborhood bar adds its spin to a traditional crab cake by making them with crackers instead of breadcrumbs. This spot is known for its combination of seafood specialties and traditional pub food. There's something for every appetite at this local spot near the boat-filled marina on Back Creek.

12 of 20

Faidley Seafood

Corn-and-Crab Chowder — Photo: Oxmoor House

Baltimore, Maryland

Since 1886, Faidley's Seafood, the family-owned and operated establishment, has offered some of the area's most award-winning crab cakes and prepared foods you can purchase and enjoy at your leisure. This spot allows you to eat standing at the Lexington Market counter. Promoted as a cultural and tourism destination, the crab, shrimp, and other freshly prepared seafood give you plenty of reasons to return.

13 of 20

Water Street Seafood

The Comeback Town — Photo: Scott Suchman

Havre de Grace, Maryland

Formerly Price's Seafood, the Water Street Seafood restaurant located along the Susquehanna River, offers crab in unique varieties. As a restaurant specialty, the Chesapeake Fondue is a blend of Maryland's best spices, crabs, and other creamy cheeses. The crabs will be fresh as every dish is steamed to order.

14 of 20

The Red Roost

Whitehaven The red-painted building began life as a chicken house. These days, steamed crab rules the Roost. Prefer not to dig out that armor-protected meat? Go for the broiled seafood platter, which includes a terrific crab — Courtesy of The Red Roost

Quantico, Maryland

The red-painted building began life as a chicken house. These days, steamed crab rules the Roost. Prefer not to dig out that armor-protected meat? Go for the broiled seafood platter, which includes a terrific crab cake.

15 of 20

Sneaky Pete's

Ocean City Sitting in an open-wall bar, perched on pilings above Assawoman Bay, you're tearing into an all-you-can-eat serving of boiled blue crabs. Recorded reggae music floats lazily on the breeze. You're thinking summer on Maryland's Eastern Shore coul — Leisha "Shutterbug" Alley

Ocean City, Maryland

Sitting in an open-wall bar perched on pilings above Assawoman Bay, enjoy tearing into an all-you-can-eat serving of boiled blue crabs. Recorded reggae music floats lazily in the breeze. You're thinking summer on Maryland's Eastern Shore couldn't get more perfect. You're right. Order the crab cake if you're not in the mood to wrestle crabmeat from the shell.

16 of 20

Stoney's Solomons Pier

Assateague National Park Beach, Maryland — Getty Images

Broomes Island, Maryland

Marylanders know their crab cakes. So this thriving dive, part of a four-restaurant chain, is doing something right. The appeal? Softball-size cakes, light on filling, with meat so fresh it tastes like a whole new food group. You can also get crab on nachos, sandwiches, chowder, stuffed in fish, and even on a soft pretzel. Rockfish bites, another local specialty, come lightly fried and served with Buffalo wing sauce and blue-cheese dip.

17 of 20

Town Dock Food & Spirits

Crab Cakes with Creamy Fennel-and-Radish Slaw — Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

St. Michaels, Maryland

You'll want to savor every spoonful of the rich crab bisque before your shellfish-laden eggs St. Michaels arrives. With white tablecloths covering the Sunday brunch tables that overlook the harbor, Town Dock rates at the classy end of the "dives" spectrum. We also love the chunky hash browns with red and green bell peppers.

18 of 20

Waterman's Crab House Restaurant

Rock Hall, Maryland

This restaurant is a classic Chesapeake Bay crab house on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It's perfectly unpretentious so that the focus remains on the classics. From traditional Maryland crab soup to the steamed blue crabs, Waterman's Crab House has all of your favorites on the menu.

19 of 20

The Wharf Rat

Baltimore With great fish-and-chips, excellent craft beers, nautical decor, and an air of elegance gone to seed, this cozy place in Baltimore's funky Fells Point neighborhood has it all. The craft beer selection changes frequently and features beers from — Courtesy of The Wharf Rat

Baltimore, Maryland

With fantastic fish and chips, excellent craft beers, nautical decor, and an air of elegance gone to seed, this cozy place in Baltimore's funky Fells Point neighborhood has it all. The craft beer selection changes frequently and features beers from some of the finest micro-breweries. The Wharf Rat offers an authentic pub experience.

20 of 20

Woody's Crab House

North East You can't go wrong with any form of the namesake crustacean at this classic crab house on the northeastern tip of Chesapeake Bay. Definitely try the crab cake sandwich: meaty, creamy, and very tasty; woodyscrabhouse.com, 410-287-3541 — Peter James Wood

North East, Maryland

You can't go wrong with any form of the namesake crustacean at this classic crab house on the northeastern tip of Chesapeake Bay. Try the crab cake sandwich. It's meaty, creamy, and delicious.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!