Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Travel
  3. Maryland
  4. The Best Seafood Dives in Maryland

The Best Seafood Dives in Maryland

By Coastal Living Editors Updated June 30, 2020
Skip gallery slides
FB
A feast worth the journey at Old Salty's Restaurant
Credit: Chris M. Rogers

If seafood dives were divided into boxing categories, Maryland would punch heavyweight. It's home to some of the most famous crab feasting in the world.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Old Salty's

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

Fishing Creek, Maryland

An Eastern Shore crab quest could have no finer conclusion than in a cozy, worn booth at this sprawling, big-hearted family place that shows off the spoils of this watermen community—complete with salty, loving counsel from your waitress. The enormous broiled crab cakes are made entirely of pure lump meat—no fillers. It's magic how they hold together. And the rich, flavorful Crab Imperial, a classic dish that has largely disappeared from menus today, is a piping-hot combination of crab, mayo, and cheese. In other words, divine. 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; oldsaltys.com.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Capsize

Crab cakes on arrival at Capsize
Credit: Chris M. Rogers

Oxford, Maryland

This tiny, picturesque Eastern Shore town on the Tred Avon River is now home to a fashion-forward, Hamptons-cool restaurant right on the water with shaded decks and bright interiors. Order the generous crab cake sandwich—fried or broiled—or just the crab cakes, plus a bloody Mary with an Old Bay rim; capsizeoxmd.com.

2 of 20

3 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Phillips Seafood

Phillips Crab Deck outside Phillips Seafood on the Inner Harbor
Credit: Chris M. Rogers

Baltimore, Maryland

If you're not a seasoned crab picker, have no fear and head straight for the friendly sprawl of Phillips Crab Deck right on the Inner Harbor, where you won't feel shy about asking for crack-and-eat tips. Phillips even has a crab expert on staff; phillipsseafood.com.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Minnow

Soft-shell crab at Minnow
Credit: Dave Seel

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. And 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; minnowbaltimore.com.

4 of 20

5 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chick and Ruth's Delly

Chick and Ruth’s Delly
Credit: Tracey Minkin

Annapolis, Maryland

Packed with jumbo lump crab, the crab cakes at this narrow, fluorescent-lit landmark in downtown Annapolis, are considered among the biggest in the state—and the flavor lives up to the scale. Grab a stool at the long, narrow counter for a bird's eye view of the hard-working, incredibly friendly staff, and leave room for pie; chickandruths.com.

5 of 20

6 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bertha's Mussels

An institution in Fells Point, Bertha's is legendary for its many delicious variations on steamed mussels. Heed the ubiquitous T-shirts and bumper stickers: Eat Bertha’s Mussels; berthas.com, 410-327-5795

Baltimore

An institution in Fells Point, Bertha's is legendary for its many delicious variations on steamed mussels. Heed the ubiquitous T-shirts and bumper stickers: Eat Bertha's Mussels; berthas.com, 410-327-5795

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cantler's Riverside Inn

For a time-honored crab ritual, wait on 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 l
Credit: Tracey Minkin

Annapolis

For a time-honored crab ritual, wait on 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; cantlers.com; cantlers.com, 410-757-1311.

7 of 20

8 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

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
Credit: Katie Graves

Newburg, Maryland

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

8 of 20

9 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Courtney's Restaurant & Seafood

Ocean City In this off-the-radar spot for fresh crab cakes at the mouth of the Potomac River, you can’t go wrong with the grilled or fried catch of the day; courtneysseafoodrestaurant.com, 301-872-4403

Ocean City

In this off-the-radar spot for fresh crab cakes at the mouth of the Potomac River, you can't go wrong with the grilled or fried catch of the day; courtneysseafoodrestaurant.com, 301-872-4403

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Crabcake Factory USA

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
Credit: Johnny Crabcakes

Ocean City, Maryland

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

10 of 20

11 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Davis' Pub

Annapolis This comfortable neighborhood bar with a view of boat-filled Back Creek has fantastic crab cakes, made with crackers instead of breadcrumbs; davispub.com, 410-268-7432

Annapolis

This comfortable neighborhood bar with a view of boat-filled Back Creek has fantastic crab cakes, made with crackers instead of breadcrumbs; davispub.com, 410-268-7432

11 of 20

12 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Faidley Seafood

Baltimore The best crab cakes ever—which you eat standing up at counters amid the food-vending hubbub of Lexington Market; faidleyscrabcakes.com, 410-727-4898

Baltimore

The best crab cakes ever—which you eat standing up at counters amid the food-vending hubbub of Lexington Market; faidleyscrabcakes.com, 410-727-4898

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Price's Seafood

Havre de Grace ​Do what the locals have done here since 1944: Dig into a pile of steamed crabs dumped onto your butcher paper-covered table. But don't neglect the steamed shrimp, the lump crab cake, or Dad's Crab Chowder--a milky, buttery variation of oys
Credit: Mark Hasenei

Havre de Grace, Maryland

Do what the locals have done here since 1944: Dig into a pile of steamed crabs dumped onto your butcher paper-covered table. But don't neglect the steamed shrimp, the lump crab cake, or Dad's Crab Chowder--a milky, buttery variation of oyster stew that features lumps of crabmeat and bits of veggies; pricesrestaurant.com, 410-939-2782

13 of 20

14 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

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
Credit: Courtesy of The Red Roost

Whitehaven, 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; theredroost.com, 410-546-5443

14 of 20

15 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

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
Credit: Leisha "Shutterbug" Alley

Ocean City, Maryland

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 couldn't get more perfect. You're right. Well, unless you're feeling too lazy to wrestle crabmeat from the shell. In that case, order the crab cake; hooperscrabhouse.com, 410-213-1771

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Stoney's Solomons Pier

Marylanders know their crab cakes. So this thriving dive, part of a four-restaurant chain, is clearly 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

Solomons

Marylanders know their crab cakes. So this thriving dive, part of a four-restaurant chain, is clearly 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, in sandwiches, in 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; stoneysseafoodhouse.com, 410-326-2424

16 of 20

17 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Town Dock Food & Spirits

St. Michaels 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 "d

St. Michaels

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; towndockrestaurant.com, 410-745-5577

17 of 20

18 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Waterman's Crab House Restaurant

Rock Hall A classic Chesapeake Bay crab house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, perfectly unpretentious so that the focus remains on the classics: traditional Maryland crab soup and steamed blue crabs; watermanscrabhouse.com, 410-639-2261

Rock Hall

A classic Chesapeake Bay crab house on Maryland's Eastern Shore, perfectly unpretentious so that the focus remains on the classics: traditional Maryland crab soup and steamed blue crabs; watermanscrabhouse.com, 410-639-2261

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

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
Credit: Courtesy of The Wharf Rat

Baltimore, Maryland

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 some of the finest micro-breweries; thewharfrat.com, 410-276-8304

19 of 20

20 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

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
Credit: 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. Definitely try the crab cake sandwich: meaty, creamy, and very tasty; woodyscrabhouse.com, 410-287-3541

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Coastal Living Editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20 Old Salty's
    2 of 20 Capsize
    3 of 20 Phillips Seafood
    4 of 20 Minnow
    5 of 20 Chick and Ruth's Delly
    6 of 20 Bertha's Mussels
    7 of 20 Cantler's Riverside Inn
    8 of 20 Captain Billy's Crab House
    9 of 20 Courtney's Restaurant & Seafood
    10 of 20 Crabcake Factory USA
    11 of 20 Davis' Pub
    12 of 20 Faidley Seafood
    13 of 20 Price's Seafood
    14 of 20 The Red Roost
    15 of 20 Sneaky Pete's
    16 of 20 Stoney's Solomons Pier
    17 of 20 Town Dock Food & Spirits
    18 of 20 Waterman's Crab House Restaurant
    19 of 20 The Wharf Rat
    20 of 20 Woody's Crab House

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Best Seafood Dives in Maryland
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.