Baltimore is famous for its rich seafood culture, with crabs being a central part of the city’s culinary identity. The Chesapeake Bay provides high-quality blue crabs, which are used in traditional Maryland dishes. Baltimore offers a variety of restaurants where visitors can enjoy fresh crab in several forms, including steamed crabs, crab cakes, and crab soups. These establishments provide a mix of casual and formal dining experiences Best crab in baltimore.
Faidley Seafood
Faidley Seafood is located in the historic Lexington Market and has served seafood for more than a century. The restaurant is well-known for its Maryland-style crab cakes made from fresh blue crab meat. Crabs are sourced daily from the Chesapeake Bay to ensure maximum freshness. Steamed crabs are seasoned with Old Bay, a regional spice mix that enhances the natural flavor. Faidley Seafood serves both dine-in and takeaway options. Each crab cake contains minimal filler, allowing the meat’s texture and taste to stand out.
Bo Brooks Restaurant
Bo Brooks Restaurant, situated along Baltimore’s waterfront, provides a casual atmosphere for enjoying seafood. The restaurant specializes in steamed crabs, crab cakes, and crab soups. Crabs arrive daily from local suppliers and are steamed for 12 to 15 minutes depending on size. Medium and large crabs are preferred for their higher meat-to-shell ratio. Bo Brooks also offers family-style servings, which makes it a popular choice for groups. The waterfront location allows visitors to enjoy a scenic dining experience.
Thames Street Oyster House
Thames Street Oyster House in Harbor East combines refined dining with traditional crab dishes. The restaurant offers steamed crabs, Maryland crab cakes, and crab soup. Crabs are harvested from Chesapeake Bay waters and cooked using precise methods to preserve tenderness. The menu is paired with regional wines and craft beers to complement the flavors of the crab dishes. The establishment emphasizes freshness and quality in every preparation.
G&M Restaurant
G&M Restaurant, located in Canton, is known for its Maryland-style steamed crabs. The crabs are usually medium to large and are boiled with Old Bay and other local spices. G&M also serves crab cakes and crab soup made from fresh crab meat. The restaurant provides a casual environment with communal tables covered in paper for easy cleanup. The focus on sourcing fresh crabs ensures a consistent taste and texture in every dish.
The Crab Shack
The Crab Shack near Fells Point offers large steamed crabs and a family-style dining experience. Crabs are locally sourced and steamed for 15 to 20 minutes. The menu includes crab cakes, crab dips, and Maryland crab soup. The Crab Shack provides both dine-in and takeaway options. Its casual open-air setup allows visitors to enjoy crabs in a relaxed atmosphere while maintaining traditional preparation methods.
Tips for Enjoying Crabs in Baltimore
Choosing the best crab dishes requires attention to freshness and size. Blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay are highly valued for their sweet and firm meat. Medium and large crabs provide a better meat-to-shell ratio. Steaming crabs is the most common cooking method, and the process typically lasts 12 to 20 minutes depending on the size. Checking local seafood suppliers or restaurant reviews can help identify locations that maintain consistent quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best season to eat crabs in Baltimore?
The peak crab season is from June to August. During this period, crabs are abundant, and the meat is tender and flavorful.
What types of crab dishes are common in Baltimore?
Steamed crabs, Maryland crab cakes, crab soup, and crab dips are popular. Old Bay seasoning is commonly used on steamed crabs.
How much do crabs cost in Baltimore?
A dozen medium-sized crabs typically costs between $35 and $50. Large crabs can range from $45 to $65 per dozen.
Can I order crabs to-go?
Yes, most restaurants offer takeaway options. Steamed crabs are packed in paper bags or containers to maintain heat and flavor.
Do restaurants help with cleaning crabs?
Some establishments provide crab cleaning services or offer pre-cleaned crab meat for dishes like crab cakes.
Conclusion
Baltimore has a diverse range of restaurants for enjoying fresh and authentic crab dishes. Faidley Seafood, Bo Brooks, Thames Street Oyster House, G&M Restaurant, and The Crab Shack are among the most notable spots. Blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay provide sweet and firm meat that forms the basis of Maryland-style dishes. Selecting fresh crabs, knowing the season, and visiting trusted establishments ensures an enjoyable and authentic dining experience. Baltimore continues to be a leading destination for seafood lovers seeking quality crab dishes.