You came for pure lump crab and zero filler drama, and Maryland still delivers the classics that live up to the legend. These counters and taverns serve cakes so plush and briny you can taste the Bay in every bite. Bring an appetite, a squeeze of lemon, and a dash of Old Bay, because the line moves fast and the cakes vanish faster. Let this list guide your next crab crawl across the state.
Cantler’s Riverside Inn – Annapolis, Maryland
Cantler’s feels like the Annapolis postcard brought to life, with boats bobbing while your crab cake lands hot and audaciously chunky. The patty is barely bound, letting sweet jumbo lump carry the flavor with only enough seasoning to whisper. Add lemon, sip a cold beer, and let the creek breeze do the rest.
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Service is quick, portions hearty, and the old-school paper on the tables signals business. You will get messy, you will grin, and you will probably order another. When the sun drops over the water, that last buttery bite tastes like Maryland distilled.
Box Hill Pizzeria and Crab Cakes – Abingdon, Maryland
Box Hill proves a pizza place can dominate the crab cake game, shipping statewide and wowing locals with enormous, gently bound cakes. The texture leans tender and flaky, with sweet lumps pulling apart like pearls. A light broil brings a kiss of caramelization without drying the interior.
You can grab takeout or get them shipped, which means weeknight cravings are solved. Pair with a crisp salad or fries and let the cake do all the talking. It is the kind of no-fuss, big-flavor experience that turns skeptics into fans.
Faidley’s Seafood – Baltimore, Maryland
Faidley’s inside Lexington Market is pilgrimage-level crab cake territory, where tradition and jumbo lump collide. The signature softball-sized cake is lightly seasoned, just enough to amplify the sweet meat. Grab it with crackers and mustard, then claim a stand-up spot and join the chorus.
The atmosphere is busy in the best way, with paper boats and quick smiles at the counter. You will feel the history in every bite and the confidence of a recipe tested by decades. It is Baltimore on a plate, and you can taste why lines form daily.
Jerry’s Seafood “Home of the Crab Bomb” – Bowie, Maryland
Jerry’s lives up to the hype with the Crab Bomb, a near baseball of pure jumbo lump. The seasoning is restrained, leaning on butter and a whisper of spice to support the sweetness. Cut it open and watch the pearls tumble, proof that filler is strictly optional.
Service is warm, and sides like cream of crab play backup perfectly. You will likely box leftovers, then snack again later with a grin. If you want volume without sacrificing delicacy, this is your move in Bowie.
The Narrows Restaurant – Grasonville, Maryland
The Narrows pairs polished service with cakes that respect the Chesapeake. Expect jumbo lumps barely held together, kissed by broiler heat and finished with a bright lemon squeeze. The kitchen lets the crab sing, supported by subtle herbs and just enough binder.
Grab a waterside seat if you can, then settle into a leisurely rhythm. You will find yourself slowing down between bites to savor the salinity. It is refined without being fussy, exactly how Eastern Shore comfort should feel.
Schultz’s Crab House – Essex, Maryland
Schultz’s keeps it classic, and the crab cakes reflect that blue-collar charm. They are broiled, golden, and generously portioned, with juicy lumps holding court. The spice rides low, letting natural sweetness shine as you pick apart each forkful.
Grab a booth, order a cold draft, and let time slow a little. The staff treats regulars and newcomers the same, which feels right. Add some vinegar-dusted fries, and you have Essex comfort on repeat.
G & M Restaurant – Linthicum Heights, Maryland
G & M is legendary for colossal crab cakes that travel well and still arrive juicy. The surface browns just enough to add contrast, while the center stays lush and sweet. You will notice minimal filler, which keeps the bite clean and proudly Maryland.
Whether dining in or shipping to friends, consistency is the hook. The fries and slaw are classic companions, but the cake steals the show. One bite and you understand why locals recommend it first to out-of-towners.
Reter’s Crab House and Grille – Reisterstown, Maryland
Reter’s nails the neighborhood vibe while serving a crab cake that punches above its weight. The lumps stay intact, the seasoning whispers, and the bun simply carries the show. Order it sandwich-style or platter and let the Old Bay fries tag along.
Service is friendly, portions fair, and the price is kind. You will find weeknight specials that make repeat visits easy. It is the spot you tell friends about when they ask for reliable, no-drama crab cakes.
Thames Street Oyster House – Baltimore, Maryland
Thames Street brings finesse to Fells Point with a crab cake that is delicate yet unapologetically crab-forward. The lumps are pristine, the binder almost invisible, and the finish bright. It pairs beautifully with cold oysters and a crisp white wine.
Reservations help, because the dining room hums nightly. You will lean in for each forkful like a secret worth keeping. For a date night or celebratory lunch, this cake hits the sweet spot.
Mike’s Restaurant & Crabhouse – Riva, Maryland
Mike’s serves river views with a side of tradition, and the crab cake keeps the theme. Expect light binding, big sweet lumps, and a broiled cap that crackles softly. Lemon, a cold drink, and a breeze complete the ritual perfectly.
Grab an outdoor table if the weather cooperates and watch boats idly pass. You will find the staff quick and the vibe unpretentious. It is the kind of place where one cake becomes two without regret.
Costas Inn – Baltimore, Maryland
Costas Inn has a loyal following because the crab cake is honest and big on flavor. Jumbo lump holds center stage with a broiled exterior that stays crisp. Seasoning leans classic Maryland, enhancing the meat without stealing attention.
It is lively, family-friendly, and the kitchen moves fast. You will leave satisfied, maybe with a to-go container for later. When you want a straightforward, old-school cake, Costas delivers every time.
Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar – Cockeysville, Maryland
Pappas is a sports bar that treats crab cakes like a main event. The cake is meaty, gently seasoned, and broiled to a caramelized crown. You will notice tidy binding that protects the delicate lumps without masking flavor.
Catch a game, sip something cold, and settle into a reliable favorite. Service is upbeat and portions generous, making it a crowd-pleaser. If you like your crab cakes hearty yet elegant, this one threads the needle.
Koco’s Pub – Baltimore, Maryland
Koco’s is beloved for a hand-formed monster that still eats tender and sweet. The exterior browns beautifully while the interior stays plush with giant lumps. Seasoning keeps to Maryland tradition, nudging the crab forward instead of shouting.
Grab extra napkins and lean in, because every bite drips with buttery goodness. You will think about ordering another before you finish the first. It is the kind of neighborhood magic that makes Baltimore feel like home.
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