Maryland is famous for crab, but the state also knows how to fry a good piece of fish. From little waterfront shacks to busy city seafood spots, there are places all over the state serving crispy fish and chips that keep people coming back.
This list rounds up twelve restaurants where the fish is fresh, the fries are hot, and the drive there is part of the fun. Grab a napkin and start planning your next seafood road trip.
1. Faidley Seafood, Baltimore, Maryland
Tucked inside Lexington Market, one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the country, Faidley Seafood has been a Baltimore fixture since 1886. Most people know it for the famous lump crab cakes, but the fried seafood deserves attention too.
You order at the counter and can watch the crew work the fryers. The fried fish comes crispy on the outside and flaky inside, and it pairs nicely with a side of fries.
The market setting is part of the appeal here. You get a piece of old Baltimore along with your meal, and the location makes it an easy stop while exploring downtown.
2. Nick’s Fish House, Baltimore, Maryland
Sitting right on the Patapsco River, Nick’s Fish House gives you water views with your seafood. The outdoor deck is a big draw when the weather cooperates, with boats gliding by while you eat.
The menu leans hard into seafood, and the fried fish plates are a reliable pick. Fries come alongside, and the casual setup makes it a relaxed spot for a meal.
Parking is easy here, which is a nice change from tighter downtown spots. If you want to combine a good fried fish plate with a view of the water, this one earns its place.
3. Woodberry Kitchen, Baltimore, Maryland
Known for a farm-to-table approach, Woodberry Kitchen focuses on local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant lives inside a restored mill building in the Clipper Mill area, which gives it a distinct character.
Seafood shows up often on the menu, and the kitchen treats local fish with care. When fried fish appears, it reflects the same attention to sourcing that defines the whole place.
This is a more upscale option than a typical fry shack. If you want fried fish done with a chef’s touch in a memorable building, it belongs on your radar.
4. The Point Crab House and Grill, Arnold, Maryland
Overlooking Mill Creek in Arnold, The Point Crab House and Grill brings a breezy waterfront feel to the Anne Arundel County dining scene. Boaters can pull right up, which tells you a lot about the setting.
Crabs get top billing, but the fried seafood is solid across the board. Fish plates come out crisp, and the fries hold their own.
The relaxed patio makes this a good warm-weather destination. For anyone circling the Annapolis area looking for fried fish with a water view, it is an easy sell.
5. Boatyard Bar and Grill, Annapolis, Maryland
With a nautical theme running through the whole space, Boatyard Bar and Grill fits right into sailing-town Annapolis. The Eastport neighborhood location puts it in the middle of the local boating crowd.
The menu covers plenty of Chesapeake favorites, and the fried fish is a dependable order. Fries round out the plate for a straightforward, satisfying meal.
The atmosphere leans casual and friendly, and it works well for families. If you are wandering around Annapolis and want fried fish without any fuss, this stop delivers.
6. Suicide Bridge Restaurant, Hurlock, Maryland
Out on the Eastern Shore in Hurlock, Suicide Bridge Restaurant sits along Cabin Creek with wide water views. The spot even runs riverboat cruises, so you can pair a meal with time on the water.
Seafood dominates the menu, and the fried fish plates are a longtime favorite. Fries come alongside, keeping things classic.
The remote location is part of the charm and makes it a true destination meal. For a longer drive that rewards you with fresh seafood and a peaceful setting, this one is a strong pick.
7. Old Salty’s Restaurant, Fishing Creek, Maryland
Way down on Hoopers Island in the community of Fishing Creek, Old Salty’s Restaurant occupies a former schoolhouse. The remote marsh setting makes it feel like a secret worth finding.
Fresh local seafood is the whole point here, and the fried fish reflects the area’s fishing roots. Simple sides like fries keep the focus on the seafood itself.
Getting there takes some effort, since Hoopers Island is well off the main roads. That trek is exactly why loyal fans keep making the drive for a plate of fried fish.
8. Waterman’s Crab House, Rock Hall, Maryland
Rock Hall sits on the upper Eastern Shore, and Waterman’s Crab House anchors the waterfront there. The large deck faces the harbor, giving you boats and open water to look at while you eat.
The kitchen turns out Chesapeake staples, and the fried fish plate is a reliable choice. Fries come standard, keeping the meal simple and filling.
The town itself has a friendly, small-harbor feel that adds to the visit. For a road trip that ends with fried fish by the water, Rock Hall makes a great destination.
9. Abner’s Crab House, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
Right along the water in Chesapeake Beach, Abner’s Crab House has been serving Calvert County diners for decades. The bayside location gives it an easygoing, family-friendly feel.
Steamed crabs bring in the crowds, but the fried seafood holds its own. Fried fish plates come out crisp, and the fries make a solid partner.
The dining room is casual and welcoming, which suits big groups and families. If you are traveling the western shore of the bay, this stop is a comfortable place to land.
10. Captain James Landing, Baltimore, Maryland
You can spot Captain James Landing from a distance thanks to its ship-shaped building in Fells Point. The playful architecture makes it one of the more recognizable seafood spots in the city.
The menu covers a wide range of seafood, and fried fish is a steady favorite. Fries and other classic sides round out the plates.
The location near the harbor makes it easy to combine with a stroll around Fells Point. For fried fish with a side of Baltimore character, this landmark building fits the bill.
11. Timbuktu Restaurant, Hanover, Maryland
Between Baltimore and Annapolis in Hanover, Timbuktu Restaurant has built a big reputation for its seafood. The place is known for generous portions that keep tables coming back.
Crab cakes get most of the fame, but the broader seafood menu includes solid fried fish. Fries and classic sides come along to complete the meal.
The convenient location off major routes makes it an easy stop for travelers. For a hearty fried fish plate that will not leave you hungry, this one earns a spot.
12. Harris Crab House, Grasonville, Maryland
Perched on Kent Narrows in Grasonville, Harris Crab House puts you right at the gateway to the Eastern Shore. The waterfront deck looks out over the busy channel and passing boats.
Seafood is the heart of the menu, and the fried fish plates are a dependable choice. Fries come alongside for a simple, satisfying meal.
The spot sits just off the highway, making it a natural stop on the way across the bay bridge. For fried fish with a working-waterfront view, this is a fitting way to end the list.
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