Ask anyone in Maryland about cream of crab soup, and you will probably get a strong opinion. Some want it thick and loaded with lump crab, while others want a splash of sherry and a smooth, velvety finish.
The good news is that the state’s taverns take this bowl seriously, from the busy docks of Annapolis to the brick-lined streets of Baltimore and the quiet waterfront town of St. Michaels. This list covers seven spots where the soup is a real reason to pull up a chair.
Some pair it with a half-and-half bowl of Maryland crab soup, some serve it in historic rooms with long wooden bars, and one sits in a small Eastern Shore town with easy parking. Save it for your next crab craving, or send it to the friend who always orders a cup before the crab cakes.
1. Boatyard Bar & Grill, Annapolis, MD
Can’t decide between the two great Maryland soups? Boatyard Bar & Grill has an answer, and it is sitting right on the menu.
The yin and yang soup splits the bowl half and half, with cream of crab on one side and Maryland crab soup on the other.
The cream of crab half is the star here. It is thick, velvety, and savory, laced with sherry and packed with lump crab.
The Maryland crab side brings bolder, tomato-forward flavor, so every spoonful gets a little of both personalities.
You will find the restaurant at 400 Fourth St in Eastport, just across the water from downtown Annapolis. The nautical theme runs through the whole room, and the menu backs it up with oysters, soft-shell crab sandwiches, fish tacos, and a crab cake sandwich with a very confident name.
A few practical notes help. Boatyard does not take reservations, and there is usually a wait, especially Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, and the kitchen opens at 9 AM on Sundays for brunch.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu, and dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating.
2. McGarvey’s, Annapolis, MD
Since 1975, McGarvey’s has held down a corner of Market Space near the Annapolis City Dock. That kind of staying power in a waterfront town full of options says a lot.
The cream of crab soup here leans Chesapeake style, with a creamy, smooth texture and generous lumps of crab. Plenty of regulars order either the cream of crab or the Maryland crab soup every single visit, which tells you how central these bowls are to the place.
Beyond soup, the menu digs into local seafood. Look for local oysters on the half shell, crab balls, crab wontons, jumbo lump Chesapeake crab cakes, and a rich shrimp and grits.
The room has a historic, cozy feel, and the raw bar adds to the old Annapolis tavern character. It stays busy, even on Tuesday evenings, so a short wait is common.
I would call ahead, since McGarvey’s accepts reservations. Parking downtown is mostly paid garages and street spots, so plan a few extra minutes to find a space.
3. Rams Head Tavern, Annapolis, MD
A wisteria-covered patio is not something you expect with your crab soup, yet that is exactly what Rams Head Tavern offers on West Street. The patio is heated, too, which stretches the season for outdoor bowls.
Inside, brick walls give the tavern its historic, cozy look. The cream of crab soup is hearty with a rich crab flavor, and it pairs well with the brussels sprouts, a side that shows up on a lot of tables here.
The menu goes deep on Chesapeake snacks. Crab dip, crab puppies, Chesapeake deviled eggs, and vegetarian crabby tots all make appearances, along with fish and chips and fried brie.
Hours run late, until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, so this is a good pick after an evening downtown. Reservations are accepted, and Saturday night is the busiest stretch.
Dog owners, take note. Pups are allowed both inside and outside, which is rare for a downtown Annapolis tavern.
4. Alexander’s Tavern Fells Point, Baltimore, MD
Large clumps of crab. That is the phrase that best sums up a bowl of cream of crab at Alexander’s Tavern, where the crab is not shy about showing up.
The tavern sits at 710 S Broadway in Fells Point, one of Baltimore’s most historic waterfront neighborhoods. Inside, a long bar runs through a classic brick and wood pub room.
What sets this stop apart is its menu range. Alongside the soup and crab cake sandwich, you will find pizza, panini, tacos, Charm City Wings, and tots in several forms, including vegan sweet potato tots.
Gluten-free diners get an extensive menu here, including gluten-free fried shrimp and chicken tenders. There are full vegan and vegetarian menus too, which makes it easy to bring a mixed group.
Parking in Fells Point is usually tough, so consider a rideshare or water taxi. Reservations are accepted, and weekday mornings are the quietest.
5. Mt. Washington Tavern, Baltimore, MD
Tucked into the Mt. Washington neighborhood since 1979, this roomy tavern wears its Chesapeake Bay theme proudly.
It is the kind of place where a soup course feels like part of the plan.
The cream of crab here comes thick and full of lump crab meat. Maryland crab soup is also on the menu, so you can go creamy or go classic.
Other favorites include crab wontons, crab dip, tavern wings, oysters from the raw bar, and the Tavern Steak. There is also a Chesapeake Salad for anyone saving room for a second bowl.
The setup is a big plus. A fireplace, rooftop seating, and a quieter upstairs area give you options depending on the crowd.
Brunch reservations are recommended, and families will find high chairs and changing tables. Parking includes an on-site lot, which helps in a busy neighborhood.
6. Talbot St. Tavern, St Michaels, MD
Road trip alert. St. Michaels sits on the Eastern Shore, and Talbot St. Tavern gives you a strong reason to cross the Bay Bridge with an empty stomach.
Cream of crab is the headliner, and it ranks as the best bowl many visitors have ever had. The MD vegetable crab soup is another option for anyone who likes a tomato base.
The menu keeps things casual with quick bites and small plates. Honey Old Bay wings, short ribs, and crab dip round out the lineup.
Here is a nice surprise for a tourist town. Parking is usually plentiful, with free lots and street spots nearby at 209 S Talbot St.
Weekend brunch starts at 9 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are accepted, and a kids’ menu and high chairs make it easy to bring the whole crew after a stroll through town.
7. Wicked Sisters, Baltimore, MD
If your idea of great cream of crab is thick enough to hold a spoon upright, Wicked Sisters in Hampden might be your bowl. The soup here is known for its dense, heavy body, so fans of a lighter style may want to lean toward the Maryland crab soup instead.
Located at 3845 Falls Rd, the tavern is a fun blend of dining room and hangout. There are more than 20 beer taps, TVs, and a game room.
The food menu has plenty of range. Crab cakes, crab mac and cheese, crab deviled eggs, sweet and spicy brussels, and the McCabe Burger all show up often.
Sharing plates is common here. A shaded back patio and rooftop seating give groups room to spread out.
Brunch and dinner reservations are recommended, and valet parking helps on busy Hampden weekends. Weekday mornings stay calm if you want a slower visit.
From Annapolis docks to Eastern Shore main streets, Maryland taverns keep proving that cream of crab deserves its own trip. Pick one close to home, or string a few together for the richest road trip in the state.
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