Baltimore is renowned for its seafood, especially blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay. The city offers a wide range of restaurants, crab shacks, and seafood markets where visitors can enjoy traditional Maryland-style crab dishes. Steamed crabs, crab cakes, and crab soups are among the most popular dishes. Experiencing these locations provides insight into Baltimore’s rich culinary culture and traditional crab preparation techniques Best crab in baltimore.
Faidley Seafood
Faidley Seafood, located in Lexington Market, has been a staple of Baltimore’s seafood scene for over 100 years. The restaurant is famous for its Maryland-style crab cakes, which use fresh blue crab meat sourced daily from the Chesapeake Bay. Steamed crabs are seasoned with Old Bay, a signature Maryland spice blend. Faidley offers both dine-in and takeaway services. Each crab cake contains minimal filler, allowing the sweetness and texture of the crab meat to remain the main focus.
Bo Brooks Restaurant
Bo Brooks Restaurant, situated along Baltimore’s waterfront, provides a casual environment for enjoying seafood. The restaurant specializes in steamed crabs, crab cakes, and crab soups. Crabs are delivered daily from local suppliers and 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 serves family-style portions, making it suitable for group dining. Guests can enjoy the scenic waterfront while savoring fresh crabs.
Thames Street Oyster House
Thames Street Oyster House in Harbor East combines traditional Maryland crab dishes with a refined dining experience. The restaurant offers steamed crabs, crab cakes, and crab soup. Crabs are harvested daily from Chesapeake Bay waters and cooked to preserve tenderness and flavor. Dishes are often paired with local craft beers and wines to enhance the dining experience. Careful preparation ensures each crab dish meets high-quality standards.
G&M Restaurant
G&M Restaurant, located in Canton, specializes in Maryland-style steamed crabs. Medium to large crabs are boiled with Old Bay and other regional spices. The restaurant also serves crab cakes and crab soups made from fresh crab meat. G&M provides a casual environment with communal tables covered in paper for easy cleanup. Consistent sourcing of fresh crabs ensures that dishes maintain quality, texture, and flavor, essential for authentic Maryland crab experiences.
The Crab Shack
The Crab Shack, located near Fells Point, is known for large steamed crabs and a family-style dining atmosphere. Crabs are locally sourced and steamed for 15 to 20 minutes. The menu includes crab cakes, crab dips, and Maryland crab soup. The casual, open-air setting allows visitors to enjoy crabs while preserving traditional preparation methods. Takeaway options are available for those who prefer dining at home.
Tips for Enjoying the Best Crabs
Freshness and size are key factors when selecting crab dishes in Baltimore. Blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay are prized for their sweet, firm meat. Medium and large crabs provide a better meat-to-shell ratio. Steaming is the most common cooking method, and the average cooking time ranges from 12 to 20 minutes depending on size. Checking reviews and restaurant sourcing helps identify locations that consistently offer high-quality crabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best season to eat crabs in Baltimore?
The prime crab season runs from June to August. During this time, crabs are plentiful and their meat is tender and flavorful.
What types of crab dishes are most popular in Baltimore?
Steamed crabs, Maryland crab cakes, crab soup, and crab dips are widely enjoyed. 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 range from $45 to $65 per dozen.
Can crabs be ordered to-go?
Yes, most restaurants offer takeaway services. Steamed crabs are packed in paper bags or containers to retain heat and flavor.
Do restaurants assist with cleaning crabs?
Some restaurants provide cleaning services or offer pre-cleaned crab meat for dishes like crab cakes.
Conclusion
Baltimore offers a variety of restaurants and crab shacks where visitors can savor fresh, 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, firm meat that forms the foundation of Maryland-style dishes. Selecting fresh crabs, visiting during peak season, and choosing reputable establishments ensures an authentic and satisfying dining experience. Baltimore remains a top destination for seafood lovers seeking high-quality crab dishes in diverse dining settings.