Beer, crabs and a big mess of debris on a newspaper-covered picnic table mean it is summertime in Maryland. Restaurants both humble and fancy in the Old Line State set up tables with mallets and rolls of paper towels and allow lovers of steamed crab to whack away and clean up after. Locals love to debate which restaurants are best for steamed crabs for as long as they debate who offers the best best crab cake ... meaning, just about forever.
This former tavern dates from 1865 in East Baltimore's Upper Fells Point neighborhood. Owner Eddie Obrycki took over after World War II, and the Cernak family owned the red-brick restaurant as of 2010. Obrycki's serves hardshell crabs in season, from March until November, and closes for the winter. As Baltimore's most famous crabhouse, the list of celebrity sightings here includes Robert Duvall, Danny DeVito, Alan Alda, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, and Kevin Bacon.
Obrycki's
1727 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21231
410-732-6399
obryckis.com
If Hollywood stars love Obrycki's, locals gravitate to Mr. Bill's Terrace Inn, hidden in Baltimore County away from downtown Baltimore's TV and movie shoots but so locally famous that long waits for tables can be part of the experience. Mr. Bill's is known for its spice blend and large crabs.
Mr. Bill's Terrace Inn
200 Eastern Blvd
Essex, MD 21221
410-687-5994
The workboats tied up front tell you are in the heart of the Land of Pleasant Living, St. Michaels on Maryland's Eastern Shore, and give a hint that in the 1950s, this brown-siding structure was a clam-shucking and crab business. The Crab Claw, which opened as an eatery in 1965, offers blue crabs by the dozen or individually, priced daily. "If he don't kick---we don't cook," the restaurant's website notes of its alive and kicking crabs.
The Crab Claw Restaurant
Route 33 West / Navy Point
St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-2900
thecrabclaw.com
Both Baltimore magazine and Washingtonian magazine rave about Cantler's, stating that this waterfront restaurant has the best hard-shell crabs in Annapolis and a terrific view. You can drive up, sail your ragtop (sailboat) or navigate your stinkpot (motorboat in Annapolis parlance) to Cantler's parking lot or dock. Watch out for Cantler's own catchboats bringing in crabs.
Cantler's Riverside Inn
458 Forest Beach Road
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-757-1311
cantlers.com
Opened in 2000 at its current location on the Canton waterfront after 36 years northeast in the Gardenville neighborhood, Bo Brooks steams crabs in individual batches to order. The restaurant applies a base seasoning similar to Old Bay and buys Texas and Louisiana crabs to provide steamed crabs year-round.
Bo Brooks
2780 Lighthouse Point
(in the 2700 block
of Boston Street)
Baltimore, MD 21224
410-558-0202
bobrooks.com
Head southwest of Annapolis for over-the-water dining at Mike's Bar and Crab House, in operation since 1958. If the weather cooperates, Mike's is hard to beat for crab parties, with its outdoor tables complete with shakers of Old Bay Seasoning and umbrellas and lights winking on the South River. A crab feast menu includes all-you-can-eat steamed crabs, ribs, chicken, salad, and soft drinks and beers.
Mike's Bar and Crab House
3030 Riva Road
Riva, MD 21140
410-956-2784
mikescrabhouse.com
