Best Crab Houses
Chesapeake + The Bay

The undisputed king of crab in Chesapeake — Yelp's #1 steamed crabs in Chesapeake VA with a family heritage in Virginia seafood spanning over 60 years. "We catch and buy fresh seafood daily." Build your own custom steam platter. The signature Big Mom's Devil Crabs are a Chesapeake VA classic. Reserve bushels of crabs by phone on weekends.

Hours: Mon–Sat 11AM–9PM · Sun 11AM–8PM · Happy Hour Mon–Fri 2PM–6PM

Baltimore's most reviewed and celebrated crab house. Started with one floor and 9 tables — slowly expanded to the rooftop deck that's now one of the most coveted outdoor eating experiences in the city. Ask for the hard fry — Baltimore's unique old-school preparation where the crab is cleaned and fried whole. "Delicious crabs. Great price. Stick with the whole crabs and enjoy yourself." $$–$$$

The only restaurant in Baltimore shaped like a merchant vessel — docked on Boston Street in Canton with true waterfront seating on the crab deck above the water. Baltimore Magazine's #1 Best Crabs 2012.

All-You-Can-Eat Crabs $48/person · 2 hours · includes corn + Maryland crab soup
Sat–Sun 12PM–4PM (Restaurant) · Mon–Thu 4PM–9PM (Waterfront)

"If you ask locals in Maryland's capital of Annapolis where to get crabs, more than a few will point you in the direction of Cantler's." Open all year, 7 days a week — the rare Maryland crab house that never closes for the season. You can arrive by car or by boat — Mill Creek dock space for boaters coming in directly from the Bay. The Cantler's Crab Dip is the starter everyone orders. $$–$$$

"The first place that I tried crabs way back when and the benchmark by which I measure all other crab houses." Operating on the South River since 1958. Recreational boaters tie up at dozens of slips out front. The legendary hushpuppies with warm honey butter make Mike's impossible to replicate. $$–$$$