12 Casual Maryland Restaurants Serving Seriously Good Seafood

Maryland’s stretch along the Chesapeake Bay is a dream come true for seafood fans.

Baltimore’s historic markets, Annapolis’s waterfront hangouts, and Ocean City’s breezy spots all dish up fresh-caught goodness – no jacket or tie required.

Crabs, oysters, and fish this good are reason enough to plan your next meal.

1. Faidley’s Seafood: Market-Fresh Legends Since 1886

Standing in Lexington Market since the 19th century, Faidley’s represents Maryland seafood tradition at its finest. Their award-winning jumbo lump crab cakes contain barely any filler – just sweet crab meat and subtle seasonings.

The no-frills atmosphere adds to the charm: eat your seafood at standing tables while watching the bustling market around you. Many locals consider this the quintessential Baltimore food experience.

2. LP Steamers: Rooftop Crabs With City Views

Tucked away in Baltimore’s Locust Point neighborhood, LP Steamers offers the authentic Maryland crab feast experience. Paper-covered tables, wooden mallets, and piles of steamed crabs dusted with Old Bay seasoning await hungry visitors.

The rooftop deck provides stunning views of the Baltimore skyline while you crack open claws. Their seafood selection extends beyond crabs to include excellent oysters, clams, and shrimp dishes.

3. Koco’s Pub: Neighborhood Joint With Colossal Crab Cakes

What looks like an unassuming corner bar in northeast Baltimore actually houses some of the biggest, most delicious crab cakes in Maryland. Each massive creation weighs about 11 ounces of nearly pure lump crab meat.

I still remember my first visit – the server brought out what looked like a softball-sized mound of golden perfection.

The family-run atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re a regular or a first-timer.

4. Nick’s Fish House: Waterfront Feasting With Live Music

Perched along the Patapsco River, Nick’s combines waterfront dining with live entertainment and stellar seafood. The sprawling deck fills with happy customers during the summer months, all enjoying steamed crabs, fish tacos, and cold drinks.

The relaxed vibe matches perfectly with their straightforward approach to seafood. Their crab soup deserves special mention – a rich, tomato-based concoction loaded with crab meat and vegetables that warms you even on chilly evenings.

5. G&M Restaurant: Home of the Softball-Sized Crab Cake

G&M’s reputation extends far beyond Maryland’s borders, drawing visitors from across the country seeking their famous oversized crab cakes. These golden beauties contain minimal filler and arrive at your table looking impossibly large.

The restaurant itself maintains an unpretentious, family-friendly atmosphere. Despite their fame, prices remain reasonable for the quality and quantity of seafood served, making this Linthicum Heights establishment a true Maryland treasure.

6. Cantler’s Riverside Inn: Waterside Crab Picking Paradise

Hidden down a winding road outside Annapolis, Cantler’s feels like a secret only locals should know about. Boats pull directly up to the dock, where watermen deliver fresh catches daily. The wooden picnic tables covered in brown paper set the stage for serious crab feasts.

Working through a pile of steamed crabs here connects you to decades of Maryland tradition. My family has celebrated every major milestone at these tables, hammers in hand, teaching younger generations the art of extracting every morsel of sweet meat.

7. Boatyard Bar & Grill: Sailor’s Haven With Stellar Seafood

Sailing memorabilia covers every inch of wall space at this Annapolis favorite, reflecting its popularity among the boating community.

Their crab cakes contain no detectable filler, just sweet jumbo lump meat held together by what seems like magic.

The Chesapeake rockfish preparations showcase the region’s signature fish perfectly. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability means you can enjoy your meal knowing they source responsibly from local waters.

8. The Point Crab House: Farm-to-Table Meets Bay-to-Table

Overlooking Mill Creek in Arnold, The Point combines locally sourced ingredients with fresh-caught seafood. Their crab cakes arrive golden and plump, while seasonal specialties highlight whatever’s running in local waters.

The airy dining room and waterfront deck create a relaxed vibe that encourages lingering. Last Father’s Day, we spent three hours here, working through platters of oysters and watching osprey dive for fish in the creek – a perfectly Maryland afternoon.

9. Harris Crab House: Kent Narrows Institution Since 1981

Situated on Kent Narrows between the Chester River and Eastern Bay, Harris Crab House offers breathtaking water views alongside heaping trays of steamed crabs. Their all-you-can-eat specials attract hungry visitors ready to test their crab-picking endurance.

The rustic interior feels authentically Chesapeake, with fishing nets and buoys as decor. Beyond crabs, their soft shell clam steamers and hush puppies deserve special recognition as perfect companions to any seafood feast.

10. The Narrows Restaurant: Elegant Casual With Sunset Views

The Narrows strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and refined dining.

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase stunning Kent Narrows sunsets while you enjoy their signature crab dishes. Their cream of crab soup remains legendary – rich, velvety, and loaded with jumbo lump meat.

The crab imperial deserves special mention, featuring sweet crab meat topped with a delicate imperial sauce.

Despite the somewhat upscale appearance, the atmosphere remains relaxed and welcoming to all.

11. On the Bay Seafood: Ocean City’s No-Frills Crab Specialist

This unassuming roadside spot in Ocean City focuses on one thing: perfectly steamed crabs. The simple interior features long tables ready for serious crab feasting sessions.

Their seasoning blend, similar to Old Bay but with secret additions, creates a distinctive flavor that keeps locals coming back.

I’ve watched families make annual pilgrimages here for decades, treating their On the Bay visit as an essential summer tradition.

Their steamed shrimp and corn on the cob make perfect accompaniments to the main crab attraction.

12. The Shrimp Boat: Fresh-Off-The-Boat Simplicity

Don’t let the humble appearance fool you – The Shrimp Boat in West Ocean City serves some of the freshest seafood on Maryland’s coast. The restaurant operates alongside their seafood market, ensuring everything arrives directly from local boats.

Their fried shrimp baskets have achieved legendary status among Ocean City regulars. The casual counter-service setup keeps prices reasonable while maintaining exceptional quality.

When visiting during white marlin season, you might even spot fishing captains bringing in their daily catch right outside.