10 Hole-In-The-Wall Coastal Cafés In Maryland That Locals Swear Have the Best Crab Cakes
I grew up spending summers on the Chesapeake Bay, and one thing I learned early is that the best crab cakes never come from fancy restaurants with white tablecloths.
They come from weathered little spots where watermen tie up their boats and locals know the chef by name. Maryland is famous for its crab cakes, but the real treasures are tucked away in places you might drive right past if you weren’t paying attention.
These humble coastal cafés serve golden, buttery crab cakes packed with sweet lump meat and just enough seasoning to let the Bay shine—one bite, and you’ll never settle for the tourist traps again.
1. The Narrows Restaurant — Grasonville (Kent Narrows)
My cousin swears by this place, and after one bite of their jumbo-lump crab cake, I understood why she drives an hour just to eat here. The Narrows sits right on the water at Kent Narrows, where fishing boats bob lazily and seagulls circle overhead hoping for scraps.
Zagat praised their crab cakes, and honestly, the recognition is well deserved. Each cake is packed with sweet, meaty chunks of crab held together with just enough seasoning to let the seafood shine.
You can taste the freshness in every forkful. The view from the deck makes the meal even better, especially at sunset when the sky turns pink and orange over the channel. Check out thenarrowsrestaurant.com before you go.
2. Harris Crab House — Grasonville (Kent Narrows)
Nothing beats sitting dockside with a cold drink and a plate of crab cakes so fresh you can practically smell the bay on them. Harris Crab House keeps things simple and does it right, serving up classic Maryland crab cakes in a no-frills setting that feels like home.
Open every single day, this spot draws a crowd of regulars who come for the crabs and stay for the crab cakes. The kitchen doesn’t mess around with fancy plating or complicated sauces.
What you get is pure, delicious crab flavor in every bite. Watching the boats drift by while you eat makes the whole experience feel authentic and peaceful. Find them online at Harris Crab House.
3. Original Crab Cake Factory — Ocean City (120th St.)
Ocean City gets crowded in the summer, but locals know to skip the boardwalk joints and head straight to 120th Street. The Original Crab Cake Factory has a laid-back, beachy counter-service vibe that makes you feel like you stumbled onto a secret the tourists haven’t figured out yet.
They sling big, broiled crab cakes all day long, and each one is loaded with jumbo lumps of crab meat. No fillers, no fluff, just pure Chesapeake goodness.
I always order mine broiled because it brings out the sweetness of the crab without adding extra grease. Check out reviews on Tripadvisor if you need more convincing before making the trip.
4. Boatyard Bar & Grill — Annapolis (Eastport)
Eastport has always felt like Annapolis’s cooler, more relaxed little sibling, and Boatyard Bar & Grill fits right into that vibe. This neighborhood spot has a nautical feel without being cheesy about it, and the locals pack the place because the crab cakes have won awards for good reason.
Every bite delivers tender crab meat with just the right amount of Old Bay seasoning. The chefs clearly respect the crab and don’t drown it in breading or mayonnaise.
I love coming here after a day of sailing because the atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious. You can find more details at boatyardbarandgrill.com before planning your visit.
5. Chick & Ruth’s Delly — Annapolis (Main St.)
Walking into Chick & Ruth’s feels like stepping back in time, and I mean that in the best way possible. This old-school deli on Main Street has been serving Annapolis since 1965, and their jumbo-lump crab cakes are legendary among locals and Naval Academy midshipmen alike.
The menu is massive, but don’t let that distract you from ordering the crab cake. It’s piled high with sweet crab meat and seasoned perfectly.
The diner atmosphere adds to the charm, with servers who remember your name and regulars chatting at the counter. Visit chickandruths.com to see the full menu and plan your breakfast or lunch stop.
6. The Point Crab House & Grill — Arnold (Mill Creek)
Tucked away on Mill Creek, The Point Crab House & Grill is the kind of place you find by accident and then return to on purpose. The vibe here is super laid-back, with picnic tables overlooking the water and a menu that keeps things refreshingly simple.
You can order a crab cake sandwich if you’re feeling casual or go all in with the two-cake entrée. Either way, you’re getting generous portions of sweet, flaky crab meat that tastes like it came straight from the bay that morning.
I always grab a seat outside when the weather’s nice. Head to thepointcrabhouse.com for hours and directions before you make the trip.
7. CD Café — Solomons (Island)
Solomons Island has always been one of my favorite escapes, and CD Café is a big reason why. This tiny spot is a local favorite, the kind of place where everyone seems to know each other and the chef greets you with a smile.
Their jumbo-lump crab cake sandwich is the go-to order, and for good reason. The crab is fresh, the seasoning is spot-on, and the bun doesn’t overpower the star of the show.
It’s simple, delicious, and exactly what a crab cake should be. The café has a cozy, welcoming feel that makes you want to linger over your meal. Check out thecdcafe.com for more info.
8. Waterman’s Crab House — Rock Hall
Rock Hall is a working waterman’s town, and Waterman’s Crab House fits right into that authentic, no-nonsense vibe. The deck overlooks the bay, and the breeze carries the salty smell of the water while you dig into some of the best crab cakes on the Eastern Shore.
There’s nothing fancy here, just classic Maryland crab cakes made the way they’ve been made for generations. The meat is sweet and tender, and the seasoning lets the natural flavor shine through.
I love the unpretentious atmosphere and the fact that you’re eating where watermen actually eat. Visit WATERMAN’S CRAB HOUSE online for details.
9. Portside Seafood Restaurant — Cambridge (Choptank River)
Cambridge sits on the Choptank River, and Portside Seafood Restaurant takes full advantage of that prime location. This low-key riverside joint is known for crab cakes that draw a loyal crowd of locals who wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else.
The kitchen keeps things traditional, serving up crab cakes that are all about the crab and nothing else. You won’t find fancy garnishes or trendy twists here, just honest, delicious food.
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, perfect for a lazy afternoon meal by the water. I always leave feeling satisfied and already planning my next visit. Find them at portsidemaryland.com.
10. Skipper’s Pier Restaurant & Dock Bar — Deale
Deale is a tiny waterfront community, and Skipper’s Pier feels like the heart of it. This café has a relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit, and the steady stream of crab-cake love from locals speaks volumes.
Their crab cakes are generously portioned and packed with sweet, tender crab meat. The kitchen also runs weekly seafood specials, so there’s always something new to try alongside your crab cake.
Sitting on the dock with a plate of fresh seafood and watching the boats come and go is my idea of a perfect afternoon. Check their menu and hours online before heading out.