13 Maryland Crab Shacks Locals Keep Protected Like Family Secrets
Maryland’s coastline is dotted with crab shacks that seem unassuming at first glance, but locals know better.
Behind their weathered doors and simple signs hide recipes perfected over generations, flavors that keep people coming back year after year.
Visiting one is like being let in on a carefully guarded secret, where every crack of a crab shell and buttery bite feels like a celebration of tradition. These thirteen shacks are treasures worth seeking out.
1. Cantler’s Riverside Inn, Annapolis
Tucked along Mill Creek since 1974, this place doesn’t need fancy menus or white tablecloths to win hearts.
Brown paper covers the tables, mallets are your silverware, and crabs arrive by the dozen looking like they just jumped from the bay.
Locals park their boats right at the dock and walk straight to their favorite table.
The view alone makes you forget about everything except cracking shells and sucking out that sweet meat.
Cards are accepted, so you don’t have to worry about hitting the ATM before you go.
2. Harris Crab House, Grasonville
Perched on Kent Narrows, Harris has been feeding crab lovers since 1981 with portions that could feed a small army.
Three levels of outdoor seating mean everyone gets a waterfront view while digging into their catch. The steamers here know exactly how much Old Bay to use, creating that perfect spicy crust.
Kids run around between courses while parents crack claws and watch boats cruise by. Weekend waits can stretch long, but nobody seems to mind when the reward tastes this good.
3. The Point Crab House & Grill, Arnold
Arnold locals guard this spot like Fort Knox because The Point delivers consistent quality without the tourist trap prices. Crabs arrive perfectly seasoned, neither too salty nor too bland, just right for serious pickers.
The outdoor area fills up fast on summer evenings when everyone wants that bay breeze.
Their corn and shrimp add-ons make perfect sidekicks to a crab feast. Regulars know to call ahead for bushel orders during peak season when supplies run tight.
4. LP Steamers, Baltimore
Locust Point residents practically live at this no-frills spot where crabs taste like your uncle’s backyard cookout, only better.
LP Steamers keeps things simple because when you’re steaming perfection, why complicate matters? The vibe screams neighborhood joint where everybody knows the servers and the Old Bay flows freely.
Prices stay reasonable even when other places jack them up during tourist season. Grab a pitcher of beer, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for sticky fingers and full bellies.
5. Costas Inn, Dundalk
Since 1971, Costas has been the undisputed champion of Dundalk’s crab scene, and locals will fight you if you disagree.
Walking in feels like stepping into someone’s rowhouse basement party, except the crabs are restaurant-quality and plentiful.
They pile those beauties high and hot, with seasoning that makes your lips tingle in the best way. Expect a wait because everyone from construction workers to lawyers crowds in here.
They accept credit cards, offer a full bar, and are absolutely worth the hype.
6. Schultz’s Crab House, Essex
Essex folks have been keeping Schultz’s packed since it opened, and for good reason. This waterfront gem serves crabs that taste like summer vacation, even if you’re just there for Tuesday dinner.
The deck offers perfect views of boats bobbing in the harbor while you work through your order.
Their steaming technique creates crabs with meat that slides out easily, making picking less work and more pleasure. Bring the whole crew because portions here don’t disappoint and neither does the service.
7. Bill’s Terrace Inn, Essex
Bill’s doesn’t look fancy from the outside, which is exactly how regulars like it because it keeps the crowds manageable.
Inside, you’ll find Baltimore County residents who’ve been coming here for decades, some since childhood. Crabs arrive hot enough to make you do that finger-shaking dance while you wait for them to cool.
The seasoning blend hits different here, with a secret ratio that makes people drive across town. Prices stay fair, portions stay generous, and the vibe stays authentically Baltimore.
8. Captain James Crabhouse, Baltimore
Captain James sits right on the water where you can watch ships pass while destroying a pile of crabs. Tourists find this place eventually, but locals knew about it first and still claim their favorite tables.
The all-you-can-eat options draw serious eaters who treat crab feasts like competitive sports.
Staff keeps the crabs coming fast, so you never sit with an empty table for long. Weekend evenings turn into full-blown parties with music, laughter, and the constant crack of shells breaking open.
9. Nick’s Fish House, Baltimore
Hidden down a random road that GPS sometimes gives up on, Nick’s rewards adventurous eaters with some of Baltimore’s finest crabs.
The tiki bar vibe mixed with Maryland tradition creates something uniquely awesome.
Locals boat up to the dock and walk straight to the bar for crushes and crabs. The seasoning here leans heavy, which is perfect if you like your seafood with serious kick.
Summer Sundays turn this place into a party zone where everyone’s covered in Old Bay and nobody cares about anything except the next crab.
10. Skipper’s Pier Restaurant & Dock Bar, Deale
Boaters consider Skipper’s a must-stop destination when cruising the bay because the crabs taste as good as the views look.
Deale residents know this spot serves up authentic Chesapeake Bay flavor without pretension or inflated prices.
The dock bar stays lively while the restaurant side keeps things family-friendly, so everyone finds their perfect spot.
Crabs come out steaming hot with that beautiful red color that means they’re fresh and properly cooked. Sunset timing makes everything taste even better, especially with a cold drink in hand.
11. The Crab Bag, Ocean City
Ocean City has plenty of seafood joints, but The Crab Bag keeps locals coming back even after tourist season ends.
Their crabs arrive perfectly steamed with seasoning that doesn’t overpower the natural sweetness of the meat.
Unlike boardwalk traps that charge beach prices for mediocre food, this spot delivers quality that matches the cost.
Families pile in after beach days, still sandy and sunburned, ready to tackle mountains of crabs. The casual atmosphere means nobody judges your crab-picking technique or messy face.
12. On the Bay Seafood, Ocean City
While tourists flock to the boardwalk, smart locals head to On the Bay for crabs that actually taste fresh. The waterfront location provides gorgeous sunset views that make your Instagram followers jealous.
Crabs here come from local watermen, which means better quality and flavor than frozen imports.
The staff knows how to steam them properly, creating that ideal balance between seasoning and natural taste.
Prices reflect the quality, but you’re paying for the real deal, not some tourist trap garbage. Worth every penny and every sticky finger.
13. Mike’s Restaurant & Crabhouse, Riva
Nestled along the South River, this family-owned gem has been serving Maryland crabs the traditional way for decades.
Mike’s keeps things simple and authentic, with wooden mallets, brown paper-covered tables, and bushels of steamed crabs that arrive hot and perfectly seasoned.
What makes this spot truly special is its location right on the water, where you can watch boats glide by while cracking open your crabs.
The outdoor seating area offers stunning sunset views that make every meal feel like a celebration. Locals appreciate the no-frills approach and reasonable prices.