These Maryland Seafood Buffets Serve Crab Exactly The Way It Was Meant To Be
Growing up in Maryland, crab feasts were a rite of passage. Family gathered around newspaper-covered tables, laughing as shell pieces flew, all while the scent of Old Bay filled the air. If you want that same authentic experience (minus the cleanup), these 11 seafood buffets deliver.
From heaping steam pots to crispy crab cakes, they honor the Chesapeake tradition with every bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a taste of home. Trust me, once you dig in, you’ll understand why we take our crab very seriously.
1. Higgins Crab House
Two Ocean City locations mean double the chances to crack into some of the freshest steamed crabs on the Eastern Shore. Higgins has perfected the art of the all-you-can-eat crab special, where steampots arrive at your table in glorious waves.
Their steamer pots are packed with blue crabs coated in just the right amount of Old Bay, making every bite a celebration of Maryland tradition. Locals know that timing matters here, so calling ahead during peak summer weekends is always smart.
The casual atmosphere lets you focus on what really matters: mastering your crab-picking technique and seeing how many you can conquer. Bibs are provided, napkins are plentiful, and the experience is pure Maryland magic from start to finish.
2. Mike’s Restaurant & Crabhouse
With locations in both Riva and Pasadena, Mike’s has built a solid reputation for delivering serious crab quantities without sacrificing quality. Their all-you-can-eat crab special comes with a two-hour seating during high season, which sounds limiting until you realize how much crab you can actually eat.
Seasoned pickers appreciate the consistent sizing and the kitchen’s commitment to keeping those crabs coming hot and fresh. The waterfront setting adds to the charm, especially when the sun starts setting over the Chesapeake.
Families gather here for celebrations, friends challenge each other to picking contests, and everyone leaves with that satisfying fullness only a proper crab feast can provide.
3. Harris Crab House
Kent Narrows has long been a crab lover’s paradise, and Harris Crab House sits right in the heart of it all. Operating year-round means crab fans don’t have to wait for summer to get their fix of all-you-can-eat crab nights.
The waterfront location provides stunning views while you work through pile after pile of perfectly steamed blues. Regular crab-feast events draw crowds from Baltimore, Annapolis, and beyond, all chasing that authentic Chesapeake Bay experience.
I once watched a family of four demolish what must have been three dozen crabs in one sitting, laughing and sharing stories between picks. The staff keeps the atmosphere lively, the crabs keep flowing, and nobody leaves disappointed or hungry.
4. Waterman’s Crab House
Rock Hall might be a quieter corner of Maryland, but Waterman’s Crab House knows how to throw a proper crab feast. Their seasonal all-you-can-eat events turn this charming waterfront spot into ground zero for serious crab enthusiasts.
The buffet-style setup means you can grab sides between crab rounds, though most people barely touch anything except those beautiful steamed blues. Fresh catches from local watermen ensure the quality stays top-notch throughout the season.
Watching boats come and go from the harbor while cracking crabs creates the quintessential Maryland summer experience. The laid-back vibe here makes it easy to settle in for hours, and the staff encourages exactly that kind of leisurely enjoyment.
5. Fisherman’s / The Crab Deck
Kent Narrows strikes again with this popular spot that combines the best of both worlds: crabs served right to your table and a buffet of delicious sides. The Crab Feast menu for groups has become legendary among locals planning celebrations or reunions.
Hot steamed crabs arrive in steady succession while you help yourself to corn, potatoes, and other classic Maryland accompaniments from the buffet line. This setup works perfectly because you control your own pace without waiting for servers.
The waterfront deck fills up fast on summer evenings, so reservations for larger groups are practically mandatory. Smart diners arrive hungry, pace themselves with the sides, and save plenty of room for the real star of the show.
6. Sneaky Pete’s
Tucked away near Hooper’s Island in West Ocean City, Sneaky Pete’s earns its reputation one crab feast at a time. Summer brings out the best here, with all-you-can-eat crab specials that draw crowds from across the shore.
The dockside location means you’re eating crabs practically where they were caught, and that freshness shows in every bite. Boats bob in the water just feet away while you work through your pile, creating an atmosphere you simply cannot replicate inland.
My cousin introduced me to this place years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since on their perfectly seasoned crabs and no-frills approach. The prices stay reasonable, the portions stay generous, and the experience stays authentically Maryland through and through.
7. Phillips Seafood
Phillips has grown into a Maryland institution with locations in Ocean City and Baltimore, each offering seasonal crab-feast events that showcase their seafood expertise. Their buffet-style promotions go beyond just crabs, though the steamed blues remain the undisputed highlight.
The more polished atmosphere here appeals to visitors wanting a slightly elevated crab experience without losing that essential Maryland character. Quality control stays tight across all locations, ensuring consistent seasoning and sizing.
During peak crab season, their special events can include live music, extended hours, and themed feast nights that turn dinner into a full evening of entertainment. Reservations fill up quickly, so planning ahead becomes essential for anyone serious about attending.
8. Cantler’s Riverside Inn
Annapolis locals will fight you over Cantler’s reputation as one of the area’s best waterfront crab houses. Their steamed crabs set the standard for quality, with occasional time-limited all-you-can-eat seatings that sell out almost immediately.
The rustic, no-nonsense setup focuses entirely on the crabs themselves, with brown paper covering long tables and mallets ready for action. Fresh catches from Chesapeake Bay watermen arrive daily, ensuring peak flavor and texture.
Getting a table during prime time requires patience, but seasoned fans know the wait is absolutely worth it for these perfectly prepared blues. The waterfront setting provides stunning views of Mill Creek, making the whole experience feel like a proper Maryland celebration.
9. The Crab Bag
Ocean City visitors hunting for value without sacrificing quality should point their GPS straight toward The Crab Bag. Their all-you-can-eat steamed crabs offer a bargain-minded option that still delivers authentic Maryland flavor and generous portions.
The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes this spot perfect for introducing kids to the art of crab picking or for budget-conscious groups wanting maximum crab for minimum cash. Seasoning stays traditional, portions stay plentiful, and service stays friendly throughout even the busiest summer rushes.
Smart diners arrive during off-peak hours to avoid the longest waits, though the line moves surprisingly fast once service begins. The straightforward approach here works beautifully, proving you don’t need fancy decor when the crabs taste this good.
10. L.P. Steamers / Locust Point Steamers
Baltimore’s harbor-side dining scene gets a serious boost from L.P. Steamers, where special all-you-can-eat nights turn regular evenings into crab celebrations. The urban waterfront setting provides a different vibe from the rural Eastern Shore spots, but the crab quality matches up perfectly.
City dwellers appreciate having a top-tier crab house right in their backyard, especially one that takes its steaming technique as seriously as any shore location. The skyline views add visual appeal while you work through your pile of perfectly seasoned blues.
Weekend nights here can get packed, so calling ahead or arriving early helps secure better seating and shorter wait times for your first round of crabs.
11. Mick’s Pub & Crabs
Way up in Elkton, far from the typical crab house clusters, Mick’s Pub proves that great crabs aren’t limited to waterfront locations. This small-town surprise offers all-you-can-eat crabs that rival anything found closer to the bay.
Northern Maryland residents no longer need to make the long drive south when cravings hit, thanks to Mick’s commitment to quality and generous portions. The pub atmosphere creates a relaxed, neighborhood feel where regulars and newcomers alike get treated like family.
Prices here tend to run a bit lower than shore locations, making it an even better deal for those already in the area. The lack of tourist crowds means more attention from staff and a more authentic local experience overall.