These Maryland Seafood Buffets Serve Crab Just The Way It’s Meant To Be
There’s a certain magic in a Maryland crab feast, isn’t there? For me, it’s the ritual of it all – the anticipation, the satisfying crunch of a shell giving way, and that incredible burst of sweet, salty flavor. It’s the way my family has always enjoyed it, as simple as it is profound.
If you’re like me and believe crab should be celebrated in its most honest, delicious form, then you’re in for a treat. I’ve rounded up twelve Maryland seafood buffets that truly get it, offering crab experiences that will transport you straight to the heart of the Chesapeake.
1. The Bonfire Restaurant
Prime rib and seafood under one roof sounds like a dream come true for hungry beach vacationers. Located right in Ocean City, this spot has been feeding crowds for years with its massive buffet lineup.
Locals know this place fills up fast during summer weekends when tourists flood the boardwalk. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for families who want good food without the fuss. Tables turn over quickly, so you can usually get seated without waiting too long.
Bring your appetite and your stretchy pants because portion control isn’t really a thing here. The buffet encourages you to go back as many times as you want for most items.
2. Hooper’s Crab House
Wooden mallets hitting crab shells create a symphony that means summer has arrived in Ocean City. Hooper’s runs seasonal all-you-can-eat steamed crab specials that draw both tourists and locals alike. The restaurant has that authentic crab house vibe with paper-covered tables and bibs aplenty.
Cracking crabs is messy work, but that’s half the fun when you’re elbow-deep in Old Bay seasoning. Staff keeps the steamed crabs coming to your table as long as you keep eating.
Timing matters here since the all-you-can-eat specials run during peak crab season when Maryland blues are plentiful. Call ahead to confirm availability because these feasts sell out quickly on busy weekends.
3. Sneaky Pete’s
Watching boats drift by while you demolish a pile of steamed crabs is what Maryland summers are all about. This dockside spot from the Hooper’s family offers all-you-can-eat crabs and corn with stunning water views. T
My cousin took me here last August, and we spent three hours just eating and watching the sunset over the bay. The corn comes perfectly cooked and pairs wonderfully with the sweet crab meat.
Prices are reasonable considering the unlimited crab policy and prime location right on the water. Arrive early to snag a table with the best views before the dinner rush hits.
4. Higgins Crab House
Two locations mean twice the chances to stuff yourself with Maryland’s finest blue crabs in Ocean City. Higgins has built a reputation on serving mountains of steamed crabs during their famous all-you-can-eat feasts.
Seasonal crab feasts bring in crowds who know quality when they taste it, and Higgins delivers consistently. The staff moves fast to keep tables cleared and fresh crabs arriving hot from the kitchen.
Parking can be tricky during peak season, so consider carpooling or arriving before the dinner rush. The value here is incredible when you consider how much crab you can consume in one sitting.
5. The Crab Bag
Paper-covered tables are the universal sign that serious crab eating is about to happen at this Eastern Shore joint. Hot steamed crabs arrive by the dozen, and all-you-can-eat specials let you keep ordering until you tap out.
Communal seating sometimes pairs you with strangers who quickly become friends over shared crab-picking techniques. Everyone leaves smelling like Old Bay, and that’s considered a badge of honor around these parts.
Don’t expect white-glove service here because the focus is entirely on the food and the experience. Bring cash if you can, as some crab houses prefer it over cards for faster transactions.
6. Captain James Landing Crab House
Baltimore’s waterfront gets even better when you add unlimited crabs to the equation at this popular spot. Captain James Landing offers all-you-can-eat crab options that let you feast while watching boats navigate the harbor.
Casual doesn’t even begin to describe the laid-back atmosphere where everyone comes to eat, not to impress. Tables fill up with families, couples, and groups of friends all united by their love of cracking shells. The city skyline creates a beautiful backdrop as the sun sets over the water.
I remember bringing my out-of-town friends here, and they couldn’t believe how fresh everything tasted despite being right downtown. Reservations are smart on weekends when the place gets packed with hungry crab lovers from all over the region.
7. Captain John’s Crab House
Southern Maryland keeps its crab traditions alive and well at this family-run establishment in Newburg. Daily all-you-can-eat specials make it easy to plan a midweek crab feast without breaking the bank. The weekly seafood buffet night takes things up a notch with even more variety beyond just crabs.
Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere where kids can be kids and nobody minds the noise. The nautical decorations remind you that even though you’re inland, the Chesapeake Bay isn’t far away.
This place proves you don’t need to be right on the coast to get incredibly fresh seafood. Local watermen supply the crabs, ensuring quality that rivals any boardwalk restaurant in Ocean City.
8. Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs
Annapolis brings that capital city charm to its crab scene, and Buddy’s delivers with style and substance. Famous for combining crabs and ribs under one menu, this spot sometimes includes all-you-can-eat crab during their Sunday gourmet brunch buffet.
Brunch buffets that feature unlimited crab are rare gems, so check their schedule before you go. The upscale-casual vibe means you can come in shorts or dress up a bit, whatever feels comfortable.
Parking in downtown Annapolis can be challenging, so arrive early or use one of the nearby garages. The experience is worth any minor inconvenience when you’re biting into fresh Maryland blue crab at brunch.
9. Aurora Seafood & Grill Buffet
Baltimore County surprises seafood lovers with this massive all-you-can-eat buffet in Nottingham that rivals any coastal spread. Crab legs and oysters share space with sushi and dozens of other dishes from various cuisines.
Asian-style seafood buffets have changed the game by offering premium items like crab legs at flat rates. You can pile your plate high without worrying about individual item prices adding up. The restaurant stays busy because word has spread about the quality and value they provide.
My family celebrates birthdays here because it’s the one place where nobody argues about what to order. Fresh batches of food come out regularly, so you’re never stuck with dried-out selections sitting under heat lamps.
10. Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet
Rockville’s dining scene gets a boost from this all-you-can-eat powerhouse that combines hotpot, sushi, and seafood under one roof. Crab legs or royal red shrimp occasionally feature on the buffet, giving inland diners access to quality seafood.
This style of dining turns dinner into an experience rather than just a meal you consume. Fresh ingredients get replenished constantly, and the staff keeps a close eye on quality control. You’ll need multiple trips to even sample everything available on the sprawling buffet line.
Prices are higher than some other buffets, but the premium ingredients and variety justify the cost. Groups of friends often meet here to catch up while cooking and eating together for hours.
11. Crazy Crab
Glen Burnie locals have kept this seafood spot busy with special events featuring all-you-can-eat crab throughout the year. The name alone tells you they don’t take themselves too seriously, which matches the fun atmosphere inside.
All-you-can-eat seafood at a neighborhood spot means you get that community feel you won’t find at tourist traps. The staff remembers faces and preferences, making repeat visits even more enjoyable. You’ll overhear conversations about local happenings while you crack shells and socialize.
Check their social media or call ahead to find out when the next all-you-can-eat crab event is scheduled. These special nights book up fast, so planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out on the feast.
12. May’s Seafood Restaurant
Frederick proves that great seafood buffets exist far from the coastline at this longstanding local favorite. All-you-can-eat seafood nights include crab specials that bring in crowds from across the county. The restaurant has been serving the community for years, building trust through consistent quality and fair prices.
Inland buffets sometimes get overlooked, but May’s sources quality seafood that tastes as fresh as anything in Ocean City. The family-friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices make it perfect for regular visits, not just special occasions.
Weeknight buffets tend to be less crowded than weekends, offering a more relaxed dining experience. The staff works hard to keep everything fresh and hot, even during slower periods when turnover is less frequent.