15 Maryland Seafood Restaurants Locals Swear Deserve More Hype
Maryland’s coastline hides some incredible seafood treasures that locals prefer to keep secret. While tourists flock to the famous spots, smart food lovers know the real magic happens at these lesser-known gems.
These underrated restaurants serve up the freshest catches with flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance. Get ready to discover Maryland’s best-kept culinary secrets along the Chesapeake Bay.
1. Ocean Pride Seafood, Lutherville-Timonium
Tucked away in a strip mall, this family-owned spot looks ordinary from outside but serves extraordinary seafood inside.
Their crab cakes contain zero filler, just pure jumbo lump meat held together with love and secret seasonings.
The steamed shrimp arrives perfectly cooked, never rubbery, while their fish and chips feature beer batter so crispy it practically sings when you bite down.
2. Captain Billy’s Crab House, Newburg
Captain Billy himself greets guests at this waterfront hideaway where crabs get cracked with wooden mallets on newspaper-covered tables.
The all-you-can-eat crab feasts draw families who’ve been coming here for decades, passing down the tradition like treasured recipes.
Their cream of crab soup tastes like liquid gold, thick with chunks of sweet crabmeat that float like tiny treasures in every spoonful.
3. The Crab Claw, St. Michaels
Perched over the Miles River, this rustic shack serves seafood with million-dollar views at budget-friendly prices.
Their soft shell crabs arrive golden and crispy, seasoned with Old Bay that sparkles like edible confetti across the plate.
Locals recommend arriving at sunset when the water glows orange and the crabs taste even sweeter against nature’s spectacular backdrop.
4. Faidley’s Seafood, Baltimore
Since 1886, this Lexington Market legend has been slinging crab cakes that make grown men weep with joy.
Nancy Faidley Divine continues her family’s tradition, hand-picking every piece of crabmeat and forming patties with techniques passed down through generations.
Their raw bar showcases the day’s freshest oysters, each one briny and perfect, shucked moments before hitting your table.
5. Chesapeake Landing, St. Michaels
This marina restaurant lets diners watch boats dock while enjoying platters of just-caught seafood.
Their crab imperial gets baked in individual shells, bubbling hot with cheese that stretches like delicious strings when you dig in.
The rockfish special changes daily depending on what local watermen bring to the dock, ensuring maximum freshness in every flaky, tender bite.
6. The Narrows Restaurant, Grasonville
Overlooking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, this waterfront gem specializes in preparations that let natural seafood flavors shine through.
Their jumbo shrimp scampi arrives swimming in garlic butter so aromatic it perfumes the entire dining room with heavenly scents.
The pan-seared scallops get kissed with just enough heat to caramelize the outside while keeping centers creamy and sweet.
7. Harris Crab House, Grasonville
Paper tablecloths and wooden mallets set the scene for serious crab-cracking sessions at this no-frills institution.
Their steamed crabs get dusted with proprietary seasoning blends that make fingers tingle and mouths water with anticipation.
The crab soup arrives loaded with so much meat you’ll wonder how they fit an entire crab into each bowl without charging extra.
8. The Point Crab House & Grill, Arnold
Floating on the South River, this restaurant literally rocks with the waves while serving some of Maryland’s finest seafood.
Their stuffed flounder arrives packed with crabmeat stuffing that tastes like the ocean decided to throw a party in your mouth.
The outdoor deck provides front-row seats to spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in colors as vibrant as their seafood presentations.
9. Schultz’s Crab House, Essex
This family-run establishment has been serving Essex residents since way back when, building loyalty through consistent quality and fair pricing.
Their crab cake sandwiches get piled high with meat that falls out the sides, requiring multiple napkins and zero complaints from happy customers.
The steamed mussels arrive in buckets with broth so flavorful that regulars order extra bread just for sopping up every last drop.
10. Mr. Bill’s Terrace Inn, Essex
Don’t let the motel setting fool you because this restaurant serves seafood that rivals fancy establishments at fraction of the cost.
Their fried oysters come out golden and crunchy, each bite releasing briny juices that prove these mollusks lived their best life.
The crab cakes contain so much jumbo lump meat they barely hold together, falling apart in the most delicious way possible on your fork.
11. L.P. Steamers, Baltimore
Located in Locust Point, this neighborhood joint serves Baltimore’s working class the kind of seafood that fuels hard days and good times.
Their steamed shrimp arrives by the pound, perfectly seasoned and requiring nothing more than cold beer and good company for completion.
The crab dip gets served bubbling hot with enough chunks of crabmeat to satisfy even the most demanding seafood snobs around town.
12. Nick’s Fish House, Baltimore
Sitting right on the water in South Baltimore, this spot attracts both boaters and landlubbers seeking authentic Chesapeake Bay flavors.
Their fish tacos feature locally caught rockfish with slaw that adds perfect crunch to each bite of flaky, seasoned fish.
The raw bar showcases oysters from different Bay tributaries, each with distinct flavors that reflect their specific underwater neighborhoods and growing conditions.
13. Waterman’s Crab House, Rock Hall
This Eastern Shore institution sits where watermen have been bringing their catches for generations, ensuring maximum freshness in every dish.
Their she-crab soup contains roe that adds richness and complexity, making each spoonful taste like concentrated essence of the Bay.
The steamed clams arrive in their own broth, sweet and tender, perfect for dunking crusty bread that soaks up every drop of oceanic goodness.
14. The Red Roost, Quantico
Hidden on the Wicomico River, this quirky spot decorates with everything nautical while serving seafood that speaks fluent Maryland.
Their all-you-can-eat crab legs draw crowds who crack shells with dedication usually reserved for religious ceremonies or sports playoffs.
The hush puppies arrive hot and crispy, sweet cornbread spheres that complement spicy seafood dishes while cooling tongues between bites of fire.
15. Crab Alley, Ocean City
While Ocean City tourists crowd the boardwalk, smart visitors head to this bayside spot for authentic Maryland seafood experiences.
Their crab pretzel combines two Maryland favorites into one glorious creation that shouldn’t work but absolutely does in every cheesy, crabby bite.
The coconut shrimp arrives with pineapple dipping sauce that transports taste buds to tropical islands while keeping feet firmly planted on Eastern Shore soil.
