Top Chain Steakhouse Crab Patties

You know that moment when a steakhouse menu lands and your eyes dart straight to crab cakes? This guide zeroes in on the chains that consistently deliver the golden, gently seared patties you crave.

From old school richness to modern, citrusy flair, these picks cover the spectrum so you can order with confidence. Let’s find the crab cakes that make your steak night feel complete.

1. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris usually gives you that classic steakhouse crab cake moment. Expect jumbo lump crab packed tight with just enough binder to hold, then a golden pan sear that tastes like butter and confidence.

The flavors lean rich and savory, often supported by a creamy remoulade and a simple lemon squeeze.

It feels opulent without getting fussy, perfect before a ribeye or with a martini. If you like crab to be the star, not breadcrumbs, this is your lane.

Portions trend satisfying, and the seasoning is balanced, letting sweetness of the crab shine through.

2. The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille keeps things polished, delivering a crab cake that feels refined rather than greasy. The crust is lightly crisp, the interior tender, with sweet crabmeat at center stage.

Expect a restrained sauce companion, maybe citrus-kissed or herb-forward, designed to enhance rather than drown.

This is a clean, dependable starter when you want something elegant before a prime steak. The flavors are tuned for balance, not bravado.

You get upscale energy, great texture contrast, and a presentation that photographs well. It’s a go-to pick if you prefer subtlety, consistent quality, and a dining room that whispers special occasion.

3. Morton’s The Steakhouse

Morton’s leans traditional, delivering a crab cake that feels like steakhouse heritage. You get a sturdy patty with discernible lumps, a toasty exterior, and seasoning that nods to Old Bay without overpowering.

It’s built to satisfy, not surprise, and that reliability can be exactly what you want.

The sauce tends to be familiar and comforting, the lemon a bright counterpoint. Pair it with a chilled martini or a crisp white and it hits the spot.

If your preference is classic over experimental, Morton’s is a safe, time-tested choice that pairs seamlessly with the rest of the menu.

4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Fleming’s often adds a modern, restaurant-forward spin to crab cakes. You’ll find a clean presentation, a lighter sear, and sauces that bring citrus or herb brightness.

The crab-to-breadcrumb ratio is respectful, letting the sweetness shine, but the garnishes can add playful pop.

It’s a smart pick when you want something a touch lighter before a hefty steak. The wine list helps it sing, especially with a zesty white.

Expect finesse over heft, crisp edges without oiliness, and a plate that feels thoughtfully composed. You leave ready for the main event, not weighed down.

5. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Del Frisco’s plays to the indulgent crowd, and the crab cake follows suit. Expect a rich, generously portioned patty with a deep golden crust and butter-forward aroma.

The sauce tends to be luscious, sometimes creamy, to match the steakhouse’s special occasion energy.

This is not a shy starter. It’s decadent, satisfying, and leans into luxury.

If you like a crab cake that feels like a celebration, you’re in good hands here. Pair with Champagne or a fuller white for balance.

The texture is plush, the seasoning confident, and the finish lingering and memorable.

6. Mastro’s Steakhouse

Mastro’s tends to go bold. The crab cake is lavishly seared, generously crab-heavy, and often arrives with a buttery gloss that screams steakhouse luxury.

A zippy sauce or bright lemon keeps things in check, but richness leads.

It pairs naturally with the scene: live music, dim lighting, and big-night energy. If you want something assertive, with power and polish, this delivers.

The texture stays chunky, not mashed, and the seasoning is confident. You will taste crab first, then butter, then spice.

Save room, but do not skip it.

7. STK

STK leans modern and social, and the crab cakes fit that shareable vibe. Expect a crisp exterior with a juicy, crab-forward interior, often paired with colorful sauces or aioli.

Presentation skews stylish, perfect for passing around before mains.

Flavors aim for vibrant rather than heavy, with citrus or chili peeking through. If you like starters that feel fun and Instagram-ready, this is your move.

Pair with a bright cocktail and you’re set. It keeps energy high without overwhelming, making space for steak while still giving you that seafood satisfaction.

8. The Palm

The Palm keeps it classic, leaning into straightforward flavor and familiar comfort. The crab cake is sturdy, golden, and built on recognizable seasoning that respects the crab.

You will not find fancy drizzles, just a confident sear and a squeeze of lemon.

It suits a martini and a booth. If nostalgia matters, this scratches the itch beautifully.

The texture is pleasingly meaty, with minimal filler. It’s the kind of appetizer that does not show off, yet disappears quickly.

Order it when you want a timeless start that sets up a big porterhouse perfectly.

9. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Eddie V’s, while seafood-leaning, nails the steakhouse crab cake sweet spot. The cakes are delicate yet substantial, with a golden crust and butter-kissed flavor.

Sauces tend to be refined, sometimes citrus beurre blanc or herbaceous emulsions that lift the sweetness of the crab.

It feels polished and coastal without losing steakhouse heft. If you love pristine crab flavor with a fine-dining finish, this belongs on your table.

Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or Champagne. Expect excellent texture, careful seasoning, and a presentation that looks as good as it tastes.

10. Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime blends steakhouse richness with modern seafood sensibility. The crab cake sports a clean, golden sear and a generously crabby interior.

Accents might include sweet corn, citrus, or a refined aioli that adds lift without masking the main act.

It’s a reliable highlight when you want surf and turf energy. You get brightness, balance, and a touch of showmanship on the plate.

Pair with a lively white or a light cocktail. This starter signals a thoughtful kitchen, giving you luxury without heaviness so you can still enjoy that filet or strip.

11. Smith & Wollensky

Smith & Wollensky serves a crab cake that feels quintessentially steakhouse. Expect a robust patty with visible lump crab, a confident crust, and seasoning that leans savory with a restrained hand.

The sauce plays supporting role, often buttery or mustard-leaning, giving gentle richness.

It is a safe, satisfying pick for traditionalists. The portion is generous, the texture meaty, and the flavor dependable.

Pair with a dry vermouth martini or crisp Sauvignon Blanc. If you want familiar, well-executed comfort that sets the stage for a classic steak, this checks every box without unnecessary frills.

12. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Perry’s brings big-night energy, and the crab cake aligns with that generous spirit. Expect a richly seared patty with plenty of lump crab and a creamy, slightly decadent sauce.

The flavors skew indulgent yet balanced, designed to complement the rest of Perry’s hearty menu.

This is your prelude to pork chop fame or a serious steak, not a delicate whisper. Pair it with bubbles to refresh your palate.

You’ll get satisfying texture, well-placed seasoning, and a presentation that feels celebratory. When you want a starter that sets a festive tone, Perry’s delivers with confidence and charm.