Everyone has their favorite Maryland crab house, but choosing just one can be difficult. The truth is, Marylanders are blessed with a sea of crab-centric dining options that each boast a unique vibe and view. Whether it’s picking crabs next to the Potomac
River in Southern Maryland, or digging into a half-bushel outdoors at Chesapeake Beach, these top spots offer a variety of steamed crabs and other seafood options seasoned with plenty of J.O. and Old Bay.
A few seafood houses only operate from March to October, but many crab-picking places stay open year-round by sourcing from other waterways. It only takes an hour or two drive from D.C. to get to the following destination crab houses. And PSA: soft shell crabs are still in season. Crabcakes continue to draw attention, and fresh options for summer 2026 include a Maryland food truck (The Crab Trap) and Catonsville’s massive new Fishmonger’s Daughter restaurant from Faidley Seafood (Baltimore’s crabcake standard-bearer for 135 years).
For this latest map refresh, we add Tickler’s Crab Shack in Tilghman Island and Chesapeake Landing Restaurant in St. Michaels. Sadly, Kentmorr Beach Bar & Grill closed in Stevensville this year. And it’s the last chance to pick crustaceans and down crushes at the scenic Crab Claw in St. Michaels, which will close for good after 60 years in October.
