MARYLAND STATE - Annapolis, Maryland, nestled along the Chesapeake Bay, is a haven for crab cake enthusiasts. This maritime city’s culinary scene thrives on fresh, local crab meat, and its restaurants have perfected the art of the crab cake—a delicate balance of sweet, tender crab, minimal filler, and just the proper seasoning. Whether you’re a boater docking for a bite, a tourist exploring historic streets, or a local craving a taste of tradition, Annapolis has a crab cake spot for you. Here’s a roundup of the five best places to savor this Maryland classic, each offering a unique twist on the iconic dish.
Boatyard Bar & Grill: The Purist’s Paradise
Location: 400 Fourth St, Annapolis, MD 21403
Tucked in the charming Eastport neighborhood, Boatyard Bar & Grill is a local darling with a mantra of “no filler, all crab.” Their crab cakes celebrate jumbo lump crab meat, lightly seasoned to let the natural sweetness shine through and paired with a subtle house-made tartar sauce. The laid-back, nautical ambiance—think weathered wood and maritime decor—makes it feel like a seaside escape. It’s no surprise this spot is a magnet for boaters, given its proximity to nearby marinas. Boatyard is a must-visit if you’re after a crab cake that’s pure, unadulterated Chesapeake Bay bliss.
Cantler’s Riverside Inn: Waterfront Legacy
Location: 458 Forest Beach Rd, Annapolis, MD 21409
Since 1974, Cantler’s Riverside Inn has been an Annapolis institution, drawing crowds to its rustic digs just outside downtown. Their crab cakes strike a perfect chord with a mix of lump and smaller crab pieces, lightly seasoned and often served alongside creamy coleslaw. The real magic happens on the outdoor deck, where you can dig in while gazing out over Mill Creek—an authentic Maryland seafood experience. Though it’s a short drive from the city center, the scenic waterfront setting and Cantler’s reputation for fresh, flavorful crab cakes make it well worth the journey.
Chick & Ruth’s Delly: A Taste of Tradition
Location: 165 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401
In downtown Chick & Ruth’s, Delly has been dishing out colossal jumbo lump crab cakes since the 1960s. This family-run spot exudes no-frills charm with a retro vibe that’s won over everyone from locals to dignitaries. The crab cakes here are a consistent crowd-pleaser—big, bold, and packed with meaty goodness. While they ship their famous creations nationwide, there’s something special about eating in-house, surrounded by the deli’s quirky history (don’t miss the daily Pledge of Allegiance recitation). It’s Annapolis tradition on a plate.
Dock Street Bar & Grill: The Hidden Gem
Location: 136 Dock St, Annapolis, MD 21401
Don’t let the dive-bar exterior fool you—Dock Street Bar & Grill is a sleeper hit in the crab cake game. Located along Ego Alley with public docking, this unassuming spot serves up highly rated crab cakes bursting with big lumps and robust flavor. It’s a casual, unfussy joint where the focus is squarely on the food, not the frills. Local rankings, like Naptown Scoop’s crabcake reviews, have crowned it a top contender, often tying for first with near-perfect scores. For a laid-back vibe and a surprisingly stellar crab cake, Dock Street delivers.
Carrol’s Creek Café: Elegance Meets Authenticity
Location: 410 Severn Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403
For a crab cake experience with a touch of refinement, Carrol’s Creek Café is the answer. This waterfront gem pairs well-balanced crab cakes—crafted from fresh, local crab meat—with breathtaking views of the Annapolis skyline. The focus here is on quality and simplicity, letting the crab shine without overwhelming binders or seasoning. It’s a slightly upscale option still rooted in Chesapeake Bay tradition, making it ideal for a special meal or a scenic date night. The combination of flavor and ambiance sets Carrol’s Creek apart.
The Crab Cake Verdict
What ties these Annapolis standouts together is their devotion to fresh Maryland crab meat—often jumbo lump—with minimal filler and a nod to the classic Chesapeake flavor profile. Boatyard and Cantler’s lead the pack for their purist approach and unbeatable atmospheres, while Chick & Ruth’s and Dock Street shine with tradition and unexpected excellence. Carrol’s Creek brings a dash of elegance to the table. Your perfect crab cake might hinge on what you value most: a waterfront view, a historic vibe, or simply an enormous lump of crab meat. Locals swear by these spots as the cream of the crop—so grab a fork (and maybe a cold beer) and decide for yourself which reigns supreme in Annapolis!