Top restaurants list
10 Best Crab Restaurants in Baltimore
- 10 restaurants
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Updated March 28, 2026
The ten best crab restaurants in Baltimore include LP Steamers, Thames Street Oyster House, The Crab Shanty, Faidley Seafood, Eddie’s of Roland Park, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Costas Inn, Bo Brooks Seafood Restaurant, and Baltimore Crab & Seafood. Local crab houses have earned national fame by serving regional staples like steamed blue crabs from Chesapeake Bay, massive jumbo lump crab cakes, and rich cream of crab soup. LP Steamers provides a true neighborhood crab-picking experience on a rooftop deck while Faidley Seafood offers award-winning crab cakes inside a bustling public market.
Many of these seafood eateries occupy waterfront marinas, historic market stalls, and large, family-friendly dining rooms. Some of the top crab dining spots feature paper-covered tables, wooden mallets, and extensive raw bars sourcing oysters from both coasts. Majority of these regional seafood rooms range from the standing-only counters at Faidley Seafood to the retro-glamorous, ocean liner aesthetic at The Oceanaire Seafood Room. A meal at a crab restaurant in Baltimore averages $45 per person, though prices fluctuate based on the daily market rate for a bushel of crabs.
LP Steamers ranks as the top choice for its unpretentious atmosphere, direct views of the downtown skyline, and a strict focus on perfectly steamed, heavily seasoned blue crabs. Faidley Seafood serves massive, filler-free crab cakes for a fast-paced, standing-room-only lunch. The Oceanaire Seafood Room offers a formal, white-tablecloth dinner experience with fresh catches flown in daily. Thames Street Oyster House provides plant-based salads and vegetable sides for vegan diners, and Costas Inn features a menu with naturally gluten-free options including steamed hard shells and fresh vegetables.
The top crab restaurants in Baltimore are listed below.
-
1
Thames Street Oyster House sits in the Fells Point neighborhood, offering a refined seafood experience. The dining room features exposed brick, a raw bar, and a courtyard patio.- Item Prices
- 28
- Average Item Price
- $20.18
Thames Street Oyster House Menu PricesMore about Thames Street Oyster House
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining, Seafood
Type of Food:
Seafood, Mid-Atlantic
Signature Dishes:
Cast Iron Crab Cake
New England Lobster Roll
Maryland Crab With Short Rib
Location:
1728 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
Special Feature:
The raw bar features a daily rotating selection of oysters sourced from the East and West coasts.
What Makes It Special:
The menu refines classic Maryland seafood using high-quality ingredients and precise cooking techniques.
What Sets It Apart:
A polished, upscale atmosphere paired with top-tier raw bar offerings creates a premium destination for seafood lovers.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 4:30 PM–9:30 PMFriday–Sunday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Price:
$30 to $40 per person
-
2
2. Jimmy's Famous Seafood
4.5 (1 Reviews)
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood serves as a massive, high-energy restaurant and sports bar in Dundalk. The interior features multiple dining rooms, large television screens, and sports memorabilia.- Item Prices
- 76
- Average Item Price
- $19.43
Jimmy's Famous Seafood Menu PricesMore about Jimmy's Famous Seafood
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Sports Bar
Type of Food:
Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:
Crab Cake Egg Roll
Famous Crab Dip
Crabby Chicken Sliders with Fries
Location:
6526 Holabird Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant ships famous crab cakes nationwide, reaching customers across the country.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen merges traditional Maryland seafood with indulgent, over-the-top pub fare.
What Sets It Apart:
A lively sports bar atmosphere paired with national recognition and celebrity endorsements creates a high-volume, energetic dining destination.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM–2:00 AMSaturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–2:00 AM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
3
The Oceanaire Seafood Room presents an upscale dining environment in the Harbor East neighborhood. The dining room features dark wood, polished brass, and a retro ocean liner aesthetic.- Item Prices
- 47
- Average Item Price
- $36.17
The Oceanaire Seafood Room Menu PricesMore about The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining, Seafood
Type of Food:
Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:
Chesapeake Bay Style Crab Cakes
Shrimp Fried Rice "Shanghai Style"
The Oceanaire Burger
Location:
801 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States
Special Feature:
The kitchen prints a new menu daily to reflect the freshest seafood flown in from around the world.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant delivers a premium, white-tablecloth experience focused on high-quality fish and shellfish.
What Sets It Apart:
A formal, retro-glamorous setting paired with rigorous seafood sourcing standards separates this location from casual crab shacks.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 5:00–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 5:00–10:00 PMSunday: 5:00–9:00 PM
Price:
Over $100 per person
-
4
American Seafood RestaurantCostas Inn operates as a family-owned seafood restaurant and bar in Dundalk. The interior features wood paneling, a large bar area, and a comfortable, neighborhood-focused design.- Item Prices
- 171
- Average Item Price
- $18.61
Costas Inn Menu PricesMore about Costas Inn
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Crab House
Type of Food:
Seafood, Maryland Crab
Signature Dishes:
Crab Cake Sandwich
Crab Imperial
Maryland Crab
Location:
4100 North Point Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21222, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant maintains a dedicated crab sorting operation to ensure only the heaviest, highest-quality blue crabs reach the tables.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen serves heavily seasoned, expertly steamed crabs alongside classic Baltimore pit beef.
What Sets It Apart:
A long-standing reputation for sourcing the best local crabs paired with a relaxed, tavern-style environment makes this a local favorite.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
5
American Seafood Southern Exclusive to EatsBaltimore Crab & Seafood operates as an energetic restaurant in the Canton neighborhood, focusing on Cajun-style seafood boils. The interior features nautical themes, casual seating, and a lively, family-friendly environment.- Item Prices
- 29
- Average Item Price
- $14.21
Baltimore Crab & Seafood Menu PricesMore about Baltimore Crab & Seafood
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Seafood
Type of Food:
Seafood, Cajun
Signature Dishes:
Baltimore Crab Cake
Blue Crab Fingers
Lobster Tail
Location:
1075 Fairburn Rd SW Atlanta, GA 30331, United States
Special Feature:
The kitchen serves seafood boils in large bags, allowing guests to customize spice levels and sauces.
What Makes It Special:
The menu brings a messy, hands-on Cajun boil experience to the local seafood dining sector.
What Sets It Apart:
A focus on heavily spiced, customizable seafood boils separates this location from traditional Maryland-style crab houses.
Operating Hours:
Monday & Sunday: ClosedTuesday–Saturday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
6
6. LP Steamers
LP Steamers operates as a casual, family-owned crab house in Locust Point. The interior features paper-covered tables, wooden mallets, and a rooftop deck with views of the Baltimore skyline.More about LP Steamers
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Crab House
Type of Food:
Seafood, Maryland Crab
Signature Dishes:
Old Bay
Crab Cakes
Steamed Crabs
Location:
1100 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States
Special Feature:
A rooftop deck offers open-air dining with direct views of the Inner Harbor and downtown skyline.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen serves freshly steamed, heavily seasoned blue crabs straight from the pot to the table in a laid-back, neighborhood environment.
What Sets It Apart:
A rooftop dining option paired with a strict focus on traditional, no-frills Maryland crab steaming separates this location from formal seafood dining rooms.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
7
7. The Crab Shanty
The Crab Shanty functions as a long-standing seafood restaurant in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The interior features nautical decor, large dining rooms, and a family-friendly atmosphere.More about The Crab Shanty
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Seafood
Type of Food:
Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:
Snow Crab Legs
Broiled Lobster Tail
Lump Crab Cakes
Location:
361 City Island Ave Bronx, NY 10464, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant provides complimentary garlic cheese bread to every table upon seating.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen delivers classic Maryland seafood recipes that have remained consistent for decades.
What Sets It Apart:
A massive menu covering all aspects of regional seafood paired with generous portion sizes makes this location a reliable choice for large groups.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AMSunday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
8
8. Faidley Seafood
Faidley Seafood operates inside the bustling Lexington Market. The space features standing-room-only counters, a fresh fish market, and a raw bar.More about Faidley Seafood
Type of Restaurant:
Fast-Casual, Seafood Market
Type of Food:
Seafood, Maryland Crab
Signature Dishes:
Lump Crab Cake
Maryland Crab Soup
Soft Crab Sandwich
Location:
119 N Paca St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
Special Feature:
The counter-service layout allows guests to eat freshly fried crab cakes while standing alongside local market shoppers.
What Makes It Special:
The award-winning jumbo lump crab cake recipe uses massive lumps of crab meat with minimal filler.
What Sets It Apart:
A location inside a public market paired with a standing-only dining format creates a fast-paced, energetic seafood experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM–5:30 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM–5:30 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
9
9. Eddie’s of Roland Park
Eddie’s of Roland Park functions as a premium grocery store featuring a highly regarded prepared foods section. The deli counter offers gourmet takeaway meals, including famous regional seafood items.More about Eddie’s of Roland Park
Type of Restaurant:
Deli, Gourmet Market
Type of Food:
American, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Baltimore Sandwich
Bavarian Sandwich
Cloak and Dagger Sandwich
Location:
5113 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States
Special Feature:
The deli counter prepares restaurant-quality crab cakes available for takeaway or casual eating on outdoor benches.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen utilizes a closely guarded recipe to produce massive, filler-free crab cakes for the local neighborhood.
What Sets It Apart:
Operating as a gourmet grocery store rather than a traditional dining room provides a unique, grab-and-go approach to premium Maryland crab.
Operating Hours:
Monday– Saturday: 7:00 AM–7:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
10
10. Bo Brooks Seafood Restaurant
Bo Brooks Seafood Restaurant sits on the waterfront in the Canton neighborhood. The dining room features large windows, nautical decor, and an outdoor tiki bar overlooking the marina.More about Bo Brooks Seafood Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Seafood
Type of Food:
Seafood, Maryland Crab
Signature Dishes:
Seafood Club
Crab Pretzel
Chesapeake Toast
Location:
2780 Lighthouse Pt E Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
Special Feature:
The outdoor waterfront deck provides direct views of the Patapsco River and passing boats.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant delivers a classic Maryland crab house experience right on the water.
What Sets It Apart:
A prime marina location paired with year-round steamed crab availability creates a scenic and reliable seafood destination.
Operating Hours:
Closed
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Crab Restaurants in Baltimore Famous?
Crab restaurants in Baltimore are famed for perfecting the steaming of local blue crabs coated in heavy layers of Old Bay seasoning. The proximity to the Chesapeake Bay ensures a steady supply of fresh, high-quality shellfish during the summer months. Kitchens in the area refuse to boil crabs, opting instead to steam them over a mixture of water, vinegar, and beer to preserve the sweet, delicate meat. The communal experience of picking crabs on brown paper-covered tables using wooden mallets defines the local dining culture.
What Types of Crab Restaurants are Commonly Found in Baltimore?
The types of crab restaurants commonly found in Baltimore are casual neighborhood crab houses, historic public market stalls, and upscale seafood dining rooms. The list below details the specialized Baltimore restaurants available throughout the city.
- Neighborhood Crab Houses: These laid-back spots focus entirely on steamed hard-shell crabs, serving them on paper-covered tables with wooden mallets. LP Steamers and Costas Inn fit this category.
- Public Market Stalls: These fast-paced counters operate inside historic markets, offering standing-room-only access to freshly fried crab cakes and raw oysters. Faidley Seafood provides this experience.
- Upscale Seafood Rooms: These formal dining rooms serve refined crab dishes, raw bar selections, and premium fish in a polished setting. The Oceanaire Seafood Room and Thames Street Oyster House exemplify this style.
- Waterfront Seafood Decks: These scenic locations offer outdoor seating with direct views of the harbor, serving steamed crabs and seafood platters. Bo Brooks Seafood Restaurant offers this approach.
- High-Energy Sports Bars: These massive venues combine regional seafood with pub fare, large televisions, and a loud, festive atmosphere. Jimmy’s Famous Seafood fits this description.
Does Baltimore Have an Authentic Crab Restaurant?
Yes, Baltimore holds authentic crab restaurants, including LP Steamers, Costas Inn, and Faidley Seafood. LP Steamers preserves the genuine neighborhood crab house experience, steaming local blue crabs and serving them on paper-covered tables on a rooftop deck. Costas Inn provides a real tavern-style seafood experience, maintaining a dedicated sorting operation to ensure only the heaviest crabs reach the table. Faidley Seafood offers a true public market experience, frying massive, filler-free jumbo lump crab cakes for guests standing at busy counters.
Do Crab Restaurants in Baltimore Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, crab restaurants in Baltimore allow guests to book tables through digital portals. Guests secure reservations via restaurant websites or through platforms such as OpenTable and Resy. Upscale seafood rooms like The Oceanaire Seafood Room and Thames Street Oyster House use these booking services to manage high demand. Large venues like Jimmy’s Famous Seafood also offer convenient online scheduling. Market stalls like Faidley Seafood and neighborhood spots like LP Steamers operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Crab Restaurants in Baltimore?
The best crab restaurants in Baltimore serve signature dishes that range from heavily seasoned steamed hard shells to massive, filler-free crab cakes. The following list describes notable food in Baltimore.
- Steamed Blue Crabs: Hard-shell crabs steamed over beer and vinegar, heavily coated in Old Bay seasoning. LP Steamers is famous for this staple.
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cake: A massive patty made almost entirely of large lumps of crab meat, broiled or fried with minimal filler. Faidley Seafood specializes in this dish.
- Maryland Crab Soup: A tomato-based broth loaded with vegetables, crab meat, and regional spices. The Crab Shanty is well-regarded for this staple.
- Cream of Crab Soup: A rich, heavy cream soup flavored with sherry and filled with lump crab meat. Bo Brooks Seafood Restaurant is known for this recipe.
- Soft Shell Crab Sandwich: A whole crab that has recently molted, deep-fried and served on bread. Faidley Seafood features this as a seasonal menu item.
Does Baltimore Enjoy Crab Food?
Yes, Baltimore enjoys crab food, evidenced by the packed waterfront decks and busy neighborhood crab houses throughout the summer months. Residents and tourists actively seek out dining experiences that offer the messy, communal tradition of picking crabs. The high volume of daily traffic at market stalls like Faidley Seafood confirms a strong appetite for quick, high-quality seafood. The city's identity remains deeply connected to the Chesapeake Bay, ensuring a constant presence of crab-focused eateries across all neighborhoods.
What is the Average Meal Price at Crab Restaurants in Baltimore?
The average meal price at crab restaurants in Baltimore is $45 per person. A single meal at a fast-casual market stall like Faidley Seafood costs between $20 and $40. A group meal for two to four people at a casual crab house like LP Steamers or Costas Inn runs from $120 to $240 total, depending on the market price of steamed crabs. A meal at a gourmet deli counter like Eddie’s of Roland Park costs $20 to $40 per person. A full dinner with drinks at a high-end seafood room such as The Oceanaire Seafood Room requires $60 to $120 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at Crab Restaurants in Baltimore?
Yes, vegan options at crab restaurants in Baltimore include plant-based selections on menus at Thames Street Oyster House, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, and Jimmy’s Famous Seafood. Thames Street Oyster House provides a menu with several vegetable-based sides and salads. The Oceanaire Seafood Room features a dedicated section of the menu for roasted vegetables and plant-forward entrees. Jimmy’s Famous Seafood can modify many of its salads and side dishes to be vegan upon request. A large number of locations offer fresh salads and vegetable platters suitable for plant-based diners.
Do Crab Restaurants in Baltimore Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, gluten-free options at crab restaurants in Baltimore are available at LP Steamers, Costas Inn, and The Oceanaire Seafood Room. LP Steamers clearly identifies steamed hard-shell crabs and raw oysters as items that do not contain gluten. Costas Inn offers numerous naturally gluten-free sides such as steamed vegetables and salads. The Oceanaire Seafood Room prepares numerous fish and shellfish dishes without gluten-containing ingredients. A majority of sit-down locations provide modifications to suit gluten-free diners.
More top restaurant lists in Maryland
Find your next favorite spot
Can't decide? start here: