Annapolis locals know where to find the best crab cakes without the tourist crowds. These neighborhood spots serve up Maryland’s signature dish with the kind of authenticity that comes from generations of perfecting recipes. From working watermen’s markets to beloved deli counters, these twelve establishments earn their reputation one perfectly seasoned cake at a time.
1. Boatyard Bar & Grill (Eastport)
Sailing enthusiasts flood this waterfront gem after every regatta, creating an authentic buzz that tourists can’t replicate. The jumbo-lump crab cakes here follow an “all killer, no filler” philosophy that locals have trusted for decades.
Counter seating stays packed year-round with regulars who appreciate consistency over flashy presentation. Their reputation extends beyond Annapolis borders, with the restaurant shipping Maryland crab cakes nationwide.
What sets Boatyard apart is its unpretentious approach to excellence. No fancy garnishes or complicated preparations—just premium crabmeat bound with respect for tradition and served with genuine Chesapeake Bay hospitality.
2. Chick & Ruth’s Delly (Main Street)
Step inside this Main Street institution and you’re transported to an era when deli counters ruled neighborhood dining. The energy here crackles with old-school charm, where jumbo lump crab cakes share menu space with classic deli favorites.
Tourists discover this place by accident, but locals have been coming here for generations. The crab cake Benedict draws weekend brunchers who know good Maryland seafood when they taste it.
Behind the bustling counter, experienced cooks maintain recipes that have stood the test of time. This longtime fixture proves that sometimes the best crab cakes come from places that never forgot their roots.
3. Cantler’s Riverside Inn (near St. Helena Island)
Everyone knows Cantler’s for their legendary steamed crabs, but smart locals also count on their crab cakes as a reliable menu staple. This waterside institution delivers the classic Chesapeake experience that visitors dream about.
The restaurant’s location near St. Helena Island provides an authentic backdrop that can’t be manufactured. When locals want to impress out-of-town guests, this becomes their go-to fallback choice.
What makes Cantler’s special is their commitment to doing Maryland seafood right across the entire menu. Their crab cakes benefit from the same attention to quality that made their steamed crabs famous throughout the region.
4. Carrol’s Creek Cafe (Eastport waterfront)
White tablecloths suggest formality, but the bar area maintains a refreshingly casual vibe where locals feel comfortable grabbing a quick crab cake. Regional food writers regularly spotlight this kitchen for their mastery of Maryland staples.
The Eastport waterfront location provides stunning views without the pretension you might expect. Regulars appreciate how the restaurant balances upscale ambitions with neighborhood accessibility.
Professional recognition from publications like Southern Living validates what locals already knew about this kitchen’s crab expertise. Their reputation extends far beyond Annapolis, yet they never forget to serve their immediate community with consistent quality and reasonable prices.
5. Dock Street Bar & Grill (City Dock)
Bold marketing claims can backfire, but Dock Street’s “Home of the Best Crab Cake” tagline reflects genuine confidence in their product. Counter seating puts diners right in the heart of downtown Annapolis action.
Their traditional crab cake dinner represents everything Maryland seafood should be—fresh, flavorful, and prepared with regional pride. The City Dock location means you’re eating where Annapolis history happened.
What locals appreciate most is the restaurant’s commitment to their signature dish. When a place stakes its reputation on crab cakes, you know they’re putting their best effort into every single cake that leaves the kitchen.
6. Wild Country Seafood (behind the Maritime Museum, Eastport)
Working watermen run this authentic market where “locals first” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life. Limited hours and straight-from-the-boat seafood create an experience tourists rarely discover.
Crab cakes appear when they have fresh meat available, making each visit feel like a treasure hunt. This approach prioritizes quality over convenience in ways that chain restaurants never could.
Hidden behind the Maritime Museum, Wild Country represents the real Annapolis that exists beyond the tourist attractions. When watermen trust a place with their own catch, you know you’ve found something genuinely special in the local seafood scene.
7. The Point Crab House & Grill (Arnold, minutes from Annapolis)
Just minutes from Annapolis proper, The Point offers waterfront dining without the downtown crowds. Their relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to snag a crab cake platter at the bar or high-top tables.
Arnold locals treat this spot like their neighborhood secret, though word is slowly spreading about their consistent quality. The waterfront setting provides peaceful views that enhance every meal.
What draws regulars back is the unpretentious approach to good seafood. No need for reservations or formal dress codes—just show up hungry and ready to enjoy Maryland crab cakes prepared the way they should be.
8. Davis’ Pub (Eastport)
Neighborhood hangouts like Davis’ Pub understand that sometimes the best crab cake comes on saltines rather than fancy china. Their down-home Maryland recipe has been satisfying locals for years without any need for reinvention.
Counter-service friendliness defines the experience here, where regulars know they can count on consistent quality. The crab cake sandwich and platter options cater to different appetites and budgets.
Eastport residents appreciate having a place where they can grab excellent crab cakes without any pretense. Davis’ Pub proves that authentic Maryland seafood doesn’t require white tablecloths or waterfront views—just respect for traditional recipes and local community.
9. The Choptank (City Dock)
Ego Alley’s prime real estate could easily support a tourist trap, but The Choptank delivers authentic Chesapeake crab house experience instead. Their menu rightfully highlights both steamed crabs and crab cakes as signature offerings.
Raw bar counter seating provides the perfect vantage point for watching skilled cooks prepare Maryland classics. The location attracts visitors, but the quality keeps locals coming back regularly.
Classic Chesapeake atmosphere permeates every corner of this establishment, from the maritime decor to the expertly prepared seafood. When you want to show someone what a real Maryland crab house looks like, The Choptank delivers on every expectation.
10. Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs (Downtown Annapolis)
Revival stories in the restaurant business often disappoint, but Buddy’s return to the Annapolis scene has pleased locals who remember the original. Their crab cakes appear across service styles, from take-out convenience to family feast packs.
Downtown location makes carry-out particularly handy for locals who want quality crab cakes without dining room formality. The revived local name carries weight with residents who appreciate culinary continuity.
Flexibility in serving options shows understanding of how locals actually want to enjoy crab cakes. Sometimes you need a quick take-out dinner, other times a family celebration—Buddy’s accommodates both scenarios with equal attention to quality.
11. Fifer’s Seafood (Pasadena)
Family-run operations north of Annapolis often get overlooked, but Fifer’s has built a devoted local following through consistent house-made crab cakes. The market-restaurant combination serves multiple needs for busy families.
Grab-and-go convenience appeals to locals who want restaurant-quality crab cakes without restaurant wait times. Their house-made approach ensures freshness that pre-made alternatives can’t match.
Pasadena residents consider Fifer’s their neighborhood gem, worth the drive for Annapolis locals seeking quality outside downtown crowds. Family ownership shows in the personal attention given to every aspect of the seafood preparation and customer service experience.
12. Graul’s Market – Cape St. Claire (Annapolis)
Longtime neighborhood markets rarely achieve recognition on Maryland’s official Crab & Oyster Trail, making Graul’s inclusion particularly meaningful. Their seafood counter maintains house crab cake recipes that extend to catering “crab balls” for special events.
Cape St. Claire residents rely on this market for consistent quality in a convenient neighborhood setting. Being featured on the state tourism trail validates what locals already knew about their crab expertise.
Market-style shopping combined with restaurant-quality preparation creates the best of both worlds for busy families. When your neighborhood grocery store makes crab cakes worthy of state recognition, you know you’ve found something special in the local food scene.
