My Favorite Spots to Get Crabs Near Annapolis, MD

When you think about the state of Maryland, do you think of Old Bay seasoning? If that is right, what goes with Old Bay? Crabs- Blue Crabs, to be exact. Maryland Blue crabs a delicious depth of flavor because they hibernate all winter, which allows them to build up a special fat reserve called “mustard”, giving the crabs a delicious and unique flavor that you won’t find anywhere else.

During the summer in DC, we always like to spend the day in Annapolis and grab some crabs while we are there. It is so nice to eat seafood right on the water, and below are my favorite spots to get crabs.

Cantler’s Riverside Inn: Cantler’s has been around since 1974 and has been serving up seafood, riverside, in a fun and casual atmosphere. Cantler’s has indoor and outdoor seating options, with the outdoor option (my preferred location) being on a covered deck overlooking the water. I love ordering a cold orange crush cocktail, some large or medium sized crabs, peel and eat shrimp, corn, hush puppies with honey butter) and sweet potato fries. Be prepared to smell like Old Bay for the foreseeable future.

Mike’s Crab House: Mike’s is located on a bay with stunning water views and has been around since 1958. Compared to Cantler’s it feels a bit more upscale (like you couldn’t pull up with a sunburn, ripped shorts and a tank top). They have a similar menu to Cantler’s, with the addition of a salad bar and a few more entree options. I would recommend ordering crabs, hush puppies, onion rings and some peel and eat shrimp or shrimp cocktail.