MARYLAND - There are certain legendary dishes you hear about for years, the kind of food that becomes a destination in itself. For me, the Cream of Crab Soup at the Boatyard Bar & Grill in Annapolis was one of those legends. I had heard whispers from friends and read rave reviews online describing it as arguably the best in Maryland. So, on a beautiful summer day, I decided to find out for myself if a single bowl of soup was truly worth the day trip from Philadelphia.
MARYLAND - There are certain legendary dishes you hear about for years, the kind of food that becomes a destination in itself. For me, the Cream of Crab Soup at the Boatyard Bar & Grill in Annapolis was one of those legends. I had heard whispers from friends and read rave reviews online describing it as arguably the best in Maryland. So, on a beautiful summer day, I decided to find out for myself if a single bowl of soup was truly worth the day trip from Philadelphia.The drive down to Annapolis was easy, and as I crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the anticipation started to build. The Boatyard Bar & Grill is located in the charming maritime community of Eastport, just across the Spa Creek Bridge from downtown Annapolis. The vibe is exactly what you'd hope for: a lively, nautically themed restaurant bustling with sailors, locals, and visitors, all with a relaxed and welcoming energy.
I found a spot at the bar and ordered the main event. When the soup arrived, it immediately looked the part. It was thick, creamy, and had a beautiful color, dusted with a familiar sprinkle of Old Bay. But the first spoonful is what confirmed the legend.
This isn't just a soup; it's a decadent, rich bisque that's absolutely loaded with a generous amount of sweet, jumbo lump crabmeat. Every single spoonful contains substantial pieces of crab. The soup base itself is perfectly balanced—creamy without being overly heavy, with a subtle sherry note and the unmistakable savory kick of good Maryland seafood seasoning. It was, without a doubt, the best and most crab-filled cream of crab soup I have ever had.
Making a Day of It in Annapolis
The soup alone was worth the drive, but the beauty of Annapolis lies in its many attractions. After my incredible lunch, I spent the afternoon:
- Strolling through City Dock, watching the boats, and taking in the historic waterfront.
- Wandering the cobblestone streets of the historic district, browse the unique boutiques and galleries.
- Walking through the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy, a stunning and historic campus right in the heart of the city.
So, is the crab soup at Boatyard Bar & Grill worth a day trip from Philly? Absolutely, one hundred percent. The soup itself is a culinary masterpiece, a perfect representation of Maryland's most famous crustacean. When you combine that with the charm and beauty of Annapolis, it becomes the perfect excuse for a delicious and memorable getaway. That legendary bowl of soup isn't just a meal; it's the delicious centerpiece of an ideal day trip.
