Maryland, a state synonymous with the magnificent blue crab, there are two sacred culinary traditions: the steamed crab feast and a perfect bowl of crab soup. While the vegetable-heavy Maryland Crab Soup has its loyal fans, it is the rich, decadent, and luxurious Cream of Crab Soup (often called crab bisque) that is the ultimate comfort food. This creamy, sherry-laced soup, packed with sweet lump crab meat, is a staple on menus across the state.
Maryland's Cream of the Crop: A Guide to the State's Best Crab Bisque
For those on a quest to find the absolute best, here is a guide to some of the most acclaimed and beloved spots.
1. Woody's Crab House (North East, MD)
- The Bisque: At the very top of the Chesapeake Bay in the quaint town of North East, Woody's Crab House is a legendary destination, and their Crab Bisque is a major reason why. Consistently praised in online reviews as "the best ever," this bisque is renowned for being rich, creamy, and absolutely loaded with huge chunks of lump crab meat. It's a local favorite that visitors will drive hours to enjoy.
- The Vibe: A classic, family-friendly seafood house with a casual, welcoming atmosphere. They have been voted "Best Seafood" for over 20 years.
2. The Narrows Restaurant (Grasonville, MD)
- The Bisque: Located on the Eastern Shore with beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay, The Narrows is a fine-dining institution. Their Cream of Maryland Crab Soup is an elegant, silky-smooth version made from a decades-old recipe. It's decadently rich and features generous amounts of fresh blue crab meat, making it a luxurious and unforgettable bowl.
- The Vibe: An upscale yet comfortable restaurant built in an old oyster shucking house, perfect for a special occasion dinner.
3. Boatyard Bar & Grill (Annapolis, MD)
The Bisque: An Annapolis icon, the Boatyard Bar & Grill is famous for its award-winning crab cakes, but their Cream of Crab Soup is equally celebrated. It's a classic, flavorful version that is a favorite among locals, sailors, and visitors to the state's capital. The Vibe: A lively, bustling, and nautically-themed restaurant with a fun, casual atmosphere and a great bar scene.
4. Mike's Restaurant and Crabhouse (Riva, MD)
- The Bisque: A massive and hugely popular waterfront destination, Mike's in Riva (just outside Annapolis) is a go-to for all things crab. Their Cream of Crab Soup is a beloved classic, known for being creamy, well-seasoned, and full of crab meat.
- The Vibe: A high-energy, family-friendly crab house with extensive indoor and outdoor seating right on the South River.
5. Chesapeake Landing Restaurant (St. Michaels, MD)
The Bisque: In the charming and historic town of St. Michaels, Chesapeake Landing has earned a reputation for having one of the best cream of crab soups on the Eastern Shore. Reviewers consistently rave that it is "loaded with lumps" of fresh crab meat. The Vibe: A classic, family-style seafood restaurant with a focus on traditional, high-quality Eastern Shore cooking.
The quest for the perfect Cream of Crab Soup is a delicious journey through the heart of Maryland's culinary heritage. From the legendary, crab-packed bisque at Woody's Crab House to the refined elegance of The Narrows, these top-tier establishments showcase the rich, comforting, and unforgettable flavor of this quintessential Old Line State delicacy.
