7 of The Best Crab Cakes In Maryland

The Ultimate Maryland Crab Cake Tour: A Guide to the 7 Best Spots

In Maryland, the blue crab is king, and its most glorious coronation is the Maryland crab cake. An actual Maryland crab cake is a thing of beauty: a generous mound of sweet, jumbo lump crab meat, held together with just enough binder to survive the journey from broiler to plate, and seasoned to perfection. Forget the filler-heavy versions found elsewhere; this is a guide to the authentic, must-visit establishments where you can find the absolute best and most iconic crab cakes in the Old Line State.

1. Faidley Seafood (Baltimore)

• The Crab Cake: A world-famous institution located inside Baltimore's historic Lexington Market, Faidley's is a top contender for the city's best crab cake. They are legendary for their massive jumbo lump crab cakes, which are perfectly seasoned, broiled, and served with no-frills perfection.

  
  
  

• The Vibe: This is not a sit-down restaurant, but a popular stand with standing-only tables. Expect a line, but the experience of eating a world-class crab cake amidst the bustling energy of a historic market is quintessentially Baltimore.

• Location: 203 N Paca St, Baltimore, MD 21201

  
  
  

2. Koco's Pub (Baltimore)

• The Crab Cake: Tucked away in the Lauraville neighborhood, the bright yellow building of Koco's Pub houses what many locals consider the pinnacle of crab cake perfection. Their single crab cake is famously enormous—often described as the size of a baseball—and packed with colossal lumps of crab meat and almost no filler.

• The Vibe: A classic, quirky, and beloved neighborhood pub. It's a local haunt where the crab cake is the undisputed star of the menu.

  
  
  

• Location: 4301 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214

3. Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar (Parkville/Cockeysville)

• The Crab Cake: Made famous after being named one of Oprah's Favorite Things, Pappas has built an empire on its crab cakes. They are known for their generous size (8 ounces) and their recipe that uses premium jumbo lump crab meat, resulting in a sweet and succulent cake that is shipped nationwide.

• The Vibe: A family-owned, classic American restaurant and sports bar atmosphere that has been serving the Baltimore area for decades.

• Location (Original): 1725 Taylor Ave, Parkville, MD 21234

4. G&M Restaurant (Linthicum Heights)

• The Crab Cake: Located conveniently near BWI Airport, G&M is another titan in the world of massive, no-filler crab cakes. For decades, travelers and locals have made a pilgrimage here for their famously large crab cakes, which are packed with jumbo lump meat and broiled to a perfect golden brown.

• The Vibe: A bustling, family-style Greek-American restaurant that is constantly packed with diners who come for one primary reason: the legendary crab cakes.

• Location: 804 N Hammonds Ferry Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

5. Jimmy's Famous Seafood (Baltimore)

• The Crab Cake: A Baltimore icon since 1974, Jimmy's Famous Seafood is a powerhouse renowned for shipping its crab cakes nationwide. Their recipe features a rich, buttery flavor and is packed with 99% crab meat. They offer several crabcake varieties, including a gluten-free version.

• The Vibe: A high-energy, popular seafood restaurant and sports bar that is a go-to for locals and a destination for visitors.

• Location: 6526 Holabird Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

6. Boatyard Bar & Grill (Annapolis)

• The Crab Cake: If you're looking for the best crab cake in Maryland's state capital, look no further than the Boatyard Bar & Grill. Located in the maritime community of Eastport, this lively spot is consistently recognized for its award-winning crab cakes. Their 8-ounce cakes are packed with jumbo lump meat and served with a signature sauce.

• The Vibe: A vibrant, nautically-themed restaurant with a fun, casual atmosphere that's always bustling. It's a favorite hangout for sailors and locals alike.

• Location: 400 Fourth St, Annapolis, MD 21403

7. Edgewater Restaurant (Edgewater)

• The Crab Cake: Just south of Annapolis, the Edgewater Restaurant is a local landmark that has been serving classic Maryland fare for generations. At the same time, their menu features steak and seafood, and their traditional, no-nonsense crab cakes are what make them stand out, beloved by a loyal local clientele.

• The Vibe: A classic, family-owned restaurant with a down-to-earth and welcoming atmosphere.

• Location: 148 Mayo Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037

The Maryland crab cake is more than just a dish; it's a cultural icon. From the massive, no-filler masterpieces at Koco's and G&M to the historic market stall at Faidley's and the nationally famous creations from Jimmy's and Pappas, the Old Line State offers a delicious journey for any seafood lover. Exploring these legendary spots is the best way to experience the authentic, unparalleled taste of a true Maryland crab cake.

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