Classic Southern Maryland Crabhouses

Is there anything more iconic to Maryland than freshly steamed blue crabs? Whether you are an experienced crab picking local or a visitor looking to try your hand at cracking claws for the first time, finding the right crab house is essential. Southern Maryland has a wide variety of seafood restaurants, but only a certain few actually serve the hard-shell crabs known for their sweet delicate meat. Along with crabs these restaurants sell a wide variety of Chesapeake Bay classics like fresh oysters, crabcakes, steamed shrimp, and more. If you ever find yourself in Southern Maryland, make it a point to visit one of these authentic crab houses. You'll be treated not just to a meal, but to a memorable experience that captures the essence of our region.

Captain Leonard’s

27301 Three Notch Rd
Mechanicsville, MD 20659
Phone: (301) 884-3701
https://captainleonards.com/

Hours: Wed-Sun 12-8pm

Since 1987 Captain Leonard’s has been serving up some of the fattest Maryland blue crabs the state has to offer. The high quality doesn’t end with the hard and soft shells, make sure you try some of the best crab dip that you will ever have either in a bread bowl or as a Crabby Pretzel.

Grinders Seafood

4665 Indian Head Highway
Indian Head, MD 20640
Phone: (301) 743-7344
https://grinders-seafood.business.site/

Hours:
Thu: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri & Sat: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sun: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Get your crabs fresh off the boat! The Grinders crew serves up their catch steamed to perfection with warm melted butter. If you are looking for a great deal check out their all you can eat crabs served with fries and hush puppies.

Captain Pat’s

46555 Dennis Point Way
Drayden, MD 20630
Phone: (301) 994-0000
https://captainpatsdennispoint.com/

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11am -9pm (thru March 1)

The locals have spoken! Captain Pat’s was voted as Drayden’s Neighborhood Fave for 2023. Visit this award-winning restaurant and try it for yourself. While you are enjoying the crabs fresh off Captain Pat’s boat grab a tasty cocktail from the bar and some crab imperial stuffed shrimp.

Drift Inn

41310 Riverview Rd
Mechanicsville, MD 20659
Phone: (240) 249-6007
https://order.toasttab.com/online/driftinncrabhouse

Hours:
Thurs & Fri 4-9pm
Sat 11-9pm
Sun 11-8pm

The Drift Inn is a quintessential Maryland crab house with a beautiful view of the Patuxent River, back now under new management. Order some blue crabs and shrimp from the steamer, but make sure you save enough room for one of their delicious homemade desserts that the locals rave about.

Calvert Crabs

151 Central Square Drive
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Phone: (301) 787-8808
https://calvertcrabs.com/

Hours:
Wed & Thurs: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This veteran owned crab house has build your own steamer pots as well as a wide variety of platters and sandwiches. What sets this restaurant apart from the rest is their weekend brunch where you can find both soft crab and crab cake benedicts.

Captain John’s

16215 Cobb Island Rd
Newburg, MD 20664
Phone: (301) 259-2315
https://www.cjcrab.com/

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

Drive up to this crab house by car or boat, don’t worry they have plenty of parking for both! This restaurant has been family owned and operated for 50 years. Priding themselves on being a true Southern Maryland crab house, Captain John’s provides an authentic experience with a family friendly atmosphere. Enjoy your crabs with a beautiful waterfront view and a bowl of Maryland crab soup or try some fresh local rockfish.

The crab houses in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's Counties serve as vibrant chapters in Southern Maryland’s rich and flavorful narrative. They stand as testaments to the region’s robust culinary heritage, encapsulating the spirit, traditions, and the gastronomic artistry that have been nurtured by the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding waters.

In these crab houses, every crack of the crab shell, every simmering pot of cream of crab soup, and all the laughter shared over a hearty meal weave into the indelible tapestry of experiences, flavors, and memories that continue to draw generations together, and beckon travelers to partake in a timeless, culinary voyage in Southern Maryland.

How to Eat Crabs Like a Marylander

Look for places that sell steamed crabs. Boiling crabs is a sin in the state of Maryland.
Don’t fear the mustard! It’s an organ called the hepatopancreas which is like the crab version of a liver. Think of it like crab foie gras.
Put the mallet down! When it comes to picking crabs, you want to learn the proper techniques so that you can get all that delicious meat. Check out this video from crabber Luke McFadden to learn the best way to pick a blue crab: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GuPfdnmwlmY
Taste the crabmeat before you dip it in anything or sprinkle any seasonings on it. Melted butter, vinegar, Old Bay and J.O. might be on the table, however you should always enjoy that first bite of crab meat as is to fully appreciate its sweetness. If you decide to indulge in the accoutrements later there is no shame in it, but don’t miss out on the flavor of the crab on its own.
Be prepared to get a little messy. Your Sunday best isn’t appropriate crab picking attire, shells might go flying once you get in the zone.
Do not touch your eyes! If you have contacts wash your hands like you are about to perform surgery before you take them out. While most crab seasonings aren’t that spicey you should still follow the same protocols as if you were handling a hot pepper.
If you see a crab with a “rusty” bottom grab it quick! Crabs with bright white bottoms have recently molted and contain less meat. The ones with dingier bottoms are the heavy crabs or fat boys and they contain more meat.
When it comes to figuring out how many crabs to order per person you should start at about 6 crabs a piece if you are planning to order other food/sides. If you are planning on just eating crabs you should order about 8-10 crabs a piece.
Don’t miss out on the other crab dishes! Not to sound like Bubba Gump, but there’s crab cakes, crab balls, cream of crab soup, Maryland crab soup, Half and Half soup (that’s both cream of crab and Maryland crab soups in one bowl), soft shell crabs, deviled crab, crab deviled eggs, crab dip, crab pretzels, crab imperial, crabby fries, crab biscuits, crab alfredo, crab stuffed shrimp, chicken Chesapeake (that one is topped with crab), crab pizza, crab stuffed fish, crab cake eggs benedict …