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Best Crab Cakes in Baltimore: 6 Delicious Spots

January 5, 2023 by Molly Beauchemin 40 Comments

You can’t visit Baltimore without trying some succulent Maryland blue crab– the prized local ingredient that makes Baltimore’s crab cakes so delicious and renown. Crab is so popular here that it’s no surprise the world’s favorite crab seasoning– Old Bay— was actually invented in Baltimore.

Baltimore, moreover, is known for its crab cakes, and there are a number of intriguing places to eat them here. Each of the restaurants on this list use recipes that have their own flavor, nuance, and style.

Some people swear by no-frills takeout counters like Faidley’s, while others prefer the charming dining experience at sea-to-fork establishments like Gertrude’s.

Either way, no matter what kind of crab cakes you’re looking for in Baltimore, the ones below will not disappoint. The seasonings and presentation might differ, but the fresh local crab at the core of each recipe offers an indelibly authentic taste of Maryland.

For the quintessential Baltimore crab cake experience, try more than one crab cake. (Everyone puts their own spin on it.) Then, decide for yourself which one you like best. 

Also: Crab is a rich source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which helps quell inflammation and improve mood. (We don’t often get to talk about this in our foodie travel guides, but crab is a much more nutritious superfood than many people give it credit for. Not that you should consider crab cakes a “health” food… but still. It’s good to know while traveling because omega-3’s can also fight fatigue.)

Below, we spotlight the best places to try authentic Baltimore crab cakes in the city. Enjoy!  

***

 

Image: Faidley’s Seafood

Faidley’s Seafood (Best Crab Cakes in Baltimore)

Faidley’s Seafood is an iconic walk-up restaurant inside Lexington Market (more on that, below) that has been serving softball-sized crab cakes since 1886. This veteran seafood joint is not fancy, but the make what is easily the best crab cake in Baltimore– and Maryland itself.

Their award-winning jumbo lump crab cakes average about 6.5 ounces of crab. At under $18 each, they’re also the bet in Baltimore in terms of value. (This is a great price for a fresh, local, handmade Maryland crab cake.)

Eat a classic crab cake and coleslaw at one of the red standup counters, or order a crab cake sandwich and a side of Faidley’s own macaroni and cheese to-go. This is a great place to order for a picnic at Canton Waterfront Park. Be sure to call ahead, otherwise expect to wait in line.

Also, a PSA for history buffs: Lexington Market is the oldest continually-running public market in America. The space opened in 1782, and is now home to a handful of other famous Baltimore eateries, including Connie’s Chicken and Waffles. (<—That’s worth trying for lunch another day.)

 

Image via Facebook/ Jimmy’s Famous Seafood

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood (Try the “Crabby Waffle”)

 Jimmy’s Famous Seafood is another classic Baltimore crab institution. These crab cakes are so, so good. Delightfully crispy on the outside, without too much batter, they are in such high demand that the company now ships them nationwide.

Jimmy’s award-winning “masterpiece” Baltimore crab cakes are excellent, as are the steamed crab (a must for fresh crab lovers). They also serve some of the best gluten-free crab cakes in Baltimore.

Comfort food lovers should be sure to try the new “Crabby Waffle”— a spin of the classic fried chicken and waffles combo. Instead of fried chicken, the waffles are sandwiched around a fresh crab cake and bacon, and served with herbed country hash browns.

It’s so rich it’s practically sinful– and it’ll keep you full and happy all day. (You haven’t had brunch in Baltimore until you’ve gotten a load of this.)

 

Image: Pappas Seafood

Pappas Seafood Co. (Oprah-Approved)

Pappas Seafood Co makes crab cakes adored by everyone from Oprah Winfrey (who started her career in Baltimore) to celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez. This small, family-owned seafood market has been serving some of Baltimore’s best crab cakes for over 40 years!

The “colossal” Maryland crab meat that goes into Pappa’s 6-ounce crab cakes– always fresh, never frozen– yields a succulent, browned butter taste. This is a good crab cake for people who like their crab cakes more dense and chunky. (As opposed to a loose, more creamy configuration.)

If you want to try more local delicacies, order the delicious Baltimore “coddies.” The decadent “padded” oysters and the gluten-free imperial crab are also great. It’s all good.

 

Image via Facebook/ Costas Inn

Costas Inn (Local Favorite)

Costas Inn is a longtime popular crab cake house that’s a staple among locals. There are people who have been dining here for 20+ years! What keeps them coming back is the excellently-seasoned signature 5-ounce Baltimore crab cake– and the friendly service.

Like many of the eateries on this list, Costas Inn is not fancy. Nevertheless, the flavors deliver above and beyond the ambiance. Crab cakes are often eaten in refined settings, but in Baltimore, they’re basically comfort food. Here, crab dishes are made with the same down-home zealousness as BBQ or Southern cuisine. Costas is a prime example. 

Today, the restaurant specializes in 5-ounce jump lump crab cakes that have been featured on the Today Show and other syndicated spots like Michael Symon’s show, Burgers, Brew, & Que.

Personally, I also love their creamy crab soup. It’s part of why USA Today calls Costas the Best Seafood Restaurant in Baltimore. (The prices here are great, too.) 

 

Image via Facebook/ Koco’s Pub

Koco’s Pub (Baltimore’s Largest Crab Cake)

Koco’s Pub is a popular neighborhood pub that, in addition to the largest crab cakes in Baltimore, serves satisfying burgers, wings, and beer. It’s not fancy, but the food is homey. It’s a real comfort food kinda place. 

Order the ginormous 11-ounce crab cake for the quintessential Koco’s experience. With its generous hit of Old Bay seasoning and super creamy interior, it’s one of Baltimore’s most memorable– and most filling– crab cakes. And the french fries that come with it are fabulous! Ultimately, the flavors here are old-fashioned, in a good way. It’s a true diner-style experience. 

Pair it with Marcella’s Margarita or a local craft beer and you’re well on your way to a perfect meal. This also might be the only crab cake that you could conceivably share with a friend. (Not that you’d want to.) 

Also: like many of the restaurants on this list, Koco’s also ships their crab cakes nationally.

 

best crab cakes baltimore
Generous portions and reasonable prices make G&M restaurant a popular crab cake destination for those on a budget. || Image: G&M Restaurant & Lounge

G&M Restaurant (Super Reasonable Prices)

G&M Restaurant & Lounge is a fast-casual surf and turf restaurant that grew out of what was once a neighborhood pizza shop. Since opening in Baltimore in 1947, it has evolved over the years into a two-tier family dining restaurant. Today, it’s a whole enterprise.

The restaurant appeals to a wide audience, as they serve some of the best and most affordable crab cakes in Maryland. They’re known for their large 8-oz crab cakes and popular crab cake sandwich, as well as their sampler-size mini crab cake balls. 

No matter what size or preparation of crab cake you are looking for in Baltimore, G&M Restaurant likely has it. They even have crab cakes stuffed with shrimp! (Those are real people-pleasers.)

Due to popular demand, they also ship their crab cakes overnight to all 50 states. They also sell moderately-priced crab cake tubs popular holiday party platters. Have your crab cake and eat it, too– no matter where you live.  

 

~ Honorable Mention ~

best-crab-cakes-baltimore-maryland
Timbuktu Restaurant’s ribs-and-crab-cake combo is a highly original take on classic surf n’ turf. || Image: Timbuktu Restaurant

Timbuktu (Crab Cake + Ribs Combo)

Located right next door to Baltimore in Hanover, Maryland, Timbuktu is another family-owned favorite for massive Baltimore-style crab cakes. While not technically in Baltimore, this no-frills restaurant is close, and their reputation proceeds them. 

The restaurant serves a famous ribs-and-crab-cake combo that locals love– many Baltimore folks make the pilgrimage out specifically to order it. In addition to their “colossal” crab cakes, Timbuktu also offers an array of rich alternative crab-centric seafood options, like stuffed soft shell crab (surprisingly hard to find elsewhere!), creamy crab dip, and massive broiled seafood platters. 

Cocktail lovers should try the epic-looking “Ultimate Bloody Mary”. It’s adorned with bacon, fried shrimp, and jumbo lump crab meat in addition to celery. It’s worth it for the picture, alone! 

 

Image via Facebook/ Gertrude’s

Gertrude’s (Upscale, Seasonal Dining)

Gertrude’s is a lovely, artisanal-seasonal restaurant located inside the Baltimore Museum of Art. They’ve got a sensational local menu that focuses on regional Chesapeake cuisine, and a surprisingly amount of variety within that specific niche.

Try their seafood salad with lump crap meat and avocado for a lighter crab option. Otherwise, stick with the classic Crab Cake order: the small-but-mighty Boardwalk Crab cake, which will have you licking the plate.

Not only does Gertrude’s serve some of the best crab cakes in Baltimore, but they even have vegetarian crab cakes. Their “Zuchettes” ‘crab’ cakes are made with zucchini instead of crab. It’s a nice veggie alternative to the traditional, served with roasted potatoes and garlic sesame spinach. (For what its worth, their Tilghman Island Eggs Benedict with fried oysters– a weekend brunch staple– is also incredible.)

The main dining room overlooks the sculpture garden featuring works by Alexander Calder, Auguste Rodin, and Isamu Noguchi. In addition to the lovely views, the restaurant was on the vanguard of the first-wave farm-to-table movement in the U.S.. It maintains strong connections with local Maryland farms and fisheries to this day. As a result, the seafood is as fresh as fresh can get.

Come for the crab cakes, stay for the crab cakes– and everything else on this thoughtful, uniquely Baltimore menu. Yum!

***

Related: A Beautiful Baltimore Travel Guide: 15 Cool Things to Do in Charm City.

Want more niche eats in the Mid-Atlantic? Find out where to get the Best Cakes in D.C., or the Best Fried Chicken in Asheville, North Carolina.

Filed Under: Travel Well Tagged With: american cities, restaurants

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Diana says

    August 21, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    Koko’s is the joint for crab cakes. They never disappoint!

    Reply
    • Nikki says

      July 25, 2021 at 11:40 am

      #FACTS!! Koco’s has the BEST crab cake in the Baltimore area.

      Reply
  2. B says

    August 22, 2020 at 1:00 pm

    I’m not sure if I can accept the validity of this list if it doesn’t include G&M Restaurant.

    Reply
    • Molly Beauchemin says

      September 3, 2020 at 5:56 pm

      Ha, touché. G&M Restaurant narrowly missed the cut here… We may consider it in our quarterly update or if we ever expand this guide, but there have been some reports that they use imported crab meat to achieve that big size. Will investigate further, though.

      Reply
      • La Rhetta says

        November 17, 2020 at 2:48 am

        I recently had one…I see why it missed the list.

        Reply
      • Eric Parker says

        July 28, 2021 at 12:35 am

        So while technically not in Baltimore, I feel the best crab cake in Maryland.. hmm, scratch that, the best crab cake period is at a place called Boxhill Pizzeria. It’s by far the best crab cake you’ll EVER eat. While it’s a bit of a trip, located in Harford county, just north east of Baltimore city, it’s definitely worth the trip. If that’s not enough, it’s probably one of the more affordable places too between what’s listed above. This comes with a bit of a warning though.. It’ll ruin what you think is a good crab cake & yes, it’s THAT good.

        Reply
        • John says

          January 7, 2022 at 5:29 pm

          I’ve been eating their crabcake for over 30 years and you’re right,great cake ,it’s origin goes back to The Red Fox in BelAir 70,,’s

          Reply
        • George R. says

          January 11, 2022 at 3:50 pm

          I live in Bel Air, Md & tried them often…too much filler for me. You can open the cake and see balls of filling. Look next time you go…great cheese steaks & fish subs though.

          Reply
  3. Pam Fahnestock says

    September 21, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    By The Docks on Eastern Ave. Delightful crab cakes. They were huge. Great service too.

    Reply
    • Big Larry says

      July 29, 2022 at 7:35 pm

      One of my favorite restaurants 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

      Reply
  4. Nila says

    October 5, 2020 at 6:44 pm

    G &M is my favorite! Should have been number .one!!!

    Reply
    • Nettie says

      August 4, 2021 at 11:02 pm

      I’m from New Jersey and every time I’m in the area visiting family I go to G&M . Love their crab cakes .

      Reply
  5. Dave says

    November 28, 2020 at 11:23 am

    We had Thanksgiving crab cakes from G and M via FedEx!

    Reply
    • Molly Beauchemin says

      November 30, 2020 at 11:57 am

      Amazing! What a cool idea 🙂

      Reply
  6. William Pinkine says

    December 26, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    Love G&M, but Crackpot in Towson has largest crab cake in Maryland @ 22 oz.! List should also include Oceanaire Seafood Room in Harbor East & Romano’s in Glen Burnie, and I would add Pusser’s in Annapolis as a honorable mention. I’ve never been to Rusty Scupper or Nick’s, but I’ve heard great things about both for many years.

    Reply
    • Dee Ervin says

      February 19, 2021 at 2:26 pm

      I agree I love romano’s crab cakes 8 oz (1/2pound) of yummy.

      Reply
    • Carolyn Goodman says

      June 28, 2021 at 9:43 am

      Pappas & g&m the best in town!!!

      Reply
    • Gee says

      December 22, 2021 at 4:34 pm

      Romano’s does have good crab cakes

      Reply
      • Mark S Church says

        January 13, 2022 at 9:04 pm

        Stuffed Orange Roughy is to die for. Love any of their food with Crab in it or on it!

        Reply
    • Maria says

      January 14, 2022 at 12:00 pm

      Nicks was the best last summer 2021. I refused to keep spending top dollar for filling. cause. Crab meat was so expensive I was disappointed so many times I turned to salmon and fish and chips. Lol

      Reply
    • Sandy Thornton says

      January 26, 2022 at 8:58 pm

      Yes, Romano in Glen Burnie has excellent crab cakes. I have be going there for at least 35 years.

      Reply
  7. Danielle says

    January 8, 2021 at 4:46 pm

    Casa Mia’s in Hereford definitely needs it be added to this list. They are outstanding!!!

    Reply
    • Petros says

      March 8, 2021 at 9:56 am

      Yes they are good call. I believe they are the same recipe as Pappas. After all the daughter does own it from the Pappas. Love both restaurants and great families. Support local for sure.

      Reply
  8. Melanie says

    May 2, 2021 at 4:44 pm

    Hey everyone. Yes Pappas crab cakes are so good. They are a good size. Have to try them

    Melanie

    Reply
  9. RL says

    September 6, 2021 at 1:12 pm

    Westminster….Rock Salt has a very delicious crabcake !

    Reply
  10. Chris says

    January 10, 2022 at 3:56 pm

    Crackpot in Towson! Best crab cake and it happens to be gluten free. Great drink prices

    Reply
  11. Eric says

    January 16, 2022 at 1:50 am

    Papa’s Papa’s Papa’s Papa’s Papa’s Papa’s and Papa’s!!!!!!

    Reply
  12. Steve says

    January 17, 2022 at 9:37 am

    Best crab cakes in baltimore……
    Easy. My mom’s where amazing. Beyond excellent.
    It’s always fun to go out and I’ve been to many of those mentioned.
    Mom’s is best. 😍

    Reply
  13. SHANNON CARROLL says

    January 18, 2022 at 7:19 am

    I’m from Pennsylvania and I went to Baltimore for a little getaway. I had crab cakes from Mo’s they were so delicious 😋, no filler all lump crabmeat and huge really worth the money. Can’t wait to go back .

    Reply
  14. Florence says

    January 23, 2022 at 11:53 am

    Nick, Timbuktu, G and M, mo’s Faidley in Lexington Market, my favs

    Reply
  15. Jack Hyatt says

    January 25, 2022 at 6:25 am

    Pappas & G & M! I have been regularly eating MD Crab Cakes for over 75 years.

    Reply
  16. W Brown says

    January 29, 2022 at 7:28 pm

    I favor Koco’s and Pappa’s crab cakes. They are well seasoned and have all crabmeat!!
    I will try others from the list.

    Reply
  17. D. L. Smith. says

    January 30, 2022 at 7:25 pm

    G&M. Yes!!!! I am from Baltimore. I live in Little Rock Arkansas. When I got off the plane. First place I went to was G& M. Sooooo good it was worth every dollar. I love my Baltimore crab cakes.

    Reply
  18. J Hess says

    February 2, 2022 at 6:55 pm

    My family flies in from . Fla and goes straight to G&M

    Reply
  19. Dana says

    February 4, 2022 at 10:37 pm

    I think you forgot about Dock of the Bay in Bowleys Quarters,MD, specifically but Middle River generally

    Reply
    • Molly Beauchemin says

      February 7, 2022 at 10:36 am

      Both great picks! We didn’t extend our purview to Baltimore County, as many of our readers ask where they can get good crabcakes in the heart of Baltimore. If we ever expand the list, we will definitely keep these in mind! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Ken says

    February 14, 2022 at 4:52 pm

    The BEST Crabcakes in Maryland is The Pit Stop Pub in Pasadena. Come to AA County and give it a try, you will not be disappointed!!

    Reply
  21. Allen Norris says

    March 3, 2022 at 6:56 am

    For me, I would have to say G&M .

    Reply
  22. Charles says

    April 10, 2022 at 11:29 pm

    Mo’s crab cake is very good as well …right downtown too ..

    Reply
  23. Cheryl White says

    January 12, 2023 at 4:14 pm

    Friendly Farms in Upperco has fantastic crabcakes as well.

    Reply

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