Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay is legendary for its blue crabs, a culinary treasure that transforms into unforgettable feasts all across the state.
As a proud Maryland native, I’ve spent countless summers gathered around newspaper-covered tables, cracking shells, dusting everything with Old Bay, and savoring that sweet crab meat that tastes like home.
The tradition isn’t just about the food—it’s about the laughter, the mess, and the memories made along the way. From no-frills waterfront shacks where the breeze drifts off the Bay to bustling historic markets filled with local charm, these seven crab havens deliver both spectacular seafood and warm, welcoming hospitality.
1. Phillips Crab House – Ocean City
My grandpa first took me to Phillips when I was knee-high to a crab pot, and I’ve been hooked ever since! This Ocean City landmark has been serving spectacular seafood since 1956, when Brice and Shirley Phillips turned their small carryout into a coastal empire…