Your Guide to the Best Seafood in Baltimore

When you visit Baltimore, it’s basically expected that you’ll go for a crab cake or two. And while there are loads of places to enjoy the fruits of the Chesapeake, there are several standout restaurants that serve the best seafood in Baltimore. (For more of our Howard County recommendations, download our free area vacation guide!)

We’re highlighting several of the Harbor’s best seafood spots so you can be sure to hit a winner no matter which you go to…

Thames Street Oyster House

Set in the heart of historic Fells Point, this classic oyster house serves traditional and modern Maryland, Mid-Atlantic, and New England seafood with a spectacular à la carte raw bar. The main bar room is warm and inviting, the back courtyard beckons in warm weather, and the upstairs water-view dining is unparalleled.

And of course, you can enjoy Local Happy Hour in the bar Monday through Friday.

The Thames Street Oyster House’s raw bar features at least ten different kinds of oysters daily from the East and West coasts and beyond. Executive Chef Eric Houseknecht creates impeccable authentic and inspired dishes featuring only the finest quality seafood available.

Reservations are highly encouraged.

Faidley Seafood

Founded in 1886, Faidley Seafood is one of the oldest and best-known seafood providers in the Chesapeake region. Today, it’s owned and operated by Bill and Nancy Devine, descendants of founder John W. Faidley, Sr. Faidley’s is headquartered on its original location in the World Famous Lexington Market in Baltimore.

Faidley’s award-winning lump crab cakes are a local favorite—and they now ship around the country next-day to serve patrons near and far.

Mama’s on the Half Shell

Mama’s on the Half Shell opened in 2003 as the dream project of native Baltimoreans. This authentic local restaurant’s menu keeps bringing people back to the inviting restaurant. The owners recommend starting your classic Baltimore meal with a fried crab cake with mustard and their famous Orange Crush.

Mama’s is a welcoming, everybody-knows-your-name kind of establishment with true Baltimore fare and flair.

Bertha’s

For over 40 years, Bertha’s has offered its customers outstanding crab cakes and their unique presentation of the house specialty, mussels.

Recognized for their slogan “Eat Bertha’s Mussels”, this Fells Point restaurant is another local staple. In fact, Bertha’s was the first sit-down dining room in modern Fell’s Point.

The owners recommend taking a pleasant trip on the Water taxi to Fell’s Point then following that with a bowl of mussels and a pint of Bertha’s Best Bitter. Reservations are accepted.

 

Whichever restaurant you choose from this eclectic list, you can be sure to enjoy your meal. Our free Howard County vacation guide can help you plan your next Baltimore trip. We hope you’ll stay with us in nearby Ellicott City, which has an incredible historic charm all its own!