Where to find crab cakes on Baltimore’s waterfront
You might have heard- crabs are kind of a big deal here in Baltimore. From picking crabs to crab-dip pretzels, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy them here in Charm City, and one of the most tried and true is the crab cake sandwich. And where better to enjoy this local delicacy than on the waterfront, where you can overlook the harbor and look out for local aquatic wildlife here in the city?
Whether you have family visiting from out of town or you’re looking for a new favorite spot, the search for the best crab cake in Baltimore is a popular one.
Here’s our rundown of some of our favorite places to find crab cakes on the waterfront, neighborhood by neighborhood!
Fells Point
Riptide
Right in the heart of Fells Point’s lively main drag, Riptide is an excellent choice for a night out on the town. The restaurant’s outdoor seating offers a view of all the sights and sounds of Fells Point, while indoors is just as lively and upbeat. Riptide also hosts tons of events, from DJ nights to food specials, and there is always something going on.
Their menu offers a variety of crab cakes for every meal. Try the Crab Cake Benedict at brunch or a crab cake salad at dinner! You can also find Maryland bar food favorites here, like crab pretzels and crab tots.
Trip Planning: Riptide is right in the middle of all the bars and restaurants in Fells Point, so there are plenty of places to go before and after! If you go for brunch on the weekend, be sure to walk over to Broadway Square for the farmers market and other Fells Point Main St events.
Also check out:
Thames St Oyster House is famous for their cast iron skillet, a standout item on a menu full of vibrant seafood dishes. For a more casual outing, enjoy crab cakes alongside local craft beer at Duda’s Tavern.
A stroll through Fells Point’s many bars and restaurants will yield plenty of delicious crab cake menu items. Make it a summer project to try them all! For more restaurant spotlights in the neighborhood, follow Fells Point Main Street on Instagram.
Inner Harbor
Rusty Scupper
It’s hard to beat the waterfront views offered by this iconic restaurant & bar. Rusty Scupper has been a fixture on Baltimore’s waterfront for 30 years, serving locally beloved seafood dishes alongside staple offerings like steak and burgers.
Of course, their crabcakes are a standout on their menu- try the crab cake sandwich at lunch or opt for the jumbo lump crab cake at dinner.
Trip planning: The restaurant is located close to landmarks such as the Maryland Science Center, Rash Field, and the American Visionary Arts Museum. It’s a great spot to visit after a day of exploring or when friends visit from out of town. There’s also a Baltimore Water Taxi stop conveniently located by the restaurant, so you can easily cross the harbor to visit Harbor East or Fells Point after you dine!
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If you’re out and about on the promenade, stop by Good Food outside of Harborplace for a single crab cake or sandwich and enjoy the outdoor seating right above the promenade. If you have a larger group or are celebrating an event, check out Phillips Seafood, another Baltimore staple for crabs and crab cakes with a crab deck that juts right out onto the harbor.
Harbor East
Loch Bar
If you’re spending time in Harbor East, Loch Bar is must. The restaurant and bar is part of the Four Seasons Hotel, and is located right along the waterfront promenade. Enjoy a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere inside or take in waterfront views at the outdoor bar. It’s just steps away from The Deck, a favorite for harbor views and photographs!
Loch Bar is known for their seafood offerings, including a raw bar and shellfish towers. And of course, their beloved Maryland crab cakes! These delicious crab cakes make the perfect entree to enjoy while listening to live music (offered 7 days a week) and enjoying a signature cocktail or spirit from their extensive whiskey list.
Trip Planning: Loch Bar is located right off the main street in Harbor East for high end stores and other attractions. It’s the perfect place to enjoy dinner after spending your day shopping in the area, or to have lunch before taking in a movie at the newly renovated Harbor East Cinemas.
Harbor Point
Cindy Lou’s Fish House
As you might expect from the name, this restaurant is a haven for seafood lovers. It’s located in Harbor Point’s Canopy by Hilton hotel and run by Tony Foreman and Chef Cindy Wolf, who are known across the city for their restaurants. Cindy Lou’s brings Southern style cooking to the waterfront, and its indoor fireplaces, wraparound bar, and gorgeous patio have made it a favorite of both locals and tourists alike.
Their jumbo lump crabcakes are available on the lunch, dinner, and brunch menus, so you can enjoy delicious crab whenever you visit. Their crabcakes pair wonderfully with drinks from their extensive wine and cocktail list and are best followed by a decadent dessert!
Trip Planning: Cindy Lou’s is located right off the stretch of waterfront promenade in Harbor Point, which makes for an iconic walking path to take in harbor views before or after your meal. Follow this promenade for a short walk to Fells Point after dinner to explore the nightlife!
