Maryland’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape, from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains. The state’s restaurants showcase fresh seafood, particularly the famous blue crab, alongside pit beef, farm-to-table cuisine, and influences from various immigrant communities. These ten restaurants represent the authentic flavors that make Maryland a food lover’s paradise, offering dishes that locals have treasured for generations.
1. Koco’s Pub — Baltimore
Family-owned since 1985, this Lauraville neighborhood gem serves what many locals consider the best crab cakes in Baltimore. Unlike tourist traps downtown, Koco’s delivers massive, barely-bound crab cakes packed with sweet, jumbo lump meat and minimal filler.
The cozy, unpretentious atmosphere makes everyone feel at home, whether you’re a regular or first-timer. Their secret recipe remains closely guarded by the Kocoronis family.
Beyond crab cakes, their menu features solid pub fare like wings and burgers, but everyone knows what you’re really there for – that glorious softball-sized mound of Chesapeake gold that needs nothing more than a squeeze of lemon.
2. G&M Restaurant — Linthicum Heights
Ask any Marylander where to find exceptional crab cakes, and G&M will likely top their list. This family restaurant has perfected their recipe over decades, creating a loyal following that extends far beyond state lines.
What makes their crab cakes special? Broiled to perfection with minimal filler, these softball-sized beauties contain nearly a pound of sweet lump crabmeat each. The restaurant ships thousands nationwide, but nothing beats enjoying them fresh in their no-frills dining room.
While seafood dominates the menu, their Greek specialties like spanakopita reflect the owners’ heritage. Save room for homemade desserts that complete the authentic Maryland dining experience.
3. Jimmy’s Famous Seafood — Baltimore
Since 1974, this family-owned institution has been serving up some of Baltimore’s finest seafood. The Minadakis family has created a culinary landmark where generations of Marylanders celebrate special occasions over platters of steamed crabs.
Their seafood platter offers a crash course in Maryland cuisine: crab cakes, steamed shrimp, fried oysters, and clams. The restaurant’s popularity exploded during the pandemic when they launched the Famous Fund, raising over $800,000 to help struggling local restaurants.
Sports memorabilia covers the walls, and you’ll often spot Baltimore athletes dining here. Their crab soup, featuring both Maryland-style tomato and cream bases swirled together, perfectly represents the state’s culinary heritage.
4. Timbuktu Restaurant — Hanover
A landmark on Dorsey Road since 1982, Timbuktu has built its reputation on consistently excellent crab cakes and seafood. The restaurant’s no-nonsense approach focuses on quality ingredients rather than fancy presentation.
Locals know to call ahead for their takeout crab cakes, which fly out the door by the hundreds daily. The recipe remains unchanged for decades: jumbo lump crab, minimal filler, and a secret blend of spices that enhances without overwhelming the delicate meat.
Don’t let the modest strip mall location fool you. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable dining room where families gather for special occasions. Their seafood imperial – featuring crab, shrimp and scallops in a rich cream sauce – offers another authentic taste of Maryland luxury.
5. Box Hill Pizzeria and Crab Cakes — Abingdon
Originally an Italian pizzeria, Box Hill transformed into a Maryland culinary legend when the owners perfected their crab cake recipe. This unassuming spot in Harford County now ships thousands of their famous crab cakes nationwide.
What makes them special? A generations-old recipe featuring sweet, jumbo lump crab meat, minimal binding, and a secret blend of spices. The cakes are broiled, never fried, allowing the natural crab flavor to shine through.
The casual, family-friendly atmosphere draws locals weekly and travelers making special detours off I-95. While pizza remains on the menu as a nod to their roots, everyone knows the real star is those magnificent crab cakes, served with simple sides that never overshadow the main attraction.
6. Chaps Pit Beef — Baltimore
Born in a tiny shack beside a strip club in 1987, Chaps has grown into Baltimore’s definitive pit beef destination. This humble spot gained national fame after appearances on food shows, but locals knew its greatness long before the cameras arrived.
The signature sandwich features thin-sliced, charcoal-grilled top round beef, piled high on a kaiser roll. Add raw onion and horseradish-spiked “tiger sauce” for the authentic experience that captures Baltimore’s working-class roots.
Owner Bob Creager still oversees operations, ensuring quality never suffers despite expansion. The original location’s parking lot fills with everyone from construction workers to businesspeople and tourists, all united by their appreciation for this uniquely Maryland take on barbecue that differs completely from Southern styles.
7. Bird’s Nest BBQ — Bel Air
Hidden in rural Harford County, this family-owned smokehouse brings authentic Maryland-style barbecue to life. Unlike southern barbecue traditions, Maryland’s approach often incorporates unique Chesapeake influences, and Bird’s Nest exemplifies this fusion perfectly.
Their signature dishes include pit beef smoked over local hardwoods, then sliced paper-thin for sandwiches. The outdoor picnic tables under towering oak trees provide the ideal setting for enjoying their smoky ribs with a side of corn pudding.
What truly sets them apart is their crab-seasoned pit turkey – a Maryland innovation that blends barbecue techniques with the state’s signature Old Bay seasoning. Weekend lines form early as locals know that when they sell out, that’s it until the next batch emerges from the smokers.
8. Bayside Bull — Edgewater
Perched along the South River in Anne Arundel County, this waterfront barbecue joint serves up Maryland pit beef alongside Chesapeake seafood specialties. The casual counter-service spot has evolved from a simple carryout to a regional destination.
Their signature “Bull Dog” sandwich combines thinly sliced pit beef and pit ham on a kaiser roll, topped with provolone and tiger sauce – a horseradish-mayo blend that delivers the perfect kick. During summer months, their steamed blue crabs dusted with Old Bay draw crowds to the outdoor picnic tables.
Family-owned for over three decades, Bayside Bull represents Maryland’s unique food culture where land meets sea. Their crab cake-stuffed pit beef sandwich might sound like culinary madness, but it perfectly encapsulates the state’s diverse food traditions in a single, delicious package.
9. Maryland Mallet Restaurant & Smokehouse Pub – Westminster
Named for the wooden tool used to crack steamed crabs, this Carroll County gem blends Maryland traditions with modern culinary techniques. The historic building’s exposed brick walls and warm lighting create the perfect backdrop for their locally-sourced menu.
Their “Chesapeake Mac” exemplifies Maryland fusion cuisine – creamy macaroni and cheese loaded with lump crab meat and Old Bay seasoning. The smokehouse side of the operation produces exceptional pit beef, sliced to order and served simply on a kaiser roll with horseradish.
Family recipes influence many dishes, including their cream of crab soup that has won regional competitions. The restaurant sources ingredients from nearby farms and Chesapeake watermen, creating a menu that tells the story of Maryland’s agricultural and maritime heritage through thoughtfully prepared comfort food.
10. Schultz’s Crab House – Essex
Operating since 1950, this family-owned crab house represents old-school Baltimore at its finest. The nautical-themed dining room, with its paper-covered tables and wooden mallets at each place setting, transports diners to a simpler time in Maryland’s culinary history.
Steamed crabs are the star attraction – heavy, jumbo specimens dusted with their signature spice blend. Regulars know to request the mustard (the yellow “fat” inside the crab) be left intact for the full Chesapeake experience.
Beyond crabs, their crab soup merges the best of Maryland’s two competing styles – tomato-based from the Eastern Shore and cream-based from Baltimore – into one harmonious bowl. The restaurant’s longevity speaks to their commitment to tradition in a changing culinary landscape, preserving authentic Maryland flavors for generations to come.
Leave a comment