If you’re chasing a true Maryland-style crab cake—big lumps of sweet blue crab, barely held together, kissed with Old Bay—this list is for you. We ranked ten of the most beloved crab cakes across the state using a blend of diner sentiment on review sites and credible editorial roundups.
Note: Menus and sourcing can change with the season. Many top restaurants source Maryland crab in-season and supplement with out-of-state or Gulf crab out-of-season, a reality echoed by local food writers and reviewers. Still, the Maryland style—jumbo lump meat, minimal binder, well-balanced Old Bay—reigns at these favorites.
What Makes a Great Maryland Crab Cake?
- Jumbo lump meat: large, pearly chunks with delicate sweetness.
- Minimal filler: just enough binder to hold a generous mound together.
- Old Bay present but not overpowering.
- Broiled or seared to a light crust so the interior stays plush and crab-forward.
Below, you’ll find our ranked top 10—covering Baltimore classics and broader Maryland mainstays.
1) Faidley’s Seafood (Baltimore, Lexington Market)
A pilgrimage-worthy institution since 1886, Faidley’s helped define the archetypal Baltimore crab cake: jumbo lump-forward, softball-sized, and built more like a “stack of sweet crab bound by a whisper” than a patty. It’s no-frills, stand-up-at-the-high-tops dining in the historic Lexington Market—and that’s part of the magic.
- Why it’s great: Heritage, consistency, jumbo-lump texture, market vibe.
- Reviewer quote: “There is something about the experience of eating a crab cake at Faidley’s in Lexington Market that always edges it out for me.” Tasting Table
2) Koco’s Pub (Baltimore, Lauraville)
Koco’s is a humble neighborhood landmark that turned its 11-ounce “no-filler” legend into national mail-order fame. Expect a mound that’s all texture and sweetness, barely held together, with seasoning calibrated to amplify—not mask—the crab.
- Why it’s great: Massive size (regular and “junior”), minimal binder, local’s gem.
- Reviewer quote: “Baseball sized crabcakes.” Tripadvisor
Pro tip: Koco’s rooms can get packed—book ahead or opt for carryout. They ship nationwide, too.
3) G&M Restaurant & Lounge (Linthicum Heights)
Once a pizza joint (1970s), G&M pivoted to crab cakes in the 90s and turned into a statewide standard-bearer. Their 8-ounce cakes are classic Maryland-style—simple, clean, and crab-first. Reasonable prices compared to downtown Baltimore, and they ship nationwide overnight.
- Why it’s great: Value, consistency, legendary reputation statewide.
- Reviewer quote: “Best crab cakes!” Tripadvisor
Local angle: Its BWI-area location makes it perfect for a pre- or post-flight feast.
4) Jimmy’s Famous Seafood (Baltimore)
Jimmy’s is a celebrity in its own right—featured on national food TV and loved by locals. The crab cakes are softball-sized, bound by a light, buttery mix and seasoned to accent the jumbo lump. Gluten-free options available, and nationwide shipping is popular.
- Why it’s great: Iconic, TV-famous, generous portions, gluten-free availability.
- Reviewer quote: “The crab cake is the size of a softball… just a whisper of filling mixed and poured over lump crab meat.” Tasting Table
Ordering hack: Reserve early for weekends. If it’s a celebratory meal, add a broiled crab cake to surf-and-turf.
5) Pappas Restaurant & Sports Bar (Multiple MD locations)
Oprah’s favorite for a reason: Pappas keeps the binder light and the crab fresh, with multiple sizes to fit your appetite. A Maryland mainstay that regularly tops local polls, it’s also a go-to for mail-order crab cake gifts.
- Why it’s great: Fresh (never frozen) crab, sizes from 4 to 10 oz, a local poll darling.
- Reviewer quote: “Pappas routinely wins accolades in local polls as one of the best places to get a crab cake in Maryland.” Tasting Table
Gluten-free diners: Ask for their GF crab cake option.
6) Thames Street Oyster House (Baltimore, Fells Point)
Waterfront views, a refined dining room, and a crab cake that respects tradition while elevating presentation. Often seared and served in a cast-iron skillet, the flavors are clean and crab-dominant with thoughtful accoutrements.
- Why it’s great: Upscale experience, skillful sear, careful seasoning.
- Reviewer quote: “The crab cakes are precisely as they should be: simple and bursting with crab.” Tasting Table
Reservation tip: Book early—this one’s popular with both locals and visitors.
7) Nick’s Fish House (Baltimore Peninsula)
A deck over the water, orange crushes, live music, and a hulking crab cake that hits all the Maryland notes. Nick’s doesn’t hide seasonal sourcing shifts, and their cakes stay focused on jumbo lump sweetness and Old Bay balance.
- Why it’s great: Waterfront vibes, well-seasoned cakes, honest sourcing notes.
- Reviewer quote: “The deck overlooking the water is the cherry on top of this huge crabcake.” Tasting Table
Good to know: Their cakes are dine-in or takeout for locals—no nationwide shipping.
8) L.P. Steamers (Baltimore, Locust Point)
Rooftop, paper-topped tables, and the classic South Baltimore vibe—L.P. Steamers is famous for steamed crabs, but the crab cake is a sleeper hit: minimal filler, correct Old Bay, and an honest Baltimore style.
- Why it’s great: Neighborhood charm, traditional prep, reliable crab-forward taste.
- Reviewer quote: “Prepared simply and deliciously with minimal binder and the correct amount of Old Bay.” Tasting Table
Heads up: No reservations, and the rooftop crowds up in summer—go early.
9) The Rusty Scupper (Baltimore, Inner Harbor)
If you want a scenic view with your crab cake, Rusty Scupper delivers with a three-level harbor overlook. The cake itself is crab-forward with a subtle mustard lift, sometimes paired with a beurre blanc that complements without overshadowing.
- Why it’s great: Harbor views, upscale service, mustard-accented flavor profile.
- Reviewer quote: “It’s chock full of juicy, sweet crab meat and has an unexpected mustard kick that doesn’t overshadow the crab.” Tasting Table
Pro move: Add a crab cake to a steak as a build-your-own surf-and-turf.
10) Costas Inn (Dundalk)
Family-owned and always busy, Costas is famous for steamed crabs and stalwart crab cakes (5- and 8-ounce). They’re upfront about sourcing outside the state in off-season—without sacrificing Maryland style. Expect no-frills comfort with fair prices.
- Why it’s great: Honest sourcing, classic style, strong value.
- Reviewer quote: “These dishes aren’t fancy… the crab cake’s status as Baltimore comfort food [shines].” Tasting Table
Pro tip: A great detour if you’re crab-feasting outside the Beltway.
Tips for Ordering Like a Local
- Size matters: 8–11 ounces is common at elite spots. If you’re sampling multiple places, consider “junior” sizes or share plates.
- Ask about sourcing: In-season, many places use Chesapeake crab; off-season, out-of-state is common—but style and technique are the real differentiators.
- Choose broiled over fried: If you want to experience texture and sweetness of jumbo lump, broiled or seared is the classic path.
- Sauce on the side: A great Maryland crab cake doesn’t need it; tartar or remoulade should be an accent.
- Book ahead: The most popular places fill up on weekends. For Koco’s, Thames Street Oyster House, Jimmy’s, and Rusty Scupper, reservations are your friend.
The Bottom Line
Maryland’s best crab cakes are less about bells and whistles and more about honoring the crab. From the stand-up counters at Faidley’s to the white tablecloths at Thames Street, the common thread is jumbo lump meat, a barely-there binder, and Old Bay in balance. Whether you ship them across the country (G&M, Koco’s, Jimmy’s) or make the pilgrimage to a busy Baltimore dining room, these ten standouts will show you why “Maryland-style” means something special.
A seasoned Marylander, . I return every year for my crab fix. This time G & M was my place to go. We got there right from the plane at BWI. Their crab stuffed mushrooms are incredible and of course their crabcakes never fail to please. I’ll be ordering for overnight shipping to Colorado as well.
You forgot Garlic Sensation. It’s a food truck in Southern MD and they have the best!
I’ve tried them all & Koco’s is still my favorite.