Young Local Seafood Spots- Baltimore/Annapolis/Kent Island (Severn, Grasonville: house, neighborhood)

[thisiscool01]

Hey so I'm going to be visiting Maryland and I'm looking for some places to try some genuine crab! I want a relaxed environment preferably by water with LOCALS. Everywhere online just keeps mentioning overpriced touristy spots, and I'd like to see where locals ACTUALLY go.

Thanks!

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by thisiscool01

going to be visiting Maryland and I'm looking for some places to try some genuine crab!

When?

The BEST place to eat steamed hard shells is in someone's backyard.
Picnic table, hot summer evening, plenty of cheap beer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYAzlMbN4BA

[thisiscool01]

Near the end of March. Yeah that does sound awesome, but I don't know anyone there so have to settle

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by thisiscool01

Near the end of March.

March? Get some R'sters!
Belly up to a raw bar like Cross Street Market or Annapolis

[Calvert Hall '62]

Originally Posted by thisiscool01

Hey so I'm going to be visiting Maryland and I'm looking for some places to try some genuine crab! I want a relaxed environment preferably by water with LOCALS. Everywhere online just keeps mentioning overpriced touristy spots, and I'd like to see where locals ACTUALLY go.

Thanks!

What are "young" local seafood stops?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by thisiscool01

Hey so I'm going to be visiting Maryland and I'm looking for some places to try some genuine crab! I want a relaxed environment preferably by water with LOCALS. Everywhere online just keeps mentioning overpriced touristy spots, and I'd like to see where locals ACTUALLY go.

You might enjoy the Harris Crab House in Grasonville, Kent Island. However, local crabs are not in season in March. They should have oysters, and they do have Louisiana crabs. I would telephone them before going there, to see what's available and their hours. It will still be "off-season". Web site here: Harris Crab House and Seafood Restaurant | Menu

I have also enjoyed Hemingways right off the bridge on Kent Island, but it is bit more touristy.

[B.K.]

Sorry, but as noted blue crab season doesn't really get started until mid-summer. There are places that serve crabs year 'round, but they will always be brought in from warmer climes, generally the Gulf of Mexico. Likewise for soft crabs, their season is summer only, and any off-season will be frozen. Actually, the best time for local crabs is generally early fall-September/October, when the crabs are fattening themselves up for a long winter's nap. Even during the season, fewer and fewer places actually have local crabs, as demand always outstrips supply. Local Chesapeake crabs are far and away the best, when you find them. They have a flavor and richness, particularly in the mustard, that can't be matched.
Locals do still go out to restaurants for crabs during the season, and crab feasts put on by social clubs, neighborhood groups, family gatherings and corporate outings/employee parties are anticipated summer staples. But many prefer to buy them to go, either live or steamed, and enjoy them at home. The only accompaniment is cold beer.
You will be here during oyster season, and some years the local oysters are as good as any you will find anywhere. They do vary in flavor and quality annually, tho,. Ashamed to say I haven't tried any yet this year, and I love them-raw, spritz of lemon, maybe a little horseradish or mignonette sauce. Beer or champagne. Clams are another good option, always available, and most of them served on the East Coast (even in New England) come from Chesapeake Bay. Also, don't miss the favorite game fish of the Bay, Striped Bass, locally known as Rockfish. Delicious in any preparation.

[pokeable]

Thames Street in Fells Point has a good selection of East, West Coast oysters. Just had brunch there: 2 VA, 2 MD, 2 RI, Connecticut, 2 MA types. Or you can hit the buck a shuck stand in between Slainte and Coopers (fresh Maryland oysters).

In Annapolis, Factors Row and McGarveys are good oyster places. For crabs, Severn Inn. As noted above, crabs are out of season so you will be eating Southern crabs.

[B.K.]

Another option is Ryleigh's Oyster on Cross St which has a daily oyster happy hour. East Coast varieties are a buck each, sometimes the ones from the West are more. They usually have a rotating menu of a dozen or more types during the season, along with reduced beer prices during happy hour. Good quality, fresh, never had a bad one there.

[P47P47]

Anne Arundel Seafood

Corner of Mountain Rd. and Solley Rd.