Food and Drink Catch of the Day With its rich Chesapeake Bay heritage, prominent waterways and rivers, and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no wonder Maryland offers some of the best seafood experiences around. Whether you’re craving a classic crab feast, seeking the freshest catch or want to slurp oysters, these beloved spots — many of which are on the Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail — are must-visits. Just remember: These delicacies are seasonal, with crab season running from April to mid-December and oysters peaking October to late March, so don’t miss out. Right on the waterfront of the Magothy River, The Point Crab House & Grill in Arnold delivers a picture-perfect setting for a meal of cooked-to-order Chesapeake Bay crabs, two kinds of crab soup or crab cakes. Cumberland ’s Crabby Pig is a locally owned and loved hot spot dishing up fresh blue crabs, fried oysters and steamed clams alongside hand-pulled barbecued pork and tender ribs — the perfect opportunity for a quintessentially Maryland version of surf and turf. Annapolis is home to Jimmy Cantler’s Riverside Inn , a long-standing institution among locals and visitors. This restaurant on Mill Creek is known for its hard-shell crab and sustainable sourcing practices, with watermen pulling right up to the dock to unload their catches in season. The menu at Ketch 22 in North Beach celebrates the state’s coastal bounty through farm-fresh ingredients and a focus on Chesapeake Bay sourcing. This family-run treasure serves up tasty dishes like baked lump crab dip, hand-battered rockfish bites, fresh salads and crab soup. Look for the True Blue symbol at establishments to be sure you’re enjoying tender, authentic Maryland crab meat. On the Eastern Shore, Chester River Seafood in Rock Hall is a no-frills market that sells live and steamed crabs by the dozen, half bushel or bushel. Pick some up along with dips, desserts and other items for an unbeatable takeaway spread. Left to right: AdobeStock/Brian Yarvin; Visit Annapolis Jimmy Cantler’s Riverside Inn VISITMARYLAND.ORG 21
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2026 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 21
