Crisfield Seafood, a beloved Maryland institution, officially closed its doors after nearly 80 years at 8012 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. The restaurant, which had been a cornerstone of the community since 1945, served its last meal on Sunday, December 22nd.
Crisfield Seafood has announced an estate sale to give customers and fans a chance to own a piece of its history. The two-day event, featuring memorabilia, collectibles, and small wares, will take place at the restaurant on January 18th and 19th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In its final days, lines stretched out the door and down the block, as loyal customers gathered for one last taste of iconic dishes like the “Crisfield Special,” a casserole of lump crabmeat in a delicate white sauce.
Renowned for its unchanged menu and old-school charm, Crisfield was a fixture in Maryland’s culinary history. In 2022, it earned recognition as one of WTOP’s ‘Best Seafood’ restaurants, ranked #8. The Washington Post once described it as a place that “deserves to be called a Maryland institution,” serving stuffed shrimp and crab imperial since the days of Harry Truman’s presidency. Over the decades, similar seafood establishments in the area have disappeared, leaving Crisfield as the last of its kind.
Owned by the Landis family since its founding, the restaurant was run by the third generation of descendants, seven cousins who carried on their grandmother Lillian Landis’s legacy. On December 11, the family announced the closure in a heartfelt Facebook post:
“OUR TIME HAS COME! After nearly 80 years, we have decided it is enough. The original Crisfield Seafood Restaurant will close December 22nd. The Landis Family would like to thank all the great people, customers, and teammates that made this a very special place for 8 decades.”
Adding to its storied history, Crisfield’s walls featured a tribute to late singer Jimmy Buffett, a frequent visitor whenever he performed in the area.