Maryland’s crab cake reputation continues to shine on the national stage, and Chowhound’s new list of the “Best Crab Cakes in the United States” is the latest confirmation. The roundup highlights standout spots across the country, and six Maryland restaurants earned a place among the elite, reaffirming the state’s status as the unofficial crab cake capital of America.
The list arrives just as our very own Mr. MoCo recently shared his picks for top crab cakes in both Montgomery County and the entire state of Maryland. His local favorite is O’Donnell’s Market in Potomac, a longtime staple known for its jumbo lump-packed cakes. His statewide pick, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore, also drew national praise, ranking number one in the country according to Food & Wine.
Now, Chowhound’s national list adds even more Maryland representation with six restaurants recognized for their overall excellence, consistency, and dedication to high-quality crab:
Koco’s Pub (Baltimore): A beloved neighborhood hangout in Lauraville, Koco’s Pub has gained national attention for its enormous, tightly packed crab cakes that are famously free of filler. Diners consistently rave about the sweetness of the meat and the perfect balance of seasoning. Koco’s remains a pilgrimage spot for crab cake lovers both locally and across the country.
Faidley’s Seafood (Baltimore): Operating inside the historic Lexington Market, Faidley’s is one of Maryland’s most iconic crab cake destinations. Its award-winning jumbo lump cakes are hand-formed and lightly seasoned, allowing the natural flavor of the crab to shine. The recipe dates back generations, and its reputation continues to draw visitors from all over the world.
G&M Restaurant (Linthicum Heights): Known for its massive portion sizes, G&M’s crab cakes are often described as some of the biggest and most satisfying in the state. Their buttery, broiled signature cakes consistently attract travelers passing through BWI and Marylanders willing to drive long distances for a taste.
Pappas Restaurant (Multiple Maryland Locations): With locations in Parkville, Cockeysville, Glen Burnie, and more, Pappas has grown into one of Maryland’s most recognized crab cake institutions. The family recipe, dating back to 1972, features a careful blend of jumbo lump crab, light breading, and a subtle seasoning mix. Pappas ships nationwide and frequently appears in best-of lists.
Boatyard Bar & Grill (Annapolis): Located in Eastport, the Boatyard is known for its “All Killer, No Filler” crab cakes that attract locals, boaters, tourists, and even celebrities. Their hand-picked jumbo lump crab cakes are broiled to a golden finish and often praised for their texture and freshness. It’s a staple stop for anyone exploring Maryland’s capital city.
Box Hill Pizzeria (Abingdon): Though best known as a pizza shop, Box Hill has earned a cult following for its perfectly broiled crab cakes that ship nationwide. Their commitment to using high-quality crab meat and a reliable, family-tested recipe has made Box Hill a surprising but well-deserved entry on many national lists.
Chowhound detailed its methodology for selecting the top crab cakes in the country. Their team searched for restaurants receiving consistent praise from local and national publications, combined with strong recent reviews from real diners across Reddit and social media. They also looked for spots accumulating awards and recognition within the last year.
According to Chowhound, special attention went to restaurants using high-quality crab, especially sweet, meaty lump crab. Balance of flavor, texture, and portion size were major factors as well, rewarding restaurants that continue to impress critics, casual diners, and self-declared crab cake fanatics alike.
With multiple Maryland restaurants making the cut—and some already earning top accolades from other national outlets—it’s clear that few places do crab cakes better than the Old Line State. And with local favorites like O’Donnell’s Market and Jimmy’s Famous Seafood continuing to set the bar, Maryland remains firmly at the center of America’s crab cake conversation.
