Maryland, with its rich maritime heritage and the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay, is known for its crabcakes… but it’s also a true haven for oyster lovers. From raw bars overflowing with briny delights to inventive culinary creations, we recently has our favorite oyster dish after two years of trying spots across the state.
Whether you’re a purist who prefers them on the half-shell or someone who enjoys them fried, roasted, or Rockefeller-style, you’re sure to find oysters you love here in Maryland. while we enjoyed the grilled oysters that Grilled Oyster Co. in Gaithersburg is named for, our favorite oyster dish in the entire state (out of what we’ve tried) is their $26 ‘Oysters & Caviar’ appetizer. Our very own Mr. MoCo referred to the dish as “probably the best oyster dish I’ve had in Maryland.”
Consisting of a half dozen shucked boutique oysters, creme fraiche & caviar, the combination of flavors had us savoring every bite. Though the price tag was a little hefty due to the addition of caviar, it was the perfect way to get a meal started at the restaurant and left us wanting more. Below, we go over a few additional spots to enjoy across the state, most of which have great (and more traditional) variations.
Baltimore:
• Thames Street Oyster House (Fells Point): A perennial favorite, Thames Street Oyster House offers a classic oyster bar experience with a spectacular à la carte raw bar. Known for its fresh, clean shucks and an impressive variety of oysters from across North America, it’s a must-visit for serious oyster connoisseurs. Their menu also features traditional Mid-Atlantic and New England seafood dishes.
• True Chesapeake Oyster Co. (Whitehall Mill): This unique spot is the restaurant arm of an actual oyster farm in Southern Maryland. True Chesapeake is dedicated to serving the freshest oysters directly from their own aquaculture operation. Expect a seasonal menu that highlights their oysters raw, roasted, and in creative signature dishes like French Onion Oysters. They champion sustainability and locally sourced ingredients.
• Dylan’s Oyster Cellar (Hampden): A charming and beloved spot, Dylan’s Oyster Cellar has garnered a loyal following for its thoughtfully curated selection of oysters and a casual, welcoming atmosphere. They often feature buck-a-shuck specials during happy hour, making it an accessible option for enjoying quality oysters.
• Mama’s On the Half Shell (Canton): A long-standing Baltimore classic, Mama’s is a lively corner bar in Canton that consistently draws crowds for its wide variety of oysters served every which way, from raw to fried. It’s a quintessential Baltimore seafood experience.
• The Urban Oyster: Known for its innovative approach to oysters, The Urban Oyster offers fan-favorite chargrilled oysters with unique flavor variations like barbecue-bacon-cheddar and teriyaki. They often operate as a pop-up and can be found at the Baltimore Farmers Market.
Annapolis:
• Sailor Oyster Bar: This Annapolis gem is highly regarded for its well-prepared, fresh seafood and creative menu. Their servers are known for setting the stage for an enjoyable oyster experience.
• Middleton’s Tavern: Situated in the heart of historic Downtown Annapolis, Middleton’s has a rich history and is well-known for its oysters, which can be enjoyed on the half-shell, steamed, or as an appetizer.
• O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern: This establishment has partnered with the Oyster Recovery Partnership, meaning that enjoying their oysters contributes to the repopulation of the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster environment through shell recycling.
Beyond the Cities:
• Harris Crab House (Grasonville): While renowned for crabs, Harris Crab House also provides a variety of oyster options, including steamed, raw, fried, stuffed, or in a sandwich. They source their oysters from Harris Seafood Co., the last commercial oyster house in Maryland.
• McFaul’s Oyster and Reel (Essex): Reviews frequently mention McFaul’s for its outstanding oyster po’boy sliders, featuring large, perfectly fried oysters and a unique marmalade spread. It’s lauded as a great spot for good seafood and drinks with a water view.
The Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail:
For those looking to make a culinary adventure out of their oyster pursuit, Maryland offers a “Crab & Oyster Trail.” This trail guides visitors to restaurants, seafood markets, tours, and events across different regions, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the state’s seafood culture. Whether you’re exploring the bustling city scene or venturing to the serene shores of the Bay, Maryland’s oyster spots promise a delicious and authentic taste of the Chesapeake. So, pull up a chair, order a dozen (or two!), and savor the unique flavor of Maryland’s finest bivalves.
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