Annapolis Seafood Restaurants: Where Flavor Pairs With Local Catches

With a coastal location on Chesapeake Bay, fresh seafood is easy to find in Annapolis, Maryland. While the state is best known for blue crabs, area chefs prepare other tasty entrees – and land lovers have options as well. To learn more, read about these Annapolis seafood restaurants and what to order.

Annapolis Seafood Restaurants: Where to Eat Local

Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs

Family-owned and operated Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs has been a local favorite for more than 30 years. Guests not only come here for seafood but also views of Annapolis Harbor.

Buddy’s serves lunch and dinner most days, and extends hours for Sunday breakfast. Start with some Old Bay fried pickles or crab dip. Then select salads, tacos, soups, sandwiches and pasta dishes. House entrees include baby back ribs, crab cakes, coconut shrimp, crab mac and cheese, and cod and chips. Visitors can also add something fresh from the steamer such as mussels, oysters and crawfish.

Boatyard Bar and Grill

Local sailors and fishermen love Boatyard Bar and Grill. Its laid-back vibe draws them to the bar, while crab cakes have garnered attention from celebrities. The restaurant has also earned honors from Coastal Living magazine and Travel Channel.

Come here for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The menu features oyster shooters, soups, salads and sandwiches. A few must-trys are the crab cake sandwich, flounder BLT, fish tacos, the crab cake dinner and regatta nachos. In addition, Boatyard has raw bar and pizza options.

Carrol’s Creek Café

Carrol’s Creek Café ranks among the best Annapolis seafood restaurants for its food and rich history. This spot honors Annapolis’s traditional heritage while offering a selection of fresh options.

Appetizers include scallops, calamari, baked oysters and shrimp cocktail. For the main course, try an entrée salad, lump crab cakes, jumbo shrimp and shrimp salad sandwich. Those looking for land options will find steak, chicken and vegan options. Carrol’s Creek Café is also certified as a nut-free restaurant in Annapolis.

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls has several locations throughout the U.S. The Annapolis location sits right on Main Street in downtown, making lobster easy to eat throughout the day.

Mason’s serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. The main star here is famous Maine lobster. However, visitors can also try the clam chowder, shrimp salad and shrimp roll. For the signature dish, order The Bar Harbor, classic lobster roll or lobster BLT roll.

McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar

McGarvey’s has been a local icon and top Annapolis seafood restaurant since the 1970s, and offers a casual vibe paired with historic charm.

Open for lunch until late-night, McGarvey’s Saloon is great for a daytime meal or celebration with friends. On the appetizer menu, guests will find bacon-wrapped scallops, crab balls and mega nachos. Then select from soups, salads, the raw bar, pasta dishes and handhelds. Specialties include fish of the day, crab cakes, stuffed shrimp, and shrimp and grits.

Harry Browne’s

For an upscale evening of fine dining, come to Harry Browne’s. This restaurant is best known for its classy atmosphere and wine list.

Serving lunch and dinner, Harry Browne’s has a selection of seafood with a twist. To start the meal, order steamed mussels or house crab dip. Then choose from salads, sandwiches and artisan pizzas. Those who want Harry’s signature dishes will find New England sole, double crab cakes, lobster ravioli and shrimp. In addition, the menu offers pork chops, veal, chicken and filet mignon.

O’Leary’s Seafood Restaurant

O’Leary’s Seafood Restaurant is located in downtown and ranks among the best Annapolis seafood restaurants for dinner. Guests also enjoy celebrating special events and occasions.

Kick off the meal with buffalo oysters, ahi tartare or oysters on the half shell. The main menu has house crab cakes, scallops, halibut, rockfish and whole sea bass. In addition, visitors enjoy king salmon, steak, seafood stew and whole Maine lobster. O’Leary’s also has an extensive wine list.

Cantler’s Riverside Inn

The Cantler family – who owns Cantler’s Riverside Inn – has been in the Maryland seafood industry for five generations. Today, the legacy continues with fresh seafood served with local flair.

Cantler’s Riverside Inn opens for lunch and dinner every day. Appetizers include rockfish bites, smoked fish plate and clam strips. Visitors can then try salads, sandwiches, hard-shell crabs, fresh catches, pizza and pasta. For the ultimate seafood dinner, order a Captain Lou’s with crab and rockfish or Jimmy’s with steamed mussels.

Federal House Bar and Grille

Known for a fun-loving atmosphere and great food, Federal House Bar and Grille is a top spot for casual meals and live music.

Start with house crab dip or fried calamari. The main lunch and dinner menu features soups, salads, and vegetarian options. For fresh seafood, order the crab cake dinner, fish tacos or house sandwiches. Favorites include boom-boom shrimp, crabby patty and salmon BLT. Visitors will also find plenty of burgers.

After reading about these seafood restaurants, find fun things to do in Annapolis.