Eastern Shore Getaways: The allure of a slower pace calls. Discover the mystique of small Maryland and Virginia towns and find places where you can relax and unwind. This is where you’ll find superb seafood, adventurous shopping, and dozens of ways to connect with the region’s pristine natural beauty on land and water.
Why do crabs on the Eastern Shore just taste better than other places? It’s the mouthwatering Chesapeake Bay blue crab. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of no-frills crab shacks to eat them at. We narrowed it down for you:
Harris Crab House and Seafood Restaurant
This year-round waterfront spot has been serving up steamed blue crabs and other fresh seafood (including snow crabs, and an oyster buffet on select nights) for more than 75 years. Its seasoning is a family recipe. For dessert, try the housemade Nutty Buddies. 433 Kent Narrow Way N., Grasonville
Fisherman’s Crab Deck
Docking is free if you’re traveling by boat to this family-run restaurant. Relax on the deck under a colorful umbrella with crabs by the dozen or a steam pot and a specialty adult beverage or beer. 3032 Kent Narrow Way S., Grasonville
Ocean Odyssey Crab House and Beer Garden
The Todd family, well known in crabbing circles, owns this joint. A bevy of local beers accompanies the usual suspects as well as appetizers like crab dip and poutine topped with your choice of seafood. Just don’t fill up before trying The Bay on a Bun, a sandwich featuring “Chesapeake Bay blue catfish, soft crab & oysters in fried glorious form with mixed greens tomatillo & marie rose sauces.” 316 Sunburst Hwy., Cambridge
Suicide Bridge Restaurant
This is where you go when you want a long, leisurely meal of local crustaceans covered in J.O. seasoning or the catch of the day. Dining with someone who doesn’t eat seafood? This scenic spot with an unfortunate name specializes in hand-cut steaks as well. For dessert, the housemade chocolate eclair is a must. It’s $12, but you won’t regret a penny of it. 6304 Suicide Bridge Rd., Hurlock
The Red Roost Crabhouse & Restaurant
Arrive hungry to this all-you-can-eat favorite that has barbecue in addition to fried and steamed seafood, hushpuppies, fried chicken, and more. Take the shuttle to the dock bar and enjoy the sunsets over the Wicomico River. 2670 Clara Rd., Quantico
Regional Refreshers
Put aside your usual drink and order a classic Maryland cocktail.
Maryland Bloody Mary
Add Old Bay seasoning to a classic bloody and you have the Maryland spin. Several Eastern Shore haunts lean into the drink — check out The Original Crabcake Factory in Ocean City for an option that’s more a meal than a beverage. (The Quadruple Threat is 32 ounces with crab meat, a shrimp skewer, bacon, and a soft-shell crab on top.) More understated options can be found across the region too, like a maple bacon bloody with brunch at The Galley Restaurant & Bar in St. Michaels.
Orange Crush
Vodka, triple sec, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and Sprite: These are the ingredients for Maryland’s signature summer drink. The Orange Crush is said to have originated in 1995 at Ocean City’s Harborside Bar and Grill, a waterfront spot that swears by Smirnoff Orange vodka and Florida oranges. Since then, bars and restaurants across Delmarva have added it to their menus.
Colleen Kelleher contributed to this story
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Feature image by Colleen Kelleher
This story originally ran in our May issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
