These NoVA Crabcakes Are Worth the Hype

Take a bite out of these eight crabcakes from Northern Virginia restaurants.

By Dawn Klavon • Posted May 27, 2025 at 9:05 a.m.

Courtesy King Street Oyster Bar

For those of us who crave glorious crabcakes — golden crispy on the outside, sweet, flaky lump meat on the inside — look no further. Northern Virginia is a prime spot for “crab-solutely” delicious, Old Bay–dusted goodness. Check out these destinations the next time you’re feeling crabby.

Vola’s Dockside Grill

Located right on the Alexandria waterfront, Vola’s serves up a picturesque plate: jumbo lump blue crab cakes with zesty jalapeño tartar sauce, Creole coleslaw, and Old Bay fries. The sandwich version is equally inviting. 101 N. Union St., Alexandria

Frye’s Famous Crab Cake

Frye’s lets the crabcake do the talking. The Ashburn location offers limited seating, but the Manassas shop is takeout only. No frills — just flavorful, perfectly seared cakes that live up to the “famous” name. Frye’s ships nationwide too. 7541 Presidential Ln., Manassas; 44650 Waxpool Rd., Ste. 100, Ashburn

Captain Pells Fairfax Crab House

A local staple for crustacean lovers, Captain Pells brings a casual seafood shack vibe with generous portions and consistently crowd-pleasing crabcakes. The family-friendly spot offers savory crabcake sandwiches and combo meals. 10195 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax

King Street Oyster Bar

King Street Oyster Bar crabcakes pack a wallop. Made with fresh jumbo lump crabmeat, the cakes strike the perfect balance between a golden-brown crunchy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Accompanied by fries and creamy coleslaw, it serves up next level coastal flare in every bite. 12 S. King St., Leesburg; 1 E. Washington St., Middleburg

Mike’s American

We’re fans of Mike’s crabcakes — sautéed to perfection and paired with crisp fries, coleslaw, and a creamy remoulade. It’s classic, satisfying, and everything you need to feed your shellfish cravings. 6210 Backlick Rd., Springfield

Ocean Paradise Restaurant & Bar

Indulge in a more elegant spin on the classic crabcake, with a thoughtfully plated presentation and upscale flavors. The jumbo lump crabcake is lightly seared to a golden crust and served with herbed parsley potatoes and a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables. It’s perfect for a relaxed but elevated date night. 3903-I Fair Ridge Dr., Fairfax

Hank’s Oyster Bar

A go-to for seafood lovers in Old Town, Hank’s crabcakes deliver on flavor and freshness. Grab a seat on the patio and dive into one of the area’s most beloved shellfish bites, either in sandwich form or the tempting crabcake dinner. 818 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria

Ford’s Fish Shack

With three NoVA locations, Ford’s ups the indulgence by pairing its standout crabcake with filet mignon. Served with crispy thin fries, coleslaw, and tangy remoulade, it’s surf and turf done right. Or, devour a crabcake sandwich for a tasty, more casual treat. Multiple area locations

Feature image courtesy King Street Oyster Bar

Dawn Klavon

Contributing Writer

Dawn Klavon is a seasoned writer and reporter with more than 20 years of experience in print and broadcast journalism. She contributes to a wide range of publications, including Northern Virginia Magazine, PEOPLE, Virginia Living, Bethesda Magazine, Arlington Magazine, and several military-focused outlets. Earlier in her career, she reported for multiple San Francisco Bay Area television stations, including KLXV, KKPX, and KFCB. She holds an MLA from Harvard University and a BS from Boston University.