Travel Itinerary
Tucked away in the charming waterfront town of St. Michaels sits a legendary seafood spot that has Maryland crab lovers making pilgrimages from every corner of the state.
The Crab Claw restaurant has earned such a devoted following that families regularly drive hours just to crack shells on their famous waterfront deck.
What makes this Eastern Shore gem so special that people plan entire day trips around a single meal? The answer lies in everything from their massive steamed crabs to their unbeatable water views.
1. Famous Steamed Blue Crabs Served By The Dozen
Nothing beats the sight of a brown paper-covered table piled high with bright red Maryland blue crabs. The Crab Claw serves these local treasures steamed to perfection with their signature blend of Old Bay and secret spices.
Each crab arrives hot and ready for serious shell-cracking action. Families gather around tables armed with mallets and knives, creating memories while working for every sweet morsel of meat.
The restaurant goes through hundreds of pounds of crabs daily during peak season, proving their reputation reaches far beyond St. Michaels.
2. Waterfront Deck Dining With Miles Bay Views
Picture yourself cracking crabs while sailboats drift past your table and osprey dive for fish in the sparkling water. The Crab Claw’s massive outdoor deck offers some of the best waterfront dining views on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Gentle breezes keep diners comfortable even on hot summer days. The deck stretches right over the water, making you feel like you’re dining aboard a luxury yacht.
Sunset dinners here become Instagram-worthy moments that guests remember long after their last bite of crab cake.
3. Award Winning Crab Cakes Made Fresh Daily
Forget everything you think you know about crab cakes until you taste these golden beauties. The Crab Claw’s version contains huge chunks of jumbo lump crabmeat held together with just enough binding to keep things interesting.
Each cake gets pan-fried to create a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky crab inside. Local food critics have raved about these cakes for decades.
Smart diners often order extras to take home, though most disappear before the drive back begins.
4. Historic Location Dating Back To 1965
Long before St. Michaels became a trendy weekend destination, The Crab Claw was already serving locals and visitors authentic Chesapeake Bay cuisine. The restaurant opened in 1965 and has remained family-owned ever since.
Original nautical decorations still hang on the walls, creating an authentic waterman’s atmosphere. Generations of Maryland families have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and summer vacations at these same tables.
The building itself reflects classic Eastern Shore architecture with weathered wood and maritime charm throughout.
5. All You Can Eat Crab Feast Specials
Serious crab enthusiasts mark their calendars for The Crab Claw’s legendary all-you-can-eat specials. These events turn dinner into a competitive sport where families see who can crack the most shells.
Servers keep bringing fresh batches of hot steamed crabs until even the hungriest guests wave the white napkin. The restaurant provides bibs, mallets, and plenty of cold beer to wash everything down.
Reservations fill up weeks in advance, especially during summer months when Maryland crabs reach their peak size and flavor.
6. Fresh Local Seafood Caught Daily
The menu changes based on what local watermen bring to the dock each morning. Rockfish, flounder, oysters, and soft shell crabs all make appearances depending on the season and daily catch.
This commitment to freshness means diners taste the true flavors of the Chesapeake Bay. The kitchen staff has built relationships with local fishermen spanning multiple generations.
Knowledgeable servers can tell you exactly where your seafood was caught and how it was prepared, creating a true farm-to-table experience on the water.
7. Family Friendly Atmosphere With Kids Menu
Parents love bringing children here because the casual, messy nature of crab eating makes everyone feel relaxed. Kids get excited about using mallets and picks while learning to extract crabmeat like pros.
The restaurant provides high chairs, booster seats, and plenty of wet wipes for little hands. A special kids menu offers chicken tenders and other favorites for less adventurous eaters.
Multi-generational dining happens naturally here, with grandparents teaching grandkids the art of proper crab-cracking technique while sharing family stories.
8. Easy Drive From Baltimore And Washington DC
The scenic hour-and-a-half drive from Baltimore or Washington DC makes reaching The Crab Claw feel like a mini vacation. Route 50 takes you through charming Eastern Shore towns and farmland.
Many visitors combine their restaurant trip with exploring St. Michaels’ shops, museums, and historic sites. The town offers plenty of parking and walkable attractions within blocks of the restaurant.
Weekend warriors often make this their go-to summer destination, creating traditions that span decades of family road trips and crab feasts.