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In the beginning, there was crab: crab cakes, crab soup, whole crabs to crack. These days, most likely because of overfishing and habitat changes, crabs from the Bay are pretty scarce. Maryland's favorite crustacean is still found in abundance on menus, but most arrive from out of state. In addition, Annapolis has broadened its
In the beginning, there was crab: crab cakes, crab soup, whole crabs to crack. These days, most likely because of overfishing and habitat changes, crabs from the Bay are pretty scarce. Maryland's favorite crustacean is still found in abundance on menus, but most arrive
In the beginning, there was crab: crab cakes, crab soup, whole crabs to crack. These days, most likely because of overfi
In the beginning, there was crab: crab cakes, crab soup, whole crabs to crack. These days, most likely because of overfishing and habitat changes, crabs from the Bay are pretty scarce. Maryland's favorite crustacean is still found in abundance on menus, but most arrive from out of state. In addition, Annapolis has broadened its horizons to include eateries—many in the historic district—that offer many sorts of cuisines. Dinner reservations in Annapolis are recommended throughout summer and at times of Naval Academy events.
Jimmy Cantler, a native Marylander who worked as a waterman on Chesapeake Bay, founded this local institution 40 years ago. The no-nonsense interior has nautical items laminated beneath tabletops, and steamed mussels, clams, and shrimp as well as a tomato-based Maryland crab soup, seafood sandwiches, crab cakes, and much more. Water-view outdoor dining is available seasonally, and boat owners can tie up at the dock; there's limited free parking during the busy summer season so be prepared to wait.
458 Forest Beach Rd., Annapolis, Maryland, 21409-5910, USA
Step inside this Irish pub, and you'll be welcomed like a member of the family. As would be expected, the corned beef and cabbage and other traditional Irish menu items (along with classic Annapolis bar food like crab and oysters) are fantastic. The bread pudding served with vanilla custard is a great way to end your meal. On Sunday, brunch is served from 10 to 1:30—the homemade corned-beef hash is simply divine—and live Irish music is performed 4–8.
There's often a line of hungry diners waiting for a table at this comfort-food haven located on the city dock, where the portions are generous, and the service is first-rate. You can enjoy breakfast all day—Benedicts and omelets are top sellers, as are the chicken and waffles and the shrimp and grits. If you've saved room for dessert, try the homemade peanut butter cup or the "shortcake" made with a Belgian waffle and topped with ice cream, strawberries, and whipped cream.
This might be the only local Italian restaurant that doesn't offer pizza or spaghetti. Instead, Osteria serves seafood from all over the world, meat, and pasta made on the premises. Northern Italian owner and chef Arturo Ottaviano offers authentic regional cuisine like grilled branzino filleted table-side and beef tenderloin with a cognac-and-green-peppercorn sauce.
In what was once a hardware store, this casual eatery has one interior wall of exposed brick and another of exposed plaster; both are used to hang art for sale by local artists. Daily specials are chalked on a blackboard and include a large cheese-and-pâté plate, flatbread pizzas, deli sandwiches, espresso, waffles, soups, and salads.
You can walk, catch a water taxi from City Dock, or drive over the Spa Creek drawbridge to this local favorite in Eastport. Whether you dine indoors or out, the view of historic Annapolis and its harbor is spectacular. Any of the entrées, including the herb-encrusted rockfish or grilled filet mignon, can be turned into a four-course meal with the addition of soup, salad, and dessert.
410 Severn Ave., Annapolis, Maryland, 21403-2524, USA
Deli sandwiches (many named after local politicians), burgers, subs, crab cakes, and milkshakes are the fare at this very busy counter-and-booth institution. Baltimoreans Ruth and Chick Levitt purchased the building, built in 1899, in 1965. Their son Ted and his wife, Beth, continue the business today. Don't plan on placing an order at 8:30 am on a weekday or 9:30 am on a weekend—that's when the place stops to say the Pledge of Allegiance.
In the shadow of the state house, this understated establishment has long held a reputation for quality food and attentive service that ensures bustle year-round, especially during the busy days of the legislative session (early January into early April) and special weekend events at the Naval Academy. The menu clearly reflects the city's maritime culture, but also has seasonal specialties. The sidewalk café is open, weather permitting, April through October.
66 State Circle, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401-1906, USA
One of the few restaurants in the city with a rooftop, this establishment co-owned by Annapolis mayor Gavin Buckley takes full advantage of its lovely perch and features live music most evenings. The menu satisfies global palates in a town otherwise known for Old Bay and crab cakes, bringing in a bit of Australian flair from the mayor's homeland.
With a carefully selected collection of new and used titles, this store is an oasis from the ubiquitous chains, and its café is a local favorite spot for an espresso drink or freshly baked pastry. After a bite, head outside to see the charming Fairy Garden and book house, which is literally made of books.
35 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, Maryland, 21401-1627, USA
Jars of pickled chard stems and radishes, preserved lemons, and pepper jelly line the shelves at this lively spot on Main Street run by a husband-and-wife team who both have impressive culinary resumés and a shared passion for pickling, fermenting, and preserving. The chef's roots in the Pennsylvania Dutch country shine through with chicken potpie, pork and sauerkraut, and a Dutch hash and liverwurst sandwich.
This traditional English-style pub serves better-than-usual tavern fare, as well as more than 100 beers—30 on tap—including five Fordham beers and others from around the world. Brunch is served on Sunday, and nationally known folk, rock, jazz, country, and bluegrass artists perform most nights.
If it wasn't for the sign out front, you might think you're at someone's Eastport home, given the charming front porch and well-tended gardens. But walk through the doors, and you'll discover a casually hip and always crowded restaurant serving organic, sustainable, and seasonally focused food that's simply fantastic. The "plates" (bigger than appetizers and slightly smaller than entrées), like shrimp cassoulet, truffle sliders, and duck enchiladas, are excellent.
909 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, Maryland, 21403, USA
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