Koons White Marsh Chevrolet

Feb 16, 2023

Marylanders know seafood. If you’re in the greater Baltimore area, driving into the city to enjoy the catch of the day can be a delicious treat. Before you hop in the car, take some time to read about the best spots in the city so you can enjoy the crab cake or lobster roll of your dreams. Here’s Koons White Marsh Chevrolet’s roundup of places to enjoy a seafood dinner around Baltimore, Maryland.

The Chop Tank

If you’re searching for a lively seafood restaurant for a delicious night out in Baltimore, The Chop Tank is your destination. Like you’d expect from an iconic Baltimore spot, hard-shell blue crabs are the pinnacle of a dinner at The Chop Tank. Favorite dishes include classic seafood soups, like the loaded Maryland crab soup and rich cream of crab and handhelds, like the Maryland crab cake sandwich. Expect generous portions and fresh ingredients that can satisfy any appetite.

The atmosphere at The Chop Tank is a blast, too. It’s in Fell’s Point, the famed capital of Baltimore’s seafaring history. The building that houses The Chop Tank is historic, too. This massive green shed has been part of Broadway Market, Fell’s Point’s bustling commerce center, for over 200 years. The Chop Tank has seating inside, surrounded by nautical decor, or outside, on a patio by the water. 

Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, noon to midnight Friday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday.

Location: 1641 Aliceanna St.

Faidley’s Seafood

Maybe you’re hoping for a casual lunch spot where you and a friend can enjoy some grab-and-go seafood and make an afternoon of it. Head over to Lexington Market, a vibrant gathering place where vendors sell some of Baltimore’s best food. Faidley’s Seafood has been around since 1886, and it’s still in the family of its founder. The restaurant’s crab cakes have always been its claim to fame. Crab cakes aren’t scarce in Baltimore, but crab cakes this good are.

Unlike some crab cakes, Faidley’s cakes are pure crab. Each bite is fishy, flaky, and fresh. To make it a meal, order it as a platter. Your jumbo crab cake will come with two comforting sides. Options include fries, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and fried corn on the cob. You could also get a taste of Faidley’s top-notch crab with a soft crab sandwich or crab-stuffed shrimp.

There’s a bit of hustle and bustle at Lexington Market, especially around lunchtime, but you can typically grab a table. There are 130 food merchants, so Faidley’s has plenty of neighbors if a member of your party isn’t in the seafood mood.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It’s closed on Sunday.

Location: 203 North Paca St.

Nick’s Fish House

Nothing beats eating fresh seafood by the water and watching the waves crash. For the seaside alfresco experience in Port Covington, check out Nick’s Fish House. It’s also fun inside, with a lively bar and grill atmosphere, for days when it’s a little chilly for the patio. Nick’s Fish House serves plenty of casual bites to start off your meal with, like a crab-stuffed pretzel, crab balls, and French fries loaded with Old Bay seasoning, aioli, and cheese. When it’s time to pick an entrée, sandwiches like the crab grilled cheese, crab cake sandwich, and lobster crab roll delight guests.

You could also opt for the beloved seafood cavatappi or keep it simple with the catch of the day, which guarantees a fresh taste of local favorites. Enjoy a fresh seafood feast with friends or family with shrimp, steamed crab, clams, oysters, or mussels by the half-pound or pound. Nick’s Fish House also serves Baltimore’s signature “crush” drinks, hand-squeezed citrus cocktails that pair perfectly with fresh fish.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday.

Location: 2600 Insulator Dr., Port Covington.

Mama’s on the Half Shell

If you’re looking for a cozy spot for classic Baltimore seafood, Mama’s on the Half Shell will satisfy your cravings. With generous portions, retro decor, and friendly staff, you’ll feel right at home here. Mama’s on the Half Shell serves some of Baltimore’s favorite seafood chowder, so we recommend starting off with a warm bowl. There are some fun appetizers on the menu, like seafood-stuffed potato skins and lobster eggrolls, but it’s hard to go wrong with a classic plate of fried oysters. The cheesy crab dip is also a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re craving a handheld, the seafood club sandwich is a mouth-watering pick, with shrimp salad, a fresh crab cake, bacon, tomato, lettuce, and Swiss cheese on flaky toasted bread. For something more upscale, pick from an array of seafood pasta dishes, like creamy seafood carbonara or spicy seafood arrabbiata. Mama’s on the Half Shell is another great place to grab a refreshing crush cocktail, with flavors ranging from classic orange to cucumber lemonade. Their 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekday happy hour is a neighborhood favorite, with discounted crushes and oysters of your choice.

Hours: Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. the next morning on Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. the next morning on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
Location: 2901 O’Donnell St.

From cozy date night spots to boisterous seaside gems, those are Koons White Marsh Chevrolet’s picks for some of the best places to snag a delicious seafood dinner in Baltimore, Maryland. If you know a hot spot we missed, tell us about it. Cruising around our seaside city calls for a great vehicle. Whether you’re looking for great gas mileage, smart safety features, or next-level power, there’s something in our inventory for you. Visit our White Marsh, Maryland dealership today to speak with a team member about your needs and start the journey to a new car.

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