What it is
Whole blue crabs are steamed with a heavy coating of seafood seasoning, usually J.O. spice or Old Bay, and tipped out onto a table covered with brown paper. You pick the meat out yourself with a knife, a wooden mallet and your fingers.
How to eat it
- Order by the dozen. Crabs are sold by size: small, medium, large, jumbo. Prices change daily.
- Learn to pick with our step-by-step guide before you go.
- Corn on the cob, hush puppies and cold beer are the usual sides.
The story
Crab feasts are a summer tradition in Maryland. Local crabs are best from late summer into fall, when they are heavier.
Local tip: Call ahead to check sizes and prices for the day, and ask if they are local.
Where to try it
L.P. SteamersLocust PointCaptain James LandingCantonNick's Fish HouseSouth Baltimore and the Middle Branch
Checked as operating in October 2026.
Tips from travellers
Eaten at Steamed blue crabs recently? Share what to order. The first good one goes right here.