Weekly reviews of crab cakes around the MD and DC area

Abingdon
Mar 19, 2024

Box Hill Pizzeria

Way back in December 2011, friend of the Review Jeff L had suggested Box Hill (see, we do listen!).  Our first thought was "A pizzeria?  Really?"  But then we looked into it, and eventually made the visit.  While it may not look like much from the outside, take a step inside, and you'll immediately notice all of the celebrity photos, as well as the wall of awards.  Continually being showered with awards and praise (such as Best Crab Cake by Baltimore Magazine in 2009), the Box Hill Pizzeria has been delivering crab cakes from a secret family recipe since 1984, both to the table as well as through the mail.  So with all of the talk, the CCR was set to see if the rumors were true.  Follow along as we take a road trip up to the Bel Air area to feast our eyes (and our mouths) on these award winning crab cakes!

Mar 19, 2024

Bushmill Tavern

Sometimes we come across a place that takes you by surprise. The Bushmill Tavern in Abingdon, MD does just that. The location is a bit off of the beaten path, and the outside decor is fairly basic. But reading the food specials on the board as you walk in the front door indicates that there might be more than meets the eye. The Bushmill Tavern opened back in early 2014 and features cuisine that isn't typical of your local neighborhood bar. Despite the winter menu still being in effect when we went, crab cakes were available, so follow along and see how they were!

Mar 19, 2024

Joe's Crab Shack

You probably know Joe's Crab Shack from the commercials you see on TV. Driving past one, it may remind you of a Bubba Gump's. More perplexing than anything else may be that this is one crab shack that you can't get steamed crabs at. Well, not like what we're used to here in Maryland. Buckets of crab legs just aren't the same as a steaming pile of crabs in the center of the table. But despite that little difference, they do have crab cakes on the menu. Are they respectable enough to be served in Maryland? Let's find out!

Mar 19, 2024

Mama Belle's

Wholesale clubs are definitely an experience, especially when you get to the food isles. Free samples, nuclear-fallout-shelter-sized packages, super-sized carts, and just about anything you could ever want in bulk (along with a few things that you never knew you wanted in bulk). When it comes to the food, there is the age old question, "Will I like this enough to eat it for the next 5 months?" Or maybe "Will my party guests unfriend me on Facebook if I serve them this?" Especially around the Mid Atlantic region, serving crab cakes will make you the party host of the year. The only problem is that they need to be good. Are the crab cakes they sell at BJ's good enough for your party? Let's find out!

Mar 19, 2024

Pelican Cove

Pelican Cove is a restaurant in Abingdon, MD (just outside Bel Air) that bills itself as a fine seafood restaurant.  But fret not, it's not all white tablecloths, matire d's, and valet parking.  No, it's about as fine seafood as you would want up around these parts, with a nautical theme.  It's not just seafood, as they do have your other standard restaurant fare on the menu as well, including steaks, chicken, and pasta.  And, naturally, they have crab cakes.  So we fought our way past the lure of Wine World, past the whimsy and challenge of Putt Putt Golf & Games, and ventured in.  Were they worth the trip?  Read on and find out!