Weekly reviews of crab cakes around the MD and DC area

The Greene Turtle

One name that has been synonymous with Ocean City, MD is The Greene Turtle.  We're sure most of us started going there before we really should have *wink wink*, if but for the chance to buy one of their famous t-shirts.  What has started out as a beach sports bar in 1976 has now grown to be a regional brand name, turning up in more locations as the days go on with over 35 locations across DE, MD, VA, and DC.  While mostly known as being a sports bar, they do have a pretty lengthy menu featuring some menu items that is not your typical pub grub.  Like any restaurant representing Maryland, they do serve crab cakes.  Should you break out of the ordinary to try one, or stick to the ribs and wings?  Let's find out!

Cafe Soleil

Cafe Soleil is a restaurant located in the Club Quarters hotel, just outside of Farragut Square within the Golden Triangle district, and 2 blocks from the White House.  For 12 years, they have been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week to hungry tourists and locals alike.  With as long as they have been around, and the neighborhood they are located in, you have to bring your A-game when it comes to the discerning food palates in our nation's capital.  Should these crab cakes get the presidential seal of approval, or should their recipe get vetoed?  Stick around and find out!

Old Bay Crab Cakes

What name is more 15.00 associated with crab cakes (and crabs in general) than Old Bay?  Made by McCormick right here in Baltimore, Old Bay seasoning (originally named "Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning") has been around for over 70 years.  Make no mistake, it is superbaisle on everything from crabs and shrimp, to french fries and mac and cheese.  So imagine our surprise when we noticed Old Bay Brand crab cakes in the frozen food aisle.  Not just an off-brand that uses Old Bay, but the actual brand.  Surely these must live up to the box promises of "premium restaurant quality" jumbo lump crab?  Well, we took the bait.  Read on to find out if they live up to the name.

Shenanigan's

There's nothing like heading 'downy ocean' in the off-season.  The crowds are gone, prices are lowered, and the wait times at restaurants diminished.  Just head to the boardwalk, stroll around, and sample some of the fine beach cuisine that the town has to offer.  One such place is Shenanigan's.  Located on 4th St and the Boards, they have an amazing outside deck from which you can enjoy a beer while gazing at the ocean (as well as people watch!).  So while an Irish establishment isn't quite what you would think when it comes to crab cakes, we are always on the hunt for them.  So are they worth the wait, or do we call shenanigans?  Read along and find out!

Bill Bateman's

If you've been anywhere around the area, you've more than likely come across a Bill Bateman's.  They may be a corporate outlet, an express location, or a franchise.  What started out as a single location on Harford Road back in 1987 has exploded into multiple locations around the area.  Mostly known for their wings, they do have a wide variety of items on their menu.  The big banner advertising Crab Cake Night caught our eye, and we just had to stop in.  Should you go with the cakes, or stick with the wings?  Let's find out!

Crab Galley Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

Last week, we reviewed The Crab Galley's Backfin Crab Cake.  This week, we turn our sights on the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake.  In case you didn't know, The Crab Galley is a local carryout seafood shop, with locations in Odenton and Baltimore.  They specialize in steamed crabs, as well as other seafood delights.  We saw how the backfin cake was, but is the jumbo lump any better?  Read on and find out!

Crab Galley Backfin Crab Cake

The Crab Galley has been around for as long as the CCR can remember.  They are family-owned local seafood carryout establishment, specializing in steamed crabs and other seafood.  They are located in Odenton and Bowie.  With a name like Crab Galley, you'd want to believe that they know what to do with some crabs.  So are they masters of the crab cake, or should you just stick to ordering crabs?  Find out inside!

Jack's Bistro

Jack's Bistro is located right around the corner from O'Donnell Square in Canton, and bills itself as offering innovative American cuisine.  Innovative is most certainly right!  While some menu items stick around (like the chocolate macaroni and cheese, and the burger made of nothing but bacon), others get replaced often, so there is always a reason to go back.  If you can't figure out what to have for dessert, they are known for their peanut butter and jelly shots.  So now that everyone is drooling, let's get back to our focus here -- crab cakes!  Wipe the drool on your leave, and read on to see how the experience was!

Sly Horse Tavern

The Sly Horse Tavern has been around since 1985, located on Crofton's Village Green.  The restaurant may look like a historic house from the 18th century, but it is really a replica of Colonial Williamsburg's Raleigh Tavern.  They bill themselves as "modern American" cuisine, even if the menu has a bit of a German influence.  Just don't ask about the name -- it's a secret they aren't willing to share.  But one secret the CCR is willing to share is their crab cakes.  How were they?  Read on!

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!

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