Weekly reviews of crab cakes around the MD and DC area

Tark's Grill

One of Baltimore Magazine's Top 25 Crab Cakes for 2013! And to be quite honest, for as long as we've lived around Baltimore, we have never heard of Tark's until reading the list. (I know!) Although it was a bit hard to find at first, we finally made our way to the quite sizable restaurant. Tark's gives off the vibe of a high-end restaurant with the dark woods and white tablecloths, while at the same time maintaining the casual appearance, especially with the large patio outside. Tark's is no stranger to the Baltimore Magazine Top Crab Cake list, having been on it at least 5 times (going by the plaques at the hostess stand). So with the expectations set, we headed out to see if Tark's is worthy enough to serve one of Baltimore's top crab cakes. Read on to see how it all went!

Bull on the Beach

When you hear the name Bull on the Beach, you instantly think of summertime and, of course, being 'downy ocean, hon!'  If you aren't from around these parts, the Bull on the Beach is a family owned and operated restaurant that first opened up in Ocean City, MD back in 1980. Their boardwalk location has since become an OC institution, and two other locations have followed. If you're ever looking for a taste of the ocean, but don't want to drive 3 hours, then Bel Air might be a lot closer. At least for us, which is a good thing, as they have what we like -- crab cakes! Read on to see if their crab cakes are worth the trip, or just a lot of bull!

Half Pints

Half Pints was started by an Englishman who moved to the States over 20 years ago, who earned the nickname due to his stature. It is considered a sports pub as opposed to a sports bar, most likely because there are way more TVs than your typical English pub, and the carpet doesn't look like something the Queen herself picked out. If the Ravens or Orioles games didn't lure you in, then it was most likely the smell of smoked meats coming from the smoker around the corner. Once you step inside, you are embraced with the wafting aromas of fried. Yes, pub grub is served, but so are homemade crab cakes. Read on to see how the English fare with our beloved Maryland crab cakes!

Ale Mary's

Ale Mary's is a family-run neighborhood tavern located on the outer reaches of Fells Point, known for huge portions of food (especially their tots!), an excellent selection of beers, and maybe even a bit of controversy. While they've been around since 2004, it was in early 2012 that Catholic groups were up in arms at what they perceived to be blasphemy. From the name (which actually stems from the owner's wife's name), and the religious relics inside the bar (often brought in by patrons themselves), and maybe the draft list on a hymn board, one could possibly take offense. But luckily we're not the easily offended type, but the prospect of a heavenly crab cake is what we live for. So say a prayer and join us as we check out Ale Mary's!

Pasquale's

Pasquale's has been serving fine Italian food to the Kingsville area for over 20 years. The goal at Pasquale's is to provide high quality, authentic Italian food made from the finest and freshest ingredients, in an effort to keep their customers satisfied. If you happen to drive by their restaurant, you'll notice that there is normally a sandwich board on the side of the road advertising homemade cream of crab soup, and, you guessed it, crab cakes! Drive past that sign enough times, and you'll eventually find yourself inside, placing that crab cake order. Was it worth the stop? Let's find out!

Backfin Blues Bar & Grill

Port Deposit is a quaint little town along the banks of the Susquehanna River, sitting in-between the Conowingo Dam and I-95. Since 2004, Backfin Blues has been providing an upscale dining experience in a causal setting. From Sunday brunch, to the main dinner menu, to a special wine and dinner event on a weekday night, Backfin Blues is sure to have something to amaze you with. Chef Bob Steele is always cooking something up, so don't think that the food for offer stops at the menu! Typically open just for dinner service, we managed to sneak a seat at their Sunday brunch, hoping that their namesake would be on the menu. Lucky for us (and you!) it was. Read along to see how everything turned out!

The All-American Steakhouse & Sports Theatre

The All-American Steakhouse & Sports Theatre is a regional chain with 3 locations in VA and 2 in MD.  Featuring wet and dry aged corn-fed midwestern beef, along with all of your other bar favorites, you won't have any excuse not to be hungry when you walk in. The kitchen is located right near the door, so you get smacked with a waft of sizzling beef the second you step in. Which isn't a bad thing, honestly. And try as we might, we didn't let that deter us from what we're really after -- crab cakes! Were they as delicious as the steaks smelled? Let's find out!

The Point in Fells

The Point in Fells is where you might remember Miss Irene's being located. What used to be a dive bar has since transformed into a large, two-level casual (but upscale) restaurant and bar. Family owned and operated, The Point offers white tablecloths upstairs, and regular bar and casual seating downstairs. Catch them on the right night, and there will be live music in the bar area as well. Their location on the corner of Thames and Ann St provides plenty of outdoor seating during the warmer months, where you can enjoy a beverage and watch the world go by. Just be sure not to drool at the delicious plates going by, most notably the crab cake. Should you make a point to stop by The Point? Read on and see for yourself!

The Crab Cab

There are a few great things to love about food trucks. They tend to focus on one thing and do it well; you get affordable culinary-quality food; and they move about, so if you have someplace nearby where you work, say like Farragut Square, you get the best food court you could ask for that constantly changes. While on such a food truck adventure, we came across The Crab Cab, who is relatively new to the DC food truck scene. They bill themselves as a 5-star mobile "restaurant" who is affordable, and uses the freshest ingredients. Not only that, but they also cater. The Twittersphere has nothing but good things to say about The Crab Cab, so we decided to check them out. Was it as "crabtastic" as they say? Let's find out!

By The Docks

Named one of Baltimore's Top 25 Crab Cakes by Baltimore Magazine in 2013! Located just two doors down from the famous Benji's Drive-In, By The Docks has been kicking out fine steaks and seafood since around 2005. Once co-owned by the same owner of Timbuktu, By The Docks is under new management, but still maintaing buzz surrounding their crab cake reputation. Will you get served similar crab cakes to Timbuktu, or will they be in a class of their own? Follow along as we find out!

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