With a name like The Harp, you instantly know that they are an Irish bar. Not just any Irish bar, but one of 2013 Baltimore's Best Restaurants according to Urbanspoon, and was named one of Baltimore's 25 Best Bars by Baltimore Magazine, as well as one of Restaurant.com's top rated restaurants in 2012. Now, Irish bars will generally serve your Irish menu regulars, such as Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, and a fresh pint of Guinness. While all of your favorites are there, but there are some items that aren't so Irish. Like, for instance, crab cakes! Read on and see if they lived up to The Harp's reputation!

The Crackpot Restaurant has been around since 1972, and was one of the first crab houses to fly crabs in from Louisiana year round. The crab house is termed "retro" for its decor that most likely hasn't changed since they opened. Despite the decor, they have earned numerous awards for their crabs and crab cakes, most recently being featured in 2013 by Towson Magazine and Baltimore Magazine (making their Top 25 Crab Cakes of 2013 list). The Crackpot is also one of the few places in Baltimore who dare to offer flavored crab cakes, as well as claim to have the largest crab cake in town (20oz!). With such history and reputation on the line, we, naturally, had to see if the Crackpot is all that it's cracked up to be. Curious? Read on and see what we thought!

We're sure you are familiar with the name Heavy Seas (or rather, the Clipper City Brewing Company, its founder Hugh Sisson, or Sissons in Federal Hill). Their beer is everywhere. And, we have it on good authority, it's delicious. Open since February 2012, the Alehouse provides a comfortable space to enjoy food, friends, and of course, beer! Alehouses are typically known for their beer first, and their food second. But once you see/smell one of their monster burgers walking by, you may have to reconsider. So now that Heavy Seas is fast becoming an iconic name around Maryland for quality locally brewed beers, how do they fare with our beloved crab cakes? Read along and see if they have the booty to please the foodies!