So what do you do with an old gas station? Well, if your name is Richard, you buy it and turn it into a crab shack! Although, as the name implies, they are more than just crabs. Since 2006, Richard and his son had been selling crabs and shrimp at this old gas station, since renovating the location and adding a steam room and kitchen. Richard also owns The Seafood Stop, which we had the pleasure of reviewing. So while one would assume that the crab cake recipes were the same, we here at the CCR will shy away from assumptions and do what we do best -- chow down on some crab cakes! Were they the same? Let's find out!

Rip's Country Inn has been a local establishment since 1952, and has since grown to encompass a restaurant, liquor store and deli.  The interior decor fits the exterior, with a seating area that looks like horse stalls, and antiques adorning the walls.  They also pride themselves on making everything from scratch, which lends itself to their homestyle feel.  On their menu are the Maryland Crab Cakes.  Does being home made make them worth the visit?  Let's give them a try and find out!

As we all know, a riptide typically refers to a dangerous ocean current. And while Riptide By The Bay is really in Fells Point, Baltimore's Inner Harbor is often known as being the gateway to the Chesapeake Bay. While Riptide may not pose any immediate danger to you, it will attempt to pull you out of your ordinary day and entice you with local seafood from the Chesapeake, culinary innovation, and of course, entertainment. Voted Baltimore's Best Crab House in 2010 and Best Crab Dish in 2011 by Baltimore Magazine, Riptide By The Bay is certainly a place you should visit on your next trip to Fells Point. But the real question is -- do you stop in for the crab cakes? We took the plunge, so read along and find out!

The Riverside Pub & Grille is an upscale sports bar nestled away in a corner off of I-95 at Exit 80 next to the Springhill Suites. It's a small establishment with a few tv's, 3 beers on draft, and a decent selection of wines. Sports memorabilia line the walls of this quaint restaurant. From what we can tell, they've been around for a few years, yet the place looks fairly new. We only happened upon it thanks to an internet search looking for crab cakes in the area. Were they worth the trip? Let's find out!

If you ever go down to visit Solomon's Island from Baltimore/DC, you may notice the Ruddy Duck on your left as you head down to the island.  Far enough away from the main strip, there may be an inkling to stop in and have a bite.  If you're a beer nerd like I am, then all it takes is the word "brewery" in the name to pique your interest.

Walking in, a sandwich board in the hostess area informed me that the Ruddy Duck's crab cakes were voted the best in Southern MD.  Well, such a bold claim certainly grabbed mine.  I mean, how could I pass up a tasty crab cake after a day of taking pictures at Annmarie Garden?  Certainly not this guy.  So were they worth all the fuss?  Check it out!