Timbuktu is one of those names that will come up in the ever going debate on who has the best crab cakes in Baltimore.  Often considered part of the unofficial first family of crab cakes, Timbuktu has been around for at least 30 years.  Though not quite as famous as G&M, they run in the same circles with the likes of G&M, Hella's, Romano's, and Pappas.  So you at least know what you're in for, if your friends haven't told you already.  While the inside might be a bit dated, the crab cakes are timeless, and have won numerous awards.  Are they still the real deal after all this time?  We set out to answer this question.  Read on!

To pass by Todd Conner's (or as it's referred to around the neighborhood:  TC's), one would not think that this would be a quality eating establishment.  If you're looking for someplace where you can sit down at a table for a meal, you'll probably keep walking as you'll more than likely notice that large bar area in the front half of the restaurant, and the size/age of the clientele (which tends to be on the younger side, not that there's anything wrong with that).  But push past the crowds, and you'll see tables for eating in the back, as well as on the sidewalk if it's nice out.  (There is also a back door on Aliceanna as well)  While many businesses have occupied this space, Todd Conner's has been there since 2007, and seems to be a popular place to hang out and enjoy your Boh's and O's.  But we're not here for beers and baseball (well, ok, maybe).  We're here for crab cakes.  How do they compare?  Read along and find out!

Usually when you think of a tavern, you think casual. But when you walk into the Towson Tavern, you step into an environment where casual meets upscale. Located where the Reicher Theater and Rec Room used to be, the Towson Tavern creates a sophisticated, but casual, environment serving regional American cuisine. And what's more regional than crab cakes, right? Follow along and see how the Towson Tavern represents Maryland!

Twin Silos Restaurant is located at Geneva Farm Golf Course in Street, MD. Haven't heard of Street? It's near Rocks State Park in Harford County, and is located on, you guessed it, a farm! (Not a working farm, so don't worry about cows and chickens on the course.) On premise is a restaurant that delivers upscale, yet homestyle, dining. Friend of the Review Rick F. had tipped us off on this location earlier in the year, and Twin Silos bills their crab cake as a "culinary hole in one". Was the crab cake worth a country drive on the back roads? Let's find out!

New to the Pasadena area is a steak and seafood restaurant called Two Rivers.  The idea is to bring fresh, local ingredients and chef inspired food to an area that generally caters to the lower priced family restaurant.  And while the concept is a bit upscale when you look at it on paper, the execution is very causal and family-friendly.  So how did their crab cakes fare?  Let's find out!