Weekly reviews of crab cakes around the MD and DC area

Obrycki's Backfin Crab Cake

[Part 1 of 2]  The Crab Cake Review starts its site off with a visit to Obrycki's in Upper Fells Point.  Since 1944, Obrycki's has been serving up crabs with their own special seasoning blend, along with other seafood treats.  When asking where to go for crab cakes in Baltimore, one might be pointed over in this direction.  But is it worth the trip?  Let's find out.

This review is for the Backfin Crab Cake.  The Deviled Crab Cake review can be found by clicking here.

I ordered the Crab Cake Duet, which comprised of one backfin crab cake, one deviled crab cake, and two sides.  You can also get the crab cakes as their own platters, or a la carte.  Deviled is only available fried, whereas the backfin cake is fried by default but broiled upon request.  

Menu claim either crab cake is backfin mixed with jumbo lump, although by my definition I would say that it was actually lump and not jumbo lump.  I went with the broiled option on my backfin crab cake, which took an extra 6 minutes to come out, and the deviled crab cake was brought out to me first. 

The backfin crab cake was pretty minimal on the spices, but the crab was not overly sweet or flavorful, resulting in a relatively bland crab cake.  Tiny bit of spice comes through, but not enough to really make this a memorable experience.  The crab cake came out hot and stayed warm to the end.  Based on my experience with the deviled crab cake, I would highly recommend getting yours broiled to ensure it is freshly cooked and not pre-cooked and then warmed.

The amount of shell bits encountered leads me to believe that the crab meat is obtained mechanically (unconfirmed).  There were really more bits in one cake than should be expected.

UPDATE 1:  Fells Point location to close November 2011 according to their website.  Airport locations at BWI and CLE are staying open, as well as a new location over by Maryland Live! outside of Arundel Mills mall.

UPDATE 2:  Their Fells Point location has now closed, although they still have other locations around the area.  Be sure to check their website for locations.

Have you tried Obrycki's backfin crab cakes?  Let us know what you think in the comments!
 

Obrycki's Crab House Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Additional Info

  • Restaurant Name: Obrycki's
  • Address: 1727 East Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21231
  • Neighborhood: Upper Fells Point
  • Restaurant Type: Local Chain
  • Website: http://www.obryckis.com
  • Review Date: 04/11/2011 7:32pm
  • Atmosphere: Busy
  • Item(s) Ordered: Crab Cake Duet
  • Cooking Style: Broiled
  • Other Styles Available: Yes
  • Available by mail order?: No
  • Price: 30.00
  • Order Type: Double Platter
  • Crab Content: Backfin
  • Filler: Average
  • Spice: Minimal
  • Overall Impression: Average
  • Rating (out of 5 crabs):

    3-crab
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