The first "Mine" in the Silver Spring Mining Company started back in 1995 when the Silver Spring Inn in Perry Hall was for sale. Focusing on their service, in addition to the quality of their food and family atmosphere, the success of two hockey camp buddies grew into two more locations, in Hunt Valley and Bel Air. And while you can't go underground and dig for gold, you can go table-side and and find gold on your plate. No, not in rock form, but in crab cake form! Did we strike it rich, or end up with fool's gold?  Only one way to find out!  Dig in and read on!

Skipjack's Crab House has a long history behind it, despite only being open since 2009. There was a seafood wholesaler/retailer down in Louisiana (Seaside Seafood) that would provide Louisiana crabs to a few select crab houses in the Baltimore area that started in the early 70's. Around 2003, two college buddies bought that business, and relocated the carry out to Glen Burnie, which they still operate (known as "The Carry-Out"). Skipjack's exists because they wanted to expand to the north side of Baltimore and be the go-to place for Louisiana-style seafood. While they're not featuring Maryland crabs, Louisiana crabs are often flown in during the off season and are still pretty tasty. But where their crab cakes just as delicious? Let's find out!

If it's the one thing you can always count on an Irish bar for, and that's for having footie on the teles at any given opportunity, in addition to a never ending supply of Guinness on draft. But what you might not expect is the cloth napkins or high end restaurant quality food. That's where Sláinte comes in. Part of a group of interconnected restaurants (Kooper's Tavern and Woody's Rum Bar) at the corner of Thames and Broadway in the heart of Fells Point, you've most likely walked past and only ever thought about the beer, but didn't notice that they were voted Best of Baltimore multiple times by the City Paper and Baltimore Magazine. Until you stop in for a pint and get hooked on their Celtic Wings or the Scotch Egg. But never mind the fish and chips, we're here for the crab cakes. Take a culinary journey with us to see how this gastropub handles our beloved crab!

The Sly Horse Tavern has been around since 1985, located on Crofton's Village Green.  The restaurant may look like a historic house from the 18th century, but it is really a replica of Colonial Williamsburg's Raleigh Tavern.  They bill themselves as "modern American" cuisine, even if the menu has a bit of a German influence.  Just don't ask about the name -- it's a secret they aren't willing to share.  But one secret the CCR is willing to share is their crab cakes.  How were they?  Read on!

The Stanford Grill is a relatively new location in Columbia, having opened up about a year or two ago.  As they say, food is their passion, and they pride themselves on fresh, handpicked ingredients, prepared in an open-air kitchen.  Unless you've heard about it, you may not even know where this place is, seeing as how it is tucked away behind the trees.  But once you find it, you'll be greeted with great ambiance and a culinary adventure.  So how did the crab cakes turn out?  Read along and see for yourself!