If you live in the Crofton area, then you already know the Big Fish Grille.  Perhaps you have passed by it on the way to a Baysox game, or in your travels up and down Route 3.  The Big Fish Grille is the place along the road that looks like an old Bubba Gump shrimp shack, complete with a big, goofy fish sign.  While owned by the same group that runs Buddy's, Red Sky, and Yellowtail, this is a local establishment.  And with half off appetizers and bottles of wine during their happy hour, you may want to look past the kitsch and stop on in.  But before you do, I'm sure you want to know about the crab cakes.  Never fear, we are here to let you know!  So read on and see how they turned out!

If you've been anywhere around the area, you've more than likely come across a Bill Bateman's.  They may be a corporate outlet, an express location, or a franchise.  What started out as a single location on Harford Road back in 1987 has exploded into multiple locations around the area.  Mostly known for their wings, they do have a wide variety of items on their menu.  The big banner advertising Crab Cake Night caught our eye, and we just had to stop in.  Should you go with the cakes, or stick with the wings?  Let's find out!

When it comes to crab season in Baltimore, you have a few choices. You can get a bushel, a few cases of beer, call up a few friends, and have a crab feast in your backyard. Or if that's too much work, then you can always go out to a restaurant, cozy up to a table lined with brown paper, and whack away. Or you can go the more economical route, and bring some crabs home from a carryout joint like Bill's Seafood. For over 35 years, Bill's has been steaming crabs year round. Crabs are sourced from our local watermen, as well as from Louisiana, Texas, and North Carolina to provide steamed crabs year-round. You can carry out (either through online ordering or by stopping by on a whim), or they can cater your party. With so many choices in the area for carryout, we braved the waters, and checked Bill's Seafood out. Are they good enough for your lunch or party? Let's find out!

It's not often that the CCR makes their way outside of the MD/DC area. But Newark, DE is right on the MD border, so sometimes you make exceptions. Today's exception is the Blue Crab Grill, a seafood restaurant located just outside of downtown Newark. The Blue Crab Grill prides itself on providing fresh seafood, crabs in season, local microbrews, and wine all in a small, friendly environment. Does the restaurant's namesake pay homage to our beloved crab cake? Let's find out!

The Blue Dolphin is a large, expansive operation consisting of multiple dining areas, a bar, and an event hall.  Serving modern American cuisine in an ornately decorated restaurant.  Definitely the place in the Crofton/Gambrills area to bring a large group as the seating is plentiful and the menu is expansive.  Although a bit on the pricey side, this is certainly where you spend your big night out if you're in the 'burbs.

So while gazing over the menu selections, you will take note of the "famous" crab cakes.  While your eye may start to wander and drool over the steaks and other seafood offerings, if you are anything like the CCR, you can't help but wonder just how good are the crab cakes?  Friend of the CCR, Cheryl, even wrote in saying how much she liked their crab cakes and recommended them to us.  (Of course, this was a day or two after I had already been there, but it's the thought that counts!)  How did they rate in the world of crab cakes?  Read along and find out!