Ale Mary's is a family-run neighborhood tavern located on the outer reaches of Fells Point, known for huge portions of food (especially their tots!), an excellent selection of beers, and maybe even a bit of controversy. While they've been around since 2004, it was in early 2012 that Catholic groups were up in arms at what they perceived to be blasphemy. From the name (which actually stems from the owner's wife's name), and the religious relics inside the bar (often brought in by patrons themselves), and maybe the draft list on a hymn board, one could possibly take offense. But luckily we're not the easily offended type, but the prospect of a heavenly crab cake is what we live for. So say a prayer and join us as we check out Ale Mary's!

"It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of ANNABEL LEE;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me."
-- Edgar Allan Poe, excerpt from Annabel Lee 


In a town famous for the life and death of Edgar Allan Poe, it is here in Baltimore where he got married, lived out the rest of his days and was laid to rest.  It is only fitting that in this town you would also find a restaurant dedicated to the celebration of Poe, Baltimore and Maryland, named after his last complete poem, Annabel Lee.  But is their crab cake enough to make you fall in love, just as Poe did many years ago (although hopefully not as tragically)?  Read on to find out!

Last week, we reviewed Annapolis Seafood Markets' Backfin crab cakes.  Based on a tip from friend of the CCR Kerry G, we set forth to see just how good this place was.  And when we got there, we discovered that there were two different kinds of crab cakes on offer.  If you missed the review, Annapolis Seafood Markets is a chain of seafood markets with 3 locations around the Baltimore/Annapolis area.  Their stores offer a variety of fresh seafood and prepared items available for carry out.  Annapolis Seafood tends to be a local's secret, with their seafood being bought and prepared fresh daily.  Seeing as how the backfin cakes were really good, we just HAD to try the jumbo lump cakes.  Do they meet or exceed the standards set forth by the backfin cakes?  Read along and find out!

Every now and again, in the course of our reviews, we get to come across a place that we may never have known about, or at the very least, would have passed by without another thought, if it wasn't for the lure of crab cakes that lingered inside (and the help of a restaurant.com coupon as well!).  Barbecue, Blues & Seafood is such a place.  Located on 648 over by Marley Station, you might think this is strictly some sort of biker or dive bar.  But guess again!  Step inside, and immediately become engulfed in the delicious aroma of steamed crabs.  Then you notice the down home decor, and realize that everyone in there is as friendly as can be.  So are the crab cakes worth the trip?  Let's check it 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!