The American Tap Room is a take on the concept of a beer-inspired gastropub, owned by the same group that runs Austin Grill (the Bethesda location used to be an Austin Grill, but was recently converted to an ATR).  The only thing really "American" about it, aside from the name, is probably the food.  The beer list, while mostly American, does contain some foreign beers.  But crab cakes are American, right?  Yes!  So how were they?  Let's find out!

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.  Friend of the CCR Kerry G. shared this little secret with us, saying that someone in her family who typically hates seafood requests their crab cakes all the time.  While she may be referring to the jumbo lump crab cakes, anyplace with such rave reviews from the non-seafaring types must be good!  So with such high regards in mind, the CCR set sail for their nearest Annapolis Seafood Market with their sights set on crab cakes.  How were they?  Let's find out!

Port Deposit is a quaint little town along the banks of the Susquehanna River, sitting in-between the Conowingo Dam and I-95. Since 2004, Backfin Blues has been providing an upscale dining experience in a causal setting. From Sunday brunch, to the main dinner menu, to a special wine and dinner event on a weekday night, Backfin Blues is sure to have something to amaze you with. Chef Bob Steele is always cooking something up, so don't think that the food for offer stops at the menu! Typically open just for dinner service, we managed to sneak a seat at their Sunday brunch, hoping that their namesake would be on the menu. Lucky for us (and you!) it was. Read along to see how everything turned out!

Summertime in Maryland means one thing to many -- road trip downy ocean, 'hon! And a trip to Ocean City might involve crabs. If you're not standing in line to sit at a paper-lined table to crack crabs amongst pitchers of Natty Boh and friends, then you're going to get your crab fix another way. Maybe, perhaps, a crab cake? That's where the Bad Monkey Bar & Grill comes in. Located midtown on 58th St, the Bad Monkey is conveniently located to just about anywhere on the island and ready to fulfill whatever your need -- carry out or eat in; breakfast, lunch, or dinner; free water or choosing from a wide selection of beers. Whatever it is, they've got you covered. And they certainly had us covered for crab cakes. Read on to see how they were!

When you hear the name Bellissimo, you instantly think of Italian cuisine, not upscale Mediterranean. Bellissimo opened in 2009 with a vision of delivering delicious healthy eating alternatives, featuring fresh ingredients and a warm casual environment. Greek and Italian-inspired murals adorn the walls, and the bar area resembles the hull of a ship. One thing is for sure -- they are in Maryland, and like any respectable local establishment, they have crab cakes on the menu! So we paddled in and decided to see how they stack up. Read along and find out how our visit went!