<div>You didn't think we'd send you all the way to <a href="http://www.jauntsetter.com/archive/trip_picks/baltimore-for-all-but-especially-bohemians">Baltimore </a>without at least a few crab recommendations, did you? </div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, there's no dearth of crab houses at our <a href="http://www.jauntsetter.com/archive/trip_picks/baltimore-for-all-but-especially-bohemians">Trip Pick of the Week</a>. Whether it's a super casual or a slightly more refined dining experience you're looking for, there's something for everyone. And while the Chesapeake Bay crab season runs from mid-April to mid-December, juicy crabs can easily be found year-round with shipments from Texas, Louisiana and other states. Here are a few options to sample the best steamed crabbers (and all its delicious derivatives) Maryland has to offer. </div><div><br /></div><div>xo,</div><div>your jauntsetter team </div><div>_________________</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Upmarket Crabs</strong></div><div>If you're only going to have Maryland crabs once, a trip to famed <a href="http://www.bobrooks.com/">Bo Brooks</a> may be worth the splurge. Stunning harbor views and outdoor seating give this quintessential crab house an edge over its rivals, but a deal can still be had with their weekday $2 happy hour (2pm-7pm and again at 9pm-11pm). While <a href="http://www.cantondockside.com/">Canton Dockside</a> may not have a waterfront backdrop, it does boast solid fare, excellent service and a semi-upscale vibe, very quickly making a name for itself as the popular new kid on the block. </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Shacks More Your Speed?</strong></div><div>We've already recommended <a href="http://www.lpsteamers.com/">L.P. Steamers</a> as a stop, but it's not the only place loaded with charm and atmosphere for a bargain. Try classic shacks like <a href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Maryland/Baltimore-797112/Restaurants-Baltimore-Mr_Bills_Terrace_Inn-BR-1.html">Mr. Bill's Terrace Inn</a> or <a href="http://www.costasinn.com/">Costas Inn</a>, where you can be sure to find plenty of brown paper, cold drafts and local specialties like crab imperial (imagine a crab au gratin). <a href="http://www.nicksfishhouse.com/">Nick's Fish House</a> under the Hanover Street bridge gives you the bonus of a Bawlmer waterfront view. Anywhere you can be comfortable with seasoned crab juice dribbling down your arms is a keeper in our book. </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>DIY Crabfest</strong></div><div>If you're feeling ambitious, head to a carry-out joint to pick up ready-to-eat crabs. Consider this alternative if you're traveling with a large group, staying with locals who have a backyard, or are just lucky enough to snag picnic tables at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/fomc">Fort McHenry</a> (the birthplace of our national anthem, for you trivia geeks out there). Reserve your bushels early from shops like <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GGLJ_en___SE269&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=chris'+seafood+baltimore&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=12088306225558776693">Chris' Seafood</a> in Canton or <a href="http://franksseafood.com/">Frank's Seafood</a> in Jessup. Prices vary by size, sex and season; it's best to call for an estimate. Budget about a half-dozen large crabs per person (an average bushel contains 60-70). Crabs are a messy, slow going bunch -- don't forget the old newspapers, paper towels, mallets and of course, enough long necks to keep your sanity in check while you're shelling away.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em>Detailed Information:</em></strong></div><div><em><br /></em></div><div><ul><li><strong>Bo Brooks</strong> is located at 2780 Lighthouse Point in Baltimore, MD / 410-558-0202.</li><li><strong>Canton Dockside</strong> is located at 3301 Boston Street in Baltimore, MD / 410-276-8900. </li><li><strong>L.P. Steamers</strong> is located at 1100 E. Fort Ave. in Baltimore, MD / 410-576-9294.</li><li><strong>Mr. Bill's Terrace Inn</strong> is located at 200 Eastern Blvd. in Essex, MD / 410-687-5996.</li><li><strong>Costas Inn</strong> is located at 4100 Northpoint Blvd. in Baltimore, MD / 410-477-1975.</li><li><strong>Nick's Fish House</strong> is located at 2600 Insulator Drive in Baltimore, MD / 410-FISH123 (410-347-4123).</li><li><strong>Chris' Seafood</strong> is located at 801 S. Montford Ave. in Baltimore, MD / 410-675-0117.</li><li><strong>Frank's Seafood</strong> is located at the Maryland Wholesale Seafood Market, 7901 Oceano Ave. in Jessup, MD / 410-799-5960. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div>
2009-05-08T19:22:39Z
176
quick-n-dirty-bawlmer-crab-round-up
Quick 'n Dirty Bawlmer Crab Round-Up
2009-08-27T15:28:31Z