Where Can I Find The Best Baltimore Crab Cake?
As the owner of Baltimore's premier food tour, I like to think of myself as a professional gourmond. As a Baltimore resident, I have very strong opinions on Maryland's favorite food: the crab cake. This is OFFICIALLY one of the greatest debates in Baltimore! Crab cakes may seem like a pretty silly thing to debate about, but what about Philly and the Cheese Steak? What about Buffalo and the Wings? What about New York and the Pizza?
Baltimore is Crab Cakes and Crab Cakes are Baltimore. It's just that simple. Our little cake has gotten surprising traction all over the world, and it's just astounding how many different kinds exist. Each restaurant claims the best, or the most original, or the heaviest with lump crab meat. The best cake, however, isn't so easy to pin down.
Well, which one is the best crab cake?? The answer is: it depends. Everyone has personal preferences, so let's get into the details.
Pier Point (https://www.pierpointrestaurant.com)
Chef Nancy Longo's Smoked and Standard Crab Cakes
Where does that leave us in the hunt for the BEST CRAB CAKE in Baltimore?
With our proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, crabs are a local and seasonal favorite. Picking crab can be a chore, so a crab cake gives you the flavor and satisfaction without the extra efforts.
Crab cakes are delicate. Crab cakes are a source of pride. Crab cakes are a point of contested beliefs. Crab cakes are a piece of the character that makes Baltimore what it is. Crab cakes are special.
Meat, Filler, Spice, Cook, and Presentation. These are all critical elements of the crab cake, and the talking points of many a chef. Does the crab cake have too much filler? Is the crab cake spiced correctly? How is the crab cake cooked? Do they present the crab cake with a complimentary side, or sauce? It's enough to make you mad! At the end of the day, each person likes something a little different. Some people will prefer broiled crab cakes to fried. Some will want savory spices in their crab cake, and others will want nothing more than some mayonnaise. Some will prefer bread crumbs, or cracker crumbs in their crab cake, and others will want little more than egg holding it all together. The variation is endless.
Sip and Bite (www.sipandbite.com/)
Eastern Shore Sandwich - Bacon, Egg, and Cake. Simple, but so very special!
Best Crab Cakes in Baltimore:
In light of these differences in taste and preference, I will give you a few of my favorite crab cakes, and why they are favorites. I will tell you what elements make them special, and how they compare to each other. The truest way to find the perfect crab cake, is to try many of them, and enjoy the variations in the craft.
Pier Point - Two words: smoked crabmeat. Very little filler. Spiced delicately. Heaven.
Faidley's Seafood - The Golden Standard. Fried, and with a delicate filler, huge chunks of jumbo lump crab meat. What a beast! Lexington Market is a historic and truly amazing place, but be wary. Read up before you venture here, and be prepared for a truly cultural experience.
Nick's Fish House - Similar to Faidley's, and made in the same vein. A little more filler, and simple bread. It's great, but simple.
Sip and Bite Diner - You gotta try the Eastern Shore sandwich. Eggs, bacon, and crab cake. It's a Baltimore original, seasoned with savory herbs.
G&M - Huge. Lots of filler, but momma mia! So much crab meat!
The Point - They use an amazing remoulade sauce to accent the crab cake.
So there you go. The Best Crab Cake in Baltimore is found in trying numerous cakes, and seeing which style you like! Give a few a try, and find out why Baltimore is so in love with this little dish, and why it's such a point of pride!
Duda's Tavern Double Cakes on the streets of Fells Point.