Maryland is renowned for its crabcakes and is a genuine oyster lover’s paradise, thanks to its strong nautical tradition and the abundance of the Chesapeake Bay. After exploring restaurants all throughout the state for two years, we finally found our favorite oyster meal, which ranges from raw bars brimming with briny delicacies to creative culinary masterpieces.
You’re guaranteed to find oysters you adore in Maryland, regardless of whether you’re a purist who likes them on the half-shell or someone who prefers them fried, roasted, or Rockefeller-style. Even while we like the grilled oysters that the Gaithersburg restaurant Grilled Oyster Co. is known for, their $26 oysters and cavia appetizer is our favorite oyster dish in the entire state. “Probably the best oyster dish I’ve had in Maryland,” said our very own Mr. MoCo.
The combination of flavors, which included caviar, creme fraiche, and half a dozen shucked boutique oysters, had us enjoying every bite. It was the ideal way to start a dinner at the restaurant and left us wanting more, even though the price tag was a touch high because of the caviar. We list a few more places to enjoy throughout the state below, most of which offer fantastic (and more conventional) versions.
Baltimore:
A steadfast favorite, Thames Street Oyster House (Fells Point) provides a traditional oyster bar experience along with an amazing à la carte raw bar. For true oyster lovers, it’s a must-visit because of its astounding assortment of oysters from all across North America and its reputation for serving fresh, clean shucks. They also include classic seafood meals from the Mid-Atlantic and New England on their menu.
The restaurant branch of a real oyster farm in Southern Maryland is called True Chesapeake Oyster Co. (Whitehall Mill). Serving the freshest oysters straight from their own aquaculture business is a priority for True Chesapeake. A seasonal cuisine with raw, roasted, and inventive specialty dishes like French Onion Oysters is to be expected. They support locally sourced ingredients and sustainability.
Oyster Cellar (Hampden) by Dylan: A quaint and well-liked location, Dylan’s Oyster Cellar has attracted a devoted clientele thanks to its carefully chosen oyster menu and relaxed, friendly ambiance. During happy hour, they frequently offer buck-a-shuck promotions, making it an affordable way to savor excellent oysters.
Canton’s Mama’s On the Half Shell: Mama’s, a vibrant Canton corner bar that has been a Baltimore staple for years, is known for its extensive oyster menu, which includes both raw and fried options. It’s a classic seafood experience in Baltimore.
The Urban Oyster: Well-known for its creative take on oysters, The Urban Oyster serves popular chargrilled oysters in distinctive flavor combinations like teriyaki and barbecue-bacon-cheddar. They can be seen at the Baltimore Farmers Market and frequently function as pop-ups.
Annapolis:
Sailor Oyster Bar: This hidden gem in Annapolis is well-known for its inventive menu and expertly prepared, fresh seafood. Their waiters are renowned for creating a delightful oyster experience.
Located in the center of Annapolis’s historic Downtown, Middleton’s Tavern has a long history and is renowned for its oysters, which are served as an appetizer, steamed, or half-shell.
O Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern: This restaurant has collaborated with the Oyster Recovery Partnership, so by returning oyster shells, patrons may help repopulate the oyster ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay.
Outside of the Cities:
In addition to its well-known crabs, Harris Crab House in Grandville offers a range of oyster alternatives, such as steamed, raw, fried, stuffed, or sandwiched. The final commercial oyster house in Maryland, Harris Seafood Co., is where they get their oysters.
Reviews of McFaul’s Oyster and Reel (Essex) often highlight the restaurant’s exceptional oyster po boy sliders, which come with big, perfectly cooked oysters with a distinctive marmalade spread. It is praised for having excellent seafood and cocktails while overlooking the water.
The Crab & Oyster Trail in Maryland:
Maryland offers a Crab & Oyster Trail for individuals who want to turn their oyster hunting into a gourmet excursion.You may fully immerse yourself in the state’s seafood culture by following this trail, which leads tourists to restaurants, seafood markets, tours, and events in several regions. Maryland’s oyster sites offer a delectable and genuine flavor of the Chesapeake, whether you’re enjoying the vibrant downtown scene or heading to the tranquil Bay shoreline. So settle in, order a dozen (or two!) and enjoy the distinct flavor of the best bivalves from Maryland.
