Nestled by Mill Creek, this nostalgic crab house delivers Maryland seafood classics in a laid-back, boat-friendly setting, perfect for picking crabs.
"If Bay Bridge traffic sucks, stop and spend a few hours picking crabs at Cantler’s Riverside Inn in Annapolis. This popular waterfront restaurant is just beyond the Severn River Bridge. Cantler’s can be crowded, especially on weekends, so call ahead to check on wait times." - Tim Ebner
"There’s a good chance a Marylander has recommended Cantler’s before, as it’s a longtime go-to for crab lovers all year long. Set to a dive-y backdrop, Cantler’s serves ears of steamed corn alongside trays of crabs. The crab dip is a crowd pleasers, too. But, like any legendary crab-picking spot, there’s probably going to be a wait, especially during the peak of summer." - Tierney Plumb, Tim Ebner
"It’s no surprise that an iconic place to pick blue crabs would consistently churn out a great crab pretzel. At Cantler’s, which turns 50 this year in Annapolis, the toasted pretzel comes topped with crab dip and cheese — and tastes even better while soaking up its scenic waterside views." - Tierney Plumb, Claudia Rosenbaum
"Picking crabs at this family-run Annapolis institution is a Maryland tradition, and the quiet waters of Mill Creek make it the ideal place to moor a boat. For customers who would rather have someone else do the work for them, go with Cantler’s crab dip, crab pretzels, and jumbo lump crab cakes." - Claudia Rosenbaum
"Crab houses like Cantler’s Riverside Inn and family-owned Wild Country Seafood are still holding on." - Nat Belkov
