Crisfield Seafood

Charming, historical, locally-owned Silver Spring epicurean treasure. As a native New Orleanian, I have high expectations for fresh and fried seafood. 🦞🍤🦀 Crisfield’s exceeded my expectations for fresh seafood and tasty sides including fresh cut french fries and coleslaw. Recommend the crab cakes (broiled or fried), stuffed shrimp, fried shrimp and stuffed flounder. Fresh seafood sourced locally. All entrees and sides freshly prepared and savory. Restaurant staff friendly and knowledgeable about menu items. Extremely casual atmosphere to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. Expect to spend $25 - $40 per entree based on order (see picture of menu from 06/19/24). Featured in New York Times as one of the top 25 DC restaurants. Enjoy, you won’t be disappointed!

This is a diamond in the rough. This Silver Spring, MD, landmark has stood the test of time. Don't be fooled by its rough exterior, these frozen in time walls are keeping in all the flavor and goodness of traditional American coastal cuisine. Easily the best meal I had on the D.C. area, Crisfield stole my heart with their healthy servings and friendly service. I was a bit put off when I realized the parking lot in the area photos were for the closed garage next door, but we were cautiously told we could park there. This is a quintessential example of the quirkiness of this 70-year-old establishment. The charm is in the beautiful and delicate flavors revealed underneath the tough exterior. After sitting down, everything about this place will remind you of holidays at your kooky relatives. There's a sense of home here. From the possibility of being yelled at for parking in the neighbors drive, to wanting to steal the homemade hot sauce because the retired bartender refuses to give you the recipe (or sell you some). All of this is stitched together lovingly into the perfect package through the amazing food! The seafood is fresh and succulent. I tried both of the seafood combinations, one fried, the other broiled and I fell in love. Lobster, crab, shrimp, fish... oh my! Dont get me started about the sides. Best fries and baked potato I've had in years. The coleslaw was the perfect balance of creamy, sweet and acidic. Did I tell you about the bread--yes, I'm talking good old-fashioned fresh dinner rolls. I had my doubts at the door. It's not the prettiest spot, and the outside wall smelled vaguely of urine. When we walked in there was slight stuffiness that smelled of age and better times. But we had no better time anywhere else for any amount of money. There is just no hiding the real thing--and Crisfield is it! Yes it looks like it's been there since the 50s (because it has), but there is a reason. Just look at the pics and you'll know. All I have to say is, Go! The food will not disappoint you.

This place was like a step back in time and very nostalgic. Loved that the interior has kept the original decor. It was very clean and well kept. We had the crab cocktail, fried crab cakes and seafood bisque. They all tasted good. Staff was very friendly and attentive.

Down town Silver Spring is a cool area with many different restaurants… I recommend trying one of those other options. I have been to the restaurant 2 times and both time the food was decent. I tried the fried option and the broiled option. The broiled option is better than the fried but both were nothing I recommend. Service is not the best, our server was not friendly and did not check in often although the restaurant was practically empty. The server had to be reminded of things we ordered and reached over our meal multiple times. We visited on a weekend for lunch and the spot was not busy at all. Food lacks seasonings/spice/flavor. Food looks better than it taste. Tomatoes were the best part of my meal. Crab cake is decent.

If you know, you know. Same cook over 50 years. Food and atmosphere is the same since I made my first visit 45 years ago. It’s a shame some of the reviewers did not care for it. I could not imagine delivery or take out. Got to eat in. Parking out front free on weekends. Seafood Bisque and Combo Norfolk are the best! Great coleslaw also. Keep going strong guys!

Best crab cakes I’ve ever had. I had my fill and then some. Their homemade sauces (especially the tartar) are all top notch. As per Jay’s fantastic recommendation and with Dennis’ service, I had the platter of the shrimp and flounder stuffed with crab cake, with the side of lobster tail. It was the best seafood I’ve ever had in the DMV area. This family-owned restaurant has apparently been in it’s same place since the ‘40s— it’s one of the gems of Silver Spring, and more people need to know about them!

Had dinner at this restaurant Friday. I’ve been coming to this restaurant for 40 yrs +. Food was delicious , we ordered the soft shells & stuffed flounder with crabmeat. The soft shells were small, but they accommodated the size with 5. We were sweating 🥵 while eating, but I can honestly say, it was worth it! Old building and the portable AC wasn’t putting out much cool air, other than that I would have given 5 stars!

The $3 dollar difference. The broiled crab cake cost $3 dollars more than the fried crab cake. I had the fried crab cake. I will not be going back. It was too small and lacked flavor. It tasted and looked like it was frozen food. Now my wallet and stomach is empty.

There's a lot to say about Crisfield's. They are closing in a few days after an 80 year run, which is impressive for any institution, doubly so for a restaurant. They are a bit run down and divey, but in a lovable way, like your favorite dive bar. They were named one of the best restaurants in Washington by Washingtonian in 1989, and again by the New York Times in 2024 (!). You should trust the former review more than the latter; not that Crisfield's isn't good, but there are more great restaurants in DC now than in 1989 and the NYT always has bad takes on DC. Crisfield's has one room that's entirely a large U shaped bar (maybe 12 seats), and another that's a small dining room (maybe 50 seats). The menu is mostly seafood, prepared simply (broiled, baked, or fried), and with a few choices of sides (fries, baked potato, apple sauce, coleslaw, and tomatoes). I visited on Tuesday during their last week in business. I got in line at 5:30 PM and I wasn't seated until about 7 PM. There were plenty of open tables, so the problem was staffing -- either the kitchen or the waiters were way behind. Seeing empty tables and waiting for 90 minutes is enough to make anyone hangry, and I was. We finally got seated, ordered, and got food around 7:30 PM. Well, it was worth it, and I don't regret the wait. We had the fried scallops and stuffed shrimp, along with sides of fries, coleslaw, and tomatoes. The stuffed shrimp came three to an order and were delicious, without much filler and light on seasoning, but in a good way. Fries were a bit limp and undersalted. Scallops were very good and a large portion. Coleslaw was fine, tomatoes tasted a bit fishy so we didn't eat much of them. It wasn't a perfect meal, but it was a tasty one and I'm glad I got to visit Crisfield's before they closed.

For those trying to get here before they close for good - on Tuesday night, there was a line of 20-30 people out the door. Staff came out and cut off the line around 7:20pm. People who were in line did not leave. Staff were clearly exhausted. They recommended coming early for lunch to get in before like cutoff.

I've been coming here off and on for many, many years. They haven't lost their touch. It's simple, basic seafood, prepared and presented well. The quality was very good. The price was very reasonable considering the good quality. $9 for a draft beer seemed a bit pricey but everything else has gone up in price recently so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Crisfields is a DMV foodie institution! If you know, you know....this place has had the same cook for over 50 years, serves quality seafood and the clientele-patron base to prove it. Crisfields, with its unassuming marquee and storefront....it is like a step back in time and very nostalgic as soon as you walk through its doors. It is a welcoming, inviting and a no-frills kind of restaurant that has stood the test of time and has been around for decades. The original decor and vibe stands out as soon as you walk into the place. It like a museum meets seafood hut with dine-in seating surrounded by old collectibles and local DC memorabilia which you can't help but to walk around to see, read and admire. On this day, I came in for a quick lunch and tried the Crab Stuffed Shrimp Platter and Seafood Bisque. Both dishes did not disappoint. The Crab Stuffed Shrimp it always a favorite. It was crispy on the outside and filled with a crabcake ball filling and baked on a plump, jumbo shrimp. It is the a great meal to satisfy your seafood fix and the portions are perfect. And, let's not forget the sides. The fries are freshet potatoes and the coleslaw was the perfect balance of creamy, sweet and acidic. Another good pick here, is the seafood combination platter (baked or broiled) which comes with fish, shrimp, scallops and a house favorite....the crab cakes. In all, I recommend Crisfield. The food is delicious and the seafood is always fresh. It is very clean and well kept. The staff here is always friendly and attentive as well. Takeout ordering is available, but a place like this is must be savored while eating/dining in-house. When in Silver Spring....I say make it a stop here and enjoy the eats. There is just no denying the real thing.......and Crisfield is it!

This is such a cute spot! The staff was so helpful in pointing out the best options. You're certainly going for the nostalgic experience, not really the food. I'll be back to try those crab cakes

The cost of their food is pretty high and you only can order online or for delivery now. Wired and I've ordered from here before what happened.

Never short of amazing. No glitz, no glam, no reservations. Just REAL authentic seafood. This older establishment has been around for years and my father and I used to go every year for my birthday. I flew home to Maryland for a few weeks and just HAD to stop by to get my Crisfields fix. I ordered the broiled seafood combination which included crab stuffed flounder, stuffed shrimp and a broiled lobster tail. I got a side of Cole slaw and fries. Again, this place does not disappoint. No frills, just authentic delicious seafood-- and quick too!

Love this place. Service was perfect. I ordered the Seafood Fried Combo... it was fried perfectly, the scallops for juicy and so tender! Crabcakes were tasty, not the best quality meat, but it hit the spot... the fried fish was delicious and fresh... I chose a baked potato and coleslaw as 2 side. I asked for butter unfortunately they were out of butter so the bartender got a huge bar of butter from the kitchen and me a piece ... that was awesome! Above and beyond I will definitely return.

Jay and the restaurant team put together ten crabcakes for a family event. They gave clear instructions for preparation and how to keep them fresh on my roadtrip for the party. The crabcakes were absolutely delicious and gone in a matter of minutes. No filler. Everyone raved about the crabcakes. Thank you for the wonderful service!

The service is awful - they should let the entire staff go. Food has declined over the years, but still edible. The fried crab cake has fish in it. It's also kind of run down. I can't recommend it, unfortunately.

Simply old style maryland seafood that is fresh and delicious! Friendly service. Original retro interior. A step back in time. Wonderful food.

I love Crisfield Seafood !! I have been going there since I was little. I love going to look at all of the pictures of the famous people that have dined there. We went there recently in honor of my aunt who had passed away. The raw oysters and clams were delicious! The sampler is my go to meal. It was delicious as always. There were big chunks of crab and lobster meat. The crab cake was one of the best that I have ever tasted. Last time that we went, I convinced a couple that had just moved here to try the restaurant. The one drawback to this restaurant is the distance from my house. I would go everyday if I could.

Been going to this place for yearsssss and my god have things changed! Everything is over priced and the amount they give you is little to none, the service is HORRIBLE AND in 90 weather it feels better outside than in the restaurant. Sadly me and my family will never be returning !

Delivered on time. Well wrapped. Bisque soup was over sherried crab flavor was missing. Fried shrimp were generous and tasty crab imperial was delicious.A beautiful good dinner.

We have been going to Crisfield for over 50 years. Many things have changed but not for the better.The clam chowders was excellent- today it has no longer the small cubed and succulent clams. The soup is a thick gruel and the clams are tough from sitting in the hot soup for a long time. The broiled flounder is still good but the crab stuffing is different than I remember it. May be the crab now comes in cans from Thailand and not from the Eastern Shore. The Cole Slaw recipe was also altered and it tastes full. In its hay day, Crisfield was a lively great sea food restaurant. Reportedly, the kitchen is run by relatives of Mrs. Landis, the former owner. The kitchen needs improvement.

My my my! The perch was absolutely the Best! Born and raised in Louisiana, I know good seafood and I know my perch! Jay was awesome, wonderful personality. Jay gave me a little history about the owner, Ned, who created an amazing sauce "Ned's sauce". You have to try it. Come as you are and enjoy the good food, good service, and down home atmosphere! Lastly, I warmed the rest of the fish up when I got home and it was still delicious and crunchy! Thanks Jay!

In my opinion, this place deserves a higher than its current overall rating of 3.5 stars. My first ever trip to the nation's capital city, Washington, DC, all of a sudden took a different turn when my good/new friend decided to be my tour guide "remotely". He spent his college years in DC so upon telling him that I have been in DC since this Monday, he felt obligated to step in to be my guide. I mainly wanted some suggestions for points of interest to visit (such as museums and parks etc.) so I wasn't really expecting to see a restaurant to come up in the list he made for me. My friend said this place is an authentic family-style Chesapeake bay area seafood place. He went on to tell me that everything they make there tastes like food that's made by your grandma. I was convinced. After going through several stations from Union Station on the metro and 10 min on foot from Silver Springs station, I safely made it to the restaurant mid this afternoon on Wednesday, Nov 10th. The guy there at the register welcomed me upon arrival. He just didn't welcome me; he attentively asked me what I wanted and patiently walked me through the menu (like others said in their reviews, service is pretty good there.) He was also flexible with me by offering me some substitute. For the combo plate I wanted, he told me I could get extra scallops instead of shrimp. I really liked what he had suggested so I went with that (so my plate ended up with extra scallops, perch, and crab cake with two sides of my choice.) Extra sauces they included in the bag were waay more than enough. Once I was back to my hotel, my feast began (sorry to those people on the metro who had to smell my food as the smell of it spread to the entire train car!!!) The crab cake tasted as authentic as it gets. I have to say that it was one of the best crab cakes I've ever had. The scallops as well as perch was also delicious. So overall, this experience of mine was way more than satisfactory which I have to give it at least a 4-star review. And I'm happy for that fact that this restaurant has been around for the last 76 years; we got to support a business like this, don't we??

All I can say is ... dang, this place is amazing! We went on our last night in town and instantly wished we had come earlier in the trip so we could do it again. It's a classic no frills seafood joint that just plain rocks their seafood. We loved all things crab here. Eat here - you'll be glad you did.

Oh wow! This was a fantastic place to grab lunch on a cool Saturday afternoon. The price was acceptable for seafood and the staff were swift. The restaurant was clean and not overcrowded. Unfortunately I had to get it to go..

NOT WORTH THE HYPE... no no... no no no no no no ...OH no. Presentation sucked, the food was presented like a to go plate in paper plates. Cabbage is too cheap for that mini play house serving.. the fried fish was cold and soggy so was the shoe string fries were and soggy. Crab cake HORRIBLE. Customer service impecable thanks Kath...ambiance old run down rum shop Vibe. Won't wast my time.

I went to Crisfield's for the first time in many years to get a takeout clam chowder. I was stunned by how grungy it has become

Classic Maryland Seafood, since 1945. My mother grew up in Cambridge, MD. in the 1920s & 1930s. She notes the classic authentic eastern shore Md Style. I have been a customer since the 1970. I was there with my daughter last night... Everything was great! ... 3 generations of Chrisfield Seafood lovers. For new comers I recommend the "Stuffed Shrimp": Combo of Butterflied Shrimp and Crab Cake.....Simply delicious. For the more adventurous... Get the soft shell crabs Chrisfields makes the best. Chrisfields is truly a slice of Maryland history a true classic.

Perfect again, Two lobster stuffed tails. Great wait staff very friendly. Crab legs with mustard sauce perfect

First, I walked into the business, and it was unpleasant. No interest.. in communication. I overlooked the workers because they didn't greet me. I was told it would be a 30-minute wait for the soup. The soup was usually thick added water after I got home. And the color was not the original color white creamy. The soup was deplorable they obviously lost the original recipe . Last but not least. The crackers were stale, too

I used to love me some Chrisfield .....It's a hit or miss these days .... bring the old Crisfield back please ! Stuffed shrimp you taste more filling than crab meat . Fries are aren't hot . The baked potato is good. Received a burnt one , one day but they made up for it on my next visit... Coleslaw need some life to it ... too bland ! Never had a bad Seafood Bisque :)

Dried out, shriveled up soft shell crabs, tasteless fish on husband's sandwich. Tartar and cocktail sauces watery. Cold, brown, over cooked baked potatoes, were they yesterdays, just slightly reheated? Slaw was warm like it had been sitting under a heat lamp. Wait staff more interested in baseball game than serving customers. Never refilled drinks. Didn't know market prices or the dessert choices. Run down space, "food" stains on walls. Looked like catsup or cocktail sauce. We drove out of our way to eat here, but wish we hadn't. Parking is also an issue. I'm willing to overlook a lot, if the food is good, this place was really disappointing. Best feature was the lovely oyster plate collection in a cabinet hanging on the wall. It was beautiful!

terrible food terrible service do not recommend Go anywhere beside here Parking is also terrible The place is very outdated

I miss your wonderful lobster salad and hope it'll be back with soon - otherwise everything about Crisfield's is just right! Don't change a thing!

Cristfield's has always been a sure fire delicious seafood dining experience in Silver Spring. The New England Clam Chowder is creamy and buttery with lots of clams. My husband had soft shell crabs and I had Crab Imperial. Everything was prepared well and tasted delicious. As to service, well that could have been more attentive to details. It's not a fancy establishment but bringing a glass of water or bringing out a cup of soup in less than 20 minutes is not too demanding given the soup was probably already prepared. There is very little in the way of ambiance other than it has that old seafood diner look of black and white tile throughout. In short, the food is great, the portions are generous and if you're looking for some delicious local seafood, Crisfield's is your place.

You step inside and are informed that on a hot July day the main air conditioning is down. It has been broken for two years. Two years. No drinks menu was provided. An indifferent server takes your orders. First they bring out the slaw and drinks, then a sort of warm baked potato, cooked twice and the the flounder stuffed with crab meat. It tastes like frozen fish that thawed, then was refrozen, then thawed and cooked. Not flaky at all. The tartar sauce is sweet, not tangy. They forgot to bring out lemons. Had to be asked twice. Shrimp stuffed with crabmeat was bland. Our server never checked back to see if our drinks in that sweat box needed refreshing. My shirt was stuck to my back. We call for a check, have to go to the register to find that they have added in a gratuity that was in excess of the service provided. We step out and find it cooler outside than inside. This is not the Chrisfields that had a line out the door, and the raw bar packed as in days of old. We will not return.

This place has been around a long time. Great place to go and eat fresh delicious seafood.

Over cooked broiled seafood like rubber Was here 20 years ago but the original staff has sadly passed away. And the new cook staff isn't keeping the bar at the same level. Hope they get things going in the right direction.

Wasn't impressed by customer service, to the location to the food! I will never return or suggest to my family and friends.

Def a local place, regulars who have been coming here for 50 years and more. Not classy, but lots of seafood with some fresh specials in season. like soft-shell crab and Rockfish. The four of us thought the seafood (soft-shell, Rockfish, crab cakes) was good, but not great. The Rockfish was dry and the cakes didn't have a lot of flavor. Prices were cheaper than at some high-end restaurants in the area and the "dress-down code" was what you might expect at a place that was a bit divey, yet remembered by families for generations. Family run.

I love this place. I come here with my husband because the food is just so good! Even when he goes without me he bring me their seafood bisque or the stuffed shrimp. Delicious!

this is my favorite seafood restaurant in the DC area the seafood bisque stuffed shrimp and the crab cakes are a must have been going to this place since i was a kid and its never changed the atmosphere is great and the employes are great to

Cool ambiance brought us in. We both ordered fried combo plates and a beer. We were both disappointed in the meals as they were quite bland. The shrimp were good but the other fish were lacking. Beer was expensive. Sadly would not recommend. There are many other decent restaurants nearby with better food at lower prices just missing the 1945 vibe.

We've been going to Crisfield's for about 25 years. We always loved their seafood bisque and stuffed shrimp. Had a late birthday celebration for my husband last night and I'm sorry to say will probably be our last visit. The seafood bisque has lost the bit of a bite to it. The bisque used to have a wonderful after taste but is no longer there. Tasted as though it was canned. The shrimp used were the some of the smallest shrimp I had ever seen. My husband and I both ordered the crab stuffed shrimp. His was served perfectly cooked; mine was burnt. The cocktail sauce was terrible. Was very runny and I all I could taste was a bland watered down ketchup. I realize everything has gone up in price and it's more expensive these days to operate and restaurant but one cannot-should not sacrifice the quality of food in a long standing establishment. We would have gladly paid more for the taste that we used to enjoy.

Went Friday night for dinner. I had the lump crab cake sandwich and my friends had the soft shell crab dinners. We all enjoyed our food very much!! Delicious!!! My friends commented that they got a 4th crab compared to getting only 3 last time they were there. Two suggestions: Show on the menu that you serve wine; I wouldn't have known if my friend hadn't asked for a glass. And please fix the a/c!! We got a table under a ceiling fan but if not we would have suffered!!!! Def need to visit more often!!!

My boss wanted to have some seafood before she left. We went here be abuse the ratings were nice and wanted seafood. The place is not that hard to find it is right on Georgia ave across from the Montgomery community College. There is a parking lot across the street hiding behind these apartment complexes. We walked and got a booth in the back. We order soup, I got seafood bisque and she got the clam chowder. We booth got soft crab sandwiches. It was a great experience. The waiter was lovely and so was the hostesses. The soup I had was okay nothing to brag about and the sandwich was okay as well. The restaurant is small on the inside for me and limited sittings in the back unless you wish to sit down at the bar. The bar itself was filled up too.

This has for 25 years been one of my favorite local spots, and I am glad it survived the pandemic, but I have to agree with others that it seems - sadly - to be in decline.. Service is very minimal, and nearly all the dishes seem somehow diminished from the old standard. Seafood bisque was always the star for me, and it was good enough on a recent visit, but the recipe was different, more tomatoey, and you have to hunt for pieces of seafood. What used to be a tasty "fried perch" sandwich is now just listed as "fried fish," and nothing special at all (thinner filets, more "fried" than "fish"). And for some reason there was no tarter sauce available, though I could get out of my server if that was permanent or temporary. The cole slaw used to be a highlight, but is now dry and bland. Even their house "Ned's Sauce," tastes a bit different, though it may just be the fact of it no longer coming in a bottle but rather tiny little plastic cups. Well, I still go back I am sure, as it's a tradition; but I miss the old Crisfield..

Food not excellent like it once was! Disappointing! $$$ wasted someone needs to talk to the other family members My potatoe yuk not cooked My cole slaw terrible Nothing was yummy:(

Eat on the street yuk it was a huge disappointment. We went to All Set and had a great time.

Hands down, still the best seafood bisque ever! I've been visiting Crisfield's for years and it's still worth it.

I LOVE CRISFIELDS! The only thing that stops me from giving Crisfield a 5 star is because they have limited sides. In fact, they only have baked potatoes, french fries, apple sauce, and cole slaw. The crabcakes and stuffed shrimp are made with lump crab meat. I normally order and make sides at home.

This place is old and over priced. Not worth the prices for the portions. They definitely do not use lump crab meat. It's a mixture of claw and crab meat. There sides are so dried up and tasteless. Baked potatoes are just over cooked and dried out. I even heard the Spanish girl at the register making fun of the customers in Speaking Spanish about a couple eating across from me. Spanish cashier stated "this is your typical Moreno food quality". Really how do you have a job when this business has been serving everyone coming there for years. Her racial slurs at customers just threw my appetite out the window. Never going back to this place it's just not somewhere I would support.

The seafood bisque used to be the best in the area. Was the recipe changed? I got a large order recently and it was beyond disappointing. It tasted like pumpkin bisque with a few fish pieces. We got two fish sandwiches that were 2 tiny pieces of overcooked fish that was tough to bite. And it had a fishbone. Who wants to find a fishbone on a fish sandwich?

It's time has pass the seafood bisque which was famous back in its day is a real disappointing hit or miss. I'm over it now.

Crisfields is always a classic staple in the DMV. Its a family oriented business, the food is good and they take care of you.