Cantler's

Before we left for our Maryland trip I did a little crab house research, wanting to make the most of our short visit. Turns out that Cantler's, while heralded as the best cab house in Annapolis, manages to remain a well-kept secret. Maybe it's because just finding the place is cause for celebration (call for directions, there's a closed road and other exciting, map-defying antics).

We were seated on the porch which in fairer weather would have been open air. They had handily enclosed the place with a rather nice tent so we were able to enjoy the view of Mill Creek and the rainstorm. Everything had a very traditional, no fuss sort of feel with long rows of bare picnic tables, and the dark, reassuring interior that everyone is too quick to disdain in this time of modern decorating. It looked like a proper seafood place.

We started in on some hush puppies, which were excellent, and I quickly settled on some Maryland lump crab cakes. Adam opted for the Rockfish with crab imperial. Both were delicious, and there's really nothing like a proper Maryland crabcake - more crab, less cake.

Service was prompt and pleasant, the iced tea was bottomless and Cantler's was more than worth the trek.

Cantler's
458 Forest Beach Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410.757.1311