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Bethesda Crab House

Bethesda Crab House Review

This modest, noisy, ultracasual restaurant is the best place to enjoy one of the Chesapeake Bay area's great delicacies—blue crabs steamed with Old Bay seasoning. Order as many crabs as you want; when they're ready, they'll be dumped on your paper-covered table. That's your cue to pick up a mallet and knife and attack the crustaceans. (The waiters gladly give instructions.) Then settle back with a beer for some serious crab pickin'. The price varies with the time of year. It's a good idea to call in advance to reserve your crabs—the restaurant sometimes runs out.

Member Reviews

  • willieB, from DC
    12/6/07

    U don't go here for 'atmosphere'...nor do U wear your Sunday best. This is a rarity--a true 'crab shack', run by the same family for what seems to be centuries. Sometimes they 'import' LA crabs, if Bay harvest is slow. Can be expensive for large-size. Be prepared to spend lots and lots of time--feasting on spiced, steamed crabs is a slooow and beer-consuming process.
    One of the best place you'll find on this side of the Chesapeake Bay (lots more across the Bay Bridge, if U know where to look!).

    Ratings details: Food: 5 | Atmosphere: 2 | Service: 4 | Value: 4
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