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Bethesda Crab House Review

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Bethesda Crab House

$$$, Seafood, Bethesda

User Rating: **** 4.0

Fodor's Review:

Bethesda Crab House. This modest, noisy, ultracasual restaurant is the best place in the Washington area 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 & Ratings:

Bay's best...also, crabs from Louisiana

Posted by willieB from DC on 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!).

FOOD: 5.0

ATMOSPHERE: 2.0

SERVICE: 4.0

VALUE: 4.0

RATING: 4.0