Glen Burnie, Maryland, is a town that’s practically breathing in the Chesapeake Bay. And if you know anything about the Chesapeake, you know that means one thing: crabs.
Here, crabs aren’t just food; they’re a way of life. From family picnics to celebratory feasts, crabs are at the center of it all. Picking crabs is a social event.
So, if you’re looking for the best places to get your crab fix in Glen Burnie, look no further. We’re diving into the crustacean scene to bring you the top spots to crack, pick, and enjoy the freshest, most flavorful crabs Glen Burnie, Maryland, has to offer.
Types of Crabs Commonly Found in Glen Burnie
When you’re on the hunt for crabs in Glen Burnie, you’re most likely looking for the iconic crustacean that Maryland is famous for: the blue crab.
Blue Crabs: Maryland’s Signature Crustacean
Blue crabs are easily recognizable by their bright blue claws and bluish shell. The color is most vivid in males.
These crabs thrive in the Chesapeake Bay, a rich ecosystem that provides them with food and shelter. The bay’s health is directly linked to the health of the blue crab population, which is why conservation efforts are so important.
Other Crab Varieties
While blue crabs are the star of the show in Glen Burnie, you might occasionally find other types of crabs on the menu, including soft-shell crabs, snow crabs, and king crabs.
Top Crab Houses and Restaurants in Glen Burnie
Okay, you’re craving crabs in Glen Burnie. I get it. Here are a few places that consistently pop up in conversations about the best spots to crack some shells.
[Restaurant Name 1]
Let’s say this place has a vibe that’s…[Describe the restaurant’s atmosphere and ambiance. Is it family-friendly, upscale, or casual?]. You know, the kind of place where [describe what makes it that vibe – e.g., you can wear your flip-flops and no one judges, or you might want to dress up a little].
Their go-to is definitely [Highlight their signature crab dishes and preparation styles. Steamed crabs with Old Bay seasoning. Crab cakes, crab dip, crab soup]. You can’t go wrong with the [Name of specific dish, e.g., “Old Bay Steamed Crabs” or “Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes”]. They really know how to [describe how they prepare it, e.g., “steam them perfectly” or “make the crab cakes with minimal filler”].
And, if you’re lucky, they’ll have [Mention any unique features or specials. All-you-can-eat crab feasts, happy hour deals]. Keep an eye out for their [Name of Special, e.g., “Wednesday Night AYCE” or “Happy Hour Crab Dip Discount”].
[Restaurant Name 2]
This place is more of a [Describe the restaurant’s atmosphere and ambiance]. It’s the kind of spot where [describe what makes it that vibe].
They’re known for their [Highlight their signature crab dishes and preparation styles]. People rave about their [Name of specific dish]. The secret is [describe how they prepare it].
A cool thing about them is [Mention any unique features or specials]. They also have [Another special feature].
[Restaurant Name 3]
If you’re looking for a [Describe the restaurant’s atmosphere and ambiance], then this is your place. It’s got a real [describe what makes it that vibe] feel.
Their specialty is [Highlight their signature crab dishes and preparation styles]. You absolutely HAVE to try their [Name of specific dish]. What makes it special is [describe how they prepare it].
They’re unique because [Mention any unique features or specials]. Plus, they often have [Another special feature].
Honorable Mentions
A couple of other places worth checking out are [Restaurant Name 4], known for [Briefly Describe], and [Restaurant Name 5], which is great if you’re in the mood for [Briefly Describe].
Steaming Crabs at Home: A Glen Burnie Tradition
If you want to enjoy steamed crabs in the comfort of your own home, Glen Burnie has plenty of options for sourcing the freshest crustaceans and supplies.
Where to Buy Crabs in Glen Burnie for Home Steaming
You can find live crabs at local seafood markets and crab houses like Conrad’s Crabs and Seafood Market or Lynn’s Quality Oysters. When selecting crabs, consider size, weight, and liveliness. You want crabs that are feisty and feel heavy for their size.
Essential Equipment and Ingredients
To steam crabs at home, you’ll need a crab pot, a steamer basket, Old Bay seasoning (of course!), vinegar, and beer (optional, but highly encouraged!).
Step-by-Step Steaming Instructions
Layer the crabs in the pot, sprinkling each layer generously with Old Bay. Add a mixture of vinegar and beer to the bottom of the pot. Steam over medium-high heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crabs turn a bright orange-red color. To check for doneness, gently pull a leg; if it comes off easily, the crabs are ready!
Tips for Enjoying Steamed Crabs
Make sure you have the proper tools for cracking and picking crabs: a wooden mallet, a small knife, and plenty of paper towels! Traditional accompaniments include corn on the cob and coleslaw. And don’t forget the cold beer!
Beyond steamed crabs: Other crab dishes to try
While a pile of steamed crabs is a Maryland tradition, there are lots of other delicious ways to enjoy crab meat.
Crab cakes: A Maryland staple
Maryland crab cakes come in a few different varieties, depending on the type of crab meat used. You might find crab cakes made with lump crab meat (large, whole pieces), backfin crab meat (smaller flakes from the back of the crab), or claw meat (which has a stronger flavor). Crab cakes are typically either broiled or fried.
Crab soup: Cream of crab vs. Maryland crab
Cream of crab soup is rich and creamy, while Maryland crab soup is a tomato-based vegetable soup with crab meat added. Lots of restaurants in the Glen Burnie area are known for their excellent crab soup, so be sure to ask around for recommendations.
Crab dip: A crowd-pleasing appetizer
Crab dip is typically made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, and crab meat. It’s usually served warm with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
Other creative crab dishes
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also find crab pretzels, crab mac and cheese, crab nachos, and other creative crab dishes at restaurants in and around Glen Burnie.
Putting It All Together
In Glen Burnie, Maryland, crabs aren’t just food; they’re a culinary cornerstone. Whether you’re a seasoned crab-cracker or a newbie, there’s a crab house and a crab dish waiting to be discovered.
From classic steamed crabs piled high on butcher paper to innovative crab cakes and creamy crab soups, Glen Burnie’s crab scene offers something for every palate.
So, gather your friends and family, grab a mallet, and get ready to experience the simple joy of sharing crabs in Glen Burnie. It’s a taste of Maryland you won’t soon forget!