Restaurants by Water from Annapolis
(A guide to restaurants you can sail to, and dock at. Many with
tiki bars, waterfront entertainment, docking and more...)
Even Cleopatra liked to go for a toot down the river, they say, all decked out in her finery and resting atop brocaded cushions aboard her barge. But she had to settle for a picnic on deck, waterfront restaurants not being part of the Egyptian legacy. We’re luckier here on the Chesapeake, particularly in the Annapolis area. Putter down just about any nearby river and there’s a waterside eatery within range. Whether you grab a tiller, push a throttle or plan on little land cruising, one of the Bay’s finest resources—its seafood—is within easy reach.
(Courtesy, What's Up Magazine...)
Before you Click on the small restaurant guide map to see a large version, note the numbers on the Restaurants below that you wish to locate and match with the numbers on the map. Or, look at the map for the area you would like to cruise, and note the Restaurant numbers and then look below for the information on the Restaurant.
Welcome
Register and get more information hereAnnapolis
Throw a stone from Annapolis City Dock and you’re likely to break a
restaurant’s window, but unless you make reservations ahead or plan on dropping the
hook, finding a slip may be just as hard as finding parking. The good news is that
everything in Annapolis is within walking distance of just about anywhere you might want
to leave your boat (or your car). If the harbor’s full, head through the drawbridge
into Spa Creek. You might find room at Petrini’s, Sarles or the Olde Towne Marina
(formerly Arnie Gay’s). Or take a turn down Back Creek and come in through the
Maritime Republic of Eastport, that renegade community that severed connections with the
capital a year or two ago. No visa required.
Note, from SailScape: Take a mooring, or anchor near the harbor and the Water Taxi will come get you anytime. Very convienient and they run until after midnight.
8. Pusser's Landing - Annapolis
Breakfast, anyone? Early birds can take roost at Pusser's Landing, housed in the
Annapolis Waterfront Marriott on Historic Annapolis' City Dock, which opens daily at 6:30
A.M. and remains open until 10:00 P.M. weeknights, midnight on the weekends.
Dressed in warm, opulent furnishings reminiscent of the Titantic, Pusser's dining room comes alive with life-size figureheads--maidens who proudly rode the bows of ancient wooden ships. Through open windows in the airy café, casually dressed patrons can admire the vast array of boats maneuvering up Ego Alley on their way to City Dock.
At dinner, entrees from $16.95-20.00 include Caribbean specialties like Jamaican Seafood Stew, Rum Grilled Shrimp, Black and White Sesame Tuna and West Indian Prawns. Steak, seafood, pasta and stir fry dishes are also popular. A children’s menu and take out is offered. Reservations are suggested. 410-268-0660.
Visitors arriving by sea may use 220 feet of water frontage with a depth of 12 feet on a first come basis.
Note, from SailScape: Inside and dockside seating available.
14. Sam's Waterfront Café
Sam's Waterfront Café is the focal point of Annapolis' Chesapeake Harbor Marina,
located where the Severn River meets the Chesapeake Bay, just south of Back Creek. Serving
11:30AM-9:30PM Tuesday through Sunday, the Café's circular, lighthouse-style building, as
well as outside deck seating, gives dinner-goers an excellent view of Chesapeake Harbor.
Reservations assure a table where patrons can view sail and power boats in all shapes and
sizes.
Sam's specializes in fresh seafood dishes. Gourmet pasta creations (with Wild Mushrooms, Gorgonzola, and Toasted Walnuts), or Smoked Duck & Lobster are appealing, too. Entrees are $8.95-24.95. Children's meals are served and take-out is available. 410-263-3600.
Four slips are available in 8 feet of water, or you may tie up to the bulkhead, first come, first serve. Chesapeake Harbor has its own water taxi, too.
Note, from SailScape: This is a really nice place. Music on Friday/Saturday with Micky Basil on the Piano.
12. Carrol's Creek
Overlooking Spa Creek and Annapolis City Marina in Eastport, Carrol's Creek Restaurant
is one of the capital’s premier dining establishments. Noted for it's award-winning
American cuisine, the menu features mouth-watering versions of fresh seafood, steaks and
chops. The streamlined décor features beautiful oak plank floors surrounding an
eye-catching circular bar, and the outdoor seating offers one of the best views in town.
Carrol's Creek's crab soup and Sunday brunch have won many awards as the city’s best. If you go for dinner, start with Carrol's spicy Barbecue Shrimp appetizer. Then treat yourself to the Chesapeake Bay Dinner-- the Maryland favorite, Rockfish. Entrées go for $17.00-$24.00.
Casual dress or Sunday best is acceptable. Children are welcome, but not catered to. Open 11:30A.M.-10:00P.M. daily, Sunday Brunch begins at 9:30A.M. For priority seating call 410-263-8102.
Guests arriving by boat may contact the Annapolis City Dock Master at 410-268-0660. Docking is based on availability.
Note, from SailScape: If you're around on Wednesday--be sure to catch the finish of the Wednesday night races between 19:00 and 20:00--Also, great sunsets with Annapolis skyline.
10. Chart House Restaurant
Feast your eyes on the U.S. Naval Academy and Annapolis Harbor from 
the Chart House Restaurant on Spa
Creek in Eastport. Floor-to-ceiling windows assure guests seated in the casually elegant
dining rooms or comfortable lounge a panoramic view of the city skyline.
Feast your appetite on fresh seafood masterpieces like seared Yellow Fin Tuna with ginger soy butter and wasabi cream, or Grilled Chilean Seabass in a sherry-wine vinaigrette. Also, don't forget Chart House's Prime Rib, a standing rib roast slow-roasted with herbs and spices Entrées range from $14.00-$18.00.
Chart House is open 5:00P.M.-10:00P.M. weekdays, 11:00P.M. weekends. Sunday brunch begins at 10:30 AM. Reservations are not necessary. They offer a children’s menu and take-out. 410-268-7166.
Water depth is 12 feet. Boaters may tie up next to the restaurant, or take the water taxi from the Annapolis City Dock.
Note, from SailScape: NOT TRUE! The Charthouse has no docks of it's own. Anchor, take a mooring or make arrangements elsewhere. The Chart House is built out over the water and offers the best ring side seat in town for Harbor watching. Go early and have a cocktail or order from the Raw bar at one of the many comfortable lounge tables. (There's also a great fireplace in the winter. The salad bar is extraordinary--This restaurant is also sometimes known as Bay Yacht Agency or SailScape, South!) Be sure to pick p one of our newsletters at the distribution box on the walkway up to the Charthouse.
10. O'Learys Seafood Restaurant
Fresh fish any way you like it—that’s what the chefs at O'Learys Seafood
Restaurant in Eastport deliver. The staff takes pride in preparing your dinner to your
specifications.
Choose from exotic fish like Hawaiian Ono, Fiji Island Opah or Costa Rican Tilapia. Your selection can be grilled, blackened, sautéed, baked or barbecued. Entrees run $17.95-$29.95.
For a romantic, elegant meal, visit at sunset, when the colors of the sky fill the window-lined dining room overlooking Spa Creek and Historic Annapolis.
O’Leary’s is open 5:00P.M.-10:00P.M weekdays, until 11:00P.M. Friday and Saturday. Reservations are recommended on weekends. Children’s dinners and to-go items are available. 410-263-0884.
If you’re arriving by water, contact the Dock Master, or tie to moorings with 11-12 foot draw, then contact the water taxi for boat to door service.
Note, from SailScape: Don't go here for the view--but do go here for, possibly, the best seafood in town! (A nice way to do it is to make a reservation here, but go to the Chart House for pre-dinner cocktails and to enjoy the view. Then stroll along the waterfront behind all of the marine businesses, to O'Leary's.)
8. Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs
Buddy’s is one of the family-friendliest places in town. With lofty ceilings and
lots of paned windows overlooking City Dock and Main Street, it’s a happy, noisy spot
in the midst of downtown, where the kids can enjoy their sodas and fries while Mom and Dad
dig into the house specialties, ribs and crabs. The second-floor location (over Banana
Republic) offers a great perspective on nautical comings and goings in Ego Alley.
Steamed shrimp, salads, burgers and chicken are menu favorites here, with prices ranging from $7 to $23. The Sunday Brunch Buffet has plenty of offerings for every appetite—as the mids who visit often can attest. There’s a kids menu and carry-out (for party platters, too).
Buddy’s is open daily from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Reservations are not accepted. 410-626-1100.
Note, from SailScape: The only place right in town for Crabs. Usually considered a Tourist place. The IN place for Crabs? Cantlers! (See below.)
10. The Galley
The Galley, at 302 2nd Street, is Eastport’s deli of choice for great
carry-out breakfasts and lunches. Famous for its chicken salad and steak-and-cheese subs,
it’s a favorite place for sailors to grab a quick bite. In fact, boats in the harbor
are often seen dropping a crew member off for a quick sprint to pick-up their phoned-ahead
order, then picking him up at the end of Yacht Haven Dock—a nautical tradition called
"grub-napping."
The Galley, open Monday-Saturday from 7:30 A.M., is also home to the Maritime Republic of Eastport’s gift shop, a great bit of local color. Call ahead for anything from a gourmet box lunch to catering and platters. 410-263-5882.
Tie up your dinghy or slip quickly into a free slip at the end of 2nd Street, near Chart House.
Note, from SailScape: This is a quick lunch take out spot. Weekend hours erratic. Call ahead if possible.
4. Cantler’s Riverside Inn
Many locals consider this hideaway on Whitehall Creek the place for crabs
year-round. The décor and atmosphere is just what you’d expect from a place that
knows you want to crack your own: easy-going and unpretentious. The crab soup is a
Maryland Seafood Festival winner, and the menu offers everything from burgers to seafood,
at prices starting around $10. (crabs at market price may run the tab a good bit higher).
Cantler’s takes no reservations. While there can be quite a line on weekends, the beer garden outside is a pleasant place to enjoy a cold one. There’s a children’s menu, too, and at this family place, the little ones are as welcome as the big. 410-757-1311.
Vessels up to 60’ can be accommodated with a 15’ draw, but you must call ahead to reserve the end of the pier.
Note, from SailScape: The best bet is to get under the covered portion of the deck for sun and rain protection at the outside picnic tables. This place is nothing but fun! A little tricky to get to by land or water. By water, use your charts to carefully navigate to the lighted pole at the head of Whitehall Bay. Proceed on a very straight line to the lighted pole at the beginning of Mill Creek entrance. Stay in the middle of the numerous buoys. It's scary, but you'll go straight in to the land until you can almost feel like you could step ashore, then hook left and continue following the channel. Once in the Creek, meander up keeping more or less centered in the wide creek (avoiding the numerous points that extend out into the creek) You'll find Cantler's on the left. Watch carefully, it's up on a hill and easy to miss. Look for the outside deck, and crab shedding pens down on the waterfront along with a small marina at it's base.
11. McNasby’s Seafood Market & Carry-Out Crab Deck
Pick your crabs at the only waterfront crab deck in Annapolis that has its own dock.
The picnic tables with umbrellas at McNasby’s overlook Back Creek at the mouth of the
Severn, so diners can enjoy the view while digging into fresh local
seafood—everything from soft-shelled crabs, clam strips and oysters to steamed crabs
and shrimp.
Old Man McNasby’s crab cakes, the house specialty, are priced at just $2.99 ("A good crab cake shouldn’t cost a lot of money," proclaims the menu), or you can splurge on Mama McNasby’s 7-course meal for $11.99. Many items are also available broiled, steamed or grilled. Stop by any day from 11 A.M. to 8 P.M., or call your order ahead. Seating and docking are both first, come, first served. 410-280-2722.
There are two docks with an 8’ draw for boaters.
Going by Boat?
The City of Annapolis offers transient docking and mooring on a first-come, first-served basis. Water and electricity are available at slips. For more information, stop by the seasonal Visitors’ Information Booth in front of the Harbormaster’s Office on City Dock.
Harbormaster 410-263-7973 VHS Channel 9
Water Taxi VHF Channel 68
U.S. Coast Guard 410-267-8107
Visitor Information 410-280-0445Note, from SailScape: Moorings are your best bet if available. There is excellent water-taxi service until late at night. Want to anchor? If the weather's nice, you can anchor outside the anchorage off the Naval Academy Sea Wall. )Note, the water's deep all along the harbor and seawall right up until you get close enough to step ashore! Watch your depth sounder for a very deep trench that lies in line between the Green entrance Can and the Shoal pole about 1/2 mile out. (This trench was created by the Navy when they filled in the area that's now the Athletic fields on the waterfront--believe your depth sounder when it goes from 10-12' to 30+! The trench is fairly narrow, so get on one side or the other. Unless you're a very large boat, this should be considered more of a day anchorage and their may be considerable rolling here. One option is to anchor here, and then after you're done with Annapolis, go over to Whitehall Bay for the evening. You'll enjoy a protected, though sometimes crowded, anchorage with a nice breeze.
Another option is to go above the Bridge, past the moorings in the vacinity of Well's cove and anchor. Very protected, sometimes there's not enough breeze to stay cool in the summer.The Water Taxi will still come and get you here.
In bad weather--you can spend an entire day cruising up the Severn and enjoy the many small creeks and coves, enjoy imagining living in the luxurious homes (or find one to buy if you're hooked!) and you'll be in relatively protected waters the entire time. This is a beautiful river well worth exploring.
Kent Island
Kent Island Narrows boasts one of the higher concentrations of feeding stations on
the Bay, with restaurants running the gamut from Tiki kitsch to gourmet delight. Coming
from the Severn River, it’s probably faster to head north around Love Point and into
the Chester River to pick up the channel into the Narrows. Nearly all the restaurants that
ring the shoreline there offer dockage for diners, either at their own piers or through
arrangement with a host marina. And there’s always plenty of parking.
Not on the Map, but our favorite--Kent
Manner INN. 
Go over the Bay Bridge and take the first exit left. Pass the right turn to Hemmingways and the Beach Club, and take the left just before the Gas Station on the left. You may see the Inn about a mile in the distance across the farm fields. It's got all of the Southern charm you could ask for. A wonderful Gazibbo for parties or weddings. Colonial rooms. A great Restaurant. Ask to eat out on the Porch. Have a Port after dinner in the lounge. Linger. Enjoy. Get Romantic. Ask my Douglass about the stormy night we spent in the parlor while clouds and tornadoes danced around us and the Port flowed freely...
20. Hemingways
Travelers arriving by land, sea or air can find fine or casual dining at Hemingways,
and know that it’s been worth the trip. Located on the shore of Kent Island between
the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the Bay Bridge Airport, this landmark establishment offers a
choice of areas on two levels: an attractive dining room upstairs and Lola’s Tropical
Bar & Grill downstairs.
Hemingways has been a local favorite for years (it won the Best Crab Cakes award at last year’s Waterman’s Festival). The recent addition of Lola’s, however, brings a touch of the tropics to the Island, with Caribbean dishes and steamed crabs served at outdoor tables and the tiki bar. Also new this summer are sunset cruises aboard The Lady Pintail.
An adult dinner costs $18-$22. There’s also a youngsters’ menu, and take-out is available. Reservations are encouraged. Hours are 11 A.M.- 10 P.M. weekdays, until 11 P.M. on weekends. 410-643-2722.
Slips are available at Chesapeake Bay Marina, or you can tie up directly to the dock. Expect a draw of 6’.
22. Harris Crab House and Seafood Market
A Kent Island landmark, Harris Crab House and Seafood Market has been delighting folks
with mouthwatering delicacies fresh from the ocean for over 51 years.
Back by popular demand is its All-You-Can-Eat Crabs & Shrimp with Corn, served Monday-Friday from 11:00A.M.-9:00P.M. Lunch and dinner specials are served daily from 11:00A.M.-9:00P.M., with traditional entrées from $12.00-$19.00. Dining is casual, and there’s a children's menu and take-out.
Strategically situated on the banks of the Kent Narrows, Harris Crab House sports a rooftop dining area, with waterview seating available in the main dining room. Large parties should phone ahead. 410-827-9500.
When arriving by sea, Harris' customers have 5 slips available with a 6-8 foot draw.
22. The Narrows Restaurant
Whether you sit in the carpeted dining room or on the covered deck, the picturesque
boats gently bobbing beside The Narrows Restaurant will add lots of atmosphere to your
dining experience. Know for its rich cream of crab soup and delectable crab cakes, The
Narrows, at the foot of the Kent Narrows Bridge, will ship the aforementioned favorites
fresh, overnight, to any destination in the U.S.
Original selections from The Narrows’ innovative menu include Crab Pizza, BBQ Quail, Chicken Oscar and Pecan Crusted Catfish. Entrees are priced from $8.00-$26.00. Children’s meals and take-out are available on request. It’s open 11:00A.M.-10:00P.M., and reservations are recommended on weekends. 410-827-8113.
Guests travelling by larger vessels have use of 3-4 slips with an 8 foot draw.
21. Castle Marina Inn
Whether you’re in the mood for a crab cake sandwich or a delicious steak, Castle
Marina Inn has plenty of options. Enjoy the breeze on the covered deck overlooking the
Chester River, listen to a live band in the downstairs bar, or relax in the dining room.
Recently taken over by new ownership, Castle Marina Inn has a brand new chef, staff and
management and a new menu filled with good things like Asian Tuna for an appetizer or
entrée. Dinner entrées range from $15.95-$21.95 and sandwiches and lite fare go from
$5.95 to $14.95. There’s a children’s menu and take-out is available. Open
Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sunday
from 10 a.m.-midnight. Reservations are suggested on weekends. 410-604-0064.
For boaters, there is ample docking at Castle Harbor Marina with a 30 foot draw.
23. Fisherman's Inn, Crab Deck & Seafood Market
Located in the shadow of the Kent Narrows Bridge in Graysonville, Fisherman's Inn is a
multi-level restaurant that boasts plenty of window seating with panoramic views.
It’s comfortable and casual, with a full menu that includes an assortment of fresh
seafood dishes.
The Crab Deck serves an "All U Can Eat" Crab Feast that includes fresh corn-on-the-cob, hushpuppies and salad or slaw, plus entrées from $8.95-$22.95. Children's and take-out menus are available. The kitchen is open 11:00A.M.-9:00P.M., 10:00P.M. Friday and Saturday. Reservations are not necessary. 410-827-8807.
For boaters, Fisherman's Inn offers 25 slips with a 6-8 foot draw.
22. The Jetty Restaurant & Tiki Bar
At the Jetty Restaurant & Tiki Bar, you can buy Jetty Fries and Onion Rings by the pound. This casual, island-style eatery also features daily steamed shellfish specials and is the home of the annual Chesapeake Bay Crab Soup Cook-off.
Popular dishes include "no filler" 5-ounce crab cakes and steamed shrimp--hot and spicy, steamed with onions. And while seated at the dockside picnic tables or in the sandy beach areas, be sure to visit the Jetty's outdoor Pit Beef and Ham Bar. Dinners cost $4.00-$12.00.
The Jetty serves from 10:00A.M.-10:00PM. Reservations are not necessary. Happy Hour Buffets, Children’s meals and Take-out are offered. 410-827-8225.
Twenty slips with a 5-6 foot draw are accessible to boaters.
18. Pelican Bay
Voted the #1 Best Sunset on the Bay, Pelican Bay is truly one of Kent Island's hidden treasures. Every window in this cozy restaurant overlooks the majestic Bay. With it's casual atmosphere, it attracts customers year ‘round.
Choose from specialties like Fall Off The Bone Baby Back Ribs, Oscar Riley or Filet Oscar. Daily Chef Specials, a variety of seafood (including steamed and soft shell crabs), steak and pasta dishes, a children's menu and carry-out are also offered. An average dinner costs $10.00-$23.00.
Outdoor seating is optional on Pelican Bay's spacious patio or in the new children's area. A private beach makes an after dinner stroll the perfect end to a perfect day on the bay. Service is available Tuesday-Sunday 11:30 A.M.-Midnight. Reservations are recommended on weekends. 410-643-0230.
Ten slips with a 5-6 foot draw are available to boaters.
19. Chesapeake Bay Beach Club - Kent Island
This is a great, sure to be favorite, new spot. Lively and fun. Host a
group or party or just get into the Chesapeake Bay Beach mood... You'll soon
be smiling and barefoot in the sand. (We sometimes host our Seminars
here.)
Just beyond the Bay Bridge, right next to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Marina and Yacht Club, lies Kent Island's newest waterfront dining experience (look for its grand opening on July 4th weekend).
The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, equal parts beach resort and restaurant, sports a casual, fun-filled atmosphere that carries through from the dining room to the outside deck. Set on the Bay amid sand dunes and natural grasses, the Beach Club offers lots of activities at its waterfront, plus a 12,000-ft. deck that winds through several buildings (one pavilion features music and a dance floor). There’s a Shrimp Shack for casual meals and the Tavern on the Bay for fine dining (opening this Fall). Guests can enjoy the view as maritime vessels cruise the Chesapeake Bay against a backdrop of breathtaking sunsets. Menu items range $8.00-$15.00. Reservations are accepted. 410-604-1933.
Dockage is available on the marina side. Boaters have use of 250 feet of water frontage with 6 feet of draw.
South River
Spend a day on the South River. If you don’t already have a boat, rent one at
Pier 7 or Quiet Waters Park. While much of the waterfront here has been developed in
recent years, it’s still a lovely place to play, full of tidy little creeks and
inlets and interesting places. Tie up and take a tour of London Town (Mon.–Sat. 10
a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun. noon-4 p.m.) at the mouth of Almshouse Creek or get some good
photos of the Thomas Point Lighthouse (justdon’t run aground).
6. Fergie's Waterfront Restaurant
Elegant best describes this upscale but family-friendly bistro. Located at the South
River Bridge in Edgewater, Fergie's Waterfront Restaurant brings the starry summer evening
inside with softly-lit crystal chandeliers and tiny white twinkle lights amid the potted
trees. Dress casually or formally and dance until midnight on weekends.
Noted for "The Best Pork Chops in Maryland," Fergies is also known for its seafood and crab cakes. Children’s entrees are available, as is take-out. Dinners cost $15.95-$24.95.
Fergie’s serves from 11:00A.M.-10:00PM, later on weekends, and reservations assure patrons the best seating for a waterfront view. 410-573-1371.
Two slips are available in 3-5 feet of water.
5. Paul’s on the South River Waterfront Restaurant
If you’ve got a button-down shirt hanging in your stateroom closet, you’ll
find Paul’s ready and waiting to make your evening special. With expansive glass
walls and thousands of glittering lights, the atmosphere is as refined as the food.
Entrees range from $16-$24 and feature steaks and seafood; many diners favor the petite
menu with its smaller portions. A children’s menu is also available.
Paul’s is on the South River, just before the Riva bridge. Reservations are strongly suggested, especially if you’re coming by boat. 410-956-3410.
Vessels of up to 60’ can be accommodated at the 200-ft. pier, one-third of which has a 10’ draw.
Note, from SailScape: The first Bridge limits you to a 55' mast height!
5. Mike’s Restaurant and Crab House
Bring on the crabs! They’re the house specialty at Mike’s, on the South
River between the Riva and South River bridges. Try them steamed, in crab cakes or crab
imperial, or opt for a bucket of clams or crab-stuffed lobster tail. Dinner prices range
from $12.95-$28.95.
Casually attired guests can choose between the spacious, informal dining room or one of several waterfront decks, covered and not. For a quick bite, grab a sandwich at Mike’s Country Store. A children’s menu is also available.
Mike’s is open from 11 A.M. to 10 P.M. Reservations are not accepted on weekends. 410-956-2784.
20 slips are available with a 4’-7’ draw.
Note, from SailScape: The first Bridge limits you to a 55' mast height!
5. Surfside 7 Waterfront Restaurant & Dock Bar
There’s a new summer menu at Surfside 7, next to the South River Bridge in
Edgewater. It features Crab Balls, Crab Dip, N.Y. Strip stuffed with Crab Imperial and
Soft-shell Crabs. Try to catch the weekly specials, like Lobster Nite and Seafood
Extravaganza. Dinners run $7.95-$24.95 and kids' portions are available.
Surfside's casual dining room with enormous windows offers a pleasing view of South River. And the outdoor picnic tables are the perfect setting for All-You-Can-Eat Steamed Crabs. Take-out is also available.
Restaurant hours are Mondays 5:00PM-10P.M., Tuesday-Sunday 11:30A.M.-10P.M.. Reservations are accepted for large groups. 410-956-8075.
There are a dozen slips with a 5-6 foot draw available for boaters.
Note, from LGC This is just before the Bridge and accessible.
Magothy River
Wake up to a Magothy morning. The Magothy River is a favorite for boaters and
>generally within easy reach of Annapolis. Swim in the shadow of Dobbins Island, ogle
the real estate on Gibson Island or duck into any of the Magothy’s creeks for a slice
of nature. The holding ground is good, and the marinas here offer a slew of amenities.
3. Deep Creek Restaurant & Marina
Well known for its velvety Cream of Crab Soup and rich Salmon Strudel, Deep Creek Restaurant in Arnold is a deservedly popular spot offering exceptional food and views of Deep Creek and the Magothy River. Guests can enjoy the airy, intimate atmosphere in the wood paneled dining room, overlooking the skipjacks and sailboats docked out front. For window seats, reservations are required.
Seafood abounds on Deep Creek's menu, served 11:30 A.M.-10:00 P.M. Sundays-Thursdays, 11:00 P.M. Friday & Saturday. Pasta, chicken and beef dishes are also featured, along with scrumptious desserts. An average dinner costs $14.95 - $24.95. Come for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Selections can be carried out, and a kid's menu is available. 410-974-1408.
Boaters have use of 4-5 slips with a 7 foot draw.
Note, from SailScape: This is a really nice little jewel of a restaurant. Local and friendly. Spend some time across the river anchored behind Dobbins Island--swim and or picnic, then come here for dinner. You can probably stay overnight at their dock for no charge if you have dinner.
2. Magothy Seafood Crab Deck & Tiki Bar
Dining under the big tent at Magothy Seafood in Arnold is a true Key West experience.
A tiki bar and palm trees surround the covered dining area, located inside the Ferry Point
Marina on Mill Creek off the Magothy River,.
Celebrating 32 year of fine seafood, Magothy serves dinners and sandwiches, compliments of our local watermen. Steamed crabs, soft-shell crabs and crab cake platters are the favorites in this most casual eatery. Average entrees cost $10.95-$22.95.
There is no children’s menu, but take-out is provided.
Magothy is open 10:00A.M.-11:00P.M. Friday & Saturday, 11:00A.M.-11:00PM other days. Reservations are a must. 410-647-5793
2+. Riverdale Restaurant
Riverdale's spacious waterview dining room and casual atmosphere make eating here a
relaxing and comfortable affair. Noted for it's Crab Imperial and Fried Eggplant dishes,
the restaurant sits quietly secluded in a residential community along the shore of the
Magothy River in Severna Park.
Dinner entrees run $16.00-$36.00. Choose from Imperial Crab, Stuffed Shrimp, Steaks, Chicken or Pork Chop selections. The "Small Appetites" Menu with 1/2 portions is perfect for youngsters.
Riverdale is open 11:30A.M.-11:00P.M. There is outside seating and take out available. 410-647-9830.
Located one mile south of the Magothy River Bridge, Riverdale has 5 slips with an 8 foot draw accessible for boats.
1. Cheshire Crab
Free drinks! It’s true--doing it's part to keep our highways and waterways safe,
Cheshire Crab in Pasadena offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages to designated
drivers and captains.
Inside, spacious wood booths present a casual, rustic appearance. Outside, there’s plenty of room on the huge covered deck overlooking Bodkin and Main Creeks.
At Cheshire Crab, land-lovers and sailors alike can dine on steamed crabs year round. Or choose from Barbecued Baby Back Ribs or Chicken, cooked to perfection on a hickory wood burning grill. Entrees range from $14.95 - $24.95.
Monday through Thursday, children under 12 receive a free meal with every adult entrée. A To-Go menu is also provided. Cheshire Crab is open Sunday-Thursday 11:30A.M.-10:00P.M., 11:00P.M. Friday & Saturday. Reservations are recommended. 410-360-2220.
Sailors have a selection of brand new slips in 6 feet of water at their disposal. A Cheshire Crab receipt will get you 15 cents off a gallon of boat fuel, and Boat /U.S. members can expect 10 off their dinner check.
2+. Windows On The Bay
A well-known Pasadena landmark, Windows On The Bay Restaurant, harbored in the White
Rocks Marina on Rock Creek, lives up to its name. Dinner guests can choose a waterview
table either in the casual dining room or on the enclosed deck
The critically acclaimed restaurant serves up an impressive menu featuring appetizers, soups, salads, meats, poultry, pasta and seafood. Famous for it's Chicken Chesapeake and Crab Cake Platter, Windows also offers nightly specials featuring fresh seafood. Entrees are $12.95-21.95. Customized menus, light fare, kid's meals and carry out are available.
Windows On The Bay is open Monday & Tuesday 5:00P.M.-8:30P.M., Wednesday & Thursday 11:30A.M.-8:30P.M., Friday & Saturday 11:30A.M.-10:00P.M. and Sunday 10:30A.M. (Brunch)-9:00P.M. Reservations are recommended. 410-255-1413.
Boaters may take advantage of 200 slips with a 10 foot draw.
1+. Clark’s Bayside Inn
Whether seated on the deck devouring king cut prime rib or picking fresh steamed crabs
in the grassy picnic area, Clark’s Bayside Inn is your window to the Bay. Located on
the Patapsco River at the mouth of the Chesapeake, Clark’s vista includes a parade of
international cargo ships on their way to and from Baltimore Harbor. On Clark's menu,
you’ll find a parade of Maryland's favorite surf and turf dishes.
Famous for it's N.Y. Strip Steak, Crab Cakes and Crab Clusters, Clark's Bayside Inn offers daily and early bird specials, Sunday buffet, children's portions and take-out. The newly remodeled kitchen and charcoal grill guarantees your dinner will be cooked to perfection. Entrées are $8.95-$22.95.
Dress is casual and reservations are suggested for parties of 5 or more. Meals are served Noon-10:00P.M. Monday-Thursday, until 11:00P.M. Friday & Saturday, 9:00P.M. Sunday. 410-437-5711.
Sailors may tie up to Clark's pier. The water depth is 3 feet.
1+. Nabbs Creek Café
Situated on Nabbs Creek in Glen Burnie, the Nabbs Creek Café is a favorite eatery
with local watermen. Open from 11:00A.M-2:00A.M., its dock bar and deck are easily
accessible from boat slips in the surrounding marina, and the atmosphere is casual and
festive.
The Hot Crab Dip is a notable appetizer, and Nabbs Creek's Chicken Chesapeake won First Place in the 1997 Monster Mash Realtor Bash Restaurant Tasting. Seafood and steaks, lunch, dinner and lite fair menus are offered in the $4.95-$21.95 range. Children are welcome and take-out is available. Reservations suggested. 410-437-0400.
Watermen may tie up along the dock bar or use available marina slips. Depth is 2 feet.
West River
Inside the West River, a fair haul from Annapolis, you’ll find pristine
anchorages, quiet marinas and a swinging night life. The village of Galesville offers a
country store (fresh baked apple pies if you come early) and three museums: the Galesville
Heritage Society (open Sun. 1–4 p.m.); the Steward Colonial Shipyard, 410-867-7995;
and the newest one, a paean to the renowned Hartge family, The Hartge Nautical Museum,
410-268-1857.
16. Wagner’s Steamboat Landing
Brothers Andy and Jeff Wagner, the new owners at Wagner’s Steamboat Landing, have
assembled all the ingredients for a memorable dining experience at this Galesville
landmark.
The restaurant has exquisite, 360-degree views of the West River and three areas to admire them: a large outside deck, a handsome dark wood bar, and the main dining room. The menu features trademarked specialties from Jerry’s Seafood like the Crab Bomb (a whopping ten ounces of jumbo crabmeat at $29.95), the Baby Bomb and, for an extra kick, the Firecracker Bomb. For appetizers, try the Crab Casino or the BB Shrimp. In season, the soft-shelled crabs stuffed with crab imperial are a treat.
Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday, with lunch available Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Carry-out is available. Reservations are not accepted—just come, kick back and relax. 410-867-7200.
26 slips with deep water can accommodate large boats up to 70’. A dock assistant is on hand on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
15. The Inn At Pirates Cove Restaurant & Oyster Bar
In search of dining treasure? Cast your anchor at The Inn At Pirates Cove
Restaurant & Oyster Bar, on the West River next to the Galesville Park & Public
Dock.
Choose from the Dock Bar menu while sitting at umbrella-covered tables at the marina. Or select the Inn's signature dish, Flounder Longhorn (flounder stuffed with crab imperial and garnished with shrimp) from the main menu served in the formal dining rooms. Unusual appetizers like Locally Smoked Bluefish and Portobello Mushrooms will also tempt your tastebuds. Entrées run $9.75-$21.95. Children's and take-out menus are available.
The Inn at Pirates Cove is a favorite of out-of-towners and locals alike. It’s a great place to observe the West River’s very own Wednesday Night Races. Hours are 11:30A.M.-10:30P.M.. 410-867-2300.
The marina has 80 some slips for boaters with a 2-11 foot draw. It offers overnight lodging for landlubbers.
Note, from LGC: On weekends, the outside bar is fun, lively and has music--often punctuated with sea-chanties.
Deale
Nestled on the north side of Herring Bay, boater’s will find as sweet a
waterfront as any on the Chesapeake. Deale is a traditional waterman’s community,
with plenty of workboats and working man’s bars, dotted with upscale marinas and
trendy new hotspots. Dredged channels offer plenty of depth. Look for a lively time on or
off the water.
17. Calypso Bay Restaurant & Dock Bar
The Caribbean is closer than you think – at the white sand beach and swaying palm
trees of Calypso Bay Restaurant & Dock Bar, Tracy’s Landing’s newest
waterfront eatery. Just 15 nautical miles south of Annapolis on Tracys Creek, Calypso Bay
creates the carefree mood of the tropics with a riot of Caribbean colors (fuschia, lime
green and electric blue), at its C.B Reafs night club, where live bands perform on Friday
night.
Huge dining room windows give even center tables a water view. And dining on the dock-side deck is the perfect setting to enjoy the pasta, sandwiches, salads and grills that Calypso Bay is noted for.
Calypso Bay is open Monday-Thursday 11:00A.M.-10:00P.M.; Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9:00A.M.-11:00P.M. Entrée's cost $12.95-$20.95. Kid's menus and take-out are available. Large parties should call for reservations. 410-867-9787.
Boaters have 5 slips available, plus use of the marina, in a 6-8 foot draw.
Note, from SailScape: Don't know why they missed it, but there's a great Restaurant at Herrington Harbor Marina (South) also. There's also a huge pool, and outside Tiki bar here.
Eastern Shore
People with boats and ambition enough to devote a weekend to the quest for
culinary grails should head for the Eastern Shore. Probably most accessible is Rock Hall,
whose harbor sits right on the Bay just north of the Chester River (about two hours by car
from Annapolis) and where there are probably more slips per capita than anywhere else on
the Bay (unless it’s Solomons Island). St. Michaels is altogether charming and the
reputed favorite for boaters, bikers and day trippers from the Baltimore-Washington
corridor. Make reservations, hon. And then, there are all sorts of little hideaways that
are well worth the effort. Plan a cruise up the Choptank and stop off at Suicide Bridge.
Referred to locally as the Poor Boys’ Yacht Club, this establishment has been a
well-kept Shore secret for years. Of course, the Choptank is a long river, and Suicide
Bridge is quite a hike by car (call them for directions), but it is a classic example of
what you’ll find if you venture into the "wilderness."
Rock Hall: Waterman's Crab House Restaurant & Dock Bar
Overlooking Rock Hall Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay, Waterman's Crab House Restaurant
and Dock Bar is well known for its award winning Steamed Crabs, Jumbo Lump Crabcakes and
BBQ Baby-Back Ribs. You can see the Chesapeake Bay Bridge sitting majestically in the
distance from the comfortable, airy dining rooms (with a view from every table) or the
waterside tent featuring pavilion seating for 275.
Located 15 nautical miles from Annapolis, this top crabhouse features Eastern Shore Cuisine at it's finest. From raw bar to ice cream, Waterman's versatile menu will please palates both young and old. Dinners are priced from $12.99-$19.99. Children's and take-out menus are available. Hours are 11:00A.M.-10:00P.M., midnight on weekends. 410-639-2261.
Guests arriving via boat may stay overnight at one of 30 slips with 6-8 feet of draw. Boaters are provided with a free shuttle service to town and nearby marinas.
Suicide Bridge Restaurant - Secretary
Legend has it that the first victim of Suicide Bridge in Secretary was a postmaster
from nearby Hurlock. Chances are, if the postmaster had sampled Suicide Bridge
Restaurant's legendary Crab Balls first, he might not have taken that plunge into Cabin
Creek! Topping the restaurant's menu for over 40 years, the only thing to rival Suicide's
Famous Crab Balls is Suicide's Hot Crab Dip. Guests can also enjoy a well-rounded land and
sea menu from several dining rooms, upper level outside decks or the covered porch. Or, if
that's not enough, sample a delicious lunch or dinner while cruising the Choptank River
aboard Suicide Bridge Restaurant's own Dorothy-Megan, an 80 foot turn-of-the-century
paddlewheeler.
Suicide's dress code is "clean, neat and casual." Hours are 11:00A.M.-10:00P.M., Tuesday-Sunday. A children's menu and take-out are provided. 410-943-4689.
Sailors have 15 slips with a 4 foot draw at their disposal, or may tie up to the pier.
St. Michaels: The Crab Claw Restaurant
It’s a legend, and deserves to be. Crowning the Miles River in historic St.
Michaels, across from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the Crab Claw Restaurant won the
coveted title of "Best Crab Cake In The Country" from Food & Wine Magazine
in 1997.
The Crab Claw's motto,"Crabs - All Ways," tells the tale. This estimable eatery grew from a clam and crab business in the 1950's to a seafood eatery in 1965. Now, generations of diners flock to The Crab Claw for its signature dishes as well as its Delmarva chicken and beef recipes.
Typical entrées range $10-$20.00. Casual indoor and outdoor seating is available from 11:00A.M.-10:00P.M. daily. Children's, Lite Fare and Carry-out menus on request. 410-745-2900.
Several slips are available for boaters in 10-12 feet of water, but please call ahead.
St. Michaels: The Inn At Perry Cabin
A beautiful blend of luxury and understated British elegance best describes The Inn At
Perry Cabin, on the Miles River in St. Michaels. The genteel country house image is
enhanced by heirloom pieces, antiques and the lovely Laura Ashley fabrics and wallpapers
used throughout this 1820 colonial inn. Oriental Express Hotels is the new owner.
In the dining room, enjoy a five course gourmet dinner in stately formal dining rooms overlooking the lush lawn that separates Inn from river. After dinner, wander through extensive gardens, gazebos and terraces that cover this 25 acre estate. The Chef's Suggested Menu changes daily; the cost of the five course dinner is $69.50 per person. Children under 10 years of age are restricted from the dining room. Dinner is served 6:00P.M.-9:30P.M. Coat and tie is appropriate, and reservations are a must. 410-745-2200.
Guests arriving via the Miles River may use the T dock which supports a 6 foot draw.
Note, from SailScape: This is the most luxurious of all the waterfront restaurants. If you're looking for a place to dress up--this is it. Great Sunday Brunch. Want to stay there overnight and be pampered? You generally need reservations 6 months to a year ahead! This is a great spot!!!
Bay Yacht Agency, On the Harbor,
326 First St. & Spa. Creek, Annapolis,MD 21403
Sales: 410-263-2311 Charters: 410-263-1818