The 5 Best Places for Crab Cakes Around Frederick

Few dishes say “Maryland” quite like the crab cake. Equal parts tradition and indulgence, a great crab cake is about balance — minimal filler, maximum flavor, and that unmistakable taste of Chesapeake blue crab. In Frederick County, seafood lovers have no shortage of options when it comes to this coastal classic. The Best of the Best celebrates the local restaurants that continue to honor Maryland’s culinary roots while adding their own distinctive touch to one of the state’s most beloved dishes.

Fratelli’s Italian & Seafood

Fratelli’s Italian & Seafood has built a reputation on fresh ingredients and generous portions, and their crab cakes showcase both. Crafted with jumbo lump crab meat and seasoned with a delicate hand, each cake captures the natural sweetness of the crab without overwhelming it. Served alongside seafood classics or Italian specialties, Fratelli’s version brings together the best of both worlds — coastal Maryland flavor and family-style comfort.

Dutch’s Daughter

Dutch’s Daughter has long been a destination for fine dining in Frederick, and its crab cakes are among the restaurant’s signature offerings. Made from premium Maryland crab meat, the cakes are broiled to perfection and served with a sense of elegance that reflects Dutch’s decades-long commitment to quality. The restaurant’s attention to detail — from plating to presentation — ensures that every crab cake is as memorable as the meal itself.

Ragin’ Reef

Ragin’ Reef brings a fresh, coastal vibe to Frederick’s seafood scene, focusing on sustainability and flavor above all else. The restaurant sources its seafood daily, and its crab cakes reflect that commitment to freshness. With a menu that celebrates everything from oysters to tuna, Ragin’ Reef’s take on the Maryland classic is straightforward and satisfying — big chunks of crab, lightly bound, and bursting with ocean flavor.

JB Seafood

At JB Seafood, the crab cake isn’t just a menu item — it’s a point of pride. This family-owned restaurant and market prepares its cakes with fresh local crab and time-tested recipes that keep the focus on quality. Whether ordered hot from the kitchen or picked up to cook at home, JB Seafood’s crab cakes are a reminder of what makes Maryland seafood so special: simplicity, freshness and flavor that speaks for itself.

Liberty Road Seafood & Steak

Liberty Road Seafood & Steak combines the charm of a family restaurant with the quality of a top-tier seafood house. Known for its all-you-can-eat crab feasts, the restaurant also serves some of the region’s most satisfying crab cakes — full of meat, light on filler and seasoned to perfection. Each bite reflects the care that goes into the cooking, making Liberty Road a go-to spot for crab lovers from across the county.

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