A restaurateur once told me there was only one dish he could never, ever, take off or replace: The crab cake.
People are passionate about crab cakes. And you're sure to find this staple of Mid-Atlantic region cuisine on most menus.
But doesn't it seem like every restaurant crows that it has "the best crab cakes" around?
I want to know what you think.
I'm looking for suggestions of places to check out - in and around Delaware.
Tell me where to find meaty cakes packed with sweet crabmeat - not flat, mushy-tasting hockey pucks that pass for one of our region's favorite foods.
Comment below or email me at ptalorico@delawareonline.com.
Later this summer, we'll run a roundup of The Best Crab Cakes.
Get ready to pass the cocktail and tartar sauces.
138 comments:
Summerhouse in Rehoboth Beach has THE best crabcakes every. Can never get enough
My favorites are Sambo's in Delaware, Stevensville Crab Shack in Maryland.
Feby's Fishery on Lancaster Pike has, in my opinion, some of the best crab cakes anywhere. I make a point to go every time I'm back in Wilmington. Additionally, the cakes at Harry's are quite good. I'm counting down the days until summer, which is marked by a trip to Dewey and all he seafood I can reasonably consume!
The Farmhouse in Avondale, PA has the sweetest crabcakes, with virtually NO filler! A very special treat!
The Farmhouse in PA and DE Park in NC County.
Sambos in Leipsic, lump crab, delicately seasoned, generous portions.
Sambo's.
Blue Crab Grill in Newark...no filler
The best crab cakes are in Port Penn, Delaware @ Kelly's
Oceanaire on Walnut St in Philly. They are broiled and not a lot of filler.
I'll 3rd the Farmhouse in PA, best I've ever had.
The Brasserie Grill at the Christiana Hilton has great crabcakes - no filler!
Jake's in Rehoboth, Sambo's, or my house. Too many places overseason the crab or disguise whatever filler they use with red and green peppers.
Crabby Dick's of course! You can have them broiled or fried.
The wife and I have endulged in many, many, many crabcakes in the tri-state area. Two places that stand out are Woodys in NorthEast, MD and Valle in Pike Creek. Of course to save yourself some $$$, goto Henretty's in Hockessin and pickup some of the most awesome crabcakes. 20 minutes in the oven and they come out to perfection!
Kelly's in Port Penn, DE is the biggest and best!!
Farmhouse in Avondale and Woody's in North East are the best around.
Tomm's produce used to have the best crab cakes to take home and cook. I wonder if he'd give up the recipe.
CRABBY DICK'S has the best crabcakes I have ever had. I like them broiled.
DiPaolo's Italian Kitchen in Penns Grove, NJ and Delaware Park Legends Restaurant.
Hammerheads in Dewey Beach has great crab cakes they are lump with little filling...wash it down with a natty lite the best
Hunter's Den for crab imperial.
I have to disagree with some of the other suggestions as Kelly's has a lot of filler. I think too many folks are interested in the size of the cake rather than the quality.
As much as it pains me to say this, Delaware Park has the best local crabcakes. No one else even comes close.
The absolute best crab cake is at the Bayard House Restaurant in Chesapeake City,MD
Dogfish Head in Rehoboth has great crab cakes. Lots of meat and very little filler.
Kelly's in Port Penn or the cakes at the Valle' in Pike Creek !!!!!!!!!!!
Woody's in Northeast, MD!
Delaware Park has great crabcakes, no filler. You can get them at Legends and At the Rail.
I love Dogfish Head for their beer, but I had a crabcake there not long ago and it was not that good. Mealy texture, no hunks of meat. It was a step above a frozen one.
You cannot beat the Farmhouse in Avondale.
Second choice would be Delaware Park.
Stangely, Leo & Jimmy's Deli on Market Street in downtown Wilmington has the best crabcakes I've ever had!! They sell out every Friday, you have to get there early. Their mac&cheese that they serve on Fridays is yummy too.
Seems crazy, but Season's Pizza restaurants have very good crab cakes......
Delaware Park has the best crab cakes I have ever had, with Harry's a close second.
Jerry's Seafood Restaurant in Lewes, Delaware - 10oz Crab Bomb
Jimmy's on Philly Pike
SAMBO'S quaint by the river. Lump meat that has been picked over to rid it of any shells.
33 West in Dover on Lockerman Street has great crab cakes. You can get them fried or broiled and they don't have a lot of filler.
Kelly has little to no filler
Try going south on Rt.#40, across the Hatem Bridge into Havre de Grace, MD. Stop at the Bayou, closed on Monday, and you be the judge. This is, in my opinion, the best "pure" crabcake you'll ever find!
Harry's Seafood or Delaware park
Woody's in Northeast
La'Cucina in Havre de Grace....You have to go to Maryland to get GREAT crab cakes!
Kelly's Tavern in Port Penn Delaware, Has the Best crabcakes!! NEVER Tasted anything so good..We travel very far for these HUGE, inexpensive crabcakes! Yummy, I think I will go tonight!!
Kellys in port penn by the river, we get them to go when we go fishing in the river, they are awesome!!!
Delaware Park would be my first choice, all lump crab. Second would be Kellys in Port Penn. They also have awesome crabs as well......
Henretty's in Hockessin (not sure if they have any other locations) - you take them home and bake...just got them this weekend, they were To.Die.For. All crabmeat!
Surprisingly it is not a beach place. Season's Pizza beats them all. Nothing but crab meat.
I personally like Kelly's in Port Penn & Kathy's in Delaware City! Kathy's is awesome!!!! Everytime i go there i can't wait to go back for another vist
Hands down Kellys in Port Penn!!
Woody's Crab House in Northeast MD!
Kelly's in Port Penn, DE. They make them fresh daily, and NO FILLER!!!
Seasons I have to say has very good crab cakes, there is minimal filler/binder. Henretti's in Hockessin also has great crab cakes.
My wife gets crabcakes EVERYWHERE we go and I'd say without a doubt that the Farmhouse in Avondale, PA has the best, but I can't wait to give Henretty's a try.
I think the best is Kelly's in Port Penn, if I had to pick a runner up, it would have to be Delaware Park...
Valle Cucina in Pike Creek has the best Crab Cakes in DE. All jumbo Lump..no filler. They are hands down the best...
definitely kelly's tavern in port penn, de. i use to like off these things 4 times a week for 2 years lol.no filler allllll meat!!!
Delaware Park has great crab cakes. You can get them at a few of their restaurants there.
kellys tavern in port penn. all meat no filler almost 2 inches thick
Kelly's in Port Penn takes the crab cake catagory hands down.
Dude, the best crab cakes I've ever eaten were at McDonald's on Rehoboth Ave. I got a crab cake, fries, and a coke for $16.95 and had $3 to my name for the rest of the weekend.
I ended up eating lots of Boo Berry since I was low on cash and my friend Joe wouldn't loan me any money (but he bought a new jacket)
The old Foxpoint Grille..hands down Kevin Reading makes the best crabcakes..I haven't been in awhile but his restaurant at the beach, Nage, had them.
Alibi Inn in Warwick, Maryland. Best crabcakes around! Grilled not deep friend like Kelly's.
This might be a little outside of DE, but G&M Seafood Restaurant in Linthicum, MD have the best, hands down. This little "shack" is pretty close to BWI Airport and there is no crabcake that beats this one. If I have to chose a restaurant closer to DE, I would say Woody's in North East, MD. I am a Delaware native and i can not think of a "great" crabcake made in DE.
Just desserts by Jekeitta does Crab Cakes Once a month for tere Dinner Menu. They are Awesome! And the Fried Whiting and Baked Salmon. Every Thurs and fri from 11am-4pm
I can't believe everyone thinks Kelly's are so good, I think they're terrible, it's a fried breadcake...eww. My two favorites are both in Maryland -- Woody's in North East and Coins Pub & Restaurant in OCMD.
The Rushes Restaurant on the golf course Rt. 40 in Woodstown NJ. No or very little filler. Awesome taste. I want one now!
Six Paupers in Hockessin, DE has great crab cakes. Try them with the chipolte mayo!
Valle's
Seems a lot of other people know the secret too, but Delaware Park has incredible crab cakes. You really have to try them. You'll be stunned!
THE BEST CRAB CAKES AROUND ARE IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. THE PUB IS CALLED COINS, LOCATED ON 28TH STREET ON THE NORTH BOUND SIDE OF OCEAN HIGHWAY. THEY ARE THE BEST, AND SUMMERHOUSE AND BIG FISH GRILLE ARE TIED FOR 2ND LOCATED IN REHOBOTH BEACH.
Farmhouse was number one until I went to DelPark. THE BEST!!!!
Lot of good ones on this list: Farmhouse, Valle's, Del Park... but my favorite is Sambo's. And thanks to everyone for adding to my "Gotta Try" list!
JAKE'S SEAFOOD in Rehoboth!!! They're the BEST!!!!!!
Henretty's beyond a doubt the best crabcakes, better than any resturant crabcake, except you have to heat them up yourself. I have them sent out to me while travelling!
I was so disappointed in the much-touted crabcakes at the Farmhouse. They were dry and had no lump crabmeat in them, just shredded stuff. I would never recommend them.
Like many others,I love Henretty's and get them OFTEN. I am lucky to live a mile away. And he is such a nice guy!
But nothing on earth beats G and M near BWI. A half-pound of jumbo lump crab, no filler at all. They are $12 each and worth every penny. Oh, and they will ship them, packed in dry ice. You bake, not fry them, just like Henretty's.
Delaware Park has no filler and very little breading. It is all meat and isn't deep fried like the fast food style used at Kellys.
I just love the crab cakes at the booth's corner farmers market in boothwyn, pa. the place is called christopher's crab cakes. it's a deli, so you take them home and heat them up. they're delicious. also, next to christophers in booth's corner is a burger place that serves christopher's crab cakes to eat there. very little filler and just enough seasoning to accentuate the taste of the crab.
And just an FYI To all of you saying things about Kelly's crab cakes..A>) there is no filler, just what is needed to hold the crab meat together, B.) if you READ THE MENU YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GET A FRIED CRAB CAKE..it also comes broiled..I love how people are so IGNORANT..Kelly's is the BEST!!!! And its a small family owned business...NOT a chain!!!
The comment above me is correct, you can get broiled style crab cakes at kelly's just as well..just have to order it that way...No extra money either and still VERY Yummy!! Kelly's in port penn is the best I have had in Delaware...
Townhouse Restaurant, in Rising Sun, Maryland has the best crabcakes. They are homemade and they are full of meat not filling. verry good!
Everyone is talking about a lot of seafood places for good crab cakes. Dont pass over Ruby Tuesdays. They are some of the best cakes around. Plenty os lump crab meat and not a lot of filler. Adn dont leave out Seasons Pizza for having really good crab cakes too.
..My favorite is Kelly's Tavern, broiled.They are made fresh daily and never frozen and never have the annoying shells that so many others do....I've never had a crab cake from ruby Tues, will have to try that...
Blue Crab Grill in Suburban Plaza in Newark - awesome - you get 2 and they are too good to even take home in a doggy-bag, you force them down!!!
I agree that Six Paupers in Hockessin has the best.
The Cottage Cafe in Bethany Beach, DE has delicious crab cakes! They are full of lump crab meat, no filler, seasoned just right, and a fair price for a delicious dinner.
My family is from Maryland's Eastern Shore, so I come from a pretty good crabcake upbringing. I also cooked for 15 years and got to try a lot of good recipes. My first choice is always my grandmother's recipe, but I think the area's best kept crabcake secret is the Olive Tree in Aberdeen, MD. Get the MD crabcakes, not their italian-whatever version. Huge, all jumbo lump, not overseasoned, and they leave the breadcrumbs in the kitchen. Get there quick on I95, then relax on the way home back up rt40.
Blue Fish Grill in Rehoboth
Wayside Inn - Smyrna, Delaware. Lots of crab, little filler and spiced just right for everyone. Broiled or fried, the best I've eaten in 40 years on Delmarva.
I agree with the others, Kelly;s Tavern is the best around!
Legends at Delaware Park
Laurel Pizzaria in Laurel has great crabcakes with huge lumps of fresh crabmeat.
Looks like you have your work cut out for you! My vote is for G & M in Linthicum Heights, MD. Delicious!
Maine Root on Laurel Street in Rehoboth makes the best crab cakes, that's a 100% lock of the week.
Legends at Delaware Park!! By far the best crab cakes I have ever had!
Legends at Delaware Park has the best crab cakes ever!!!
I think Cosmos in Newport have the best crab cakes. Yummo.
you will not believe this BUT, season's pizza does have the BEST crab cakes. We get the platter with 2 cakes and split them with fries and a side, enough for two.
Season's is awesome, from what I have heard, they bought the recipe from the old Columbus Inn, can't say if this is fact or fiction, either way, they are by far the best I've had...
I know this isn't in DE just a little ways away, The Billiard Clud in Havre De Grace, MD. They come out the size of a basebasll and they don't know the word filler.
Years ago Mutts Tavern in East New Market, no longer open, near the Suicide Bridge Restaurant, was operated by the Era Family. They would share the recipe with anyone. Many family members are still in that area and most are watermen.
Seasons Pizza is the best, hands down
The best crabcakes EVER are made by CAROL at the Durney Post in Wilmington! No doubt about it!! Where is the Durney Post you ask? Well, it's hidden inside a rundown building in-between Tulip St. and Lancaster Ave. in Wilmington. Private club, gotta be a member to enter.
My vote goes to Movable Feast Catering/Take-out on Fifth Street off of Greenhill Avenue in Wilmington. I've tasted many others; unless you've tried their crabcakes, no other vote for #1 crabcakes is authentic.
Cafe Sole in Rehoboth Beach. By far the best in the area.
For DE - It would have to be Kelly's in Port Penn...HUGE and cheap in price.
If you travel a few minutes outside of DE - go to 120th Street in OC, MD and check out Crabcake Factory...sooooo yummy.
Tolchester Marina on the Eastern Shore but still a distant second to Delaware Park.
7-11 in Gillette, Wyoming, great Rocky Mtn. Oysters also.
I get my Henretty's crabcakes from Marini Produce in North Wilmington. They are truly the best to make at home! All meat and delicious!
Other than my mom's crab cakes ,.. Kelly's in port penn have got to be the best !!!!
Woodys in North East MD and the Farmhouse in Avondale. Based on posts, I'm going to check out Delaware Park.
I like Crabby Dick's much better than Kelly's. Much better atmosphere as well!
Kelly's Tavern has the best crab cakes and crabs around..also you should go on a wednesday night for shrimp night as well, you wont regret it!!!
The crab bomb at Jerry's on 2nd Steet in Lewes (was the Rose and Crown). Awesome.
Delaware Park and At the Rail have the best crabcakes hands down. No filler and great flavor.
Victorias The Boardwalk Plaza Rehobeth Beach i have had many crabcakes these are hands down the best i have ever had.
Valle Cucina, hands down
Delaware Park has fantastic crabcakes. As for crabcake sandwich, Delaware Park's would be much better if they chose a better roll than a kaiser. I've been to Kellys and their crabcake is pretty good too, but is lacking in flavor. Anyone can buy a jar of backfin and pack it together with a little mayo. Besides, that place is a dump.
Valle Cucina(old Valle's Pizza)..all crabmeat not junk...ABSOLUTLEY THE BEST!!!!!!...in pike creek
Valle's crab cakes are just wonderful.. I had them at Cap's & Cork's..
McSheas! McSheas! McSheas! Dewey Beach. No comparison
Best kept secret is a little place called "Little Inn" and I think it's in Media, Pa off of the Blue Route about 1-2 miles. They have the best crab cakes with big chunks of crab meat and very little filler. Try them and you'll agree.....
Bridgeway in Smyrna has great crab cakes
James St Tavern in Newport De has the best crab cakes !!!!!Come check it out !!!
Looks like someone put a laptop on the bar at Kellys.
washington street ale house
Mickey's in Bethany Beach.
Waterman's Crab House in Rock Hall, MD has the BEST crab cakes!! Lump crabmeat and no filler fried or broiled. They are the best I have ever had!
The Little Inn in Media (that someone posted about) has new owners. I think it's called Generations or something like that. Still looking for the ultimate crabcake so I have some to try based on postings. Woody's is all crab but to me, very little flavor. Used to like Farmhouse but haven't had them in a year or so. Guess I like my own the best!
Crabby Dick's????
That's like saying The Olive Garden has the best Italian...
People need to get out more.
By far the best I have had are at "DIRTY HARRY'S" in Fenwick, DE.
I know the name is kinda goofy and the place is Mom and Pop, but the crab cakes are superb!
Minimal filler to bind the cakes and big lump crab meat. Not just stringy bits and crab flavor.
Valle's is like they just picked the crab and pan seared them, unbelievable how are they held together? simply the best
Hi Pat,
Do like Kelly's and Seasons (near home) but we have had some really good crabcake platters at The Concordville in the last few months.
Also, they did a great rockfish over polenta.
Had to go back the next night for seconds.
Appears that you have a couple good roadtrips in your future.
Enjoy,
Mike H.
Too bad kellys doesn't have a laptop connection, that would have been a good idea lol... I personally like delaware park and kellys tavern..Kellys is a far drive for me so dont get to go there much...
The best crab cakes Ive ever eaten were in the Lexington Market @ faidleys in Baltimore Maryland. I know its a little far but if your ever in the area stop in and get the jumbo lump crab cake sandwich. Mmmmm mmmm
Season's has the best; DE Park are 2nd best. Also, Jessup's Tavern in Olde New Castle (don't know if it is still there) has some good ones....
crabby dicks delaware city by far the view aint bad either
Mrs. Paul's are the best!
Clearly the people that have made suggestions have not been to Gilligans in Lewes..! Wow ..They use the best crab meat and that is about the only thing in the crab cake! Awesome!
I know it sounds a little out of the way but by far the best lump crab cake can be found at Old Salty"s on Hooper Island Rd, in Fishing Chreek,Md. The owner Jay Newcomb is well know to many in this area and the crab cake dinner is reasonbly priced. p cooper oceaan view, de
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