Where’s the Best Place to Get Steamed Crabs in Baltimore?

Baltimore is known for it’s steamed crab, crab cakes… and well, anything crab related. But where is the best place to get steamed crabs in the city? It’s a question that locals (and visitors) will argue forever. Defending their favorite spot as if it were a blood relative. But just look at the media praise that Obrycki’s Crab House and Seafood Restaurant has received and it’s no question that it’s one of Baltimore’s best.

“Crab Town’s Epicenter …Obrycki’s, a friendly family-run institution where the freshest and best – prepared crabs have been served since 1944.”
Patricia Schultz, 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE

“One of the greatest crab houses in America, which is to say, the world.”
The late Craig Claiborne, NEW YORK TIMES

“To find the best, I went to Obrycki’s Crab House where you get the freshest and best prepared crabs.”
George Lang, TRAVEL & LEISURE

“Obrycki’s could be called crab heaven!”
Terry Weeks, GOURMET MAGAZINE

Across America and around the world, the praise of Obrycki’s sings with marvelous descriptions of their famous fare. Of course, there are Obrycki’s wonderful steamed crabs, backfin crab cakes, and savory crab soup all made with their secret seafood seasoning. In addition to the crab dishes, there are many other items on their menu that have won rave reviews, from crab imperial, broiled shrimp, and tender sea scallops to linguine Chesapeake, tender steaks, and bountiful seafood platters.

Obrycki’s Past, Present, and Future

The tradition of Obrycki’s is rooted in the working class neighborhoods of East Baltimore. The grounds on which the restaurant’s buildings reside are part of the original William Fell estate in an area now known as historic Fell’s Point, just a few blocks from Harbor Magic’s Admiral Fell Inn. Today, Fell’s Point is a thriving, growing community where long-time blue collar residents rub elbows with newly arrived young professionals. The area abounds with interesting shops, restaurants, clubs, and of course, Obrycki’s.

The original site of Obrycki’s, at 1729 East Pratt Street, was built in 1851 and the adjoining building was constructed the following year. In the 19th and well into the 20th century, Baltimore was known as a great brewery town with many taverns brimming with the local beers. For much of its history, the original Obrycki’s building served as a tavern. It’s most notable innkeeper was George Gunther, founder of the Gunther Brewing Company. Gunther made a very popular beer that survived well into the 1950’s.

In 1944, Melvin Alexander and his brothers-in-law, Mitch, Joe, and Eddie Obrycki opened a bar at the site. Eventually, they expanded the business, serving food including Maryland blue crabs. When Melvin, Mitch, and Joe started another business in 1949, Eddie and his wife, Eleanor, took over what became known as Ed Obrycki’s Olde Crab House. When they decided to retire in 1976, Rose and Richard Cernak, who had fallen in love with the tradition-steeped place, bought the restaurant, took its inherent ambiance, built upon it, and turned it into the thriving, lively and warm restaurant it is today.

Gradually, Obrycki’s outgrew the original location, and in 1986 it moved just across the street to 1727 East Pratt Street. The move double the restaurant’s seating capacity and there is a large off-street parking lot that makes a visit to Obrycki’s simpler and more convenient than ever before.

Rose and Richard’s children, Rob, Cheri and Cindy, started learning the restaurant business as busboy, hostess, and waitress. They are still very much involved, and each member of the family is dedicated to building upon Obrycki’s proud reputation.

For guests who want to enjoy the tastes of Obrycki’s at home, the Cernaks have implemented a mail order program which allows delivery of, crab cakes and other specialties to most areas in the continental United States. The mail order crab cakes were featured as one of Oprah’s favorite things. Additionally, Obrycki’s signature seafood seasoning can be shipped anywhere in the world.

Today, over thirty years after taking over Obrycki’s, the Cernak family continues to welcomes visitors to Obrycki’s from the neighborhood and from around the globe.