Who in MD has the best....

[NewMarketSean]

Crabcakes?
Burgers?
Fries?
Beer? (microbrewery or selection of beer in general)
Steaks?
Desserts?

Happy Hour?
Dinner Specials?

Nightlife Experience?
Live Bands?

[HoodGuy007]

Crab cakes, I will say Dutch's Daughter. I know it's local to me, but they are wonderful. Cheesecake factory is a winner on dessert. I'm into piano bars, so Howl At The Moon for night life, it's fairly chill.

[allstar1579]

Crabcakes?Rips, Bowie
Burgers?Five Guys
Fries?Five Guys
Beer? (microbrewery or selection of beer in general)DogfishHead Ale House, Germantown
Steaks?Golden Bull, Gaithersburg
Desserts?Jimmy Cone, Damascus

Happy Hour?Clyde's, Rockville
Dinner Specials?Bassett's, Poolesville

Nightlife Experience?Cancun Cantina, Hanover
Live Bands?Nottinghams, Columbia

Just off the top of my head at least.

[Icemancth]

Beer? (microbrewery or selection of beer in general)

I love Red Brick Station.

[NewMarketSean]

OK, here are mine...


Crabcakes? Tie between G&M and Faidleys
Burgers? Five Guys
Fries? Thrashers, OC
Beer? (microbrewery or selection of beer in general) Max's on Broadway for selection, Brewer's Alley for microbrews
Steaks? I dont get many steaks out, wouldn't know
Desserts? Vaccaro's, Little Italy

Happy Hour? Isabellla's, Frederick
Dinner Specials? $14.95 Lobster dinner at Brewer's Alley in Frederick on Thursday nights

Nightlife Experience? Howl at the Moon is a good one
Live Bands? Ram's Head, Sonar

[DurbBird]

As someone living more than 1600 miles inland from Maryland, I want to know the hallmarks of a good crabcake. I had crabcakes in Aberdeen (Olive Tree, I think it was), but that was my only experience.

[Jimbo81]

Crab soup- Charles Village pub :clap3:

[PaulFolk]

Best crab cakes are at G&M, bar none.

[TGO]

As someone living more than 1600 miles inland from Maryland, I want to know the hallmarks of a good crabcake. I had crabcakes in Aberdeen (Olive Tree, I think it was), but that was my only experience.

The biggest thing is a minimal amount of filler (bread). You need a little bit to bind the meat, but the crabcake should taste like crab meat, not bread.

[NewMarketSean]

The biggest thing is a minimal amount of filler (bread). You need a little bit to bind the meat, but the crabcake should taste like crab meat, not bread.

It's got to be LUMP crab meat too. I can't stand crabcakes wit shredded crab meat in them. It's like eating a paper-mache ball.


Best crab cakes are at G&M, bar none.

Have you ever had Faidley's?

[TGO]

It's got to be LUMP crab meat too. I can't stand crabcakes wit shredded crab meat in them. It's like eating a paper-mache ball.

Oh yeah, JUMBO LUMP. The only way to go.

[PaulFolk]

Have you ever had Faidley's?
No, but I can't imagine anything being better than G&M's. :D

[BaltimoreTerp]

The best burgers are, without a doubt, Five Guys. As far as chains go, Cheesburger Cheesburger is very good as well, but Five Guys has the whole, "I know this is amazingly unhealthy but I couldn't care less because it's SO GOOD!" thing going for it.

Fries are a little but harder, since there are a few places (Five Guys included) who make boardwalk-style fries. That does narrow the field down to a point as nothing beats Boardwalk fries, but once you get there it's hard to go further. I'll call it a three-way tie between Thrashers (the original), Boardwalk Fries (the fry chain) and Five Guys (the best food to go with the best fries).

Now the difficult choice: Crab cakes. In my own personal experience, having not been to Faidley's or G&M (please don't take my Baltimoron card away!) or even Angelina's (which recently closed to the everlasting dismay of a large portion of my family who loved their crab cakes), the best are at By the Docks. They taste great, and have the side benefit of being gigantic for a regular crab cake.

As an aside, my FAVORITE crab cake experience was from one of the Chinese delivery places down at the University of Maryland. They had a crab cake sub on the menu that was several dollars CHEAPER than most of their regular subs. This I ordered fully expecting to not survive the night. However, probably do to the 2009-Orioles-level of expectations I had, the sub was actually really good. Which scared the hell out of me even more :laughlol:

[Enjoy Terror]

Crabcakes? Velleggia's
Burgers? Five Guys
Fries? Thrashers
Beer? Brewer's Art
Steaks? Ruth's Chris
Desserts? Vaccaros

Happy Hour? Hightopps in Timonium
Dinner Specials? Rack of Ribs/Fries for $13.99 on Monday, Corner Stable

Nightlife Experience? Federal Hill on the weekend
Live Bands? The Ottobar

I'm not really too sure about crabcakes or steaks, I just put where I have had the best, but I can vouch for the rest as being bonafide number ones in what they do :D

[weams]

Best crab cakes are at G&M, bar none.


For those who doubt (http://www.gandmcrabcakes.com/mailorder.php?osCsid=2d3a863a00d6c43aad90f06ca1b5d aae).

[PrivateO]

Five guys ftw!

[NewMarketSean]

No, but I can't imagine anything being better than G&M's. :D

You're in Ellicott City. Go to Lexington Market this Saturday and get Faidley's crabcakes. G&M are good, and a worthy #1m but you have to try Faidley's before you can make a definite decision.

[cindyluvsbrady]

Best crab cakes are at G&M, bar none.

Where is this?:confused:

[Satyr3206]

I haven't lived in Baltimore in a while but if Koco's on Harford Road is still open you HAVE to try their crabcakes. Awesome.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Where is this?:confused:

It's in Linthicum, just off the beltway:

http://www.gandmcrabcakes.com/

They're really good, but I think Faidley's are a little better, although G & M's are bigger and cheaper.

[Moose Milligan]

I don't know if anyone here would consider it the "best" that MD has to offer, but I could seriously drive to Silver Spring right now and go to Cluck U chicken.

I'd get the spiciest chicken sammich they'd make, some fries, some sugar bees and maybe some wings...

[Fist Bump]

Best crab cakes are at G&M, bar none.


Best crab cakes in MD:
Best Crab Cakes in Md (http://www.olivegroverestaurant.com/best_maryland_crab_cakes.php)

I believe they also own G&M.

[Mashed Potatoes]

Crabcakes: This is not a place you can go on the regular but I've had crabcakes at The Prime Rib before, and they were the best I've ever had without a doubt. For 2nd place, Faidleys > G+M

Burgers: All of this Five Guys love is ridiculous. They make a delicious burger, but Fuddruckers is far superior.

Fries? Thrashers

Beer? (microbrewery or selection of beer in general) Mahaffeys has like a billion beers to choose from. I love most things DogFishHead.

[McNulty]

I dont get all the five guys love either. I'd much rather have the Qdoba that it replaced down here.

[EASTERNSHOREFAN]

Oh yeah, JUMBO LUMP. The only way to go.

you can make good crab cakes with backfin or jumbo lump (most places use a 2 to 1 ratio) you just have to be very careful when mixing it up.

As far as the best go there are lots of local places on the shore that can't be beat.

[The Rick]

I love Brewers Alley in Frederick for microbrewery, but Ellicott Mills is a close second in Ellicott City.

And I know you didn't ask about crab dip, but they have the best crab dip i've ever had, BY FAR.

[SJA]

Burgers: All of this Five Guys love is ridiculous. They make a delicious burger, but Fuddruckers is far superior.
:scratchchinhmm:To each his own I suppose, but IMO Fuddruckers doesn't even come close to Five Guys. I would argue that Ruby Tuesday's Triple Prime burger is right there with Five Guys.

Fries-Unequivocally Thrashers :clap3:

[frankpembleton]

Crabcakes: 3 way tie - Pappas, Faidleys, G&M. Gunnings is pretty good too, but definitely not as good as the other 3.

Steaks: I hate picking a chain, but Ruths Chris still wins for me and I've had all the big steakhouse steaks. Ray's the Steaks in Arlington is pretty solid, but that's VA and it still isn't as good as Ruth's Chris.

Microbrew: Brewers Art - how anyone from Baltimore can pick something else is beyond me.

Live Music: Ottobar in Baltimore, Black Cat DC

Nightlife: Neighborhood bars in Baltimore. H Street, NE in DC.

Desserts: Vaccaros

Burger: Five Guys is so average. Palena in DC is the best I've ever had.

Fries: Thrashers

[allstar1579]

I don't know if anyone here would consider it the "best" that MD has to offer, but I could seriously drive to Silver Spring right now and go to Cluck U chicken.

I'd get the spiciest chicken sammich they'd make, some fries, some sugar bees and maybe some wings...

I have one here in Lanham, been hooked on it since it was only in Towson and College Park. Matter of fact, now I think I'll have that tomorrow, thanks buddy!

[Miller192]

Crabcakes? Dock of The Bay
Burgers?Red Robin
Fries?Thrashers
Beer? (microbrewery or selection of beer in general)Kelly's on Eastern Ave...PBR on tap
Steaks?Ugh...Ruth Chris
Desserts?Vaccarro's

Happy Hour?Sean Bolan's in Bel Air
Dinner Specials?Speakeasy

Nightlife Experience?I love bar hopping in Fells in the early evening
Live Bands?Leadbetter's

[Elon Os Fan]

Crabcakes? Olive Branch
Burgers? Fudruckers
Fries? Thrashers
Beer? (microbrewery or selection of beer in general) Place in Fells (forgot name)
Steaks? Prime Rib
Desserts? Vacarros

I live in Fed Hill, so I am going to say:

Happy Hour? On Friday, Nobles 6-10 $10 all you can drink.
Dinner Specials? Italiano's off Wash Blvd

Nightlife Experience? Seacrets

Live Bands? Rams Head

[2632]

Crabcakes: Faidley's. Honestly, Faidley's is Crabcake Mecca.
Burgers: Neutral on this.
Fries: Brewer's Art. Garlic and Rosemary. Awesome.
Beer: Max's in Fells Pt for the huge selection. Everything from Boh to obscure microbrews and Belgians.
Steaks: My dad.
Desserts: I'll go with the crowd here and say Vaccaro's. But there was a bakery on Belair Rd we went to regularly when I was growing up that made a peach cake I would kill for right about now.

Nightlife Experience: Wherever I happen to be that night.
Live Bands: The Haven Lounge. Great jazz, great atmosphere, and the shooting just adds a little extra excitement to your evening.

[Enjoy Terror]

Crabcakes: 3 way tie - Pappas, Faidleys, G&M. Gunnings is pretty good too, but definitely not as good as the other 3.

Steaks: I hate picking a chain, but Ruths Chris still wins for me and I've had all the big steakhouse steaks. Ray's the Steaks in Arlington is pretty solid, but that's VA and it still isn't as good as Ruth's Chris.

Microbrew: Brewers Art - how anyone from Baltimore can pick something else is beyond me.

Live Music: Ottobar in Baltimore, Black Cat DC

Nightlife: Neighborhood bars in Baltimore. H Street, NE in DC.

Desserts: Vaccaros

Burger: Five Guys is so average. Palena in DC is the best I've ever had.

Fries: Thrashers

How have we not met?

[Enjoy Terror]

Beer: Max's in Fells Pt for the huge selection. Everything from Boh to obscure microbrews and Belgians.


So much this. If it's Microbrews I pick Brewers Art, but as far as selection, Max's Taphouse is the best bar around.

[DuffMan]

Beer: Max's for the Selection For Micro's it's a tie between Duclaw, Red Brick and Ellicott Mills Brewery I'd also throw in the Saturday Brew Tours at Clipper City.

[ChaosLex]

Doesn't the same family own Timbuktu, Olive Grove, G&M and Romanos?

Out of those four, I've only been to Timbuktu and Romanos? Romanos has my vote for crabcake though. :)

http://www.romanosdining.com/

[ChaosLex]

As for steaks, nothing tops the prime rib at Sunset in Glen Burnie.

http://www.sunsetrestaurant.com/

[TGO]

As for steaks, nothing tops the prime rib at Sunset in Glen Burnie.

http://www.sunsetrestaurant.com/

While prime rib is technically a steak, I don't really consider it one. It sort of has its own thing going on. It's in a delicious range somewhere between a steak and a roast for me. :D It's also so horribly bad for you that it's really a once-a-year thing. ;)

[Enjoy Terror]

I don't know that I would lump Prime Rib and steak together either, totally different animals, figuratively speaking of course :D

[glenn__davis]

Great thread. I look forward to visiting some of these establishments that I didn't know about.

But am I the only one that doesn't like Thrashers fries?

[square634]

Great thread. I look forward to visiting some of these establishments that I didn't know about.

But am I the only one that doesn't like Thrashers fries?

They are definitely overrated, IMO.

[CharmCityRocker]

Crabcakes? I personally don't eat 'em, but my family would tell you By the Docks, Essex
Burgers? Close call between Nacho Mama's, Canton and Five Guys, Chain
Fries? Thrashers, Ocean City and its not close
Beer? (microbrewery or selection of beer in general) Wharf Rat, Fells Point. Have to make the distinction, because the Oliver's have sold the Pratt St. location. The English style ales at the Rat are outstanding!
Steaks? By the Docks, Essex has excellent steaks for a seafood restaurant
Desserts? I rarely order desert, but the Cheesecake Factory (Downtown/Towson) is good enough.


Happy Hour? High Topps, Timonium
Dinner Specials? Can't Say

Nightlife Experience? I am a bad judge, I like dive bars. Bar Hopping in Fells Point is a lot of fun
Live Bands? The Ottobar, Remmington

[brvn52]

As an aside, my FAVORITE crab cake experience was from one of the Chinese delivery places down at the University of Maryland. They had a crab cake sub on the menu that was several dollars CHEAPER than most of their regular subs. This I ordered fully expecting to not survive the night. However, probably do to the 2009-Orioles-level of expectations I had, the sub was actually really good. Which scared the hell out of me even more :laughlol:

Anyway you could remember which one is was? :D

[Goop]

For beer, I'm gonna have to say Clipper City Brewery. I love McHenry and the Winter lager.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Great thread. I look forward to visiting some of these establishments that I didn't know about.

But am I the only one that doesn't like Thrashers fries?


They are definitely overrated, IMO.

Blasphemers!

You probably put KETCHUP on your fries, too :rolleyes:

:D

(I do, but not at Thrashers...)

[beaner]

I read this thread this morning, and realized that I had never had a Five Guys burger. I went for lunch.


Thanks.

[beaner]

Great thread. I look forward to visiting some of these establishments that I didn't know about.

But am I the only one that doesn't like Thrashers fries?

And I get grief for not hating the Yankees? ;)

Thrashers Fries are more of an institution than Yankee hating! What's next Dan, you don't like Berger's cookies either?

[BaltimoreTerp]

Anyway you could remember which one is was? :D

Oh Lord, I've spent so long trying to forget those godforsaken places that it's going to take a minute :laughlol:

Was it "Danny's"? That's sticking in my mind, though I can't remember if it was Chinese or not.

[Goop]

Being an out-of-towner, what is this Thrashers place you guys keep talking about?

[OrangeJerseys]

Being an out-of-towner, what is this Thrashers place you guys keep talking about?

Thrashers (http://www.oceancity.com/wiki/index.php/Thrashers)


It's down the ocean, hon.

[Goop]

Thrashers (http://www.oceancity.com/wiki/index.php/Thrashers)


It's down the ocean, hon.

Sounds good...thanks for the info.

[Snutchy]

I hate to rain on all your parades about Crab Cakes. You haven't had a Crab cake until you've had a Crisfield or Smith Island Crab Cake. The best are made from home. But if you must, eat one from Sidestreat in Crisfield.

Crisfield is the place.

[glenn__davis]

And I get grief for not hating the Yankees? ;)

Thrashers Fries are more of an institution than Yankee hating! What's next Dan, you don't like Berger's cookies either?

:D

Maybe it was just too hyped up for me. I waited in line at OC for 20 minutes, and then I got them, and I was like, "This is it?" I mean, they're OK, but they ain't worth waiting for IMO.

And BTerp, I hate condiments of pretty much every kind, so no, I don't put ketchup on my fries.

[mdterpsrule]

I'll give a local shout out for best crab cakes in Southern Maryland. It would have to go to Stoney's in Broomes Island in Calvert. I'm pretty sure they won best crab cakes in the DC area a few years ago but I can't seem to find the article on it. Also completely agree with everyone who says Five Guys has the best burgers.

[Enjoy Terror]

Sounds good...thanks for the info.

I'd guarantee that no one who has had Thrashers fries hasn't had to wait in line for it. That's a proof positive sign of french fry quality if I do say so myself.

[MCL1021]

In Harford County, I happen to think Box Hill Pizzeria has the best crab cakes, but that's just one man's opinion.

I like Red Robin burgers and also their season all-you-can-eat fries...but hands down the best is Thrashers.

At times I like to barhop around Fells Point or in Canton...although I do sometimes go to Power Plant when I feel like spending more money.

One of my favorite local bands is Deadlock for those that like heavier music.

[Stacey]

Doesn't the same family own Timbuktu, Olive Grove, G&M and Romanos?

Out of those four, I've only been to Timbuktu and Romanos? Romanos has my vote for crabcake though. :)

http://www.romanosdining.com/

You know I always thought G&M and Romanos were owned by the same people but I was at G&M earlier this week and they had a note on their menu that said, "G&M is not affiliated with any other restaurant" so now I'm confused. Their crabcakes seem almost identical. They are delicious, but I agree with everyone who says they aren't as good as Faidley's. Unfortunately I hardly ever make it there.

Here are my answers:

Crabcakes? As mentioned above, Faidley's. But G&M are pretty awesome as well

Burgers? I honestly don't have an answer. Has anyone been to Abbey Burger Bistro in Fed Hill? It's where Sky Lounge used to be on Cross Street. I've heard good things about it and keep meaning to give it a try.

Fries? Mmmm....thrashers. Locally I also love the fries at Ropewalk with a lot of vinegar. For those who like fries of the Sweet Potato variety, the ones at Rub are pretty great.

Beer? (microbrewery or selection of beer in general): Other places have a wider selection, but my favorite local brews have got to be at Brewer's Art.

Steaks? I'm gonna get crucified for this, but I love Outback. I know, I know. But their seasoning is so good.

Desserts? I've heard a rumor that Dangerously Delicious has the best pie in Baltimore, but I've attempted to go there twice and it's been closed both times.

Happy Hour? Bay Cafe. 2 for 1 drinks and great atmosphere.

Nightlife Experience? I don't know. I'm old. I prefer quiet places that have places to sit. Upstairs at Max's on Broadway, Ropewalk are two favorites.

Live Bands? 8X10

[jamesenoch]

In Harford County, I happen to think Box Hill Pizzeria has the best crab cakes, but that's just one man's opinion.

I like Red Robin burgers and also their season all-you-can-eat fries...but hands down the best is Thrashers.

At times I like to barhop around Fells Point or in Canton...although I do sometimes go to Power Plant when I feel like spending more money.

One of my favorite local bands is Deadlock for those that like heavier music.

I was wondering if someone was going to mention Box Hill Pizzeria. I agree with you on that one.

On a side note, Riverside Pizzeria (owned by the same family I think) makes the best cream of crab soup, although Woody's in North East is pretty close.

[OrangeJerseys]

So who's got the best cheesesteaks?

I remember liking Village Sub on "Blair Rd". in Overlea as a kid.

Now when I'm home I usually go to Paisan's in Towson or Georgio's in Lutherville, but I know there's better elsewhere. Where?

[sakata_catching]

I hate to rain on all your parades about Crab Cakes. You haven't had a Crab cake until you've had a Crisfield or Smith Island Crab Cake. The best are made from home. But if you must, eat one from Sidestreat in Crisfield.

Crisfield is the place.

Big Snutchy speaks truth. Get thee to Crisfield before casting judgement on Maryland crab cakes.

Don't know if it's still around, but Captain's Galley by the ferry docks used to make a crab cake that could make angels weep.

[cindyluvsbrady]

In Harford County, I happen to think Box Hill Pizzeria has the best crab cakes, but that's just one man's opinion.

I like Red Robin burgers and also their season all-you-can-eat fries...but hands down the best is Thrashers.

At times I like to barhop around Fells Point or in Canton...although I do sometimes go to Power Plant when I feel like spending more money.

One of my favorite local bands is Deadlock for those that like heavier music.

Alot of people love Box Hill crab cakes:) They ship them all over now!
I LOVE Red Robin mushroom burger:):clap3:

[cindyluvsbrady]

I read this thread this morning, and realized that I had never had a Five Guys burger. I went for lunch.


Thanks.

That is cool:)
I like Five Guys:clap3:

[cindyluvsbrady]

Great thread. I look forward to visiting some of these establishments that I didn't know about.

But am I the only one that doesn't like Thrashers fries?

You do not like them:eek::eektf::old5fan:
Wow!
Are you ok?:(

[OrangeJerseys]

Alot of people love Box Hill crab cakes:) They ship them all over now!
I LOVE Red Robin mushroom burger:):clap3:

52 bucks for four crabcakes?

[glenn__davis]

You do not like them:eek::eektf::old5fan:
Wow!
Are you ok?:(

Haha. :D

I shouldn't have said "not liked them". That was a poor choice of words. I just don't think they're all that fantastic.

Actually, most of the stuff in OC that is supposed to be so great has been dissappointing to me. Thrasher's, Fisher's Popcorn, Dough Roller. I don't really think any of them are worth the wait.

[Enjoy Terror]

I wouldn't get worked up over Dough Roller, but Fishers and Thrashers are MD staple foods.