Best crab cakes photo
(Kinkead's; Photo by Michael Temchine)

Best crab cakes

The Washington Post Staff  |  Updated 04/17/2013

Food section staffers visited 25 reputable seafood establishments in search of Washington's best crab cake. Here are their top selections. (Read the full results of our taste test here).

 

BlackSalt

Washington, DC

Sauteed just long enough to create a crisp top and bottom, then finished briefly in the oven, these crab cakes were about the handsomest of our taste test. Bits of jalapeno pepper should have been a deal-breaker ingredient, but they work, as do the aioli and onion. The fish market at the front of the house earns points for being one of the few establishments currently using Maryland crab.

 

DC Coast

Washington, DC

Minimalism is the watchword of this crab cake. The recipe calls for Gulf of Mexico crab with just a pinch of bread crumbs, a little mayonnaise, mustard, egg, lemon and chives, and a dash of Tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper for a tickle of heat. The crab is all jumbo lump, but the cakes hold together thanks to a nice, crisp exterior.

 

G & M Restaurant & Lounge

Linthicum Heights, MD

Volume is the first word that comes to mind, especially as you watch double-breasted platters with a full pound of crab cakes whoosh by while you wait. These crab cakes are broiled to an almost-souffled state and remain moist inside thanks to egg, mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce and a smattering of fresh bread crumbs. They deliver the taste of sweet crab. Hard to beat.

 

Jerry's Seafood

+ Multiple Locations

"Home of the Crab Bomb" is the motto of this no-frills family restaurant with three Maryland locations, and for good reason. The snow-white meat from Venezuela is picked on premises. The marble-size chunks are then tossed with a touch of mayonnaise and Old Bay, not a bread crumb in sight. The result is a seemingly impossible but awe-inspiring combination of delicacy and all-American satisfaction.

 

Johnny's Half Shell

Washington, DC

Of all the offerings on the menu, a great crab cake is one of the hardest to get right, says chef Ann Cashion. She has pulled it off in the beautifully formed cakes served at her sprawling Capitol Hill grill. Each patty pulls apart to reveal hefty lumps of sweet American crab, seasoned with just enough Old Bay, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce. Our only complaint: They're just not big enough.

 

Passionfish

Reston, VA

Chef Chris Clime keeps his crab cakes simple: jumbo-lump meat plus a touch of Old Bay, Tabasco and chives for seasoning. Then he lets his customers dress them up. Add two sides, and dip the flaky, snow-white meat in one of four sauces including Thai curry or beurre blanc, though we're partial to the butter pickle tartar that comes standard on the lunchtime sandwich.

 

Go Out Lists
A fun way to save and share your favorites

These are Post writers' picks, but what are yours? Make your own list to show others what you recommend. Here's how to get started.

 
Create a Go Out List
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friends' activity

Talk to Us

Use this form to submit questions and comments about washingtonpost.com's Going Out Guide.
Submit
Submit a Listing
We welcome community submissions, but are not able to publish all listings we receive. Filing out this form will have your listing considered for both the Washington Post newspaper and for GoingOutGuide.com.
Event
(e.g., concert, exhibit, festival, theater performance, happy hour, author talk)
Business Location
(e.g., restaurant, bar, club, theater space, museum/gallery)
 
Submit
Thank you for submitting a listing for Going Out Guide. We will review your submission for consideration.
OK
Close

Thank You

Your e-mail has been sent to the following recipient(s) :

Close
 
 
 
 
 
Close

Thank You

 
Close
 
 
 
 
 
 

Get the App

GoingOutGuide

Get it on your phone
Whether you are heading out to eat or planning an afternoon with the family, the all-new Going Out Guide App for iPhone can give you the inside scoop on what's great.
Download the app
What You've Recently Viewed On Going Out Guide
Close

E-mail This List to a Friend

Best crab cakes

(Enter the e-mail address of the recipient(s), separated by commas. Please limit to 10 recipients. )

chars typed
 
Submit
 
 
 
 
Cancel
 
 
 
 
 
Close

Save to Go Out List

You must be signed in to complete this action. Sign In or Register

The Washington Post Company
Editors' Picks: Best crab cakes
Expand
What is this toolbar at the bottom of my screen?
It's a new way to save your ideas about places to go and shows to see in Washington, and it can help you find things to do with your friends.
See something interesting?
Click on the I want to go button to add it to your Want to go list. The number on the button shows how many people want to go. If you're signed in with a Facebook account, your friends can see where you'd like to go.
Already been there?
If you have been to a place or event already, click the I've been there button to add it to your Been there list. The number shows how many people have been there. If you're signed in with a Facebook account, your friends can see where you've been.
Where are my lists?
The things you add to your Want to go and Been there lists will be saved for you. Click on your username anytime to view your list and see all those ideas.
When you want to keep your plans private, turn off the sharing toggle. You'll be able to save items to your lists without sharing them on Facebook.
Why should I sign in with Facebook?
It can help you make plans with friends for things to do together. When you share your Want to go and Been there lists with your Facebook friends, it's easy to see when you and your friends want to go to the same place.
Close
For a better experience, Please login with Facebook
What are the benefits of connecting with Facebook?
Sharing your ideas about places to go and things to see just got easier. Share your Want to go and Been there lists with Facebook friends and see where your friends want to go or where they've been and make plans together.
Ready to get started?
Log in to Facebook
No, thanks - maybe later.
Close