Bethesda Crab House restaurant is the best place in the Washington area to enjoy one of the Chesapeake Bay area's, blue crabs steamed with Old Bay seasoning. Order as many crabs as you want; when they're ready, they'll be dumped on your paper-covered table. That's your cue to pick up a mallet and knife and attack the crustaceans. (The waiters gladly give instructions.) Then settle back with a beer for some serious crab pickin'. The price varies with the time of year. It's a good idea to call in advance to reserve your crabs, the restaurant sometimes runs out.
* Blue Crabs * Shrimp * Beer * Wine
Customer Reviews
Amazing crab house! Reviewed by MarcCG on
2009-03-09T11:38:26Z
Best fresh Maryland crabs in the area and a great place to spend an evening with friends and family!
Pros: Best crab-house in DC
Cons: Not your white tablecloth type of place.
Incredible crabs, definitely make a reservation on weekend nights, great customer service Reviewed by mosaleah on
2006-09-04T00:00:00Z
We stepped out of our cab onto a dark street in the middle of Hurricane Ernesto's driving rains and ran across the street to the Bethesda Crab House. My dining partner had never been to a crab house and when we were greeted with 8 outside picnic tables scattered with tough-looking cigar-smoking beer-swilling men, well, we got a little nervous. Once we stepped inside the restaurant, that changed. The joint was hopping with customers packed into little booths and the spicy sweet smell of Old Bay Seasoning perked up our nostrils. This was getting better. We had called ahead and ordered a dozen large crabs for $52. We were escorted to a back booth, which was covered in newspapers. We ordered some steamed shrimp and corn-on-the-cob to accompany the crabs and help us drain our beers. The shrimp were good and hot with a light coat of Old Bay. Very tasty and not rubbery at all. After we devoured the shrimp, a half-dozen scorching crabs arrived at our table. As we dug into the succulent claw meat and relearned the art of pulling the meat from the bodies, we began to feel more at home. The cold beer, hot crabs and loud chatter from the surrounding tables seemed to blend us in and we felt like locals enjoying a weekly tradition. The staff was very attentive and made sure we had plenty of butter, beer and napkins. As our meal ended, we called a cab and began a long wait. Instead of making us wait, our waiter offered to drive us to the nearby Hiatt to catch a cab directly and we accepted. While we waited for our waiter (!) to bring his car around, the owner's son stood outside and chatted with us. The great food, fun atmosphere and being treated like we were old friends rather than just another pair of customers...well, this added up to a memorable experience. Bring a healthy appetite and plan to get good and messy. Just leave your jewels at home.
Pros: Good hot food, fun ambiance, super-friendly staff
Cons: You'll get messy! (but isn't it kind of worth it?)
Bethesda Crab House has the Best Crabs in TOWN Reviewed by HelloMetro User on
2008-06-05T19:31:00Z
I live in Cabin John, and we got some medium sized crabs (which were HUGE) at the Bethesda Crab House on Thursday to celebrate me finally getting a JOB. THOSE WERE THE BEST CRABS MY FAMILY EVER ATE. And we're avid crab eaters. THANKS BETHESDA CRAB HOUSE. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST.
Amazing crab house!
