458 Forest Beach Rd., Annapolis
Cantler’s is almost synonymous with crabs around Annapolis hence the hour-plus wait at peak times. The dimly lit inside still feels like the original 1974 creek house charming in its own way but not necessarily our first pick. Instead, angle for a picnic table on the deck overlooking the calm water for a mess of hot crabs plus hushpuppies, sweet corn, and plenty of light beer. Just get there early or, better yet, on a weekday.
314 Tilghman St., Oxford
Tucked away on quiet Town Creek, this nautical-chic restaurant/bar woos boaters with free docking. Small companions are welcome, too there are special menus for both children and dogs. Adults will find lengthy cocktail and craft-beer menus drinks are best enjoyed at the friendly dock bar and an eclectic assortment of dishes, including Korean shrimp tacos, spicy Jamaican-style jerk-shrimp cocktail, chilled lobster rolls, and steak-