The smell of salt air, the feeling of sand between your toes, and the taste of a fresh, flavorful crab cake on your tongue. It’s the quintessential coastal, summer vibes. So whether you’re patiently awaiting your coastal vacation, impatiently stuck between tropical excursions, or are simply craving quality seafood, treat yourself to the finest crab cakes in Washington, DC. Check out our picks for the nine absolute best crab cakes the city has to offer.
See Also: The 11 Best Barbecue Places In Washington, DC
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3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA / Website
Venture to Virginia for a delectable crab cake at Ada’s On The River. The tasty plate is served with creamed leeks, pickled shallots, and lemon remoulade. Other tasty seafood dishes include coal-roasted prawns, grilled octopus, seared tuna, lobster mac and cheese, and more. Reservations can be placed here.
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4883 MacArthur Blvd. NW / Website
Head to this chic upscale seafood restaurant for sustainably sourced seafood and heavenly crab cakes. Their take on the classic dish features intricate plating and is served with fried okra, sweet corn, Tasso ham, roasted pepper and crawfish ragout, and a creamy honey mustard remoulade. Reservations can be placed here.
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1201 24th Street NW / Website
Luxurious, with an emphasis on regionally-sourced seasonal ingredients, the Blue Duck Tavern is an elegant stop for a flavorful crab cake. Sourced locally from the Chesapeake Bay, the jumbo lump crab cake is served with frisée, radish, cress, and lemon-caper remoulade. Reservations can be placed here.
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8012 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD / Website
Travel a few miles outside the city to Silver Spring’s Crisfield Seafood. While it’s a rather lowkey joint, it is home to legendary crab cakes that have served the DMV for over 75 years. The family-run restaurant is a local favorite and sure to impress even the pickiest of crab lovers. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday for walk-ins and takeout orders.
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2505 Wisconsin Avenue NW / Website
Head to this glamorously designed restaurant for Insta-worthy interiors and satisfying crab cake sandwiches. The classic dish includes a Maryland-style crab cake paired with tartar and cocktail sauce. Other tasty seafood menu items include shrimp Florentine, lobster ravioli, pan-seared salmon, and a Tuscan-inspired pappardelle. Reservations can be placed here.
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750 15th Street NW / Website
With stunning interiors, massive marble pillars, and floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s a lot to love about Joe’s before you even reach the menu. Seafood lovers must try the colossal lump crab cake for hearty crab chunks and tasty seasoning. Other crabby menu items include the crab bisque, king crab Louis, and crab stuffed shrimp, among others. Reservations can be placed here.
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8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA / Website
Check out this classic, upscale restaurant for premium seafood and steaks, just as the name implies. Be sure to try the lobster-crab cake, made with Maine lobster, jumbo lump crab, and lobster beurre blanc, topped with shaved fennel and asparagus. There’s a lengthy list of wines, beers, and craft cocktails that pair easily with the hearty menu. Reservations can be placed here.
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1150 Maine Avenue / Website
This iconic Wharf spot is a seafood haven. The crab cake is served with baby heirloom tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, corn, guajillo-herb butter, and a spicy remoulade. The menu features a host of deliciously crafted seafood dishes like ceviche, spicy yellowfin tuna tartare, and their famous Rappahannock River Oysters, harvested locally in Topping, Virginia. Reservations can be placed here.
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1356 Okie Street NE / Website
For fresh, delicious seafood and a fun-filled schedule of live music and rooftop patio specials. The Michelin Bib Gourmand Award-winning restaurant features crab cakes made with Maryland jumbo lump crab meat and served with fingerling potatoes, seasonal veggies, tartar sauce, and lemon on the side. It also comes served in a sandwich accompanied by fries and cole slaw. Reservations can be placed here.
Photography by: g01xm / Getty Images
