Located in the heart of Catonsville, a stone's throw from downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor or a quick fare taxi cab ride from the airport, Ships Cafe specializes in fresh steamed crabs and seafood from local area fisherman and crabbers.
Whether you are looking to enjoy a bucket of steamed shrimp at the bar, need take-out crabs for the next family gathering, or would like us to host a large party, our courteous staff are available to help make your dining experience a memorable one.Our restaurant hosts a full service bar with an assortment of martinis and assorted beers on tap.
Whether you are looking to enjoy a bucket of steamed shrimp at the bar, need take-out crabs for the next family gathering, or would like us to host a large party, our courteous staff are available to help make your dining experience a memorable one.Our restaurant hosts a full service bar with an assortment of martinis and assorted beers on tap.
Reviews (23)
A. T.
Jan 26, 2022
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I am very disappointed with this restaurant. I always patronize Ships whether I am dining in or carrying out. Well, today I was told that I had to dine in to purchase the larger crab sizes and if I wanted to do carry out, I could only purchase the smallest sized crabs that they offer. Due to the high rate of Covid that is going around, I do not feel comfortable dining in. I don’t know what type of discrimination this is but I will never support this restaurant again. I believe a paying customer should never be denied access to the entire menu just because they choose not to dine in. It’s safe
Danielle Matthews
Jan 19, 2022
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Larry Morral
Jan 09, 2022
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Leslie M.
Dec 17, 2021
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We tried the breaded scallops, crab macaroni & cheese, the breaded shrimp, crab fritters, crab bisque and clam chowder (daily special). Our favorite food was the crab and corn fritters, they are a must try, perfect size to split for 3 people. My second favorite was the crab macaroni and cheese, it is definitely worth trying, it consisted of macaroni tossed in a cheese sauce topped with crab and melted cheddar on top. Unfortunately we had multiple problems here with the food. Our main dishes were good, just the mac, scallops and shrimp. The bad was the taste of the soup, the tar tar sauce, and the
Sara Hall
Dec 01, 2021
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Guy Jackson
Nov 30, 2021
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Bradley Nakaji
Sep 21, 2021
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Went as a large group of 10. We were sitted right away and orders taken for drinks. I will admit that we had a reservation, so things went smoothly.
The service was outstanding. We only had one incident of a forgotten appetizer, other than that it was fantastic.
We ordered calamari, nachos, Maryland chowder and regular chowder for appetizers. The nachos and calamari were the winners
The main entre was steamed crabs by the dozen. Super messy but really good. Recommended for a large group.
We are from California and had to try the Maryland steamed crab feed. A must try for tourists.
The service was outstanding. We only had one incident of a forgotten appetizer, other than that it was fantastic.
We ordered calamari, nachos, Maryland chowder and regular chowder for appetizers. The nachos and calamari were the winners
The main entre was steamed crabs by the dozen. Super messy but really good. Recommended for a large group.
We are from California and had to try the Maryland steamed crab feed. A must try for tourists.
Termarryer Johnson
Aug 12, 2021
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Be careful because the prices online are not the prices inside but the crabs are juicy, hot, large, meaty, and delicious. They are a delight for your soul. The staff Lynn, my waitress was nice and very knowledgeable and helpful when she could be. But beware of the costly prices but you get what you pay for!
T. B.
Aug 05, 2021
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This is a hit or miss place we've discovered. Also maybe if you are a known local you might get treated a bit more friendly by the owner, otherwise one might feel a bit snubbed. They've raised the prices for seafood, you pay more and the taste is less. Shrimp salad sandwich just ok, needs more seasoning.
LeeAnn W.
Jun 22, 2021
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Kelly M.
Apr 10, 2021
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The snow crab legs were overcooked. They did not taste bad but the texture was shredded and dry. Most staff was not very friendly except when our waitress flirted with my boyfriend. I did not appreciate her giving him special treatment and barely acknowledged me. I am always very positive about my experiences even when they are not the best but to spend 29.00 on a pound of crab legs and have them be overcooked was very disappointing.
Vanessa K.
Jul 25, 2020
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Veronica Z.
Jul 23, 2020
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Shawnte W.
May 04, 2020
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Had a hankering for crabs one saturday and after calling around to see what places were open for takeout I was recommended to try this place. I was able to call in and get the prices and reserve my crabs on the phone and confirm a pick up time. She also gave me the option to pay over the phone but I decided to do it in person. Ships is accessible from 695 but does not provide it's own parking (at least from what I could see). Off street parking is provided but I can assume on a friday or saturday night trying to find a space is probably a doozy. I was greeted by a lady when entering the bar
Shinaya W.
Jan 10, 2020
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Years ago this place had decent food but boy has it gone down. I ordered the fried calamari to go (been craving it for days). Maaaaaaannnnn it was such a disappointment and terrible; I couldn't even take it back because I was on my lunch break. It was greasy and mushy. It tasted like tons on fish had been fried in the same grease over and over again for months and I think one of them was trying to get away. SMHID (shaking my head I'm disappointment). The whole thing is in the trash because I couldn't eat it. Please change the oil and heat it to the right temperature for future patrons
Mike R.
Dec 19, 2019
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I go to this local watering hole several times a month. Great place for crabs and light fare. The crab pretzel is listed as an appetizer but it should be listed as a meal. So big and delicious. We usually order an appetizer and we split a dozen crabs. Best place to sit is on the second level. The chicken wraps are very good also
K. C.
Dec 05, 2019
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Have been wanting to come here for a while due to heating great reviews about their crabs.
Went for brunch had an omelette and pancakes. Omelette was dry & I didn't finish. Pancakes were standard.
Friend had cream of crab soup. It came with a bunch of lumps on top & a bunch inside.
Had the large crabs, which were meaty and tasty. Would come back for the crabs.
Went for brunch had an omelette and pancakes. Omelette was dry & I didn't finish. Pancakes were standard.
Friend had cream of crab soup. It came with a bunch of lumps on top & a bunch inside.
Had the large crabs, which were meaty and tasty. Would come back for the crabs.
Tonya A.
Nov 13, 2019
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I come to Ships after work every other day and order large Crabs because they r good
However I experienced an unpleasant visit when I ordered 1/2 dozen and my favorite part the claws were missing. 3 crab claws were missing which were 3 crabs I was soooooo disappointed I told the bar Tender Brad and he stated they couldn't do anything about it!
That's like buying a six pack of beer and getting only 4 beers!!!!!!!
So now I have to pray that I get all claws on my crabs disappointing I must say. After a hard days working outside wanting a great meal not knowing if I get percent of what
However I experienced an unpleasant visit when I ordered 1/2 dozen and my favorite part the claws were missing. 3 crab claws were missing which were 3 crabs I was soooooo disappointed I told the bar Tender Brad and he stated they couldn't do anything about it!
That's like buying a six pack of beer and getting only 4 beers!!!!!!!
So now I have to pray that I get all claws on my crabs disappointing I must say. After a hard days working outside wanting a great meal not knowing if I get percent of what
Joseph J.
Jul 13, 2019
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We have been here a few times before. This review is for our most recent visit. Friday evening around 6:30pm & found parking out back. Plenty of seats at the bar & few tables available in the dining room. We ordered 2 beers & 2 apps...Cream of crab soup & honey BBQ wings.
Soup was very thick & rich & tasty. The problem was very little to no crab meat. Very disappointed.
The wings were spot on! Crispy fried to perfection dipped in a sweet & juicy honey bbq sauce. Hard shell Blue crabs from Louisiana are available year round for your crab picking desires. Several folks
Soup was very thick & rich & tasty. The problem was very little to no crab meat. Very disappointed.
The wings were spot on! Crispy fried to perfection dipped in a sweet & juicy honey bbq sauce. Hard shell Blue crabs from Louisiana are available year round for your crab picking desires. Several folks
Jennifer T.
Apr 27, 2019
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Omg this place was horrible. Hubby and I got the seafood nachos and fried oysters. Both were disgusting, I wouldn't feed this to my pet. The nachos had 4 shrimp, clumps of cheddar cheese, stale, burnt chips. The oysters were like fish sticks or something. The bartender was basic but not attentive or personable at all. Sorry this restaurant was a complete fail.
Keima W.
Jun 13, 2018
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My friends and I go to Ship's for crabs all the time. All year round. I've had a few issues with them here and there but I do always come back due to the consistency of the crabs. I can almost always depend on Ship's having fresh crabs that are steamed to perfection.
This particular visit was on Monday, 06/11/18, around 5:30 PM. It was just myself and one other person.
I called ahead to see what the crab size availability and pricing was. I was told that they only had small/mediums for $78 a dozen. I thought that was pretty steep for the sizing but since a coworker owed us crabs
This particular visit was on Monday, 06/11/18, around 5:30 PM. It was just myself and one other person.
I called ahead to see what the crab size availability and pricing was. I was told that they only had small/mediums for $78 a dozen. I thought that was pretty steep for the sizing but since a coworker owed us crabs
Michael E.
Jan 13, 2018
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I flew to Baltimore for work Friday with a plan to fly back later in the day. Plan didn't go so well but I digress.
Around lunch time I'm looking for wa good seafood restaurants and I came across "Ships Cafe". There big claim is " Hot Steamed Crabs and Beer". PERFECT.
First, parking is a challenge. I think I parked in someone else's parking lot. Rented car so I'll take a chance for steamed crabs .
I walk in and a lovely waitress offers seating, near the bar or on a semi-lower level where there is s large group eating. I choose the bar. Always better to
Around lunch time I'm looking for wa good seafood restaurants and I came across "Ships Cafe". There big claim is " Hot Steamed Crabs and Beer". PERFECT.
First, parking is a challenge. I think I parked in someone else's parking lot. Rented car so I'll take a chance for steamed crabs .
I walk in and a lovely waitress offers seating, near the bar or on a semi-lower level where there is s large group eating. I choose the bar. Always better to
Na H.
Sep 09, 2016
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Came here on a Thursday evening with a friend to try out their crabs. I have read previous Yelp reviews ranging information from 4 to 2 stars, but decided to give it a try anyway.
There is parking in the rear that can be accessed from Frederick Rd (there is an alley like entrance that you will surely miss if you go too fast)and also off of Winters La.
Upon entering, you step into the main area which houses the bar to the right and seating to the left along windows. The building is old with updates and extensions added, but is much larger inside than the view of it outside.There were a group
There is parking in the rear that can be accessed from Frederick Rd (there is an alley like entrance that you will surely miss if you go too fast)and also off of Winters La.
Upon entering, you step into the main area which houses the bar to the right and seating to the left along windows. The building is old with updates and extensions added, but is much larger inside than the view of it outside.There were a group
