Captain Bill, together with his wife Sis, started Harris Crab House in the summer of 1981 on the front dock of the W. H. Harris Seafood Processing House, so customers could sit and enjoy fresh seafood. Today we celebrate five generations of Harris' involvement in the business. We honor Bill and Sis Harris and the community as we strive to maintain the legacy graciously bestowed upon our family.
W. H. Harris Seafood was one of over 20 oyster shucking houses in the area, and having withstood the test of time; remains the only operating oyster house open year round in Maryland. In 1991, Karen and Art Oertel with Jerry and Pat Harris opened the new Crab House with open air upstairs decks overlooking the moving picturesque waters of the Kent Narrows.
W. H. Harris Seafood was one of over 20 oyster shucking houses in the area, and having withstood the test of time; remains the only operating oyster house open year round in Maryland. In 1991, Karen and Art Oertel with Jerry and Pat Harris opened the new Crab House with open air upstairs decks overlooking the moving picturesque waters of the Kent Narrows.
Reviews (24)
Ruth Ann Smith
Jan 19, 2022
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Went for a Friday Night Oyster fest and did not wait, were seated immediately, best waitress, Christine, oysters were large and delicious in any form, raw, steamed, chowder, fried, any way they serve them. Delicious!!! We all ate too much, but hard not to when everything is so very good. Christine even went to the kitchen to find me a slice of blueberry pie. Awesome evening with friends.
Rae Huggins
Jan 17, 2022
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David K.
Jan 09, 2022
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Harris Crab House opened its doors in 1981, situated on the Kent Narrows Waterway, four miles east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. For five generations, that's right five generations Harris Crab House has remained a family business and has been a fixture in the seafood industry on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
This restaurant is settled in an area where local watermen are still a prevalent aspect of everyday life, bringing in their "catch," docking their boats, and telling tales.
They buy seafood from 350 local watermen and employ roughly 140 people from the community.
Today we
This restaurant is settled in an area where local watermen are still a prevalent aspect of everyday life, bringing in their "catch," docking their boats, and telling tales.
They buy seafood from 350 local watermen and employ roughly 140 people from the community.
Today we
Lee Z.
Dec 31, 2021
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Our experience was average.
Although the server was friendly, she wasn't verse with the items on the menu, and didn't follow up with water and essential utensils for the our meals. I asked how long she has been working there, and she said 15 years.
The food: Oyster Stew $8.95
Even though the menu had made with Cream, Oysters & Spices, the flavor was really good, but the stew was watery.
Half & Half $7.50, which is a combination of cream of Crab and Maryland Vegetable Crab. This was pretty good.
Baked Oyster Sampler (we actually ordered the baked Oyster Imperial and received
Although the server was friendly, she wasn't verse with the items on the menu, and didn't follow up with water and essential utensils for the our meals. I asked how long she has been working there, and she said 15 years.
The food: Oyster Stew $8.95
Even though the menu had made with Cream, Oysters & Spices, the flavor was really good, but the stew was watery.
Half & Half $7.50, which is a combination of cream of Crab and Maryland Vegetable Crab. This was pretty good.
Baked Oyster Sampler (we actually ordered the baked Oyster Imperial and received
Xin F.
Nov 15, 2021
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Came to this place upon recommendation. Glad they didn't disappoint! Seafood are fresh and priced reasonably. Our server Chrissy, she's fantastic! Answered our questions patiently and made sure that all our needs are taken care of.
I would definitely love to come back again when I'm in the area. In the meantime, I can't wait to order and have it shipped to me till the next time.
They do have all you can eat Mon-Thurs as well. Hopefully I'll have the chance to check that out if I'm there!
I would definitely love to come back again when I'm in the area. In the meantime, I can't wait to order and have it shipped to me till the next time.
They do have all you can eat Mon-Thurs as well. Hopefully I'll have the chance to check that out if I'm there!
Jacob Rosas
Nov 05, 2021
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Came here for some local cuisine on a Friday night. The wait was actually not that bad and we were able to get a table fairly quick. The hostess was pleasant and the food was pretty good. My wife is picky with her onion rings and she said these were cooked to perfection.
Our actual service at the table wasn't the best and we weren't checked on as often as I'd like. I waited about 10 minutes for the waitress to come around near the end of our visit and eventually had to get up and find the waitress in order to check out. Tables in other areas were regularly checked on, so I'm chalking this up to
Our actual service at the table wasn't the best and we weren't checked on as often as I'd like. I waited about 10 minutes for the waitress to come around near the end of our visit and eventually had to get up and find the waitress in order to check out. Tables in other areas were regularly checked on, so I'm chalking this up to
Lola K.
Oct 28, 2021
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Today I had the crab feast and it didn't disappoint. They are mixed sizes and are hot and heavy.
For $46 you get soup, two sides and all you can eat crabs.
Today was my best experience crab wise here.
The only downside to my visit was that they were out of all of the beers that I wanted. I had to settle.
I also tried the cranberry apple mule and it was a waste of money. I suggest sticking to wine and beer here.
If you don't like flies, don't come. They can't help it. Oh and bring your own old bay bc they don't have any lol.
For $46 you get soup, two sides and all you can eat crabs.
Today was my best experience crab wise here.
The only downside to my visit was that they were out of all of the beers that I wanted. I had to settle.
I also tried the cranberry apple mule and it was a waste of money. I suggest sticking to wine and beer here.
If you don't like flies, don't come. They can't help it. Oh and bring your own old bay bc they don't have any lol.
Ashley K.
Oct 17, 2021
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We went here for our wedding anniversary in a low key weekday to avoid the weekend rush! We were seated outside by the water and it was beautiful! Great weather, sun, not crowded, and overall good service experience.
For starters, we ordered an app of the fried green tomatoes, which is not what you would expect. They reminded me to how fried pickles are normally prepared with the very light breading. They weren't my favorite but to be fair, it was just the prelude to the main event-- CRABS!
We ordered XL crabs and they were delicious! They were super meaty, fresh, and we had all the tools
For starters, we ordered an app of the fried green tomatoes, which is not what you would expect. They reminded me to how fried pickles are normally prepared with the very light breading. They weren't my favorite but to be fair, it was just the prelude to the main event-- CRABS!
We ordered XL crabs and they were delicious! They were super meaty, fresh, and we had all the tools
David Yuan
Oct 02, 2021
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The environment is very good and clean, with air-conditioning and outdoor tables near the water to choose from. The area is small but more sophisticated, the staff is very friendly, a neighborhood-style restaurant, not too stressful, suitable for dinner with your loved ones in the sunset. The food is not lost, but it can improve the cooking skills and is a bit over cooked. In short, I happily spent our dinner under the warm service of their staff. Thank you for your hard work. I will come again.
Angela Yj B.
Oct 02, 2021
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Visit on a hot summer day to Kent Island, just before Annapolis, Baltimore area in Maryland. Quite long drive, and hoped it is worth it.
Well ...
As the number of stars tell, it was just OK. Should we have visited later in later September or October ...??? (Apparently, crabs are better then .....?????)
When we visited on August 30th 2022 - half dozen extra large crabs were $54, and tad bit dry. Not juicy at all. So, my opinion purely lies for the crabs around that time of August.
The service was great. Our server Crystal was cheerful and attentive until we had 2 crabs left after which she packed
Well ...
As the number of stars tell, it was just OK. Should we have visited later in later September or October ...??? (Apparently, crabs are better then .....?????)
When we visited on August 30th 2022 - half dozen extra large crabs were $54, and tad bit dry. Not juicy at all. So, my opinion purely lies for the crabs around that time of August.
The service was great. Our server Crystal was cheerful and attentive until we had 2 crabs left after which she packed
Alex J.
Sep 30, 2021
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I love crabs. If you love crabs, then it's worth the drive here. I live more than an hour away, but to eat crabs that are in a clean place, I'm there.
Service was good and the crabs have always been good. Other places are a hit miss at times, but this place has always produced good crabs.
Went on a Friday another time and they had raw oyster special. I wish I lived closer to take advantage of it more often.
Definitely a must stop when heading toward the beach.
Service was good and the crabs have always been good. Other places are a hit miss at times, but this place has always produced good crabs.
Went on a Friday another time and they had raw oyster special. I wish I lived closer to take advantage of it more often.
Definitely a must stop when heading toward the beach.
Sampad D.
Sep 27, 2021
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Bob Ritchey Jr
Sep 25, 2021
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Robert Cheng
Aug 30, 2021
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The Harris Crab House serve great seafood and basically My family went there mostly for crabs. The restaurant is clean and staffs are friendly. Ordered a dozen large size crab and that is the largest crab they had in stock that day. The crabs look igger than regular large crab. Everything is great, looking forward to the next visit.
Nadia Filadelfo
Aug 26, 2021
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Robert F.
Aug 22, 2021
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To me, this is the BEST crab house in the country. The spice they use for crabs is OUTSTANDING. I've never got a bad batch from here, and the atmosphere is great! On cooler days/nights, definitely go outside to eat your crabs. They are right on the water (see pics). I always get at least a dozen large crabs here every time I go. The staff is very friendly and attentive, and the food is top tier! If you are looking for the best steamed blue crabs, your search is over! .... see, now I have to go visit after writing this .... See y'all soon!
Liang Huang
Aug 21, 2021
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Shelly T.
Jul 29, 2021
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Larson Productions
Jul 29, 2021
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Candie W.
Jul 21, 2021
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I am not a fisherman, but this seems like the place for fisherman....
This place was so relaxing. We sat on the patio, right by the water. We watched boats dock and fishermen come and go with their catch of the day. How exciting. There was music blasting from the nearby eateries so it was such a vibe. The music wasn't loud enough to disturb us but just enough to make out each song. The local birds were walking on the deck (friendly) hunting food.
The food was good. Not exceptional, but good. The service was nice and the waitress was pleasant.
There was also a dessert bar on the
This place was so relaxing. We sat on the patio, right by the water. We watched boats dock and fishermen come and go with their catch of the day. How exciting. There was music blasting from the nearby eateries so it was such a vibe. The music wasn't loud enough to disturb us but just enough to make out each song. The local birds were walking on the deck (friendly) hunting food.
The food was good. Not exceptional, but good. The service was nice and the waitress was pleasant.
There was also a dessert bar on the
Stephen K.
Jul 07, 2021
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Classic place to go if you want crabs. I am not a Maryland native but my fiancée and her family are. They constantly refer to Harris and Cantlers as the place to go to pick crabs.
The crabs and crawfish were excellent, and the po boy was very good. Everything tastes freshly steamed and comes out at a good pace. Servers are attentive on the bottom floor and will keep your drinks topped off.
The crabs and crawfish were excellent, and the po boy was very good. Everything tastes freshly steamed and comes out at a good pace. Servers are attentive on the bottom floor and will keep your drinks topped off.
Gi S.
Jun 30, 2021
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Got to Harris Crabhouse just before it opened at 11 on a warm Saturday morning. We were able to snag a shaded paper-wrapped wooden by the water. Our server, Heather, was friendly and attentive. We ordered 2 dozen freshly shucked oysters, 2 jumbo crabs, a crab cake platter a rockfish sandwich platter and a draft of the local ipa.
Seafood was fresh and the price was ok. Jumbo crabs were $11 each, oyster where $15.99 a dozen.
The broiled rockfish had a nice char on it, oysters were large and fresh and our water glasses were always full and cold - what more could you want on a warm, lazy Saturday
Seafood was fresh and the price was ok. Jumbo crabs were $11 each, oyster where $15.99 a dozen.
The broiled rockfish had a nice char on it, oysters were large and fresh and our water glasses were always full and cold - what more could you want on a warm, lazy Saturday
Beth P.
Apr 28, 2021
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Angry beyond belief. Do not come here if you cannot sit in a high top.
We come here a lot. But not anymore.
We had to wait, no biggie. Got to the table and it's a high top. I'm disabled. I cannot sit at a high top and there was a low table right beside of ours. They refused to seat us at the low top. We were told we would have to go back into the cue of people waiting for a different table.
I do not understand why they were so unwilling to accommodate this really easy request.
We come here a lot. But not anymore.
We had to wait, no biggie. Got to the table and it's a high top. I'm disabled. I cannot sit at a high top and there was a low table right beside of ours. They refused to seat us at the low top. We were told we would have to go back into the cue of people waiting for a different table.
I do not understand why they were so unwilling to accommodate this really easy request.
Dave F.
Apr 11, 2021
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Rude staff. Locals right outside said to go to the jetty. Has better outdoor seating, views and lack of sound from the route 50 highway bridge that already make the jetty a winner.(you can hear the highway as you walk into the crab house)
Having never been to Harris crab house and walked up the ramp to enter, there was a sign right inside that said please wait to be seated. The blonde lady who I guess manages the carry out who is currently working right now rudely asked "do you need a table or are you just going to stand there?"
I said the sign said to do it, she said nothing and as
Having never been to Harris crab house and walked up the ramp to enter, there was a sign right inside that said please wait to be seated. The blonde lady who I guess manages the carry out who is currently working right now rudely asked "do you need a table or are you just going to stand there?"
I said the sign said to do it, she said nothing and as