Where To Find The Hands-Down Best Crab Cakes In Every US State

There's nothing quite like a delicious crab cake, and we'll be the first to say that there's no one tried-and-true, right way to go here. Louisiana- and Maryland-style crab cakes are quite different, for example, and we believe there's room for everyone at the table. One type might not be better than the other, but there's no denying some restaurants have perfected recipes to guarantee they're knocking it out of the park every time. We wanted to know who was doing it best.

And yes, even the landlocked ones! Don't worry if you're far from the coast; we guarantee you can find delicious crab cakes — and we'll tell you where. There's some neat stuff out there, too. Crab cakes are one of the best uses for lump crab meat, so it makes sense that chefs have put their own unique spin on these classic favorites.

Honestly, choosing the best was trickier than we expected. Some states are known for their crab cakes, while others? Not so much. So, we set some guidelines for what we were looking for, and it started with finding restaurants that consistently get rave reviews for their crab cakes. We also looked for places celebrated for other reasons, including a dedication to sourcing the freshest seafood available. The best have longevity and status as local favorites, awards and accolades, and buzzy press for things like an overall pleasant experience and atmosphere. Here's where to go when the craving hits.

Thanks to the state's coastline, Alabama has some great seafood restaurants. For a tried-and-true classic that's been a favorite since the 1980s, look no further than Doc's Seafood Shack, known for fried shrimp and stellar crab cakes.

Crab cakes are consistently lauded as top-tier. They're bursting with flavor and that oh-so-important crunch. Fried crab cakes have been a favorite for years, and the grilled version's a win, too. 

docsseafoodshack.com

(251) 981-6999

26029 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Alaska is king when it comes to crab — see what we did? The popular Juneau-based Tracy's King Crab Shack has expanded to two locations, and you can count on crab cakes with a wonderfully spicy sauce.

Crab here is always as fresh and flavorful as you'd expect, and best of all, some customers stress that you're not going to go wrong if you get an order of these treats to go. They're delish reheated, and we appreciate the leftovers.

kingcrabshack.com

Multiple locations

Buck & Rider — in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Gilbert — prides itself on receiving fresh catches on a daily basis. Happy customers report it shows, and crab cakes are among the dishes that will win fans even among those who typically give fish and shellfish a miss. 

Dedication to using only the largest, freshest pieces of jumbo crab is clear from the first bite. The cakes are elevated by careful seasoning and a white sauce that adds texture as well as flavor. 

buckandrider.com

Multiple locations

Fisherman's Wharf Steak & Seafood is as close to coastal as you'll find in Arkansas, nestled along the shore of Lake Hamilton. It's the place to go for fun times and stellar seafood, including crab cakes filled with oh-so-fresh flavor. 

The remoulade turns it into a next-level dish, so much so that these flavorful bites are elevated into best-ever territory. It's been that way for a long, long time. 

facebook.com/5101spacity

(501) 525-7437

5101 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71913

The decades-old Fog Harbor Fish House is a standout for a few reasons, including the fact it led the way in championing sustainable seafood in the area. Crab cakes remain a popular item, served alongside a delightfully different harissa aioli. 

Texture is on point, with the precise combination of crunchy and moist that makes a crab cake extraordinary. Crab isn't hidden behind seasonings and is allowed to shine.

fogharbor.com

(415) 421-2442

39 Pier, San Francisco, CA 94133

Fin N' Tonic opened at the end of 2025, billed as a casual hangout spot serving some of the city's best and freshest seafood. The menu includes crab cakes with a garlic citrus sauce, which are highly recommended standouts.

They're the kind of crab cakes that have that hand-made, from-scratch taste, revealed with one bite to be all substance and no filler. Crab meat is the star; it's just the right proportion.

fin-n-tonic.com

(970) 319-2517

2461 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Stop by Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill at any time, and you'll be able to order panko-crusted crab cakes with slaw and a green pepper ranch. Stop in for lunch, and you might even find a crab cake BLT.  

For years, customers at this waterside restaurant have raved about the seafood here, naming the crab cakes as delicious examples of what a crab cake can be. Expect a wonderfully spicy wallop from the sauce. 

shellandbones.com

(203) 787-3466

100 S Water St, New Haven, CT 06519

Woody's has gotten accolades for its crab cakes for years. Crab cakes are taken seriously, from the crab cake sliders on the appetizer menu to the entree that comes with heftier versions broiled to perfection. 

Anyone who expects all crab meat and no binders is bound to be delighted, and flavorful crab is on full display. Some point to this place as serving the crab cake of a lifetime.

deweybeachbar.com

(302) 260-9945

1904 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach, DE 19971

You'll find the Seafood Seller & Cafe — sometimes known as Cajun Jimmy's — in Crystal River and Ocala, and it's taking advantage of Florida's unique access to fresh seafood. Crab cakes are made with blue crab, then served with a scratch-made remoulade.

Order the appetizer, entree, or the crab cake sandwich, and you'll find these are prime examples of hearty, crab-forward cakes that get praised as the unparalleled real deal. They're bigger than you expect, and so flavorful you might not even want the sauce. 

seafoodsellerandcafe.net

Multiple locations

You'll hear the Atlanta Fish Market called one of the best seafood spots in the city. Don't skip the Maryland-style crab cakes for delightful bites that don't hide behind breading or fillers. 

This place has been doing crab cakes right for years, a centerpiece in a meal exquisite enough for the most special of occasions. They're so renowned some find themselves visiting for the crab cakes alone and confirm they live up to the hype: moist, flaky, and tasty. 

atlantafishmarket.com

(404) 262-3165

265 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

There is certainly no shortage of incredible places to eat in Hawaii, and if you're planning on heading to Mama's Fish House, you'd better plan ahead as customers book reservations months in advance. It's the crab cakes that often get called out as one of the reasons for this restaurant's enduring popularity.

It's widely agreed these crab cakes aren't just the best in the state, but the best many have ever had. They're a unique macadamia nut interpretation that is part of an incredible experience.

mamasfishhouse.com

(808) 579-8488

799 Poho Place, Paia, HI 96779

Fresh Off the Hook prides itself on its commitment to bringing seafood to the famously landlocked Idaho. Crab cakes here are made with a mix of crab and lobster, then served with two different types of aioli: red pepper and lemon garlic.

They're not only delicious but also absolutely massive and impressive, with the kind of freshness that shines through every bite. It's one of the reasons this place stays busy, and that combination of sauces? Delicious.

freshoffthehookseafood.com

(208) 322-9224

507 N Milwaukee St, Boise, ID 83704

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House has earned a shout-out in the Michelin Guide, with the crab cakes specifically mentioned. They're not the only ones enamored with this dish; some are thrilled to report that the present-day menu offerings live up to the crab cakes they fondly remember savoring more than a decade ago. 

Baked and served with a house-made pink mayo sauce, it's unfailingly crispy on the outside. Inside, it's chock-full of delightfully flaky crab.  

hugosfrogbar.com/chicago

(312) 640-0999

1024 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Rick's Cafe Boatyard has been an indelible part of Indianapolis's food scene since the mid-1990s, and it's serving up simply delightful crab cakes guaranteed to be ultra-fresh, made with prime ingredients. They are undeniably the best around.

Sure, dining while looking out over the water elevates the entire experience, while some appreciate touches like the addition of a poached egg to the top of their crab cakes. Others swear it's the restaurant's red sauce that makes the dish stellar.

ricksboatyard.com

(317) 290-9300

4050 Dandy Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46254

You can find Waterfront Seafood Market in West Des Moines and Ankeny, and it has decades of experience working with the freshest fish it can source. Crab cakes take a page out of Maryland's playbook and feature everyone's favorite, Old Bay, and the result is delectable bites that bring all the comfort food feels. 

It's been that way for a long time, and customers have been loving light, flavorful, blue crab cakes for years. It's one of many favorite dishes for some, with on-point seasoning. 

waterfrontseafoodmarket.com

Multiple locations

Bristol Seafood Grill has locations in both Kansas and Missouri, and it's been acknowledged for offering some of the best seafood in the Kansas City area. It's serving only the freshest, including crab cakes served with a Creole remoulade. They're lauded for being perfect for anyone who likes this particular dish to be crab-forward and extra meaty.

Those crab cakes have been a key part of the experience here for years. The amount of lump crab you get speaks to the quality you can expect.

bristolseafoodgrill.com

(913) 663-5777

5400 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209

Brendon's Catch 23 describes itself as having a chef-driven menu focused on in-season, wild-caught seafood. Crab cakes are a specialty and get rave reviews as being a highlight that demonstrates the dedication to sourcing the freshest, highest-quality seafood possible. 

They're not only the best crab cakes around, but one of the best dishes around — and some note that the appetizer is generous enough that it just might be big enough for an entire meal. Crab meat shines in a way perfect for any special occasion.

bcatch23.com

(502) 909-0053

505 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202

New Orleans has some seriously iconic dishes, and if crab cakes are your thing, look no further than Mr. B's Bistro. Louisiana blue crab comes with a ravigote sauce and salad, and it's been a signature item for years. The secret? Plenty of crab meat and a seasoning that elevates rather than overpowers. 

It's one of the highlights of a meal you're going to be reminiscing about for a good long time. It delivers on all the right textures in a way that'll make you dance a bit as you dine. 

mrbsbistro.com

(504) 523-2078

201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

While Maine might be most famous for its many restaurants serving outstanding lobster, you'll find some incredible crab cakes here, too. Choosing the best is tough, but we're going to give the nod to DiMillo's, a hotspot with roots that go back to the 1950s and staple crab cakes that come with a delightful ancho lime aioli. 

They're melt-in-your-mouth delish, and golden brown with just the right amount of breading. There's no shortage of flavor here. 

dimillos.com

(207) 772-2216

25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101

Here it is, perhaps the most contentious choice on our list. Maryland is known for outstanding crab cakes, so people are bound to have feelings about this one. We're going to give the top spot to Jimmy's Famous Seafood, though, as this iconic spot has earned honors and high praise for this Maryland delicacy.

Family recipes are the best recipes, and that's what is on the table here. New customers are almost guaranteed to join the legions of folks who count these as a best-ever sort of bite. Packed full of crab and singularly delicious, they live up to a larger-than-life reputation. 

jimmysfamousseafood.com

(410) 633-4040

6526 Holabird Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

You'll often hear James Hook & Co. mentioned as having the best seafood in Boston, and it serves one of the best lobster rolls in the city. The crab cakes are also top-tier. 

It's lauded for delivering the perfect flavor, delightfully moist. While many places get kudos for the crab, the high praise here even extends to the thoughtful mix of panko that holds it all together. 

jameshooklobster.com

(857) 688-5568

440 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110

Leo's is a fan favorite for seafood. That includes a unique Seafood Cake Duet, where you're getting a Maryland-style jumbo lump crab cake served along with a lobster and shrimp cake.

Sound delish? Customers say that it absolutely is, with hunks of seafood that make for such a delicious delight that it's worth a trip to Grand Rapids just for a seat at the table. 

leosrestaurant.com

(616) 454-6700

60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Ciao Bella marries locally sourced ingredients with an Italian flair, and as for the crab cakes, those are served with two aiolis: Dijon and truffle. Perfectly textured cakes chock full of crab move into best-ever territory for some and help elevate a meal into an experience. 

It's been that way for years, and this place has been a favorite since 1997. Dipping sauces are an ideal accompaniment. 

ciaobellamn.com

(952) 841-1000

3501 Minnesota Dr, Bloomington, MN 55435

Old-school elegance is front and center at Mary Mahoney's, the 1960s-era classic. Crab cakes are among the dishes that are so good they inspire reviews by people who normally don't give them, and it's been that way for a long time. 

Flavor is consistently on point, and it's a bite that encapsulates the Gulf Coast in one delicious morsel. Add in the wonderful service, and it's a total win. 

marymahoneys.com

(228) 374-0163

110 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi, MS 39530

Head to the Broadway Oyster Bar, and you'll find house-made crab cakes with a crawfish sauce and Parmesan. Those are served nestled on a bed of fried green tomatoes, and it's a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Cajun flavor transports you right down to Louisiana, highly recommended as an absolute standout. They're a wonderful, unique take on a classic dish.

broadwayoysterbar.com

(314) 621-8811

736 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102

Sustainable seafood, local ingredients, and a commitment to giving back to local charities all come together at Feast Raw Bar & Bistro. This Bozeman hotspot is also known for oysters and crab cakes overflowing with delectable meat. 

Even those who spent time in Maryland say that these crab cakes live up to Baltimore's best. Thoughtful seasoning sets these apart above and beyond. 

feastbozeman.com

(406) 577-2377

270 West Kagy, Ste C, Bozeman, MT 59715

Acadian Grille & Bar understood the assignment. Head here for brunch and you'll find crab cakes starring in an eggs Benedict.

There's an app version, too, and a dash of filler and a wallop of crab meat make for a perfect starter. It's a standout on a menu of standouts, bringing Cajun flavor to the table with the help of an outstanding sauce.

acadiangrille.com

(402) 933-0980

725 N 114th St, Omaha, NE 68154

Just by the name, you know Crab Corner Maryland Seafood House is taking things seriously. Crab arrives fresh every day, and the owners are Maryland natives. 

Cakes come with the classic lemon and tartar, with just the right amount of Old Bay for a real-deal experience. Baltimore vibes are strong, and no matter how many of the mini crab cakes you order, you'll probably wish for a few more.

crabcornerlv.com

(702) 489-4646

6485 S Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89118

Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe has been serving up seasonal seafood favorites since 2000. Crab cakes that come with a corn and tomato salsa, chips, and — of course — scratch-made tartar.

Crab cakes have been name-dropped in reviews for years, and you can count on delicious bites packed full of crab. The app is the perfect start to the meal. 

jumpinjays.com

(603) 766-3474

150 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Mud City Crab House is serving crabs pulled from the water a stone's throw away, and they're included in breaded and fried crab cakes as well as jumbo lump crab cakes. No matter which way you go, they're incredible. 

They're a must, with some saying they're not just the best in the state, but also among the best in the country. Amazingly fresh and thoughtfully prepared, they're worth planning a trip for. 

mudcitycrabhouse.com

(609) 978-3660

1185 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

You can find incredible crab cakes at VINE. Patties come with blistered cherry tomatoes, whipped mozzarella, and a honey drizzle, and seriously: delish.

They're just as good as they sound, with customers saying they'll return for the crab cakes alone. They're not only highly recommended, but they're a reason some say this is their favorite restaurant, full stop. 

vinedine.club/home

(575) 252-3628

601 W Main St, Red River, NM 87558

The Michelin Guide calls out incredible seafood as a reason to visit Oceans, while the crab cakes are a stellar starter. Real deal crab cakes? They're here.

They anchor an evening that's guaranteed to be memorable, a perfectly ordinary-looking app that delivers serious flavor. If you've never been moved to tears by a dish, know that this might just be the one. 

oceansnewyork.com

(212) 209-1055

233 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003

There's a bit of everything on the menu at the excellently named Kill Devil Grill. Crab cakes are a star, and the crab cake sandwich is a guaranteed win as well. 

Are they the best in the world? Some think so. Consider getting on top of a Caesar salad, and you'll see why there's sometimes a wait.

killdevilgrillobx.com

(252) 449-8181

MP 9 ¾ on the Beach Road 2008, South Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

The Beer & Fish Company is serving the best fish sandwich in the state, and it's knocking crab cakes out of the park, too. Perfectly flavorful with all the right textures, it's the sort of app that has customers planning a return visit.

They're so good that they leave some with regret... regret that they didn't double up on the order. Attention to detail extends to the creamy remoulade. 

beerandfishcompany.com

(701) 532-1342

230 Roberts Alley, Fargo, ND 58102

Physically, Bourbon Street Barrel Room is in Cleveland. Spiritually, it's in New Orleans, and it's serving up crab cakes that would be right at home anywhere along the Gulf Coast. 

What you'll find on the menu varies by the season, but you know they're right at home alongside serious seafood gumbo. Just remember you'll need to save room for beignets. 

bourbonstreetbarrelroom.com

(216) 298-4400

2393 Professor Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113

Rococo claims that its crab cake is life-changing, and that's a lot to live up to. Fans are quick to agree.

It's a signature dish for a reason, and it's everything that we imagine a crab would be proud to be. It's light, delicious, and some say it's simply the best they've ever had — anywhere. Be sure to stop for brunch and try the crab cake eggs Benedict. 

loverococo.com

(405) 400-7495

4308 N Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Local Ocean Seafoods has a reputation as being among the best seafood restaurants in the Pacific Northwest, proudly sourcing from local fishermen. Preparations elevate rather than overshadow, and the crab cakes are a must.

They're bringing the delicious with each and every bite. Dungeness crab is at the center of a meal worthy of any special occasion, and might just show up in your dreams later. 

localocean.net

(541) 574-7959

213 SE Bay Blvd, Newport, OR 97365

The Oyster House has earned an America's Classics award from the James Beard Foundation in 2026. The crab cakes were called out as just one of the dishes that made it one of the best restaurants in Philly.

They're perfectly balanced, and it's long been cited as reason enough to visit. Chunky crab is sure to please, and so is the wonderful atmosphere.

oysterhousephilly.com

(215) 567-7683

1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

The decades-old Newport hotspot that is The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar is known for a lot of things. There are stunning views, an unparalleled raw bar, and — of course — crab cakes.

They're a recommended appetizer, long called out as top tier. Any celebratory meal should include an order for chunky crab and serious flavor.

mooringrestaurant.com

(401) 846-2260

1 Sayers Wharf, Newport, RI 02840

This beloved seafood spot has been around since 1986, and must-order dishes are the crab cakes and hush puppies. Visitors warn that you should come hungry, because meaty crab cakes are just the start. (Pro tip: order them broiled.) 

The generous portions and fresh seafood make for a memorable meal. It's the kind of place where you'll want to savor every bite.

hymanseafood.com

(843) 723-6000

215 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

You can find outstanding crab cakes at Morrie's Steakhouse. It's the kind of place that has wagyu and ultra-aged cheeses on the menu, along with crab cakes served with a remoulade and lemon-caper aioli.

They're the best around, the start of a meal that gets high praise as well. You'd expect nothing less of a restaurant with a DiRōNA designation.

morriessteakhouse.com

(605) 362-8125

2507 S Shirley Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Sperry's Restaurant has locations in Belle Meade and Cool Springs, and it gets name-dropped by the best chefs as the place to go for something special. That includes the crab cakes, made with 98% crab and served with a mustard sauce. 

They're good and so generously portioned that they're a meal on their own. The texture sends things over the top, and the accompanying greens are delightful.

sperrys.com

Multiple locations

Gaido's has been a Galveston staple since 1911, and in 2025, it joined the ranks of the James Beard Foundation's America's Classics. There's a lot to love here, including crab cakes.

Not only do the crab cakes get rave reviews, but a thoughtfully created sauce elevates them into something even more divine. They're a staple for repeat diners.

gaidos.com

(409) 761-5500

3802 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550

Log Haven got some buzzy attention from the James Beard Foundation in 2024, and there's a lot to take in here. That includes crab cakes that are anything but ordinary: miso crab cakes come with shrimp-nori mousseline, avocado, yuzu aioli, and micro pea shoots.

It's a work of art that conveys the award-winning skill of those in the kitchen. Flavors are just as artfully balanced as the plate is arranged.

log-haven.com

(801) 272-8255

6451 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109

The Silver Fork is doing something a little different. In addition to scratch-made tartar, the crab cakes here come with shoestring fries. How neat is that?

The generously portioned cakes are a massive hit, lauded for being crab-packed deliciousness and beautifully presented fun. It goes hand in hand with wonderful cocktails, and it's a must. 

thesilverforkvt.com

(802) 768-8444

48 West Rd, Manchester Village, VT 05254

Blue Seafood & Spirits is the place to go in Virginia Beach, where the crab cakes are celebrated for being all crab, no filler, and everything a crab cake should be. They star in several entrees — including alongside flash-fried oysters — and do not disappoint. 

The hardest part here? Choosing a favorite.  

blueseafoodandspirits.com

(757) 689-5395

2181 Upton Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Elliot's Oyster House has been around for decades, and it's one of the best places to go when you're craving a bowl of chowder in Seattle. It's also a top spot for crab cakes, serving Dungeness crab with piquillo aioli and a relish made with sweet corn and green apple. 

Sounds incredible, doesn't it? It is, as everything from the sear on the crust to the brightness of the relish is spot-on.

elliottsoysterhouse.com

(206) 623-4340

1201 Alaskan Way, Pier 56, Seattle, WA 98101

Alma Bea is the James Beard Foundation-recognized restaurant that's helped make Shepherdstown, West Virginia, one of the must-visit towns on a foodie tour of Appalachia. This place prides itself on offering a taste of the region in each bite, and customers love the creative crab cakes.

Reviews laud things like bacon-wrapped crab cakes and a crab cake sandwich. It's downright delightful southern comfort food.

facebook.com/AlmaBeaShepherdstown

(304) 870-2153

202 E Washington St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443

You'll find the St. Paul Fish Company in Milwaukee and Mequon, and it's celebrated as a seafood destination. The crab cakes here are Maryland blue crab, and you can count on perfect seasoning with the perfect crunch. 

Even the remoulade gets a mention in conversations about the standouts here, and there's a freshness that shines. Seasoning is on point, and textures are, too.

stpaulfish.com

Multiple locations

Steph's Kitchen is a locally owned spot that's seriously impressing in Cody. Check out the lunch menu, and you'll find a crab cake sandwich that's served on a ciabatta roll, complete with accouterments.

It's a clear favorite among customers who say that it's a standout on an all-around delicious menu. Sauces are spot-on, crab-forward flavors don't hide in the background, and it makes for a wonderful lunch. 

stephskitchen.com

(307) 578-8028

1022 13th St, Cody, WY 82414

In order to find the best crab cakes across the U.S., we looked for a few things — starting with restaurants with a commitment to sourcing the very freshest seafood. To make it onto our list, restaurants needed to have consistent rave reviews for crab cakes — no matter what kind they were offering — as well as delicious sauces and dips. We also took into account awards and recognition from places like the James Beard Foundation and the Michelin Guide, as well as overall reviews and press.