Waterfront Dining Around Anne Arundel County

The sun is out, the COVID restrictions have been lifted, and there’s no better way to bask in the summer heat than with some delicious food, great company, and a fantastic view. Luckily, living in Maryland means we have endless opportunities for gorgeous seaside views, but here are some waterfront favorites - all local to the Anne Arundel area - for you to try while enjoying your newfound freedom:

Cantler’s Riverside Inn

458 Forest Beach Road, Annapolis | 410-757-1311 | Cantlers.com

Tucked away on the Mill Creek waterfront, this Annapolis classic has been a local go-to for almost 50 years. Sit on the deck and enjoy some of the area’s best crabs while you watch boats go by on the peaceful creek. While this restaurant is known for its crabs (it was even named one of the 10 best “seafood shacks” in the U.S. by Men’s Journal!), other favorites include the Maryland Crab Soup, the Rockfish Bites, and the Smoked Fish Dip. Though it’s minutes away from Annapolis’s City Dock, it’s out of sight fromthe usual tourist throngs, so be sure to consult Google Maps before you go. You could always just drive your boat - the restaurant even has free docking available on a first-come, first-served basis!

The Broken Oar Bar & Grill

864 Nabbs Creek Rd Glen Burnie, MD 21060 | (443) 818-9070 | brokenoarbarandgrill.com

This unassuming little bar & grill is a favorite for it’s dockside tiki bar, which was recently expanded and allows you to take advantage of their popular happy hour deals or Sunday brunch (with bottomless mimosas!) while sitting on the water and enjoying the view of Nabbs Creek. If you’re looking to try something new, go for the popular Sushi Burrito (which uses rice in place of a tortilla), the Filet Mignon Sloppy Joe, or the Strawberry Margarita. Looking to keep the flavors local? The Crabby Tots, Honey Old Bay Chicken Tenders, and Orange Crush are right up your alley!

Suicide Bridge Restaurant

6304 Suicide Bridge Rd, Hurlock, MD 21643 | (410) 943-4689 | suicide-bridge-restaurant.com

Okay, so the name’s a little grim. And unfortunately, the alleged history of the name doesn’t do much to brighten it up. But the food and the view are guaranteed to make up for it. Overlooking the Choptank River, the big windows in the dining rooms make the view almost as enjoyable from inside as it is from outside. The bridge the restaurant was named after is visible from the deck, and the menu will explain the fabled history to you between pages of delicious seafood options. The two historic riverboats docked outside the restaurant add to the beautiful sunset scenery from the restaurant’s outdoor tiki bar. Though this restaurant is a bit farther outside the Anne Arundel County area than the others on this list, the trip across the Bay Bridge is definitely worth it for the incredibly fresh seafood. Shellfish connoisseurs should definitely try the fried oysters, crab balls, and scallops.

Pirate’s Cove Restaurant and Dock Bar

4817 Riverside Dr Galesville, MD 20765 | (410) 867-2300 | piratescovemd.com

This gorgeous dockside seafood restaurant sits right on the West River, and is in the heart of Galesville, a small Maryland town dating back to 1652. Diners who choose dockside seating will be treated to an amazing view of the river’s calm waters and sailboats slowly drifting by. On weekends, the live music adds to the outdoor ambiance, and it’s known for its delicious, varied brunch offerings. The Crab Cheese Toast, Crab Imperial, and fresh Fish & Chips are big favorites, but there’s also a wide variety of non-seafood options for more landlocked palates. The atmosphere and fantastic service are what make this restaurant a cult favorite, and definitely worth a visit on a particularly beautiful summer day.