A place to get good seafood for dine in or fresh seafood to take home. I have been here many times over the years, usually to get crabs to go. Today I was taking my dad around and he wanted to stop here for a late lunch or early dinner. He had a craving for some oysters. Unfortunately they did not have any oysters in stock. We still decided to stay and dine in though. The restaurant area isn't very large. After coming in we seated ourselves. Within a few minutes a waitress came over and took our drink orders. We also ordered cups of cream of crab soup as an appetizer. For our main courses I had the 6.5 oz crab cake platter and my father went with the 4 oz crab cake platter. You get two sides included. I ordered the onion rings and mixed vegetables while my dad went with onion rings and cole slaw. The crab cakes were good. Had a good flavor and not full of filler. The cream of crab soup was also delicious. Had me craving more. Plenty of lump crab meat in it. A bowl would probably fill me up as a meal. The onion rings were nice and crispy just like I like them. Mixed vegetables were nothing special. Just steamed veggies with not seasoning. Service was fast and friendly. Everyone was so very nice and made it a comfortable visit. I will definitely be back and so happy my father wanted to stop in this day. read more

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I ordered two platters for carry-out from Captain Dan's on August 13, 2026: one jumbo soft-shell crab platter with macaroni salad and coleslaw, one fried lake trout platter with onion rings and coleslaw, as well as an additional side of jumbo soft-shell crab. Unfortunately, the overall quality of the food was very disappointing. The soft-shell crabs did not appear to be fully cooked, which was particularly concerning. The macaroni salad was bland and lacked flavor. I am also unsure what type of fish was served on the platter, but it did not appear to be lake trout. The fish was heavily breaded and very dry. The coleslaw was also extremely disappointing. Several hours after consuming the food, I became nauseous and developed a headache. While I have ordered from Captain Dan's in the past and previously had a different experience, this visit was very disappointing. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Captain Dan's and would encourage the restaurant to take a closer look at the quality, preparation, and accuracy of the food being served. read more

I went here for crabs. But of course I had to sample the menu. I ordered a dozen crabs, peel & eat shrimp (with extra old bay), and a dozen crabs. Everything was good. But the crabs won me over. They were really big and flavorful. 1000/10. Highly recommend. The service was stellar. The girl waiting my table checked on us several times and made sure we had everything we needed. The dining area is small but seats many without feeling like you are on top of other guest. There was lots of beautiful Maryland Chesapeake artwork on the wall. read more

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I stopped in around five on the Thursday eve before 4th of July. So, you know it was a busy crab day. There were med/large and large available. I place my order and receive my brown bag of a little over a dozen crabs for $75. They were well-seasoned and a mix of male and female crabs. Some were sweeter than others but they all made for a good time on my back porch as I winded down for the long weekend. I even had a few left over to share with my daughter. The customer service is always immediate and kind at Captain Dans. read more

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They want you to be happy and satisfied and they always achieve that goal whenever I go there! Food speaks for itself and it's GREAT! read more

I doordashed an order from here. The food and packaging were excellent!! So good so that I googled the number to the restaurant and told the manager that everything is was perfect. The food was so delicious. No complaints at all!! I can't remember the last time that happened. read more

This place has excellent snow crab legs. I've never been disappointed with the size or the freshness of the snow crab legs however our last purchase of Jumbo male crabs at $150 a dozen was beyond disappointing. It felt like robbery. The pictures I post will speak for itself, there is no way that we were sold jumbo crabs. Luckily we only purchased a half dozen and were given exactly 6 crabs. PS my hand is not big. read more

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Great service, steamed crabs and prices. If you are searching for "steamed crabs near me", "best seafood carryout in Carroll County Maryland" or "caterer for crab feast in Maryland" check out Captain Dan's Crabhouse in Eldersburg Maryland. Steamed crabs and other great menu items available for dine in, catering or nationwide shipping. read more

This was my first time at Captain Dan's. My niece who is also a crab lover recommended this spot. We were both craving crabs and we wanted to dine-in and relax. My niece called ahead to make sure that their dining room was opened, and it was. We arrived at 11:00 AM and we were greeted promptly by the two young ladies at the counter. We walked into the dining room and we had it all to ourselves until the lunch crowd started filtering in, and we were wrapping up our lunch by that time. Ireland was our Hostess and she was pleasant and attentive to our requests. She brought out our drinks, followed by the corn on the cob and then... the CRABS! The corn was hot, sweet and juicy. The CRABS were nicely seasoned, meaty, sweet and juicy too. We devoured the corn of the cob and the crabs. Because of the size, we were both pleased with 6 each. We left satisfied. I have to mention the sink in the dining room with the foot peddles. How convenient is that. I was able to wash my hands without touching any faucet handles. I think all crab houses should be required to have sinks with foot peddles in the dining room. YAH!!! I will definitely be back. P.S.: You may want to bring a bib. read more

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The ABSOLUTE WORST cream.of crab soup! Tasted like wallpaper paste! No FLAVOR, COULDN'T find any crabmeat ...someone PLEASE teach them how its made! The manager stated " that is our recipe " This is a SEAFOOD RESTAURANT????? read more

We found our new favorite local crab spot ! Service and food was great. You don't need to go all the way to Baltimore inner harbor when you find this gem of a spot for your cravings of old bay Md crabs. We ordered their MD crab soup, cream of crab soup, coleslaw, and seasoned fries. They had several draft beers, and a convenient hand washing station to wash off the old bay seasoning. We'll be back each summer! read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

Listen, we have made the crab feast to be a yearly tradition since our 2020 review. Each year, people ask us where we get the crabs because they are so delicious. We live in Frederick. I'm sure we past tons of crab houses, but we continue to come to this one because they are just memorable. Ordering was a breeze. Picking up was a breeze. I appreciate the staff bringing them to my car. I appreciate the paper they provided to me. Their customer service was just great. We will definitely purchase again next year. read more

Nothing better!! Fat, heavy crabs, perfectly seasoned steamed shrimp, all prepared and presented by terrific staff! Just can't ask for anything more; (except that maybe the Orioles win 10 in a row!) read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - Nothing Better!! - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

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Omg, never had it sooooo good!!! So yourself a favor and try the apple cider vinegar with crab, blew my little mind out of this world!!! Service was def not slacking and the awesome photos bring such an awesome spice 2 the ambiance! read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - How we get down!!! - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

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We made another awesome visit to Captain Dan's for a special Easter dinner. We had plump, crispy, delicious Old Bay wings and a couple dozen sweet Choptank oysters to start. We also had creamy, generous Crab Imperial, sea scallops, stuffed flounder and a huge portion of cheesy fries. I intentionally ordered a dozen small crabs...which with the deal of the day meant I got 15. They were heavy for their size, full of meat, perfectly and freshly steamed and seasoned. Everything was amazingly good. Everything was served promptly and our waitress, Rachel, was friendly, professional and proficient. We are looking forward to our next visit to Captain Dan's...frankly the best crab house I've ever visited (compared to many visited over many years). The atmosphere is friendly and inviting, the food is spot on and all of the employees we met are helpful and pleasant. read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

Mike reached out to my mom after my dad's passing and acknowledged their patronage at Captain Dans. They even paid their respects at his service. This goes above and beyond. And shows what a stand up reputable business they are. My parents were regulars there for many years and our family will continue that transition for many more years to come. Thank you for your generosity and kindness towards my parents. Jen Green read more

Our first time trying this place, my Husband used to ride pass here on his way to work. We went to the Carryout and purchased a dozen Male Jumbos with extra seasoning. They were meaty and sweet, and seasoned very well. They sell other Seafood items such as Crab Cakes, Fish Patters, Sandwiches, Soup, Salads and Wings. The Staff was friendly, I will be coming back for more Crabs. read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - Jumbo Males - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

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I ordered the Oyster party platter to transport to PA for a Christmas eve family dinner. ( Feast of the 7 fishes). Captain Dans made it so easy to no stress and gave the perfect directions to keep everything safe ,cold and easy to serve. read more

Captain Dan's is a small restaurant in a small grouping of businesses Don't let the size fool you. Their food is outstanding whether it's dine in or take out, The best fresh seafood in the area read more

We have ordered steamed crabs from Captain Dan's twice is the past few weeks - and the crabs were phenomenal!! We order jumbos, so expected them to be on the large size, but they were as meaty and tasty as they come!! Only thing better would have been crabbing and steaming them ourselves. But without that, Captain Dan's is where we'll be coming for all of our crabby desires from now on. Tip: make sure you order the crabs early in the day for pick-up. That way you make sure to get your pick of sizes before they run out for the day. read more

All the way from New Jersey!! About 5 years ago we were around the area for a soccer tournament and ever since then have been coming to Captain Dan's!! Service is great!! Everyone is friendly!! Food is amazing!! Seasoned fries a must!! Crabs ARE AMAZING!! Miss the lobster tails thought was always great!! Worth the drive every-time!! Always accommodating when taking crabs on the drive home too!! read more

I was warned not to visit this place but I did anyway. I order a dozen of medium crabs. I opened the bag when I got home and saw that I received 5 medium crabs and 7 super small crabs. These crabs were no larger than 4 inches. When I took them back and showed the young girls working the cashier area they immediately got Dan the owner. He looked me in my face and told me that I received medium after I showed him the crabs. I couldn't believe it. He was insulting my intelligence and rude!! I asked him to see the small crabs so I could compare and of course he told me they were all gone. He was very arrogant and rude !!! Did not offer any options. I will never go back! If you purchase from here beware you will get a mixture of sizes smaller than ordered. Update For the record I was never offered a refund with the option to keep my crabs!!!!! (I would have never taken the time to write the review) If you think the second pic is ok for a medium take a look at the first pic.. which is a different crab.. I do not like shady business practices!!!! read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - I was told that this was a medium sized crab - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

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We only call in orders for steamed crabs. They are big and delicious. We call our order in and they are hot and ready at the time requested

The prices are reasonable, you get what you pay for and the food is great. The crab pretzels are huge and all the employees are very polite and smiling. Love going here when I get a chance. read more

Impromptu Crab run ... There's nothing like a few girlfriends, some great drinks and crabs!!! Captain Dans has THE BEST crabs I ever had. We called in our order and went to pick it up. We ordered about dozen, never specified male or female or the size. We got home and they were hot and huge!!! Very delicious, lots of crab meat, seasoned and steamed perfectly, and the best part is they even threw in a few extra!! We have never been disappointed with the crabs here and will always come back. Thanks for making our impromptu girls night awesome read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - Delicious very large crabs - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

We had our annual family crab feast yesterday at Captain Dan's and as usual they catered to all of our needs! Excellent customer service and our server Hallie was outstanding! Great food and the crabs were fantastic! Thanks for making our annual trip to your establishment a great time to see family and share a wonderful meal! Cheers!!! read more

I know the Yelp folks like long reviews, but I can sum my experience fairly quickly. I've been here a few times and this is a solid place, not just for crabs but for seafood in general. They get quality crabs any time of the year. And as a side order the coleslaw. This is the best slaw I've ever had...and they make it right there! read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

Not a friendly staff,slow service. Cream of crab soup and hush puppies were the highlight of the meal,medium crabs were not worth the price. Staff never said goodbye and thank you. Will not go back. read more

I enjoyed their crab cakes--definitely had better but I was close by and this for such good ratings... The old bay wings were over fried and drenched in grease. It obviously had a crunch but felt like I was eating crunchy hot oil. The staff was friendly and the food was done quick but I'm Definitely not in a rush to come back in awhile read more

Update on review: check your crabs before you leave. I placed 2 orders yesterday. M/l and large. I got home and they all looked and felt small some medium but no large. A few of them were empty and watery. I bragged to my friend how awesome the crabs were because I never really had an issue but today I was so disappointed!!! I get crabs from here at least every 2 weeks but after this I am no longer sure. Large crabs $100 a dozen..... so you expect to be happy and when you get home and they are not large! They can't even say they go by weight because some were empty. Please check your crabs before you leave to address issues so they can fix them right then and there. No way those could of been large crabs. read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - No way these are large crabs - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

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This has been our 2nd visit to Captain Dan. Both times the crabs were outstanding and could not have been improved upon in any way. Heavy crabs steamed to perfection. Nothing dry, nothing small, and nothing with an off putting taste. One, two or all 3 of those problems frequently occur at many local crab houses but not Captain Dan's. We'll definitely be back. Service was very attentive, which also is a frequent crabhouse problem. Crabs take time to eat, but there was no pressure to turn the table. Captain Dan takes reservations too. read more

New to the area and was recommended here by a coworker. 25 min wait which Is no biggie for good food. I ordered the snow crabs, catfish strips and fries. The pic below Is what i received. By far the worst thing I've ever tasted. Catfish was overcooked, didn't even taste like catfish and some of It isn't even strips. Paid $14 for a bunch of nothing. Terrible read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

This spot was recommended to me and they DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! Got the jumbo crabs and they were heavy and huge and the meat was succulent and sweet. I'll definitely be getting my crabs from this spot from now on! read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - Jumbos!!! - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

Service was average and food wasn't that great. I think if I ever came back it would just for crab pickup. They should actually close the dine in portion. read more

Stopped in for lunch to try something new. I noticed most of the reviews were for crabs, but I was just looking for something quick. I ordered a crab cake sandwich and Chesapeake bay fries. The sandwich looked appetizing, but it tasted bland. I was very disappointed. Then the Chesapeake fries. Don't order them unless you are just looking for overpriced cheese fries. They used nacho cheese sauce and a ton of bacon. You couldn't even taste the crab. Absolutely not what I was expecting. I was thinking it would be crab dip over a bed of fries with shredded cheddar cheese melted on top. Instead, it was a ton of fries, gobs of nacho cheese sauce, bacon and a little bit of crab meat bits. What a waste. The staff was friendly. The service was quick. I might return to try crabs based on the other reviews. We'll see. read more

Captain Dan's Crabhouse - Seafood Near Me - Eldersburg, Maryland

I have eaten many things at Captain Dan's and it's been so good. Unfortunately today I had catfish with potato salad and was so disappointed. There was 3 catfish strips and two were so fishy could not eat. The third was eatable b it catfish should always breaded with cornmeal and deep fried. This fish had a breaded and had no taste. Let's talk about the potato salad, more dressing than potato and not a good flavor. So disappointed! read more

Food is great and Dan has the best crabs! The service is very quick and always amazing! Just a little loud for the ambiance.

This review is for the steamed crabs from the carry out. I past Captain Dan's everyday on my way to work. Today I decided to stop in for a dozen. I like crabs, but I'm not by any means a crabs fanatic. I ordered a dozen smalls which came with four bonus crabs. I placed my order in the carry out area. There were so many people waiting for orders it was too uncomfortable for me to wait inside. Instead, I opted to wait in my car. 15 minutes later I came back in and my order was ready. As soon as I got home I melted some butter and went to town. I throughly enjoyed the crabs. I thought they were meaty and were steamed fresh-these crabs were not reheated. I would definitely return for carry out. read more

Best Oysters and Crab meat around!! Best tasting and best prices I have found in this area.

Everything was good, but the service was not very good. I understand that there are shortages on wait staff, but you still need to check in on your current costumers read more