First time we went, the service was horrific...we were sat pretty quick. but we didn't see our waiter for about 20 minutes. Getting our drinks took a very long time, the food took even longer. They had one waiter on a Friday Night. When the food came, they brought my husband a crab sandwich even though he ordered a Cuban. But I came back for a second visit for my husband and best friends birthday and we had amazing service and they agreed to sing Happy Birthday even though they have a no singing policy. Beer selection is amazing and its in a prime location. Also,the bar is great. We will go back. Just be prepared to wait. read more

My husband and I were really excited to try this restaurant while in Annapolis tonight. We came in after attending a Navy football game hoping to watch some more football by the bar and have drinks and appetizers. The hostess was great. However, our waitress was extremely rude. She was noticeably disappointed when we notified her that we'd only be drinking and having appetizers. I worked as a waitress while in college and I know this can be frustrating, but her response was unacceptable. Upon checking my ID, she told me that despite seeing my birthday and that I was indeed over age, she'd have to check with her manager to see if she could accept my ID. When she came back she said she couldn't take it because it was out of state and horizontal. She didn't apologize, was extremely rude about it, and it was very clear this was influenced by her expectation that our bill would be low. Unfortunately for her, as a past waitress, I always tip extremely well - especially when the bill is low. Ultimately, we left. This looks like a great restaurant and the menu was impressive. We were really looking forward to trying out some of the pumpkin beers! They have an extensive list of awesome beers. read more

Let me start by saying that my two star review is a reflection of this one particular visit. My wife and I frequent the Federal House often. We just enjoy the place. We were there on a recent Friday evening for apps and drinks. It was fairly crowded as usual for a Friday evening happy hour. We sat at the bar at the only two available stools. After about 30 minutes the two folks to my right paid and left. The bartender immediately put two full glasses of water at those stools. I thought this was odd as I watched people come in to the restaurant look around and leave because there were no tables available and no room at the bar. About this time we placed an order for the barbecue shrimp appetizer. About 20 minutes later the bartender saw the two friends for which the two stools were clearly being saved and waved them over. The bartender asked if they were having appetizers and that they were still at the $5 happy hour price. They, too, ordered the barbecue shrimp. Within 5 minutes an order of barbecue shrimp came out from the kitchen and the bartender passed it right under our noses and delivered it to the two friends to my right. I asked the bartender if our order was placed and was told it was. However, it never showed. In the midst of this evening, the bartender noticed I had a growler to fill, and asked me which beer I wanted. I asked to have it filled with the craft beer I was enjoying. I was told I couldn't have that beer because it was one of the beers in the "beer contest". So, the bartender asked if I'd like to sample a different beer and made a suggestion. I agreed, but that sample never came. That was pretty much the end of our time there. I paid the bill without the shrimp or the growler. We went to another restaurant very close by and had some awesome cocktails and a wonderful dinner. Will I return to the Federal House? Yes probably. Not soon, but at some point. One bad apple... read more

Took a pit stop on the way back from the beach to stretch out our legs and have a little snack. Wanted oysters and honestly, there weren't that many great reviews for oysters within walking distance on Yelp. Settled on Federal House with not so high expectations. Ordered 2 Absolimes (basically a Moscow Mule with Absolute), the crab dip (based on reviews), and a dozen raw oysters. The drinks were good, though weak, and the crab dip was very tasty. They only offered one type of oyster, which he said were Rappahannock, and they were actually really good. Large, meaty, and tasted fresh. Pleasantly surprised by the food, considering the average reviews. Our server was also super nice, which makes all the difference! All in all, a good experience! read more

We hosted a dinner party in the private room at Federal House. They were incredible! They were very flexible and helpful in selecting a menu. The servers and bartender went above and beyond to ensure that everyone was enjoying their meal. All of our guests commented on the excellent food and service, and we were thrilled with how reasonable the prices were. Thank you to everyone at Federal House! read more

We decided to try the Federal House after an afternoon touring the Academy. We walked in at just the right time... happy hour. Discounted appetizers and drink specials!! The crab dip is to die for.... and the nachos could have been eaten as a meal. My husband and son ordered the crabby patty burgers which where hamburgers with crab dip on top. Soooo good!! read more

Great atmosphere, live music, happy hour is great. Food is delish! Historic building. Downtown location in heart of Annapolis. Some outside seating too. Recommended for everyone read more

We stopped at Federal House on a busy Saturday night for dinner on our way back from Ocean City, MD. I was very surprised (in a good way) by their quick service on a packed Saturday night. We were seated rather quickly as well. What I didn't like about our visit was the amount of protein that I got for my fish tacos. I literally had a skinny slice of mahi mahi per taco. I wish I took a picture of the size of the fish inside the tacos to justify my comment. It couldn't had been more than 2 ozs per of fish per taco. But I'm not a picky eater, nor am I heavy set individual who's looking for excessive amount of food, but for the price that I paid, I would certainly expect more fish in those tacos. As for my wife's crab cakes, she was happy the way they came out. I had a bite from her plate and it was decent. I would recommend this place, but consider this review as a fair warning about the fish tacos. Get something else! read more

Federal House - Crab cake dinner - American Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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Ask and you shall receive. Super accommodating, great atmosphere. Super friendly staff. Denny is a great server....make sure to ask for her. read more

I absolutely LOVE the Federal House. I had the Hangover chicken burger this weekend. OH my goodness it was amazing! The live music is great, and the General Manager Vicki is an absolute sweetheart! Make sure to stop by Federal House when you're in downtown Annapolis. read more

Cant really complain about this place, went in just for drinks as we waited for the iron rooster wait and we ended up cancelling at iron rooster and staying... With 25 beers to choose from you cant go wrong with the flight! The food was pretty good and ill be back to try more of the menu !! read more

Excellent crab quiche. And the food came super fast! My whole table had crab in different forms (quiche, sandwich, and crabby patty) and all loved it. read more

I got severe food poisoning after ordering the calamari and salad today. This was the only meal I ate all day so I know this food made me sick. I was throwing up all day and experienced the worst headache of my life. read more

The 4 cheese "mac and cheese" is a must! Even my Naval Academy graduate husband could not eat it all! I had the fish and chips, which was outstanding. Perfectly deep fat fried, the fish was fresh and flaky, and not greasy at all. Chips were crunch, seasoned to perfection, and not too salty. The slaw was one of the best I have ever had. JULIAN WAS THE BEST WAITER EVER! Attentive and congenial -- made us feel right at home! We will definitely be going back! read more

My wife and I got to sneak away for dinner on Easter Sunday. Federal House was recommended by a friend, and we're glad we checked it out. I had mac and cheese and my wife had the Chicken Diablo. Both were delicious. The service was great. We'll definitely be back. read more

The cream of crab soup with sherry was exquisite. Everything else we has was blah. Crab cake was tasteless. Rice pilaf was reheated. Fish and chips was bland and soggy. Nothing crisp about them. In a word. Crap. read more

My favorite restaurant on the water. The fries are delicious. I order the veggie pita sandwich.

DAMN i am glad i came here for dinner! First time in Maryland and came to this spot because yelppers gave it good reviews. And they were right! It started with a local brewery ipa beer that blew my senses (and with my empty stomach, blew my equilibrium a bit). From the old bay wings, the memorable cream of crab soup, and the wild chef's burger (never had a grilled pinapple in my burger. ..oh what have i missed!); i can go back to nj now and say....it was worth the trip! And yea, the bartender was hot! Win win everywhere! read more

Stopped in for a light lunch/ drinks. It's a Neat little bar with a good sized craft beer selection along with good food. Their cream of crab soup was one of the best I've had. They said it won awards at a few local festivals this past year. They have a little bit of everything. Well worth a stop. read more

Great place to eat! Appetizers and burgers were definitely something to write home about

Came here with a few girlfriends for a late saturday afternoon lunch. I got the Federal club -- very yummy! Someone else got the veggie panini and was also very yummy! Also tried the Fish and chips, batter was not to thick or soggy. The fish was cooked perfectly! French fries were delicious and so was the crab dip starter. Couldn't stop eating it!! Would definitely return :) read more

Came here after our flight for some Crab Cakes. Ordered the Single Crab Cake dinner. When the food came out I was told that they were out of Rice Pilaf. No worries, wish I had known before so I could "choose" my side. What I got were ice cold potatoes and undercooked vegetables. The crab cake was so so. read more

This place was ok! I am vegan so I had some challenges trying to get a good meal here, and when I finally did order the items came out wrong. The staff was quick and helpful to fix everything. Overall, decent food and good atmosphere; more or less typical bar food so can't complain too much! read more

In town for a wedding? As a 33 year old Navy spouse I've been to my share of weddings in Annapolis and this place BY FAR has he best after party- the DJ is AMAZING. We were here for last homecoming weekend last week and left to go to the popular Other bar on the water front... the dance floor was lame bc of the DJ. Also... in terms of food... get the chicken sandwich with guacamole= no fail. Fast service, good beer selection ... champagne or shots at the ready, good music what more do you need? read more

Lol this place is the worst. 20 minute wait for a sub average bar. They disrespect service men. The bouncer makes like 6$ an hour...# naptown blows because of this place read more

Great food recommend the crab cake sandwich, my father asked our waiter a question and he gave an attitude but he was a great waiter when it came to timing and persistence. We never got any silverware so we had to get some from the other table, but all in all great atmosphere really would recommend it. read more

One of my favorite things about the city of Annapolis in general is that it's such a dog-friendly place. Many of the restaurants in downtown Annapolis have outdoor seating where you and your best friend are both welcome, and Federal House is one of the most dog-friendly ones around. My golden retriever and I like to venture down to the docks on lazy Sundays to do some people watching and relax by the water, and Federal House is one of our favorite stops. The servers are quick to come out and fill up a water bowl for my pooch and provide me with the libation of my choice just as quickly, and they're always attentive to make sure neither of us runs out and gets thirsty. He's a big fan of their hamburger, and while I really like their paninis (tip.....they're REALLY BIG, so bring a big appetite or prepare to take some home with you) I have to say their chicken diablo is my favorite menu item. I've never been in for late nights, but have heard it's a great place to visit for some live music and dancing. One of these days, I may just have to give it a try! read more

love that they have a dog menu and dog bowls at every table. Also definitely recommend the tuna tacos and the brisket burger! amazing!

Went there for dinner, service was great! Everyone says that Maryland is known for their bluecrab. That means you should probably get ANY dish that has it the blue crab in it! (except the crab dip - too salty, the crab was good though!) Any other dish that has other seafood in it was not worth it. Maybe it was the freshness of the crab that was incorporated into the entree's that made it outstanding. Take my advice and skip all the other junk - the crabs are where it's at! read more

Great place!!! Food was great, beers and service excellent!!!. Nice little cozy place to have a great time!.

I'm glad I never have to eat here again. Food was over cooked and stale. Had the fish Tacos....disgusting.

It's just bar food and not very good bar food. The wings are undercooked. Was there yesterday for the Army/Navy game. The server informed us that he asked his manager and that they would not play the sound for the game. I asked to see the manager. A female manager came by and was very rude and said it was the owners policy to only do sound for Thursday and Monday football games. I get it but it is the Army/Navy game and it is Annapolis! Half of the bar left when people found out there was no sound. Pathetic read more

The lighting is unwelcoming, in both the bar area and restaurant. It's so bright and glaring, you feel like you're in an operating room, not someplace to relax and have a cocktail. I mentioned it to the server and they said they're on LEDs and you can't dim them. They DO make dimmers for LED lights and even if they didn't, I would go back to the old fashioned bulbs because whatever you're saving on energy costs, you're losing in customers. People want to relax, not sweat and see every pore on their friend's face. Must make dimming the lights a REGULAR part of setting up. Doesn't have to be pitch dark, just a tad softer. Thanks! read more

Went here last friday night! If you are a single girl this is the place to be boys everywhere! The LITs from this Place are very strong and delicious. If you are not a drinker do not have more than one! Bathrooms were clean! Great Place read more

Had 4 friends in town this past Friday night. We chose to eat at Federal House. 2 of the 5 of us were violently ill with food poisoning shortly thereafter and well into the next day. We ordered a chicken quesadilla as one of our apps & think that had to be the culprit as nobody else had it at the table except the 2 of us that got sick. I wrote an email to the restaurant the following day when I was somewhat better, but have yet to hear back from them. I find it extremely unacceptable when a restaurant chooses to serve contaminated food. I will never go back there. read more

Consistently good food and service. Great selection of beer and prices that are reasonable given the prime location of this restaurant.

I'm from Boston and had the best seafood pasta I've ever had! The seafood risotto is loaded with lobster and shrimp and made with a delicious lobster cream sauce. We're only here for 2 days and I'm probably gonna have to talk my wife into going back so I can have it again. If you're a beer lover this place has a large selection or craft brews. Oh yeah, the service was terrific as well. You can't go wrong. read more

I really had a good time here. Came in with a friend after going to a Navy Game earlier and it was buuusy!!! And it kinda smelled like a college bar haha, but once we were seated, it def. got better. I got the mussles and they were delicious. My friend seemed to enjoy her fish sandwich as well. Service was nice and fast despite the place being so crowded. read more

Very pleasant staff and server. The reason for only three stars rest on a number of things. First, the cream of crab soups is very good and the prior reviews about it were spot on. The things that lead to three stars were these items or pet peeves. I and my mother ordered coffee but the server did not bring any cream and none was on the table. By the time she finally brought it I was tempted to get another cup of hot coffee. Second when asked for some ketchup for the fries it never came. The third is that the Academy Grilled Cheese was excellent but needed to be grilled a bit crispier for my taste and if returning I would definitely state that up front but it was grilled enough. read more

The vegetarian chili needed salt and it lacked true flavor. The hummus was flat. Bathrooms were filthy and smelled very bad. The only thing this place has going for it are the tables and chairs outside on the sidewalk. read more