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    O'Donnell's Market

    4.5 (210 reviews)
    Open 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Two terrific soft shell crabs  (fried rather than the sautéed) option) and quality fries. Not pictured, a fantastic kale and apple salad

    Sat at the bar in back. Soft shell crabs were terrific - went with the fried option rather than sautéed, quality fries and a killer kale and apple salad. My Mom had their green beans as a side and I had a few - they were crispy and very good. Too many places over cook things. Waitress behind the bar was great. Nice 'neighborhoody' casual atmosphere. First time here - will hopefully be back within a few weeks. Five stars, albeit based on one visit Decent beer selection, nothing I hadn't had before. But that's a personal problem, not a restaurant problem. ;-)

    Sides of french fries and broccolini
    Margy C.

    Great place for a seafood dinner and to pick up fresh seafood if you're dining in the market. As others have said (thank you for helping other Yelpers out), do make a reservation if you want to dine in the market. I called and got the small bistro table for two in the back by the bar. I wasn't sure this little table was going to hold three plates of food but with some creative angling, we made it work. We walked in at 6:00 pm and there were plenty of staff in the back at the bar but no one said anything to us, not even a greeting. So we stood for a little bit by the door until we moved closer to the bar. Finally someone asked us if we needed help. We said we had a reservation. But it did take a while for them to come back to get our drinks and order our meal. A bumpy start but all is forgiven since we did very much enjoy the food. I got the crab norfolk with fries and broccolini on the side. If you love crab as much as I do, there's nothing not to like about the crab norfolk. Lots of tender and delicious crab cooked in butter and vinegar. I savored every bite. The other entree was a special request and we're grateful that they were able to accommodate. We asked for a fish and chips and without hesitation, we were told it was possible. The fish was the cod in a nice batter. Our server was helpful and friendly once we got served. I'm thinking of sitting at the bar next time which seems to have more room for all the plates we want to order. The desserts looked great but we will have to try them next time. Plenty of parking. Noise level was normal.

    Key lime pie
    Alejandra R.

    Such a hidden gem. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and the crab cakes are some of the best I've had. They also have amazing desserts and great seafood you can grab to go and cook at home. The mini market is super convenient, and the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly cares about the quality of their products.

    Erin M.

    First thing: make a reservation if you would like to eat inside. There are only 3 inside tables and smaller inside bar I believe. Thankfully, I was able to grab a table reservation inside as it was a little warm outside. This place is a market also serving up some yummy food. We got the crab cakes and the pecan crusted cod. Both entrees were delicious. The crab cakes are all crab! The cod was cooked perfectly. Our server was prompt and very nice. Before you leave, get the rum bun even if you have to take it to go. It's a cinnamon roll with a rum glaze. Thank me later

    Incredibly succulent  pecan crusted cod with broccolini.
    Marsha S.

    I took my son to O'Donnell's Market for his birthday. We were lucky to get one of the three indoor tables (note to self: make a reservation next time). I ordered the Pecan Crusted Cod with lemon butter sauce. The only word I can use to describe it is...succulent. it is the best thing I've eaten in ages. It was just... special. I also killed my diet because I HAD to have a rum bun. I've been eating really fine seafood at O'Donnell's for decades. First on Wisconsin Avenue, then in the Kentlands, and now in Potomac. And they never disappoint. Never. If you haven't gone...go. You won't be sorry, and if you want to sit inside...make a reservation...you'll be glad you did.

    My delicious oatmeal cookie.
    Joy B.

    O'Donnell's Market is known for their crabcakes and rum buns. People come from all over the area to buy them. And, I am the first to say that they are both mouthwatering and delicious. What you don't see mentioned often enough, is there ready to go menu of delicious side dishes. I got the twice baked potato and it was out of this world. It was creamy and cheesy and easy to reheat. I will definitely go back for more. My friend got their buttternut squash vegetable side. He said it was excellent. He also bought a bottle of very good vinegar for cooking. It was pricey. I bought an oatmeal raisin cookie that was melt in your mouth delicious. It was large, soft, plenty of raisins, and flavorful. O'Donnell's Market has a beautiful seafood case. The fish and crab looked beautiful, but the prices were high. The service was great and it was nice to see the owners sons waiting on customers in the store. I am sure I will be back. They are a favorite in our shopping center.

    Crab Cake Sandwich
    Ruth M.

    I went here on my lunch break because I'd read an article stating this was one of the best places to buy a crabcakes from I. Rockville. I got there, parking was available. I was immediately greeted when walking in the door. The place was not crowed but people were sitting outside and at the Oyster Bar. I asked the person how I ordered and he told me to go to the register. A lady immediately walked up and ask me had I been helped. I told her no and placed my order. I told her it was to go and ordered a Crabcake sandwich with the Kale Apple Salad & a key lime tart. She said about 20 minutes. It was 20 minutes I got my food. Took it back to my office, and ate it. This crabcake sandwich gets 5 stars hands down. Not much filler, seasoned perfectly and overall just great! It's a top 3 for me!

    Sign inside the store
    Mario N.

    Went into O'Donnell's Market to investigate if I could buy some hake (in Spanish, merluza) which is one of my favorite fish, but difficult to find in the US (but very common in Spain). The owner told me that they knew which fish this was, and that he would be able to order it for me, fresh from their fishmonger, and ready the next day! Great, fast service! I picked up my order today (a little over 5 lbs.) and the fish was fresh, fileted and skinned. It looked great. I requested it to be packed in ice and they helped me with that. Then, I stayed for lunch since they have a counter in the back where you can sit down and order from their seasonal menu. I chose the scallops, which I was told that we're "sushi grade" and had them sautéed in lemon butter sauce. They were delicious! I also had their fried clam appetizer, which was good but not great (I found it to be a little greasy, probably because they were fried in oil that was not the correct temperature). The counter is very nicely set, and the ambiance is relaxed, on the bay vibe. The service was super friendly and efficient. They also serve wine (both white and red) by the glass or the bottle. Highly recommended.

    Lobster
    Susy P.

    We went to take my friend there for a birthday dinner. If you need seating indoors, but not at the bar, you need to reserve a low top table. The manager was very friendly and went out of her way to make good when we shared with her our concerns about lack of service by the waiter. He became very busy at the back bar so we had to ask other for help. The staff is very friendly. The crab gumbo was very flavorful, would've loved to see more crab meat. The rum buns are amazing the crabcakes or season nicely with minimal filler. the steamed lobster was flavorful, especially if you dipped in butter. those who don't eat seafood the hamburger is a good call. The food does not disappoint would recommend going there for lunch or dinner.

    Key lime Tart
    Jo M.

    It's been awhile since I had the chance to visit O'Donnells again. Stopped by to pick up the best key lime pie in MoCo! Picked up some lemon bars as well. Delish! They're currently setup with heaters on the patio for outdoor seating as the weather gets colder. Nice to see as I'm still not eating indoors. I'm planning a visit soon cause I've missed the scallops and crab dip!

    Entrance
    Lenny C.

    Super cool deli, butcher, baker, caterer and raw bar frequented by the locals. Great place to find all kinds of baked delicacies as well as old-fashioned giant cookies. Great butcher as well and nice seafood selection. Has a few tables if you'd rather order from the menu! I recommend that salmon BLT and the clam chowder soup!

    Chocolate chip cheesecake & a lemon square
    Katharine S.

    We loved this place! They have a huge selection - fresh seafood, crab cakes, sides, breads, soups, and desserts. We tried a good variety and liked everything, with the exception of the brussel sprouts (we just prefer less crunchy /more cooked sprouts) but the flavors were all great. The seafood bisque was amazing. The New England clam chowder was good but the bisque was better! I really enjoyed my crab cakes, and the desserts we had, so definitely try those if you come here! The girl that took our order was really helpful and nice. They packed our food to-go - you can tell the people here care and don't hate working here which is always a plus for overall experience.

    Delicious fresh Ipswich potbelly clams!

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    15 days ago

    Great food great prices great atmosphere family owned and operated I highly recommend

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    1 year ago

    Excellent crab cake sandwich. Will return again. I should have ordered the crab cake meal instead.

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    1 year ago

    Love this place! Soft shell crabs and rum buns are delicious. Great take home raw fish market, too! Friendly, excellent staff!

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    1 year ago

    Delicious food and good service makes a delightful meal. Seafood is revered here and served fresh.

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    1 year ago

    Best lobster rolls and key lime pie! The service is prompt, polite and efficient. Never had poor service there ever! I love this gem.

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    Ask the Community - O'Donnell's Market

    Does it have clams in the raw bar?

    They usually have a variety of cherrystone, littleneck and middleneck. I think I've seen chowder clams a few times.

    Do they have meal kits on Friday during Lent as in the past?

    Is Fred Madison still making the RumBuns like they were in Bethesda?

    A young woman runs the bakery and appears to make all of the baked goods, including the rum buns. Do they taste different than the Bethesda version?

    What kind of straws to you provide for the beverages ? Do you have a toothpick dispenser?

    Yes they taste very differently

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    O'Donnell's Market - seafoodmarkets - Updated September 2026

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