We had plans to eat at another crab house today but they didn't open until 4pm and we wanted to eat at noon. We found On The Bay Seafood and decided to give it a try. Rob and Rose greeted and welcomed us. We ordered the Medium steamed Crabs, Crab Cake Sandwich, Crab Bisque, corn on the cob and Hush Puppies. Wow! What a treat so early in the season. The Bisque was excellent. It's not too spicy but they give you extra seasoning and spice to add according to your personal taste. The Crab Cake was just as advertised. No filler, fresh Crab, Eastern Shore style and delicious. The medium crabs were very good. Some establishments would be seeking them as Large. They were seasoned and steamed perfectly. Heavy and sweet. The sides; Corn on the Cob, steamed in the Husk was very good and the Hush Puppies were a perfect pairing. My apologies for lack of pictures, we ate most everything before I started taking pictures. Rob and Rose were very attentive. They told us their story and shared a scrap book of their off season home in New Mexico. They were in the process of training and orienting their summer staff while we enjoyed our meal. The attention to detail, customer first, quality service and passion for excellent food was on full display. The dining is beach rustic and perfect. There's a good amount of parking and it's easy to find them right along coastal highway. What initially seemed like a disappointment today turned into a wonderful discovery of a new favorite. On The Bay Seafood is a must try if you're at the shore this year. read more

On The Bay Seafood - Location - Seafood Near Me - Ocean City, Maryland

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Crab stew, clams, shrimp, and oysters were all good. The service was good, although it is walk up, they came by and checked on us. Nice shady picnic tables by the roadside. Nice! read more

This place is great! My sons and I went in, ordered crabs and had a little difficulty with them. The owner sat down and gave us a lesson on how to eat crabs. So nice! Prices were pretty reasonable for crabs. read more

Good afternoon: I did have a very bad experience at the register; I bought a pit of beer and I was ask for identification, at to that point, all normal, but the cashier took pictures of my id as well the one of m wife, I complained but no response. Avoid the place, asking for id don't have to include a picture of your id. It is that even legal?? read more

First time in Ocean City, Maryland and since they're known for their blue crabs, we decided to check this place out. We ordered a dozen steamed little neck clams, homemade crabcake, half dozen medium steamed crabs. They give you these hammers to hack away at the crabs to break the legs open. The crabs and clams were good, especially dipped in the drawn butter. The seasoning on the crab is slightly spicy, but it was very much tolerable for someone like me w/ very low tolerance for spice. My favorite was the crabcake though. They have plenty of outdoor seating and they have a wash station conveniently next to the seating area so that you could wash your hands after getting your hands dirty eating. I don't think they provide gloves for eating but that would have been nice! Ordering was quick and the staff was super friendly. The owner was walking around greeting everyone and cleaning some of the tables. I could also tell the staff were well loved bcus at one point, I could hear them inside singing happy birthday to one of the staff. read more

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This place was so disappointing. Not sure how this is a highly recommended place on yelp. The hush puppies were dry. The crabs were average. You order from the front and then sit on uneven picnic tables. When you want a refill or another drink you have to go back into the line and order and pay again. Cleaning off our hands in the porta potty was disgusting. There are limited drink choices as well. Don't recommend!!! read more

Food was good and well portioned. Family friendly in dining area. We had 5 adults and 2 small children. We will go back again next time we're in the area. read more

If you've never been to Maryland and wonder why people from Maryland are so obsessed with crabs and the experience of eating steamed crabs, this is the place to come and find out. On The Bay Seafood epitomizes what the Maryland seafood experience is all about. Positioned Ocean Side in OC, the restaurant has outdoor seating, some is covered, some is not and we chose to enjoy the sun on this beautiful day. We ordered jumbo steamed crabs along with clam strips and hush puppies. The owners took our order and then mingled around while everyone ate to make sure they were taken care of and also, just to talk and get to know everyone. Really nice people. Our food came out quickly. The clam strips were hearty, seasoned well and delicious. You could tell they used only the freshest oil. Delicious!! Likewise with the hush puppies. I do have to say that the hush puppies were the best I've had. The steamed crabs were impeccable. We ordered jumbo, they were jumbo. Steamed and seasoned well. Fresh. Amazing!!! We came just outside of the hectic summer season. I hope to do it again soon and this is a "must do" in Ocean City, MD. read more

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Visiting for the first time in decades and found this to be well recommended on Yelp for steamed crabs. Perfect set-up with picnic tables outside, brown paper coverings, rolls of paper towels and buckets for trash. The menu board was large and you order at the counter with a smaller menu there for reference. We decided on a 1/2 dozen of the XL sized crabs, an order of clam strips, and an order of hush puppies. The clam strips and hush puppies were fried to a golden brown and tasted delicious. Our crabs were large and heavy, spiced well and full of crab meat. We were checked on often and our trash dumped for us as well as we enjoyed our food. The outside cleaning stations were really convenient and very needed after eating the steamed crabs. Highly recommend for not only the crabs but other items as well. read more

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We tried the soft shell crab, fried oysters and fried fish sandwiches. All was good. We also had snow crab legs and steam blue crabs and they were excellent. We ate here before and we didn't like the sand and mosquitos.... It wasn't really our thing so this time we just brought everything back to the hotel and it was great. They gave us all the supply and paper to go. The blue crabs are so delicious and fun to eat. Highly recommend if in the area. read more

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Yikes! I read the reviews to get quality crabs and drinks. It had a decent rating so me and my fiancé went. It's cafeteria style. You order from the front and they bring it out to you. When we wanted another drink, we had to hop back into line and wait to order another one. After we were eating we went back up and ordered corn on the cob. They brought it to our table bagged up and we had to re wipe our hands to open the bag and eat it. The place is also NOT on the bay and it's picnic style tables on sand. There are a few younger college age kids dumping the buckets of crab shells. They also had only two beers, two wines and two Daquaris to choose from. I ordered a strawberry daquari and had one sip and tossed it. It tasted like pure sugar and no alcohol. From a foodie to another it was a mid experience. The crabs weren't bad but not the best we've had. A solid 2.5/ experience. Also, the men's bathroom is two porta potties. Also, they looked like they were taking a photo of our ids which was kinda uncomfortable. Not sure what that was for and wasn't explained. read more

Best crabs in ocean city possibly Maryland. Shrimp too. Owner is so nice! They've been serving my family down the street for decades. Blake Segal says hello! Thank you for serving Mt family for decades. Hope to come visit you guys soon. read more

Very reasonable prices , great service and setting. Outdoor eating Crabs on Picnic Tables with Pitchers of beer and crabs . We got the two of the 5lb special and it was perfect for a group of 5 . If you really want more/big crabs your gonna have to pay for them. I started with the Crabby Mary , I would recommend starting with one. Definitely coming back , 5 stars because this is how you should eat crabs. read more

On The Bay Seafood - Crabby Mary - Seafood Near Me - Ocean City, Maryland

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On The Bay has always been consistently serving up one of the best crabs in the OC area. They keep it simple- seafood cooked right, casual no frills dining area and fair prices. $125 for a half bushel, specials of $50 for about 15-18 crabs with different weights. They also have seafood platters and seafood sandwiches like butterfly shrimp, crab cakes , soft shell crabs, clam strips and the like. Their sides are also good and corn is served with butter. Beer by the pitcher or by the glass. No reservations, lines can be long but it pushes along in a decent amount of time. Sand 'floor' with a small table of area of sand for kids to play with. Cards cash and Apple Pay accepted, small parking lot. Friendly service. Clean tables and chairs, the staff makes sure customers are happy and they empty out the shell buckets often. Always are go to for fresh meaty and fatty crabs! read more

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Came here with my family and everyone enjoyed their dinner. I was pleasantly surprised with the vast selection of food. Pros: Fresh delicious seafood Plenty of seating Nice employees Lots of gluten free options Cons: Hard to take a toddler no high chairs Lots of flies Parking is hard read more

On The Bay Seafood - Seafood Near Me - Ocean City, Maryland

Service was great. Food came out quickly. Steamed shrimp with the seasoning was kind of bland, hard to peel and the cocktail sauce was frozen. It was at the beginning of the season so we were the only ones there. I would possibly go again during a busier time. The music playing was great and I think it would be fun during the busy time read more

My family and I were looking to get crabs and our usual place closed down so we tried on the bay out. This is a small place with various tables that are seat yourself, if you have a smaller party then be prepared to share with others. You order at the front and they text you once the food is ready and you pick up at the window. I cant say enough amazing things about this place started from the food and overall dining experience. They have workers around constantly cleaning up and keeping up appearances. The dining area is covered and there are fans over each table. The food was INCREDIBLE!!!!! Crab deal is hard to beat and the crabs were delicious, hot, fresh and juicy. 5lbs various sizes for $48: All of ours were decent sized and enough to feed 4 people. We also got cole slaw, calamari, corn, two orders of hush puppies. Everything was so good and portion sizes are perfect to share. Dining for 4 people around $100 is hard to beat, especially in OC. I wanted to come back the next day! I am looking forward to my next visit. Couldn't recommend this place enough. read more

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Absolutely fantastic people, and even better crabs! The staff are super friendly and checked up on us often to make sure we were comfortable. Great casual place to visit if you like crabs! Outdoor seating only, but there's an awning and overhead fans! The picnic style tables have paper towel rolls, and there is a hand wash station near the ordering window. Both are absolutely necessary because eating crabs is messy business! The crabs are fresh, huge, heavy, and steamed to order. They give you extra old bay and melted butter to go with it, and each person gets a mallet to crack open the claws. It's surprisingly effective-- I recommend using some paper towels from the rolls at the tables to cover the claw before you smash it to keep bits from flying everywhere! You get to keep the mallet--my dad tried it and was amazed at how well it worked compared to the usual crab claw crackers. Beware of flies trying to get your food; the overhead fans help, but we were locked in a constant battle with the bugs. read more

Great food and fantastic service. Go there as soon as we get to ocean city. Crabs are always heavy, and the spice on the crabs is out of this world. When in ocean city, one place you need to visit. read more

What an a absolute delight. Delicious, great service, good food. Owners couldn't have been nicer. Must stop when you're by the beach. read more

On The Bay Seafood - Soft shell sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Ocean City, Maryland

Absolutely the BEST crabs and sides my family has ever had in Ocean City, hands down! Prices are incredibly reasonable for what you are getting and the crabs are steamed to order so they come out piping hot! The place is a total crab eating vibe: sand floors, all the crab supplies you can think of, and they even have outside blinds they'll pull down when it's super sunny so you don't get burned. They fill their pitchers of beer to the absolute brim and they're very well priced. Service is also incredible too, very friendly and checking in to make sure all you needs/wants are met! 5 stars for everything! Only place I'll be getting crabs from when I'm in OC! Prices aren't listed on their website but for 5lbs of crabs (mixed sizes, up to 18 crabs) is 45 bucks. Their veryyyy heavy XL crabs are 135 a dozen and they also have half dozen options. Deals on half bushels too! Seriously couldn't recommend this place more read more

Awful cream of crab soup! We thought it was inedible. The soft shell crabs were overcooked but the French fries were uncooked. Go figure! read more

Had a better experience last summer. Our crab legs and shrimp were overcooked but the blue crabs were solid. Service is always very friendly and the owners walk around. Really appreciate that! read more

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This place never disappoints! Been here several times throughout the years and food is still tasty. Staff is friendly, service might be a bit slow when the place is packed. Great shack for crabs and seafood in OC! read more

I go to OC year about the same time and crabs is what we come for. This is just to sit at a table with sand under your feet and pick through your crabs. Their sign says it all Heavy crabs and that is what we got going back to the same place again for sure!!!! read more

Food was great! Ambiance was family style low key non dressy. I liked it perfect by the ocean. Service was prompt. Our server was sweet and helpful! Will return again. This was my 2nd time visiting read more

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Food & atmosphere was absolutely amazing! We ordered the calamari platter with a side of 1/2lb shrimp & an ice cold pitcher. It did not disappoint, we can't wait to go back! read more

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Delicious food and very friendly staff. You order at a counter and they text you when it's ready for pickup. The picnic tables are a fun setting and we had a great time (group of six). read more

Had to come back. We've been looking forward to it and it didn't disappoint. It such a nice no frills place. read more

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Ron and Rose are amazing, and so is their restaurant. I've not had one thing I didn't like. I'm a blue crab fan, but sometimes it's too much work for my liking. Don't worry, the crab cake is on point! Calamari, hush puppies, shrimp, side salads, it hasn't disappointed. Nothing but exceptional food and service! 100 stars!!! read more

Good crab cakes. We got corn and potato salad and it was a huge hit. Hit this place up!!! We didn't eat there, we took it to go.

You order at the window and they text you when to come get your order. The crab cakes are the best crab cakes you will have in your entire life. Don't get one to share, splurge and get your own. It's great. While we were there a fisherman came and brought around a big blue crab he just caught. That was cool. We had the half dozen steamed blue grab and it was awesome. All seating is outdoors. It's not fancy but tastes fancy. read more

On The Bay Seafood - Half eaten crab cake and a half dozen steamed crab. Highly recommend. - Seafood Near Me - Ocean City, Maryland

Found this crab shack while on beach trip. This was great stuff! The menu was good, the portion to price ratio was fair, and the setup was great! They put down papers for the crabs and even have branded crab hammers. Food was great, environment was nice. Only issue was that we got rained on in a thunderstorm. Otherwise, would return. read more

On The Bay Seafood - Soft shelled crabs - Seafood Near Me - Ocean City, Maryland

I just wanted a good, hot meal -- no processed food or anything overly complicated. Simple, local, fresh fish. I love a good, fresh fish sandwich and found it here. Light breading, flavorful and well prepared. Nice people, too, nothing pretentious. Around me people hammered away at fresh Bay crabs. This seems to be a favorite w serious crab lovers. read more

The Best Crabs!!!! in Ocean City!!!. The Service Absolutely Wonderful!!! Can't wait to come back.

Out of all the crab shacks in OC, we decided to visit this one 1st being that their website shows them being voted in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide by tripadvisor, which my partner and I needed to see for ourselves. 1st, we were so hungry that we forgot to take pics of the softshell crab sandwich, steamed shrimp and scallop platter. The sandwich came on a soft burger roll and we found that we didn't need the tartar sauce that came with it...the crab was seasoned well and we wolfed it down together in less than a minute. The shrimp were fresh and not overcooked...very enjoyable to eat. The cole slaw and corn on the cob, both of which were delicious, accompanied the scallops, which were a little dry, but still tasty. We also had the crab cakes, which were tasty but with smaller pieces of crab and were a little more cakey than some places. Additionally, the fried oysters were nice and hot, but not as plump than other places. Then, there are the crabs. There is something primal, yet fun, about popping off the top cover, breaking them in half with your hands, stripping off the lungs, extracting the meat from all the crevices inside the body, twisting off all the claws, nipping the smaller ones between your front teeth to extrude every little bit of meat, smashing the larger claws with a mallet, sucking out the delicious larger sections of meat and then using your knife to make sure you clean out every last shred of meat from inside the claws. Sometimes, restaurants need to be reviewed a little differently than most others...this is one of them. Overall, service was relatively fast, tables were kept clean, they have pitchers of beer, there are restrooms, there is a sink outside to wash your hands, the experience was fun, the food was good and you get to take a wooden mallet home as a souvenir (I think)! read more

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By Far the Best Place to eat! The crabs are Heavy and steamed perfectly! There seasoning is the best!

Order and pick up at the windows to get your authentic crab fix. Then find a picnic table to eat it on. Order comes with the custom mallet. Crabs are super fresh. First time trying soft shell blue crabs and was not disappointed. All the crab but without the work. Gotta get crabs when you come to ocean city. read more

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My favorite place to eat crabs in Ocean City! I've never been disappointed in the quality of their crabs, they also have the best food, I ordered sides with our crabs today, Cole slaw, fried oysters, steamed shrimp and fries. Everything was fresh and delicious and the atmosphere is wonderful. Love having my feet in the sand while picking crabs! The service is fantastic and the owners who are the original owners are just the nicest people. They are celebrating their 20th year here and you can tell they really care about serving great food and making everything nice. I would not go anywhere else for excellent crabs! You will not be disappointed! read more

Good crabs, great crab sandwich, good service. Parking is a little hard and not enough spaces. read more