We were driving up to NY today, and stopped here to get a quick lunch, I saw the Yelp reviews. It wasn't a cheap lunch- about $47 for two. We liked the crab chowder. It was very crabby and good for $9. We slit the crab cake platter which came with 2 crab cakes, and for the two sides we went with hush puppies and Cole slaw. The hush puppies were great, and the Cole slaw was fine. As for the crab cakes, they were good, a mix of lump crab mixed in with a lot of claw (which is flavorful.) and some filling. Ordering was fine, and the gentleman packing up my order was very nice. As for ambiance...it's a service area off I-95. Not much to add to that! read more

Phillips Seafood Express - Two crab cakes, two Cole slaws hush puppies. Crab cake platter. $27 - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

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Order 2 Crispy Fish $40 -- well I don't mine paying for good food! I feel like I was robbed... this was not a fish sandwich-- it was a fish stick on a bun! It was freshly cooked as fresh as frozen can been!! Lol Lettuce & tomato appeared fresh. Waffle fries were not good! Most of the tries were cold! read more

Phillips Seafood Express - Crispy Fish Sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

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Phillips is an well known establishment in the Maryland, DC area so I figured the food is standard across the board. For fast food and environment I found the items quite pricey a crab pretzel cost $12. A crab cake with four shrimp, a few hush puppies and a tablespoon of coleslaw cost $22. I was hungry so what the heck, I also ordered the crab bisque. I'm so glad I decided to sit at the table and eat my seafood platter the soup I was taking home to as a treat for my husband. He loves soups. When I opened up the soup lo and behold a light brown straight hair floating in the soup. This was after I had eaten the fried platter I was totally grossed out! I took back the soup and showed it to the manager who offered me different soup. Are you serious, are you kidding me? I'm so disgusted and disappointed. read more

Phillips Seafood Express - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

Very slow service. 19 dollars for tiny piece of fish. Fresh crispy. Just tooo expensive.

We arrived here on out way for a stop over. Saw this place in the food court, wanted to give a shot. Was a bad idea. First they weren't taking credit cards, cash only. Had to wait very long time for our food. Paid $22 for the seafood combo only, crab cake minis were ok, calamari and shrimp was not great at all. For that price you should expect more edible and tasty food. Won't do it again. read more

Phillips Seafood Express - Clam chowder soup - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

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When I am on a pit stop for food, I'm usually thinking some type of convenience store, drive-thru, fast food chain, etc. Even though Phillips Seafood Express is among the latter, I wouldn't expect a seafood to even be an option when there are nothing but gas stations and road warrior travelers in the vicinity. Initially it was a welcome surprise, but now it's a go to whenever I'm roadtrippin' nearby. During holiday travel, there is almost always a line. If you have somewhere to be, the next door options are quicker, easier, and in all likelihood cheaper. Otherwise, don't mind me while I wait in line for crab cakes on the go. The seafood platter ($10), which consists of fried shrimp, crab slammers, and spring rolls is not a bad way to go. Yes, the spring rolls are incredibly mediocre, but the crab slammers (i.e. fried cheesy crab balls) may as well make up for it. At one point, I believe fried oysters were part of the deal, but I haven't seen one included in awhile. There are also the grouper fingers ($6), which is essentially fish and chips with a sam adams beer batter. A bit underwhelming, but manageable for the light appetite. The crab cake sandwich ($9.50) is probably the most popular item and easily the best tasting one. Bits of real crab, smothered into medallion form, in only the way a nasty fast food provider could. Some of their sweet tartar to boot, it's a winner in the bunch. Do not order the hot dog ($4.50), pulled pork ($7.50) or tilapia tortilla platter. It's nice to have non-seafood options for the non-pescatarians, but only if they actually did a good job. Also, beware of the hush puppies. The only difference between them and metallic stress balls is the breading. Neither are truly edible. Finally, if the fried food doesn't appeal, surely the soup options will. The lobster bisque ($4/7) is solid for fast food standards, but my favorite is the cream of crab ($4/7). It's extremely crabby from odor and taste, which is a great thing for crab lovers. I won't say it's quality high grade crab meat by any means, but it surely beats the fake crab meat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crab_stick) any day. read more

This review is about Phillips Seafood located in the Maryland House rest area off Interstate 95. I ordered the crab cake meal that comes with a very small crab cake like what you'd find on a sampler plate, waffle fries & it comes with two sides. The price was over $22 and I'd say it took 10-15 minutes waiting for my order... The crab cake wasn't that bad, basic after I saturated it with cocktail sauce & lemon, however, I've experienced Phillips in the past and that wasn't it. The cashier emotionally unattached to taking orders, but the pickup person was super courteous! Phillips also had the shortest line in the building, so I wonder if they know what I know and what the past reviews know? Anyway, I had to try it to know. Nice plan for a Phillips to be on the highway but the money spent to not be told it's like a sampler is a issue. They also forgot one of my sides, but I was already back on the highway. I doubt that I'll recommend this Phillips and I doubt if I'm going back to that location. read more

Phillips Seafood Express - A microscopic Crab Cake & Waffle fries - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

I'm told that Phillips is a well known chain seafood place in the DC metro area. Therefore my family recently decided to stop here on my way to Washington DC. It's located in the Maryland House Welcome Center off I-95, with lots of other fast food places. I'm told the menu isn't as extensive as the non-express joints, but the staple foods are there. We had the New England Clam Chowder, Crab Bisque, Baked Crab Pretzel, Crispy Butterfried Shrimp, and Salt and Pepper Calamari. Firstly, this place was way too expensive for what it's worth. My family shelled almost $70 for what was essentially fast food. How??? As for the food...most of it was way too salty, especially the clam chowder and crab bisque. I had to down a large gallon of water after eating here. I gave it two stars, because the food was at least edible and service wasn't terrible. However I'll likely not eat at this location again. read more

We ABSOLUTELY LOVE to stop at the Maryland House EVERY TIME take a road trip through Baltimore for Phillips Seafood!! Always fresh, delicious and piping hot!!! The only thing that I wished Phillips Seafood Express had during the Blue Claw season is their famous Blue Claws that I can ONLY get at the Baltimore Harbor!!! Most definitely would recommend to others and YOU would too!! read more

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Disappointed and not worth it!!! I took a quick break from driving and felt hungry. I saw Phillips so I decided to get food here. I ordered the crab cake and crispy shrimp platter with waffle fries and cole slaw on the side. It is $20.99 without tax. Yes it is overpriced for an "EXPRESS RESTAURANT" since I don't get the full service. However, I was hoping that the food would be worth it. Well, I was wrong. The platter was tiny and not worth the price I paid. - 1 crab cake: soggy, too greasy, and not fresh - 5 pieces of shrimps: greasy as well - Waffle fries: greasy, soggy, and not well seasoned - Cole slaw: gross, the worst one I had. Also, it was in a tiny container. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE. read more

Phillips Seafood Express - Crab and shrimp platter #overpriced #notworth$22 - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

It was OK. I didn't want Wendy's and the burrito place looked like the rice had been sitting out for a while. So, I ate here. I had an edible crab cake with 2 small sides for less than $20 in the middle of nowhere. It wasn't great, but can't complain given the location. It is what it is. read more

The Mahi Mahi sandwich is possibly the worst sandwich I've purchased in 50 years of eating sandwiches. The $12.50 sliver of fish is wafer thin, definitely not fresh, overcooked, under-seasoned, and dropped into a small hamburger roll with a single wilted piece of lettuce and a flavorless tomato slice. It was gross. I'd like to think my consolation prize is that I chose a healthy option for lunch, but I'm worried that eating this sandwich will make me sick later. I've gotten the crab vegetable soup previously, and that's a much better meal. Salty, but otherwise good, filling, and healthy. read more

We stopped at the Maryland House Travel Center for gas and to grab food. Phillips Seafood Express offers hand picked, pasteurized crab meat (their words, not mine), but I couldn't resist the huge neon HOT DOG sign behind the counter, so I went and got a hot dog. Yes, an all-American, all beef, $3 hot dog. A friendly staffer (Vanessa) heard my pleas, took my credit card, then practically threw the dog (in a righteous Styrofoam carrying case) at me - not literally, but she was fast, and in a good way. Would've been nice if the bun was warm and not just pulled out of a bag, but I was hungry, you know? I topped the hot dog with Tabasco and relish and from the first bite to the last, I was a happy camper. read more

Whenever I stop in at the Maryland House - since it has been open, I usually opt to hit Phillips Seafood Express for some soup. I particularly like their Maryland Vegetable Crab Soup. Not bad for a mass produced soup doled out daily in gallons to hungry travelers! read more

Phillips Seafood Express - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

I absolutely love the crab pretzel from Phillips so was super excited to see it on the menu. The Pretzel it self was ok. The crab mix was tasty but could of maybe used a tad more crab. But the cheese on top was hard as a rock way over cooked. For the prices it wasn't worth it. Services was ok so maybe try another item. read more

The food is delicious but the service and wait time is honestly unbearable. Located in the Maryland House Plaza, the goal for each food provider is supposed to be quick and delicious food. The operative word of QUICK was not achieved as I had to wait 20 minutes for my lobster roll with waffle fries. The woman who took my order was rude and was visibly uninterested in her job. My food was ready after 15 minutes of waiting--which is already too long. I had to wait an ADDITIONAL 5 minutes as it sat underneath the warmer because nobody was working the front. If you don't mind waiting and working with rude people--then this is a great option. Otherwise just go to Wendy's and get back on the road. read more

Phillips Seafood Express - Lobster roll with seasoned waffle fries - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

Reasonable prices for the service area good service good food great costumers service good soup read more

Phillips Seafood Express - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

This has to be the worst example of a seafood place I have ever been. The food is absolutely disgusting. They literally microwave the crab cake. Disgusting. read more

Crab cake was soggy and had an off flavor. It was so bad I had to throw it away after two bites because it just was not worth it. I was also going to try the Lobster Roll but they were out of Lobster. I would suggest staying away. read more

What a treat to have fresh Maryland seafood at a travel plaza! Being realistic I would expect it to be pricey, so I cannot appreciate the criticism of other Yelpers. Just the availability is already a treat, but even moreso is the deliciousness of the food we got - calamari basket & crab cake sandwich basket! Thank you for being here!! read more

Seriously do not order here. They are over priced, and do not care about the customer. I ordered a crab and shrimp platter and after waiting patiently for 15 minutes for my food they said they were behind in orders. I waited another 15 minutes (30 minutes total) and they said my order wasn't in the system. I asked for a refund and they were asking for a receipt. Then they went back to see where my order was a second time. By now I am highly upset and requested only my money back. The assistant manager got upset because I didn't want them to search anymore. I finally got my money back after another 10 minutes (40 minutes total).I will never come back to this place and I advise the same for you. read more

Not sure if seafood and fast food really go together. Is it really that fresh if it's delivered to a rest stop in the middle of the highway? I always question. Although their cream of crab soup is pretty ballin. A cup is all you need. Pretty good portion too. Crabcakes are pretty good too. But you know it's almost a rush job. I lean more towards the Roy Rogers next door. Always a better bang for the buck. read more

For Express not bad at all in bumper to bumper traffic hungry and love seafood cant ask for anything more. I got the crab sandwich with waffle fries. Almost got the lobster roll but at $22.50 i rather pay that in a less express setting but must try the crab. The sandwich was real crab meat and better than expected i would come and try another platter again. Fresh and fast. read more

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So where do I begin..... I was very excited as I was driving up to the Maryland House and saw that they added a Phillip 's Seafood Express. The menu had a good variety but wasn't overwhelming with options. I immediately decided on the Classic Lobster Roll which was accompanied by seasoned waffle fries. The cost $19.99. I then ordered my husband a crabcake sandwich. The cost $14.99. It wasn't long before the server had the food ready (she was extremely nice by the way even down to describing what was in the lobster roll.) When I saw the roll I was underwhelmed. It looked rather small and there were like 5 fries. Despite the size however the lobster roll itself was really good. The bread was soft and toasted. The lobster had a light creamy mix of mayo and tarragon and I added lemon juice to enhance the flavor. I only wish there was more. The fries were good as well. Again, only wish there was more. My husband's crabcake sandwich was also pretty small and he described it as "meh okay." At the end of the day, I now know what to expect. I would visit again but just make sure I'm not super hungry or I'll get something to supplement the roll. read more

Phillips Seafood Express - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

Good food, sloooowwwwww service. It took more than an hour to order and two to get food. Very disappointing.

Just a so - so experience here. I know that I shouldn't be looking for Maryland's most amazing seafood here at a rest area food stand, but my expectations were higher than the food I received. I was hungry. Driving up the freeway heading towards NY, we stopped at this rest area to grab a bite and get gas. There was quite a few selections for fast food vendors here but Phillips looked like it might be something a bit more better quality than the other places. Especially for the price tags on their menu. After all, I was in Maryland, famous for their crab cakes and seafood and such, I wanted to try to take advantage. The counter was crowded and a bit unorganized with customers crowded everywhere waiting to order and waiting to receive their orders. I got a bit claustrophobic while I waited for my food. I ordered a crab cake sandwich and considered it below average and nothing fantastic. It came with a sealed cup of tar tar sauce, nothing really to get excited about. read more

OK food, but somewhat expensive, very slow, and horrible service I've been to one of their restaurants and figured, 'How bad could it be?" I wish I hadn't. The food itself was OK - no where near as tasty as the restaurant but the crab cake sandwich wasn't bad and the soups were good. But the fried shrimp was nasty and the waffle fries were cold. And the chips were UTZ's in a bag - not made onsite. But it took almost a half hour to get our food - or FOREVER in rest stop time. And the service was horrible. There was apparently a backlog on the crab cakes. Which would have been fine...or at least acceptable...if they didn't cook our other food and then leave it sitting on the counter to get cold...INSTEAD OF JUST GIVING IT TO US. For that matter it would have really helped if they had given us our soups and salads so we could eat those while we were waiting. But no...they wouldn't serve us just part of our order. read more

Previously one of my favorite rest stops. But the wait for food is now 10-15 min and the lack of fixings is very sad. A po boy with half a square of lettuce? read more

Phillips Seafood Express - What a disappointing po boy. Where is the lettuce? - Seafood Near Me - Aberdeen, Maryland

How refreshing no burger or fries. I ordered the pepper Calamari- gross tough and not worth $9.00 I ordered the crab chowder and the Crab salad, mama says mm mm good. Outstanding and fresh. I loved it. I will stop back through on my way back from NJ! read more

Definitely a great change of pace from the normal selection that a rest stops normally offer. If you have ever been to a Phillips Seafood you can have similar expectations. It is definitely the most expensive option at the stop, but some times when traveling good food is worth the cost! read more

This was a horrible experience. People were rude and when I had a problem they got argumentative Shame on Phillips for having such bad people in their store read more

MARYLAND HOUSE IS CLOSING FOR RENOVATION... the vendors that were previously there might not be there post-reno. read more

This was a good crab cake sandwich, what was expecting at a rest area place. The 15.00 price was crazy though 1 crab cake on a burger bun with 10 waffle fries , I guess the rest area should have it away that I would be scalped for the sandwich. Th price was my only real issue with the sandwich read more

It literally took me one hour to get my food at at "express" rest area only two people working here at peak time this is truly shameful. Don't go here. read more

Decided to stop by for some soup. They sold out of crab bisque but had the Clam chowder instead. One word "mouthwatering". The soup was thick, creamy, and delicious with lots of clams throughout the entire soup. The $7 price is a bit steep, but the soup was hearty and was like a meal and I loved it. Next time I drive by I am going to come in here for more of their delicious soups! read more

I tried the Crab soup,it tasted like the bathed the Crab and gave only the Juices The Seafood Sampler was a JOKE for the Price. My Best Advice is BBQ in the Parking Lot!!! Total Waste of MONEY!!!! read more

Not bad for a highway rest stop. I had the crab cake sandwich with waffle fries and it was good. Service was fast and friendly.

First time at the express. The wait wasn't bad considering the line on a Sunday afternoon. We ordered the crab and crispy shrimp platter. It comes with 2 sides. We got the hush puppies and waffle fries. The food was fresh. I could've survived without the shrimp. The crab cake was delicious. We also shared a crab pretzel. I couldn't past up on the pretzel. A little to salty side and not worth the $11.49 read more

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The wait to get food after ordering and paying was 25 minutes. This is not express. I was not the only one waiting for a long amount of time. I ordered hush puppies, chicken tenders and a crab cake sandwich. The crab cake sandwich was tasty, but it was not extraordinary. The chicken tenders were good, but again were not anything special. I enjoyed the hush puppies the most. I expected more based on the history of the coming any and the price. My meal was $36.00 between the quality of the food and the wait time, it was not really worth it. read more

Phillips is ok. I like having the option to get it at a rest area but I would much rather go to a local seafood spot. However since I was back home (Baltimore) for Christmas, all my spots where closed. I never come back home without seafood so I decided to stop an grab some food. Yes it's pricey but what do you expect. You're eating seafood at a rest area. Also this isn't fast food. Do not complain about the wait time. Would you rather get food poisoning or have a less quality product served? On to the food. I got the crab cake sandwich which was better than expected. Wish it was bigger but otherwise a good meal. We also got a rip roaring soup ( cream of crab) and Md vegetable crab soup. If I hadn't gotten the soups this place would've gotten 4 stars. But my biggest complaint, where is the crab meat in the soup? In both bowls there was may have been 3 little pieces. Considering the each bowl cost $6.99 this was a huge ripoff. read more