Claws and Effect Spectacular family-run diner in one of Baltimore's more hipstery neighborhoods that's been in operation since 1985. This once formerly Zagat-rated restaurant was also named the #1 crab cake in the Maryland by Barstool sports. They also sell an average of 2k crab cakes a day--which is a lot of friggin' crab! The Good: *Great service by the staff *They do take reservations, but only by phone from what I can tell. The only reason I know is because that was the first thing we were asked when we walked in. *Craft brews on-tap *A lot of times a place can get hyped up as "the best," only for you to be let down once you get there. This is not one of those places. The crab cake was superlative and had a nice crunchy exterior and a nice moist interior with great fresh crab flavor. It's not cheap, but YOLO. *My Texas Burger was maybe the best burger I've had all year; juicy, fresh, and gigantic, this burger put me in a food coma. *Cream of Crab Soup was also excellent. Creamy, luscious, and highlighted the flavor of the crab. The Meh: *No outdoor dining *Street Parking was sparse on a random weekday early afternoon, but at least it's free. *No outdoor dining The Ugly: *The price on the crab cakes are outrageous and fluctuate with the market, but it was fucking delicious and worth every penny. So, let those words be your guide. Conclusion: Fantastic restaurant with great service and scrumptious food. Get the crab cake! read more