POV: You want the best crab cake you've ever had, but it's 4 hours away in Ocean City, Maryland :( This one is worth the drive. After all the summers going to O.C., Md, this was my first visit to The Original Crabcake Factory, but it wouldn't be my last. It was within walking distance of my hotel and had enough seating for the post-season crowd gathered on a Saturday evening. The crab cake was so good and must've been held together by fairy kisses and baby's breath, because there was NO filler. Our excellent server recommended the homemade coleslaw and it did not disappoint. Cut to the next morning and me and my girls showed up for brunch. The 3 of us got crab omelettes, crab bisque, more crab cakes, and more crab-infused dishes. All delicious and all worth another trip to OC!

Wife and I came here for dinner. It's simple decor inside, nothing fancy, but the crab cakes and the crab bisque are both excellent. Also, the quantity is better than one gets closer to the OC Boardwalk. Beer choice is good, I just went for a Yuengling lager (my wife wanted some of it and it was the only one she consented to!)

This place wasn't too far away from where we were staying so we decided to give them a try. Our food was delicious. We got the colossal lump crab cakes a standard orange crush, the cheesecake dessert and the crab dip. I am a SUCKER for crab dip and it was probably the best I've had in OC. Hooked has a really good crab dip, too- but this one has that sour cream-heavy/tangy cheese taste that is hard to beat. I would come back just for that dip! We had great service. Why it got four stars instead of five: A couple near us got burgers and the gentleman complained that their food wasn't that good. (Yet I believe they ate it ALL.) I can't speak to why anyone would get a burger at a coastal crabcake restaurant but I guess they were in the mood for that? I don't know. Our food was great. I did think it was a bit on the pricey side. The two of us had a full course meal with two drinks (beer and crush) crab dip app, two crabcake platters and a cheesecake slice and it was well over $100. For that price I would expect a more unique or cozier dining experience, instead we had some very drunk folks at the bar shout-singing all the club hits. Totally cool for a Joes Crab Shack but not great when folks are dining nearby. So that's why I knocked off a star. I think it is priced a bit too high even in the resort town atmosphere. Again- our food and service was great and I look forward to visiting next year, but the price didn't match the ambiance for us and I did want to share the table next to us was very unsatisfied. We will be back for that delicious crab dip and lump crab cakes!

(August 2024) Two years ago, my wife and I drove by this place and thought that this seems like a good place for dinner since we both love crabcakes. Earlier tonight (August 30), we finally made it in. It was a little after 5pm and the place was packed, including more people just waiting to be seated. One patron told us there were seats at the bar. Luckily, we were able to get the last two seats. The place has a dive-bar feel, which was what we were in the mood for. My wife and I both ordered the 5 ounce colossal crabcake platter ($30) with zucchini and squash medley and fries as my sides, while she chose the coleslaw and macaroni and cheese as hers. Everything was absolutely amazing! One of the best crabcakes I've ever had! The bar service was ok overall as one of the guys was really attentive while the other was not as attentive, as he was off doing other back bar duties. Again, it was packed so I shouldn't be so picky. Finally, be prepared to park a block or two away as there's no parking lot next to the restaurant.

The place was busy, no real parking, just street parking. The inside was pretty small and loud. Service was good. Our server had multiple tables but she kept up well. The Bloody Mary was delicious bcus all of the crab, but the mix was mediocre. Food was good.. fries just a little soggy, but otherwise good.

The last meal I had before leaving OC, and quite possibly the best! My friend and I started with the mussels that came to our table steaming hot! We ate them quickly. We shared our tacos, two to an order. I think the crab cake ones were likely a crab cake cut in half and placed in each tortilla. Should be for $19! The sauce on top complimented the flavor. Same with the tacos with the large grilled shrimp. We thoroughly enjoyed both. The crush (I can't remember the flavor, but it wasn't orange) was very potent. I will be back during my next trip to the beach.

I expected that several OC restaurants shut down in the off-season, but I was surprised at just how many! Fortunately, the Crabcake Factory was ready and willing to serve this California expat. Don't let the fact that this is a micro-chain of three locations deter you. You probably know that Bloody Marys are a "thing" here, and part of the reason is that they're GOOD! And you don't have to get the crazy ones with all the food piled on top. Basic ones are just $10 with spicy pickled green beans, Old Bay on the rim and enough vodka that you can taste it. Crab Bisque was amazing and a good value at $9 per cup. Chunks of crab everywhere. I've had dozens of Conch Fritters ($15) in The Bahamas over the years, so I can tell you that these are authentic and good. Three of us went with Crabcake Sandwiches ($23) which were great, as expected. Even the tomato slices were great. Mom opted for the Crabcake Platter ($24) with double green beans as her sides. The beans tasted fresh, crisp and garlicky...delicious. They didn't miss the details. Even the kettle chips were good. We were stuffed and had to enjoy those at home! Literally not a bad bite in the whole meal. Great service from Daniella.

We had a reasonable lunch with the kids. The colossal Crabcake, the one with 100% crab, was very good. The crab pretzel was good. The burger and cheesesteak were hits with the kids. Fries were crispy and tasty. Prices were okay except for the crab which was $34 for a 5 ounce crab cake with fries and a small side salad. Overall it was pretty good. Nothing amazing but solid.

Stopped in with a party of 8 for breakfast while in the area. I didn't realize Crabcake Factory did breakfast until we were staying in the area and saw their sign outside. When we looked at the menu- it was quite extensive and looked great. Wasn't able to get photos of everything we got- happens when you are with 4 hungry children. Started off with their beignets which everyone loved especially the kids. Highly recommend these!! True to real beignets if you have ever visited New Orleans. Variety of breakfast options were chosen at the table from their Big Daddy breakfast to the Eggs Benedict with a Crabcake. Everyone enjoyed their food, but it was a hearty breakfast so prepared to go hungry and leave FULL! They have small breakfast options too- avocado toast, bagel sandwiches.... They also have a kids menu which was helpful for our smaller guys. Plenty of breakfast drinks to be had only bummer is they were out of champagne so no mimosas for us that morning. We got there right when they opened for breakfast and were sat right away but as we were leaving there was a line and a wait so I would recommend going early.... They open at 9am. Solid breakfast option when in OCMD- who knew? Not me!