February 27th, 2011

Crab Bag, Restaurant, Review, Crab House, Ocean City, Maryland, Natty Bohs?, Steamed Crabs, Haven!!

By early afternoon, yesterday, we knew we were going to eat crabs.  Years ago there was a small crab house in Ocean City, Maryland that we loved to go.  As it happens, it was falling all around them.  Anyway, that’s what Nolan, the owner, told me last night.  In the past few years it was rebuilt into one amazing crab house.  You can smell Old Bay seasoning as you approach the restaurant.

The Crab Bag is located at 13005 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD.  Tel. is 410-250-3337.  It opens at 9:00 a.m. serving breakfast and even though it is a full crab house, they offer so many other things to eat; seafood, steaks, hamburgers, sandwiches and salads.  Their website is www.occrabbag.com but it is under construction at the moment.  You can still go on it and download their menu.  You can also find them on Facebook.

I really go there for the crabs.  It has been quite some time since I had been there.  Crabs, at this time of the year, are coming pretty much from Louisiana.  Last night they were offering all you can eat or you could order by the dozen.  I ordered by the dozen; only the biggest ones.  Crabs are also expensive during these months, but every single table was taken at the Crab Bag. 

The Crab Bag has two floors with decks and outdoor dining, as well.  It is February so everyone was indoors.  

There is nothing better than picking crabs in a crab house.  It is loud, people are hammering away, drinking; a constant chatter.  It is the perfect way to establish conversation.  Your hands are fast working, grabbing those lumps of crab meat.

But then, of course, if you are a true Baltimorean, then there is no better way to accompany those steamed, extra large crabs than with a Natty Boh.  It has to be very cold too.  Frosted glass, the best!!

Natty Bohs (National Bohemian) is back in Baltimore after a 15 year absence.  Steamed crabs and Natty Bohs define Baltimore.  It has always been a tradition.

We sat on the second level and that had another full bar but not as many tables.  Mike was our waiter and he was busy.  He was very good; attentive and fast. 

We started with some steamed clams; middle necks, chargrilled with fresh shallots, celery, green peppers, spices, Parmesan cheese and bacon.  They were tasty and went fast.

Then our crabs arrived, steaming hot.  Mike asked us if we wanted vinegar, melted butter, and Old Bay.  My answer?  All of the above.

We dug into the crabs; they were heavy, juicy and sweet!!  Perfection.  To me, there is nothing like the Maryland blue crab.  Not in season?  Then, this is the next best thing.

Some steamed corn complemented the crabs.  The corn was nice and sweet for this time of the year.  Don’t know where it was coming from, though.

Nolan, the owner, stopped by to see how everything was.  It really was very good and the service was the best.  No complaints. 

We left the Crab Bag, still full of customers enjoying what the Delmarva Peninsula is known for. We told Nolan that we had come to get our crab fix for the week-end.  He in turn told us that there are people that stop by 2 times a week for crabs.  Cannot get enough!!!  I agree because I can’t either.

See you later...

Talk to you soon….you know I will….