Best Seafood Restaurants in Frederick MD | Fresh Catch Dining
Fresh catches, oyster bars, and coastal cuisine in Maryland's interior
Landlocked Seafood Excellence
Frederick's best seafood includes Lazy Fish (4.6β Google, creative sushi with uni + toro tuna), Monocacy Crossing (4.8β OpenTable, acclaimed crab cakes), JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House (4.3β , crab cakes + goat cheese salmon salad), Hootch & Banter (4.4β , rich crab dip), and The Orchard (4.4β , salmon dishes). Daily Chesapeake Bay deliveries ensure fresh catches despite Frederick's inland location.
The best seafood restaurants in Frederick MD include Lazy Fish (4.6β Google, creative sushi with uni + toro tuna), Monocacy Crossing (4.8β OpenTable, acclaimed crab cakes), JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House (4.3β , crab cakes + goat cheese salmon salad), Hootch & Banter (4.4β , rich gooey crab dip), and The Orchard (4.4β , salmon dishes). Despite being inland, daily Chesapeake Bay deliveries keep Frederick's seafood fresh and authentic.
5 Best Seafood Restaurants in Frederick MD
1. Lazy Fish
Location: Downtown Frederick Β· Cuisine: Japanese/Sushi Β· Price: $$β$$$ Β· Rating: 4.6/5 (Google)
Frederick's top seafood destination and highest-rated sushi restaurant. Lazy Fish serves creative rolls alongside premium fish like uni (sea urchin) and toro tuna β a rare find outside major cities. The crunch rolls are a crowd favorite, while the intimate window seats overlooking downtown make it ideal for date nights. At 4.6 stars on Google, it's one of the best-rated restaurants in Frederick across any category.
2. Monocacy Crossing
Location: Frederick Β· Cuisine: Contemporary American/Steakhouse Β· Price: $$$$ Β· Rating: 4.8/5 (OpenTable), 4.3/5 (TripAdvisor)
Monocacy Crossing serves the most acclaimed crab cakes in Frederick β a fine-dining preparation with generous lump crab meat and minimal filler that showcases Maryland's seafood heritage. The 4.8-star OpenTable rating reflects exceptional quality across the menu. Expect an upscale experience with prices to match, but the seafood is worth it for special occasions.
3. JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House
Location: Frederick Β· Cuisine: American Fusion Β· Price: $$β$$$ Β· Rating: 4.3/5 (326 reviews)
JoJo's offers excellent seafood in a casual setting, with well-regarded crab cakes and a warm goat cheese salad topped with salmon. The fusion approach brings creative preparations to familiar seafood dishes. It's a more accessible price point than Monocacy Crossing while still delivering quality Maryland seafood.
4. Hootch & Banter
Location: Downtown Frederick Β· Cuisine: Elevated Pub Β· Price: $$β$$$ Β· Rating: 4.4/5 (143 reviews)
Hootch & Banter's rich, gooey crab dip is one of Frederick's best Maryland crab preparations β a must-order appetizer that showcases Chesapeake Bay crab in a decadent pub-style format. Pair it with a creative cocktail from their innovative bar program for the full experience.
5. The Orchard
Location: Frederick Β· Cuisine: American/Healthy Β· Price: $$β$$$ Β· Rating: 4.4/5 (288 reviews)
The Orchard features well-prepared salmon dishes as part of its health-conscious menu. While not a dedicated seafood restaurant, their fish preparations are consistently praised, and the lighter cooking style lets the quality of the fish shine through.
Crab Houses, Oyster Bars & Classic Seafood Spots
Beyond the top five, Frederick has a second tier of dedicated seafood houses that deliver the Chesapeake crab-and-oyster experience the region is known for. Avery's Maryland Grille (9009 Baltimore Rd, 4.6β , 2,157 reviews) is the highest-rated dedicated seafood restaurant in our directory, a Maryland-grille favorite for crab cakes and Chesapeake-style dishes. Westpointe Crab House (1440 W Patrick St, 4.5β ) is a true crab house for the steamed-blue-crab, paper-on-the-table feast during Maryland crab season, while Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar (41 S Market St, 4.3β ) anchors downtown with raw and steamed shellfish and a lively happy hour.
For dependable chain options, Bonefish Grill (1305 W 7th St, 4.5β ) wood-grills fresh fish and publishes a full gluten-free menu, and Red Lobster (1020 W Patrick St, 4.4β ) covers casual family seafood. Cameron's Seafood (5731 Buckeystown Pike) is the market-and-restaurant hybrid for crabs and steamed shellfish to eat in or take home.
| Venue | Address | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avery's Maryland Grille | 9009 Baltimore Rd | 4.6 (2,157) | Crab cakes & Maryland grille |
| Bonefish Grill | 1305 W 7th St | 4.5 (1,291) | Wood-grilled fish, gluten-free menu |
| Westpointe Crab House | 1440 W Patrick St | 4.5 (194) | Steamed blue crabs |
| Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar | 41 S Market St | 4.3 (849) | Oysters & happy hour |
| Red Lobster | 1020 W Patrick St | 4.4 (2,013) | Casual family seafood |
| Cameron's Seafood | 5731 Buckeystown Pike | 3.8 (251) | Crab market & takeout |
Seafood Dining Tips
For the best crab cakes: Monocacy Crossing (fine dining, $$$$ ) for special occasions; JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House for a casual alternative. Hootch & Banter's crab dip is the best casual crab preparation.
For sushi: Lazy Fish is the clear #1 β the only Frederick restaurant with premium fish like uni and toro. Request window seats for the most romantic experience.
For freshness: Ask about delivery days. Mid-week visits (TueβThu) often offer the freshest fish, as restaurants receive deliveries that supply weekend service. Chesapeake Bay oysters peak SeptemberβApril (months with 'R').
Tips & Guidelines
Ask About Delivery Days
Fresh seafood arrives on specific days at each restaurant. Ask when deliveries occur and time visits for maximum freshness, typically within 24-48 hours of delivery.
Try Local Specialties
Maryland seafood traditions shine in Frederick restaurants. Order crab cakes, oysters from Chesapeake Bay, and regional preparations that showcase local seafood heritage.
Check Daily Specials
Fresh catch availability varies daily. Restaurants with strongest seafood programs offer daily specials based on best available fish rather than fixed menus.
Consider Raw Bar Options
Oyster bars and raw seafood programs indicate serious seafood commitment. Fresh oysters, ceviche, and crudo demonstrate kitchen confidence in ingredient quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seafood restaurants in Frederick MD? βΌ
Top seafood restaurants include Lazy Fish (4.6β Google, creative sushi with uni + toro tuna), Monocacy Crossing (4.8β OpenTable, acclaimed crab cakes + fine dining), JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House (4.3β , crab cakes + goat cheese salmon salad), Hootch & Banter (4.4β , rich gooey crab dip), and The Orchard (4.4β , salmon dishes).
Where can I get the best crab cakes in Frederick? βΌ
Monocacy Crossing (4.8β on OpenTable) serves the most acclaimed crab cakes in Frederick β a fine-dining preparation with lump crab meat and minimal filler. JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House also offers well-regarded crab cakes in a more casual setting. Hootch & Banter's rich crab dip is another Maryland crab standout.
Where is the best sushi in Frederick MD? βΌ
Lazy Fish (4.6β Google) is Frederick's top sushi destination, known for creative rolls and premium fish including uni (sea urchin) and toro tuna. The intimate setting with romantic window seats makes it ideal for date nights.
Where can I get steamed crabs in Frederick? βΌ
Westpointe Crab House at 1440 W Patrick St (4.5 stars) offers the classic Maryland steamed-blue-crab, paper-on-the-table experience, and Cameron's Seafood at 5731 Buckeystown Pike sells crabs to dine in or take home. Blue crab season peaks late spring through early fall.
Is there an oyster bar in Frederick? βΌ
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar at 41 S Market St (4.3 stars, 849 reviews) is downtown Frederick's oyster bar, serving raw and steamed shellfish with a lively happy hour.
What seafood is local to Frederick? βΌ
While Frederick is inland, Maryland's Chesapeake Bay heritage drives the seafood scene. Blue crabs, oysters from Bay waters, rockfish (striped bass), and seasonal fish arrive via daily refrigerated deliveries. Monocacy Crossing and JoJo's source regional seafood for authentic Maryland preparations.
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