I walked in feeling half-hungry and fully skeptical—I’d been told it was legendary, but names carry noise. Inside, the room felt warm and lively, like stepping into someone’s welcoming den. Wooden booths, framed crab pots, laughter echoing off the walls—this wasn’t a restaurant, it was a celebration of Chesapeake tradition.

I sat down, the salt-laced air nudging my appetite. I ordered their steamed Maryland crabs and a crab cake sandwich. When the platter arrived, the crabs were hefty, glossy with Old Bay, their sweet, briny scent impossible to ignore. The server cracked one open for me—steam curled into the air—and I thought, “This is the sound of summer by the water.”

Each bite was a mix of smoky seasoning and succulent crab meat, pure Chesapeake sunshine. The crab cake sandwich followed: golden-crisp on the outside, the cake inside full of lump crab, barely any filler, just enough binder to hold it together. A hush puppy and shell-shattered hush of delight later, I realized I hadn’t taken a breath between bites.

The place buzzed with chatter—families, friends, regulars who tossed nicknames and stories across tables. A TV in the corner showed an Orioles game, crowd cheers occasionally rising above the clatter. I found a quiet corner and thought, “Some things taste like where they belong.”

When I left, the night air felt cooler, but I carried that warmth with me. Costas Inn wasn’t just about crabs—it was about feeling rooted for a moment, a communal nod to a Maryland summer evening shared with strangers who weren’t strangers anymore.

Costas Inn At a Glance

  • Drive time from downtown Baltimore: About 20 minutes
  • Address: 4100 North Point Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21222
  • Best Time to Visit: Weekday evenings or weekends—reservations recommended for crab season
  • Vibe: Casual, family-friendly, energetic Maryland crab house
  • Highlights: Steamed crabs, jumbo lump crab cakes, crab soup, hush puppies
  • Facilities: Ample parking lot, full bar, TVs showing sports
  • Cost: Mid-range; crabs priced by the dozen
  • Hours: Daily 11 am–9 pm (10 pm Fri–Sat)
  • Food Nearby: Primarily seafood-focused; nearby options include Salty Dog’s Crab House and Captain Jimmy’s Crab House

Recommended For

  • Seafood Lovers: Feast on daily-delivered, hand-sorted crabs and legendary lump crab cakes.
  • Locals & Tourists: Experience an authentic Baltimore institution with down-to-earth charm and big flavor.
  • Sports Fans: Catch every NFL game on Sunday nights with great food and ten massive plasma TVs.
  • Nightlife Seekers: Enjoy live music on Fridays and lively karaoke on Saturday nights.

Highlights

  • World-Famous Crabs: Flown in fresh daily and expertly prepared for peak flavor and quality.
  • Crab Cakes: A must-try menu item packed with sweet lump crab and local spice.
  • Entertainment Nights: Friday live music, Saturday karaoke, and Sunday NFL watch parties.
  • Nationwide Shipping: Order their famous crabs and seafood online, delivered anywhere in the U.S.

Visitor Tips

  • Arrive early on weekends—tables fill quickly for live entertainment and football nights.
  • Try the soups and steaks too—the menu offers something for every palate.
  • Order online in advance if you're planning to ship seafood for a special occasion.
  • Casual attire is welcome—Costas is all about comfort, flavor, and fun.

Local Vibe

Costas Inn is a welcoming, no-frills crab house that captures the heart of Baltimore’s seafood culture—where community, music, and Old Bay seasoning come together under one roof.

Location

Address: 4100 Northpoint Blvd., Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410-477-1975