Old Bay and crab cakes, that's what Maryland is known for. But which crab cake is the best?
Having grown up in Maryland, I am well aware that we are extremely picky and prideful when it comes to Old Bay and our crab cakes. Especially when it comes to figuring out which restaurant has the best crab cakes.
I'm not going to waste your time and give you a list of the '10 best crab cakes in Baltimore'.
Nope. I narrowed it down to a single choice. In the words of Clancy Brown, "there can be only one".
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I can't take all the credit for discovering this life changing restaurant. It was my dad who stumbled upon this hole-in-the-wall business after a long day of work.
A foodie just like me, my dad is always looking for great restaurants (especially ones with good crab cakes).
In Maryland, we're super picky about our crab cakes. We love them so much that we won't order them from any other state. If we do, they aren't as dense, creamy or flavorful as one from Maryland.
Maybe it's the Old Bay or just the Maryland pride that sets our crab cakes apart. Oh, in case you're wondering, Old Bay is a seasoning that was created in Baltimore by McCormick and Company. We put it on everything. Potato chips, burgers, popcorn, and I've even had it in ice cream (personally not my favorite, I prefer a classic mint chocolate chip).
Anyway, back to crab cakes and me not wasting your time. Before I reveal the restaurant, I need to ask you one question, so you can gain a deeper appreciation for this food.
How many crab cakes do you think this restaurant sells in a week?
Nope. It's more than that.
1,000!
I told you Marylanders are obsessed. Not that I have any room to judge as I write an entire article about it.
It's name?
Koco's Pub!
This is where you'll find the best crab cake in Baltimore! For under thirty dollars you'll get a crab cake, fries and a side of coleslaw.
What makes this 11 oz. concoction the best crab cake is it's large size, chunky crab meat, perfectly seasoned creaminess, and its crispy, but not too crunchy, outside texture.
It's no wonder they keep this recipe on the down-low and only allow a few of their employees to know their secret ingredients!
Let me just revisit that real quick. An 11 oz crab cake. Not to be gross or anything but that's as heavy as the average human heart.
What makes this restaurant unique (besides their 11 oz. crab cakes) is the ambiance. I believe Bill Addison said it best- "Crab cultists swear by this canary yellow Lauraville shack that's best described as the Bay meets the Bahamas."
They are more than just a crab cake restaurant though.
They love connecting with locals and creating a relaxed family-friendly environment.
For one, they joke that unattended kids will be given an espresso and a free puppy.
Additionally, Koco's is a family-owned and operated restaurant that originally started out as a pub.
And they have gluten-free options available upon request.
But best of all...
If you can't make it to Maryland to experience the welcoming atmosphere and Maryland pride in person, they'll ship you crab cakes! What are you waiting for? Order yours now.