Welcome to Ships Cafe Restaurant and Crab House
"Ships Cafe Restaurant and Crab House is a beloved seafood haven in Catonsville, MD, offering a delightful dining experience. Known for their delicious crabs, generous portions, and reasonable prices, this hometown gem has won the hearts of locals. With personalized service, tasty mussels, and mouthwatering garlic bread, it's a must-visit spot. Despite occasional reservation woes due to high demand, the overall dining experience is worth it. Whether you're a crab enthusiast or looking for a great lunch spot, Ships Cafe is sure to exceed your expectations and leave you planning your next visit."
- 828 Frederick Rd Ste 1 Catonsville, MD 21228828 Frederick Rd Ste 1 Catonsville, MD 21228 Hotline: (410) 744-1838
Welcome to **Ships Cafe Restaurant and Crab House**, a hidden gem nestled in Catonsville, Maryland. Located at 828 Frederick Rd Ste 1, this delightful eatery is dedicated to serving a delicious variety of seafood and exceptional dishes that are sure to please every palate. With a phone number for reservations at (410) 744-1838, you can ensure a seat at this buzzing local favorite.
Ships Cafe embraces the vibrant spirit of a classic crab house while offering a broad menu that caters to a diverse crowd. From the moment you enter, you are enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home, making it the perfect spot for family gatherings or intimate dinners. Patrons rave about their incredible crabs, with many describing them as “absolutely delicious” and “very meaty.” The crabs are a must-try, but they also sell out quickly, so arriving early or making a reservation is advisable to secure this much-loved dish.
The menu features a wide array of tantalizing options, including the crowd-pleasing Chicken Caesar Wrap for just $8.99 and the delectable Seafood Platter priced at $45.99. For something uniquely delicious, try the Stuffed Shrimp at $33.99 or the Bacon BBQ Shrimp at $19.99—both acclaimed by customers who savor the blend of flavors. Even non-seafood lovers aren't left out, with choices like the hearty Cheesesteak for $8.99 and Fish Tacos for $12.99. There is truly something for everyone here!
Feedback from local patrons highlights the attentive service—many mention the friendly staff who are well-versed in the menu and eager to make recommendations. Anecdotes about enjoying the Coconut Shrimp, paired with a fruity cocktail, create a sense of community and togetherness that makes this dining experience even more special. However, it’s worth noting that the restrooms could use a bit of attention—a minor quibble in an otherwise delightful setting.
Overall, Ships Cafe Restaurant and Crab House stands out as a vibrant nautical-themed eatery with a menu that offers a delightful mix of classic crab dishes and creative seafood options. With its warm ambiance and exceptional service, this restaurant has rightfully earned a loyal following. Whether you are a seafood lover or simply in search of a welcoming dining spot, Ships Cafe is ready to exceed your expectations.

Welp! Ships you still good in my book! Nice to have a hometown restaurant with quality food, portion and cost! The crabs are STILL absolutely delicious ! Service was very delightful at my last visit. We have been 2times in the past two weeks. It's such a great place to be that the bar never had seating tables available and you may not get a table if no reservation is made. But, we have lucked up both occasions and sat in a low light a d intimate area if the restaurant. If being seated closely to other tables is a con, this may not be the place for you. Now let's get into these crabs!!

Finally came to this crab house. Of course we had the crabs. We got mediums size crabs that were very meaty with corn on the cob. I also had the mussels and garlic bread. Unfortunately, they sold out of crabs by 6pm. Several people that came in with reservations left because their primary reason for coming was for the crabs. Other crab houses that I've gone to with reservations will confirm and hold your crabs for your reservation. Note: If you make reservations, confirm if they will reserve your crabs also.

** long overdue review as I visited before Covid ** Great individualized service by Patty. I've visited twice. Once for lunch and again for crabs!! Lunch was pretty good. Better than average. The crabs were AMAZING!! I'm looking forward to returning !!

After reading the numerous reviews from subpar food to not so great service, I was quite worried about visiting Ships. Howevvvver, I was pleasantly surprised with my experience! I visited a friend for lunch here. She suggested the place & said that they were pretty good, as she visited here before, for the crabs. Although I'm not a crab eater, I must admit that the crabs looked pretty juicy and delicious! The restaurant has a warm, neighborhood-y atmosphere. It's pretty large as well! They have a bar side, a dining side and a second floor dining area. My friend and I sat on the main floor dining area, where we could look out onto the Main Street. Our waitress was very pleasant. She gave us insight on what was popular on the menu and what wasn't. The menu is pretty extensive, so if you're not sure of what you want, you may be a bit overwhelmed with the choices they offer! My friend chose a dozen crabs and I had a tasty fish sandwich with fries. The fish was pretty good- AND BIG! Two nicely sized fish filets on a toasty bun and a slice of American cheese with lettuce and mayo. The dish that took the spotlight for me was the coconut shrimp, though! My goodness, they were SO good!!! It came with a blackberry sauce, but I also asked for a side of blue cheese. Omg, everything was filling and delicious. I had a cocktail, but I forgot the name of it. It was fruity and sweet. I enjoyed it, for sure. The only isolated negative was the bathroom. It was in a very awkward area, literally adjacent to the kitchen. There was only one toilet and was not that clean. The sink was old and grimy and...sigh...the whole restroom was in serious need of an upgrade. That may have been the only thing keeping this from being five stars. Overall, I would love to visit here again and try a few other items on the menu, including those delicious coconut shrimp!