About
When you want the best crab cakes, raw bar, and maritime ambiance, set sail for the Boatyard Bar & Grill!
Dick Franyo, a former investment banker, opened the eatery in 2001. The Boatyard grew out of his lifelong passion for sailing, fishing, and dining on Chesapeake Bay seafood. He also combined his joy spent in beachside bars from Maine to Key West.
From the get-go, Franyo's goal was to serve fresh, top-quality seafood in a yacht-club-like setting where sailors, locals, and yacht owners mingled. Based upon the awards and journalism accolades in these areas, Franyo hit the bullseye!
Speaking of notoriety, Baltimore Magazine lists Boatyard Bar & Grill's crab cakes as some of the best in the state. Other notable publications rank Boatyard as one of the world's best sailing and boating restaurants!
Being centrally located makes it easy-peasy to combine meals with your sightseeing schedule. Spend your morning perusing the gardens at the 340-acre Quiet Waters Park, followed by a meal at Boatyards. Or after exploring the homes and museums of the Colonial Annapolis Historic District, celebrate with crab cakes and a cold pint.
When quality, authenticity, and congeniality are on the docket, make way to the Boatyard Bar & Grill. Here, the lines blur between a working boatyard and a vibrant eatery.
Vibe
The restaurant's vibrant painted planks and shutters, and tin roof tell you that this is the Real McCoy. A large white tent out front offers outdoor dining even if the weather changes.
The interior resembles the interior of an old yacht. Picture high ceilings painted seafoam green, white wood rafters, and siding. A myriad of photos, flags, and maritime keepsakes fill the walls. Suspended from the ceiling are stuffed game fish, adding to the eye-catching decor.
While the interior resembles a yacht, don't equate this with a stuffy vibe with diners in jackets and ties. The setting attracts a Jimmy Buffett-like crowd, where flip-flops and polos are the norm.
With its easygoing spirit and Chesapeake-themed ambiance, Boatyard Bar & Grill promises an authentic dining experience.
Boatyard Bar & Grill: Menu & Drinks
Let's start with the star of the show, the legendary crab cakes! These baseball-sized gems are seasoned with Old Bay and packed with sweet lump crab meat, with less filler. Held together with just a hint of egg, mayo, and breadcrumbs, the cakes are broiled to a golden crust and come with house tartar sauce. With one bite, you'll discover why diners and publications rank them as the best in Maryland!
Next up is the renowned raw bar. With your pick of off-the-boat-fresh oysters, shrimp, clams, and mussels, you're in for an epicurean delight.
Equally impressive and meal-worthy are the starters. A prime example is the Eastport Steamer Sampler. The seafood includes middle-neck clams, jumbo Gulf shrimp, PEI mussels, and diver scallops. These are steamed in beer and Old Bay spice with andouille sausage, Yukon potatoes, and sweet Vidalia onions. This mound of deliciousness comes with a hunk of crispy French bread, cocktail sauce, and drawn butter.
We'd be hard-pressed to list all the mouthwatering seafood options, but the choices are bountiful. From fish and chips to salmon, daily catches, and fish tacos, there's something for everyone.
While seafood reigns, there are some land-lover options. A standout is the Ginger Soy Hanger Steak, featuring a ½-pound cut marinated in a ginger-soy tonkatsu. The steak is cooked to order and comes with smashed potatoes and fresh vegetables of the day.
After a day in the Bay with Schooner Woodwind Sailing Cruises, toast your adventure with any of the beverages. Craft cocktails offer creative takes on classics with a Chesapeake twist, while the beer and wine list will pair with anything on the menu.
Dining at Boatyard Bar & Grill is a rite of passage when vacationing in Annapolis.
Local Tips
- The restaurant is first-come, first-served; plan accordingly.
- Happy Hour is Monday through Thursday from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM.
- Order carry-out and enjoy your meal in the comfort of your rental.
- The Cap'n Kids Meals make it family-friendly.
