From seafood to sweets, Dorchester County offers up delectable tastes
Restaurants and bars in Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore are open with indoor dining; many also have outdoor seating (weather permitting) and/or carry-out. Because some places are experiencing staffing challenges, it’s best to call ahead to make sure they’re open.
The listing below includes independent Dorchester County restaurants, as well as local food producers serving up everything from produce to seafood to meat. Delivery service and some errands are offered through the local business Beat the Rush Delivery. Some restaurants use DoorDash.
If you have any updates to this guide, please send them to info@visitdorchester.org.
Top picks for delicious crabs, oysters, and fish
Seafood is big here in Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Our watermen harvest crabs, oysters, fish, and more. Crab and oyster season Crab season is April through Dec. 15; oyster season is Oct. 1 through March 31, but you can get crabmeat and farmed oysters all year long. You’ll find crab and oyster dishes in many of our restaurants – crab cakes, crab soup, crab dip; plus oysters on the half shell, fried oysters, oysters Rockefeller, and more. Enjoy the goodness in our restaurants or bring a cooler so you can take some local seafood home. A few ideas:
- Despite its odd name, Suicide Bridge Restaurant, in the tiny town of Secretary, has become a popular destination for its wide range of crab, oyster, and other seafood dishes.
- People routinely make the 40-minute scenic drive from Cambridge to Old Salty’s Restaurant on Hoopers Island because they can’t get enough of the local seafood – and because of the one-of-a-kind drive through authentic watermen’s villages. Among the favorites are crab cakes and soft shell crab sandwiches.
- Restaurants such as Jimmie & Sook’s and Maryland Blue (open all year long) as well as Ocean Odyssey Crab House & Restaurant (usually open April through November) are known for their commitment to using local seafood in their dishes.
- Prefer to take your seafood with you? Pick up oysters (some places offer both in the shell and already shucked) directly from the grower through the Choptank Oyster Co., Fat Duck Oysters, Honga Oyster Company, Hoopers Island Oyster Co., Mad House Oysters, Pirate’s Cove Oyster Company, or W.M. Abbott & Son oysters. Some also offer shipping. You can also pick up oysters, crabmeat, and other seafood at markets such as Hoopers Island Seafood Market, J.M. Clayton Company, Kool Ice & Seafood, Lindy’s Seafood, Soft & Salty Seafood, or Total Fine Foods Outlet Store.
ArtBar
2.0
New restaurant, lounge, and art gallery offers food, drink, music, dancing, and a passion for the arts. Open Thursday to Sunday at 420 B Race Street in Cambridge. Event space available.
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Ava’s
Pizzeria
Indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting) available. 443-205-4350. Also offering carry-out; order online. Usually open 11:30am-9pm (til 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Closed Wednesdays.
Website
Bay Country
Bakery
Donuts, breads, pastries, pies, breakfast sandwiches, and more. Usually open Mon-Sat 7am-1pm, in store and drive-through. They’re also accepting custom cake orders.
Facebook page
Bella’s of
Cambridge
Pizza, strombolis, more. Carryout; 410-901-3394; Outdoor seating available (weather permitting). Menu on their Facebook page. Usually open Sun-Thurs, 12pm-8pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-9pm.
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Black Water
Bakery
Indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting) as well as carry-out. Usually open Thursday through Monday, 7am-3pm. Order online at black-water-bakery.com.
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Blue
Ruin
Serving both inside and outside (weather permitting) with cocktails, beer, and wine, plus a full food menu for dinner and Sunday brunch. (Outdoor seating is out front and in the alley behind Blue Ruin.) Carry-out also available; order online. Some live music on weekends in their outdoor cocktail lounge. Usually open Tues-Thurs, 4pm-12am; Friday–Sat, 4pm-2am; Sunday, 10am-4pm. Closed Mondays.
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Boats & Hose
Restaurant
New restaurant located in the former Taylors Island Grille, 514 Taylors Island Rd., Taylors Island. Named for both the marina and volunteer fire company located by the restaurant. Serving up a variety of seafood. Open Thursday through Sunday.
Bombay
Social
Offering dine-in service, reserve at 443-515-0853 or online. Also offering carryout and delivery. Order online or at 443-515-0853. Usually open Tues-Thurs, 11am-2pm; 4-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-2pm; 4-9pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. 413 Muir St., Cambridge.
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Cambridge
Diner
Open for indoor dining, 6am-10pm daily. See menu on their website.
Cambridge
Farmers Market
More than a dozen vendors offer a wide range of food and beverages, including produce, meats, eggs, cheese, mushrooms, sweet treats, adult beverages, crafts, and more. Open Thursday from 3 to 6pm at Long Wharf in Cambridge. Usually open May through mid-October.
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Carmela’s
Cucina
Indoor dining with full menu. Outdoor seating (weather permitting) available only for limited menu items. Reserve at 410-221-8082. More details on their Facebook page.
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Choptank
Oyster Co.
Oysters available to general public; 443-521-6425 or order online.
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Cindy’s
Kitchen
Offering indoor dining. Open for breakfast and lunch; usually open Mon-Sat, 6am-2pm. See menu and specials on their Facebook page.
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Don Chuy
Taqueria
Open for dine-in or carry-out. 410-228-2969.
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Dorchester
Pizza
Serving pizza, wings, burgers, subs, and more. 100% fresh homemade dough. See menu on Facebook page. Located in Secretary.
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E&L Quick
Freeze
Open with breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, more. Carry-out. Check their Facebook page for daily specials.
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Emily’s
Produce
The market is open for in-person shopping usually April through December with produce, meats, cheeses, jams and jellies, as well as prepared foods, ice cream, baked goods, and more. In the winter months, Emily’s is still offering items for purchase online and for pick-up at the market.
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Great Expectations
Farm
Beef and pork, chicken, and speciality sausages; check Facebook page for latest. Located in Rhodesdale.
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Hoopers Island
General Store
Offering carryout service inside and call-ahead curbside delivery outside; 410-397-3123. Store is open with food/supplies. Usually open Mon-Sat 5:30am-7pm, Sun 8am-7pm.
Facebook page
Hoopers Isl.
Oyster Co.
Offering oysters and other seafood and seasonings in their store at 837 Chesapeake Drive, Unit B in Cambridge, MD. Also offering oysters harvested daily and shipped overnight. Contact 443-812-8366 or email oystersales@hoopersisland.com for more.
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J.M. Clayton
Company
Offering pasteurized crab meat and fresh crab meat in season. Usually open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. Order at 410-228-1661.
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Johnny’s
Tavern
Indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting). See menu on their Facebook page (click on Menu tab). Usually open Tues-Thurs, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 12-8pm. Closed Mon. 410-943-3624.
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Jones
Mini Mart
Open with snacks, alcohol, more.
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Katie’s at the
Airport
Offering indoor dining and limited outdoor seating (weather permitting). Also offering carry-out; call 410-901-8844. Usually open Mon-Tues 8am-7pm; Thurs-Sat 8am-8pm; Sun 8am-12pm. Closed Wed.
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Kool’s
Carry Out
Usually open Mon-Sat, 9am-7pm; 410-228-2828.
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Kool Ice
& Seafood
Open with lots of sales on seafood; Usually open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm; 410-228-2300.
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Layton’s Chance
Winery
Open with indoor seating inside the tasting room and, weather permitting, with outside seating (feel free to bring your own seating). Also open for to-go orders. Order online at laytonschance.com or at 410-228-1205. They also ship. Frequently offering live music and other events on weekends; check the schedule on their website. Usually open Mon-Thurs, 11am-5pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-6pm; Sun, 12-5pm.
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Lindy’s
Seafood
Open with crabs, oysters, mussels, clams, shrimp; order at 410-228-5032. Usually open daily, 9am-5pm during crab season; check their social media for hours during the off season.
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Madhouse
Oysters
Offering direct to consumer sales of locally farmed oysters. Order here.
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Instagram
Maiden Maryland
Sweets & Treats
Open with more than 30 flavors of ice cream. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
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Mandala
Pies
Offering made-from-scratch pies, both sweet and savory. Outdoor seating available. Full pies and slices available daily, preorders warmly welcomed but not required. See the menu and pre-order on the Mandala Pies website. Usually open Wednesday-Sunday 11-4pm.
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Millie’s
Roadhouse
Open for indoor seating and carry-out. Usually open Wed-Sat, 7am-9pm.
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Mom -n- Pop’s
Offering inside dining, take-out and delivery; 410-943-0222. Usually open Mon-Wed 6am-2pm, Thurs-Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 7am-2pm. 103 South Main St., Hurlock.
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Neck District
Grill
Indoor dining and carry-out. Outdoor seating available (weather permitting). Reserve at 410-228 3052. Breakfast and lunch daily (except Monday); dinners available only on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 5:30pm. Usually open Tues-Thurs, 5am-6pm; Fri-Sat, 5am-8pm; Sun, 8am-2pm. Closed Mon.
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Old Salty’s
Restaurant
Inside seating available; reserve at 410-397-3752. Carry-out also available. Usually open Wed-Sat, 11am-8 pm and Sun, 11am-6pm. Closed Mon and Tues. See menu at oldsaltys.com/menu.
Facebook page
Overflow
Cafe
Offering dinners to go with curbside pickup; pay what you want. (The base cost is usually $8 per meal.) Please pre-order at 443-477-6291. Pick up Tues-Thurs 5:30-7:30pm. Check their Facebook page for the week’s menu.
Facebook page
Palm Beach
Willie’s
Open seasonally, usually April through December. Offering indoor seating in their floating restaurant and outdoor seating at their outdoor tiki bar with water views. There’s often live music on weekends. Usually open Fri and Sat 12-10pm; Sun 12-8pm.
Facebook page
Paul’s
Pub
Eat in, carry out, curbside pick-up and business delivery; 410-901-1212. Beer, wine, mixed drinks also available. Outdoor seating available. Located inside Choptank Bowling Alley and Billiards.
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Pirate’s Cove
Oyster Company
Oyster farm on the Choptank River. Order online at piratescoveoysters.com.
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Instagram
Peking
House
Open for dine-in as well as carry-out. Order online at pekinghousecambridge.com. Open Mon-Thurs, 11am-9:30pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 12-10pm; Sun 12-9:30pm.
Facebook page
Pizza
Ziya
Open for carry-out and delivery; call 410-221-8585.
Plaza
Tapatia
Offering indoor dining and carry-out; 410-228-7808; menu at plazatapatia.com. Usually open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm; Sun 12pm-10pm; Sun 12pm-9:pm.
Porter Soul Food
Restaurant
Open for indoor dining, take-out, and drive-thru. See menu on their Facebook page. Order at 443-225-5175. Usually open Wed-Sat, 11am-7pm.
Facebook page
Portside
Restaurant
Full-service indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting). 410-228-9007. See menu. Usually open Mon and Wed-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm. Closed Tues.
Facebook page
Rise Up
Coffee
Cambridge location open regular hours. Outdoor seating available (weather permitting). Order online or by phone at 443-225-5734. Usually open daily, 6am-7pm.
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Simmons
Center Market
Produce, meats, paper products, cleaning supplies, etc. Stop in the store or do curbside or delivery; call 410-228-4313. Usually open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm., Sat 9am-3pm.
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Snapper’s
Waterfront Cafe
Open for indoor or outdoor dining (weather permitting) as well as carryout; order by phone at 410-228-0112. See the menu.
Website
Soft & Salty
Seafood
Hard crabs, peelers, crab meat, crab cakes, shrimp, and hot and cold prepared foods. Plus homemade ice cream and milkshakes. Call 410-476-3069.
Facebook page
Suicide Bridge
Restaurant
Full-service indoor dining, outdoor dining (weather permitting), as well as carry-out. Waterfront restaurant and outdoor tiki bar. Call 410-943-4689 to order carry-out; menu on Facebook page. Usually open Wed-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm.
Facebook page
Instagram
Taylors Island
Campground Store
Open Fri-Sun. Delivery available; call 410-397-3275.
T’s Divine
Sweets
Order online or call 443-477-6263; curbside pick-up.
Facebook page
Thaitalian
Infusion Cuisine
Delivery through Beat the Rush Delivery Service; order at 443-225-6615 or online.
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Theo’s Steaks,
Sides & Spirits
Full-service indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting). Reserve at 410-264-1295 or on their website. Usually open Wed, Thurs, and Sun 4-9pm, Fri and Sat 4-10pm. Serving Sunday brunch 10am-2pm.
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Total Fine Foods Outlet Store
Offering fresh and frozen foods including seafood, beef, pork, and poultry. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm.
Facebook
Rusticana
Pizza
Open for carry-out and delivery; order at 410-228-2399.
Facebook page
Vintage 414
Wine Bar
Wine, beer, and cocktails served with small plates, cheese boards, and flatbreads. Dine inside or outside (weather permitting) or carry-out. Offering special three-course carry-out meals on Thursdays; check social media for details. They’re also a retail shop with wine, beer, specialty foods, and gifts. Located at 414 Race St. Usually open Wed 11am-8pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 12-8pm.
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Warwick
River Cafe
Offering indoor seating.
Facebook page
Water’s Edge Grill
at the Hyatt
Indoor seating only for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open daily at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort.
Website
W.M. Abbott & Son
Oyster Co.
Now offering their farm-raised Fat Duck Oysters to the general public. Order at 443-614-4033. Learn more on their website.
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Woolford
Store
Eat on site or carry out. 410-228-3020; menu online here.
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