From seafood to sweets, Dorchester County offers up delectable tastes
Updated May 3, 2021
Restaurants and bars in Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore are currently allowed to offer indoor service (at 100% capacity, with tables spaced apart, masks worn when not eating, and other safety precautions). Outdoor seating is weather permitting. Not all restaurants are offering indoor seating at this time. Also, many restaurants continue to offer carry-out. Masks are required indoors except when you’re eating or drinking.
The Downtown Promenade is now open for expanded outdoor dining: the 500 block of Poplar Street in Downtown Cambridge is closed to vehicles from Fridays at 10am through Sundays at 6pm each weekend. This allows restaurants to expand their outdoor seating, and retail shops to set up displays outside.
The listing below includes independent Dorchester County restaurants that are currently open, as well as local food producers serving up everything from tomatoes to oysters. Delivery service and some errands are offered through the local business Beat the Rush Delivery. Some restaurants use Door Dash.
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. We’re now in the midst of crab season, while farmed oysters are available all year long. Wild oysters are available in the cooler months. 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.
- Prefer to take your seafood with you? Pick up foysters (some places offer both in the shell and already shucked) directly through the Choptank Oyster Co., Fat Duck Oysters, Honga Oyster Company, Hoopers Island Oyster Co., Kool Ice & Seafood, Lindy’s Seafood, Mad House Oysters, Soft & Salty Seafood, or W.M. Abbott & Son oysters.
Ava’s
Pizzeria
Indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting) available. 443-205-4350. Also offering carry-out; order online. Open Sun-Thurs, 11:30am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11:30am-10pm.
Website
Bay Country
Bakery
Donuts, breads, pastries, pies, breakfast sandwiches, and more. 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. Open Sun-Thurs, 11am-8pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-9pm.
Facebook page
Bistro
Poplar
Classic French bistro offering indoor dining as well as carry-out (online ordering here). Reserve at 410-228-4884. Open Thurs-Sat 5-9pm; Sun 5-11pm.
Facebook page
Instagram
Black Water
Bakery
Indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting) as well as carry-out. Open daily, 7am-3pm. Order online at black-water-bakery.com.
Facebook page | Instagram
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 in the alley behind Blue Ruin.) Carry-out also available; order online. Some live music on weekends in their outdoor cocktail lounge. Open Tues-Sat, 4pm-12am; Sunday, 10am-4pm. Trivia and karaoke starting at 7pm on Thursdays.
Facebook page | Instagram
Bombay
Social
Now open at their new location at 413 Muir St., Cambridge. Offering dine-in service, reservations required; call 443-515-0853. Also offering carryout and delivery. Order online or at 443-515-0853. Open Tues-Thurs, Sun 11am-2pm; 4-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-2pm; 4-9pm.
Facebook page
Cambridge
Diner
Open for indoor dining, 8am-8pm daily. See menu on their website.
Canvasback
Restaurant & Dart Bar
Open with indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting). 410-221-7888; menu on Facebook page. Some Wednesday evenings feature open mic night. Canvasback is open Tues-Sat 11am-10pm.
Facebook page
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.
Facebook page
Choptank
Oyster Co.
Oysters available to general public; 443-521-6425 or order online.
Facebook page
Cindy’s
Kitchen
Offering indoor dining. Open for breakfast and lunch; Mon-Sat, 6am-2pm. See menu and specials on their Facebook page.
Facebook page
DocoVino
Wine Bar & Boutique
Open both inside and outside (weather permitting; in front and in the alley behind the wine bar) with adult beverages and light fare menu. Often there’s live music on weekends; check their social media for the latest and for special events. Open Mon, Wed, Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-4pm.
Facebook page | Instagram
Don Chuy
Taqueria
Open for dine-in or carry-out. 410-228-2969.
Facebook page
Dorchester
Pizza
Serving pizza, wings, burgers, subs, and more. 100% fresh homemade dough. See menu on Facebook page. Located in Secretary.
Facebook page
E&L Quick
Freeze
Open with breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, more. Carry-out. Check their Facebook page for daily specials.
Facebook page
Emily’s
Produce
The market is open for in-person shopping with produce, meats, cheeses, jams and jellies, as well as prepared foods, ice cream, baked goods, and more. Or order online for curbside pickup or delivery. Open Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-6pm and Sat-Sun 9am-5pm.
Facebook page
Instagram
Fat Ricky’s
Pub & Grub
Offering indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting) as well as drive-through and delivery. Full, beer, wine, and liquor, including on-site and off-site carry-out alcohol. See the menu on their Facebook page. Offering live music on Saturdays, 6-9:30pm. Open Tues-Thurs and Sun 7am-10pm; Fri-Sat 7am-1am. 443-382-0257.
Facebook page
Governer’s Hall Restaurant
on the Choptank
Located at Governor’s Hall at Sailwinds Park. Open for dining. Entertainment on weekends. For more info, call 443-225-6283.
Facebook
Great Expectations
Farm
Beef and pork, chicken, and speciality sausages; check Facebook page for latest. Located in Rhodesdale.
Facebook page
Hoopers Island
General Store
Offering carryout service inside and call-ahead curbside delivery outside; 410-397-3123. Store is open with food/supplies. Open Mon-Sat 5am-7pm, Sun 8am-7pm.
Facebook page
Hoopers Isl.
Oyster Co.
Offering oysters. Contact 443-812-8366 or email oystersales@hoopersisland.com for more. Or pick them up at Simmons Center Market.
Facebook page
Jimmie &
Sook’s
News coming soon about re-opening plans! jimmieandsooks.com
Facebook page | Instagram
J.M. Clayton
Company
Open 8am-5pm with pasteurized crab meat and fresh crab. Order at 410-228-1661.
Facebook page
Johnny’s
Tavern
Indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting). See menu on their Facebook page (click on Menu tab). Open Tues-Thurs, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 12-8pm. Closed Mon. 410-943-3624.
Facebook page
Jones
Mini Mart
Open with snacks, alcohol, more.
Facebook page
Katie’s at the
Airport
Offering indoor dining and limited outdoor seating (weather permitting). Also offering carry-out; call 410-901-8844. Open Mon-Tues 8am-7pm; Thurs-Sat 8am-8pm; Sun 8am-12pm.
Facebook page
Kool’s
Carry Out
Open Mon-Sat, 7am-7pm; 410-228-2828.
Facebook page
Kool Ice
& Seafood
Open with lots of sales on seafood; Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm; 410-228-2300.
Facebook page
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’ll also ship. Frequently offering live music on weekends; check the schedule on their website. Open Mon-Thurs, 11am-5pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-6pm; Sun, 12-5pm.
Facebook
Instagram
Lil Bitta
Bull BBQ
Now open at their new location at 520 Race St. in Downtown Cambridge. Offering on-site dining and take-out. Open Wed-Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm.
Facebook page
Instagram
Lindy’s
Seafood
Open with crabs, oysters, mussels, clams, shrimp; order at 410-228-5032. Open daily, 9am-5pm.
Facebook page
Madhouse
Oysters
Now offering direct to consumer sales of locally farmed oysters. Order here.
Facebook
Instagram
Maiden Maryland
Sweets & Treats
Open with more than 30 flavors of ice cream. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Open Mon, Wed Thurs 11am-5pm, Fri-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12-5pm.
Facebook page
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. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-4pm.
Facebook page
Millie’s
Roadhouse
Open for indoor seating and carry-out. Open Wed-Sat, 7am-9pm.
Facebook page
Mom & Pop’s Family
Restaurant
Offering inside dining, take-out and delivery; 410-943-0222. Open Sun-Wed 8am-2pm, Thurs-Sat 8am-8pm.
Facebook page
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. Open Tues-Thurs, 5am-6pm; Sat, 5am-8pm; Sun, 8am-2pm.
Facebook page
Ocean Odyssey
Crab House
Steamed crabs, full bar, and more. Indoor and outdoor dining as well as carry-out. Open Mon, Thurs, Sun 11am-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm.
Facebook page | Instagram page
Old Salty’s
Restaurant
Inside seating available; must reserve at 410-397-3752. Carry-out also available. Open Wed-Sat, 11am-8 pm and Sun, 11am-6pm. See menu at oldsaltys.com/menu.
Facebook page
On the
Rye
New gourmet bakehouse and sandwich shop offers indoor and outdoor dining as well as carryout for breakfast and lunch. See the menu.
Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm.
Facebook
Instagram
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
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. Open Fri-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. Open Mon 10:30am-3pm, Tues-Thurs 10:30am-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 10:30am-midnight; Sun 12-9pm. Located inside Choptank Bowling Alley and Billiards.
Facebook page
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. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm; Sun 12pm-10pm; Sun 12pm-9:pm.
Pop’s Old
Place
Store usually open on Wednesdays from 5:30-7pm and on Saturdays from 10am-2pm with beef, lamb, pork, eggs, and honey. Check the Facebook page for the latest.
Facebook page
Porter Soul Food
Restaurant
Open for indoor dining, take-out, and drive-thru. See menu on their Facebook page. Order at 443-225-5175. Open Wed-Sat 11am-7pm.
Facebook page
Portside
Restaurant
Full-service indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting). 410-228-9007. Open Mon-Tues 11am-9pm; Wed, Thurs, Sun 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. See menu.
Facebook page
RAR Brewing
& Chessie Burger
Serving up food and beverages inside, as well as extensive outdoor seating when the Downtown Promenade is open (Fri at 10am through Sun at 6pm). No reservations.
Facebook page | Instagram
Rise Up
Coffee
Cambridge location open regular hours. Outdoor seating available (weather permitting). Order online or by phone at 443-225-5734. Open daily, 6am-7pm.
Facebook page | Instagram
Simmons
Center Market
Produce, meats, paper products, cleaning supplies, etc. Stop in the store or do curbside or delivery; call 410-228-4313. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm., Sat 9am-3pm.
Faceebook page
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. Open Tues-Thurs, 11am-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 10am-8pm.
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. Open Tues-Sun 11am-9pm. Call 410-943-4689 to order carry-out; menu on Facebook page.
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. Open Mon, Wed, Fri 12-5pm.
Facebook page
Thaitalian
Infusion Cuisine
Delivery through Beat the Rush Delivery Service; order at 443-225-6615. Open Wed-Fri, 11am-8pm; Sat, 1-8pm.
Facebook page
Theo’s Steaks,
Sides & Spirits
Full-service indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting) with three-sided tent and fire pits. Reserve at 410-264-1295 or on their website. Serving Sunday brunch 10am-2pm. Open Wed-Thurs 4-9pm; Frid-Sat 4-10pm; Sun 10am-9pm.
Facebook page | Instagram
Total Fine Foods Outlet Store
Offering fresh and frozen foods including seafood, beef, pork, and poultry. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm.
Facebook
Verona
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. Open Wed 11am-8pm; Thurs-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 12-8pm.
Facebook page
Instagram
Website
Warwick
River Cafe
Offering indoor seating. Open Mon-Wed 7am-2pm, Thurs-Fri 7am-8pm.
Facebook page
Water’s Edge Grill
at the Hyatt
Indoor seating only for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open daily.
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.
Facebook page
Woolford
Store
Eat on site or carry out. 410-228-3020; menu online here; Mon-Sat 6am-9pm; Sun 7am-6pm.
Facebook page
