The 495 Chesapeake Eats menu offers a vibrant and diverse culinary experience that captures the essence of Chesapeake’s rich coastal heritage and modern dining trends. Whether you’re a local craving fresh seafood or a visitor eager to explore regional flavors, the menu at 495 Chesapeake Eats presents an enticing array of dishes crafted with care and creativity.
Every item reflects a commitment to quality ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and bold flavors designed to satisfy a wide range of palates. From hearty starters to indulgent desserts, the menu is a celebration of Chesapeake’s unique food culture, blending tradition with innovation in every bite.
As you navigate through the 495 Chesapeake Eats menu, you’ll discover thoughtfully curated sections that highlight the best of local produce and seafood alongside international favorites. The balance between casual comfort food and elevated dishes makes it a perfect spot for family meals, date nights, or solo culinary adventures.
Attention to detail in preparation and presentation ensures each dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious, inviting guests to savor every moment at the table. The menu’s seasonal updates further enhance the dining experience, reflecting the freshest ingredients available throughout the year.
Whether you’re seeking a light lunch, a robust dinner, or something to share with friends, the 495 Chesapeake Eats menu promises something memorable. The combination of classic Chesapeake Bay flavors with contemporary twists creates a dynamic menu that keeps guests coming back for more.
Every dish tells a story, inviting you to explore the tastes and textures that define this beloved coastal region.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizers at 495 Chesapeake Eats set the tone for a remarkable meal, offering a variety of options that cater to different tastes and appetites. Designed to be shared or enjoyed individually, these starters showcase fresh ingredients and bold flavors that awaken the palate without overwhelming it.
The menu features both traditional Chesapeake favorites and inventive creations that bring a modern flair to classic dishes.
One standout feature of the appetizers section is its emphasis on seafood, reflecting Chesapeake’s coastal roots. Dishes often incorporate local crab, oysters, and shrimp, prepared in ways that highlight their natural sweetness and texture.
Beyond seafood, there are also vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring inclusivity for all diners.
Signature Appetizers
- Crab Cake Bites: Miniature crab cakes packed with lump crab meat, lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy remoulade sauce that complements the delicate flavor.
- Oyster Rockefeller: Freshly shucked oysters topped with spinach, herbs, and a rich cheese blend, baked until bubbly and fragrant.
- Spicy Shrimp Skewers: Grilled shrimp marinated in a smoky chipotle glaze, served with a cooling cilantro-lime dip.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp rolls filled with seasonal vegetables and served alongside a sweet chili dipping sauce.
“The appetizers capture the essence of Chesapeake’s bounty, delivering fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite.” – Local Food Critic
These starters are crafted to stimulate the senses, offering a balance of textures and tastes that prepare you for the courses ahead. Whether you prefer the rich umami of the oysters or the spicy kick of the shrimp, the appetizers serve as a perfect introduction to the culinary journey at 495 Chesapeake Eats.
Seafood Entrées
Seafood entrées form the centerpiece of the 495 Chesapeake Eats menu, celebrating the abundance and variety of the Chesapeake Bay. Each dish is prepared with a focus on freshness and sustainability, ensuring that the natural flavors of the sea are front and center.
This section caters to seafood lovers seeking a range of options from light and delicate to hearty and satisfying.
The cooking techniques range from grilling and pan-searing to steaming and baking, allowing each ingredient to shine. Seasonal specials often incorporate locally sourced fish, crab, and shellfish, highlighting the best catches available at any given time.
Popular Seafood Dishes
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Cooking Style | Price Range |
| Steamed Blue Crab | Local blue crab, Old Bay seasoning | Steamed | $25 – $30 |
| Pan-Seared Rockfish | Rockfish fillet, lemon butter sauce | Pan-seared | $22 – $28 |
| Seafood Paella | Shrimp, mussels, clams, saffron rice | Simmered | $28 – $35 |
| Grilled Shrimp and Grits | Jumbo shrimp, creamy grits, spicy sauce | Grilled | $24 – $29 |
Each entrée is served with thoughtfully chosen sides such as seasonal vegetables, herb-infused rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. The balance between the main seafood item and its accompaniments ensures a well-rounded dining experience that satisfies both the appetite and the palate.
“The seafood entrées at 495 Chesapeake Eats are a testament to the region’s rich maritime heritage, tenderly prepared for maximum flavor.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based dining, 495 Chesapeake Eats offers a robust selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options are crafted with an emphasis on bold flavors, fresh vegetables, and wholesome ingredients.
The menu ensures that guests who prefer or require meat-free meals can enjoy equally satisfying and creative dishes.
The plant-based options are not merely adaptations of meat dishes but thoughtfully developed to stand on their own. This section highlights seasonal produce, grains, legumes, and creative use of spices to deliver vibrant, nourishing meals.
Featured Plant-Based Dishes
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Large mushroom caps filled with quinoa, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts, drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
- Vegan Chesapeake Chowder: A hearty, dairy-free chowder with potatoes, corn, and smoked paprika, providing comfort and warmth.
- Grilled Vegetable Platter: Seasonal vegetables marinated in herbs and olive oil, served with a side of hummus and pita bread.
- Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry: A rich and spicy curry served over fluffy jasmine rice.
These dishes provide a satisfying alternative to traditional meat and seafood offerings. The use of fresh herbs, unexpected textures, and vibrant colors ensures that plant-based meals are just as exciting and flavorful as any other entrée.
“The vegetarian and vegan options at 495 Chesapeake Eats demonstrate that plant-based eating can be delicious, diverse, and deeply satisfying.” – Nutrition Expert
Salads and Light Fare
The salads and light fare section caters to those seeking fresh, health-conscious meals without sacrificing flavor. These dishes are perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as complements to larger meals.
The menu offers a variety of salads that balance crisp greens, seasonal fruits, nuts, and proteins.
Each salad is crafted to provide a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, from crunchy to creamy and sweet to savory. Dressings are house-made, often with unique flavor profiles that elevate the greens to a memorable experience.
Popular Salad Choices
- Classic Chesapeake Crab Salad: Lump crab meat served atop mixed greens with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Earthy roasted beets paired with creamy goat cheese, candied pecans, and arugula with a honey mustard dressing.
- Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad: Grilled chicken, shredded cabbage, mandarin oranges, and toasted almonds tossed in a sesame-ginger dressing.
- Quinoa and Kale Salad: A nutrient-packed mix of quinoa, kale, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds with a citrus dressing.
The salads are designed to be refreshing and satisfying, making use of seasonal ingredients to ensure freshness and variety throughout the year. Portions are generous enough to serve as a standalone meal or as a shared appetizer.
“Each salad is a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and creative dressings, offering a light yet flavorful option for any diner.”
Sides and Accompaniments
Complementing the main courses, the sides and accompaniments at 495 Chesapeake Eats enhance each meal with thoughtful flavor and texture contrasts. These dishes range from classic comfort foods to more adventurous vegetable preparations, all designed to pair seamlessly with the entrées.
The side dishes are prepared with the same dedication to quality and sustainability as the main plates. They offer a variety of options to suit different preferences and dietary needs, rounding out the dining experience beautifully.
Common Side Dishes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes whipped with roasted garlic and butter.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus spears seasoned with sea salt and lemon zest.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy oven-baked fries with a hint of cinnamon and sea salt.
- Seasonal Vegetable Medley: A rotating selection of fresh, locally sourced vegetables sautéed with herbs.
Guests often praise the sides for their ability to elevate the meal without overpowering the main dish. The care given to these smaller plates reflects the overall philosophy of the kitchen: every element on the plate matters.
“The sides provide the perfect accompaniment, thoughtfully crafted to complement and enhance the main dishes.”
Desserts
The dessert offerings at 495 Chesapeake Eats provide a sweet finale to the dining experience, blending classic favorites with innovative creations. Each dessert is made in-house using fresh ingredients, often incorporating local flavors such as Maryland apples, berries, and even Chesapeake Bay honey.
The dessert menu is designed to appeal to a broad audience, balancing indulgent richness with lighter options. Whether you crave chocolate decadence or fruity freshness, there is a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Signature Desserts
- Old Bay Caramel Cheesecake: A unique twist on cheesecake, featuring a subtle hint of Old Bay seasoning in the caramel topping.
- Maryland Apple Crisp: Warm baked apples with a crunchy oat topping, served with vanilla ice cream.
- Chocolate Ganache Tart: A rich, velvety chocolate tart with a buttery crust and fresh raspberry garnish.
- Lemon Blueberry Panna Cotta: Creamy panna cotta infused with lemon zest and topped with fresh blueberries.
These desserts demonstrate the kitchen’s ability to balance creativity with tradition, offering unique flavor combinations that pay homage to local ingredients and culinary heritage.
“Desserts at 495 Chesapeake Eats are both comforting and surprising, leaving a lasting impression with every bite.”
Beverages
The beverage program at 495 Chesapeake Eats complements the menu with a diverse selection of wines, craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Each drink is chosen to enhance the dining experience, whether by pairing perfectly with a dish or serving as a refreshing standalone choice.
Specialty cocktails often incorporate Chesapeake Bay-inspired flavors such as crab apple, honey, and local herbs. The wine list features both regional and international selections, carefully curated to suit a range of tastes and budgets.
Drink Highlights
| Beverage | Description | Pairing Suggestions |
| Chesapeake Bay Mule | Vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a splash of crab apple syrup | Seafood Entrées, Spicy Shrimp Skewers |
| Local IPA | Crisp, hoppy craft beer brewed in Maryland | Crab Cake Bites, Grilled Vegetable Platter |
| Chardonnay | Buttery and oaky white wine with hints of citrus | Rockfish, Seafood Paella |
| Fresh Lemonade | House-made lemonade with fresh lemons and a touch of mint | Vegetable Spring Rolls, Salads |
Non-alcoholic options include artisan sodas, freshly brewed iced teas, and specialty lemonades, ensuring every guest can find a refreshing drink to enjoy. The beverage offerings are crafted to reflect the same high standards and local inspiration as the food menu.
“The thoughtfully curated beverage menu elevates the overall dining experience, offering something for every palate.”
In summary, the 495 Chesapeake Eats menu is a thoughtfully designed collection of dishes and drinks that highlight the best of Chesapeake Bay’s culinary landscape. From fresh seafood to creative plant-based options, every item is crafted with attention to detail and quality.
The menu’s balance of tradition and innovation invites guests to savor the unique flavors of the region in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Whether indulging in rich desserts, enjoying a perfectly paired cocktail, or sharing a platter of appetizers, diners at 495 Chesapeake Eats embark on a memorable gastronomic journey that celebrates both the bounty and spirit of Chesapeake.
