Matthews Tasty Crab House offers a delightful seafood experience centered around fresh, flavorful crab dishes. This iconic eatery prides itself on serving authentic Maryland-style crab delicacies that capture the essence of coastal cuisine. Whether you are a seafood connoisseur or a casual diner, their menu is carefully crafted to satisfy all cravings.
From steamed crabs and crab cakes to succulent shrimp and hearty sides, Matthews Tasty Crab House presents an array of options to indulge your palate. The menu balances traditional favorites with inventive creations, ensuring every meal is memorable.
Below is an in-depth exploration of their menu offerings, showcasing the items, descriptions, and pricing to help you plan your perfect seafood feast.
Overview of Menu Categories
The menu at Matthews Tasty Crab House is organized into several key categories, each designed to highlight the best of coastal seafood and complementary dishes. These categories include:
- Steamed Crabs
- Crab Cakes & Seafood Entrees
- Appetizers & Starters
- Soups & Salads
- Sides
- Beverages & Desserts
Each section offers distinct flavors and portion sizes, catering to both solo diners and large groups. The menu is also seasonally updated to ensure the freshest seafood is available year-round.
“At Matthews Tasty Crab House, every dish is a celebration of Chesapeake Bay’s rich seafood heritage.” – Customer Review
Steamed Crabs
Steamed crabs are the heart and soul of Matthews Tasty Crab House, bringing the authentic Maryland crab experience to your table. The crabs are steamed to perfection with a proprietary blend of spices that balance heat and flavor.
Customers can select crabs by size and quantity, with options ranging from individual servings to family-style platters. The crabs are served with traditional sides such as corn on the cob and crab dip for a complete meal.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Half Dozen Steamed Crabs | Freshly steamed blue crabs seasoned with Matthews’ special Old Bay blend. Served with corn and a side of melted butter. | $59.99 |
| Dozen Steamed Crabs | One full dozen of Maryland blue crabs steamed and seasoned. Perfect for group sharing, includes two sides. | $109.99 |
| Large Steamed Crabs (per crab) | Individual large blue crabs steamed with signature seasoning. Served with crackers and crab mallets. | $12.99 |
| Steamed Crab Platter | Includes 4 steamed crabs, corn on the cob, hush puppies, and one side of your choice. | $49.99 |
Tip: Pair your steamed crabs with one of the house-made sauces to enhance the flavor. The tangy mustard dip and spicy remoulade are customer favorites.
Crab Cakes & Seafood Entrees
Matthews Tasty Crab House is renowned for its expertly crafted crab cakes made with lump crab meat and minimal fillers. Each cake is pan-seared to golden perfection and served with signature sauces.
Alongside crab cakes, the entree menu features a selection of other seafood delights including shrimp, scallops, and fish dishes. These entrees are designed to deliver a satisfying and rich taste of the sea.
| Entree | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Crab Cakes (2 pcs) | Two jumbo lump crab cakes, lightly seasoned and pan-fried. Served with tartar sauce and choice of two sides. | $29.99 |
| Crab Cake Sandwich | One crab cake on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and house-made remoulade. Served with fries. | $17.99 |
| Shrimp Scampi | Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and white wine. Served over linguine pasta with a sprinkle of parsley. | $24.99 |
| Grilled Seafood Platter | A combination of grilled shrimp, scallops, and fish fillet served with rice pilaf and steamed vegetables. | $34.99 |
| Fried Fish & Chips | Crispy battered fish served with fries and tartar sauce. Classic coastal comfort food. | $21.99 |
Chef’s Recommendation: The Classic Crab Cakes are a must-try for first-time visitors. Their delicate texture and rich crab flavor set the standard for Maryland seafood.
Appetizers & Starters
Start your meal with an assortment of appetizers that showcase fresh seafood and bold flavors. Matthews Tasty Crab House offers options that are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light snack.
The appetizers range from crab dip and steamed clams to hush puppies and fried calamari, reflecting the diverse tastes of Chesapeake Bay cuisine.
| Appetizer | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Crab Dip | A creamy mixture of crab meat, cream cheese, and spices, baked until bubbly. Served with toasted baguette slices. | $12.99 |
| Steamed Clams | Fresh clams steamed in white wine and garlic broth. Served with lemon wedges. | $14.99 |
| Fried Calamari | Crispy fried calamari rings served with marinara and lemon aioli dipping sauces. | $13.99 |
| Hush Puppies | Traditional cornmeal fried balls with a hint of sweetness. Served with honey butter. | $7.99 |
| Crab Pretzel Bites | Soft pretzel bites stuffed with crab and cheese, served with mustard dipping sauce. | $11.99 |
Soups & Salads
For those seeking lighter fare or a flavorful starter, the soup and salad selections offer fresh ingredients and house-made recipes. These dishes provide a refreshing balance to the rich seafood entrees.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Crab Soup | A hearty tomato-based soup loaded with vegetables and lump crab meat. Served with crackers. | $8.99 (Cup) / $12.99 (Bowl) |
| New England Clam Chowder | Creamy chowder with clams, potatoes, and bacon bits. Comfort in every spoonful. | $7.99 (Cup) / $11.99 (Bowl) |
| House Salad | Mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Choice of dressing included. | $6.99 |
| Crab Cake Salad | Two mini crab cakes atop fresh greens, avocado, and citrus vinaigrette. | $16.99 |
| Caesar Salad | Classic Caesar with romaine, parmesan, croutons, and creamy dressing. | $7.99 |
Sides
No seafood meal is complete without a selection of classic sides. Matthews Tasty Crab House offers a variety of options to complement your entree and complete your dining experience.
| Side | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Corn on the Cob | Sweet corn steamed and buttered, a traditional crab house staple. | $4.99 |
| French Fries | Crispy golden fries seasoned with sea salt. | $4.99 |
| Coleslaw | Creamy shredded cabbage salad with a tangy dressing. | $3.99 |
| Hush Puppies | Mini fried cornmeal balls, slightly sweet and crunchy. | $4.99 |
| Steamed Vegetables | Fresh seasonal vegetables lightly steamed and seasoned. | $5.99 |
Beverages & Desserts
To round out your meal, Matthews Tasty Crab House provides an assortment of beverages and desserts. Whether you prefer a refreshing soft drink or a decadent sweet treat, their selection caters to all tastes.
| Beverage / Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soda (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite) | Classic fountain sodas served ice cold. | $2.99 |
| Sweet Tea | House-brewed sweet tea, served chilled. | $2.99 |
| Craft Beer Selection | Rotating local and regional craft beers on tap. | $6.50 – $8.00 |
| Key Lime Pie | Tangy and creamy pie with a graham cracker crust. | $7.99 |
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Warm chocolate cake with a gooey molten center, served with vanilla ice cream. | $8.99 |
| Seasonal Fruit Crisp | Baked fresh fruit topped with a crunchy oat topping, served warm. | $7.50 |
Specialty Platters & Family Meals
For larger groups or special occasions, Matthews Tasty Crab House offers specialty platters and family meals. These generous servings allow guests to enjoy a variety of dishes in one convenient package.
| Meal | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seafood Feast Platter | A generous platter including 6 steamed crabs, 4 crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, corn on the cob, and fries. | $119.99 |
| Family Crab Dinner (serves 4) | Dozen steamed crabs, 4 sides, hush puppies, and two pitchers of sweet tea. | $179.99 |
| Mixed Grill Platter | Grilled fish, shrimp, scallops, and two crab cakes with rice and vegetables. | $89.99 |
Customer Note: “The Family Crab Dinner is perfect for celebrations. The quality and quantity make it a great value.”
Menu Highlights and Recommendations
Matthews Tasty Crab House’s menu is built around freshness and authentic flavor profiles. Here are some highlights and recommendations to enhance your dining experience:
- Don’t miss the steamed crabs: A signature dish, especially in season, these crabs capture the true taste of Maryland.
- Try the hot crab dip: A perfect starter for sharing, bursting with creamy crab flavor.
- Pair your meal with local craft beer: The rotating selection complements seafood beautifully.
- Save room for dessert: The chocolate lava cake is decadent and the key lime pie offers a refreshing finish.
- Customize your sides: Corn on the cob and hush puppies are traditional favorites that add texture and sweetness.
Dietary Considerations and Customization
Matthews Tasty Crab House understands the diverse needs of its customers and offers accommodations for dietary preferences where possible. Gluten-free options include steamed crabs, salads without croutons, and grilled seafood entrees.
Vegetarian options are limited but include house salads and select sides such as steamed vegetables and hush puppies. Customers are encouraged to communicate any allergies or special requests to the staff for a tailored dining experience.
Conclusion
Matthews Tasty Crab House provides a rich and satisfying menu centered around the best of Maryland’s seafood traditions. With its emphasis on quality ingredients, flavorful preparations, and welcoming atmosphere, it is an ideal destination for seafood lovers.
Whether you visit for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a festive gathering, the menu offers something for everyone. The combination of steamed crabs, crab cakes, fresh sides, and delectable desserts ensures a memorable meal that celebrates the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.
Plan your visit and savor the taste of Matthews Tasty Crab House – where every bite is a tribute to the sea.
