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Harris Crab House
Rt. 50 East, Exit 42
Grasonville, MD
410-827-9500
by Carly McGee

If you're looking for an alternative to the May-time bustle of Annapolis, Harris Crab House on Kent Island is the place to go for steamed crabs, a great view, and a fun, casual dining experience. Harris's offers an informal, family-friendly environment with a pleasant staff. It's decorated with quirky, interesting sea memorabilia throughout, to transport guests back to the time of salty scalawags and mighty ships.

Making the most of its waterfront location, Harris Crab House features an outdoor deck overlooking the bay with plenty of tables for crab feasts. There's even docking space available for the most nautical guests. "Outdoor dining begins as soon as the weather is accommodating," said manager Bobby Beck. "We've had a few days already here and there where the weather was nice enough for guests to eat on the deck." Generations of Harris customers return again and again to sample their favorite items. "The menu really hasn't changed," Beck said. "The Harris Seafood Basket is still one of our most popular entrees." Steamed crabs are always a favorite, and range in price from $30-$75 per dozen.

Not a seafood lover? Don't despair. The restaurant features not only a wide variety of seafood, but steaks, chicken, sandwiches and salads as well. And there's a children menu to please your tots, too.

Hurricane Isabel came close to damaging Harris Crab House, but fortunately it escaped the storm unscathed. "The water came eight inches away from flooding," said hostess/waitress Jessica Beever, "but we were only closed for a day and a half." The restaurant is situated off Rt. 50 East exit 42, just over the Kent Narrows Bridge in Grasonville. This month, stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Once summer rolls around, Harris Crab House increases its hours to11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.