For some, seafood is a special occasion splurge—a way to celebrate life’s big moments. To others, it’s a weekly ritual, a non-negotiable craving for the ocean’s bounty. Thankfully, Towson caters to both. From buttery lobster rolls to Old Bay-dusted crab feasts, these are the best seafood restaurants in town.
New York Fried Chicken Fish & Grill
$ | (410) 616-9059 | WEBSITE
We love this Towson spot for fried chicken and seafood, like the perfectly crispy 4-piece Chicken Box, the flavorful Rice Bowl with Lamb, Chicken, and Shrimp, and their divine Philly cheese steak. You might have to wait a bit during the late hours when the great deals draw a crowd, but it’s worth it. And if fried chicken isn’t for you, try the mac and cheese that has no equal.
The clean, quiet atmosphere with visible parking makes it a reliable choice, and the friendly owner ensures very good service. While most dishes are delicious, some might prefer a different hot sauce with certain meals, but the decent, reasonably priced food with nice portions keeps us coming back.
New Generation Hot Pot
$$ | (667) 308-2998 | WEBSITE
This exciting hot pot restaurant operates in Towson, and the conveyor belt experience just works. New Generation Hot Pot’s individual pots are a bonafide highlight, simmering with rich broths and fresh ingredients that get along with the incredible sauce bar perfectly. But you also can’t go wrong with the dumplings, a deliciously satisfying bite that pairs wonderfully with the variety of mushrooms.
The attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere make this clean, affordable spot perfect for large parties craving a new and exciting hot pot experience.
Mo’s Seafood
$$ | (410) 823-2200 | WEBSITE
This Towson seafood spot from the same team behind popular local eateries specializes in imperial seafood so rich and flavorful it could win a regional cooking competition. While you can find similar dishes at other seafood restaurants, the spacious dining room here is more appealing for a relaxed meal while enjoying crispy buffalo wings or the Buffalo Combination Sampler nicely presented on a platter.
You can’t go wrong with many of the delicious seafood plates, but the best one is the imperial seafood topped with fresh ingredients and delicious thick sauce you could savor with every bite.
Crafty Crab
$$ | (410) 832-3820 | WEBSITE
Fresh seafood, competitive prices, and a BYOB policy combine to create one of the most satisfying seafood experiences in Towson: Crafty Crab’s combo pot with boom sauce. And much like a perfect seafood boil or a well-stocked crab feast, you need all three for things to be just right. With tender king crab, plump black mussels, and that seriously delicious boom sauce, we could crack into that steaming pot all night, even well after the butter-drenched fingers start to ache.
The restaurant has other solid options to explore as well, like snow crab legs or kid-friendly chicken tenders. If you’re not feeling crab but are still looking to get your seafood fix, the black mussels taste superb with a squeeze of lemon.
Crack Pot Liquors
$$ | (410) 828-6647 | WEBSITE
Steamed crabs are 10,000 times better when they’re heavy and perfectly cooked. Yes, we’re ready to die on this hill. Crack Pot Liquors, a popular seafood spot that specializes in great drinks and attentive service, proves our point with their steamed crabs. It’s a generous platter of Old Bay-seasoned crustaceans served with melted butter and lemon wedges. It sounds like a messy affair, but it’s nicely balanced with the crabs’ natural sweetness and briny ocean flavor.
In other words, it’s steamed crabs for grown-ups who appreciate a stiff drink and a convenient location inside a shopping complex.
Hip Hop Fish & Chicken
$ | (410) 321-6565 | WEBSITE
Comfort food mastery is on full display at Hip Hop Fish & Chicken, a standout seafood spot in Towson, and the generous portions pay off. We’re fans in particular of the catfish nuggets, which pair perfectly crispy fish with a side of crack-seasoned corn nuggets. Sounds straightforward, but it’s worth noting that said corn nuggets don’t taste bland—as savory golden bites weave through the flakiness of fried catfish and seasoned fries, they add more dimension.
The friendly staff serves everything in a no-frills dine-in area that feels like a neighborhood favorite, with fair prices making it accessible for families. While the chicken wings sometimes fall flat on flavor, the must-try trout and mac n cheese keep us coming back.
The Crackpot Seafood Restaurant
$$ | (410) 828-1095 | WEBSITE
The Crackpot makes the best crab cakes in town, so it’s no surprise that this stuff also tastes excellent when paired with a side of crispy fries and the best type of sauce (a.k.a. the creamy homemade tartar known as Maryland remoulade). Between that, fresh seafood, and a generous portion of buttery pepper jack cheese bites or Alfredo pasta, this is a casual standard that should be on your dinner table at all times.
The Gourmet at Kenilworth
$$ | (443) 491-7125 | WEBSITE
You can find crab cakes, salmon plates, and servers who think they’re too busy for you at any Towson seafood spot. But at The Gourmet at Kenilworth, apple pie is also part of their toolkit. There’s a lot of care that goes into their seafood dishes—there’s even a crab bisque made with fresh crab and high-quality cream that’s served steaming in a bowl. We’re big fans of the crab cake that comes with jumbo lump crab meat and minimal filler, complete with fresh vegetables for balance.
But the greatest creation under their roof is the salmon. It’s a fresh fillet seared with herbs and lemon, served alongside potatoes or rice, and has a great combination of crispy skin and tender flesh, which then gets enhanced with a touch of buttery sauce.
Jerk Hut Eatery
$ | (443) 300-3939 | WEBSITE
This Jamaican spot serves some of the best curry chicken in Towson, and they happen to offer amazing brown stew chicken as well. You can’t go wrong with the perfectly cooked oxtail paired with tender goat roti, but there’s also a flavorful fried whiting that will thankfully not taste too heavy. While you’re at it, grab a plate of steamed veggies for a fresh side.
China Wok
$ | (410) 321-8614 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, Chinese takeout is simply a means to fill your stomach. And sometimes, it’s a means to experience genuine comfort food that feels like home. China Wok’s General Tao’s falls in the latter camp, as crispy chicken tossed in a tangy-sweet sauce that’s perfectly balanced. Each time you take a bite, you get a rush of savory flavor with the occasional crunch, and we can vouch that it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
The shrimp egg rolls are amazing too, packed with generous crab filling that makes every mouthful worthwhile. At around $12-15 per entree, the price reflects the quality you’re getting—fresh ingredients prepared with care by the friendly family owners. Everything comes out hot and ready in just 10-15 minutes, and the clean store makes picking up your order a pleasant experience.
This is the kind of place that keeps you coming back, where the pork fried rice is consistently top-tier and the hot and sour soup hits just right. For reliable Chinese food that never disappoints, China Wok delivers exactly what you need.
Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill
$$$ | (410) 583-5250 | WEBSITE
You might mistake Stoney River for a classic steakhouse, but it’s actually somewhere that will make you feel like you’ve been welcomed into a cozy lodge with a crackling fireplace. The old fashioned here is very well-made, which pairs well with more mellow dishes like tender steaks, fresh seafood, or our favorite: the range of wines available. It’s smooth, balanced, and just robust enough to complement the meal’s richness.