Best Restaurant Crab Cakes: 5 Chains With Real Lump Meat

For many, a plate of golden-brown crab cakes paired with crispy fries represents a perfect meal – satisfying, flavorful, and substantial enough to stand on its own. But not all crab cakes are created equal. Finding a restaurant that truly prioritizes lump crab meat, rather than filler, can be a challenge. Fortunately, several chain restaurants are consistently praised for delivering generous portions of real crab in their crab cake offerings. Here’s a look at five places where you can indulge in a truly meaty crab cake experience, perfectly complemented by a side of fries.

Oceanaire’s Chesapeake Bay Style Crab Cake: A Seafood Classic

Oceanaire offers its Chesapeake Bay Style Crab Cake in both half and whole portions, catering to those seeking a light appetizer or a more substantial meal. The restaurant recommends pairing it with their Parmesan Truffle Fries for an elevated experience. For those looking to fully indulge, the Lobster & Crab Mac & Cheese provides another decadent side option. You can find their full dinner menu here.

Fogo de Chão’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cake: South American Flair

Fogo de Chão’s 4 oz Jumbo Lump Crab Cake is a popular choice, and the restaurant suggests pairing it with their Crispy Yuca Fries. These fries are described as being sized for sharing and served with grated parmesan and malagueta aioli. Explore the full menu at Fogo de Chão.

Eddie V’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cake: A Half-Pound Delight

Eddie V’s boasts a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake made with a generous ½ pound of crab meat, coated in a golden panko crust and served with a creamy remoulade sauce. French Fries are the recommended accompaniment. The Point Judith Calamari is also highlighted as an excellent side option. View the full menu and details on Eddie V’s website.

Legal Sea Foods Signature Crab Cake: A New England Staple

Legal Sea Foods’ Signature Crab Cake is a blend of lump crab meat, mustard sauce, greens, corn, onions, tomatoes, and Dijon vinaigrette. It’s best enjoyed with a side of Crispy Potato Wedges or French Fries. The Baked Stuffed Lobster, also served with a choice of fries, is another popular option. You can view their menu online.

Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Cake: Casual Coastal Dining

Joe’s Crab Shack offers a crab cake made with lump crab meat, served with a tomato and cucumber salad, asparagus, and lemon butter. Alternatively, you can order the Crab Cake Sandwich, featuring lump crab, lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce, also served with French Fries. The Crab Cake Dinner provides a larger portion for those with a bigger appetite. Browse the full menu at Joe’s Crab Shack.

When seeking a satisfying meal centered around a truly flavorful crab cake, these five restaurants consistently deliver on quality and portion size. Pairing any of these options with a side of fries promises a complete and enjoyable dining experience.