Gaffney’s Back Fin

Definitely recommended to tourists and locals alike. This is a very real Baltimore experience, is cheaper than going to a restaurant, and the staff is really nice and willing to explain everything to you. You can even check in on Facebook and get a free mallet or paper to eat on.
The seasoning was strong, my friend. And my body was fatigued by the end. Will I have crabs again in this fashion within the foreseeable future? Haha probably not. Two of us split a dozen smalls. It was fun and a lot of work, quite an experience overall. An epic experience. We took it to the Canton Waterfront Park and ate on the dock, that worked out really well. Eating in the park, by the water was much better than stinking up your abode, and you can toss your shells into the water and I am under the impression that this actually helps the environment. The only thing though is that you need to take a shower after eating all those crabs.
So, anyways, I would say a dozen feeds 2 or 3 people more than enough. I also got the shrimp because… why not? It was fine, a good enough side dish to keep it interesting. I got corn and garlic butter too. The corn is a great side and I actually wish I had allotted 2 for myself. The garlic butter was really tasty but a little overkill on flavor for the crabs. I dipped my corn in it and was happy. I guess I’d just get regular butter next time. Also, the males are quite a bit larger. I liked the tomaley of the crabs, but I didn’t quite Get the orange roe in the females, it was just too hard a substance to eat. I am sure there is another use for this in another dish but in this manner, it goes to waste. Oh well.
Last time in Baltimore, I went to PJ Steamers and it was a little more expensive than I’d like. This was the same basic experience and cheaper, I would definitely prefer going here and taking it somewhere.

I just got 2 bushels of crabs for a work event. All of the crabs were great as usual and Gaffney’s gave me a great price that is hard to beat in Canton. Great go-​to Carryout crabs. Only $ 1 extra for each ear of corn if you want to add those.

I’ve heard this was the place to grab your carry out crabs, so in celebration of Thursday being Thursday, we gave it a whirl. I popped in to this hole-​in-​the– wall and left with 3 dozen small males for $ 92. SOLID. Four of us chowed down and still had 13 left over. Maryland should be proud of these full, Old Bay drenched babes. Pop open your summer solstice and enjoy.

Two experiences here FIRST ONE EXCELLENT second one extremely disappointment overcooked and not fresh crabs

Best carry out. Prompt service heavy crabs and they deliver! Superb! Our neighbors recommended this place and they named their dog after Gaffneys because it’s their go to! We have crabs 2 – 3 times a month tried all local places and this is our new go to. Very happy.

I live in Virginia but every time we visit Baltimore, we stop by Gaffney’s to get crabs. One of the best crab houses I have ever tried. Good prices and heavy crabs! Got a mixed bushel last Saturday for $ 245. My only complaint was the corn wasn’t fully cooked, so we had to steam it for a few more minutes.

I am loathe to write about Gaffney’s. Not because they have bad crabs (just the opposite!), but because the word has started to get out! This means sometimes they’ll sell out of the best sizes before I can get mine!
But seriously, Gaffney’s is the only place we go for carry-​out crabs, and has been for over twenty years. It’s a tiny carryout-​only joint in the heart of Highlandtown, a family owned and operated business that’s been selling steamed crabs for over 40 years. The family has their own boats, and sells only the crabs they catch daily during the season. That means sometimes you have to wait for the boats to come in to find out what size and how many crabs they have that day-​it doesn’t get any fresher than that!
Their crabs are the best! Always heavy for their size, never an empty, light or watery crab, and that mixture of sweet, salty, and murky flavor that only local Chesapeake crabs have. Often they’ll throw in an extra one, and a few bonus claws per dozen. Their seasoning (I think they use J.O. #1) compliments, rather than distracts from the flavor of the crabs. Crabs are steamed to order, and ready when they say they’ll be ready, usually. Prices are better than competitive, often $ 10 or more less per dozen than many other inferior places.
Staff is very friendly, and remember us year after year. Open during crab season only, they are closed in the winter. Usually, shortly after the O’s season begins is when Gaffney’s opens. They’re usually closed for the year by Thanksgiving. IMHO, the best crabs of the year start to appear in early fall, September/​October is when local crabs are at their fullest, heaviest, and tastiest.
Gaffney’s is highly recommended-​but for God’s sake, don’t tell anybody!

Ordered crabs to go on a Friday night. Got a dozen mediums for $ 35. $ 15 cheaper than some of the other places. The man on the phone was very friendly. The crab seasoning was really tasty. Not too spicy, and a good amount. They were also hot and delicious. I usually order from Conrad’s up in Towson, but now that I know this place was just as good and within walking distance from my house I’m sold.
Tip: paper is free!
Tip: this place is TOGO only. Don’t expect to eat in.
Enjoy!

Ordered a bushel at 12:30 for a 4:30 pickup. Crabs were ready on time and they were heavy and delicious!!! Best I’ve had this year. They were very nice on the phone and in person. Gaffney’s will definitely be my goto place for crabs from now on.

Very friendly service. Great crabs at a great price! My only choice for takeout crabs.

Finally tried Gaffney’s for the first time this weekend, and I have to say, it’s now officially my go-​to for carryout crabs. Tons of tender, sweet meat in each crustacean at AWESOME prices! Split between friends, I could eat my fill (~7/​8 crabs) for less than $ 20!I can’t rave enough about this place. Such a better deal than going out for crabs. Can’t wait to make crabs from Gaffney’s a tradition.

Fresh steamed crabs. Delicious. Crabs procured by the family themselves so high standards all the time. Call ahead to reserve.

Best take out crabs in Baltimore. Very fresh and priced right.

Best crabs in Baltimore. I’ve been eating crabs from Gaffney’s since 1990 and I’ve never been disappointed. The summer isn’t complete until I’ve had crabs from this family owned business.

I am the daughter of a professional crabber. I was hauling crabpots by the age of 5. I know good crabs! This place has THE BEST local crabs. None of the ammonia tasting crabs that have been held out of water too long.
Sweet, heavy, clean tasting crabs — never disappointed. I get a dozen from them every Friday night in season. Get there early, they often sell out.

My go-​to for carryout crabs in the last couple years. Well-​seasoned crabs and decent prices.