Coastal Flats brings the ocean’s bounty straight to Maryland’s Downtown Crown district. 🌊
This bustling American seafood restaurant has mastered the art of transforming coastal classics from Maine to the Carolina Low Country into unforgettable dining experiences.
With a scratch kitchen preparing everything fresh daily, the restaurant delivers quality that keeps guests coming back for generous portions of expertly prepared seafood.
From casual family dinners to celebratory meals, this seaside-inspired destination has become Gaithersburg’s go-to spot for authentic coastal flavors without leaving Maryland.
How Coastal Flats won Gaithersburg’s hearts
Coastal Flats captured the community’s devotion by delivering consistently exceptional seafood in a lively yet welcoming atmosphere. 🦞
The restaurant’s commitment to scratch cooking means every dish—from their famous jumbo lump crab cakes to hickory grilled fish—is prepared fresh with premium ingredients.
Locals appreciate the restaurant’s ability to balance upscale quality with a relaxed, flip-flops-optional vibe that makes every visit feel like a mini vacation.
The menu’s coastal inspiration spanning multiple regions gives diners incredible variety, from New England lobster rolls to Southern-style jambalaya. 🎣
Guest favorites like the short smoked salmon and crispy fish tacos showcase the kitchen’s talent for reinventing seaside classics with creative twists.
With rotating seasonal features highlighting the best available ingredients, Coastal Flats keeps regulars excited to discover new flavors while still serving the beloved staples that made them famous.
Food Highlights
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Short Smoked Salmon: The restaurant’s signature dish featuring hickory-smoked salmon that regulars rave about consistently—this beloved menu staple demonstrates the kitchen’s smoking expertise.
- Hickory Grilled Fresh Catch of the Day: Daily fresh fish selections grilled over hickory wood for a subtle smoky flavor—this rotating option lets diners experience the freshest seasonal seafood. 🔥
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: Maryland’s finest served with remoulade sauce, crispy fries, and creamy coleslaw—these guest favorites showcase pure jumbo lump crab with minimal filler, delivering authentic Chesapeake Bay flavor in every bite. 🦀
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Blue Crab & Shrimp Fritters: Crispy fritters loaded with blue crab and shrimp that guests frequently recommend as the perfect starter—these golden-fried beauties combine premium seafood in an addictive appetizer that showcases local Maryland ingredients 🍤
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Crispy Fish Tacos: A popular menu item featuring perfectly fried fish with fresh toppings that bring coastal California vibes to Maryland—light, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy.
- Grilled Salmon Salad: Perfectly cooked salmon atop fresh greens with just the right amount of dressing—customers praise this lighter option for its impeccable salmon preparation and balanced flavors.
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Jambalaya Pasta: A Louisiana-inspired favorite combining pasta with jambalaya spices and seafood for a bold and hearty entrée—this fusion dish delivers authentic Creole flavors with Italian comfort food appeal.
- Lobster Roll: Packed with meat from a 1¼ pound lobster in light mayonnaise dressing on a grilled roll, served with French fries and perfectly roasted corn on the cob.
Atmosphere
Coastal Flats creates a bustling, lively environment with coastal charm evident throughout the warm décor. 🏖️
The restaurant offers comfortable booth seating, a full bar area, and outdoor seating options that transport diners to a seaside escape.
While the energy level runs high with animated conversation and activity, the spacious layout ensures groups can still enjoy their meals without feeling cramped.
The beach house vibe makes guests feel relaxed and ready to vacation, even in the middle of a busy workweek.
Bottom Line
Visit Coastal Flats for authentic coastal seafood prepared fresh daily in a scratch kitchen, generous portions of premium ingredients like jumbo lump crab and lobster, a versatile menu spanning Maine to Carolina low country, a lively beach house atmosphere perfect for any occasion, and rotating seasonal features showcasing the best available ingredients. 🌴
Address:
135 Crown Park Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
📞 (301) 869-8800
🕔 Hours: Sun 11:00 AM–10:00 PM, Mon 11:30 AM–10:00 PM, Tue-Thu 11:30 AM–10:30 PM, Fri 11:30 AM–11:30 PM, Sat 11:00 AM–11:30 PM