When sailors, fishermen, and Chesapeake Bay lovers gather in Annapolis’ historic Eastport neighborhood, they head to one place: Boatyard Bar & Grill.
This maritime restaurant has earned its reputation through award-winning crab cakes that have reached all the way to the White House, an impressive raw bar featuring the freshest oysters, and a commitment to local seafood that keeps both residents and visitors coming back.
Founded in 2001 by former investment banker Dick Franyo, a lifelong sailor and Bay environmentalist, this waterfront spot has become more than just a restaurant—it’s a community hub that gives back. 🦀
How Boatyard Bar & Grill won Annapolis’ hearts
The secret to Boatyard’s local appeal started with founder Dick Franyo’s vision: create a home for everyone who loves the Bay.
After retiring from a 30-year investment banking career, Franyo noticed a gap in the Annapolis scene following the closure of the beloved Marmaduke’s Pub in the late 90s.
He opened Boatyard Bar & Grill in October 2001 on the corner of Fourth and Severn Streets, envisioning a place with a “cool vibe” where sailors, fishermen, and Bay enthusiasts could gather. ⚓
But what truly won hearts was the restaurant’s authentic commitment to the community—Franyo didn’t just want to serve great food—he wanted to give back to the waterfront he loved.
Starting in 2002, Boatyard launched signature events, including the Opening Day Fishing Tournament, the Boatyard Beach Bash, and Bands in the Sand, which have collectively raised over $4 million for regional waterfront nonprofits.
As a member of One Percent for the Planet, the restaurant donates at least 1% of its revenues to environmental causes.
This combination of exceptional seafood, authentic maritime atmosphere, and genuine community involvement transformed Boatyard from a newcomer into an Annapolis institution that locals proudly call their own.
Named by Coastal Living, Sailing World, and Sail Magazine as one of the world’s top sailing and boating restaurants, this spot has become the nautical “Cheers” of Maryland’s capital. 🌊
Food Highlights
- Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich: A customer favorite featuring a jumbo soft-shell crab dipped in buttermilk, lightly coated with panko and corn flake crumbs, then fried golden and served on toasted thick-sliced sourdough with lettuce, tomato, and house-made tartar sauce.
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Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: These “all killer, no filler” crab cakes earned fame reaching the White House and won Baltimore Magazine’s “Best Crab Cakes” award for 20 years straight—the only Annapolis restaurant selected.
- Ocean City Inlet Flounder BLT: This Boatyard original layers toasted ciabatta with crispy flounder, Applewood bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mango mayo, and pepper jack cheese. 🥪
- Crab and Artichoke Dip: Locals declare this Annapolis’ best crab dip—a creamy, cheesy, bubbling hot dip packed with lump blue crab, artichoke hearts, spinach, sweet onion, and parmesan cheese, served with sliced French baguette.
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Fin’s Fantabulous Fish Tacos: These popular tacos bring a fresh twist to the menu, combining perfectly seasoned fish with creative toppings.
- Atlantic Salmon: Fresh from pristine North Atlantic waters, this gluten-free option is brushed with fresh lemon, garlic, and herb butter, then grilled to perfection, served with fresh vegetables and rice of the day.
- Antoine’s Stuffed Oysters Rock: A Boatyard original featuring five prime Chesapeake Bay oysters stuffed with outstanding Florentine stuffing made from sautéed fresh spinach, shallot, garlic, veggies, Pernod, parmesan, cheddar, and provolone, then baked to perfection.
- Fresh Oysters: The restaurant boasts the most extensive raw bar in the area, featuring a variety of fresh East Coast oysters prepared multiple ways.
Atmosphere
Boatyard’s vibe captures the essence of Chesapeake Bay’s rich maritime heritage with its vibrant nautical theme featuring photos and art from the region.
The lively buzz wraps around you “like a warm coastal breeze,” as one reviewer described, creating an exhilarating blend of energy perfect for celebrations or casual nights out.
The restaurant expanded in 2007 to include the Market side with attractive woodwork, fishing photos, a quieter bar area, and comfortable seating that accommodates families and sailing pros alike. ⛵
Bottom Line
Visit Boatyard Bar & Grill for award-winning crab cakes that won Baltimore Magazine’s “Best” title for 20 consecutive years, the most extensive raw bar in the Annapolis area with impossibly fresh oysters, an authentic maritime atmosphere frequented by actual sailors and fishermen, and a restaurant that genuinely gives back by raising over $4 million for waterfront nonprofits.
This is where locals gather—and they’ve been doing so since 2001. 🎉
Address:
400 Fourth St., Annapolis, MD 21403
📞 (410) 216-6206
🕔 Mon-Thu: 11 AM–10 PM | Fri: 11 AM–12 AM | Sat: 10 AM–12 AM | Sun: 9 AM–10 PM