Ernies Crab House

This place is very popular amongst coworkers. I tried it for myself recently. The prices are very reasonable. The food is delicious and fresh. I tried a trout and shrimp dinner. Large pieces of fish and the shrimp were large and flavorful. They are coated with breadcrumbs so it gave that extra crunch. Coleslaw was heavenly. Usually coleslaw is a hit or miss with me and Ernie’s was perfect. I arrived early on a Saturday and our orders were the first. The owner was very pleasant and ensured there was a heater where I was sitting to remain warm while their business warmed up. I will return! I love scallops so I’m sure theirs will not disappoint.

What? No love for the other Ernie’s location, tucked away in a Giant-​anchored shopping center along 193? Let me first say that I am a crab connoisseur. Been eating them since I was a tween in New Jersey, where options aren’t as plentiful. Breaking down a crab is a skill my mother taught me that I probably treasure just as much as say… how to balance my checkbook.
Anyhow, I had been to this location a long while ago but forgot about it in favor of one of those plentiful other options, despite the fact that is soooo much closer to my home than Crofton or Jessup. Gas prices be damned.
After experiencing a craving for crabs so strong I feared I would hurt somebody and striking out at other places that were closed or still recovering from July 4, I suddenly remembered good olé Ernie’s. I took a chance and headed over.
It’s a small carryout which carries a lot of cooked seafood selections and some uncooked seafood in the display case that looked a little… less than fresh. Not sure I would mess with that. But I did have memories of the crabs being decent.
I’m super picky about the size and sex of my crabs. Anything other than extra large male is a waste of my time. They only had medium males. I wiped away my slobber and prepared to leave when the woman working there offered to show them to me. Rule #1 of business. Never let the customer walk away. Surprisingly, they looked more like large, which was still a little underweight to me but I was seriously feening. So I took a chance.
The steaming took a little longer than the 20 minutes they told me, but to avoid the wait I would just call ahead. They don’t have the industrial steamers that the major crab houses do. It’s basically a large pot with some water.
The crabs ended up being really good. Should have told her heavier on the seasoning, which was really good. Hit the spot perfectly. So will definitely be using them as an option when I just can’t make the long trip to my preferred locations. Highly recommend calling ahead to see what they have, as one would do at most crab houses. Here, they will probably actually answer the phone!