Maryland
The East Coast is known for its eats from under the sea, but this Maryland restaurant takes it to the next level. Cantler’s Riverside Inn does Chesapeake Bay blue crabs — a Marylander favorite — the best, according to People Magazine. Take a look at the Cantler’s menu online or find Cantler’s at 458 Forest Beach Road in Annapolis.Virginia
People Magazine called Merrior the best restaurant in Virginia. Get your oysters fresh from Merrior, which raises its own oysters on the banks of the Rappahannock River before serving them raw or grilled. Merrior calls itself “a tasting room” because the food is focused on small plates and paired beers and wines. Read up on Merrior’s oysters or find Merrior at 784 Locklies Creek Road in Topping, Virginia near the Chesapeake Bay.Washington, D.C.
Beating out plenty of other Ethiopian restaurants and other local favorites nearby — not to mention Michelin-starred restaurants — People Magazine names Dukem as its favorite D.C. eatery. Located in Logan Circle, along U Street, Dukem serves spice-infused stews and other Ethiopian classics. It’s also open late all week long, so you just might consider Dukem for your next late-night snack. Take a look at the Dukem’s menu online or find Dukem’s D.C. location at 1114-1118 U Street.Delaware
According to People Magazine, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth Beach has it all — house-made ales, house-made spirits, an extensive food menu and live music. It has a food truck and a tasting room. Check out Dogfish’s website for more information on all of the above or find Dogfish Head at 320 Rehoboth Ave. in Rehoboth Beach.
WASHINGTON — Texts, emails and phone calls from loyal customers are what tipped off Cantler’s Riverside Inn that People magazine named it one of the most popular restaurants in the nation.
“Hey! You guys made People magazine! Number one restaurant – congratulations!” general manager Bruce Whalen recalls folks saying.
People’s Most Popular Restaurant in Every State (and Washington, D.C.) list named Jimmy Cantler’s Riverside Inn of Maryland the most popular restaurant in the state. The 43-year-old authentic crab house is along Mill Creek outside Annapolis.
Whalen is sure the local crabs helped earn the designation.
“All of our crab meat is local crab meat,” Whalen said. “Everything’s just better with local Maryland [blue] crabs … that’s what we’re known for.”
During the offseason, alternate crab sources only come from within the United States.
Even though the magazine references “Old Bay-crusted Chesapeake blue crabs,” Cantler’s uses a spice made in Baltimore.
“We don’t use Old Bay; we use J.O. Spice. It’s a local Maryland spice that’s been around for years — decades. It’s got rock salt and gives you a little better flavor for the crab.”
Seafood also helped earn accolades for the Virginia restaurant on People’s most popular list. On the Rappahannock River, Merrior showcases oysters raised by the owners, the magazine said.
In D.C., the magazine chooses the Ethiopian restaurant Dukem, along the U Street corridor, known for flavorful stews.
Even people who haven’t eaten at People’s most popular restaurant in Delaware might know it from drinking its beer. Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats of Rehoboth Beach earned the distinction for its “experimental ales,” small batch spirits and upscale pub grub, People said.
