CompassEats

Essex

Schultz's Crab House

Restaurant

Why we point you here

James Beard–charted crab house in Essex worth the detour for Maryland's seafood tradition done right.

This James Beard America's Classics winner has been serving Maryland crab the way it's meant to be since long before the 2017 recognition. Essex isn't where most people roam, but Schultz's is worth building a night around if you want the real thing.

Accolades

On the map

Charted by James Beard Awards· Last verified 2026-07-11