Shuckers of Fells Point has everything Baltimoreans crave in a meal ? fresh Maryland seafood, cold beers and an unbeatable view of the water.
Situated on Thames Street on the Broadway pier, Shuckers is great for dates, family gatherings or just the usual get-together with friends.
On the night we went, the warm weather and cool breeze beckoned us to the patio, which was decorated with twinkling white lights. We had a relaxing view of the harbor, local joggers and dog walkers, and of Tide Point across the water.
Although our attentive waitress informed me that they were out of the Maryland crab soup, she did recommend the seafood bisque. We were not disappointed. A Shuckers signature dish, the steaming bisque was thick and packed with baby shrimp and lump crab meat. Spices made the dish salty but not sickening.
The crab dip was a spectacle in itself. In all of my crab dip tastings ? and I am a seasoned taster ? I have never seen it served with cheese quesadillas and a side of tortilla chips. The quesadillas were perfect ? soft tortillas seasoned with Italian spices and stuffed with mild cheddar cheese. Although it could have used some more crab meat, it was the perfect appetizer for a spring evening.
My Bourbon salmon was served on a bed of tossed salad, marinated with a sweet sauce. The homemade teriyaki glaze was a great contrastto the Atlantic salmon filet, which was pink and flaky.
Pieces of red skin in the garlic mashed potatoes gave the side a nice texture and the garlic was a nice burst of flavor paired well with the fish. The dish was plated with the special vegetable of the day, a fresh fruit salad.
My date ordered the basil lump tuna, grilled to medium rare. It lay on fresh greens, topped with lump crab meat and basil garlic butter. The tuna was lean and fresh and, paired with the crab, was the perfect choice for a waterside meal.
Based on this first-time experience, Shuckers is going to become one of my favorite local haunts.
If you go
Shuckers Restaurant and Bar
» Where: 1629 Thames St., Baltimore
410-522-5820; www.shuckersoffellspoint.com
» What you?ll eat: Large portions of fresh seafood
» What you?ll drink: Beer or water
» What you?ll pay: $55 for two
» Who you?ll see: A nice mix oftourists and city natives
