About

When searching for a dining spot, Carrol's Creek Cafe should be at the top of your list. This staple of Annapolis' waterfront dining scene has been wowing diners since 1983.

The restaurant was the brainchild of restaurateur Jeff Hardesty and lawyer Joseph Jacobs, who set out to create a spot with incredible views and Chesapeake Bay-inspired flavors.

By 1990, the Jacobs family had taken full ownership, with Joseph's son, Jeff, stepping in to lead. Over the years, Jeff has done it all, from washing dishes to running the show.

The cafe has racked up plenty of accolades, including a spot on OpenTable's list of the 100 Best Al Fresco Restaurants in the U.S. It's easy to see why. With its mix of casual elegance, fresh seafood, and unbeatable views of Spa Creek, Carroll's Creek Cafe has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

As if these accolades aren't enough to entice you to visit, its location will! Central to local landmarks like the United States Naval Academy and the Colonial Annapolis Historic District, you're only a short drive from a memory-making meal after sightseeing.

For an authentic and rewarding Annapolis dining experience, book a table at Carrol's Creek Cafe.

Vibe

The location for this hotspot along the Eastport side of Spa Creek is stunning. With its modern exterior and expansive decks, the restaurant is a visual head-turner. The outdoor seating area, with sleek composite decking and contemporary tables, offers some of the best views of the harbor you'll find in Annapolis.

For a completely different vibe, step inside to find a warm, sophisticated space. Rich hardwood accents, a curved stainless steel bar, and walls with unique metal detailing create a polished yet inviting vibe. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure the waterfront views are always front and center.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between relaxed and refined. Whether you're stopping by for lunch or celebrating a day on the water with Schooner Woodwind Sailing Cruises, the vibe is welcoming and unpretentious.

No matter where you sit, the ambiance at Carrol's Creek Cafe is perfect for a memorable Maryland getaway.

Carrol's Creek Cafe: Menu & Drinks

With so many menus, we'd be hard-pressed to highlight each. Instead, we'll focus on the crowd pleasers that have made this eatery a hotspot.

The starters will impress and could be combined to create a tapas dining experience. Case in point are the sea scallops. The seafood is rolled in shredded phyllo, fried crisp, and comes on a bed of wilted spinach. Tying it together is lump crab and prosciutto ham with a shrimp cream sauce.

One dish that diners can't stop raving about is the Cream of Crab Soup. It's rich, creamy, and packed with generous chunks of crab meat, with a hint of sherry to tie it all together. With one sip, you'll discover why diners have voted it to be one of the best in Maryland.

The main courses are à la carte and feature treasures from the sea and classics from long ago. The Herb Encrusted Rockfish is a perfect example, featuring lump crab meat, sauteed heirloom tomato and asparagus, mashed purple cauliflower, and a thyme beurre blanc.

Steak lovers won't want to pass on the Filet Mignon. This hearty dish features a grilled 8 oz filet with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a cabernet demi. The crispy onions and creamed spinach complete this epicurean wonder.

For the ultimate seafood feast, order the Coconut Seafood Cioppino. This stew features fresh fish fillet, clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimp. The seafood is cooked in a coconut-and-tomato basil broth with a grilled baguette, micro basil, and lobster tail.

The drink menu is equally impressive. From craft cocktails to the beer and wine lists, you'll find a beverage to pair perfectly with your meal.

From the incredible waterfront views to the impeccable menu items, dining at Carrol's Creek Cafe will surely be a highlight of your Annapolis adventure.

Local Tips

Happy Hour is Sunday through Thursday from 4:00-8:00, and Friday 4:00-9:00.
The kids' lunch and dinner menu make it family-friendly.
Lunchtime offers a quieter atmosphere and slightly lower prices.
Order carry-out to enjoy back in your rental.

Staging environment