Annapolis is a gorgeous city packed with brick houses dating back to the 18th century. As it’s situated on the Chesapeake Bay, this waterfront destination attracts many tourists every year. While you are in Annapolis, you can take a trolley ride to explore the city, stroll around Annapolis City Dock, marvel at the Georgian-era William Paca House & Garden, admire the architecture of Maryland State House, and sample wine at Great Frogs Winery. There are also a number of amazing accommodations available, such as Vrbo waterfront vacation rentals and hotels with hot tub, if you wish to make the most of your visit. Those looking to dine with a water view will love Annapolis. Here is a list of the best waterfront dining spots in Annapolis, Maryland.
1. Carrol’s Creek Cafe
Carrol’s Creek Cafe serves delicious food that caters to all tastes. If you enjoy fresh seafood and you want to take in unobstructed water views, this is the place to be. You can dine on grilled fish, chops, steaks, and a variety of soups. Since 1983, this cafe has been serving delicious meals with authentic taste. Visitors will enjoy scintillating views of Spa Creek while dining at this stunning cafe. They’re also proudly nut-free, so if you have a nut allergy, you’re in good hands!
Carrol’s Creek Cafe
Address: 410 Severn Ave #100, Annapolis, MD 21403, USA
Website: Carrol’s Creek Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 4pm, 5pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 4pm; 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 11:30am - 8:30pm
2. Dock Street Bar & Grill
Located in the center of downtown Annapolis, this restaurant by the water offers views as sublime as the cuisine. You can savor scrumptious crab cakes and a wide array of beers and cocktails. The vibe they create with their amazing decor and perfect location offers the best dining experience. You can also host a private event at this trendy diner. For a view of the waterfront, reserve a table on the second floor!
Dock Street Bar & Grill
Address: 136 Dock St, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
Website: Dock Street Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 1am; Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat: 1pm - 2am; Sun: 1pm - 12am (closed on Mon)
3. Cantler’s Riverside Inn
Cantler’s Riverside Inn along the banks of Mill Creek in Maryland has been serving fresh seafood to boaters, watermen, and casual visitors in Annapolis for over four decades. The lovely placement of this restaurant by the water in Annapolis enables patrons to enjoy mesmerizing water views while dining on delectable seafood. On a windy day, order a cup of clam chowder and pair that with a garden salad and your drink of choice (with free refills).
Cantler’s Riverside Inn
Address: 458 Forest Beach Rd, Annapolis, MD 21409, USA
Website: Cantler’s Riverside Inn
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm
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4. O’Learys Seafood Restaurant
O’Learys Seafood Restaurant offers one of the best seafood menus in Annapolis. The intimate setting of the restaurant combined with wonderful water views makes it a popular date spot for locals and tourists alike. The kitchen uses fresh local fish to prepare lip-smacking seafood, and the friendly staff can help you choose the right wine from their extensive list to pair with your dish.
O’Learys Seafood Restaurant
Address: 310 Third St, Annapolis, MD 21403, USA
Website: O’Learys Seafood Restaurant
Opening hours: Wed - Thu, Sun: 5pm - 9pm; Fri & Sat: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
5. Chart House
While you have put up in a posh hotel with a pool for your accommodation needs or booked one of the rent a boat services for that extra thrill, you can drop by Chart House for a delicious meal. Once a historic boathouse before it became a popular waterfront restaurant, the eatery offers enthralling views of Spa Creek and serves food made with fresh ingredients. If you’re planning to dine here, you can order a hot or cold appetizer, soups, salads, fresh seafood dishes, and steaks. The restaurant also has a happy hour menu and gluten-free options. Wrap up your meal with their signature dessert: hot chocolate lava cake.
Chart House
Address: 300 Second St, Annapolis, MD 21403, USA
Website: Chart House
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4.30pm - 10pm; Fri & Sat: 4.30pm - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
6. Severn Inn
Severn Inn is situated on the east of the Naval Academy Bridge, and diners can enjoy incredible views of Severn River, the Naval Academy, and Annapolis. Innovative dishes and the finest wines are their specialties. They also host private dining for 80 people with a personalized menu and bar service. If you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant, this eatery has a kids’ menu.
Severn Inn
Address: 1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Annapolis, MD 21409, USA
Website: Severn Inn
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 12pm - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
7. Sam’s on the Waterfront
Of the many great places to eat by the water in Annapolis, Sam’s on the Waterfront is a stylish restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Patrons can enjoy live entertainment from Fridays to Sundays. Their lunch menu includes appetizing dishes such as steamed mussels, grilled wings, Maine lobster rolls, and jumbo stuffed shrimp. Check out their extensive wine list and pair your meal with white or red wine. Dessert wines are also available.
Sam’s on the Waterfront
Address: 2020 Chesapeake Harbour Dr. E, Annapolis, MD 21403, USA
Website: Sam’s on the Waterfront
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11:30am - 8:30pm; Fri & Sat: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Sun: 10:30am - 8:30pm (Closed on Mon)
8. Pusser’s Caribbean Grille
Pusser’s Caribbean Grille is an award-winning waterfront restaurant and bar located along the spectacular Annapolis Harbor. The Caribbean-inspired menu features fresh seafood with seasonal flair. Some popular meals include surf and turf (filet mignon and broiled Maine lobster tail) and steamed spiced shrimp. Creative cocktails, domestic and craft beers, and high-quality wines are served at this harbor restaurant in Annapolis.
Pusser’s Caribbean Grille
Address: 80 Compromise St, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
Website: Pusser’s Caribbean Grille
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 8pm
Other restaurants near the waterfront
9. Iron Rooster
Iron Rooster serves traditional food with Southern hospitality. This lively and homey eatery serves classic mouthwatering dishes such as fried chicken, biscuits with gravy, and mac n cheese. Families will love this friendly place, and there are plenty of appetizing options for kids, too!
Iron Rooster
Address: 12 Market Space, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
Website: Iron Rooster
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 8am - 10pm
10. Wild Country Seafood
Wild Country Seafood is located just behind the Maritime Museum. Every morning, they head to Eastport for fresh catch. Their daily catch includes crabs, rockfish, oysters, and perch. Menu items include crispy fish sandwiches with fries, calamari baskets, jumbo shrimp, and more. They also specialize in party platters.
Wild Country Seafood
Address: 124 Bay Shore Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403, USA
Website: Wild Country Seafood
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 3pm - 7pm; Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Annapolis - the best place to dine and enjoy water views
Due to the presence of waterways, the city of Annapolis offers an amazing way to dine with a view. Check out our recommended list of waterfront dining spots in Annapolis and make your way here soon!
While you’re at it, have a look at the best bed and breakfasts and other vacation rentals for your accommodation needs as well.