FELLS POINT. For almost 30 years, this Fells Point landmark has been the place to go for fresh, perfectly prepared mussels. At dinner, they come steamed and accompanied by your choice of 8 great sauces. Other options include seafood-studded paella and shellfish royale in cream sauce. Live jazz and a quirky atmosphere highlighted by historic photos, posters and nautical items contribute to an always-entertaining experience. Perennially popular for dinner, Bertha's also attracts crowds with its unique Scottish tea, held each afternoon, featuring Scotch eggs, scones and pastries. Sunday brunch includes favorites such as crab cakes benedict, french toast and omelets. 24-hour advance reservations are required for the Scottish tea.

CANTON. Housed in a historic two-story space, this reputable grill features two dining rooms, a bar and lounge, and patio. The menu offers a variety of crowd pleasing sandwiches and appetizer, as well as several steak and fish dishes. Birches' Folly features wood grilled shrimp and scallops over baby spinach saute served with sweet white corn, yellow tomato and basil pesto salad.

DOWNTOWN. A mural depicting life under the sea highlights the rich, blue interior of this dining room. The menu's bounty includes a raw bar, a daily fresh catch and other magnificent bites like crab-stuffed flounder and tempura lobster tail. Roasted chicken, filet mignon and lamp chops accommodate landlubbers. Happy hour specials on raw bar fare, appetizers and drinks are available Monday-Friday 4pm-7pm. NB Monday through Friday, they offer a three-course prix fixe (soup or salad, main and dessert) for just $30.

CANTON. Savor the sweetness of crab meat any way you like, from huge steamed blue crabs to flavorful crab cakes. The unassuming dining room makes it clear that people come not for sophistication but for a relaxed, bib-wearing, mallet-wielding good time. The menu features non-crab items too, including wild rockfish, cajun grilled swordfish, and pan-seared Chilean sea bass, but the true stars of the show are the crabs. Pitchers of beer and tasty side dishes only add to the appeal for crab-lovin' crowds. NB No steamed crabs until after 5pm.

INNER HARBOR. Overlooking the Inner Harbor, this restaurant sports the design of a ship, outside and in. Delicacies from local waters, such as crab cakes, lobster tails and stuffed shrimp satisfy diners' appetities, and there's also a good selection of beef, chicken and pasta. If you come in the morning, you'll find an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet as well as a menu featured omelettes, French toast, chocolate chip pancakes and more.