Kauffman's Tavern, in Gambrills Maryland, is not located on the water, where you might expect to find one of Anne Arundel County's premier crab houses. In fact, it's not even a crab house. But boy.... do they have good steamed crabs! You can get them any day for dining in or carry-out (in season, while supplies last) - yet Sundays are special because that's the day they offer "all-you-can-eat" crabs from 3-9 p.m. for just $28 per person. Not only that, they have live music on the patio from 2-6 p.m.
Kauffman's is located on Gambrills Road, off Route 175 between Fort Meade and Route 3. It's kind of a road to nowhere, so you're not likely to discover Kauffman's in your daily travels - if you're a regular customer, you probably remember who first told you about their crabs.
But crabs are not their only scrumptious menu item. One evening, Larry and I noticed nearby diners with prime rib that looked very good, so we ordered it ourselves. My own personal favorite place for prime rib is the Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst, in North Carolina, so I was thrilled to discover a local restaurant serving great prime rib.
There's more...
- Sunday -Jazz Brunch from 10 a.m. -2 p.m., with live music in the Sunight Garden Room
- Monday - One pound of jumbo spiced shrimp, just $15
- Tuesday - Prime rib night $15.95. Enjoy it with select wines for 50% off
- Wednesday and Thursday - All night Happy Hour (4 p.m. - 1 a.m.) with $5 chicken basket - on the patio
- Friday and Saturday - Live music on the patio
I've never had anything at Kaufmann's that wasn't good, and the service is always good, too. It's one of those neighborhood restaurants that only the locals know about, and you owe it to yourself to check it out.
DIRECTIONS:
From Crofton, take Route 3 North to Left on MD Route 175, Right on Gambrills Road to restaurant on the right. (about 15 minutes)
From Fort George G. Meade, take MD Route 75 to Gambrills Road on the left to restaurant on the right. (about 10 minutes)
PHOTOS: Istockphoto and MWoda
This post included in Your Online Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County Maryland
Copyright 2006-12. All rights reserved.
DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.
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Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
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What a great local writeup for eating crabs in Crofton Margaret. I too, like places that have a variety of dishes just in case you are in a group that wants something different. I don't know too many crab places that do Prime Rib even with shrimp. A diverse place. You can't beat the Maryland area for excellence in crabs so if I am in Crofton I'm heading to Kaufmann's based on your recommendation.
Marilyn - this is an awesome post about a local restaurant in your area. I have always appreciated eating at the local restaurants in lieu of the chains to experience the area. Excellent post!
I have a google alert for the search term 'Crabs' and this came up.
Not serious....but you know I love crabs!
Yummmmm I'm hungry for lunch and I see this post... oh dear... this is a little too far!!! But if I find myself in the area..... I'll know where to go! Thanks :)
Margaret - congrats on the feature. Great info, now I'm hungry for crab and prime rib....
Margaret,
As soon as I finished reading this mouth watering post, I noticed the feature star, and figured Rich (the crab man) had to be lurking closeby!!! I wasn't disappointed!!! Thanks, Fran
Margaret, Yum yum! Crabs, great Prime Rib AND happy hour? Doesn't get any better than this! I love the "local" digs myself....Great post for your area...you are making me hungry now!
I really like your directions on the bottom. I would have not thought to do that. Great idea!
Hi Margaret,
What a great localism post, sure got my mouth watering for some good , juicky blue crabs!
Margaret - I'm right around the corner in Annapolis . . . it's Tuesday . . . . PRIME RIB!!!!! I'm there!
Thanks for a great review. I've passed that place a bunch of times and never once thought about stopping in!
And now the number two result on google if someone searches for Kaufman's crab and number 1 if somone is searching for: eating crab in crofton maryland.
Great post.
I am originally from Maryland and have not had crabs in forever, you are making my mouth water. I feel like getting in the car and taking a drive to Kauffmans. Great MOUTHWATERING Post.
Love crabs! Thanks for the photo - lots of spices just like they are meant to be served. As a former resident of the area, I have always gone to Mikes on the South River for crabs, but maybe next time...
Hi, all - Thanks for your comments. It appears that "before lunch" is a good time to post a restaurant review. LOL! Lots of hungry people here with a hankering for steamed crabs. Of all the nearby places where we can buy crabs (including several overlooking the water), none are better than these.
Although we all understand the crab "thing' I'll bet it is mobbed on Tuesday, Karen
Love the post. Its great to know about places like this. After my Dad retired from the Army, he accepted a teaching position in Calvert County Md. This is where our family grew to truly appreciate good crabs. My Mom's birthday was July 4th and we always celebrated with crabs on the deck at their home. Mom has been gone for several years but at least one of my children (all grown up) will call me to remember the July 4th holiday and the crabs at "Amma's". Since we moved to Alexandria we have taken many visitors to Cantlers in Annapolis or to Stoney's in Calvert Co. Both do a terrific job with crabs and other seafood dishes. Thanks so much for the fond memories of Southern Maryland summers...
Margaret - I was just in Crofton last month! Since my in-laws to be live there, I'm sure I'll be back. Dinner at Kauffman's when I do?
Margaret - Oops, wasn't logged in! That was me ;-)
OK, now you've done it. I have to leave my work and go to the restaurant and get some crabs! You've made me soooo hungry.
Thanks.
Localism Is Alive and Well in Crofton. Great post Margaret. I need to get out and do some writing about SD communities and the features. I am going to the 80/20 rule of 80 % community and 20 professional. Sound about right? Prime Rib Night sounds right up my alley. Allergic to seafood,:-(
I can not think anything that I would like to do more than put on a napkin and put up my $28.00 and say thank you! Great post Margaret, makes me hungry just looking at the photos.
Great localism post Margaret! And you've got to love those delicious crabs!!
Margaret, you made my mouth water. I'm from Maryland and grew up eating crabs. Living in Texas it's not so easy to get them. I usually have to go back once a year to get my fix. I just had some flown in from Annapolis last week and they were great. It was wierd eating crabs here in Texas. I've lived here for 18 years and this is the first time. It wasn't cheap, but it was worth it. I'll remember Kaufmann's when I get back there again. Thanks for the post.
Margaret...I don't eat crab, but you made me hungry just reading the post! Now I want some good seafood! I'm hoping for a trip to the beach before the end of the summer, real estate market willing! This place sounds yummy!
Margaret,
My mouth is watering just looking at that plate of crabs......It's always the hole in the wall restaurants that are interesting---Did you ever see Diners and Dumps on HGTV?
Margaret, yum! I had to comment on Rich's post the other day about king crab. I am a crab lover. There is nothing I would rather eat and even for breakfast! You made a great post!
Later in the rain~Deb
Living less than 10 minutes away from Crofton, this is a new one for me. All-you-can-eat crabs will get me through the door in a heartbeat and I appreciate this information!
I have always ventured into Baltimore City for the all-you-can-eat fare at an Inner Harbor restaurant and am happy to now know of a closer place to go!
Mouth water post Margaret! Crabs Maryland style is tempting to make the trip. That looks like a picture of "dirty crabs" 'Nawlins style which I devoured at one the of NAR Conventions; the two best crab places in the world!
Seems like goblins in AR today...sorry for the no signature...got kicked out twice! Judy
Hey Margaret~ I Love crabs, and any seafood for that matter. The locals sure know all of the BEST restaurants to eat in, that is for sure! Great idea putting the directions in too!
Mouthwatering post...- do you send copies of posts like this to the businesses you're featuring? Just curious...great marketing idea for sure.....Oh and congratulations for being featured inthe daily Newsletter! :-)
Hi Margaret,
Great localism not to mention the hunger pains it generated. Congratulations on making a featured post as well.
YUM! This place sounds like it's worth the drive from Northern VA. Thanks for the tip.
If you're looking for the waterfront ambiance to go with your crab feast, this is NOT the place to go. BUT, if just want some great crabs (or prime rib), it IS!
Margaret, this sounds like a perfect place for a MD DC VA PA Active Rain get together! Crabs are one of those perfect foods that take more caleries to eat than they have in them! Well, unless you dip them in butter.
Margaret,
What a delicious sounding post and so great to recommend a local restaurant. If I lived nearby it makes me want to go and eat there! Thanks for showing us how to do these Localism posts. I am learning all of the time, with AR people like you! Thank you!
Have a Colorful Day!
I lived near the gulf coast for many years. I am now land locked in Colorado and your crab feast pictures and descriptions are torture.
I had their crabs tonite...one word to say...horrible!!!! I will never go back again. They oversteamed them and the meat was mush. The crabs tasted muddy, and had no taste at all. I would rather drive up to Balt for better tasting crabs steamed correctly. Their other items are a bit pricey...Head north ..you 'll be much more satisfied.