Cantler's Riverside Inn

Cantler's Riverside Inn Review

Opened in 1974, this local institution was founded by Jimmy Cantler, a native Marylander who worked as a waterman on the Chesapeake Bay. The no-nonsense interior has nautical items laminated beneath tabletops, and steamed mussels, clams, and shrimp as well as Maryland vegetable crab soup, seafood sandwiches, oysters, crab cakes, and numerous fin fish are served on disposable dinnerware; if you order steamed crabs, they'll come served atop a "tablecloth" of brown paper. Water-view outdoor dining is available seasonally. Boat owners can tie up at the dock; free parking spaces are rare during the busy summer season and carpooling is encouraged if you drive. Jimmy Buffett claims that it is one of his top 10 favorite places to have a drink waterside. This place is easiest to find by boat, so if you're coming by car, use a GPS or check the Web site for directions. Cantler's gets very crowded on summer weekends—prepare to wait. Reservations are accepted for parties of ten or more Monday through Thursday.