If you’re craving a Maryland crab cake that’s packed with lump crab and barely any filler, consider this your sign to run to Koco’s Pub. This spot has been hyped for years, but after trying it for myself, I fully understand why people ride so hard for it. Everything we ordered was excellent, the service was on point, and the main crab cake platter was one of those meals you keep thinking about after you leave.
What to Order at Koco’s Pub…
We started with the Creamy Crab Dip ($21), and it was exactly what you want from a classic Maryland-style crab dip: rich, cheesy, and filled with actual lumps of crab – not that sad, shredded imitation vibe. It’s served with buttery baguette bread, and it’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast once the table realizes how good it is. If you’re going with friends, just order it. You won’t regret it.
Next up was the Koconut Fried Shrimp App ($17), which honestly surprised me in the best way. The shrimp were fried to crispy perfection and the coconut flavor was spot-on without being overly sweet. But the real star was the raspberry jalapeño sauce. It had that sweet-heat thing going on, with a really nice kick that made every bite better than the last. This one was a straight 11/10 for me and I’d order it again without thinking twice.
Seriously the BEST Crab Cake in Baltimore!
And then came the moment everyone goes to Koco’s for: The “Original” Crab Cake Platter ($48). Their crab cake is a wild 11 ounces, and when it hits the table you immediately understand the hype because it’s literally the size of a softball.
It was stuffed with lump crab, almost no filler, and cooked beautifully—golden on the outside while still tender and crab-forward inside. The platter comes with fries, coleslaw, lettuce, and tomato, and if you’re someone who wants a little extra sauce, they’ve got tartar and cocktail available. But truly, the crab cake holds its own.
One thing I’ll say right away: if you can, make a reservation because they will absolutely fill up. This is not the type of place you want to gamble on during peak hours, especially if you’re coming in with a group or visiting from out of town. The service was great, too – our food came out quickly, our server was friendly and attentive, and the whole experience felt easy and comfortable.
Koco’s also has a couple of extra perks that make it even more worth a visit. They offer uncooked crab cakes to-go, and they can ship directly, which is perfect if you want to bring the Maryland crab cake experience home (or send it to someone who needs it in their life). And if you’re gluten-free, they can do gluten-free crab cakes with notice—you just have to give them a heads up ahead of time.
📍4301 Harford Road, Baltimore
⏰T 4:30-9, W-Fr 11-9pm, Sa 12-9pm
Now I want to hear from you, Nomsters: what’s your favorite crab cake in Maryland? Drop it in the comments, because I’m always down for a crab cake tour.
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*Photo from the Koco’s Pub website*