The Best Local Foods You Have to Try in Southern Maryland
Southern Maryland’s food tells the story of the region LoveChesapeake is proud to call home. It reflects the Chesapeake Bay and the people who depend on it, family recipes passed down through generations, local farms and markets, and community events that bring neighbors together.
Some dishes, like steamed blue crabs and crab cakes, are favorites throughout Maryland. Others are distinctly Southern Maryland. Stuffed ham, in particular, is so closely tied to St. Mary’s County that finding an authentic version anywhere else can be difficult.
At LoveChesapeake, helping people discover Southern Maryland means introducing them to more than its homes and waterfront communities. It means sharing the traditions, businesses, flavors, and gathering places that make living here so distinctive.
Whether you recently moved to the area, are visiting for the weekend, or have lived here your entire life, these foods—and the places and people connected to them—belong on every Southern Maryland must-try list.
1. Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham
No Southern Maryland food list could begin anywhere else.
Traditional stuffed ham starts with a corned ham cut with deep slits and packed with a seasoned mixture of cabbage, kale, onions, and spices. It is then wrapped and cooked until the salty ham and peppery greens come together.
Recipes vary by family, and many are closely guarded. The dish is especially popular around Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but some local markets serve it throughout the year.
For the full story and our favorite local sources, read our guide to where to buy the best stuffed ham in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
Where to try it:
- W.J. Dent & Sons/Chief’s in Tall Timbers
- Chaptico Market in Chaptico
- Showtime Deli in Lexington Park
- Nick’s of Calvert in Prince Frederick
- Bone’s Grocery in Huntingtown
Depending on where you go, you may find stuffed ham served by the slice, piled onto a sandwich or incorporated into creative dishes such as pizza, sliders and egg rolls.
2. Steamed Maryland Blue Crabs
Few meals capture Chesapeake Bay living better than a table covered in brown paper and piled with hot, heavily seasoned blue crabs.
Eating steamed crabs is not meant to be rushed. It is a social meal built around wooden mallets, cold drinks and plenty of conversation. Locals often order crabs by the dozen or bushel, with corn on the cob and other simple sides completing the feast.
Crab availability and prices change throughout the season, so call ahead before visiting a crab house or placing a carryout order.
Where to try them:
- Captain Leonard’s Seafood Restaurant in Mechanicsville
- Calvert Crabs & Seafood in Calvert County
- Sandgates Inn Restaurant & Crab House in Mechanicsville
- Captain John’s Crab House & Marina on Cobb Island
- Seabreeze
- Drift Inn
3. A Maryland-Style Crab Cake
A good Maryland crab cake lets the crabmeat remain the star. Expect generous pieces of lump crab held together with just enough binder and seasoning to form the cake.
Crab cakes may be broiled or fried and served as an entrée, on a sandwich or alongside classic sides. You will find versions throughout Southern Maryland, but the most memorable tend to be the ones that emphasize sweet crabmeat over excess filler.
Where to try one:
- Pier450 in Ridge
- Stoney’s Seafood House at Clarke’s Landing in Hollywood
- Captain John’s Crab House & Marina on Cobb Island
- The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dock Bar in Solomons
- Buckets
- Island Hideaway
- Solomons Pier
Pair your meal with a water view for the full Southern Maryland experience.
4. Local Oysters
Oysters are deeply connected to the history, economy and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. Depending on the restaurant and season, you may find them served raw on the half shell, fried, roasted, grilled or prepared as oysters Rockefeller.
Trying oysters from different waters can reveal subtle differences in flavor and salinity. Ask where the oysters were harvested and whether any local varieties are available.
Where to try them:
- The Shuck Shack– A true oyster speakeasy
- Brüdergarten Beer Garden in Leonardtown
- Stoney’s Seafood House at Clarke’s Landing in Hollywood
- Sandgates Inn Restaurant & Crab House in Mechanicsville
- Local oyster festivals, roasts and seafood markets throughout the region
Enjoying Chesapeake seafood also means caring about the waters that sustain it. The Coastal Conservation Association Southern Maryland chapter supports marine habitat, water quality, fisheries education and science-based management so future generations can continue enjoying a healthy Bay.
5. Chesapeake Bay Rockfish
Marylanders call striped bass “rockfish,” and it is one of the region’s most prized catches.
Rockfish has a mild flavor and firm texture that works well grilled, blackened, broiled or pan-seared. Preparations often change with the season and the day’s catch, so look for it among a restaurant’s fresh-fish specials.
Where to try it:
- Courtney’s Restaurant & Seafood in Ridge
- Stoney’s Seafood House at Clarke’s Landing in Hollywood
- Sandgates Inn Restaurant & Crab House in Mechanicsville
- Waterfront seafood restaurants throughout Solomons
Fishing seasons, catch limits and restaurant availability can change. If local rockfish is the reason for your visit, contact the restaurant before you go.
6. Southern Maryland Fried Chicken
Seafood may receive most of the attention, but Southern Maryland knows how to make exceptional fried chicken.
The ideal version has crisp, well-seasoned skin and tender, juicy meat. It is equally at home in a carryout box, at a family gathering or on the buffet table at a community event.
Chaptico Market is the best-known local stop. This family-operated country market has developed a loyal following for its fried chicken, making it a worthy addition to any St. Mary’s County food tour.
Where to try it:
- Chaptico Market in Chaptico
- Local markets, church dinners and community fundraisers throughout Southern Maryland
While you are there, check whether stuffed ham is available and try two regional favorites in one stop.
7. Maryland Crab Soup
Maryland crab soup brings together crabmeat, tomatoes, vegetables and bold Chesapeake seasoning in a hearty, comforting bowl. It differs from cream-based cream of crab soup, another regional favorite frequently found on the same menu.
If choosing between the two feels impossible, look for a restaurant that serves a half-and-half bowl combining Maryland crab with cream of crab.
Where to try it:
- Courtney’s Restaurant & Seafood in Ridge
- Captain Leonard’s Seafood Restaurant in Mechanicsville
- Lighthouse Inn
- Waterfront restaurants and seafood houses across Calvert and St. Mary’s counties
Because recipes differ from one kitchen to another, this is a dish worth ordering more than once.
A Local Tip From LoveChesapeake
Some of Southern Maryland’s best food experiences begin without a strict itinerary. Check the daily specials, ask what was caught or harvested locally, and leave time for an unexpected stop at a roadside stand, seafood market, or community fundraiser. Those are often the places where you experience the region at its most authentic.
8. Smith Island Cake
Save room for Maryland’s official state dessert.
A traditional Smith Island cake features multiple thin layers of yellow cake separated and covered with rich chocolate frosting. Modern versions come in many flavor combinations, but the striking layered construction remains its signature.
Although Smith Island lies across the Bay from Southern Maryland, the cake represents the watermen, families and culinary traditions of the broader Chesapeake region. Slices frequently appear on restaurant dessert menus, while whole cakes can be ordered directly from Maryland bakeries.
Where to try it:
- Chesapeake Grille & Deli in North Beach
- Order an authentic cake from Smith Island Bakery
- Check the dessert menus at local seafood and waterfront restaurant
- Look for slices and whole cakes at local markets and seasonal events
9. A Classic Maryland Snowball
A Maryland snowball is more than an ordinary cup of shaved ice. Finely crushed ice is saturated with flavored syrup and, for the traditional experience, topped with marshmallow.
Egg custard with marshmallow is a Maryland classic, although stands offer flavors ranging from skylite and cherry to blue raspberry and wedding cake.
Snowball stands are typically seasonal, making that first cup one of the unofficial signs that summer has arrived.
Where to try one:
- Calvert’s Ice Shack
- Seasonal stands and mobile vendors throughout Southern Maryland, including Jake’s on Broomes Island Rd
- Local fairs, festivals and community events
10. Farm-Fresh Southern Maryland Finds
Southern Maryland’s food identity also comes from the land. Farms, markets and roadside stands offer seasonal produce, local meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, preserves and other small-batch products.
What is available changes throughout the year. Spring may bring greens and strawberries, while summer means tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches and watermelon. Apples, pumpkins and other fall favorites arrive as the weather cools.
Where to shop:
- Chesapeake’s Bounty in St. Leonard
- Jake’s Farm Stand
- Spider Hall Farm in Prince Frederick
- Local farmers’ markets in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties
- Amish and Mennonite farm stands around Mechanicsville and Loveville Seasonal roadside stands throughout Southern Maryland
Bring cash when visiting smaller stands, follow posted property rules and remember that hours and inventory may change with the harvest.
Pair Local Food With a Southern Maryland Experience
The businesses and organizations that strengthen Southern Maryland are as important to its identity as its signature foods.
LoveChesapeake is proud to support local partners that preserve the region’s history, celebrate its natural beauty, protect the Chesapeake Bay, and care for the families who call this area home.
Turn your search for Southern Maryland’s best foods into a day spent experiencing the people, places, and causes that make this community so special.
Clements Cuties Foundation
Support local families while experiencing the community spirit that defines St. Mary’s County. The Clements Cuties Foundation organizes its annual Softball Showdown to raise awareness and provide assistance to children and families facing serious illnesses.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
Explore sculpture, galleries and native gardens at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons. Its annual events include rotating food vendors and Food Truck Fridays, giving visitors the opportunity to pair local art and nature with something delicious.
St. Clement’s Island Museum and State Park
Learn more about the people and events that shaped St. Mary’s County through the St. Clement’s Island Museum and State Park. The museum is closed for reconstruction through 2026, but its museum store and seasonal water taxi service remain available. Confirm current operating information before visiting.
Maryland Osprey and Nature Festival
The Maryland Osprey and Nature Festival celebrates one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most recognizable birds while promoting wildlife education and conservation. Its family-oriented programming provides another way to experience the natural environment that shapes Southern Maryland life.
Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Southern Maryland Chapter
The seafood traditions on this list depend on healthy waterways and sustainable marine resources. The seafood traditions on this list depend on healthy waterways and sustainable marine resources. Learn how the CCA Southern Maryland Chapter works to conserve fish habitats, improve water quality and support the future of fishing throughout the Chesapeake region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Maryland Food
Southern Maryland is best known for stuffed ham, a regional dish made by packing seasoned cabbage, kale and onions into a corned ham. The area is also known for blue crabs, oysters, rockfish, crab cakes and other Chesapeake Bay seafood.
Southern Maryland stuffed ham is a corned ham filled with chopped greens, onions and seasonings before being wrapped and cooked. It is particularly associated with St. Mary’s County and is often served during major holidays and community dinners.
Popular sources include W.J. Dent & Sons, Chaptico Market, Showtime Deli, Nick’s of Calvert and Bone’s Grocery. Availability can be seasonal, so contact the business before making a special trip.
Blue crabs are generally associated with the warmer months, although the exact season, availability and prices vary. Call local crab houses or seafood markets for current availability.
Start with steamed blue crabs, crab cakes, local oysters, rockfish and Maryland crab soup. Seasonal menus may also feature soft-shell crabs and other locally sourced catches.
Yes. Community festivals, seafood celebrations, farmers’ markets, church dinners and arts events regularly feature local food. Event dates and vendors change, so consult organizer websites before attending.
Come hungry. Stay for the lifestyle.
The best local foods in Southern Maryland tell the story of the region: watermen working the Bay, farmers tending the land, families protecting time-honored recipes, local businesses serving their neighbors, and communities gathering to support one another.
That sense of connection is one of the reasons we love Southern Maryland—and one of the reasons so many people are proud to call it home.
At LoveChesapeake, we do more than help people find a property. We help them discover the communities, traditions, and everyday experiences that make life here meaningful.
From a waterfront meal in Solomons to a farm stand in St. Mary’s County, the Southern Maryland lifestyle is something best experienced locally.
Explore our guides to St. Leonard, Solomons and Lusby, Hollywood and Leonardtown or Mechanicsville and Loveville to learn more about living in the region.