Summertime is just around the corner, with summer vacations, hot sunny weather, spending time with family and friends, and time to do indoor and outdoor activities.
It is a great time to take part in one of Maryland’s favorite traditions and pastimes: having a crab cake.
One such place to grab a crab cake is at Reter’s Crab House and Grille, located in Reisterstown, Maryland.
Hope Otto is the new owner of Reter’s Crab House and Grille. When the previous owners, Brad and Kathy Reter, were ready to retire, they approached Otto about taking over the business.
She took ownership in January of 2025 after working at Reter’s for 18 years. Otto is a wife to her husband Justin and a mom of three boys, so they are excited to continue the family-owned business that makes Reter’s special.
Otto talked more about Reter’s Crab House, and how the restaurant and its theme came about.
Reter’s is an Ocean City, Maryland-themed crab house. They bring the beach to you with relaxed vibes and a fun atmosphere the whole family can enjoy. Brad Reter, the founder, has a huge love for Ocean City, Maryland, that has spilled out into the crab house he built.
It is a business with a family atmosphere. It is very fast-paced and there is always something new.
Reter’s has beach-themed decor and tropical colors. Chalkboards display the menu and offerings for guests to choose from. Surfboards add to the charm and beachy vibe of the restaurant.
Otto also talked about what guests and visitors could expect at Reter’s Crab House and Grille.
“We may be a crab house by name, but we feature an extensive menu that we are very proud of,” she said. “We have something for crab and seafood lovers and beyond. We feature the full line of Seacrets Distilling Spirits, craft beers from the eastern shore, and cocktail mixes from George’s Beverage Company, based in Berlin, Maryland.”
The menu has a variety of items for guests and visitors to enjoy. Seafood options include crabs, shrimp, oysters and mussels. Other options include sandwiches, burgers, ribs, salads, desserts and drinks.
Reter’s Crab House and Grille has its menu, drink menu, and gluten-free menu available online via their website. Guests can enjoy specials such as shrimp night, Taco Tuesday, beach night, burgers and brews, and happy hour.
With such a variety of menu items to choose from, what should you order at Reter’s Crab House and Grille?
“My personal favorite is the blackened salmon salad,” Otto said. “Mixed field greens, strawberries, apples, homemade candied pecans, blue cheese crumbles, and a big piece of blackened salmon with raspberry vinaigrette dressing!” she said. “Light and refreshing but filling all at the same time! Another great one is the shrimp and crab quesadilla. That’s a fan favorite.”
Reter’s Crab House and Grille also offers a kids’ menu for guests and visitors. Otto plans to have a new menu for the summer, to really make it her own. The restaurant is very excited and looking forward to the busy season.
Guests can look forward to a couple different menu items that Reter’s has not featured before. As well as some things that the restaurant had on special that they are making into permanent menu items.
One of the things that comes to mind when you think of Maryland are crab cakes. It is a staple and tradition that is wonderful to have anytime, especially during the summer season.
Otto thinks that crab cakes are perfect for people who want that taste of crab, but don’t want to do all the work, hassle, or the mess that comes with picking crabs. It has to be just the right amount of crab meat, and not too much breading.
Marylanders are always looking for ways to create a delicious crab cake. Otto talked about the secret to a perfect crab cake.
The secret for Reter’s crab cakes is J.O. Spice. Not only do they make Reter’s secret family blend of seasoning for their steamed crabs, but Reter’s also uses J.O. Bay in their crab cake recipe.
Not only is it important to know how to prepare crab cakes, but what to serve alongside them as well.
She shared recommendations for serving crab cakes and what to serve with them: hot, fresh and broiled to perfection. Customers love it with Reter’s beer-battered fries and coleslaw, or they can step it up with roasted rosemary potatoes and steamed broccoli.
Looking to cook Maryland’s favorite staple for yourself? Otto shared a tip for creating a crab cake recipe.
“I’ll give you a hint! We use all jumbo lump crab, a little cracker crumb, J.O. Bay, fresh parsley, mustard, and Worcestershire,” she said. “The real trick? Keep it simple and let the crab shine.”
More information about Reter’s Crab House and Grille can be found at reterscrabhouse.com.
Great article, I will definitely visit them over the summer