The Crabs Are Calling

Delaware isn’t necessarily the first place which comes to mind when you’re talking about taking a pilgrimage somewhere. After all, we all remember the "Wayne’s World" scene: Imagine being able to be magically whisked away to…Delaware. "Hi. I’m in…Delaware.".

But there is one Delaware destination which is not worthy of Wayne-style derision, and that’s the Old Mill Crab House, in Delmar.

Around two hours and twenty minutes away, the location is a bit of a hike, especially when post-Memorial Day beach traffic hits. But for the ambitious seafood lover, the trek is worth it, for an all-you-can-eat, veritable feast.

Make sure you start your adventure early—doors open at 4, tables fill up fast, and your party won’t be seated unless you’re all there. There are also some scenic stops along the way, most notably Wright’s Market, which features delicious homemade jam, cheese and pie (I highly recommend the blueberry lemon).

Once you’re there, soak up the busy, strictly-business atmosphere of the restaurant. The long tables are covered with brown paper towels, and large stacks of food are unceremoniously plopped down in front of you by harried waitresses. Squeeze-bottles of butter and fast-food style salt & pepper shakers are at the ready.

Though the restaurant serves entrees, it’s the all-you-can-eat specials which are worth the trip. The most popular choice is the Maryland Crab Special – for $26.99, you get all-you-can eat crab, hush puppies, fried clams, fried chicken, fried shrimp and corn on the cob.

The crab is decent-sized, piping-hot and caked with Old Bay. Crab is always a meal you have to work for, but these crabs aren't so small to prohibit the effort needed. The hushpuppies, golden-brown and dusted with powdered sugar, are another highlight, and the steaming corn is satisfying. I didn’t even have the room to stomache a taste of the fried chicken, but companions raved.

There are other variations on the special, including choices of steamed shrimp and snow crab for a bit more dough, but the classic crab choice gets my vote. Wash down large quantities of food with a pitcher of Miller Lite or Pink Lemonade – sometimes it’s hard to keep the beverages coming with the waitresses busy hurling more and more crab at eager customers, but let’s face it – you’d rather the servers be spotty with the drinks than the seafood service, right?

So round up a couple crustacean-loving companions, and make the trek to Old Mill Crab House. The price is minimal – $30 out of your pocket, and one “Wayne’s World” joke, forever tainted.

Old Mill Crab House
Rt. 54 East and Waller Rd.
Delmar, DE
302/846-2808