The Choptank — Restaurant in Annapolis

The Choptank in Annapolis delivers an East Coast culinary experience so extraordinary, it feels like a celebration from the first bite to the last sip. Our evening was elevated to new heights thanks to our server Shai, whose charismatic professionalism and attentive grace ensured every moment was perfectly tailored—anticipating our needs with genuine warmth and expert recommendations.

Exceptional Menu Delights The Oysters Rockefeller at The Choptank transcend mere appetizer status, emerging as a show-stopping symphony of luxurious flavors and textures. Each pristine oyster half-shell is crowned with an opulent tapestry of emerald-green herb butter, lavishly blended with tender spinach, aromatic parsley, and just a whisper of anise, then blanketed in bubbling, golden cheese that melts like silk

From the Maryland Eastern Shore Fried Chicken, each piece was encased in a shatteringly crisp crust, seasoned to golden, flavorful perfection—a true homage to regional tradition, yet surpassing all expectations. The chicken arrived with a pillow of tender cole slaw and golden fries, a harmony of textures and nostalgic comfort reimagined for an upscale crowd.

The Branzino with lemon butter was nothing short of a revelation: the fish melt-in-your-mouth tender, accented by a sumptuous lemon butter sauce that dazzled on the palate. Each forkful sang with bright citrus notes and luscious richness, complemented by the visual drama of a golden char and a zesty pour.

Cocktail Magic The drink menu at The Choptank is a masterclass in mixology. The Orange Crush, chilled and effervescent, sparkled with the taste of sun-ripened citrus—an invigorating rush of sweet and tart, crowned with a show-stopping slice of dehydrated orange that set the senses ablaze. The Elijah Craig was seductively smooth, balancing bourbon warmth with a whisper of caramel and spice. The house-crafted Lucas cocktail captivated with its artistry—complex layers of flavor, refreshing and bold with just the right whisper of sweetness.

Luxe Atmosphere Dining here feels like stepping into a coastal haven, where every detail is crafted for comfort and style. The ambiance shimmers with energy, making every guest feel like the VIP of the Maryland shore.

Unforgettable Service Shai’s impeccable service added a golden sheen to an already perfect evening. From witty banter to anticipating our every need, Shai encapsulated true hospitality, making us feel celebrated and completely cared for.

In every way, The Choptank Annapolis combines regional pride, upscale flair, and pure culinary joy. The fried chicken "is" worth writing home about, the fish is perfection on a plate, and each cocktail is a celebration in a glass. Five stars aren't enough—this is the gold standard of...

If you're looking for an unforgettable seafood dining experience in Annapolis, look no further than The Choptank. Located right on Ego Alley in the heart of downtown, this waterfront gem not only delivers on food but sets the stage with an atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of the Chesapeake Bay.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with friendly, attentive service and stunning waterfront views that immediately elevated the evening. The open-air setup, with options for dockside seating or indoor dining with panoramic window views, creates an ambiance that’s both lively and laid-back. Watching boats cruise into the marina as the sun sets added an extra layer of magic to the entire experience.

Now, let’s talk about the seafood—because that’s where The Choptank truly shines. Every dish we ordered tasted incredibly fresh, as if it had been caught that morning. The jumbo lump crab cakes were among the best I’ve ever had—generously portioned, perfectly seasoned, and broiled to golden perfection with minimal filler. The raw oyster selection was diverse and immaculately presented on a chilled platter, showcasing the best the East Coast has to offer.

We also tried the steamed mussels in white wine and garlic, which came out piping hot, bursting with flavor, and served with crusty bread that was perfect for soaking up every drop of the broth. The grilled rockfish—a local favorite—was flakey and tender, served with a vibrant seasonal vegetable medley that balanced the dish beautifully.

What really surprised and delighted us was the cocktail menu. Creative, refreshing, and clearly crafted by mixologists who know how to complement seafood, the drinks were a highlight all on their own. I especially enjoyed the “Chesapeake Bloody Mary,” rimmed with Old Bay and topped with a shrimp garnish—Maryland in a glass!

Dessert was a fitting end to the night. The lemon blueberry cheesecake was light yet decadent, and the warm pecan pie with bourbon whipped cream was a must-try.

The Choptank isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether you’re visiting Annapolis for the first time or are a long-time local, it’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. With top-notch seafood, a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere, and some of the best views in the city, The Choptank has rightfully earned its place as one of the premier dining destinations on...

I have called the restaurant a few times to give this feedback live but never got a call or message back (despite leaving name, phone number, and email) so here it goes...

My husband and I are locals and have eaten at The Choptank a handful of times. Generally, we have had a great experience. So when we had friends in town, we decided to come here - perfect Annapolis location overlooking the water. We had dinner on 6/8/23 with reservations at 6:30.

We were seated on the rooftop with a beautiful view and had a great experience until the end of our meal. There was a large party next to us that our server was also managing. At the end, it was clear the large group had several billing issues and our server was dealing with that with the manager for about 45 mins.

Aside from being completely ignored at this time, it was very upsetting to see how our server was treated by the manager. She was literally having him go line by line on several receipts to clear up whatever discrepancy there was for a party of 15-20 people. It was absolutely ridiculous. You could see he was having a hard time and becoming emotional.

As a manager, you have the literal power to diffuse situations like this. Comp a meal or two and then handle the issues with the server later. Or at least have another server or manager provide back up for the other tables.

Eventually our server came back to our table, incredibly frazzled and upset and stating that he owed the restaurant a couple hundred dollars. Very disappointing to see someone treated like that, especially when we had just had such a great experience.

Maybe he shouldn't have told us that but why would a manager bring that up mid shift? Clearly that would be upsetting. We gave him what he would owe the restaurant and then some in a tip. Tip was almost equal to our bill - everyone at the table just threw in whatever cash they had, that is how upset our entire table was at witnessing this.

Very disappointing to also be ignored for this time when out for a rare night out with good friends. Would have had at least a couple more rounds of drinks and dessert but never even got the chance.

Sad because this place has great ambiance, food, and drinks but won't be coming back. There are too many good places in the area, especially non-corporate conglomerate eateries, with way better management.

Unacceptable experience, especially when spending...