Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar — Restaurant in Maryland

When we heard about Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar in Glen Burnie, we knew we had to check it out for ourselves. They are known for their famous crab cakes, and this spot has been highly recommended for seafood lovers. We popped in for lunch, and we wanted to judge for ourselves if they really do make the best crabcakes in Maryland.

From the moment we walked in, the service was top-tier. Our server went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing experience. She was attentive, friendly, and always checking in. She made us feel genuinely welcome. The food came out very fast. It was almost too fast! We usually appreciate a little time between courses, but if you’re someone who likes quick service, you’ll love it here for sure.

The ambiance is casual and laid-back. It’s clean and comfortable, but not fancy. It gives family-friendly dining experience to me. It’s perfect for a relaxed meal, date night, or a small celebration. Since this place can get packed, we opted for a lunchtime visit, and it was just right for us.

We had....... Cream of Crab Soup – 9/10 This was the star of the meal. It was loaded with chunks of crab, rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. While it could have been hotter, the taste made up for it. If you love a good crab soup, this one is a must-try.

Crab Dip – 8/10 The Crab Dip was thick, creamy, and extra cheesy, a seafood lover’s dream. The portion size was generous, making it a great dish to share. It's definitely worth ordering if you’re a fan of warm, melty, crab-filled goodness.

Tossed Salad with Homemade Ranch – 8/10 We didn’t expect to be so impressed with a simple tossed salad, but the freshness really stood out. It had crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy croutons, red onions, and green peppers. It was simple but done right. The homemade ranch dressing was next level, bursting with flavor and tying everything together perfectly. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a meal memorable!

Crab Cakes – 7/10 Now for the famous crab cakes. They were huge, meaty, and had almost no filler, which is exactly what you want in a crab cake. The seasoning was on the mild side, and while we personally would have preferred a bit more boldness, they were still solid. A little squeeze of lemon really helped bring out the flavor. If you like your crab cakes pure and simple, you’ll probably love them.

Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo – 7/10 This one was a mixed bag. The portion was generous, and the pasta itself was cooked well, but the Alfredo sauce lacked flavor for the person who ordered it. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t wow them either. Instead of finishing it at the table, they boxed it up to go. Maybe some extra seasoning or a kick of garlic would have helped.

Overall, Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar delivered on great service, fresh seafood, and hearty portions. The prices are fair for the quality and portion sizes, making it a solid choice for seafood lovers. While the ambiance is simple, the food and service make it worth the visit.

Would we go back? Absolutely! If you’re looking for great crab soup, a solid crab dip, and fast service, this spot is worth checking out.

Global...

Upon our arrival, we kindly requested a large booth in the back, only to be told that section was reserved for a party at 5:00 PM. This was understandable—what wasn’t was being asked, at 4:00 PM, whether we would be finished and out by 5:00. That felt completely backwards and unprofessional. If the time constraint was an issue, the question should have been whether your staff could accommodate us in time—not whether we could hurry up our meal.

We were eventually seated elsewhere, but the problems continued. Service was slow, the food quality was poor, and the overall experience was disappointing. The crab cakes were burnt, the portions were comically small, and the bathrooms were in unacceptable condition—dirty, with no soap, paper on the floor, and broken toilets.

Most upsetting, however, was the way your manager handled our concerns. When we calmly raised these issues, the manager completely dismissed every single one. Regarding the crab cakes being burnt, he said, “They actually taste better when they’re overcooked.” When we brought up the state of the bathrooms, he responded, “Well, they’re old,” as if that excused the lack of cleanliness and hygiene. He was curt, dismissive, and did not allow us to even finish speaking before he walked away, mumbling a half-hearted “I’m sorry”—if it could even be called that.

At no point did anyone offer to make things right—no adjustment to the bill, no apology with sincerity, not even a coupon or gesture of goodwill. This level of disregard is completely unacceptable and reflects poorly on your staff and management.

We left disappointed, disrespected, and frankly, embarrassed for having chosen your restaurant. We’ve spent a pretty penny frequenting this establishment and have been coming here for years but unfortunately this specific location has really gone downhill and truly doesn’t care about guest experience anymore. You are now unfortunately treated as just a dollar sign. I hope this complaint is taken seriously, and that steps will be taken to ensure no other guests are treated this way. At the very least, a proper apology and acknowledgement of the situation was warranted. We got absolutely nothing of the sort....

Up until now, this was the only place that had a good crabcake. Honestly, fantastic crabcakes. USUALLY.

My husband and I visited on June 26th. The place was not packed or busy, numerous open seats. Our server, Ashli, was all but non-existent. Which is not normal for here. Some people have off days. Now for the food. I do not know where they have a new prep cook or if they've changed their recipes. My crab cake looked the same as usual but let me tell you, it had none of the amazing flavor I've come to love. It tasted like a regular ole crab cake from any other place. Such a letdown, considering the cost. Again, some people have off days. My husband got the Chicken Francaise. DO NOT GET THIS. The flavor was awful. I mean awful. He managed to eat one piece and his mac & cheese (which was yummy). Ashli checked on us once through the meal, no refills in sight. Then, when we asked for the check, she asked if we needed to-go boxes. We said no AND NOTHING. She didn't inquire about why we didn't want to take a full plate of food with us. Never asked how our meal was. Didn't ask if anything was wrong with the dish. Not the service I know they can provide. I managed restaurants for 12 years. If someone hasn't touched their food or barely touched it, you ask if everything was okay, if there was a problem, would they like something different, would they like the item removed from the bill, etc. We did not receive that type of service.

This experience was disappointing to...