Often as air crew, our schedules put us in places where the layover highlight is likely the crew hotel’s breakfast buffet, where real eggs are a treat. Every now and then though, a city delivers something that makes you glad you packed your appetite. For me Baltimore (BWI) has made that list of places to go. That restaurant is G&M and the item to not miss is the crab cake.
Now, I have had crab cakes in more cities than I can count. Most are fine, some are forgettable, and a few try too hard with filler, seasoning, or fancy plating. But at G&M, they do it the way Maryland intended—big, bold, and unapologetically packed with sweet lump crab. No breadcrumbs masquerading as substance. No over-spiced distractions. Just a mountain of crab held together by little more than confidence and tradition. Did I mention it’s full of crab yet?
The restaurant itself is not flashy, as most of my favorite places are not. G&M sits in an unassuming spot near BWI (only four miles in less than ten minutes away). It’s the kind of place you could drive past without a second glance. But step inside, and you will find families, business travelers, and if you are paying attention, flight crews who know exactly why they are there. For us, the restaurant’s proximity to the airport makes it so convenient. It is a crew secret.
G&M started as a pizzeria and transitioned into the restaurant of today with new ownership in 1993. That’s when the star of their show—the crab cake platter of course—was birthed. If you bring a friend, you can split the tab and save a little cash when you order the platter which comes with two crabcakes. If you don’t share you will be able to take a tasty cake to go that perfectly reheats in the aircraft’s oven.
So, lets talk about what makes this a crab cake to remember. It is cooked to a delectable golden brown with sides that are mere bit players. (Let’s be honest, no one remembers the fries when there’s a softball-sized crab cake awaiting you.) It’s a meal that sticks with you in the best way. The first bite is tender, briny-sweet, and so packed with lump crab that you’ll wonder how it stays together. By the second bite, you’ll stop asking questions and just enjoy it. With the third bite, you’ll be regretting having shared the other cake. By the time you finish your portion, you will be thanking me for the suggestion to share and not listening only to your tastebuds that would surely send you into a food coma.
Here is the truth: in a world where crews trade food recommendations like other people trade stock tips, G&M’s crab cakes have become legendary. They are the kind of dish that makes you plan a deadhead through Baltimore or wish your layover were just a little longer. Here is another pro-tip for you; if your airline does not fly to Baltimore and you would like to try these renowned crab cakes, you can order a tub of crab cakes to be cooked at home from their website. They are delivered next day to all fifty states. You can even set a delivery date nearly a month in advance for your next dinner party. As of the publication of this article, I have not done this yet, but I’m sure as my family reads this review, they are going to request an order ASAP.
So, if your schedule drops you into or near BWI, do yourself a favor, skip the chain restaurants, grab a cab/rideshare, and head to G&M. Order the crab cakes! (If push comes to shove, you can DoorDash an order to your room, but it will not be as crisp after its commute to your hotel.)
An unofficial motto for the state is, “Maryland is for crabs” and G&M will prove it from the plate to your palate and into your stomach.
Address: 804 N. Hammonds Ferry Rd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Website: https://gandmcrabcakes.com
