You’re driving down Route 235 in St. Mary’s County, and if you aren’t paying attention, you’ll miss the turn for Clarke’s Landing Road. It feels like you're heading into someone’s backyard or a forgotten patch of Southern Maryland woods. But then, the trees thin out. The Patuxent River opens up, wide and shimmering, and there it is. Stoney’s at Clarke’s Landing Restaurant is basically the definition of "if you know, you know."
It’s not flashy. Honestly, from the outside, it looks like a sturdy, weather-beaten riverside house that’s seen its fair share of Nor’easters. But that’s the charm. This isn't some corporate seafood chain with plastic lobsters on the wall. It’s a place where the floorboards might creak, the "Orange Crush" is always flowing, and the crab cakes are large enough to have their own zip code.
The Identity Crisis: Clarke’s vs. Stoney’s
If you’re searching for "Clarke’s Landing Restaurant Maryland," you might notice some people just call it "Stoney’s." Here is the deal: the location is Clarke’s Landing, a historic spot in Hollywood, MD, that has been a boat ramp and social hub since, well, forever. The restaurant currently operating there is part of the Stoney’s Seafood House family—a name legendary in Southern Maryland for one specific thing: The Backfin Crab Cake.
For a while, there was some confusion. Was it just a landing? Was it a formal dining room? Today, it’s a hybrid. It’s a white-tablecloth-adjacent experience inside with a "kick your shoes off" vibe on the outdoor deck. You can literally pull your boat up to the pier, hop off, and be face-deep in a bowl of Maryland Crab Soup within ten minutes.
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What Actually Matters: The Food
Look, everyone claims to have the best crab cake in Maryland. It’s a tired trope. But the version at Clarke’s Landing Restaurant is different because of the filler. Or rather, the lack of it.
Most places use breadcrumbs or crackers to stretch the meat. Stoney’s recipe is famous for being almost entirely jumbo lump crab held together by what I assume is a wing and a prayer. It’s broiled until the tips are just slightly charred. You don't need tartar sauce. Using cocktail sauce on this would be a crime in at least three counties.
Beyond the Crab
- The Orange Crush: You haven't lived until you've had a fresh-squeezed Orange Crush on that deck during a July sunset. They use real oranges. You can watch them pull the lever on the industrial juicer. It’s dangerous because it tastes like juice, but it’ll have you calling an Uber after two.
- Rockfish Bites: If they have rockfish (striped bass) on the specials board, get it. It’s the state fish for a reason. Flaky, mild, and usually caught not too far from where you’re sitting.
- Steamed Oysters: In the colder months, the local oysters are the move. They’re salty, metallic, and perfect.
The Vibe Check
Some people complain that the service can be slow when the sun is out and the deck is packed. Kinda true. If you’re in a rush to get back to DC or Baltimore, this might not be your spot. It’s a Southern Maryland pace. You’re there to watch the boats, listen to whatever acoustic guitar player is covering Jimmy Buffett, and breathe in the salt air.
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The interior was remodeled recently, so it’s much cleaner and "nicer" than it used to be, but the real magic is still outside. There is something about watching the Patuxent River flow by while you're picking at a pile of hushpuppies that just resets the brain.
Is It Worth the Drive?
If you are coming from the city, it’s a trek. Hollywood isn’t exactly on the way to anything unless you’re headed to Solomon’s Island or Leonardtown. But that’s why it hasn’t been ruined. It still feels like a local hangout. You’ll see guys in muddy work boots sitting next to people who just tied up a $200,000 Grady-White at the dock.
Pro Tip: Check their hours before you go. They’ve been known to close on Mondays and Tuesdays, and being a waterfront spot, they sometimes shift their schedule based on the season.
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Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive by Water: If you have a boat (or a friend with one), use the pier. It is infinitely more satisfying than finding a parking spot in the small lot.
- The "Lump" Rule: When ordering the crab cake, specify you want the "Stoney’s Style" jumbo lump. It costs more. It is worth every penny.
- Timing is Everything: Aim for an hour before sunset. The way the light hits the Patuxent from the deck is the best free show in St. Mary’s County.
- Check the Specials: Don't just stick to the menu. The kitchen often gets local hauls of soft-shell crabs or invasive blue catfish that are surprisingly delicious.
Don't expect a five-star resort experience. Expect a "real Maryland" experience. Messy fingers, cold drinks, and a view that makes you forget about your email inbox. That is what Clarke’s Landing is actually about.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Verify current hours: Call them at (301) 373-3986 before driving down, as seasonal changes are common.
- Plan a detour: If you’re making the trip, stop by Sotterley Plantation nearby to walk off the crab cakes; it’s one of the oldest colonial sites in the country and just a few minutes away.
- Boat Access: If you’re docking, keep an eye on the tide; the creek can get a bit shallow for deeper drafts if you aren't careful.