Hagerstown has plenty of places to grab a burger, but walking into Zach Greenlee’s Trackside Steak & Seafood feels different. It’s not just the smell of Old Bay hitting you at the door or the hum of a crowd that clearly knows the staff by name. It’s the vibe. It’s the feeling of a local joint that actually survived the ups and downs of the last few years by doubling down on what Marylanders actually want: massive portions of crab and steaks that don't cost a whole week's paycheck.
Honestly, if you’re looking for white tablecloths and tiny droplets of sauce arranged with tweezers, keep driving. This isn't that. It’s a place where the "Award Winning" tag on the crab cake sandwich isn't just marketing fluff—it’s a warning that you’re going to need extra napkins and maybe a nap afterward.
What the Locals Already Know
You’ve probably heard the hype about the Crab Pretzel. Most places throw a little dusting of crab on a frozen twist and call it a day. Zach Greenlee's Trackside Steak & Seafood does it differently. They take a jumbo baked pretzel and basically bury it under a mountain of house-made crab dip and melted cheddar. It’s a mess. It’s glorious. People travel from all over the tri-state area specifically for that appetizer, and for good reason.
The menu is a bit of a marathon. You’ve got everything from gator bites to a "Chesapeake Burger" that tops a juicy patty with fried onion straws, bacon, and even more crab meat. It’s aggressive in the best way possible.
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Beyond the Typical Steakhouse
Most steakhouses feel stuffy. You feel like you have to whisper. At Trackside, the atmosphere is more "backyard BBQ meets neighborhood pub." There’s a rustic, cozy energy, especially since they updated the outdoor deck with a new roof and better seating. It’s become a go-to for families, which is a rare find for a place that also serves a mean 20-oz bone-in ribeye.
Speaking of the steaks, they use USDA Choice cuts. You can get a 10-oz New York Strip or go big with the T-bone. But the real pro move is the Surf & Turf. Pairing a 12-oz ribeye with that 6-ounce crab cake is basically the Maryland state religion on a plate.
Why the Community Keeps Coming Back
It isn't just about the food. Zach Greenlee himself has become a bit of a local fixture. He was recently voted a top chef in the tri-state area, and the restaurant is constantly popping up in "Best of" lists for Hagerstown. They even made an appearance on America’s Best Restaurants, which isn't easy to pull off when you’re competing with every other seafood spot in the region.
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The service usually gets high marks too. You’ll often see names like Heather mentioned in reviews—staff who have been there long enough to know how you like your steak without you having to say it. That kind of consistency is hard to find in 2026 when every other restaurant seems to be struggling with high turnover.
Breaking Down the Favorites
If it’s your first time, don't overthink it. Focus on these staples that actually live up to the reputation:
- Maryland Crab Soup: It’s loaded. Not just broth and a few stray vegetables, but actual chunks of crab.
- The Crabby Egg Rolls: Two egg rolls stuffed with crab imperial. They’re deep-fried and honestly a bit addictive.
- Prime Rib Sammy: Slow-roasted, shaved thin, and served with a horseradish aioli that actually has some kick to it.
- The Salad Bar: People weirdly love the salad bar here. It’s fresh, it’s kept cold, and it’s a solid way to pretend you’re being healthy before the 16-oz steak arrives.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
No place is perfect. If you go on a Friday night, expect a wait. It gets loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic corner to propose, maybe pick a Tuesday. Also, while they try to accommodate everyone, the physical layout can be a bit tricky for wheelchair users because of the stairs at the entrance, though the staff is usually pretty quick to help out.
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The pricing is fair. You’re looking at about $15 to $20 for most sandwiches and burgers, while the heavy-hitter steaks and seafood platters can climb into the $30 to $40 range. Considering the size of the portions, you’re usually taking half of it home in a box anyway.
Getting There and Timing Your Visit
Located at 15124 National Pike in Hagerstown, it’s easy enough to find. They’re closed on Mondays (like most good local spots), and they open at 11:00 AM most days, except for Sundays when they start a little earlier for brunch at 10:30 AM.
If you want the full experience without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, try a late lunch on a Wednesday. The service is fast, the food is hot, and you can actually hear yourself think. But if you want the energy, the Friday night "Tap Takeovers" with local spots like Antietam Brewery are where it’s at.
Next Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your trip to Zach Greenlee's Trackside Steak & Seafood, call ahead for a reservation if you have a group larger than four, especially on weekends. Download the Waze app for real-time traffic updates on National Pike, as it can get congested during rush hour. If you're a fan of craft beer, check their social media pages before you go to see which local brewery is currently featured on tap. Finally, make sure to ask about the "Lunch Specials" if you're visiting between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM; the steak tips and noodles are a local secret that offers huge value.