McGarvey’s is the perfect spot to soak in the true spirit of Annapolis — lively, warm, and full of character. The oysters are impeccably fresh, and the seafood selection is awesome. Whether you’re sitting at the bar with a local brew or enjoying a meal by the harbor, the atmosphere feels welcoming and authentic. Service is friendly and efficient, even when it’s busy, and the staff make you feel like a regular from the moment you walk in. The crab cakes are must-tries, and the raw bar is one of the best. A wonderful mix of great food, nautical charm, and local energy — McGarvey’s is an Annapolis favorite for a reason.
Overview
McGarvey's is a charming diner located in the heart of Annapolis, Maryland, offering a delightful blend of classic American comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere. Situated at 8 Market Space, Annapolis, MD 21401, McGarvey's has become a local favorite for both residents and visitors looking to indulge in hearty meals that leave you feeling satisfied and at home.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a cozy ambiance that makes it feel like a hidden gem. The interior has a warm, inviting vibe, with friendly staff that make every dining experience feel personal. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, McGarvey's delivers an experience that makes you want to come back again and again.
One of the standout features of McGarvey's is its extensive menu that caters to a variety of tastes. Whether you're craving a freshly made burger, a hearty steak, or lighter options like salads and seafood, the choices are endless. The menu is thoughtfully designed, offering something for everyone, from classic diner favorites to modern twists on traditional dishes. A popular choice among regulars is the crab cakes, which are packed with flavor and perfectly seasoned, a true representation of Maryland's famous seafood. The menu also features a range of sides that complement the main courses, such as crispy fries and homemade coleslaw.
What sets McGarvey's apart from other diners in the area is its emphasis on quality ingredients. The team at McGarvey’s prides itself on sourcing fresh, local produce and high-quality meats, ensuring that each dish tastes as good as it looks. For example, the burgers are made with premium beef, and the salads are filled with vibrant, fresh vegetables. The attention to detail when it comes to food preparation is evident in every bite.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the excellent service at McGarvey's. The staff is known for being friendly and efficient, ensuring that each guest feels taken care of. It’s not unusual to hear patrons praising the waitstaff for their attentive service and knowledge of the menu, which adds to the overall dining experience. Many guests note that whether it’s their first time visiting or they’ve been coming for years, they are always greeted with a warm smile and treated like family.
In addition to the delicious food and great service, McGarvey’s has a prime location in Annapolis. Situated in the bustling Market Space, the diner is conveniently located near shops, theaters, and other popular attractions. This makes it a perfect stop for anyone exploring the historic district or just looking for a great meal while enjoying the charming surroundings of Annapolis. Whether you’re popping in for lunch after a morning of sightseeing or grabbing a late-night snack, McGarvey's is ideally situated to accommodate your plans.
For those who love to enjoy a drink with their meal, McGarvey's also offers a selection of craft beers and signature cocktails. The bar area has a relaxed vibe, perfect for enjoying a drink with friends or unwinding after a long day. If you're in the mood for something refreshing, the bartenders are always happy to recommend a drink that pairs well with your meal.
Many regulars have shared stories of their favorite dishes and experiences at McGarvey's, with some even calling it their "go-to spot" whenever they’re in the area. Whether it’s the consistently great food or the friendly service, there's a sense of familiarity that makes dining at McGarvey's a special occasion every time. The diner’s long-standing reputation speaks volumes about the quality and care put into every aspect of the restaurant.
Overall, McGarvey's offers more than just a meal; it offers an experience. From the delicious food and exceptional service to the welcoming atmosphere and prime location, it’s no wonder that this diner has become a staple in Annapolis. Whether you're a local or just visiting, a meal at McGarvey's is sure to be a highlight of your day.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as veteran-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Assistive hearing loopOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Paid multi-storey car park ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1577 reviews
Excellent oysters and great one dollar price each. Nice , crispy oyster poor boy, shrimp, soup, med rare burger and dry rub wings with a side of hot sauce. Home made key lime pie was crispy and tangy. Great atmosphere with incredible wood work, too.
Such a cute restaurant! Their oysters were such good quality and so delicious. They also had amazing crab balls, crab-shrimp salad sandwiches, and crab Maryland soup. Definitely they place to go for seafood. The employees were so nice, and the vibe was so cute. The inside had nice mood lighting, and the outside tables were cute too, right by the water.
My adult son wanted fried shrimp and fries.. the food was good. My dad enjoyed his salmon, the boys had a beer. I ordered sides which were great options for a plant based /vegan girlie. Emma our waitress was attentive and personable. We had outdoor seating, the weather and view were amazing.
We were looking for a seafood restaurant close to the waterfront and we stumbled upon this unassuming place. The lively and historical inside was much bigger than we thought. The crab cake appetizer was affordable and delicious and went well with their tartar and cocktail sauces. I got the shrimp diablo pasta, which was my personal favorite. I loved the creamy Cajun style sauce with its slight spice. There was a generous amount of shrimp, and the pasta soaked up the sauce nicely. The fish and chips were also yummy. They had a nice crispy exterior that was still light and delicious.
Easily one of the best meals I have ever paid for. The swordfish was cooked to perfection. The Chesapeake style was a nice touch with a creamy and smooth texture and delicious lumps of crab. The asparagus was crisp and fresh, and the potatoes were fantastic. Fast service and the water tastes good. I know it is a small thing to most, but water taste is very important to me and this water was good. Overall I would recommend this place to anyone. Side note: my wife had the fish and chips and she made and audible exclamation when she bit into both the fries and the fish. With a wonderful golden brown finish and a nice crisp to a soft inside it was fantastic. 4.5 seems a little low to me hard to beat. Edit: The restaurant replied to thank me for my review. I assure you that I got the better part of this transaction, food and service were excellent. Will come back if I ever return to Annapolis.
Came here after a run, ended up getting our food to go so we could beat traffic, but still got to sit outside for a drink. Our waitress was wonderful, and the crab cakes were AMAZING!!!! Great atmosphere too. Wish we could’ve stayed longer. Will definitely be back!
I’ve been coming to McGarvey’s every chance I get for the past 2+ years and I am literally never disappointed. Their menu options are insane and deciding on one thing is nearly impossible but whenever I do, I’m always please as each item I’ve had thus far, is a winner. Their food, restaurant vibe and overall sense of community makes me want to move to Annapolis solely to become a regular at their establishment. And whoever makes their tacos (especially shrimp) tacos deserves the highest of praise because they are hands down the best tacos I’ve ever had. See photos from my visits over the years.