McFaul's Oyster and Reel - Essex, Maryland

AJ A.

MUST TRY!!! We visited here for the first time last Saturday evening around 5:00pm. It was fairly busy but we had no wait at all. I attribute that to the size of the dining room and the fact that they were very well staffed (it got busier as the night went on but service was still quick and smooth throughout our visit). The size of this place is huge! It just kept going. There is plenty of room to bring your whole family here. Unlike some other waterfronts in Essex they have dining space with a comfortable separation from the bar area. The restaurant was beautifully decorated with a laid back yet, classy feel. You could easily come here dressed up for a date night or dressed down for a casual family dinner. The staff were warm, friendly and attentive. Anything they didn’t know about the menu or oyster selection they were happy to find out and share. We had oysters from the ice bar, apps, entrees and drinks from the bar. The oysters were absolutely awesome! They were FRESH, ice cold, prepped and served well. For an app we had the crab dip which is served with a carrots, celery and the most delicious, soft doughy braided pretzel. For our entree we had one of the specials of the evening, garlic butter shrimp pizza. It was GREAT! Executed well and delicious! My mother had the crab cakes which were absolute units. They were huge and full of large clumps of crab meat. Aside from all the food we ordered everything we saw come out of the kitchen looked delicious. We cannot wait to go back and try other items we didn’t have during this visit. All in all this is a delightful place and such a great addition to Essex!!!!! This place looks like it will be a fun place to be during the summer months as well due to the large outdoor spaces!

Updated,
We went back again on Saturday, January 28th. Service was still GREAT and they were busy but it had no effect on our food or wait! We took friends with us and they agreed that the food was immaculate!!!! We had the OAR Sub which was by far one of the best things I have ever eaten! Wow... It was delicious. Friends also has the crab cakes, the club and salmon. Rave reviews from everyone. We will keep going back here!!!

Mike M.

Great local place. They have a full menu as well as steamed crabs. I would have given it 5 stars but I'm a craft beer connoisseur and they didn't have much of a selection. The shrimp and hush puppies were tasty. The shrimp could have used a little more Old Bay. My wife and I would go back.

Jerry’s A.

One of the best restaurants I have been for fresh seafood at DMV! We ordered two dozens of extra large crabs and it did not disappoint. The crab was juicy, meaty, and fresh unlike other places where extra large is more like a medium. The pizzas were crispy and but heavy on the cheese. Elote, although not authentic, were good enough to distract yourself from old bay seasoning. They were quite busy when we went but service is fast and the waitress was attentive.

Heidy P.

Excellent food and service. I will definitely go back here to try the other dishes. Really nice and quiet neighborhood. The chicken wings are really good. I like the old bay honey flavor. The mussels are fresh and delicious. It has a hint of spicy sausage. The shrimp taco was really good too. Everything we had was surprisingly really good.

LifewithMarch

This place is fantastic the location is nice with a nice view. Kids-friendly, animals friendly, and it's just perfect to dine it's relaxing. Everyone is friendly. The food is amazing. It was a great experience by far. Go try it yourself.

Bay L.

The atmosphere is nice. Our first visit. The grilled oysters were perfection.. Nice draft beer selection. Recommend a draft menu for customers and that staff know what is in tap. Chicken tenders were great. Crab soup is worthy of being called MD crab soup.

Hannah C.

It was delicious and their otters are amazing. Kate the bartender is awesome

John J. S.

Had a Soft Shell Crab sandwich that was ON POINT 🤌🏻🦀 and the Orange Crush set it off 🍊. Atmosphere out at the "crab boat bar" was super inviting with awesome views. I will be back!