So long and thanks for all the crab...

[litchick]

Thank you DC/Mid-Atlantic Hounds!

MrLit and I were in Annandale this past weekend for a family visit, and due to lotsa birthdays all being at once, a celebratory lunch of many crabs was in order. The problem is no one in the local family had any idea where to go, and indeed, had never gone out for a big mess'o'crab. Them being so close to Maryland, this seemed a crime. The catch: we couldn't go very far from the house because of the many babies involved.

The search function on the DC/Bal'more area boards yielded several good suggestions, and we chose the Quarterdeck in Arlington, not only for its proximity and good reviews, but because they had options for those who don't eat seafood, but wanted to tag along.

What a great place! I know it may not be the *best* crab house around, but it was totally fun, the servers were cheery and very accomodating to our large, unwieldy, somewhat shrieky (the babies again) group, and the crabs were terrific. We resv'd a long table outside, under the awning, which was just right. We ended up getting 2 doz regular sized crabs for 6 adults, as well as a slew of other things to accompany. I had the fried oyster sandwich, which I quite liked. Being a Boston Hound in my daily life, I have a fondness for all manner of fried or dressed seafood on buns, and though these weren't the best fried oysters I've had, they were tasty enough to satisfy. The onion rings were thick cut, deep golden, and perfectly crispy. The bay crab soup got a thumbs up from several in the party, but by the time I was able to steal a taste, they'd eaten all the crab. Finks. The broth was good though, with a little spice to it. The vegetarians got pizzas, which looked good, and which they declared to be tasty. It's not the kind of place you go for pizza, but as noted, the small pies looked nice and fully cheesy, and seemed to distract the veg's from the fact the rest of us were bashing poor dead crabs with wooden mallets in order to better eviscerate 'em. The person who got the crabcake sandwich liked it, but I didn't have a chance to try it. I was too busy stuffing myself full of crab. And the crabs were very sweet and very good. Lots of old bay and salt, perfectly cooked, and just as messy as you'd want them to be. The only thing I regret is the two lonely uneaten crabs left at the end of lunch -- no one had room or energy to finish them.

I really liked the vibe at the Quarterdeck, and the drinks were also solid. I'm not really a pina colada kinda person, but for some reason the occasion seemed to call for it, and it was great. The rocks/salt margaritas were also good.

So, anyhow, thanks again you DC area hounds. Past posts pointed me in the right direction, and everyone had an super-fantastic excellent time. It's not a fancy place, but it's definitely hound worthy.

[litchick]

Forgot to post a pic! The crabs:

[chew]

Did you try the deserts? I think the pies there are hand-made. I love the Keylime pie there - one of my must haves when I'm in the area. Just an FYI for other sweet-tooth people that happen to be there for crabs :-)