Where can I find the best crab cakes in the Dallas area?

[joanna.mcmaster]

My husband is from Maine and he is always disappointed with the crab cakes in the Dallas area. Any places that aren't skimpy on good-quality crab, and make them similiar to the one's you can find in New England?

[uninvited guest]

Gotta go with Oceanaire, but pricy.... so if you want decent ones for cheap, Fish City Grill isn't bad. III Forks has really good crab cakes as well, but again...pricey.

[twinwillow]

Houston's!!!! Expensive but, worth every penny (er...dollar).

[joanna.mcmaster]

Thanks guys, we're going to start at CM, and work our way through the suggestions. Appreciate the help.

[twinwillow]

After you finally get to eat the crab cakes at Houston's, you'll wish you started there first and then, quit while you were ahead.

[bhoward]

I have tried them at Houston's, M&S and Oceanaire and my vote goes to Oceanaire. The near perfect lunch is a crabcake, small order of salt and vinegar fries and a glass of wine from there. Expensive but worth it.

[DallasDude]

Almost forgot Chamberlins Fish Market, they are Maryland style served with an almond slaw and a remoulade. Extra crabby. I havent had the ones at Trulucks, but they are a crab restaurant. Anyone try those?

[J.R.]

bhoward,

You nailed it. If I'm in the area, I do that exact thing. Sit at the bar. Good stuff.

[joanna.mcmaster]

Okay, kind of funny, but can't go to Oceanaire. I dated one of teh chefs while I was going through a divorce, don't want to run into him w/new hubby. So anywhere but Oceanaire, which sucks b/c the food is fantastic. But, drama-free dinner is preferred.

[J.R.]

ouch. gotcha

[bhoward]

Hmm. You may be in serious danger of losing your Chowhound credentials if you let a little potential "drama" keep you from a superb crabcake. I suggest calling and finding out when the chef will not be there or visiting wearing a wig and Groucho mask. ;)

[joanna.mcmaster]

LOL, gotcha. How are the crabcakes at Sea Breeze in Plano? Anyone tried them?

[bhoward]

I have tried and cannot recommend.

[joanna.mcmaster]

Really? Is the place worth trying in general? Or is everything bad?

[bhoward]

I would say definitely give it a try. The lobster roll is good and the prices are reasonable. Is certainly isn't fancy or upscale. The crabcakes aren't bad, they just aren't 95% lump crabmeat as at Oceanaire. Of course, they don't cost what those at Oceanaire do, either!

[joanna.mcmaster]

Thanks for the advice, I will give the lobster roll a try.

[air]

Agreed, don't dismiss Seabreeze just because of the crabcakes. It's not their specialty and they've got other good choices throughout the menu. I'm a fan of the fish and chips. They're a good value considering the fish is quite fresh.

[J.R.]

I'm not sure of the New England Style, but the best Crab Cake by far in Dallas is at Oceanaire. I consider myself a crabcake afficionado (sp). The ones in Oceanaire are the best I've ever had, anywhere. All Jumbo Lump, no filler at all. No breading . Pure blue crab goodness. They come in kind of a half-ball shape and are baked. A must try.

[joanna.mcmaster]

Great, thanks for the advise. :)

[DallasDude]

Central Market makes some nice ready and house made crab cakes. They are particularly large and delicious. I prefer smaller bite size with little or no filler and panko crusted. The ones at Central are meaty, but have a fine cracker crust.

[air]

McCormick & Shmick's also has jumbo lump crab cakes, and I say they're pretty much the same as Oceannaire's, both are definitely good. I'm curious, have you compared the two?

[CocoaNut]

Although it's been a couple of years since I've been, III Forks had crab cakes to compare to the famed Maryland cakes. I don't think there was an ounce of filler to be found. I had them as an appitizer, but have always said I'd order them as an entree on my return. But! be prepared to open the wallet.

[joanna.mcmaster]

Not prepared to open the wallet III Forks style, last time we went our bill was nearly $400. We're in a recession, LOL.

[jindomommy]

I don't know that it can compete with Maine and I have not been to the Plano location, but Roy's has amazing crabcakes. The crabcakes and the hoisin ribs are his signature dishes. I used to work there. They use absolutely no filler. It's pure crab with some veggies for texture and then it's breaded in panko. They serve a lobster butter sauce with it.

[joanna.mcmaster]

Oh, that sounds fabulous! Thanks guys!

[DallasDude]

Hard to find. I use the 21 club recipe but jook it up a bit (spicier and more crab). I make them in to tiny almost bite-sized pucks. Brooklyn's makes them very similar to mine.