Welcome to Mama's On the Half Shell
Mama's On the Half Shell, located at 2901 O'Donnell St in Baltimore, MD, offers a delightful seafood-centric dining experience. Renowned for its rich, creamy Seafood Chowder and signature Cream of Crab, adorned with chunks of jumbo lump crab meat, the menu showcases a symphony of flavors. The vibrant Spring Berry Salad and the indulgent Mint Chocolate Cheesecake further highlight the culinary creativity at play. Each dish reflects Mama's commitment to fresh ingredients and bold tastes, ensuring every visit is a memorable one. With an inviting atmosphere, this eatery is a must-try for seafood lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
- 2901 O'Donnell St, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States2901 O'Donnell St, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States Hotline: +1 410-276-3160
Welcome to Mama's On the Half Shell, a celebrated gem located at 2901 O'Donnell Street, Baltimore, MD. This restaurant embodies the essence of Maryland's rich culinary traditions, particularly its famous crab dishes and seafood offerings.
Stepping into Mama’s feels like a warm embrace from a beloved family member. The atmosphere exudes a charming coastal vibe, inviting you to dive deep into a selection of tantalizing seafood delights. With a menu crafted for seafood lovers, the standout items are the Maryland Crab Soup and the iconic Cream of Crab, both of which evoke classic Old Baltimore flavors. Whether you opt for a cup or a bowl, the generous portions brimming with fresh crab meat will transport you straight to the heart of the Chesapeake Bay.
For a richer experience, the Seafood Chowder stands out with its creamy base, marrying potatoes, corn, and seasonal seafood into a delightfully comforting bowl. Pair these dishes with one of Mama's satisfying sides, such as the Mama’s Mac & Cheese or the tender Soft Shell Crab.
And let’s not overlook dessert! The Apple Cheesecake and Mint Chocolate Cheesecake promise to be the perfect sweet finale to your seafood feast. They’re a delightful nod to traditional favorites, and each bite lingers blissfully on the palate.
With a commitment to quality ingredients and the nostalgic touch of home-cooked meals, Mama's On the Half Shell not only captures the essence of Maryland’s coastal cuisine but also succeeds in bringing warmth and joy to every diner. Their impeccable service and dedication to showcasing local flavors make this restaurant a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in an authentic seafood experience.

You have to come here and see John! John was the best server I’ve ever had. He gave great recommendations on the menu and truly shows how passionate he is about his job. I ordered the blueberry lemon drop and seafood platter. These crab cakes were the best I’ve had so far during my trip! Please go see John. You won’t regret it!

This place with a lot of fun. The food was delicious and all the people were nice. Parking was easy and the food came out quick enough. The only problem we had was we asked for an appetizer two times and it was forgotten both times, they were busy though so it's not a big deal but something to note.

So my kids and I were starved after a day of appointments, shopping and a barber appointment. We decided to stop by Mama’s On The Half Shell since it was on the way home. We were greeted by Gavin and seated immediately. Gavin waited on us and was very professional and friendly. The food was delicious and we will definitely be back, thank you!

Our final night in Baltimore was one we’ll never forget, thanks to the unforgettable experience we had at Mama’s on the Half Shell. This wasn’t just a meal—it was a celebration of flavor, warmth, and world-class hospitality. Let’s start with the food, because wow. Every single dish that came from that kitchen was divine. The crab egg rolls are an absolute must—crispy, generous, and bursting with Maryland’s best. The half-pound steamed shrimp? Perfectly seasoned and plump. The Brussels sprouts were charred and caramelized to perfection. Our crab-topped salad was fresh and flavorful, and the lamb chops—oh, the lamb chops—were infused with rosemary so deeply, it was as if they had been marinated for hours in a garden of flavor. And then came the Maryland rockfish, flaky and bold, honoring the region’s seafood legacy. Order any of the soups!!! The cocktails were on point. The Manhattan was rich, balanced, and expertly crafted—no shortcuts here. And just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, we made room for dessert—because at Mama’s, you make room. The bread pudding was soul-soothing, and the cheesecake was luscious and light, the perfect ending to a spectacular meal. Now for the service, which truly made the evening shine. Brian and Michael were nothing short of phenomenal. Their energy, recommendations, timing, and genuine care for our table struck the perfect balance—never intrusive, always attentive. And then there was Mauricio, the manager (we hope we’ve got his name right!), who quietly brought dishes to our table with such warmth and grace that we didn’t even realize at first he was part of leadership. When we began chatting—as we tend to do—he humbly shared that he was indeed the manager, and later returned to check in on us before leaving. He even sent over dessert to close out our evening. It was that kind of night—every detail handled with care and love. This was hands down the best meal we had in Baltimore and we had a lot of meals - and one of the best meals we’ve ever had, period. Every dollar we spent felt more than worth it. If you’re visiting Baltimore and want to experience something special, Mama’s on the Half Shell is it. No question.

Mamas on the Half Shell absolutely delivered! The Oyster Rockefeller and Maryland Crab Soup were outstanding, packed with flavor and freshness. The Fish & Chips were perfectly crispy, the Sriracha Brussels sprouts had just the right kick, and the Rockfish topped with Crab Imperial was simply amazing. On top of the great food, our server John was phenomenal! Hands down the best server I’ve had in ages. Friendly, attentive, and on point with everything. He made the whole experience even better. Can’t wait to come back!

The food was amazing especially the Rockefeller oysters! I had one order and couldn’t resist so ordered another. The crab cakes were impeccable too! Every bite tasted so fresh! The Mac n cheese pairing was perfect! Of course the raw oysters were great!

This place was recommended to us as first time visitors of Baltimore. The service was amazing. John was fantastic and all his recommendations hit! Would come back just to see him!

I this place. Everything is spot on and very clean. Customer service was excellent, and food was next level. You get generous portions, and i feel the price is definitely good for what you get. The food is flavorful to the point that you don't have to add a thing , and the restrooms are clean. Whether you go for brunch , lunch, or dinner, you will not be disappointed!