Maryland crab cakes tend to be on the Mount Rushmore of seafood. And while we have nothing but respect for the Free State, Long Island crab cakes deserve a place at any seafood party. They come with generous portions of lump-meat, minimal bread-crumb binders and don’t need mayo to hide a drab crab. Before summer fades to fall, consider opting for something other than a lobster roll. The crab cakes at these Long Island restaurants make for appetizing alternatives.
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Cooperage Inn, Baiting Hollow
Nestled in the heart of wine country, the route to this quaint eatery is a scenic one. And, once seated in the country-style dining room adorned with Victorian-era mirrors and drapery, the meals are known to be delicious. The crab cakes, glazed with tri-pepper remoulade, roasted corn grilled beefsteak and tomato relish, make for sensational starters and ignite multiple taste buds. Phone: 631-727-8994 | Address: 2218 Sound Ave. Click to taste
Vintage Prime Steakhouse, St. James
This restaurant perfectly blends mountain lodge and upscale escape with oak wooden chairs and walls, a fireplace, landscape art, white tablecloths and chandeliers. The high-end steaks tend to take center stage, but missing the all-meat crab cakes, served with black beans and corn salsa for a south-of-the-border twist, would be cutting the meal short. Phone: 631-862-6440 | Address: 433 N. Country Rd. Click to taste
South Ocean Grill, Patchogue
A stone’s throw from Pulse’s office in Patchogue, this is a favorite lunch spot of staffers. The laid-back vibe—no white tablecloths or pretense here—jives with the menu that favors flavor over frills. The crab cakes are no exception. For dinner, they come flaky, pan seared and lightly breaded with a side of cole slaw and vine tomatoes. Pro Tip: The early (aka the lunch diner) bird gets the fry—South Ocean grill swaps fries for tomatoes at lunchtime. Phone: 631-307-9999 | Address: 567 S. Ocean Ave Click to taste
PJ Lobster House, Port Jefferson
Oft-hailed for its bucket list-worthy succulent lobster, PJ Lobster House is also a crab cake lovers’ haven. They’re homemade, prepared with fresh lump crabmeat and appear in five different offerings. The starter crab cakes are served with lemons, giving diners the option to begin their meal on a tangy note. The crab cake salad offers a healthier way to enjoy the seafood, while the crabby patty burger and crab cake salad take a more diet-indifferent route. People can also enjoy the dish as part of the seafood sampler and as an entree with two sides or a garden salad. Phone: 631-473-1143 | Address: 1 North Country Rd. Click to taste
Jordan’s Lobster, Island Park
This casual roadside seafood spot offers waterfront views, a relaxed atmosphere and otherworldly crab cakes. Diners have two options for indulging in ‘em: The first, a sandwich, includes a warm roll, french fries and cole slaw. The platter features two crab cakes served with lettuce, tomato and french fries. Phone: 516-806-6251 | Address: 1 Pettit Place Click to taste