I went to the Crack Pot with two friends, due to a coupon one of us had from a popular website. Upon entry, we were immediately seated. We literally did not spend ten seconds at the entrance/hostess area. The server was friendly and kind, but we repeatedly felt rushed. We racked up a check of over $160, including an $80/dozen order of steamed crabs. One of the most important qualities one looks for in crabs is their weight. Heavier crabs contain more meat and fetch a higher price. While there were some “heavy” crabs, there were more “light” ones. As a forty-seven year resident of Maryland who has consumed many steamed crabs, it is my opinion that the crabs fell far short of the price charged. The restaurant did replace one crab at our request and probably would have replaced others. In retrospect, we should have asked for more, but one should not have to send crabs back. There is something to be said for getting it right the first time.
Unfortunately, the problems didn’t end with the weight of the crabs. Upon presenting the coupon, which promised a $75 credit on a purchase of at least $150 we were politely informed that the coupon did not apply to crabs. This was not stated on the coupon and its authenticity was not in dispute. It was also not stated on the menu. The manager pointed out that there was a notice posted stating that the coupon did not apply to crabs. This is technically correct. There were notices, approximately the size of an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper posted in the entry and hostess areas. In this writer’s opinion, it is not reasonable to expect a person who spends less than ten seconds in the entrance/hostess area to notice the signage. Upon argument, the manager offered a ten percent discount that fell very far short of the $75 discount on the coupon. In fact, the restaurant seemed to be placing the burden on the website for a coupon that had Crack Pot’s name on it. If the restaurant has a disagreement with the website marketing the coupon, the restaurant needs to take that up with the website.
In summary, this restaurant was not a good experience, and was not a good value. There are many places to enjoy famous MD steamed crabs. Sadly, I cannot recommend this one.