A Hidden Destination for Annapolis Foodies

Boaters wishing to avoid the energized post-racing sailors at other nearby Annapolis restaurants would be well advised to tie up at the Annapolis City Marina and walk up the dock to the award winning cuisine of the Carrol’s Creek Waterfront Restaurant.

Carrol’s Creek Restaurant, which opened in 1983 and adopted the original 1781 name of present day Spa Creek, is a quiet and relaxing haven at the transition between the Chesapeake Bay and East Port terra firma, with some of the freshest and finest menu offerings available anywhere in the Annapolis region. The restaurant is so low-key and under the radar that even lifelong Annapolitans are to be forgiven for not knowing it exists. Word of the restaurant’s incredible food is what fuels many to try it (they are rated #10 out of 184 eateries, and #1 in seafood dining in and around Annapolis) and the experience is not soon forgotten.

This review is for their weekly brunch, which is offered only on Sunday, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Here’s a big hint: the early bird gets to sample the complete brunch menu — especially the very popular seafood entrée du jour— which happened to be an enormous roasted rockfish during our visit. We arrived at 11:20 a.m. and we were fortunate to find servings of the delicious rockfish still available, but it was all gone by the time the lunch crowd arrived just a half an hour later. All of the brunch items were delicious, even for our pickiest eater, with the creamy seafood risotto being one of the big hits in our party.

The restaurant overlooks Annapolis Harbor and many of the tables enjoy floor-to-ceiling views. The de facto dress code appears to be business casual, though no one was turned away for not adhering to it (at least during brunch). Brunch prices are a very reasonable $23.95 apiece for adults, which includes dessert and a glass of champagne, and $11.95 each for children under 9.