First off I must apologize to Mark & John Smolen; I frequent your shop once or twice a month for the past year and a half and not only have I only checked into Yelp twice I've yet to write a review for your fine establishment. That just goes to show you when I show up all I can think about is seafood so well done!
If you are from the east coast specifically the DC area you will love their store! It has a ton of MD items and is only slightly nautical theme, most of it is football etc; on entering the store you will be overwhelmed with the intoxicating elixir of the nautical gods Old Bay; I love the stuff and knew my search for a local seafood restaurant was done.
I judge a restaurant on its menu; is it full of items or does it keep to the basics with only a few main dishes that they specialize in? their menu is simple seafood and more seafood. If you want whole crabs or legs these are the guys to patronize; If you want the best darn peel and eat Shrimp this is the place to go.
The oysters are huge but be prepared, the last order wasn't cleaned thoroughly and stomach contents from the oyster came shooting out as you bit into it and or cut into them; if the rest of the meal wasn't perfect that would have ruined the meal but my group laughed it off and moved onto the next course. Just be prepared if you order them they aren't the chain restaurant oysters.
If you like crab but aren't comfortable with shucking and eating whole crabs don't be scared; the owners and their staff will be happy to sit down and walk you through it just let them know you will need assistance; their idea is that they want you to get the most out of your meal and have a good time so you will tell your friends and return with them the next time.
Prices for the crabs can fluctuate depending on the season and availability but don't let that deter you either. They are very competitive and you won't leave hungry or disappointed. Anytime this guy gets homesick or is craving Seafood he heads over to the Crab Corner!