Best Independent Restaurants in Maryland's Capital Named

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Amid all the divisive campaigning this election year there just might be one thing we can agree on: The two best independent restaurants in Maryland’s capitol city.

Full Service Restaurants magazine has released its selections for the two best eateries in every state capital in the country. Nominations from state and local restaurant associations were based on food, beverage, and hospitality, along with community engagement and giving back to the industry.

In Annapolis, the two notables selected are O’Leary’s Seafood and Preserve.

The end result is a collection of notable restaurants that range from landmark destinations with generations of family ownership to newcomers boasting edgy chefs and innovative cuisine, says the magazine.

O'Learys Seafood, 310 Third St. in the Eastport area, has annual sales of $1 to $2 million, and opened in 1983. The average meal costs runs between $50 and $60, says the magazine.

Menu items include shrimp and grits, crab cakes, crispy rockfish and fresh fish specials.

Hours for O’Learys Seafood are: 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Sunday brunch.

Preserve, at 164 Main St., has annual sales of $1 to $2 million and opened in 2015. Expect the check to average $35.

In May, Preserve was named Favorite New Restaurant in Maryland for 2016 by the Restaurant Association of Maryland. The venue is the product of husband and wife team Jeremy and Michelle Hoffman.

Preserve is a casual American restaurant using sustainable and local products. Pickling, preserving and fermenting are a passion and focus on the menu.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday.