Mike’s Crab House North Offers Unique Atmosphere

Upon walking into Mike’s Crab House North in Pasadena one is instantly drawn to the outdoor deck.

The deck is enormous and features many tables and a giant tiki bar. With the country music playing in the background and the beautiful waterfront view, it is easy to be taken away to a relaxing place.

The restaurant, which first opened in Riva 55 years ago, has another location in Pasadena and offers crabs, burgers, steaks, drinks and much more.

“Mainly, honestly, it is a family restaurant, which is the same concept as the original,” said owner Peter Piera. “You can bring your kids, have a drink at the tiki bar and sit outside on the water while you enjoy some good food."

Piera and his three brothers all work together to run the Mike’s Crab House in Riva and Pasadena. Their father, Mike Piera, who passed away two years ago, opened the Annapolis location 55 years ago. After a successful run in Riva, the Piera’s decided to open a Pasadena location.

“The view here in Pasadena is phenomenal,” Piera said of the sights from the restaurant’s deck. “The area is a good fit and we really like the community.”

Mike’s Crab House North is located in a marina on Rock Creek. The Piera’s have owned the property for 15 years but just recently decided to open the restaurant.

The menu at the Pasadena location is virtually the same as that in Riva. They have original lump crab cakes, Black Angus burgers, and bacon cheese melts. They offer two sizes of crabs: Number One, which they call large, are $65 a dozen. Number Two, or mediums are $40-$45 a dozen.

“It’s not a market price. The large are always $65 and the mediums just vary especially around the holiday,” Piera said. “Our prices stay standard throughout the year. We also cook them in our own seasoning, which isn’t Old Bay, but it is very close. All of the crab dinners are made fresh when you order.”

As of now, Mike’s Crab House North is not open on Monday’s but Piera said that is something they are debating about changing next year. They recently started serving lunch and are now open from 11 a.m. until about 10 p.m. However, the bar will stay open until 11:30 p.m. or midnight as long as there are people there.

“It is just a beautiful place to be able to sit out under the umbrella and enjoy yourself,” Piera said. “We are in no rush to have you leave so you can take your time. When you’re here you’re here. I consider it a destinations place. You can go to the tiki bar and listen to the music a bit and just relax.”