You'd think it was one of the Great Old Crab Houses of the past. Beats most every other option in the city for oldschool crabs. Lovely location, if not a bit noisy from the Hanover St. Bridge. Deck is perfect for summertime crab-picking. Remainder of menu is capable. Avoid cougar-infested deck parties.

When we have business visitors from out of town we always take them to lunch or dinner at Nicks. The food and service is great and the location on the water always impresses. But the reason we go there is because it is such a great example of the real Baltimore. It isn't a place designed for the tourists like around the Inner Harbor. If you go, make sure you try the Gumbo. It is better than any Gumbo I've had in Louisiana and I've had a lot.

Ok, 1st off, when I have out of town visitors and I want to feed them crabs, I usually take them to Nicks. The biggest reason? The atmosphere. It doesn't get nicer on a beautiful summer day, than sitting on that outside deck, drinking Bohs and eating crabs. And if they are out of towners, they usually don't know Louisiana crabs, from Cheasepeake crabs. So it's all good.
But if you are a real Marylander and crabs are your thing? Well maybe Nicks isn't for you. The crabs are flown in. They come in a sandbox of Old Bay, and on a really nice day, the service may be slow.
With all that said, I love Nicks. The crabs, shimp and fries are my favorites and the outdoor seating is fabulous. On weekends they often have a band out there and as previously said, just drink some beers and watch the boats go by.

Great place to watch the boats drift by, have a crab or two, and generally enjoy seafood chilling on the waterfront.

Assuming you can find your way there, which is a little bit tricky.