Sandgates Inn

Had crabs, crab cakes and sides today. Crabs (70.00 dozen) were very small and over cooked (mushy). Crab cakes (25.00) were not crab cakes. They were crab omelets. Tasted like crab meat and scrambled eggs! Either they are having severe kitchen trouble or don't know how to cook crabs properly, also need to read about a proper Maryland crab cake. Save your money and disappointment. Go elsewhere.

We visit this area frequently but had never stopped in here or the place next door. We went next door for happy hour at the tiki bar and to see music. Had a great time and met some awesome locals. Then we moved next door to Sandgates Inn for some dinner. It was perfect weather so we seated ourselves outside on deck where the view is spectacular. More people were inside in groups. Our server was prompt and very nice and took good care of us. Menu has all kinds of things seafood and sandwiches but we are from MD and know what is local here. That means anything crab and fish this time of year. Trying to decide between crab cake and soft shells, we both opted for crab cake sammy and I also ordered fries and slaw. Cakes were a little different than normal in that they are grilled on flattop and had more egg than normal as binder and served on potato roll. They were made with really fresh crab that was not all backfin but tasted delicious. Sides were good. I will return and have other local treats like clams and fish. Side note: some obvious tourists who ordered non local food like scallops and mussels were complaining about food and portions. The wife was a total idiot but our server handled her with grace and respect. We thanked her on the way out for our service and told her how well she handled the asshats. The entire staff came over and thanked us and gave us hugs. As I said, my kind of place and my kind of people.

I wish I could eat seafood every meal, and I would eat every meal at this place if I lived in the area. Not much to say besides extremely friendly service, great location (right by the water), and no nonsense quality seafood! Come here for a dozen crabs and their fried seafood platter and you won't leave disappointed. The boiled crabs were seasoned well and the fried seafood platter allows you to sample much of the sea in its best form - fried!Will be looking to return on future trips.

Love love love. Amazing staff and food. We will definitely be returning for more crabs!

I shared the seafood platter with another person and it wasn't that much food. It had 4 fried shrimp, 3 fried scallops, 2 fried oysters, 1 soft shell crab, 3 crab balls, 4 corn fritters, and 1 fried grouper fillet. It was all fried so it all tasted the same. One of the items on the platter were mashed together: shrimp and crab ball. It didn't taste fresh either. It tasted like it was kept in the freezer then thawed then fried. It may not be in season yet but it wasn't worth the $32 for that platter. Our server was very polite though. The stars must be from the crabs when in season from locals so we'll try this place again when it's crab season.

Sandgates is delicious! The seafood offerings are off the charts, and the portion sizes are generous for the prices. You can't beat the setting either, right on the water. My favorite item is the hush puppies, which were delicious with the honey, or with the melted butter intended for seafood if you wish to try some artery-clogging goodness. Sticking to seafood and related sides on this menu is key, since the other menu items (pizza, burgers, etc.) are not as fresh and focused on in this seafood restaurant. This is a good stop for seafood, especially if you want to introduce someone to the Maryland tradition of breaking apart a crab.

Incredible view today! Crabcake sandwich was awesome as usual!! Learned that the patriarch of the Copsey family died on November 7 at 99 years old; leaving behind a beautiful family and Drift Inn, Captain Leonard's, and Sandgates Inn in his family's hand at the time of his death. A wonderful tribute to his and his family's hard work and the love that they have shared with the Saint Mary's County community! May God bless the Copsey's and Leonard!

We arrived by boat at this unassuming restaurant on the water. Basic waterfront menu with good food. Wait staff was really diligent without being overbearing. Crab cake sandwich was huge and delicious! Fried rockfish good and flaky. Entees included an awesome biscuit with butter. They brought everything we needed with a smile and waited patiently while we hung out and finished our crabs and meal. I was glad I brought my out of town company here! It's the best of SoMD, good without having to be fancy.

Been coming here for years to eat crabs. Usually come by boat with friends which is nice. The Crabs are always hot n tasty n fairly priced. If you like creamy coleslaw, this is the place to have it. Friendly service. A nice place to kick back while enjoying a simple meal in SO MD.

Food was delicious and experience was excellent. I would definitely return. The blue crab was good and fun to eat. The fish was utterly devine