Welcome to The Furnace Grill and Crab House
The Furnace Grill and Crab House, located at 12841 Catoctin Furnace Rd in Thurmont, MD, offers a delightful escape with its freshly-prepared seafood and welcoming small-town ambiance. The newly renovated interior complements its bar and grill vibe, making it a perfect stop after exploring nearby Catoctin Mountains. Diners rave about the generous portions of crab cakes packed with fresh meat and the tempting pretzel-crab appetizer. Patrons appreciate the friendly service and cozy setting, while outdoor seating provides a lovely atmosphere for sunny meals. This hidden gem is a must-visit for crab lovers and anyone seeking a satisfying dining experience.
The Furnace Grill and Crab House: Reviews & Ratings
Surprised at how good the food was and the portions! Friendly staff. 1st time customer... will be back to try the crabs with some family and friends. The pretzel and crab appetizer was delicious! I had crab cakes (lots of crab) and my BIL had the Chesapeake burger... he said his was really good as well.
My husband and I stopped here on the way home and we are so glad we did! It’s your typical local bar and grill appearance on the outside but the inside is newly renovated and the food is amazing! It’s a smaller place and has a small staff so everything is cooked to order so the wait is a little long for food but SOOO worth it. The price for the huge portions is a steal! The crab cake is the size of the plate and has no filler at all! Server was so nice and personable. Definitely a great place we found and we will be back!
This small but very relaxing restaurant near the Catoctin mountains has an outdoor deck although small it’s a small town anyway is wonderful for a sunny afternoon meal. The food is very fresh and there’s lots of it. My grown-up daughter and I each ordered Seafood and we had enough that we had three meals out of it. It’s a bar and grill type restaurant really. And the Catoctin zoo is just up the street there’s fresh Mountain air there. It was a wonderful memorial Day weekend meal. I can’t wait to go back.
Food was delicious, everyone was so nice and great experience.
We ordered crabs to go. They were delicious! The staff was very courteous. The crabs were ready when we got there on time. It was a smaller place, I would say a locals go to have a good time.
We stopped by after visiting the National Shrine for lunch; I saw that this restaurant had great reviews and decided to stop by. It's definitely a hidden gem in this area. Came in on a busy day (unfortunately they were short staffed but we understood) but just waited patiently. We first ordered the Cream of Crab Soup (highly recommend getting it, had lumps of crab meat in it and seasoned perfectly). My family ordered the Assorted Seafood Platter, comes with Fried Fish, Fried Shrimp, Broiled Crab Cakes, Clam Strips and Fried Scallops(it literally can feed two people and they still had leftovers) and I ordered the Whiskey Salmon with Mixed Veggies and Sidewinder Fries. If you like a hole in wall, very unique decor and are in the Thurmont area in Maryland, I definitely recommend coming here for good seafood .
We loved this place! I mean it’s nothing super fancy or anything but the atmosphere and food is exactly what you’d expect. If you’re familiar with this area I’d call it a redneck Dutches. Like how your favorite aunt in Thurmont, MD, might cook fine Dutches dishes. That’s not a slam. It’s great good food and great drinks. We will 100% return. My only suggestion is to just go ahead and order the all you can eat hard shell crabs cause EVERYONE else will be and if you order anything else it might take a little time to get ready. Worth the wait though.
Best place around thurmont for a great meal. While they specialize in seafood, mainly crabs, their menu offers some excellent choices such as burgers, wings, and sandwiches. They also offer a great dessert select and craft beers on tap. The beers are rotated regularly so it is worth stopping in regularly to see what is on tap. Beer prices are extremely reasonable and they offer a great craft beer selection.
Location
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12841 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, United States Hotline: +1 240-288-8942
Welcome to The Furnace Grill and Crab House, a charming gem nestled at 12841 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont, MD. This delightful eatery has garnered acclaim for its culinary offerings, a perfect blend of local charm and mouthwatering seafood. As a food reviewer for Res Menu, I find myself continuously impressed by the buzz surrounding this establishment, primarily driven by its unparalleled focus on quality and hospitality.
Stepping into The Furnace, you're greeted by a friendly atmosphere and a dedicated staff eager to make your visit memorable. The interior boasts a recently renovated look that seamlessly marries casual dining with an inviting ambiance. Customers like Laurie K have raved about the generous portions, capturing the essence of this local favorite, where the food is not just delicious but also plentiful. The crab cakes are particularly noteworthy, lovingly crafted with an abundance of fresh crab and none of the filler that often plagues lesser versions.
As you peruse the menu, the standout items make themselves known—like the pretzel and crab appetizer and the Chesapeake burger, both praised by diners for their exceptional taste. Judith Armstrong's glowing review highlights the kitchen's meticulous attention to detail, noting that all dishes are cooked to order, ensuring freshness that is well worth any wait. This commitment to quality extends to the lively atmosphere, with a smaller, attentive staff fostering a truly personal dining experience.
Those seeking an al fresco experience will appreciate the cozy outdoor deck, a perfect spot for savoring meals while basking in the serene surroundings of the Catoctin Mountains. Priscilla S commented on the abundance of food, stating her meal provided enough leftovers for three additional meals—an ideal scenario for any seafood lover!
For crab enthusiasts, The Furnace Grill and Crab House is a beacon of delight. Dawn Heller’s experience with the takeout crabs was nothing short of stellar, confirming that this local spot hits the mark with both dine-in and to-go orders. A visit wouldn’t be complete without indulging in their famous crabs, prepared freshly and bursting with flavor every time.
In summary, The Furnace Grill and Crab House embodies the spirit of local dining excellence, offering not just incredible food, but also a warm and welcoming environment. With a commitment to fresh ingredients and generous servings, it's no wonder why this restaurant has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. Mark your calendars to stop by and uncover the delightful experiences waiting for you at this beloved dining spot.