Mama's On the Half Shell

2901 O'Donnell St, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
+1 410-276-3160
$$$ Seafood restaurant
(2519 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Mama's On the Half Shell is a must-visit seafood restaurant nestled in the charming Canton Square of Baltimore, MD. Known for its vibrant and inviting atmosphere, this culinary gem shines brightest with its exceptional seafood offerings and warm service that leaves you feeling right at home.

As you step inside, the aroma of fresh seafood instantly whets your appetite, inviting you to explore their well-curated menu. Mama’s signature dish, the legendary crabcakes, has garnered a dedicated following, with guests raving about their generous portions and unparalleled flavor. The Titanic Salad, a delightful wedge of iceberg topped with crispy bacon, sliced egg, and cherry tomatoes generously drizzled with bleu cheese dressing, is a delightful start to your meal and a crowd favorite at $16.00. For those seeking a heartier option, don't miss out on the Seafood Platter, bursting with succulent shellfish—a real showstopper that embodies the essence of Chesapeake Bay dining.

Brunch enthusiasts will find delight in choices like the Beignets, those delightful New Orleans classic fritters dusted with powdered sugar, or the GM French Toast Sticks, crusted in Golden Graham cereal and served with syrup. Perfect for sharing, these dishes add a playful and sweet twist to traditional brunch fare.

The dining experience at Mama's transcends just the food. With attentive and cheerful waitstaff—like the well-loved John and Gavin—guests rave about the personalized service that enhances the meal, making every visit memorable. From a relaxed atmosphere where laughter and conversation flow freely to an outdoor seating option perfect for sunny days, the ambiance is as delightful as the dishes themselves. Customers frequently mention how they feel welcomed and valued, with service that reflects a genuine passion for hospitality.

But don’t just take our word for it—customers are enamored with Mama's On the Half Shell. Take it from Michelle S, who describes her evening there as “an unforgettable celebration of flavor, warmth, and world-class hospitality,” and praises the crab egg rolls as an “absolute must.” Or Cathy D, who appreciates the lobster roll served Connecticut style, calling it solid but admitting that the fries stole the show!

At Mama’s On the Half Shell, whether you're indulging in a leisurely brunch, dining during an exciting family outing, or celebrating a special occasion, you're guaranteed an experience that is not only delicious but remarkable. Come for the food, stay for the camaraderie, and leave with a satisfied palate—you won’t regret it!

For inquiries or to make a reservation, give them a call at +1 410-276-3160.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has great wine list
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Popular with university students
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

2519 Reviews
K Hawkins

27 Aug 2025

You have to come here and see John! John was the best server I’ve ever had. He gave great recommendations on the menu and truly shows how passionate he is about his job. I ordered the blueberry lemon drop and seafood platter. These crab cakes were the best I’ve had so far during my trip! Please go see John. You won’t regret it!

Trevor S

23 Aug 2025

My mom comes to Baltimore every year from Portland, Oregon. She doesn’t have a lot of request except to go to Mama’s! She swears that the crabcakes are the best she’s ever had. We were waited on by Michael who was attentive, funny and wonderful server. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. We look forward to continuing our three times a year dining experience there!

Michelle S

16 Aug 2025

Our final night in Baltimore was one we’ll never forget, thanks to the unforgettable experience we had at Mama’s on the Half Shell. This wasn’t just a meal—it was a celebration of flavor, warmth, and world-class hospitality. Let’s start with the food, because wow. Every single dish that came from that kitchen was divine. The crab egg rolls are an absolute must—crispy, generous, and bursting with Maryland’s best. The half-pound steamed shrimp? Perfectly seasoned and plump. The Brussels sprouts were charred and caramelized to perfection. Our crab-topped salad was fresh and flavorful, and the lamb chops—oh, the lamb chops—were infused with rosemary so deeply, it was as if they had been marinated for hours in a garden of flavor. And then came the Maryland rockfish, flaky and bold, honoring the region’s seafood legacy. Order any of the soups!!! The cocktails were on point. The Manhattan was rich, balanced, and expertly crafted—no shortcuts here. And just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, we made room for dessert—because at Mama’s, you make room. The bread pudding was soul-soothing, and the cheesecake was luscious and light, the perfect ending to a spectacular meal. Now for the service, which truly made the evening shine. Brian and Michael were nothing short of phenomenal. Their energy, recommendations, timing, and genuine care for our table struck the perfect balance—never intrusive, always attentive. And then there was Mauricio, the manager (we hope we’ve got his name right!), who quietly brought dishes to our table with such warmth and grace that we didn’t even realize at first he was part of leadership. When we began chatting—as we tend to do—he humbly shared that he was indeed the manager, and later returned to check in on us before leaving. He even sent over dessert to close out our evening. It was that kind of night—every detail handled with care and love. This was hands down the best meal we had in Baltimore and we had a lot of meals - and one of the best meals we’ve ever had, period. Every dollar we spent felt more than worth it. If you’re visiting Baltimore and want to experience something special, Mama’s on the Half Shell is it. No question.

yvette avila

15 Aug 2025

I this place. Everything is spot on and very clean. Customer service was excellent, and food was next level. You get generous portions, and i feel the price is definitely good for what you get. The food is flavorful to the point that you don't have to add a thing , and the restrooms are clean. Whether you go for brunch , lunch, or dinner, you will not be disappointed!

Cathy D

21 Jul 2025

Great spot in Baltimore, in Canton Square. The menu has a bunch of great seafood options, including the lobster roll which I got, Connecticut style (poached butter). It was solid, but the fries were my favorite part!! The outdoor seating is awesome on a sunny day. I’ve had lunch and dinner here before and am always satisfied with my food and the service. The staff are really friendly. This is also a great spot for a casual business lunch or happy hour with friends!

Tamara Harvey

11 Jul 2025

So my kids and I were starved after a day of appointments, shopping and a barber appointment. We decided to stop by Mama’s On The Half Shell since it was on the way home. We were greeted by Gavin and seated immediately. Gavin waited on us and was very professional and friendly. The food was delicious and we will definitely be back, thank you!

Ernesto L Rodríguez R

05 Jul 2025

The experience was great, our server was Jhon was the best, was our first time and he showed us all the menu explained everything. We recommended and ask for Jhon

Mia Speight

13 Jun 2025

Our waitress was Joy. She tried her level best to make sure we were taken care of. The environment was relaxed, and there wasn't loud music playing, so you could actually have a conversation

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