The Mallet Restaurant and Crab House

Upon arrival there are no clues to what the upper and lower level dining areas are about, you have to wander to figure it out. Crabs are advertised as you enter the lower level bar area but you can't eat them there, even our waitress did not know that, someone else had to tell her. A couple outside eating had told us prior that the place was crazy and no one seemed to know what was going on. So after being moved from the bar to the unknown raw bar area we ordered crab dip and a dozen large crabs. The crab dip was runny and tasted like clam chowder, the bread was small and over toasted. When our waitress asked how the dip was we informed her and she said she that she thought it was great, we told her that you couldn't even taste crab and she said this was the new italian chefs version (if it ain't broke why fix it, go to Silver Spring Inn for the real thing). So then the medium crabs arrived, we were still charged for large, they were short on spices, has a hint of vinegar and old bay. Maryland crabs should be steamed with salt, dry mustard, old bay, vinegar and beer. Would appear that this is the new italain chefs version. The pricing is too high for what is given in return. So a return trip is unlikely, be warned!