Bo Brooks

Bo Brooks was founded in 1964 by Howard "Bo" Brooks and two partners. This answers the commonly asked question, "Is there really a 'Bo Brooks'?" The restaurant's original location was on Belair Road at the corner of Southern Avenue. During the early years, the steam room consisted of only two burners, and newspaper was used to cover the tables. Because Bo's was one of the only crab houses in Baltimore, business thrived and the restaurant quickly earned a reputation for excellent steamed crabs. Customers could expect the finest steamed crabs, crab cakes, crab fluffs, and onion rings around. It wasn't until the late '70s that the menu began expanding to accommodate customers who wished to sample all types of Maryland seafood. Even though their sweet tooth could not be satisfied, Bo Brooks began its continuing allure to Baltimore natives, tourists, and local and national celebrities. The restaurant's name has not been changed from owner to owner because of its well-known reputation for the "Best Crabs in Baltimore." In 1979, Bo Brooks moved a few blocks north to 5415 Belair Road. Today Bo Brooks is owned by Boston Street Seafood, L.L.C., presided over by Herman J. Hannan. The restaurant relocated in June 2000, after over 35 years on Belair Road, to the waterfront of the newly revitalized Canton area at 2701 Boston Street inside the Baltimore Marine Center. The restaurant currently occupies the first floor of a two-story structure, with a seating capacity, both indoors and outdoors, of nearly 350 people. The structure has been designed to take full advantage of sunset views, with ample windows and seating facing the waterfront. In addition, a floating pier was added in September of 2000, increasing the seating capacity, for private functions, by 200 people. The pier will also be used throughout the summer months for themed parties and an open-air bar.