Unearth The Voyage
Tucked in the Pocono Mountains, Smuggler’s Cove has been serving up seafood favorites since 1979, and their crab cakes have earned a loyal following. People drive from all over Pennsylvania just to taste these golden beauties packed with sweet, tender crab meat. Whether you’re a local or passing through Tannersville, this family-owned spot delivers the kind of quality that keeps customers coming back generation after generation.
1. They’re Made with Jumbo Lump Crab
When you order crab cakes at Smuggler’s Cove, you’re getting the real deal. The menu clearly states these are made with jumbo lump crabmeat, which is the premium stuff from the body of the crab. No filler mysteries here.
Jumbo lump means bigger, sweeter chunks that hold together naturally without needing tons of breadcrumbs or binders. You can actually see and taste the difference when each bite reveals meaty pieces instead of mush. That’s what separates a forgettable crab cake from one worth the drive.
Many restaurants use cheaper claw meat or mix in too much filler to stretch their budget. Smuggler’s Cove doesn’t play that game. Their commitment to quality ingredients shows up on your plate, and it’s listed right on the current menu so there’s no guessing. When a restaurant is proud enough to advertise jumbo lump, they’re confident you’ll notice the upgrade.
2. You Can Order Them Two Ways (Entrée or Sandwich)
Flexibility matters when you’re craving crab cakes, and Smuggler’s Cove gets it. Go for the Maryland Crab Cakes entrée if you want the full sit-down experience, complete with your choice of two sides or access to their salad bar. They serve it with dill tartar sauce that complements the crab perfectly.
Prefer something handheld? The Crab Cake Sandwich comes on a soft brioche roll loaded with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and house-made remoulade. It’s casual but doesn’t skimp on quality. Same great crab cake, just in sandwich form.
This dual approach means you can match your meal to your mood. Hungry for a hearty dinner with all the fixings? Pick the entrée. Want something easier to eat while chatting with friends? Grab the sandwich. Either way, you’re getting that signature jumbo lump crab everyone raves about.
3. Add a Crab Cake to Anything
Ever wanted surf-and-turf but couldn’t decide between land and sea? Problem solved. Smuggler’s Cove lets you add a crab cake to practically any entrée on their menu for an extra charge. Steak lover? Toss a crab cake on top. Ordering grilled salmon? Why not double down on seafood?
This add-on option is a game-changer for indecisive diners or anyone who just can’t visit without getting their crab-cake fix. The listed price makes it easy to budget, and you don’t have to commit to crab cakes as your main dish if something else catches your eye.
It’s one of those small menu details that shows a restaurant understands its customers. Some folks come specifically for the crab cakes but still want to try the prime rib or shrimp scampi. Now they can have both without ordering two full meals or leaving disappointed.
4. Easy to Find, Easy to Plan
Nobody wants to get lost hunting for good food, especially when you’re hungry. Smuggler’s Cove sits right at 2972 PA-611 in Tannersville, making it simple to find whether you’re using GPS or old-school directions. Route 611 is a main road through the Poconos, so you won’t be wandering down unmarked country lanes.
Their hours are posted and predictable: typically 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. most days, staying open until 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. That late-weekend window is perfect for dinner after a day of hiking or skiing. Better yet, they accept online reservations, so you can secure your table ahead of time.
Planning a visit is straightforward. Check their website for current hours before heading out, book your reservation online, and you’re set. No phone tag, no uncertainty. Just show up ready to enjoy some of Pennsylvania’s best crab cakes.
