Serving up a varied selection of fantastic fare, Charles County Md.'s restaurants keep residents and visitors well-fed. Barbecue, burgers, seafood and ethnic dishes make up the area's food scene, and farmers markets in La Plata and Waldorf with locally grown produce and fresh meats round out the region's offerings.

Seafood – A Maryland Tradition

Family-owned Captain John’s Crab House & Marina on Cobb Island is a local institution that has been serving fresh-caught seafood since 1963. Captain John’s menu includes shrimp, crab legs and rockfish, among other dishes. Captain Billy’s Crab House in Newburg is another tasty destination, with outdoor dining on a waterfront deck. Local favorites include Classic Crab Cakes and Cream of Crab soup. Also located in Newburg, Gilligan’s Pier Seafood & Steakhouse is popular for its fresh food and sizable portions, as well as for its water-taxi service for those coming to the restaurant by boat. Diners can also relax on Gilligan’s backyard beach and watch the sun set while sipping a pina colada at the restaurant’s tiki bar.

International Delights

Savory Chinese cuisine is on the menu at Benny’s Chinese Restaurant in White Plains and Hunan Star Chinese Restaurant in La Plata. Hunan Star is a longstanding favorite with ethnic food lovers and features a buffet with traditional Chinese favorites such as General Tso’s chicken, fried rice, and hunan shrimp and chicken. At Loredo’s Steakhouse and Grill in White Plains, customers return time and again for handmade burritos, guacamole, tacos and enchiladas, as well as margaritas and fried ice cream. Loredo’s also specializes in steaks and seafood.

American Favorites

One of Charles County’s best breakfast spots is Marie’s Diner in La Plata. Home-style biscuits and gravy, eggs cooked to order, fluffy pancakes and flavorful ham slices are popular breakfast choices. Marie’s also features daily lunch and dinner specials such as prime rib. Family-owned Lefty’s Barbecue Unlimited, Inc. has been serving meats slow-cooked over a hickory wood fire in Waldorf since 1989. Menu favorites include Lefty’s Chicken Bites, hand-breaded in the restaurant’s Signature Fish and Chicken Breader, and platters piled high with seasoned beef brisket, ribs smothered with sauce, chicken and pork chops. Johnny Boy Ribs is another local favorite that has been using the same authentic barbecue cooking technique since 1961. The La Plata restaurant offers carryout and dine-in options, and is most famous for its open pit cooking method and secret sauce developed by Mama Sophie. Also in La Plata, The Greene Turtle serves wings, sliders, burgers, wraps and more, while Apple Spice Junction offers salads and sandwiches, with delivery and catering services available. In Hughesville, Randy’s Ribs & Barbecue has roadside dining at its best. There’s almost always a line at the window for Randy’s barbecue sandwiches and platters, and the barbecue shack is known for catering unforgettable luaus and wedding dinners featuring whole pig roasts.