What’s the best thing about living in Abingdon? Is it the close proximity to I-95 which makes for easier travel to my day job in the city? No, it’s Box Hill Pizzeria definitely. Over the past 14 years I’m sure that I have eaten hundreds of their crab cakes, literally. And don’t even get me started on the mushroom cheese steaks with a side of French fries with gravy. I remember asking the owner one time if I could just buy a large container of their gravy to go. He looked puzzled until I explained that I was making a beef roast for a dinner party and can’t make gravy to save my life. Didn’t even have a guilty conscience about passing off their gravy as my own, it’s just that good. I can’t honestly remember one time that I have ordered carryout from Box Hill and been disappointed. Ok, maybe when I have called to place an order and the phone is busy. The only thing that would make it better is if they started a delivery service (hint, hint!). On second thought, if Box Hill Pizzeria started delivering their food, the traffic jam that they would cause on Route 924 would be quite painful.
So on a recent Friday night, in search of a quick dinner before a movie, my husband and I did what we never do – we skipped the carryout and actually ate inside at one of their tables. And what a great decision – we were served by a friendly waitress that really knew her stuff! She insisted that we try the special of the night – soft shell crabs with fries and slaw. Born and raised in Maryland, I can tell you that I forgot all about their cheese steak subs after one bite of that soft shell. The waitress did warn us that it was only served one way – on white bread with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato. As if there is any OTHER way to serve it?? Maybe with some crispy bacon on top?
As I’m sure everyone already knows, the possibilities are endless at Box Hill Pizzeria. Their pizza is one of the best around, the salads are fresh, and they treat you like family. I tend to get sidetracked by their crab cakes and subs, so its easy to forget sometimes that they serve a wide variety of pastas, sandwiches, gyros and desserts. It’s one place that my niece, a vegetarian, and I can always agree on. If you aren’t fortunate enough to live in the area, you can ship their crab cakes. I hate to give you their phone number because that will just make it even harder for ME to place an order.
Box Hill Pizzeria
2915 Emmorton Road
Abingdon, MD 21009
(410) 569-1788 or (410) 515-3662
I love Box Hill’s crab cakes, but they have outgrown the space they are in. My wife and I went there a few weeks ago for dinner and it was downright claustrophobic. Here’s hoping they move to a bigger location nearby.
The only way to have a softcrab is toasted rye, lettuce, tomato and mayo. The crab must be pan fried, not deep fied.
it is and has been the best secret for so many years and ever since the red fox, one of harfords hardest working families..
I agree Bob Chance! I loved them 22 yaers ago before I moved to Florida and since returning to Md. Haven’t had the pleasure of Box Hill’s goodies
Sounds like a date night for us! I grew up on soft-shelled crab sandwiches on white bread (sometimes toast) the way my dad made them. Could eat them every day
I have a friend who FedEx’s crab cakes from Box Hill to his home in Los Angeles. Also, the rock fish appetizer is great! The service is friendly and more than competent. Half of the time I do take out because the place is so crowded. But, hey, would you rather eat at a place that is crowded most of the time or at a place that never has anyone there? Best crab cakes in Harford County and Baltimore County.
Heard you on WAMD the other day. You must love your job! Eating at the best places in Harford County then writing about them. You call that work?
How about reviewing Pairings Bistro and Giovanni’s?
Thanks everyone. Keep those comments & suggestions coming! Yes, both Pairings Bistro and Giovanni’s will be reviewed later this year.
i’d like to know about the crab meat they use and also a nutritional breakdown of the crabcake…broiled and fried. maybe Box Hill/Riverside Pizza would be proactive in the food community and post sourcing info, ingredients and calorie counts etc on their crabcakes (and their whole menu while they’re at it)
And how much extra would we pay for the documentation and analysis? How about this: If you want a chemical breakdown and labels of origin on your meal, eat somewhere more “proactive” in the “food community” where they are of a similar mindset. I’m content with a local family-owned restaurant that serves good food at a reasonable price, just the way it is.
dirt you are right about the family owned business and i’m sorry i offended your sensibilities, but can you admit you really would like to know just what’s in those crabcakes? (and more generally, everything you eat?) I would…that’s why I don’t buy them, like you said, you make your choices w/ your pocketbook.
You didn’t “offend my sensibilities” and no, there is nothing to admit – I really don’t care to know what is in their crabcakes. I like them and I eat them. End of story. It’s a simple game.
I also eat hot dogs, sausage, and scrapple and don’t care what is in them, either.
Looking forward to the Pairings and Giovanni’s reviews. Have been to Pairings and service was only ok. Food was fun and delicious though. And Giovanni’s, let me say this. I have been going there for 24 years and have only seen a few changes however recently I have been disappointed. Will wait to read what you think and may give it another try… thanks Jennifer
Thanks Lady Jane! Yes, certainly Pairings Bistro and Giovanni’s will both be the topic of future restaurant reviews. Thanks for your suggestions and your interest in my columns.