About

Annapolis Classic

Established in 1774

Annapolis Maryland has an abundance of historical locations. From the oldest Statehouse in the union to the landing place of Kunte Kinte. Annapolis has history covered. So, of course the town's favorite Tavern is deeply embedded in the history of the city as well as the United States itself. In fact, you might argue that the history piled in every brick of the building is what makes O'Brien's so good.

1774 - Rose & Crown Tavern

1836 - Sam's Cafe

1948 - La Rosa Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge

1970 - Fran O'Brien's Steak and Seafood House

1999 - O'Brien's

The Rich History of O'Brien's Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern

Our History

Annapolis Maryland has an abundance of historical locations. From the oldest Statehouse in the union to the landing place of Kunte Kinte. Annapolis has history covered. So, of course the town's favorite bar and grill is deeply embedded in the history of the city as well as the United States itself. In fact, you might argue that the history piled in every brick of the building is what makes O'Brien's so good.

113 Main Street is a part of history.

The 18th & 19th Centuries

The building has seen over 200 years of Annapolis' evolution. Built in 1774, as the Rose & Crown, this tavern was once a local gathering spot for both Royalists and Revolutionaries. In fact, the popular pub was an attractive spot for political intrigue as it was a major gathering space in a major port. By 1836, 113 Main Street had tuned into Sam's Café, the only dining and dancing establishment in downtown Annapolis. This was Annapolis' Golden age and 113 Main Street had already established itself as a waterside tavern that served as a portside communications network, long before there was an internet. Sam's Café became the meeting place for merchants, sailors and locals alike. Discussing trade, politics and enjoying entertainment, 113 Main Street was and still is the social centerpiece in downtown Annapolis.

First pizza pie in Annapolis

Modern Day Bar and Grill

After WWII, 113 Main Street became LaRosa, offering Annapolis' first pizza pie. By 1964, it became the area's first Cabaret Theatre. The 70's brought Fran O'Brien's, named after the Redskins' defensive lineman owner. The steak and seafood menu favored legislators and politicians, a distinction our pub still enjoys. 2018 brought a menu upgrade focusing on American Chesapeake Cuisine featuring local favorites. Our seafood cuisine has won many Annapolis awards. Try the Annapolis Crab Cake! The décor honors Naval Academy sports heroes and Annapolis' rich history.

Partnerships

Environmental Friendly

With the world in the state that it is in, we at O'Brien's are doing whatever we can to do our part in keeping the environment clean and healthy. One of the primary concerns being in Annapolis, is that the oyster population is having issues and the Chesapeake Bay needs oysters to help filter the water. That's the reason why O'Brien's has partnered with the Oyster Recovery Partnership to help repopulate the oyster environment in the Chesapeake Bay! We love the support that we get from our community and we hope to help the community by helping the environment that we are in. We help directly by donating all of our oyster shells to the Oyster Recovery Partnership.

Your Favorite Haunted Banquet House

Any property that has been around as long as O'Brien's has its ghosts and 113 Main Street is supposedly the home to a few. During its long life the building has stood as witness to a variety of notable events, not to mention the use of the upstairs as a place of "ill repute." The storage rooms, where liquor and other such items are now stored, used to be tiny bedrooms. Luckily, you don't have to worry about being propositioned by anyone who's an employee of the building.

Currently we are one of the destinations of the Annapolis ghost tours. In 2021 we partnered with Paranormal Funhouse to work on a short documentary, which is now available on Roku and Paraflixx.

Whatever the century or decade, O'Brien's Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern at 113 Main Street Annapolis is the place to be in Downtown.

Be a part of our history by booking your own private event with us! If you would like information about booking our private event space please contact a manager by calling the restaurant directly. You can also email them, manager@obriensoysterbar.com

Thank you for visiting!

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