About Us

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

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 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.

The 18th & 19th Centuries

113 Main Street is a part of history. 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.

Modern Day Bar and Grill

After WWII, 113 Main Street became LaRosa which actually offered the first pizza pie in Annapolis and other desirable amenities, exclusively. By 1964, 113 Main Street became the first Cabaret Theatre in the area. The 70’s brought Fran O’Brien’s, named for the owner who played for the Redskins as a defensive lineman. The steak and seafood menu became a favorite amongst the legislators and politicians of the day, a distinction our little pub still enjoys. 2018 Started with a menu upgrade and focus on American Chesapeake Cuisine featuring local favorites. Read more here. Our seafood cuisine has bolstered many Annapolis awards. If you are stopping by Annapolis, don’t leave without trying the Annapolis Crab Cake! The décor pays homage to the sports heroes of the Naval Academy as well as the history of Annapolis which is as rich and layered as our delicious food.

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 tp 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 oysters 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!

Whatever the century or decade, O’Brien’s at 113 Main Street Annapolis is the place to be in Downtown. 

View our everyday menu, with all of your favorite dishes. this menu is served all day every day.

We have separate menus for dinner and lunch banquets, click here and then choose which menu you would like to view.

Obrien’s Time is Mon-Fri 2-6 PM, view that menu here.