We stopped by Lakis, 3928 Eastern Avenue (at Grundy) the other day for lunch.
The new owner has completely renovated the place, and it’s now a bright, clean, comfortable diner/carryout that also offers Greek specialties and platters.
Lakis Giannos, who opened Lakis not too long ago, boasts “the best crab cake in town” and it might not just be boasting. Photo by Jacqueline WattsLakis Giannos, who opened Lakis not too long ago, boasts “the best crab cake in town” and it might not just be boasting. Photo by Jacqueline Watts
There is a big notice in the menu that says “THE BEST CRAB CAKE IN TOWN.” Any self-respecting Baltimoron would accept that challenge, so we said “Bring it.”
We were amazed to find that Lakis might just be telling the truth about their crab cake. It’s big, broiled golden brown and made of sweet lump crab with practically no filler. It’s seasoned with enough Old Bay to get the spice along with the sweet, but the seasoning doesn’t cancel the crab. For $14.95, this crab cake is a steal. Order it with the traditional saltines or on a roll or bread, and you’ll be happy. The crab cake comes with fries.
We also ordered another diner staple, the Lakis Burger. The burger is grilled with a nice tasty char, a little pinkish inside, and topped with provolone and grilled onions. It’s served with lettuce and tomato, and fries on the side. It’s a very good burger, and also a steal at $7.50.
A plain hamburger with lettuce and tomato is $6.50. The most expensive burger on the menu is Cordon Bleu for $7.95.
If you are just interested in a snack, try the crab pretzel ($8.95), which is enormous and slathered with enough cheesy Old Bay-y crab dip to make a group of four content. We took half back to the office where it was eagerly devoured.
The menu also features Greek, chef and Caesar salads, club sandwiches, subs and soup. There are daily specials as well—one of the specials of the day was veal marsala.
Everything on the menu is available for carryout.
Lakis himself, as you might have guessed, is Greek. His name is Lazaros Giannos, but he prefers Lakis. He’s been in the country about two-and-a-half years and worked at Romano’s in Glen Burnie (which claims “The Best Crab Cakes in Maryland”) before opening his own restaurant. He’s a very good cook indeed.
Lakis Restaurant, though much smaller, reminds me of the original Eastern House. It’s friendly, the food is great, and it’s quiet enough to hold a little lunch meeting. The restaurant definitely fills a need on The Avenue.
Lakis is where La Sirenita, the excellent Mexican restaurant, used to be. La Sirenita moved up the street to bigger quarters as demand grew for its excellent food.
I’m betting the same will happen to Lakis—once it is discovered it will get very popular.
Lakis Restaurant & Carryout, 3928 Eastern Ave., is open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. every day except Sunday.
by Jacqueline Watts
editor@baltimoreguide.com
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8 Comments on "Best crab cake? It’s darned good at Lakis"
I have been eating at Lakis restaurant for the last couple of months & find the food to be excellent in quality & pricing that you cannot get elsewhere. I have had crabcakes at well known places in Baltimore area & I must say that their crabcakes are no different, if not better than other places. Even their burgers are huge & a steal for under $ 8. While the place looks as any other ordinary eatery as far as the atmosphere is concerned, their food is extra-ordinary. Definitely reccommend Lakis!
Went to Lakis last night…excellent service, great food, and the staff was really friendly! Order the crab cake!
The best crabcake i’ve had so far!
My niece and I stopped in for the crab pretzel…WOW…so good!!!,,,enough for 3 people
Had lunch there yesterday after driving by several times and the food was great! The fries were fully cooked and crispy and the chicken was tender and juicy! def recommend!
Excellent grid haven’t had a crab cake in years and by far the best so far! I am new to the neighbor hood and have ate at lakis on numerous occasions!
not only is the food great but the portions are amazing! finally a good spot around the area has opened! 2 thumbs up!
Sounds like a winner. I’ll be visiting this weekend!