From the moment you and your family and friends walk through the door at Dead Freddies Island Grill, you’ll be certain that you chose the best place in town to get shipwrecked. Located on 64th Street, the humongous restaurant boasts a kids’ arcade and life-sized, bayside pirate ship for children to enjoy as a playground. Bamboo-covered cathedral ceilings and countless large tabletops throughout the dining areas accommodate multiple large groups and families. Plus, Dead Freddies offers an adults-only dining section, and arcade games, a billiards table, and high-definition televisions for adults.
Ideally situated on the bay’s marshlands, Dead Freddies’ outdoor bar, deck and lush landscaping create a true island atmosphere. Inside, tropical fish décor dons the walls throughout the never-ending maze of dining sections. I visited Dead Freddies this week with my fierce dining companion, Stacey Payne. A slew of friendly hostesses greeted us and we were seated at a quiet table for two in the split-level, adult dining area. After a long day at the beach, Stacey and I were excited to dive into an impeccable seafood meal.
Our expert server, Drew, clearly loves his job. His enthusiasm is contagious as he recites the menu and makes knowledgeable recommendations. For starters, he raves about the Quesadillas. Delicious and affordable, Quesadillas are a fabulous deal. We ordered the Seafood Quesadillas, which are overstuffed with cheese, shrimp, lobster, lump crabmeat, tomatoes, green onions, and Cajun butter sauce. Lightly grilled, the crispy Seafood Quesadillas are served with Cajun remoulade. Other mouthwatering Quesadillas available at Dead Freddies are BBQ Chicken, Jerk Chicken, and Southwestern—buffalo tenders with cheddar and Jack cheeses, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and Ranch dressing. Stacey and I agree that Dead Freddies’ Seafood Quesadilla is comparable to those served at the best Mexican restaurants.
Mussels, Tuna Tempura, and Rockfish Bites are three top-selling appetizers at Dead Freddies. Battered tuna served sliced and medium rare with a light wasabi crème and drizzled with scallions and chili sauce, the Tuna Tempura is a spicy treat. Freddies Fries are another popular appetizer, piled high with bacon, scallions, Ranch dressing, and melted cheese. Classic items like Steamed Shrimp, Chicken Tenders, and Fried Mozzarella are on the menu, along with more unique items like Crab Fritters—jumbo lump, battered crab tempura fritters served with spicy aioli. Crab Dip is always a crowd pleaser, and the Spring Grilled Tuna consists of four ounces of Ahi Tuna grilled in Caribbean spices and served over mango salsa with tortilla chips. Of course, Freddies Wings are a sure bet, ranging in quantities of 10 to 50, with a variety of homemade sauces. You may choose from five levels of hotness.
When you dine at Dead Freddies, I highly recommend that you order one of the restaurant’s succulent entrées. Fresh seafood and tasty ingredients are prepared to perfection to create innovative and satisfying recipes. Following Drew’s advice, Stacey ordered the Chesapeake Rockfish and I selected the Tomato Basil Rockfish. Sautéed rockfish topped with lump crabmeat and served over creamy lemon butter with mashed potatoes and vegetables comprise the Chesapeake Rockfish. Stacey rates the dish with top accolades. I simply fell in love with my Tomato Basil Rockfish—sautéed rockfish served over rice pilaf with fresh basil, diced tomatoes, and a creamy tomato basil sauce, and topped with lump crab and fresh mozzarella. Creamy and delish, my meal melted in my mouth.
Another renowned entrée at Dead Freddies is Chicken Jennifer, which is two grilled chicken breasts topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and tossed in lemon butter with diced tomatoes. If you love crab cakes, try the Imperial Crab Cake Platter or the Crab Melt - two petite crab cakes topped with Provolone cheese and served on an English muffin, drizzled with honey mustard and served over fresh tomato slices. Fish and Chips and Steak and Cake are two more popular entrées. The Black ‘n’ Blue Sirloin is topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and crumbled bleu cheese. Blackened Tuna is topped with creamy lemon butter and served with wasabi mashed potatoes. Last, but not least, Freddies Bay Pasta is a delicious combination of baby shrimp, sautéed lump crabmeat, tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic cream sauce, Old Bay, and penne pasta.
For light fare, Dead Freddies presents a plethora of soups, salads, wraps, burgers, and sandwiches. The Blackened Tuna Wrap is a crowd pleaser, consisting of blackened medium-rare tuna, lettuce, tomato, Jack cheese, and wasabi mayo. Burgers and Chicken Breast Sandwiches are served on Brioche rolls. Try the Cajun or Chesapeake burger or chicken sandwich. Cajun style is blackened with lettuce, tomato, and Cajun remoulade. Chesapeake style is topped with lump crabmeat, tomato, lettuce, and cheddar cheese. Crab and Shrimp Wrap, Rock Wrap, Seafood Wrap, and Jerk Chicken Wrap are just a few of the yummy wraps on the menu. Crab Cake Sandwich, Crab Sliders, and Shrimp Salad Sandwich are additional light fare choices.
Maryland Crab, Cream of Crab, and a blend of both soups are offered at Dead Freddies. The salads are large enough to order as entrées. Try Strawberry Field or Grilled Romaine for a summery blend of a grilled romaine half lightly drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, fresh mozzarella, and diced tomatoes. Mediterranean Chicken, Raspberry & Walnut Chicken, and Black & Bleu with Cajun grilled sirloin are just a few of many freshly prepared salads at Dead Freddies.
Did we save room for dessert? Not this time, although Drew raved about the Oreo Milkshake. Stacey and I thanked Drew for his attention and stepped outside to the deck just in time for a beautiful sunset over the bay. Classic rock band Tranzfusion took the stage, and we sang along all night. Dead Freddies hosts live entertainment every weekend. One of my favorite bands, Can’t Hang, returns on Friday, August 6. This week, get on the bayside dance floor for DJ Rupe on Friday night and DJ Wax on Saturday night.
With a kids menu and pirate ship playground area, Dead Freddie’s is a sure bet for a day of family fun. Live bands and a bayfront island atmosphere make the outdoor deck and open-air stage a hotspot for nightlife, too. The menu speaks for itself. “I love approaching tables and asking customers if they’re satisfied with their meals,” says gracious manager, Tara. “Night after night, customers rave about how much they love Dead Freddies and our distinguished recipes.”
