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Name: Timbuktu Restaurant & Carryout
Address: 1726 Dorsey Rd, Hanover, MD, 21076
Telephone: (410) 796-0733
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.49

Timbuktu Restaurant & Carryout

1726 Dorsey Rd, Hanover, MD, 21076

(410) 796-0733
Store is closed

Timbuktu Restaurant & Carryout Menu

Appetizers

Timbuktu Sampler

Fried Calamari

Homemade Chicken Fingers

Buffalo Chicken Fingers

Mozzarella Sticks
Soups

French Onion

Soup Du Jour

Maryland Crab

Cream Of Crab
Salads

Greek Salad

Timbuktu Trio Salad

Julienne Chef Salad

Tossed Salad

Tossed Salad
Chicken Specialties

Chicken Breast A'la Parmigiana

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken A'la Timbuktu

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Francais
Pasta

Homemade Lasagna

Stuffed Manicotti

Italian Ravioli

Spaghetti

Fettuccine
Desserts - Cakes

German Chocolate Cake

Carrot Cake

Strawberry Shortcake

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Coconut Cake

Tiramisu

Healthy Meal suggestions for Timbuktu Restaurant & Carryout

Appetizers

Timbuktu Sampler [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Homemade Chicken Fingers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buffalo Chicken Fingers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mozzarella Sticks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups

French Onion [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soup Du Jour [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maryland Crab [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cream Of Crab [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Greek Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Timbuktu Trio Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Julienne Chef Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tossed Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tossed Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chicken Specialties

Chicken Breast A'la Parmigiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Cordon Bleu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken A'la Timbuktu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Marsala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Francais [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta

Homemade Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Stuffed Manicotti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Ravioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fettuccine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts - Cakes

German Chocolate Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carrot Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Strawberry Shortcake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chocolate Mousse Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coconut Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiramisu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Hanover for healthy meals suggestion.

Johnny Rockets ( 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Ste. FC,Arundel Mills )

Auntie Anne’s ( 7000 Arundel Mills Cir,Ste 338 )

Cinnabon ( 7000 Arundel Mills Cir )

Denny’s ( 7481 Ridge Rd )

Burger King ( 7000 Arundel Mills Cir,Ste FC )

Buffalo Wild Wings ( Arundel Mills Mall,70000 Arundel Mills Cir, Room R003 )

Visit below restaurant in Hanover for healthy meals suggestion.

Johnny Rockets ( 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Ste. FC,Arundel Mills )

Auntie Anne’s ( 7000 Arundel Mills Cir,Ste 338 )

Cinnabon ( 7000 Arundel Mills Cir )

Denny’s ( 7481 Ridge Rd )

Burger King ( 7000 Arundel Mills Cir,Ste FC )

Buffalo Wild Wings ( Arundel Mills Mall,70000 Arundel Mills Cir, Room R003 )

Write An Anonymous Review

Tamara W.

Pleasantly surprised, this restaurant has amazing crab cakes and fried crab claws. The female bartender was a grouch and not helpful at all but our wait staff was wonderful. Would visit again!
(4)
Franklin F.

When we walked up to the front door, there were at least 30 people waiting in the parking lot to be seated. After we walked in the front door, we saw another 10-15 people near the hostess station. We asked if there was space at the bar and try said that we could check it out. After about 5 minutes, my best friend and I were able to get a seat at the bar for dinner. I can honestly say, trying to eat here on a Saturday night at 8pm is difficult. I'd never been here before so I could assume, by the number of people waiting, that the food must be good. So while I'm sipping my beer, I scoped the bar and tables for food that I should order. The woman next to me at the bar had a plate of HUGE fried shrimp and her friend had a crab cake that looked like a soft ball. Sheesh! I picked up the menu and found a crab cake and fried shrimp combo and put in my order. The meal came with a nice side salad and a okay side of Mac and cheese. There were other sides available, but I picked the Mac and cheese. The next time I will order the stuffed baked potato. The crab cake took up 1/4 of my plate and the shrimp looked like scuba flippers. The crab cakes are made of lump crab meat and about 1% filler. They are a beast! The meal was worth the short wait and I would definitely recommend that you try the crab cakes if you try Timbuktu. If you are by yourself or with a friend or spouse, I suggest finding a space at the bar if there is a wait for a table. The bar tenders were extremely helpful and friendly.
(5)
Kelli B.

Place has gone down down down. I think the last time I had the cream of crab I was ill. If you order take out, sometimes they don't make your food to order. The French fries are sometimes stone cold and I work literally, .20 miles away. I'm usually waiting for them to give me my order and the fries are cold when I get the order. Cleanliness is next to godliness...well Timbuktu, you won't be getting to heaven any time soon. Also, the prices on the carry out alcohol is WAY TOO HIGH! Smh, I've actually stopped eating here.
(2)
Synedra B.

The service was not the best. I was seated in the lounge area, although I would have much rather been in the dining area. The crab cakes were very bland. I had to wait entirely too long to get my drink refilled. This wasn't the best experience.
(3)
Michael R.

Yeah, you'll read the other reviews like I did and I'm glad I went. 5 stars for the crab cakes. The homemade potato salad and Caesar were also good. Good service. I would visit regularly if I lived here.
(5)
Vick K.

We went here today and I want to first start off by saying these 4 stars are mainly coming from the service we received while here. Our waitress name was Char and she was absolutely wonderful, this was the best service we had received in a long time. Char was extremely attentive to us and remained pleasant the entire time, o and she was also very honest about the products. There was another waitress as well who was also very pleasant, while Char was in the kitchen she came over to make sure we were ok with a big smile. As far as the food goes, the complimentary rolls were not my favorite, I wish they were a tad softer. The crab dip was delicious, but again the bread that came with it was not as soft as we would have liked it to be. The crab cakes were good, nice size and bot much filler, the broiled is better than the fried. Not a big fan of the rice pilaf but the mashed potatoes and gravy were delicious. Scallops were tasty, mixed vegetables delicious. The ribs were ok, but not if you really have a taste for ribs. The decor in the place should be updated, but other than that it was a pleasant experience and we will return! Char should receive a raise
(4)
S S.

Do not come here on Mother's Day! We had a reservation, arrived on time and still had to wait 20 minutes for a table. Even with a limited menu and twice the wait staff every portion of my meal (soup, sides and entrÃ©e) were ridiculously cold. I am so disappointed. I've come here many times and have never experienced the horrible service I received today. Even the crabcakes were cold! I will not be back for another Mother's Day or any other celebratory day.
(1)
Lan T.

This review is ONLY for the pizza. I LOVE the crab cakes here, but I thought I should share my pizza experience. One night when I ordered a crab cake sandwich to go, I saw people walking out with pizza boxes and it smelled sooo good! So I told myself that I HAD to try the pizza! A few weeks pass and I'm in the area, so I order a small pizza with mushrooms and italian sausage. The menu said they use fresh dough, so I got extra excited. I got the pizza and it looked like it could have been a frozen pizza with an overload of cheese. When I pulled a slice out to eat, all of the toppings fell off! The cheese slide off the pizza like water. That was weird. The crust was awful too! I guess I learned my lesson. Don't order pizza from a place that's famous for its crab cakes!!!! I guess I won't experiment with the gyro either! Sticking to the crab cakes for sure!!!!
(1)
Barbara R.

The food was food was great. Service was good. Crab cakes, flounder, oysters and salmon, and chicken Parmesan was fab.
(4)
Shayna F.

I had my rehearsal dinner here (10/15/09) The food was delicious! I had crab cakes and pasta for my guests. People from my party still ask me where we had the crab cakes from my rehearsal dinner. I rented a room for a reasonable price. The only issue was the way the tables were set up. It was difficult to hold a conversation with my wedding party and my husband had to rearrange the tables so we could talk to one another.
(4)
Thomas J.

I only have been here for the crab cakes. They are very good and flavor is good. Only one time last year that my crab cake was not cooked to otder. I have taken family members from out of state here and they love them to.
(4)
Scott V.

Food was ok. We had better crab cake at the G&M. Service was terrible our server Catherine confronted us about the tips that we gave her that was not enough.
(2)
Kristin G.

Great crab cakes. Server was great. Appears if you are alone they seat you in the lounge even though there was plenty of room in the dinning room. Not impressed with that and giving a 3 star because of this. Plenty of parking but poor lighting. Ladies traveling alone should consider this.
(3)
Dave F.

Pretty good food! A little overpriced for what you get, but if you can't make it to G&M for your crab cakes, this is a good second place.
(4)
Leshaun L.

I had a dinner party here and not only was the service horrible but so was the food. The waitresses forgot about us and we waited almost 45 mins before they took our order, our food was brought out almost an hour after the order was placed. Everyone's food was cold and my crab cakes were not completely cooked. I spoke to the manager who was really rude himself. This used to be my favorite restaurant and this experience as made me change my position on the. I will never step foot or even think to patronize this place again.
(1)
A K.

Crab cake heaven. Don't bother ordering anything else. Their md carb soup and crab cakes are the best in the area.
(5)
Solomon D.

This review is strictly for the karaoke. Been here several times over the years. The DJ is always tight on Friday and Saturday nights. The crowd is mature and easy going. There are always some regulars who do a pretty decent job with the singing. You definitely have to watch what your drinking because the bartenders pour heavy here and before you know it you can be over your limit. Good times here and I will be back.
(4)
Joe P.

Great crab cake, good service. The overall ambience keeps it from being 5 star. The signage really makes no sense, and we had to wait for the shift change meeting to end before being seated. Took some out if town friends in for the crab cake specifically, and they did not disappoint.
(4)
Michelle B.

I actually like Timbuktu a little more than I did years ago. It seems like when I go now, the crab is moist and not so dry like it was in the past. I typically get the stuffed lobster with a salad and a baked potato. The baked potato is always the worst item because they always seem old, so I would advise people not to get one. The drinks were okay if you wanted a sweet fruity drink. I ordered a margarita and had to ask for another shot of tequila on the side to help me finish drinking it. The service is decent, but the decor is kinda drab. 3.5 Stars!
(4)
Tina Z.

We came for only the crabcakes and loved them. Make sure you get them broiled though!
(4)
Jackie A.

You know what I think it is; I think it's hype; I think there's a lot of return customers and I think; holy crap; it's lobster night and how freakin' amazing the price of a two lobster dinner is. That's right - for your $27 and some change, you get two - not ONE, but two lobster whole lobsters and TWO sides. A bargain, right? With something so affordable, at an establishment that's been around forever and has the customer base to prove, who would dare gripe, especially when there's butter dripping down your chin. You can't even think to discern that the food your eating is mediocre, at best - cause this is a place that's tried and true, right? No, no and NO. This place is a mess, down to my perky, rude waitress - Kathleen. I started off with an appetizer of steamed shrimp, cubes of potatoes and thinly sliced onions, tossed in old bay. On the whole, decent and the shrimp, plentiful. I would have likened the onion to have been chunked up a bit, so that I could enjoy the sweetness of them - but that's a preference. Kathleen was quick, pleasant enough at first, replenished our water glasses and then some and provided us with whatever it was we asked for - so, why dish on poor Kathleen for only doing her job. Take out the attitude that was received later on, as the meal progressed - I might have called her a stellar waitress, for she knew the menu backward/forward, was quick and pleasant, but say something about the quality of the food at HER restaurant, and heaven hold back that tongue of hers. That's how it is at establishments like these and I get that. I don't like it, but I get it. The lobsters arrive freshly steamed and since it was lobster night, this place was obviously rocking and rolling with lobster orders right and left, corners were cut though, that greatly impacted the quality of their food. I believe the rubber bands that keep the claws together, were left on, during the steaming of the lobsters. The lobster claw meat was inedible - tasting metallic or as the hubby put it, of rubber bands. The meat of the lobster was slightly mushy and flavorless. I know that wasn't butter put before me, but maybe margarine? Who knows. And with everyone around me, chowing down and happily doing so - I waited, anticipated like everyone else, for my lobster, yet my hubby and I are the only one's complaining. Yeah, I do find that odd, but once again - the repeaters never complain and the newbies are too scared to, cause after all - this is the infamous Timbuktu, home of the award winning crab cake. Speaking of crab cake, the hubby sampled this treat from a fellow diner's plate only to realize that the crab cake was raw in the middle, though delish - raw is raw. If you're gonna make an enormouse sized crab cake, learn how to cook the darned thing right. I hope my friend didn't get sick and if she did, never in a zillion years, would she have contributed her sickness to Timbuktu. My biggest gripe here and yes, there's more - just because you have some accolades behind your belt, combined with longevity, doesn't give you the right to disrespect a diner and to cut corners, thinking no one will notice, because they will.
(2)
SoCal F.

This place can be a bit pricey but their food is amazing. It was recommended to me as the best place to get a crab cake in the area and possibly even all of Baltimore; I might agree. It's at least a tie with any other high-end place. The sides are great as well. One tip: try to give this place a shot during an off-hour, it'll cut down on the crowds that can be huge. Here's a good test of place: drive by on a Friday night, observe the rather large parking lot filled to capacity for only Timbuktu; come back later when lot is empty and enjoy the great food!
(4)
Rashida C.

This was a restaurant that my friend suggested to me and how she described it was exactly what it was Ok. Yes I'm from out of town. I'm not familiar with the whole crab cake thing. But I have eaten food allot and their food was Ok. The crab cake was excellent it was the only thing I ate. I got the crab cake sandwich which came with fries. Simple enough. It took our waiter about 20 mins to take our simple order. The bus boys were waddling around eating food from plates where people had left their fries. WTH? After waiting for a long time finally our food came. Yay! The crab cake was great the fries were awful..ketchup couldn't help them. The bread the sandwich came on was cold and boring. The lettuce was old stale iceberg. I got an end piece of a tomato on my sandwich... Very appetizing (ugh). After eating just the crab cake(and discarding the rest) our waiter advised us that he can't split the check he can take numerous payments. We gave him 2 cards and a $20. Our waiter asked how am I supposed to do this which resulted in my friend calculating the total for him to charge us. Seriously. If I visit again will just get it to go with a bottle of wine. This way we can toast the bread and use our own lettuce.
(2)
Kris L.

This basically reminded me of another G&M: local flavors, famous for the crabcake, and the ambience was very Baltimore. However, Timbuktu was nowhere near as crowded and the service was much much better. I ordered the jewel of the sea which featured a lobster tail(mini), shrimp, scallops, and their "famous" crabcake. I thought the shrimp and lobster were a touch overcooked but the scallops were spot on and delicious (everything was drenched in butter but hey, it was tasty). The crabcake itself was the size of a softball and broiled (that's the maryland way!) Due to it's size, the outside was cooked perfectly but the inside was sort of a soggy mush. The flavors were decent and it was mostly crab, not filler. Overall, glad I stopped in but will not likely be frequenting this place for crab cakes.
(3)
Erica M.

Large meaty crab cakes and huge lasagna! My parents and I came here in August last year. It was actually very easy to find. Although the outer appearance of this restaurant is slightly bland, don't let this scare you off. The inner-decor was very red...very dark and felt a bit antique, and the food was just as classical. The lasagna had a good meat-to-sauce-to-pasta ratio and was extremely filling! However we all know you don't come here for lasagna! I only ordered it because my parents were both ordering the crab cakes! The crab cakes here are huge and filled with fresh large chunks of crab meat. The crab mustard (the crab fat that makes the cake a bit bitter) wasn't overpowering, so if you don't like the bitterness in your crab cakes, coming here would be the best bet! I really enjoyed eating these crab cakes, and simply ordering one crab cake sandwich would fill you up! Although there are many complaints about the service, I didn't feel like they were extremely lacking, but I do agree they aren't much help.. Don't come here when you are in a rush because they aren't always the fastest. There wasn't much of a wait for the food or to get seated, but I remember waiting a longer time to get our check and pay.
(3)
Gail R.

This was my 2nd time going to this restaurant. My first was too long ago to remember and I do not think I was Yelping then...I am now. It was a group of us and we decided to do dinner on the weekend celebrating a big day for someone. A reservation was made, but all in the party had to be there for us to be seated. Lesson learned, but the good thing was that we did not have to wait too long even though dinner time on the weekend brings in a lot of folks. As we were seated, someone in our group had mentioned that there were so many empty seats available, but yet so many folks were waiting in the wait area. I chimed in and said that maybe they were waiting on their own group of folks to be seated. However, it did not take long before all those seats were filled...it was dinner time. We had a great waitress who took our orders...a few of us had appetizers, like me, who had a cup of Cream of Crab Soup. It was quite delicious and I enjoyed it. Next up, our entrees - interesting was that no one in our party had their crab cakes which most folks have there. Instead we had ribs, fish, pasta, and seafood. I had the Seafood Alfredo which I decided to try only because I love the Crab Alfredo at Red Lobster...not the same, but similar, or so I thought. The Seafood Alfredo was served in their own Alfredo Sauce and it also came with a House Salad (or Ceasar Salad) and Garlic Bread. The salad was good and I had dressing with it. The Seafood Alfredo was swimming in a lot of sauce and did not look pleasing to the eye, when served, but that was minor. I ate some, but left a lot of it on my plate. Others at the table experienced more bigger issues like their food being a bit lukewarm and another said their ribs were dry and not falling off the bone. Some of the folks in our group who had been there before, said that maybe the chef was different, because the food was much better the last time they were there. Some decided to have dessert and we were informed that some items on the dessert menu were not being served (like the Baklava), while some were being served but not on the menu (like the CrÃ¨me Brulee). I know, it sounds confusing, but our waitress knew her stuff and we still had a good time at the restaurant overall. The extra star is for her service. Tip: Parking is free Great for groups, but if you come with a group, all have to be there in order to be seated
(3)
Puneet M.

Some of the BEST crab cakes I have ever had!! So when you visit or live in MD, you need to try crab cakes, well look no further than Timbuktu! Crazy name but crazy good crab cakes! Note: the take out is much better not because of the food but because the ambience and service in the sit down section is mediocre at best. So I usually get take out. So grab your chicken necks and head to the shore we are crabbing tonight!
(4)
Sherri G.

Amazes me that this place is still as packed as it has always been. Perhaps it's because the restaurant is a local establishment and it's been here ever since I can remember. The food hasn't changed much. The servers aren't exactly experts in the food choices and they aren't very friendly. They seem rushed.
(2)
Maggie G.

Food: 3 stars Service: 3 stars Both my boyfriend and I got the crab cake special ($15) and unfortunately the flavor and the way it was prepared just didn't work for us :-( Visiting Maryland, I had done my homework and I was so excited to try this place after seeing all the positive reviews (which is why I might have came in with high expectations), but the crab cakes were luke warm in the middle and quite heavy after going thru half the cake. The buns were alright, fries were little above mediocre. I suggest sharing the special and ordering something different to switch it up. Ambience, like Yelpers have reviewed, is very "maryland", dark and unassuming, but relaxed and welcoming. Service did not catch my attention, he just served our food, it was timely.
(3)
S V.

Everything was average. Decor was eh, most food were okay, and environment seemed alright. The only great things I can say were their crab cakes and customer service.
(3)
Sylvia B.

I got nothing but love for you. Timbuktu. I still think they have the best crab cakes with lump meat and no fillers. Well I'm sure they used something to hold them together and whatever they used definitely works for me! Let's start by saying i was craving crabmeat for sometime now because i loveeee crabs and crab cakes. So tonight after the movies i went for it. If you're going to do it then i say go for it! So i ordered the jewels of the sea. Which consists of all my favorites. You get 1 petite lobster tail. Which was very meaty. A large Crab cake which had so much meat in it my mouth was watering just watching it. Man it was good! 3 jumbo shrimp and 3 or 4 jumbo scallops. And 2 choice of sides. I was freaking so happy. Couldn't even eat it all. So you would definitely have something leftover for later Yeyyy . I did the carryout which is connected to the liquor store. Also if you call your order in they will have it ready for you when you arrive. I'm going to do that next time because even for carryout this place was pretty busy and this is the weekend of course. I have dined in before but wanted this to go. Anyway i love you Timbuktu. Also it is a little on the pricey side but for what i got it was so worth it. Everything was tasteful and do yourself a favor and get it broiled it tastes much better than fried and is much better for you :)
(5)
Alyssa M.

I have been going here for years for the crab cake. The crab cakes are large and seasoned perfectly. It is all crab... barely any fillers... just enough to keep the crab together... YUMMM. However,I do think the carry out has better food than the sit down part. Different cooks. My fiancee did not want to try the crab cakes as he is from the midwest and use to the crab cakes full of fillers. so he opted out of getting a crab cake. I encouraged him however,he decided to get a philly and gyro. Glad he did. I had never had anything but a crab cake from this place. The philly was delicious and so was the gyro. This place is great. I have had two bad experience at the sit down part of this restaurant where the crab cakes SUCKED but I have never had a bad experience at the take out. Stay away from the sit down and you will be in for a treat. My plan of action: order at the take out then devour the food in the car. Note: this should only be done behind tinted windows.
(5)
Beth A.

Tonight was the second time I have been here and not at all disappointed! They have by far the best crab cakes I have ever had. The appetizers are delicious as well. We had the crab pretzel and seasoned crab meat on Toasted Italian bread..so good. My son also had a bowl of cream of crab, the amount of grab meat was beyond generous. I recommend this place 100%. My son attends UMBC and I live outside of the Philadelphia area.
(5)
Kim M.

Awesome spot to stop! A classic actually. The crab cake sandwich is great if your into that. You can take clients here and they love it. Can't even tell its next to a liquor store unless you yelp.
(4)
Latoya P.

I treated my fiance to a birthday dinner on Friday night. I made a reservation for 8 P.M. when we arrived we were greeted and asked our names, and then took to our awaiting table. The hostess who sat us noticed that I was cold, and suggested she move us to the lounge area were is was a little warmer. We moved to the lounge and our waitress came to the table immediately, and took our drink orders. Once we placed our orders we were served, and stuffed by 8:43. This was the best experience ever and the food was amazing. I ordered the cake and ribs and he had the cake and steak and everything came out hot and just as we ordered it. The crab cakes have little to NOOOO filler and they are amazing..The portion sizes are huge and worth every penny we paid for it. We usually come here twice a year and I can't wait for our next visit..
(5)
Miss R.

This is my spot! Give me 2 broiled crabcakes and call me one happy lady! (you just better not ask me for a bite...) I have been coming here for years and I have never had a bad meal here. The fried crabcakes are good too, but it's just something about those broiled ones... I had an excellent chicken parm here too. (It the only time I didn't order my beloved crab cakes. Blame it on a hangover in Martha's Vineyard after a New England clam bake. Long story... just know that I didn't eat seafood for a LONG time after that night) I'm not really crazy about the decor (what's up with the dark and drab thing? I've seen funeral homes with more flair!), so I usually get mine to-go. You can order in the back of the liquor store next door, which is attached to the restaurant. This place has the legendary Maryland crabcakes that you've been hearing about. Come get you some! (Just get there before I do, because I definitely plan on getting a few extra to go!)
(4)
Kimberly A.

Dated rugs and atmosphere but that is what gives this place its charm. Service was timely, friendly and helpful. Portions were huge and we each came home with a take home box. Broiled scallops were awesome and could only eat five of the 10. The stuffed mushrooms were also huge n yummy(; I will be back for sure;)
(5)
EM W.

Love the Crab Cakes and the Stuffed Shrimp. All Jumbo Lump Crab Meat. I came all the way down from New York City. I was indeed worth the drive and the wait.
(5)
Ty J.

Valentine's Day dinner! Well I'm glad we made reservations because as usual the place was busy and crowded. We drove in a snow storm thinking it would be less crowded...it wasn't! We got seated within 10 minutes of arrival and they quickly accommodated my request to be moved to a new table away from the door. Our server took a a bit of time to greet us but apologized and was pretty attentive after that. The restaurant had a special menu for the night which narrowed down the menu items but still offered plenty of options. I ordered the Steak and Cake and my boyfriend ordered the Broiled Seafood Platter. Their crab cakes never disappoint, huge with large pieces of lump crab and minimal filler. Now for my dislikes, my steak was cooked as I requested but it wasn't hot when it arrived to the table and it wasn't really seasoned. Their options for sides was very limited, I ended up with a baked potato and broccoli both were good. My boyfriend had coleslaw and mashed potatoes. Coleslaw was not a bad choice! The dessert menu was varied with a lot of options and they offered a special specifically for the night. We decided not to go for dessert because we were full!!! In general dinner was nice and we had a very good time.
(4)
Jennifer B.

We ate here for a coworker"s going away party. This place has an interesting atmosphere as there are no windows in the dining area. For se reason it reminds me of a casino how it feels kinda like you're closed in. Overall though our experience was good. The service was good and I had a steak salad which was quite large and I enjoyed what I could finish. Two of my coworkers had crab cake sandwiches which they said were one of the best they've ever had.
(4)
MoevsMakenzie T.

Came here on VDay with hubby, bestie & her hubby.... The wait was not long because we had a reservation! But it was Very crowded! Plenty of parking! The inside was OK nothing to rave about! The food was good, drinks was strong, & big servings! Bill can add up quickly & they add 18% tip in on check! The waiter was attentive & we had a good time! If I could I would give 3 1/2
(4)
Altha W.

My crab cake was actually delicious but Kathleen the server got bothered because I asked her to not reach over us at the table as she passed the food-- simply ask the guest to pass the food. Soooooo rude, and after that she didn't come back to check on the table....I had to ask the manager to get us refills. Kathleen may be a great s3rver, a bit pushy with her suggestive food techniques but today she was childish and unprofessional. Hopefully my next visit will be better!
(1)
Tony H.

The best crab cakes and ole bay you can ask for. Their crab cake are more like crab STEAKS!!
(5)
Rod N.

Went there a number of years ago, there was a roach in my coleslaw. Never went back since.... Enough said.
(1)
Tami F.

Not sure what's going on at Timbuktu, but apparently, it's on a steady decline. This place used to have excellent food and everybody knew it. It was always a packed house and a minimum 30-minute wait. We went there a couple weeks ago, and at 6:45 p.m. on a Friday evening, we were seated immediately in a near-empty dining room. I should have known then that something was wrong. Our server was nice. She forgot our cream of crab soup but no biggie. We also had appetizers and our meals were coming too. We get through the appetizers with no drama. I ordered the same thing I always get when I go to Timbuktu - the crab-stuffed lobster tail. Seems like it's always increasing in price each time too. It's now almost $45 for that meal, so I expected perfection. I was wrong! I cut down the middle of my crab cake, and it was RAW! The insides just oozed right out. Our server said "Yeah, that's a little too wet huh?" and took it back right away. She returned and said they made me a new one, but really they just re-cooked the one I had. I know because the crab cake was done, but the lobster tail was so tough I couldn't even eat it. I'd read a previous review from a young lady who worked there. If any of what she's saying is true, I really hope the manager takes note of it. The energy and atmosphere in Timbuktu is just awful...and it's coming through the quality of the food as well. And the bathroom was filthy. You know what they say about restaurants: Dirty bathroom = dirty kitchen. This place is no longer one that I think of when I'm in the mood for a good crab cake. The thrill is gone!
(2)
Denise C.

The food was amazing. The server Charles was horrible and also had the nerve to ask for a tip. Even though the food was great I will not come back because of bad service.
(2)
Wendy G.

I went here a couple weeks ago. My first time in Maryland so I wanted to try the crab cakes. And it came out raw!!!! Also we had the worst service! Our waitress was so rude. The best part about this and the reason why I'm giving it 2 stars was that the water guy constantly filled our waters and was on point.
(2)
LMarie C.

Crab cakes....I only come here for crab cakes. As many times as I have been here, I always get crab cakes. The crab cakes are very filling and full of crab meat. Yummy! The sides are quite bland but the French fries are good. The cream of crab soup is also good. The decor is dreadful...honestly, the place is dim and everything feels old and smells old... Get a crab cake to go!
(3)
Gi W.

For service 3 stars .......mediocre seafood, got the jewels of the sea and it had everything on the platter but wasn't that fresh.... Lobster dry flavorless crab cake well being from the south I may not be a good judge of crabcakes but I definitely had better the best thing was the salad and I tried the soup for appetizer it was ok also...... Just was hoping for better !! :(
(3)
Jasmine T.

I'll start this review off by stating that I am a huge fan of Timbuktu's food. By far, I feel they have the best crab cakes in the DC/MD/VA area, and can only be remotely touched by Blue Dolphin in Gambrills. I've also tried a few of their other seafood dishes including the Chicken Chesapeake, Stuffed Shrimp and Baked Crab Imperial - all which were hearty sizes and served piping hot. However, there are few times when I've come here as a part of a large group. Usually, my family visits Timbuktu on Mother's Day and receives great service; but I have noticed that when I come with a smaller party or during a time that isn't quite so busy we've received meals at room temperature. I'm not sure if this is a staffing issue, or not - but the food has always been delicious. The staff is very accommodating if there's a problem. The one thing I really wish they would change is the format of the "holiday" meal seatings. Even though you can make a reservation ahead of time, you still have to wait in a long line in order to be seated. The last time we went, there were several elderly people in our party and very few chairs where they could sit. It was a warm wait outside in the parking lot line, and very hot while waiting in the lobby due to the volume of people. You'd think they'd figure out a way to better handle the crowds by now. Despite the unfortunately long wait, we still enjoyed our meal. We also appreciated that the air conditioning pumping on the lower level. I look forward to going back when during a non-holiday!
(4)
Paulette P.

I went for lunch ordered the steak and cake. Steak was overcooked not seasoned enough. Mashed potatoes were bland. Crabcake was great! Didn't care for the Arnold Palmer. Kathleen was nice . It wasn't my best experience there.
(4)
John H.

I've been here now about 5 times and usually do crab cake on salad with some fries. Great crab cake every time and they have awesome fries...
(4)
JD G.

I've been to Baltimore several times and have never had the famous Maryland Crab Cakes so when I asked around, someone recommended Timbuktu. Now, for a quick Geography lesson, Timbuktu is an ancient city located in Mali, a landlocked country, that is 500 miles from the nearest ocean. Needless to say, I was a little confused as to why I'd go visit a restaurant named Timbuktu to try my first Maryland Crab Cake. I have to say, I was impressed. The restaurant itself is nothing to rave about as it has no windows and looks like a hospital cafeteria, which was off-putting at first. The food, though, is pretty good and the service is wonderful. I ordered two crab cakes, which are HUGE!! If I went back, I'd only order one because its much cheaper and I wasn't able to eat it all...but I also ordered the Mac n Cheese and Potato salad and both were great! I also tried one of their smoothies (PiÃ±a Colada) and it was pretty great! My partner ordered the greek salad and loved it, but his only complaint is that the olives in it still had the pits, which is a little silly I think if they're in a salad. As for the service, it was great...from the time we were greeted at the front to the time we left, everyone was so friendly and the server we had made plenty of suggestions as to what we should try. Overall, I'd be back here in a heartbeat...the only reason I gave 4 stars is that the restaurant itself looks pretty ugly and could really use a makeover.
(4)
Charisse S.

Great food and great service! Calamari, Crab Bomb, and King Cut Prime Rib! Delishiosis!!!!!! We will be back in addition to telling our friends and family!
(5)
Art C.

I come all the way from Virginia to eat crab cakes here. I can't find anyone within 75 miles that can do it better!
(5)
Jeri T.

I haven't eaten in a lot of area restaurants but I feel this one was mediocre to good. It had that diner feel with a steak/seafood menu. The lunch menu is identical to the dinner menu as far as I could tell which was disappointing. Cream of crab soup was floury and crab cake on my sandwich was loose-liquidy on the inside. Not bad but not a comeback until I visit other places first.
(3)
Darrell S.

This was some of the worst service I've ever had in my entire life. My family took my father there for his birthday on Saturday the 11th and we kept raving about the crabcakes and the pleasant staff that we had had before but on this night it was the total opposite. We had a 630 reservation and we did not get sacked until 7 o'clock and when we were sad we didn't even have a way to come and greet us until about 20 minutes later which I don't understand why the waiter even had a four table section when he should've only had about two or three table section. When he did greet is we all ordered cream of crab soup and salads and my soup was the only one that was cold and it took him 15 minutes to get back a new soup for me. We then waited almost 45 minutes for our entrÃ©es which were just crabcakes and side salads and my brother had a burger plus he never came back and checked on us we had to have another young lady constantly fill our water for us. This is a legendary place that is been around for over 30 years and I've heard nothing but good things about it and I came a couple years ago for my wife and I anniversary but for what I witnessed on this night I will never ever come back again to dine. Maybe carry out but NEVER EAT IN.
(1)
Rummy V.

Food and service is amazing but I'm not a big fan of the prices raising. This place was doing great they did not need to raise prices. Also there is a huge difference between dining in and picking up....if you can dine in! When your picking up you are basically picking up food from a gas station like setting.
(4)
Darlene R.

My fellow book club members and I visited this restaurant today. It was my first time, but not the first time for a few of the others. The waitress was ok. I got the crab cake sandwich. When the waitress brought the food to us, she dropped my sandwich on the table and there was glass, and food all over the place. My friend's meal was free of course. There was a whole lot of glass on the floor. When I finally did get my crabcake it was cold. I was hungry so I ate it. I had much better. I will definitely not be revisiting this dump.
(1)
Alex Y.

Good food, Awesome crab cake. We went there for a lunch. We ordered crab cakes, steak, and pasta dishes. They are turned out great. My steak cooks just right. And the service is good. The only complain is about the hostess, she seems to be a bit confused about my reservation. But it is okay, we got sit right away once all of us shown up.
(4)
Nicole H.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the crabcakes and Monday night Lobster night. The bread is always fresh and hot, servers are nice, but the mystery musty smell in the restroom needs to be investigated thoroughly.
(3)
Nikki V.

This was our first time visiting this restaurant. It seems to be located in the middle of no where as we went at night. So it was pretty dark around this area. The staff was great, although our waiter had to many tables. It took her awhile to check on us. We had to signal her more times then she came to the table on her own just to check on the table. The food was great. Crabcakes seem to be the best. The mac and cheese looked good but tasted auuuuh.... bad. It just didn't have something or anything in it. I won't get that again. The restaurant itself is nice and the bar area is tight. We will try to come back but auuh no mac and cheese.
(3)
Alainna W.

We arrived a bit after they finished seating for the evening because my brother's flight was late coming in from Jordan. He had just finished his first deployment. The hostesses sat us anyway when they saw that he and his sergeant were in uniform. Our server, Drew, was quick and polite. He made sure our orders were spot on. The crab cakes were out of this world just as we were promised. They were huge! The irony of the evening was the decor... Our poor boys sat and looked at pictures of sand dunes and camels... But that was as much my oversight in bringing them to a place called Timbuktu... It's all good for a laugh in the end. Thank you, Drew and the kitchen at Timbuktu, not only for taking us in so late, but for providing our servicemen with the first real meal they've had in close to a year, and making sure to include crab cakes as big as our faces! We'll be back!
(5)
Erica J.

I have never felt one way or the other about Timbuktu. I can take it or leave it. There are so many places in the area that are equal to or better in my opinion. Tonight the service was absolutely great. Even though they were relatively packed we were seated within five minutes. Our waitress was knowledgeable and personable. I had one of the specials - a crabcake and a 1 & 1/2 pound lobster. I dont really like the sides offered at Timbuktu so I ordered a side salad and took the mac and cheese and applesauce to go. Overall I had a very pleasant experience and will continue to patronize this business.
(4)
Rob M.

Food was pretty good, but the service...meh. We went there with friends and we had reservations. Still took too long to seat us. Big a$$ crab cake and pretty good oysters. Prime Rib was very tasty. Just wished we would have had a little better service before and during our meal.
(2)
James H.

The food was great, the service was good and the atmosphere was good..It appears as though they've cut back on the portions, but over all..Good!
(3)
Lakiya T.

I'm from Boston so it's hard to give an outside state seafood restaurant 5 stars ...I mean it's no Neptune Oyster or Oceanaire, but they do serve decent fresh seafood. I went Monday night for the Lobster Dinner which starts promptly at 4pm (the waitress told me by 7, they're out!) $20.99 twin lobster (Maine lobster flown in from Boston which arrives right before serving time) you get your choice of 2 sides. Don't expect much from the bar. Fairly stocked well. The bartender was a little ditsy, perhaps because it was close to the end of her shift. Either way, I will return for the lobster dinner. Whipped potatos are fresh not box! Sidenote: Crabcake is bomb.com
(4)
Lauren H.

I found this place incredibly interesting... It was simultaneously pleasant and distasteful. My dining partner and I had a little fun waiting for our meal by outlining how we'd improve. First, the name and desert imagery (camels, sand colored building, pyramid lighting) implies an Arab/North African menu. Not here. Camels mean BBQ specials and crab cakes. There were three doors all easily seen and accessible from their massive parking lot. As visitors to the area, we had no idea what door was for the main restaurant. Turns out it's the one with the stairs going up. A sign, awning, nice welcome mat, or any visual direction at all would be helpful. The decor is fine for what I think it's main purpose is-banquets and catering. Just dim the lights for us regular diners and provide some ambience! It will help take away from lack of art or personality on the wood panel walls. Bring a sweater for this place; it's fairly chilly. Crab cakes: as amazing and crabby as everyone says! You MUST have one. Lobster tail is a different story... That came with the jewels of the sea entrÃ©e and it was left with the plate. It was tough, dry, and not worthy to stand next to the crab cake or tender scallops. I prefer Dijon mustard with it as the "drawn butter" tasted like used vegetable oil. Sick. Our server was helpful and attentive so I don't want to take away from her excellent service. HOWEVER, tables don't need a narration of your every move, or 6 visits to ask if everything is okay. "Is everything okay here?...I'll refill your water...I'll be right back with some butter...Is everything okay here?" There was also an extremely loud server at the other table who was completely distracting. I think the bright lights in the restaurant and lack of background music has created a sound vacuum that people there need to occupy with noise. The whole experience overshadowed the tasty crab crakes and makes this place a solid 2 stars.
(2)
Lola L.

I was not sure if I wanted to come here, because from the outside it didn't really look too appealing, but I guess you don't judge from the outside, because their entree was amazing. Some of the things that put us off was the decor, it wasn't too modern, which there's nothing wrong with, but everything looked a big old. It was like going to your old grandma's house where all the furniture is the same tone of color. The ceiling had a leak too. We got mussels for an appetizer, and they were good, but I've had better. My bf and I shared an entree which came with 2? sides, and it was the perfect portion. Their crab cakes were so good, just thinking about it makes me wanna go back for more. Service was excellent, and all the workers were very nice as well.
(4)
Molly H.

This place used to be great. Something has happened and I'm not sure what but the past 3 or 4 times the crab cakes have been not so good. I've probably been here 15 times in my life and I only order 1 thing. The past few times they weren't cooked right (were underdone and pretty much raw in the middle) and tasted funny. While the crab meat is cooked, the egg and whatever else they use to bind the meat together is not. Either way, they lost their touch. Different chef, low quality ingredients? I don't know. It's a shame because I used to love their crab cakes. Try somewhere else though.
(1)
Terri S.

Let's see where do I begin? Haven't been here in years but came today for dinner I ordered the fried trio which came with scallops, shrimp,and crab cake I did not like the scallops at all they weren't fresh seemed old,the crab cake could have cooked longer I wasn't impressed my friend had the crab stuffed mushrooms he liked it. Will I be back anytime soon? Probably not it was just OK.
(3)
K S.

The funny thing is that I have not been to the restaurant yet. However, my husband and in-laws went this weekend to an anniversary party there and they brought back some of the food for me. I am so glad they did! The crab cakes were the BEST I have ever had! I loved them! Not only were they seasoned well and almost all crab meat, HALF of one filled me up! I ate the second half for lunch the next day. I can't wait to go to the restaurant myself and try something else. I thoroughly enjoyed the strawberry shortcake leftovers as well. I will make certain to order the crab cakes when I come (heard the crab soup was just OK). Timbuktu - you will see me soon!
(5)
Maurice G.

This will be brief, this was my second time eating here and I will never return. Me and my friend walked in around 6pm and we were promptly seated, after that we sat for almost 20 mins waiting for someone to acknowledge us. The only person who came by was a water boy who filled our glasses and said our server would be with us momentarily. After another 5 mins of no service we left but on the way out a server asked if we just left the table in the middle of the isle, I said we had been sitting there for sometime with no server. He offered an apology but it was too late. I will never understand how servers can continually walk past tables even if they're not in their sections and not at least ask have you been waited on. Is that too much to ask. Timbuktu has lost two customers forever.
(1)
Andrew S.

I stumbled on Timbuktu while looking for a different place that was closed. The parking lot was pretty full so I figured let's give it a try. I grabbed a seat at the bar. Turned out to be a good choice. Lisa, the sole bartender was a real pro (and very attractive). She immediately recognized I was a newbie and made some suggestions and then let me take my time deciding. I ended up with the Maryland Crab Soup and the Crab Stuffed Shrimp (Lisa's recommendation). My two sides - fries and cole slaw. The soup was good, but not great. But good enough to order again. The Stuffed Shrimp was VERY VERY good. It was basically 3 large shrimp, each covered with a crab cake. It was almost too much food. The crab cake was exactly what we all want - lots of lump crab meat, only enough filer to bind it, subtle seasoning as to not overpower the crab taste, and just a slight crisping on the top. Really, one of the best crab cakes I've had. The sides were good but nothing special. The fries were the steak fries variety and the slaw was a fine chop with a slight vinegar base to it. While I was eating I noticed that Lisa was greeting the regulars like they were old friends. She knew their usual orders. Before I left she asked if I was a local or visiting. I told her I was in town for a week. She rattled off the specials for the rest of the week. I usually don't do multiple visits when I travel but I think I'll be back at least once or twice this week. I would have given this place 4 stars, but Lisa was worth the extra star. Having many clients in the restaurant business I know how valuable a star employee can be. Whatever they are paying her isn't enough.
(5)
LaLa H.

my favorite restaurant in the world..they have the best seafood its cooked to perfection...never had such amazing food an I loved it so much I had thecrab cakes ordered and shipped in a cooler to my house in florida..I would fly to md just to eat here again..nothing beats this place..best food ever
(5)
Jim B.

Old fashioned, straight-up continental, with a particular focus on seafood. Great crab and oysters. The oysters Rockefeller is a perfect mix of spinach and oyster. There's no over-powering bacon or cheese to overshadow the oyster. Don't be surprised if you leave feeling comfortable and happy and like this review understated the work of the kitchen. It's not fancy. It's not complicated. But, it's solidly cooked with good portions and fresh ingredients.
(3)
Penni L.

The crab cakes are excellent! They are a nice size, full crabmeat and very little filler. The sides (string beans and coleslaw) were plentiful and very well seasoned. The service was quick and the staff was very professional.
(3)
Vanessa P.

This family friendly restaurant is labeled Italian and while I'm sure they don't disappoint please do yourself a favor and order the crab cake! There is a reason you can overnight ship them. They are unlike any crab cake you've had before and could ruin your outlook on all future crab cakes (and I'm sorry). The service is also amazing! We had a large Italian group of 16 (or small group..I was there by marriage) and our waiter Francisco was on the ball! No glass (water, wine, soda) was empty and we were all served our meals together. Sometimes large groups have a straggler or only a few people get their meals at once...then again most of our group got the crab cakes so that may have helped. Although I have only been here twice (but coming from Las Vegas, NV has to count for something) I enjoy this gem of a place. They decor is comfortable, but not fancy. Good for kids, families & groups. Fairly priced (crab cake w/ 2 sides runs about $20). The bar/lounge has good pours and staff is friendly and helpful.
(5)
Jerome W.

My group has eaten there numerous times, and this review covers the last of three visits over the last six months. Previous visits have been three stars, but this party of nine at 6 PM was sorely disappointed with food quality and atmosphere. Mixed drinks before dinner were variable: a Manhattan was good, while three diners received Margaritas that were decidedly sour and missing Tequila. Deep-fried Calamari appetizer was delicious, warm, and fresh; the Marinara sauce was a good accompaniment. An appetizer Greek salad was good. The two-star rating, which is unpredicted by previous visits, is due to a dried-out, tough, flavorless lobster tail entree. Another flavorless entree was the flounder in a stuffed-flounder dish. The Crab-Cakes, and the Crab stuffing the Flounder was, as we have come to expect, PERFECT. Lesson learned, we will emphasize purchasing CRAB when we visit Timbuktu. On previous visits I would have granted Timbuktu a three-star rating for the Crab, service, ambience, and parking, and their choice of seating us in a quiet dining area. This time, our party of nine was seated in the TV lounge area, with patrons wandering about behind us, watching the TV's on the wall in front of us, and cheering the progress of the sports teams being telecast.
(2)
Tom R.

The crab cakes are delicious, big and priced accordingly (not bad). The service could have been better but overall good lunch!
(4)
Nicole H.

I've been here for dine-in and carry out. Neither are terribly impressive in my opinion. The crabcake is pretty good. Great...? Not really, but it's a solid Maryland staple. The sides are very mediocre, and the cream of crab leaves a lot to be desired. Unfortunately the nightly specials are only for dine-in so if you are in a hurry, forget about it. Settling for Timbuktu now that Gunning's is closed is ok though. Just don't order the cream of crab.
(3)
Mitchell S.

On my last night in Baltimore this week I decided on having a steak. The clerk at the hotel where I am staying recomended I go here. "Good food and it is close". She was right. I ordered the Cream of Crab soup and while it tended to be more salty than I prefer, it was still best of the similarly named soups I have tasted in the area. I had the petite filet. At 8 oz it was more than I wanted and still the smallest quality cut on the menu. The kitchen sent it out perfectly cooked with my choice of side which was a baked potato. If I had any critique at all it would be the lack of healthy side choices and the service. There should be a green veggie available other than canned peas and carrots. Broccoli or asparagus would be awesome. The service was adequate and yet just slightly lacking in attentiveness. Otherwise a good experience. I would return for the great steak!
(4)
Shannon L.

The food here is AMAZING! If it's your first time, I'd recommend getting the crab cakes with extra lemon on the side. My only complaint is the mashed potatoes I ordered as a side item... They tasted too russetty; like, I could still taste the russet potato skins. Other than that - ambiance, waitress, food, all excellent! Treat yourself!!
(4)
Keith R.

$25 for a steak and lobster with two sides on Tuesday night is a good deal. It was decent but didnt blow me away by any means.
(3)
B M.

Not what it used to be! This place is not what it used to be. I say this only as a person who has gone to this establishment for over a decade. Trust me people when I tell you that the reviews that are posted now, would probably have all 'five-stars', across the board. 'Timtu' used to have the best crab cakes in Maryland, and it wasn't even close. Throughout the years though, the original chefs left to better establishments, which have left the succeeding and current chefs trying to duplicate their previous predecessors success. Fail! Because of the aforementioned departure of said chefs, i've only gone back to Timtu a couple times and both times (Most recently last Friday). The service is slow and impatient with taking complete orders. The table we sat at, already had a sweaty glass of water on the table. Silverware was missing..and the wait time for receiving your food was terrible. Just to make this brief, when the food finally arrived, (I ordered crab cakes) it was not very good, and had Small pieces of crab shells in it. The previous time I went, about 6 months ago, the Italian dish I ordered was runny and tasteless. I wish I could co-sign all the good reviews, better yet, I wish, the 'old' Timtu was still around, because it was one of the best seafood restaurants in the Md. area. Do yourself a favor and pass on the New Timtu.
(2)
Jeab R.

We waited for a little more than an hour for our meal and when it arrived the steaks which were to be medium rare and medium were both well done. When the new ones came they were not seasoned properly. Granted, the crab cakes were good, but the sides of Mac and Cheese was dreadful. Definitely a letdown. Not worth the wait at all.
(1)
Kathleen O.

Because I only had a limited number of dinners I would get to experience while in the Baltimore area, I am so disappointed that I had to waste one of them at Timbuctu. Simply put, the seafood it was overcooked, overpriced, and under serviced. At $31.99, I got the seafood Jewel and the only thing that was edible on the plate was the scallops which were under seasoned. Two of the side orders were decent, the cole slaw and green beans but the lobster and shrimp were like rubber and the crab cake was over breaded and raw in the middle. Save yourself the disappointment and go to a chain restaurant before considering this restaurant.
(1)
Ma-e M.

An old established family restaurant in somewhat remote area out of sight in the bustle and hustle of Arundel Mills Mall. Lump crab cake was big and crabby. Finding a staple in my corned beef sandwich which was really good, could be a rare occurrence but I was traumatized. I was lucky not to think of it that it was a small bone and swallowed it. I questioned it by continuing to chew it. I picked it up and there it was a staple, unbelievable. My throat felt scared and had a difficulty in swallowing normally. Timbuktu has probably more to offer, but the next time we have a business party, I would be careful what's on my food.
(3)
Jason W.

Anytime I visit thus area, I try to stop here for some crabcakes. The best that I have found in the BMore/DC area.
(4)
Rebecca R.

I was here in June 2013. Recommended by a client. I had the jumbo crab cake - they are not kidding about the jumbo - great food - large pieces of crab - expensive but worth it. Everything you've heard about Maryland crab is true.
(4)
Melissa M.

Went here for anniversary dinner. We decided to go with the recommendation if fellow yelpers and get the crab cakes. Very nice proportion, not much filler, but more creamy/mayo than unusually prefer. Everything was served in a timely fashion and served HOT! The sides I got (Mac n cheese and mashed potatoes) were bland. Also ordered a bowl of MD crab soup, delicious! Our server was very courteous and knowledgeable of the menu options. Prices your normal $20-30 range for most meals. As for atmosphere, not too impressed. Very dimmed lighting, the desert theme was presented by cheap photos of desert and sand on the walls, that's about it. Could do for a renovation. All in all, not bad for a nice dinner out for two on a week night.
(4)
Tomasa R.

Best Maryland crab cake hands down!!! Mo's is 2nd place.
(4)
JK N.

My mother insists this place is fantastic, I myself cannot stand it. - service is slow and full of mistakes - cobwebs hanging from the ceiling - food is awful except for the crab cakes and the onion rings, everything else is barely swallowable How do I come to these conclusions well I have been there twice in two years and both times it was horrendous. We just ate there on Sat 7/5 (my mom's bday pick - she likes places where the possibility of getting sick or having your card number stolen is part of the ambiance). We had a party of 8 persons (including one finicky teenager and one person over 80). We had a reservation, all of our party arrived on time, yet we had to wait for 10 minutes for our table. The tables are too close together so the 80 yr old walking with a cane had a tremendously hard time navigating to our table which was in the furtherest room from the front door. We sat at a table that was a folding table from the elementary school cafeteria and chairs from a worst wedding you have been too (i.e. very uncomfortable past 10 mins). The waitress while polite, she messed up on several of the orders (none of which requested specials attention). She gave my father fries vs. baked potato, my friend never got her a la carte salad, and three of us got soda vs. the ice tea we requested. Since we had waited for an hour for our meal we didn't say anything fearful that she would take away what she had brought (we were starving). We did get some appetizers onion rings and the special (potato skins, wings, mozzarella sticks and ribs). Only the onion rings were truly special, the rest taste frozen no where near fresh. Also the apps took about 30 mins to arrive. So between the dinner taking an hour to arrive and the apps taking 30 mins to arrive from the moment we sat down, I would not recommend this place for persons who are hungry. My mom raved about her fish and three diners liked their crab cakes but the spaghetti, chicken fingers, fries, chicken piccata was all horrendous.
(2)
Mike G.

So.... story is this: Over the past few months, friends have been telling us how good Timbuktu is and how it was the place to go. They hyped it up pretty good. My lady and I took up the opportunity to go to Timbuktu for one our date nights. When we got there, we were seated relatively quick. When one of the servers came to the table to pour us water, he seemed to be mad at the fact he was at work that night. Also, he spilled water on the table as he was pouring our glasses, and he angrily took the extra place settings off the table. I wasn't too upset at this because I know sometimes its hard to hide your feelings when you are at work. Our waitress on the other hand was awesome. She gave us great customer service. Ultimately, we were not impressed with the food. My fiance had two crab cakes, which she said was okay. I can't remember specifically what I ordered because it was nothing to write home about. It tasted like banquet food. Nothing was special about the meal at all. I recommend you try this place to form your own opinion..
(2)
Maria M.

The (2)crab cake dinner was very good. I got one fried and one broiled. The broiled was 95% pure LUMP crabmeat and the fried was about 75/80% lump crabmeat and the remainder was filler. I would definately recommend the broiled. The down side was the ladies bathroom.....ugh, not clean at all, which had I went to the bathroom before being seated I would not have stayed. There were three stalls, one was broken and the floor was wet, urine or mop water, not sure.
(3)
Greig T.

Went here Saturday (1/31) for my fathers Birthday and my wife suggested it because she has had several lunches here. I have lived in Maryland since 2004 and I still don't get the obsession with Maryland Crab and crab cake. It doesn't taste as good as real crab (snow, king) and 90% of the time it is tainted with that disgusting Old Bay seasoning that Marylanders seem to love. I say all of this because we did not go here for Crab Cakes, which most reviewers tend to focus on. We made reservations, same day and they got us in, party of 7 1/2 (handicapped daughter cannot eat but takes up a chair space). We got there and it was NTB but there was plenty of parking and multiple different sections for handicapped parking for the ramp van. Thumbs up there. Multiple access ramps too. They are definitely disabled friendly here. Since we had reservations, not much wait and seated promptly. Lets Break It Down Drinks - No complaints, orders taken, got right, periodic refill checks. Apps - Mixed bag here. The Calamari had some of the lightest breading on it I have ever tasted. Really good and light. You didn't get that heavy feeling. We ordered the sampler as well. Pretty good though the loaded potatoes were mediocre. Chicken wings were good with fat drums but the mozzarella sticks were average. Cream of Crab Soup, average . . . not bad, not great. Apps I am gonna say 3.5 Stars. Main Course - I ordered the Lamb Chops, my Wife the Broiled Seafood Combination, my Dad the Steak and Lobster, my nephew the Fettuccine Alfredo and my two in-laws something with steak and shrimp. I do not remember what my son ordered. The lamb was generous in portion and cooked and seasoned to perfection. Tender and tasty. the Seafood combo was good in my wife's words as was the two with steak and shrimp and my fathers steak and lobster. Cooked to desired temperature, big portions, seasoned properly and arrived at the table hot. The downside here were the sides. They sucked. Wish they could have been swapped for a soup or a salad. Macaroni; gloppy, slightly cold, Whipped Potatoes; cold and bland, Cole Slaw; way too much mayonnaise, almost liquidy, Steamed vegetables; mediocre. And you cannot substitute the sides for a salad, we asked because my wife is on some weird diet. So 4 Stars for the food having lost one for the sides. Because there was a crab cake on the seafood combination we tasted it. Pretty good. I was really impressed. No Old Bay (+1). Lots of large chunks of meat (+2) with little stuffing or filler or whatever they call it. Broiled right so there was just a light crust on the top and moist inside (+1). So yeah, crab cakes here are 4 Stars. We did not do Desert Service - Service was good. Polite staff. Attentive to our needs and efficient in used dish clearing after courses. Waitress communicated clearly and made sure our orders were right. Did not pester us too often with "hows your meal" questions, only after the end of the apps and halfway through main when she refilled drinks. The right amount. Generally felt that the staff overall were positive in attitude. So yeah, this is a pretty good joint to come eat. The prices are up there though not outrageous but when you consider the portion sizes they serve, they are actually a pretty good price mark. I mean we all ended up taking home a lot of leftovers that themselves acted as a full meal the next day, so unless you are a glutton, you are getting two meals for the price of one. I would recommend this place . . . make a reservation though because it was butt crowded.
(4)
Tommy_n_Loretta C.

The crab cakes were just ok. I was not really impressed. The service was great and the waitress was really nice.
(3)
John E.

This review is for the restaurant side. I again got the crabcake which was absolutely amazing, so creamy and good. In my opinion there is a bit too much bread with it and that takes away from the crabcake. It is a huge white bread bun, tastes good, but isn't the right match for a crabcake. I think upgrading from a piece of iceberg lettuce to a piece of romaine lettuce would be the other improvement that I would make to the sandwich. When my friend and I sat down the waiter came up to take our food orders with in 10 seconds of sitting down. We hadn't even opened the menus. She then came back about 10 times in 5 minutes asking if we were ready to order. Seemed a bit excessive and was getting annoying as she kept interrupting our conversation. Once we ordered she left us alone and just came around to refill our drinks. Service was great except for her initial pestering us to make an order. The fries were much better this time, so I am guessing I just got a bad batch from the takeout side.
(4)
Tilia M.

Completely underwhelmed by the decor, the service, and pretty much everything I placed in my mouth. My seasoned broccoli was tasty, but the salad was sad, as was the overly-sweet, too-thick vinaigrette. Literally every side dish this place serves is straight out of a can, frozen container, or box. The mashed potatoes were instant, the Maryland crab soup was SO thick - it looked like a can of cream of mushroom soup with a light sprinkling of crab. BUT. Yes, there is a but. If you come here, waive ALL side dishes (the broccoli was edible,) and go straight for the crab cakes, you will be pleasantly surprised. They were large, made almost completely of sweet, fresh lump crab meat, and were very tasty. One of the best crab cakes I've EVER EATEN. They, and I am assuming all of their seafood is this restaurant's saving grace. Go for the seafood, skip the frills - they're awful.
(4)
Juli B.

My co workers rave about this place about the crab cakes and crab creations, I wanted to see what the fuss was about. I went on a Saturday afternoon and sat at the bar, ordered a beer and a crab cake. The bartender had the personality of a wet sock, and seemed like he was going through the motions to collect a check. My food came out, and the plate was hot and food wasn't as hot as the plate. The crabcake was full of meat, not hardly any filler but didnt like it was worth all the hoopla and fuss. The bar side is dark and dinghy lot of tables uncleared and wasnt a lot of people there.
(2)
Mabel T.

More like 3 1/2. This place is a classic example of "Never judge a book by its cover." It's located in the middle of nowhere and the place is a little run down and out-dated. The restaurant layout is awkward and compartmentalized -- not just one big open layout so there've been a couple of times where I'm meeting people and literally walk in circles throughout all the rooms just trying to find them. But it is all totally worth it for 2 words -- crab cakes. Their crab cakes are HUGE and taste amazing -- lots of lump crab meat and barely any filler. You can have a single or double order, but I always do the double just because it's a greater deal. One is always enough for me and I just bring the rest home. It tastes delicious even microwaved the next day. I prefer my crabcakes broiled but you do have an option to fry them. Most of their entrees come with a side or caesar salad, so I think it's great value for the money!
(4)
Antoine W.

Location Located off of Route 100 at the Coca-Cola Drive exit. Easily accessible from Route, Route 295, and I-95. Atmosphere Somewhat dark and a little depressing looking with the wood paneling on the walls, banquet-worthy tables and chairs, and the main rooms and skinny corridors throughout the restaurant. Service What you would expect from a moderately-priced restaurant: attentive runners filling up water glasses and clearing finished plates, a waiter/waitress who provides just enough attention to your table to not be overbearing or bothersome. Dressed professionally with white dress shirts, black pants, and a colored tie. Food/Drinks THIS is why you come to Timbuktu: seafood! Crab cakes are large, all crab, can be fried or broiled, and are worth EVERY penny! In fact, anything with crab that is served on their menu is well worth the money. On my most recent trip, I had the stuffed mushroom caps with a baked potato and side Caesar salad. I will admit that I wish the side salad was larger and the baked potato offered more than butter and sour cream (how about cheese and chives/green onions, too?) Note What I would like to point out, in particular, is their speediness on Mother's Day 2013, my most recent visit. For a table of six (6) people at 5:30pm with no reservations, we waited approximately ten (10) minutes for a table! Can't beat that!!!
(4)
Leslie S.

Timbuktu was ok just off as few reasons, really these reasons made it only 3 stars. The crab cakes I had where the best I have ever had! The service was subpar & the ambience was older looking. The wait was long & the wait for my food was even longer. Good idea to order appetizers here! My steak wasn't cook the way i ordered it, & the bread pudding wasnt bread pudding at all, being from Texas I know my bread pudding! That was my first time going there, & I will rather take it out than eat there.
(3)
Chris S.

I have been here a couple of times and I absolutely love their steaks. They're juicy and delicious. I'm allergic to shellfish but my friends and family always get the crab cakes and lobsters. They say that it's all good. The servings are generous and I always feel stuffed. I've tried a few of their desserts and I like the Oreo cake the most.
(4)
Barbara H.

The crab cakes are not what they used to be! We loved going to this restaurant many times over the years, but the crab cakes we had today contained a LOT of filler; very different from even two months ago. New chef? New recipe? They are bigger but definitely not better. And the cole slaw couldn't be more bland. Service was fine, although it seems our server has joined those who think it's acceptable to ask "what would WE like to drink today?" Disappointing visit.
(3)
Em. S.

Had not been here in years, but came by for a dinner crabcake. It was probably the best crabcake I've had in a while: not overcooked, full of lumps, not too much filling. Side dishes were background noise, unfortunately. Menu has just about everything. Service was good. It's the sort of place to take a large family: little decor, no flash, just friendly service and good food.
(4)
Eric S.

The food here is predictably meh, but the real crime is the service. Took FOREVER to be served and refills on drinks was not a thing that was happening. Even flagging down the waiter for the check was excessively difficult. Overall very negative experience. Very unaccomodating on split checks. Was required to use ATM which charged $3.
(2)
Ronald T.

Very good food at a affordable price and the service was fast. I plan on coming back and trying more things on the menu.
(4)
Steve E.

It is hard for me to give just one star, but this place earned it. I was seated very quickly and was greeted right away by the hostess. But that is where the good time ends. The waitress was less than attentive and as she was taking our order, she was looking elsewhere and not that interested in us. After placing my order, I used the restroom to wash my hands, and the men's room was a mess. Now I wad there at the end of the lunch rush, so I give some slack for that, but the kicker was the soap dispenser didn't work. To get soap out, I had to take the top off the dispenser and dip my hand in. I just hope the staff was willing to do the same before they handled my food! When the food came out, I was less than impressed. It is ever a good sign when the frozen French fries are the highlight of the meal. My sandwich was dry and unappetizing and the crab cakes my guest ordered were huge, but unmemorable. I would say better luck next time, but there won't be another next time.
(1)
Geoffrey L.

Staying in Laurel, MD, this place had AMAZING crab cakes. Anything on the menu including the stuffed mushrooms were over flowing with the sweetest crabmeat. Would definitely recommend!
(5)
Mike M.

Ok, let's set the stage for this oddball gem of a restaurant. It's just off Coca-Cola drive...yet only sells Pepsi products. It seats 400+ in the dining rooms, not including the separate meeting rooms and private dining areas. It's a maze. Not only do you need the very nice hostesses to seat you, you might need one to lead you back out after your meal. It's very old fashion. Wood chairs, table cloths, curtains, small, covered windows (as opposed to the daylight-rich chain restaurants that abound), and dark paneling. The crowd generally fits the rest of the place with lots of locals and an older crowd. Same for the waiters who are friendly but generally appear to be tired of being there. The menu is eclectic covering the gambit from Italian to American to seafood. Sandwiches from burgers to cheese steak. Let me encourage you to stay focused. You want the seafood. The menu denotes several items as Timbuktu specialties and generally they are the best choices. The creamy crab soup is outstanding. Smooth and favorable with tons of crab. Order the cup, the bowl is barely any larger. The salads are fresh with very good dressings. No idea if they're house made or anything but they're tasty. Next, try a seafood appetizer or something from the steam table then go straight to the crab cakes. You may have to force yourself to ignore the rest of the menu, the comfort of the pasta, the sizzle of the steak, but trust me, your diligence will be rewarded. This is my favorite crab cake in town. Huge pieces of crab, the filler is creamy and rich (and quite minimal). You can go broiled or fried. Just go with your gut here, you can't go wrong. I've had the deserts but it's been a while so I'll write a review of them some other time. You're on your own for sweets. Prices are very reasonable for the area. A dozen oysters runs $18, about $6 less than in town. Other items run about the same discount to DC prices but you simply will not find better seafood in DC or in Baltimore in my opinion. This place get's crowded so bring your patience. There are specials every night but again, stay focused, you want the crab cakes! Enjoy!
(4)
Courtney F.

I've been to Timbuktu on numerous occasions. Tonight was the first night I was disgusted with the food and the service. My fiancÃ© and I were seated and immediately we had unwanted guests at our table. The nets flying around the dining area was ridiculous. There was a net floating in my water. I asked that we be moved to another section (out of the fly zone). The manager moved us to a separate area. The Nets were not as bad but they were still lingering. OVER AN HOUR later our food comes to the table. I ordered the seafood diablo and a side of steamed broccoli. My seafood diablo came to the table COLD. The pasta was cold, and so was the waitress' (Chandra) response. I received a cold dish that should have come hot and i didn't receive my side order of broccoli. I asked the waitress to take back my cold plate of food. And I told her I didn't receive my side order of broccoli. Never did she apologize, or try to accommodate me. She gave me a lot of attitude. By this time, I would like a new waitress with with a better attitude. I don't require a lot. But if I order a hot dish that's what i expect to get. With the cold food and the waitress' poor attitude, this will be my last visit to Timbuktu. Jerry's seafood will be my first choice going forward. They have better seafood and better customer service.
(1)
JJ R.

Went to G and M first Excellent service. The server was extremely friendly. Food was delicious!
(5)
Lakeia S.

My husband and I went to Timbuktu's for a lunch date. We ordered carryout. We had two crab cakes and fries platters, it was delicious. Customer service was great. No complaints.
(4)
Jenny T.

LOOOOVE!! This place is literally in the middle of nowhere, about 10 min away from BWI airport. The crab cake sandwich is huge and amazing - it's all lump crab meat. You will not be disappointed. You can also buy the crab cakes and cook them at home on your own!
(5)
Iyore E.

Service was horrible. Food was great. We had to wait for about 2 hours before we got seated.
(3)
Victoria S.

I had heard of Timbuktu for years and have never been! Finally last Friday my boyfriend and I w/another couple met for dinner. The location is very easy to find - we had a couple of us coming from Baltimore, and I from Annapolis. The location is right of Rt. 100 so it is easy for everyone. The outside is nothing special, just looks more like a bar than a restaurant. When I walked inside I was greeted by very friendly hostesses, through glass doors is a much larger restaurant than I would have expected! You can tell they can hold a lot of people, and larger banquets. The dÃ©cor is a little dated. Mirrors surrounding everyone in almost one giant room. But never judge a book by it's cover! The food was great! Our waitress, although swamped with the larger parties apologized repeatedly for taking a few extra minutes to take our order. We didn't care because we were catching up but it was nice she made a big deal out of it. 3 out of 4 of us ordered the crab cakes. I ordered the Duo which I probably could have gotten away with eating one. These things were huge! I am a serious crab cake snob (c'mon I live in Annapolis!) These were juicy and hardly any filler, just the way a crab cake SHOULD be. It came with a house salad, and the choice of the veggies of the day or a baked potato. I had the sauteed veggies which were delicious and not drowned in butter/oil . Our friends had steak which looked great (they said it was). My boyfriend had the Manicotti. He enjoyed his dish as well. This menu has a little bit of everything, sure to please any picky palette! As my boyfriend says, we can now put this on our "Restaurant rotation". :)
(4)
Julie F.

We swung by here while roadtrippin' down I-95. I wanted to try Maryland crab cakes and this was the best option: they have a carry-out window for fast take-out service, perfect for those who travel with canines. Reaching the carry-out window was a little confusing, and signage on the outside sparse. We had to trek around the building from the main entrance, enter through a side door, and walk through a liquor store. But now you know that the take-out crab cakes are in the liquor store. Let that aid you in your quest. We kept things simple by sharing a double broiled crab cake platter accompanied by french fries (for him) and mashed potatoes (for me). It was cooked to order and stayed hot as we went across the street to have a mini-picnic in the construction area. The crab cakes tasted pretty good to this Philly-bred, Atlanta-dwelling non-expert. They were huge and consisted mostly of giant chunks of jumbo lump meat, which I adore. The binder, if a little bit more voluminous than I might have preferred, was redolent of mustard and egg. I really loved the crispy bits of crab that had browned under the broiler. My only issue with the cakes was the amount of shell that I picked out of them. There were at least eight shards per cake, many of them large (dime-sized). If I'm paying $27.99 for two crab cakes, I'd prefer to take big confident bites without fear of lodging exoskeleton into the roof of my mouth. Nobody likes timid chewing. That's right, nobody. I don't know if I'd return here on my next road trip through the area, but only because there are so many other places to try. The crab cakes were pretty good, shell and all.
(4)
Blue C.

One of the Best Restaurants Ever. Great Customer Service and a Great Variety of Foods n Drinks.
(5)
Jason F.

Solid place. Raised in Maryland and been living here for 22 years and the crab cakes here can compete with anything in the state. First time I have been here and won't be my last. I went here for lunch and got the cream of crab soup and a crab cake sandwich. The soup is above average, but does not blow you away. The crab cake is excellent. Softball size and full of meat. Very similar to G&M's and depending on who you are partial to one could be better than the other. The restaurant is tucked away off of Coca Cola drive, which is off Rt. 100.
(4)
Dave B.

Their crab cake is the best! Everyone who keeps rating it as not so good is unaware of what a true Maryland style crab cake should taste like. These are perfect! The crab is the star and the other ingredients are minimal and compliment the meat perfectly! Delicious cole slaw and fries! I would give five stars but I can't base my review on one meal. I would go back in a heartbeat!
(4)
Brad N.

Visiting from California, I found Timbuktu when searching here on Yelp. Location was pretty close to hotel, and I wanted to try some famous Maryland seafood. I really enjoyed it. I had the jewels of the sea, and my wife the seafood fettuccine. My son had the blackened rockfish, and a bowl of cream of crab soup. Kathleen our server was great. The lobster on the JOTS was average at best. I would opt for two crab cakes . Bread was good. Rockfish and fettuccine was VERY good. I may stop by again before we leave, and will definitely visit when I return.
(4)
Debbie G.

Nice restaurant. Had the broiled seaford platter and it was very good; however, I wouldn't say they had the best crab cakes in Baltimore.
(3)
Thomas L.

This place has awesome crab cake sandwiches!! Makes my mouth just thinking about it!!
(4)
Katen C.

I always enjoy eating at Timbuktu. The food and service are excellent. My favorites are the crab cakes, steaks, and pastas. Okay I admit it, I like everything that I've tried here. I like eating at Timbuktu because it's a nice change from all the chains. Definitely my favorite local restaurant. This week we went for pasta night. The cheese stuffed manicotti was delicious and my husband enjoyed his spaghetti with Italian sausage. We like eating pasta here because you can add on meat sauce, meatballs, sausage, or mushrooms. It's not your average run of the mill restaurant.
(5)
Teresa L.

#will travel for food. At the recommendation of my friend's mum, we decided to drive down to Maryland to have a bite of these infamous crab cakes. I was a bit wary of how good these crab cakes would truly be. Yes, the restaurant is located in Maryland, but it wasn't near the harbor. The restaurant was in Hanover, MD. Not exactly the crab cake capital of the world. Secondly, the restaurant is called "Timbuktu," which is a West African city not necessarily known for its long history in crab cakes. Therefore, I came here with an open mind, lowered expectations, and a readied appetite. My friend and I ordered the double crab cake platter to share. I remember the price to be $26, and not $24 as posted on the website. (don't quote me on that). We ordered the crab cakes broiled, with a side of french fries and steamed veggies. THE CRAB CAKES WERE FANTASTIC. 1) They were huge. 2) There were noticeable, whole chunks of crab meat, which means less miscellaneous fillings. You definitely get your money's worth 3) They were perfectly seasoned. We paired the cakes with tartar sauce, but it wasn't necessary, as the cakes were tasty by themselves. I can't stop thinking about the crab cakes, and would be 110% willing to make another roadtrip to Maryland just to eat here again. Until then, I'll have to make do with ordering their crab cakes via this website: timbuktucrabcakes.com .
(5)
Alyssa F.

I was in town for business, and my coworker kept saying he had to take me to Timbuktu, so we hit it up before driving out of town. Crabcakes the size of my head? Yes please! Super delicious, and I think I was full until the next day.
(4)
Tom R.

I don't know of a better crab cake on the east coast! Lump meat no filler! Stop here anytime I'm near md-100/295.
(4)
Grecia O.

Why did I just pay 15$ for five shrimp? The food wasn't tasteful and they took nearly an hour to serve my friend his beer. My other friend ordered shrimp and the sauce was dried, the shrimp weren't properly cleaned and you could tell it was reheated. Never coming here again.
(1)
Jay M.

Not what it used to be. Over the past decade, I had come here multiple times from out of state and brought friends and family to experience the delicious crab cakes here. I had also recommended this place to friends who were traveling to or past the Baltimore area, and some of them even ordered crab cakes online from here. However, I had just come here again recently and it is no longer what it used to be. The crab cakes now have noticeably more filler than they used to have, and there were crab shell bits in the several crab cakes we had. We also went to the carry-out side to buy uncooked crab cakes frozen to bring back home. It was an hour before closing and the take out area was not busy with guests. We placed our order with the cashier who relayed it to the guys working in the cooking area, and one of the guys there was noticeably mad at the cashier for giving him that order. Imagine that! Unhappy to have business for the restaurant? All they had to do was to scoop pre-made crab cake mix from a tub into individual containers and put them in a styrofoam box with dry ice packages. It's hardly tedious work that warranted a sneer at the cashier and a bad attitude. We were surprised by this treatment and felt bad for the cashier. The decrease in quality and attitude in staff no longer makes this place a destination for me. I will also no longer be recommending this restaurant to out-of-state friends.
(2)
Heather C.

Food was good a little chilly! Sat us in the corner where cold air was constantly blowing on us! Server was nice but didn't really check on us!
(3)
Deborah G.

Came here the last week of August with the family. Ordered oysters, crab dip, kids chicken tenders, pasta, and crab cake plater. The oysters came out first. Never received our crab dip which was disappointing. Our server Josh or Joshua was great with the kids but we waited over an hour and a half for our food and looked like our server was too busy to check on our table. It seemed like everyone got their food before us. The crab cake dish was good but we waited so long we were over it. The chicken tenders were over cooked, dry and hard. My little boy wouldn't eat it. By the time everything came out I was ready to leave. Don't think I'll be returning.
(2)
J J.

I took a friend to this restaurant to eat crab cakes. I was so disappointed. He ordered two crab cakes and I ordered the lobster tail stuffed with crab imperial. The food seemed overcooked to me. The lobster was so hard and chewy. I spent about $115.00 and felt the only thing I enjoyed was the glass of red sangria. The place was packed so I am sure there are people out there that loves this place, I know for sure that I will never go back. I think this place is on the same scale as Red Lobster. Actually lobster at red lobster taste better. Very disappointed.
(2)
Blake S.

Let's take a journey.... all the way back to circa 1988. If you're too young to know what the 1980s were like, I highly recommend a visit to Timbuktu. The decor, menu, and food presentations are all very dated. Seating areas are little awkward and cramped. The menu consists of forgettable appetizers followed by further mediocrity. Side dishes are expendable. Ignoring the plastic-tasting mac and cheese, dried up "whipped potatoes," the shriveled baked potatoes, and the straight-from-the-freezer veggies and fries...the real test is in what we all know this place is supposed to be good for: the crab cakes. They are huge, and they are very meaty. They do not skimp on the crab. This meaty-ness is the only reason for the second star here. Don't order two unless you are very hungry, and be prepared to pay. Even though the crab cakes taste ok, they don't seem to come a la carte, so you'll easily shell out $30 for the experience. I ordered broiled crab cakes, which again tasted ok, but they were a bit too mushy inside. Maybe that's just the style. Regardless, I can see how some people may enjoy this restaurant... even if only for nostalgia reasons, but I will not be returning.
(2)
Briana R.

I can vouch for their crabcakes. I personally think they have the best in the areas. Timbuktu is a good distance from me, so I've been trying to find closer places, but nothing ever seems to measure up. 9 times out of 10 when I go, it's to the carryout, which has fairly good service. There is a restaurant portion also, not a big fan of the dining room though. All in all crabcakes are nice and lumpy good crab meat compared to many other places in the area!
(4)
Pat W.

Love their crabcakes. Huge chunks of lump crab meat with almost no filler. And the crabcake is the size of my palm. Reasonable price. This is our last stop before arriving at the airport to return to Orlando. Never disappointed.
(5)
Eric P.

Sadly their crab cakes have taken a turn for the worst over the years. I grew up in Hanover and have been ordering their crab cakes for years, but I think this past weekend will be my last. sure they are large, but also have way more filler than they used to. For 15 dollars, there were several mushy, doughy undercooked wads of breading in our cakes... Major turn off. (this is the broiled crab cake, I haven't had the fried ones in a while) the potato salad is very bland as well, the fries are limpy /soggy, the broccoli was cooked /seasoned well however.
(2)
Delmar H.

I've been here a few times. To sum this place up, great service, amazing crab cakes, but everything else is mediocre. This place has some of the best crab cakes in MD. The cakes are packed with crab meat and very flavorful. Fried or broiled you can't go wrong. The rest of the menu...eh, not so great. I find a lot of their other seafood dishes to be underseasoned or overcooked. I recently had the Jewels of the Sea and found everything outside of the crab cake to be underwhelming. Also, their breaded seafood items tend to be too lightly breaded and have a chalky aftertaste.
(3)
David S.

The place has changed. It's like they are relying on good reviews from 10 years ago. The carpet sticks and the quality of food has gone down tremendously. Two instances from last night. 1. I asked for honey with my tea and they gave me a corn syrupy goo. 2. I asked the server if the pretzels for the crab pretzel were made "in house". When it got to the table it was a Super Pretzel that you buy at the grocery store. I could not eat it. The soup was okay, less crab meat than I remembered and the same with the crabcakes. The custard was too much it tasted kind of like crab pudding. Not great. On top of that they raised their prices. G and M and Blue Dolphin still actually try to give you what you pay for, go there!!
(1)
Margaret N.

Lines are always long so make sure you make a reservation! Crab cakes are amazing! Perfectly portioned and juicy! Definitely recommend!
(4)
Ray M.

The broiled Crab cake is phenomenal! Jumbo lump. Hardly any fillers. Good flavor. It's expensive, but worth the treat every now and then :) The rest of the food however wasn't really memorable.The to-go location is kind of random as it is attached to a liquor store. There is a bar in a separate room with a very extensive selection as well ;)
(4)
Jay L.

Lobster Night with Crab Cake kicker. Beautiful. A lock every time I come to Baltimore area. Great food and great drinks. Can't miss. Best crab cakes I have ever had, easily.
(5)
Spencer H.

I must say that it's hard for me to wrap myself around some of the negative reviews I've read about this place. You get the largest, meatiest, no filler crab cake around for under $15.00. I always compare crab cakes to Jerry's Seafood which is in my opinion completely overrated. It's good but not worth the price they're demanding. This crab cake is bigger and just as tasty for half the price. Try it for yourself and you won't regret it!
(5)
Robin S.

Just wanted to say how impressed I am. The ladies running the carryout A+ and the food A+ It was so nice to walk into a restaurant and watch everything run so smooth. One thing stood out the most, how the young lady put together the carryout orders. Great job.
(5)
Nicole L.

This is by far my favorite place to get a crab cake. I live on the west coast now. Absolute Must. Get off the plane go straight to Timbuktu. I have tried so many other places. Hands down the best crab cake I have Ever had
(5)
Chuck R.

The hype and the reality match. Crab cakes are almost all blue crab meat with very little filler. Tasty. Sweet. Fresh. Went there for lunch and service was fast, friendly, and efficient. Prices are up there, but you get what you pay for. Only criticism is that the beer list is short and uninteresting. Go for the crab cakes. Order the crab cakes. Eat the crab cakes. You'll like what happens.
(4)
Margaret L.

I don't care that I got hives!! Each itchy plateau was worth every friggin' huge bite of crab. Service was awesome, we were seated immediately, and the cream of crab soup was heavenly. The crab cakes are best broiled instead of fried. Not too much or too little of anything, just a really good even mix. One cake is as big as my open hand. So now I know I'm allergic to dungeness AND blue crab. But I'm not allergic to rock crab claws or lobster or shirmp.... It was so yummy I'd go back again, fever and hives and all. Then back at home I can go into a fevered sleep induced by benadryl happily dreaming of crabs. Mmm...scratch scratch...mmmm.....
(5)
Kathy N.

Cream of crab soup & the crab cake sandwich were good, ordered the 2 lobster dinner & it was like rubber & not remotely warm, sent it back and they brought another one exactly the same. It was either sitting to long or they tried reheating it & it tasted terrible. Service was poor to say the least & the waiter carried the claw crackers in his pocket, don't particularly want utensils from someones pants pocket. Would never go back, even if it were free.
(1)
Curtis B.

Best Crab Cakes in Maryland! This is the best place to go for fine seafood dining and to taste the best that Maryland has to offer. It has a very relaxed environment and excellent service. Good for intimate meals or if you're entertaining a large crowd. I highly recommend this for seafood lovers or for those visiting Maryland/DC Metro area.
(5)
Cedric C.

I've been going back and forth on how to rate Timbuktu. If we were rating on crab cakes and cream of crab cake soup they would be 5 stars and nothing lower. HOWEVER, if you rate on the quality of other items on the menu, I would give them negative stars if all possible. The crab cakes are the best I have ever had, but I'm warning you DO NOT ORDER ANYTHING ELSE ON THE MENU OTHER THAN THE CRAB CAKES AND CREAM OF CRAB SOUP! The rest of the food at this place is horrible, I mean horrible. I have even seen them ruin chicken fingers. How does one ruin chicken fingers? The crab cakes are large and has very little filler, the cream of crab cake soup is very tasty and their fries are good, but nothing special. Not to sound like a broken record, but don't order anything else on the menu. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!
(2)
Chef ms Andrea R.

the Absolute BEST crabcake!! The takeout side is very fast and thorough. Really worth the stop to get a broiled crabcake-egg based mixture all crab not much filler excellent texture. Also they are pretty large in size so getting a double crabcake platter is some healthy eating. Ive driven from Jersey to eat some crabcakes for dinner!
(5)
Kenneth Y.

I came here for a dinner with my family. I had heard about this restaurant from friends and co-workers and was willing to give this place a go. As soon as we entered the restaurant, we saw that the decor needed work on and it gave off an old person vibe. I felt underdressed in khakis and a nice polo. As for the food, we stuck with seafood, their forte according to what I've heard. We had calamari, seafood diablo, crabcakes, shrimp scampi, and a bowl of mussels. I was not disappointed. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, the calamari was soft and tender, and the crabcakes were huge and had little or no filler from what I tasted. The price was a little more than what I would have liked to pay, but it was definitely worth it. Definitely one of the best seafood restaurants this side of Maryland.
(4)
B F.

Awesome place... now live on the west coast, so its the place to go for crab cakes in the Columbia area!! Love it !!
(4)
Maryrose S.

The ambience and service were okay. You can definitely do better in that respect. It reminded me of Red Lobster in terms of environment. But this was my 4th day in Maryland. I had crab cakes every day I was there (thank goodness for allergy medicine), but Timbuktu had some of the best crab cakes around. Definitely order that. The cream of crab soup was excellent. I had to take spoonfuls from my cousin since I ordered the Marylyand crab. Definitely go with the Cream of Crab. The crab cakes are meaty and HUGE. I ordered the Jewels of the Sea which came with one crab cake. It was more than enough. Very enjoyable all around. The scallops were cooked to perfection. The shrimp was a little over done. The crab cake was excellent. Make reservations if you can. It was pretty crowded when we got there.
(4)
Stef T.

What can I say about Timbuktu that hasn't already been said? Get the crab cakes. I don't usually like crab cakes, but hey, I was in Maryland, so I decided to give it a shot. They're divine (huge chunks of crab, hardly any filler) but everything else about Timbuktu is just okay. The atmosphere...yikes. It really is like a big cafeteria. Huge, loud, and always packed, so make a reservation. I was in town for 2 days on business and this place had been recommended, so we stopped in for Lobster Night on Monday. We got there around 6 and they were already out of lobster - not surprising since they practically give it away on Mondays. I had the steak and crab cake, and wished I'd gotten two crab cakes instead - so I got two cakes from the carryout the next day. The other posters are right - broiled is better than fried, but fried is still damn good. So GET THE CRAB CAKES. Seriously.
(4)
Tom C.

What an utter disappointment our latest visit to Timbuktu turned out to be. We'd eaten there before and found the place adequate but unremarkable. Last night's visit changed all that. Our party of eight was seated promptly (thankfully we had reservations) in the crowded and cramped dining room. Our waiter (Nick) did his job getting cocktails and taking orders. Then came the Timbuktu surprise! I ordered the veal cordon bleu since I hadn't enjoyed the dish in some time. My order arrived, looking absolutely delicious, what with the white sauce, the mushrooms, et al. I anxiously cut into the tender package to find it was stuffed with plenty of ham and cheese, and it tasted JUST LIKE CHICKEN! Wow! By golly, it WAS chicken! I flagged down the waiter and informed him that my veal tasted like chicken. He smiled condescendingly, but the smile faded quickly when he realized I wasn't making a joke. He asked me if I 'really' wanted the veal, then took away the chicken with a promise to make it right. While the rest of the party were enjoying their crab cakes etc., I anxiously awaited the return of Nick and my veal. After about 10 minutes Nick appeared, telling me that they were out of veal and they "just snuck the chicken in on you." Then he gave me a sort of blank stare, finally asking if there was anything else I'd like to order. I declined. I spoke to the manager about the incident (including Nick's cavalier attitude), only to find that he had basically the same cavalier responses. He didn't seem to be bothered by anything that happened. As I looked around the crowded dining room I realized that he really didn't care about one dissatisfied customer. Just before I left Timbuktu I spoke with the couple seated next to our table. They had placed their orders at about the same time we had, and were still waiting to be served as we were finished and leaving. They were not pleased. I hope they didn't expect any satisfaction from Nick or the manager. If so, they were probably very disappointed.
(1)
Chow N.

Love the no frills carryout section. The double crabcake platter is a must.
(5)
Brandy K.

I consider myself a crab cake connoisseur--and this place is hands down one of the best places around. Scoured lots of places trying to find the best crab cake, and nothing compares to Timbuktu. Large portion and no filler. We typically get carry out--yes, the corner store set up is a little odd, but don't let that deter you. You won't be dissapointed!
(5)
Maxfactor C.

I really wanted to like this Restaurant...Im not sure why. I have been three times now over the past 4 years and I am still not impressed. I dont plan on going back. This time had the crab cake and my friend had the steak. Overall the price was about 40 bucks. The crabcake was good and the rest was bland. I had the mash potatoes and broccoli and the mashed potatoes were not homemade they tasted like they were out of the box and the broccoli was steamed in water and nothing else. The steak that my friend had was warm not like it was fresh off the grill and it was just ok. It was a T-bone! Any way the waiter was also nothing to be desired. He seemed in a rush and really seem to have no desire to speak other than to take your order and move on to the next guest. I dont plan on going back ever. I will stick with Red Sky!
(2)
S B.

Went here for my Birthday and most of us had the special of the day which was two 1 1.2 pound lobsters and the trimmings. It was great. Although the decor is from the 1960's and it reminds me of a Lounge more than a restaurant; who care what the furniture is like when they serve food like they do. One person in the group order flounder and they received 4, yes 4, filets that were so large she could only eat 2. The crab cakes were delicious and had almost no filler. The lobsters were delicious and could have had 2 more if we hadnt had the appetizers and going to have desert. For an appetizer we had the sampler which had crabballs, riblets, scallops, shrimp, beef tips adn an assortment of olives and feta cheese. OMG this was so good could have had this for dinner. Since I had my niece and nephew with me I thought I would be nice to get them a special drink so I ordered them a Shirley Temple and it came in a glass the same size as the ice tea......about 24 ounces. Needless to say the kids were very happy especially since the waitress put in about 6 cherries in each glass. For desert the kids had the brownie and ice cream and they said it was the best. They cut the the brownies into 1/2 and the brownies were big, think and dark choc fudge with walnuts. The waitress was so nice especially to the kids. The crab was great and like I said no filler to mention, the lobster was OOOOHHHHH so good, the flounder was plentiful and had great fresh taste. We did have someone who ordered steak and he said it was very very good but th crab cake was better. The sides were ok nothing special but there was enough cole slaw in one bowl to feed 3 people and enough fries on one plate to feed at least 3 people. So yes you get a ton of great food at a reasonable price and if you come away hungry its your fault!!!
(5)
Wendy S.

i started off with some oysters on the half shell, i wouldn't recommend these because they weren't as ice cold as oyster should be served. they were fresh, just not cold enough! the cream of crab soup was excellent, it would have been a tiny bit better if the temp of the soup were a lil bit hotter though. i wouldn't get the vegetable crab soup, its just OK. i got the broiled crabcakes as my entree, i ordered single because their crabcakes are HUGE! lots of crab and not a lot of filler (bread crumbs and whatever else they put in them). its not a fancy place, but a great place to get great crabcakes!
(4)
Andrew K.

Huge restaurant, I wasn't really feeling the wood paneled walls but that's not what I came for. There is a lounge and bar area and then several rooms for dining. I got the ribs and crabcake combo which was really good. I highly recommend getting any combo with the crabcake which is a good deal or get the double crabcake platter and make sure it's broiled. The crabcakes are pretty big and it doesn't have too much filler so I really liked it. The ribs were also pretty good, not the best but the combo of ribs and crabcake was really good. The stuffed shrimp is also a really good option and this comes with 3 crabcakes stuffed with shrimp and this is a really good choice too. The crabcakes were a little smaller than just getting a single or double crabcake but it's about the same price and tastes the same but also has shrimp inside. The sides were not that good and I would avoid the coleslaw or potato salad. The french fries were ok but I would come for the crabcakes.
(4)
H C.

Really good crab cakes!!! Sides are sub-standard. Service was good. Decor was as expected.
(3)
Josh T.

Really good crabcakes, really lousy service. Lousy service being a trend in and around the BWI area. They won't do separate checks, which really sucks when you are with a large group... especially when they claim to cater to large groups. Oh well.
(3)
francine s.

If you want some crabcakes, you come here to gert them. This place has the BEST crabcakes that you could ever find. Before coming to TImbuktu, I never even liked crabcakes until I came here. A definite must try!
(5)
Paul J.

If you come to Timbuktu, you HAVE to get the crab cakes. They are the best in the area and are the size of softballs. Best in the area.
(5)
Cynthia L.

I love this place. It's so hard not to name drop and compare G&M here. Both have about the same side dishes and the same size crab cakes (huge crab cakes with large chunks of meat). I get the two crabcakes (broiled) with a side of apple sauce (its actually really paired well with crabcakes), and a cup of soup and you are golden. I've never tried anything else here, but the crab cakes here generally imo tend to have less filler, better taste and tender crabmeat. Decent service, clean place, but a tad farther and out of the way for me. Totally worth the trip if you're trying to taste a totally "MD" thing or have family in town.
(5)
Marko G.

Food is a 5, service 4, and ambiance a 3. Best crab cakes ever.
(5)
Chery S.

Definitely the place to go for crabcakes. I went for lunch and ordered the crabcake sandwich but ended up eating the crabcake alone, sans sandwich fixings. It's heavy and filling enough to serve as a main dish, at least for me. For an appetizer I ordered the seafood stuffed mushrooms which were also quite delicious. A good place to eat, our service was really good as well.
(4)
Carina d.

Timbuktu is great for crab cakes, and crab cakes only. I've only been there for lunch, and their crab cake sandwich ($13) is HUGE and tasty. Jumbo lump crab meat was piled high atop my sandwich bun, and there was little filler. On a side note, the decor is definitely dated, but you can't beat these crab cakes for their value!
(4)
Jeffrey K.

What a great place. A friend of mine took me here before a flight out of BWI and I will say they have the biggest crab cakes I have ever had. I actually had some trouble finishing it. The outside is nothing to write home about and the inside will looks a bit dated but the service was really good and you will have no trouble finding the crab in their crab cakes. Th price was not bad so I am going to give it a bump up to four stars.
(4)
Alexandra P.

Good place to grab jumbo crab crakes... They do have a lot more bread in them than i would like. Go straight to Carry-out, the wait to sit down is normally 30-45 minutes, Wait staff is great! Bar is always crowded, just a good ole hole in the wall type place to eat some pretty good seafood!
(3)
Kathy C.

Wow, there are some real good, generous-sized broiled crab cakes at Timbuktu. The outside looks very ghetto. Then you walk inside and it's a whole new world: a fancy and upscale feel. The service is great. The menu is huge. The free bread is mediocre. The cream of crab soup is SO GOOD. They didn't really have fat-free salad dressings available. Fresh, raw oysters were pretty good. This is a good place for a date or a celebration. I'd come again for crab cakes.
(4)
Jim G.

From the reviews, I had the impression that this was a little hole-in-the-wall place but it's a huge restaurant. The crab cakes were fabulous. They may have other things on the menu but I'll never eat them because the crab cakes are FABULOUS.
(5)
Jason R.

Why I see all these good reviews about this place- I will never know. Trust me, I am not one of those restaurant snobs that is even slightly hard to please... but the food there is nasty. It's basically diner food, served in a wannabe nicer atmosphere. The crab cakes ARE NOT good. As working 19 years in the restaurant business, I know they use the cheap imported Thailand/Indonesian blue swimming crab (5 bucks a can by the case for jumbo lump)- not to be confused with Maryland blue crabs. Nothing wrong exactly, but the flavor of this crab is skunky, muddy and has that wild gamey flavor. Drown it with old bay to make it go away. The crab cake was mushy and had uncooked rawness in the middle. The sides included with the dinner were terrible. I tried this place 3 times, because I don't judge places immediately, knowing how things can go in a restaurant.
(1)
Courtney C.

Well, this was our Saturday night pick for our weekly new restaurant. We had a reservation, but they weren't that busy. They sat us in the lounge area, which kind of sucked (request the dinning room when you make a reservation). Our waitress was def rough around the edges, but nothing extreme. We started with the MD crab soup. It was good, nothing amazing, but healthy and I would order it again. Like a typical Marylander, it could have used more Old Bay! We also both decided on the crab cakes platter after reading all the great reviews on yelp! The salad was small, but the dressing was good. The rolls were soft and warm. There was no green veggie selection (major negative for someone like me) but we got apple sauce and it was what we expected. Now, the crab cakes come out! They were huge and neither of us could finish our meal....even though I gave it my all. The size and the amount of crab is what makes these so good. We both thought they lacked spice and flavor, but I would still order them again. My fiance wasn't as thrilled with his. I love making crab cakes at home, but its such a pain. These were well worth the price and all of the lump crab meat put a big smile on my face. There was a line out the door as we were leaving....with very full bellies.
(4)
Cher H.

I love this place. I have only had the deviled crab, crab cakes and baby back ribs and they were all very good. I came with a group on a Saturday even though we had reservations (and were on time) and the wait was still very long; almost 2 hours. I think this was right after the "situation" so they must have been hurting for staff. But the food was worth the wait.
(4)
Jeff C.

This is one of the nicer places you can get a crabcake. Decor better than Obrycki's and any other crabhouse. It actually is a real restaurant with extensive seafood and non-seafood menu. While I don't know how it was when the former famous chef was there, I was told to stick to the crabcake. Server was very prompt and extremely professional. I had half dozen raw oysters which were very fresh with no fishy/shellfish taste. The cream of crab was decent (not too salty), with small pieces (not chunks) of crabs. I would say it's in the middle of the road. The bread was warm. The crabcake was huge, bigger than Gunnings. It had a good flavor, with a balanced mix of stuffing to keep it moist and crab meat to make it taste so good. Yes, one needs only one crabcake when ordered with sides....at least for me. While Gunnings had higher proportion of crabmeat, the resultant crabcake was a bit on the dry part. Well, it tasted good but I wonder whether they put MSG in it cause I am getting that ol' familiar feeling again....mmm... MSG or no MSG, it's still one of the better crabcakes I've had.
(4)
Steve W.

OK, I am truly on a mission to try all the great crab cakes in Maryland. I'll drive a couple of hours to sample one if I've heard it's "Great". Luckily, Timbuktu isn't too far away. I have been there many times and I have always had the same thing... broiled crab cake, fries, cole slaw. Why? Because it's delicious! The portions are large and you will not leave hungry. The fries are cut long and wide and fried to perfection. The slaw is chopped fine and is almost all cabbage with a little carrot. It looks bland but it is sweet and crisp and wonderful. The crab cakes??? My wife and had were there today and it was her first visit. She loved the crab cake. Order it broiled (BTW, never order it fried here, it pales in comparison to the broiled one) and it arrives hot and beautifully golden. Excellent seasoning that adds to the flavor of the crab but does not overwhelm it makes it a winner. Did I mention that it is a very large cake? I would guess about 7 ounces. It could use a few more jumbo lumps and that would bump it up another notch but you will not be disappointed with one of these babies. The Mrs. and I both rated it an 8 on our 10 point scale. Next time I go I promise I will try something different, or maybe not. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very casual. It has several dinning areas and a nice lounge.
(3)
Mike W.

I think g&m is slightly better based only on a little bit more variety in the sides dishes. And is it a crab cake place. Though the crab cakes taste about the same I didn't feel like that should be what their claim to fame is.
(4)
Tracie P.

When I visit my parents and ask for regional food, this is where we go..... Its a bit of a dive atmostphere but I still remember the broiled fish seafood platter I had here... And when my parents send us crab cakes, they buy the good stuff here.
(4)
Grace C.

You come to Timbuktu for one reason -- the crab cakes. Don't get anything else (my friend who got the steak and crab cake regretted the steak part). I don't like too much random stuff in my crab cake, so I LOVE that the crab cakes here are almost completely just crab! Yes, reservations are important, especially if you have more than 2 people. Generally, I received pretty good service there from the waiters and busboys. The ambiance is kind-of like the cafeteria kind (if you're from the South, it's like Luby's) -- not too fancy, but not shabby either. It's a huge place, kinda noisy because of all the large parties there. But it's all worth it just for those damn good crab cakes!!
(4)
Jay M.

Pretty darn good overall. Great crabcakes and my NY Strip was done perfectly. Worth the 9 mile drive from my house. Some of us got dessert and those were nice also.
(4)
Anne A.

Five star crab cakes in a two star atmosphere. I would rather go to a crab shack than a place trying to be fancy. Very nice waitstaff but the place was not really clean and the musack was loud. White table clothes but a musty smell. Lunch was over 50 dollars for three and one off us just had an appetizer. He had the fried calamari and a cup of soup. The calamari was too much for one for lunch.
(3)
Young P.

I revisited this restaurant while I was nearby on a business trip. I was craving for good crab cakes. Since I arrived there pretty late, i went to carry out area. I've ordered the crab cake sandwich. Crab cake was good but not as good as I remembered. Oh well. I will have to try the main dining area next time I'm in the neighborhood. Food - 3.0 Service - 3.0 Ambiance - 2.0
(3)
Erik G.

Terrible reservation process - had to stand around for 45 minutes even though we reserved it 2 days before. Food was OK - I had a Reuben. Not going back.
(2)
Alex T.

Great Crab Cakes. . . large lump pieces of crab meat. . . most places I've been too fill it up with bread crumbs or fillers. . Timbuktu's crab cakes are mostly crab meat as it should be. The decor is like a throw back . . . outdated but the food is great =)
(4)
Heather M.

We drive in from Fairfax Virginia to dine at Timbuktu's. We made our second trip last night and although it was good it was not as good as our first trip a year ago. My husband and another gentelman at the table ordered the stuffed lobetr tail, the lobster was over cooked. But oohhhh those crabcakes, they were worth the drive. Make sure to get them broiled not fried. The fried cakes have more breading. The broiled cakes are mounds of lump crab meat with hardly any filler. They do take reservations and I would highy recommend them, the place was packed.
(5)
Port D.

Fried seafood. I'd recommend the crab cakes without the sandwich, as the bread is soggy wonder bread. There are better places for seafood, such as the real crab houses, around.
(3)
Marcia W.

I was very pleasantly surprised at the this little joint. The outside appearance does nothing for the good quality and service at this place. I've gone on 3 separate occasions and was impressed each time. The greeters are cheerful as well as the wait staff. I've never had to wait for a table although I've seen a few people waiting in the lobby a couple times. (They might have had large parties). The menu is so extensive! From buffalo wings to high-end seafood selections. The vast selection of drinks was impressive too. I ONLY order the Crab Imperial when I go. It is THE BEST thing I've ever eaten in my life! If you love crabs like I do, you HAVE to try this dish. It's a HUGE mound of lump crab meat, coated in the most delectable sauce. I swear, it's about 5 lbs. of meat! It comes with 2 tasty sides and rolls, all for a measely $25. Unbelievable. This dish could easily go for $50 or more and would still be worth it. I always have to take part of my meal home because they give you so much. Everytime I go, I choose a different specialty drink which have all been good. The service is prompt and cordial. This is my go to place everytime I visit MD.
(5)
Doug W.

Not very good, average at best. Slow service, very outdated atmosphere, wobbly table, average steak, overcooked. About the only good thing I can say is a lot of meat for your money.
(2)
JADE N.

Not a fancy place at all. Looks like a cheap hotel banquet hall. Service for some reason is slow even though when we went there it was pretty empty. The rolls were out of the bag. We had the mussels for an appetizer, which were okay. However, what saved this place is the broiled crab cakes. They are large and full of meat. I could only eat one and had to take the other home. The next day I couldn't finish the second one. Delish!
(3)
Guy S.

The crab cakes are awesome! Big with lots of crab and not much filler. The atmosphere is ... eclectic ... to say the least. It's kind of dark and maze like inside with an attached liquor store (why? I don't know) selling lotto tickets and other necessary items. The service is good in a Mel's Diner kind of way. I swear our server said "kiss my grits" (in a two pack a day voice) at least once. As she slammed plates around. She didn't so much provide conscientious service, she more scared you into liking her waitressing skills. Weird atmosphere and interesting service aside the place is always packed, so make a reservation if you plan on going. The crab cakes are worth it!
(4)
blowfly x.

okay, let's see. DON'T EAT HERE!!! Man, that was some of the worst food I've had in a long time. here's the list: Cream of crab soup - tasted like CHICKEN. did they use CHICKEN STOCK in it?! Lobster - tasted horrible, and had a thick texture - overdone. Scallops, shrimp - tasted okay but also that bad thick texture. Crab cakes - pretty good, but weird taste on top. Near the end of the meal, which wasn't long since I didn't eat much of it, I tasted the drawn "butter." OMG it was horrible. What WAS that crap? It wasn't butter, I assure you. It tasted like that gross butter-flavored oil they put on popcorn at movie theateres, but even worse, if you can imagine that. I dipped my finger in it and tasted it - I don't know what it was, honestly. I even asked the waiter - he said it's butter, and that they buy it in big slabs. Okay, what butter is sold in big slabs? It ruined the taste of everything it was in. Or was it RANCID?! Are they serving food coated with RANCID BUTTER? And all the seafood was overcooked and heavy. The only thing that was even okay was the crab cakes. How do people screw up seafood? All you have to do is get some seafood and cook it lightly in a little QUALITY, non-rancid butter. That's it! How hard is that? We had been been on our way to Mo's Wharf in Baltimore, whose crab cakes are a million times better. Still pissed at myself for changing THAT plan - why did I take a dinner referral from my tax guy? Run! I'm not kidding. What a waste of money - to add insult to injury, it was expensive. Honestly, I feel traumatized. I guess we should have sent it back but it was one of those dinners where you keep eating because you're trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with the food. UPDATE: I tried wiping off my leftovers (scallops, shrimp) to get rid of the "butter" - I don't give up easily - now the food tasted normal. So that means either the "butter" is low-quality crap, or it was rancid. Charming.
(1)
Michael A.

The best way I can encapsulate the kind of experience we had at Timbuktu is to say that it was recommended to us by some crazy man my brother works with who wears a calculator watch and Z-coil, Inspector Gadget shoes. This place is an EMBARRASEMENT to restaurants everywhere and is especially embarrasing to the residents of Maryland who tout it as one of the better places to go for crab. We braved past the cafeteria-style decor with the vinyl chairs and into the menu where we were greeted by a hot-pink menu insert stating that "Oysters are no longer being served due to hygenic reasons." We figured that ordering something fried or broiled at this place probably wouldn't kill us. Of course we ordered the crab but we were unimpressed by the huge, double-fistful mound of low quality crab encased in some type of congealed creamy gunk. My steak looked like the insole of Army boot. The ketchup was brown. NO KIDDING, BROWN. We sent it back for another bottle of slightly less brown ketchup. I did, however, like how they artfully arranged my platter of french fries so the burned, nasty one was at the top. The service is nonexistent. We waited 60 minutes to be served this drek. This was the most horrid food experience I have ever had. I wish I could give this place a negative star. Not for the substandard food and nonexistent waitstaff, but because EACH MEAL IN THIS PLACE COSTS $25+ !! I can't believe we stayed. I'm equally amazed that now, 24 hours out, I am not in some hospital emergency room somewhere seeking medical attention. F* this place. Eat out of a dumpster anywhere else it the world rather than eat at Timbuktu. Well . . . you probably don't want to eat out of the dumpster at Timbuktu because you're likely to run into the chef scratching his head, looking for ideas on how to turn garbage into $30/plate.
(1)
Myla K.

Had a group of 6 with reservations for 7PM. Seated at 7:45. A few apologies. Ordered seafood platter. All was good- but the shrimp was very chlorinated in flavor- two people ordered the sauted soft shell crab. The waiter put in their order wrong, so they were not served at the same time. When their food came out- it was FRIED soft shell crab. The waiter was questioned & brought a menu which said SAUTED in Butter. The waiter said "it always came out like that (fried) and no one complained before". Our people complained- it was NOT what they wanted. The attitude was basically- too bad. When the bill came- the manager was summoned. His attitude was-too bad" the menu is old, we'll change it some day- you ate it (they waited longer than anyone, we were seated late, as it was, and they were hungry cause nothing was done when it was served). We feel that they need to SERVE WHAT IS ON THE MENU or WARN THE CLIENTELE it will be different when ordering. Watch out for "BAIT" and switch.
(2)
tracey s.

This is the same as G&M b/c its the same owner! YEAH! Another good crab cake place! I still think G&M is better though...
(4)
Jim C.

I have been here several times while in the area on business. This is not the fanciest place in the world but a decent restaurant. You have to get the crabcakes, they are out of this world. Creamy, full of crab and just enough breadcrumbs to bind it together. A colleague of mine has had the filet mignon several times and states that it is excellent.
(4)
NoCal N.

Best Crab Cakes in town period. The service is a bit supspect, however the crab cakes, mussles and prime rib are worth the wait. I would stay away from the clams and potatoe salad. Local atmosphere, suspect service, absolute the best crab cakes in town. Large lumps, great taste and a fantastic taste experience.
(5)
Grace B.

The best crab cakes and excellent service too!! It was our first visit there with our family from the West Coast. Come hungry and you'll be very satisfied!
(5)
A'Chere K.

I went to the carryout side which was inside of a liquor store. I guess that isn't a bad thing if you want to get a bottle of wine to go with your food. The wait was a little long, but it was worth it. We got steamed shrimp and crab cakes. All I can say is Wow! The shrimp were big. They could have had a bit more old bay on them, but they were still great. The crab cakes were AMAZING. All crab and hardly any filler in them. Just big juicy pieces of crab. I would definitely go back
(4)
Trish J.

It's in the middle of nowhere MD. You walk in confused because you know you're coming for the crab cake but there are pictures of camels everywhere. Once you pass the hostess stand it get's more confusing. You almost feel like you're in a renovated Asian restaurant. There are multiple sections to this really big establishment. Once you get passed the decor, you can focus on the menu (it's got a lot of typos). But ok, on to the reason why you're there, the crab cake. HOLY AMAZING! I ordered just one and it was all I could eat. It was huge and so tasty. Perfectly prepared to fall apart in your mouth. The service was also good. I loved the food but wish it all made sense on the inside.
(4)
Christine L.

Since it's right around the corner, decided to give the place a try. Now we know why its always packed. Went on a Monday or whichever day has the lobster special, and the wait was decent. Their service was horrible. It took our waitress forever to come take our order, then literally waited almost 2 hours for our food. We got in round 7pm, sat down by 7:30pm.. we didn't get our food till after 9pm. Tables next to us, and behind us sat down later than us, but all recieved their food well before we did. We tried to flag down our server, but she was nowhere in sight. Was able to get another waiters attention only to be told he'll try to check for us (he never came back). Our food eventually arrived. Lobster was good; crab cakes were huge and delicious; kids spaghetti was delish too! 3 stars for each satisfying dish. Minus 1 star for service. And 1 more for our waitress who gave us our check WITH our food. We didn't wait 2 hours just to be rushed to leave. Terrible. Will be back for the food, but won't expect much from service.
(3)
Frank S.

Ok, I'm giving this one a three just because I like crabcakes. The service tonight was horrible. They sat us and someone came to give us our water. Literally 20 minutes later someone came over and said did anyone take your order. We informed them that no one came over. The server said let me try to figure out who will be serving you all tonight. That's totally unacceptable. The crabcakes were decent but not great. The fries were hot. The others had the crabcake sandwich. Some had tomatoes and some didn't. Some of the sandwiches had lettuce and others didn't. Where is the consistency????
(3)
Tutti S.

Oh wow. I'm a tad bit disappointed, Timbuktu used to be my go to place for crab cakes whenever I'm in town. On this occasion the cakes were overdone and dry. Plus, tiny baked potatoes. Certainly nothing super special overall. Because of good past experirnces, I'll definitely give them another try on my next visit to MD before taking them off of my rotation.
(3)
Christina G.

The only thing I've had is the jumbo lump crab cake. I've had it 5 times plus ordered it fedex to my house frozen. It's amazing. Better than homemade. Omg. Best. Crabcake. Ever.
(4)
Karen T.

Today our party of six enjoyed a stellar meal with exquisite care and attention to detail provided by server Kathlyn! Each of us ordered a different item from the generous selection of menu items, i.e., lamb chops, steak, ribs, crab cakes, grilled shrimp, salads, soups and various sides and desserts, wine, beer - they even have Guiness Extra Stout! We were blown away by every aspect of the meal which included Kathlyn's exceptional expertise and professionalism and warmth! The preparation, and presentation of our meals was only exceeded by its deliciousness. We agreed it had been a long, long time since we experienced, anywhere, such a fabulous meal! Two members of our party had been here many times and it was the first time for the other four in our party. This restaurant now has gained four additional loyal patrons!
(5)
April S.

It was not busy when we went. We were pleasantly greeted at the door and seated. We ordered two bowls of cream of crab soup. The soup tasted like it came out of a can. Nothing to write home about. I ordered the fried trio, which consisted of a crab cake, shrimp and scallops. The crab cake was decent. Would have preferred jumbo lump crab meat for the price if my plate ($28). Scallops and shrimp were in. The batter did not have any flavor. I also got mashed potatoes and zucchini as sides. The potatoes were over whipped. The zucchini was delicious. My boyfriend got the broiled platter, which consisted of a crab cake, oyster, scallops, fish and shrimp. His sides were coleslaw and mashed potatoes. He was not impressed at all. He said for $30 he should have been wow'd. He said he could have gotten better or equivalent from a carry out. The coleslaw was shredded too finely and had no bite. KFC coleslaw is better. Our server was awesome. When we left the greeters were on their phones texting. I guess they got our money and felt no need to thank us for giving them close to $100 for a mediocre meal.
(3)
Rejena C.

Timbuktu is one of my family's favorite restaurants to go to when I come back home for a visit. It's right near BWI airport/Amtrak station and is a great seafood restaurant. The service there is very good; the servers are always extremely friendly and attentive. The wait for food is usually on the longer side, but you know it's worth the wait when your food is served fresh and delicious. They are most well known for their crab cakes, which my family raves about. However, as someone who does not really like crab, I've gotten the opportunity to try out some of their other exquisite dishes. I don't have a strong taste for seafoods because it's usually too strong for me, so as an introduction meal I tried their lobster ravioli. AMAZING! Didn't taste harsh at all and I devoured the whole thing. Last visit there, I had the salmon - probably the best cooked salmon I've ever eaten. Their steak fries are also great. As for dessert, my brother won't leave the restaurant without taking home his favorite bread pudding. Love this place :)
(4)
Diana S.

Just in and out of Maryland in 24 hours I just had to get in a blue crab cake. Since I wasn't in the downtown area I has to ask around where to find a good blue crab cake and a colleague recommended this place. Located right off the hey, this vintage looking restaurant had some character. The outside is basic, nothing showy shiny...just a tinted glass door that brings you to a weird empty space to another glass door where you then get greeted by the server and brought to a very dim lit windowless cavern. Creepy but intimate? The menu is extensive serving everything from soups to deserts, meats, pasta etc. We started off with the calamari which was crispy on the outside and soft inside but I felt was lacking a bit of spice I usually like. But with a little tarter sauce and lemon it helped bring out the flavors. My friend got a soup but didn't like it and the waitress was kind enough to take it off our check since he didn't really eat it. Such an observant wait staff! I order the crab cake special (one) with a baked potato and broccoli. I have to say, this was one tasty and HUGE crab cake! It was almost the size of my palm. It was baked and had this buttery flavor and it was not over seasoned or dry. No sauce necessary. My friend got a seafood Alfredo pasta and it was delicious! The scallops, shrimp and pieces of crab mixed in this sweet and creamy sauce on a bed of pasta. I could just drink the sauce up all by itself. Beyond the look of the place, the food is decent especially for this non local gal. I'd go back for a crab cake here.m
(4)
Jessica B.

A friend and I came one Friday night for dinner and overall, the experience was good. The service was a little slow but it was a Friday night and it was crowded so I understand (they even had karaoke). My friend ordered the Maryland crab soup as an appetizer and said it was delicious. For our entrÃ©es, my friend ordered the crab cakes fried (2) and I ordered the blackened Mahi Mahi. The crab cake barely had any filler and it was so good, the Mahi Mahi was delicious, I recommend getting it blackened--it had a nice spicy flavor. So, this place loses a star for their side options--they only have one type of vegetable which is their vegetable du jour but they have four ways you could have potato (potato salad, French fries, whipped and baked). Really?! All in all, I was pleased with my meal and I would come back.
(4)
Lisa W.

I'm from out of town ... but omg this is the best crab cakes I have ever had!!!! I had the seafood plate and it was amazing!!! Get the crab cakes, you won't regret it.
(5)
Rae M.

Overrated! I was dragged here a couple of times and I don't understand the fascination with this place. It's a big restaurant that looks like a warehouse from the outside. Sure, the portion sizes that they serve are huge, but I prefer quality over quantity, so I wasn't impressed. I've experienced wonderful service when I have gone and the wait time has been little to none, but I'm just not a fan of their food. I had a few Italian dishes and they were just mediocre. The people I've dined with always gets the seafood platters and they seem to enjoy it. I've tasted some of their food and it was just okay. I have family that swears by this place, but if I'm going to drive 30 minutes plus to get to a restaurant, the food has to be excellent. Just an "okay" spot in my opinion.
(3)
jon l.

I have mixed experiences at this restaurant. The dining area is surprisingly nice and not usually too loud. The service is also pretty good. The food can be hit or miss. The crab cakes are quite large and tasty and the crab soup was delicious. If you are going for these two things you will probably be pleased. I had the seafood Diablo recently and it did not have much seasoning to it and the rice was bland. The shrimp they used in this dish were not cleaned/deveined. The deserts are not that great and drink refills were slow. On this visit, meals came out cold too.
(3)
Carolyn C.

Negative stars.. I would advise anyone and everyone even my worst enemy to never come here. I worked here when I was younger and only lasted a day as a hostess. They encouraged me to be a server "because of my looks" and due to their creepiness I peaced-out so effing fast. I actually ran home that day (I live down the street), hoping that the Mexican employees that were annoying me (to say the least) wouldn't follow me. That should say enough... The employees who work here are gross, so GROSS! Gross enough that I wouldn't want them making my food (most of them had dirty fingernails and drank alcohol outside the restaurant doors in the back, you could even see them drinking while driving on Dorsey road). They used to live in the awful frayed, rotten and decaying house next door; however, it was torn down (most likely due to the investigation). The owner served time in jail due to harboring illegal employees who worked/lived there! He was sentenced to four months in prison and four months home detention with electronic monitoring, followed by two years of supervised release, for harboring for private financial gain and commercial advantage at least 24 unauthorized alien employees of Timbuktu and his other restaurant. The 2010 investigation was led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Look it up: ice.gov/news/releases/owâ€¦ . ENOUGH SAID. My family has not returned, ever. When we hear people talk about it we advise them to go somewhere else.
(1)
S F.

The fries were good. Thank goodness, because of the 9 of us, the only good thing we had to say about the place was the fries were good. 8 people ordered crab cakes and 1 person ordered a roast beef sandwich. 6 people ordered fries and 3 people ordered cole slaw. An hour's wait for lunch, dirty tablecloth, non-existent service, but the fries were good.
(1)
Sheila L.

Get the crab cakes. That's all you need!
(4)
Funmi O.

Absolutely will NEVER go back here to eat again!! Went in for lunch today and there were flies everywhere and landing on the food. Our server was horrible!!! He was rude, never checked on us and when I told him about the flies and to speak the manager, he was ambivalent!! When the manager came to our table and we told him the situation, he validated why there were and abundance of flies in there and barely apologized!! He did nothing to change our bill and walked away!! Unacceptable!!! Timbuktu will NEVER get another penny from me!!!!
(1)
Randy S.

Growing up on the shores of the Chesapeake, members of my family were seafood restaurant owners for many years. I grew up eating steamed hard crabs every Sunday and a steady diet of Maryland seafood for most of my youth. I had great expectations for these crab cakes since I had heard so many rave about them. Honestly, nice pieces of lump crab meat comprise these cakes but I found them to be very bland. I ordered online for the overnight delivery from Maryland to Las Vegas, NV. They come to you uncooked, ready to prepare but I recommend adding a touch of finely minced green pepper, pimento, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, pepper, melted butter and of course a nice amount of Old Bay seasoning, which seemed surprisingly absent from these cakes. Luckily I only cooked one before serving them to guests so I was able to taste them first. They were a hit once I corrected the recipe. But $145 for 6 crab cakes with shipping and I have to re-prepare the mixture myself is not a something I will do again.
(3)
Monique J.

Timbuktu what has happened to you ? I visited on a Saturday night at 9PM, the wait time was pretty short. We were seated in the main hallway where other customers would brush against your back and coats due to the small space. A few times customers had to lean over our table to pass through the cramped seating. We received our bread and the napkin which was wrapped around it was covered in a snot looking substance. We never even touched the napkin to reveal what was underneath. It led me to believe that the napkin was used and not properly cleaned, instead it was used to wrap the bread. I was floored that the waiter skipped off after giving us this disgusting napkin wrap for the bread. Later I received my mediocre crab cake which was cold and overwhelmed with fillers. Overall my experience was distasteful. Not sure what has happened to the quality of food or service.
(2)
Jennifer N.

This place was just ok. My sister and I got the steak & crab cake combo. Although the crab cake had very little filler I felt it was lacking in flavor. Between 3 of us who had the crab cake we all thought it was just OK. I've had better. The steak was ok, nothing great, not a whole lot of flavor. Another person in our party got the seafood alfredo and found the clams still had bits of sand. Don't think she enjoyed crunching on that. The service was a bit slow in the beginning but eventually got a bit better. Drinks were so-so. I wouldn't seek this place out or make a special trip like we did this time but if ever in the area I might stop by.
(2)
Artranda H.

Ordered carry-out with my co worker, and of course got the crab cake lunch special! We enjoyed our crab cakes, very filling. Cant wait to get another one.
(4)
Jai L.

Been going there for years., and will never stop...........
(5)
Joe C.

Meeting my sons for Sunday lunch, we were told the best crab cakes around are here so we gave it a try. It is located right of a highway and the outside dÃ©cor was plain and had it not been recommended, probably would not have gone in. There is plenty of parking and when you walk in it is a small room and then there is a counter where you are greeted. The part of the restaurant we were in were all tables and no booths. We really focused on the crab cakes even though looking at the plates of food others ordered, I am not sure you would go wrong with anything from the menu. They did not have draught beer but a good selection of bottle beer and wine. I assume they have a full bar. We ordered Crab cakes and everyone agreed they were huge and very "meaty"... I did not think they were a "tasty" as ones I have had before but they were very good. My sons raved about them and the size... almost too much if you order 2. An order of one crab cake is probably enough for most people. I thought the cost was a little pricey but food certainly was good. I also was very pleased with our waiter. He was friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. I give it a 4.
(4)
Tamara R.

Our waitress was not tentative. It took a very long time for us to receive anything we ordered. The bread took long and that is not something you order. I ordered the jewel of the sea which was pretty good but the porter house steak we ordered was dry as hell. The flavor was good but the dryness of the steak just ruined the experience. I would never visit this place again. Thumbs down from me.
(1)
Adrian M.

By far the best crab cakes I've ever had. I first ordered the fried crab cake but everyone else gave me this look like your not going to like it. When I got my plate I looked and had the waiter switch out for the broiled crab cake. Best decision made and enjoyed it.
(5)
Matt H.

Timbuktu was our destination for a business dinner during the wek. First, they have meal specials every night during the week, Wednesday was steak night, $19.99 for any of their cuts of steak, baked patato, and vegtable. They're also famous for their crab cakes, and I have heard that they rival G & M's crab cakes. The wait staff was great for our large party, and they have plenty of room for groups! Only thing I would improve is the 1970's decor and wood paneling.
(4)
Jennifer S.

I was only in town for the night and was dying for some good seafood. Every time I'm in Maryland all I eat is crab and this place by far had one of the biggest and best crabcakes I had ever enjoyed. Our waitress was attentive, pleasant& helpful. I can't think of her name but she was a blonde lady and her name began with a "C". Nice atmosphere, large wine selection, & reasonably priced. We had the broiled seafood combo (Jewel of the Sea I think it's called) and it was delicious. I look forward to coming here again
(4)
Toby R.

As one of my rare 5-star ratings, Timbuktu deserves the high accolades. Every experience is excellent and nearly flawless. If you enjoy fresh seafood, then this is your restaurant. First of all, although prices are high, they are worth it. Portions are HUGE and delicious. Starters range from Clams Casino to garlic bread. The crab cakes are enormous with very little filler. Also, the Chicken Chesapeake is a great dish: big, seasoned well and tasty. Service here is fantastic. Also, they have a lounge where you can have a drink (and food!) while you wait for a table. Prepare to wait on weekends and most nights; this popular place gets extremely busy. And, prepare to leave with half of your meal!! Bravo, Timbuktu.
(5)
Joe K.

Jump lump crab cake sandwiches make people come back for more and more. It's not a rare occurrence to see the parking lot packed full and a wait of a hour plus. With a semi-formal decor, your service will be A+ and nothingness than desirable . There is a connected liquor store which has a takeout side, which makes a trip to Timbuktu even easier, for lunch, dinner or late night. -Crab cake sandwiches or even alone Timbuktu is the place to go for your crab cake needs!
(5)
Ashley M.

awful! i was recommended this place for the crab cakes. The NY strip steak was majority fat. The crab cake was very fishy tasting. The mashed potatoes were a pile of ice cold box potatoes. The place was dirty and outdated. The ceiling was leaking. The waitress told us she was working a double and her kids were sitting at the table behind us asking if the only thing they were waiting for was us to leave. SO upset the meal was $100 for nothing!!! Will never ever go back.
(1)
Danny C.

Odd. Thought I already wrote a review about this place?? I wasn't here for the ambiance or what the place looks like. This was strictly about the food. And from what I heard about their crab cakes being the best around the area. Fried calamari. Mozzarella sticks. Crab dip. Rib & cake. The cake fried. Double crab cake platter.1 broiled. 1 fried. Fried calamari is your typical dish you get from other places. A bit greasy. Not that great. Mozzarella sticks are even less. Crab dip was amazing! And with the bread?! I loved it! My friend had the Rib & cake platter and she liked it very much. Said she never had such amazing crab cakes before. She lives in Ohio though... As for my Double crab cake platter. I'm not gonna lie. I never had that many crab cakes in my life. But at Timbuktu's? My gosh they were the best i've ever had! Gigantic sized crab cakes. 95% crab meat. 5% filler. The filler needs to be there to keep the crab meat together. To keep it from falling apart. Fried crab cake was crispy on the outside, tender and juicy in the inside. Amazing! Broiled crab cake. Less oily, more flavorful and tender! Broiled was better than the fried... Service was pretty good. Food was great. Ambiance? Forgettable. Come to this place for their crab cakes and crab dip!
(4)
Mo A.

Location is kinda out there. Service is decent, nothing spectacular. Decor is an attempt at upscale but it's very outdated. Food is kinda blah. Seafood dishes can be hit or miss. They get a lot of customers, which I think causes a little bit complacency in terms of the quality of the food. It's definitely not good enough for them to just operate on cruise control. I will say that their chicken fingers are actually pretty good and have a MAJOR kick to them. Prices are high considering quality. Not worth going more than once or twice.
(2)
Pri P.

The Double Crab cakes were delicious and huge! Not bad for $25. Had cream of crab soup which was also pretty good.
(4)
David E.

Good, not great food. Normally get the crabcakes, or chicken parm, or one of their specials. Used to be very good value, but recently I think they increased prices and removed salads from being included with some meals. I'll probably not go as often, and am more inclined to try other places.
(3)
Charnika P.

I have been to Timbuktu several times. It's def a must try whenever you are near BWI Airport or Arundal Mills just outside of Baltimore, MD. The quality of the food is consistent and pretty good. The crab cakes are huge with jumbo lump meat. I wouldn't say these are the best in MD. But they are def in the top of my list.
(4)
Christine A.

My husband is a crotchety old man. He is a very picky person. So much that I rarely waste my time or energy cooking . If I put out the energy I expect a "thank you", and better than "its alright." The old man loves TIMBUKTU. He says the CRAB CAKES are FANTASTIC. As others have said, they are huge.This is the only place that he speaks of with real fondness. I for one find this place OK. Like others have said, get the CRAB CAKES. Sadly for the mister, TIMBUKTU is a long haul for us......I would definitely stop by if we were in the area, but certainly would not go outta the way for a meal.
(4)
Sonya A.

Hhhmmmmmm... Huge crabcakes.... If I was in the area- and craved a crabcake- I would go and know I'd get a sure thing.
(4)
Roberto N.

It gets an additional star JUST for it's crab cakes. All crab meat, and just enough egg batter to hold it together. My mother was real fan of Crab Cakes, and she seemed to like these the very best. I've taken at least one birthday party here, and everyone enjoyed their meal. I liked it because it had the feel of what I think it is- an old fashioned restaurant located along a traveler's highway, linking DC to Baltimore in the old pre-interstate days. Heck, 10 years ago, they even had served you that tasty orange cheese with crackers and cheese sticks, and Melba Toast, when you sat down, but that's gone now. (sigh). One other thing they do well. (well, they do all seafood well. Really). Desserts. I suspect they have a separate chef for these, as they both look and taste great! It's a huge restaurant, with a REALLY cool wall decor. Go forth, and enjoy this unique place!
(4)
Stacie B.

It seems to be the only reason this place should be rated highly is for the awesome crabcakes. My family took me here for the first time the other day and here are my observations: - We were seated quickly (and it seems the reservation I made earlier in the day was not necessary.) - The place should actually be called "The Igloo" because of how cold it was in there. It was about 82 degrees outside, but about 55 degrees inside. It's low tiled ceiling also contributed to the "igloo feel". - The website states "proper attire required" but doesn't say what they deem as "proper"... therefore everyone is left to deem what's appropriate on their own which results in Batman T-shirts to dress shirts and ties. - While the staff was friendly, they had no sense of urgency which left us sitting at our table wondering where our servers were when we needed them. Now for the important stuff... the food! - We ordered the CALAMARI and CRAB DIP as an appetizer. Both were very good and I would order them again! The calamari was light, crispy and tender. The crab dip was creamy, cheesy, and had good flavor, but could have used more crab meat. - My dad ordered the BROILED SEAFOOD PLATTER which looked great and I heard no complaints. He orders it frequently and it's good each time. - My stepmom ordered the CRAB PRETZEL and CAESAR SALAD. The crab pretzel was HUGE. She is likely still snacking on it right now. It is pretty much like crab dip spread on top of a huge soft pretzel. The caesar salad was like a side salad and was not worth the over $5 price tag. - My husband and I ordered the PEARLS OF THE SEA platters. The broiled scallops were good, but I wouldn't classify them as "jumbo" as the menu does. The steamed shrimp were quite tough and overcooked. The "petit lobster tail" was where it totally went wrong. Both my husband and I received what was probably the fake lobster (the huge shrimp) and whatever it was, it was mushy and bland yet had a "not-right" taste to it. I hated to do it, but we sent them back. They offered to cook us a new pair, but we passed on it in fear that we would get the same result. Something wasn't right with those "lobster tails". So they credited us for them on our bill. The sides were quite bland (rice pilaf and mashed potatoes.) The crab cake was what made this trip well worth it. HUGE, cooked perfectly, yummy, creamy, and full of crab. Of course everyone's meal was all about the crab cakes. We all even ordered a second crabcake (at the same time as our meals so we could take advantage of a 2nd crabcake discount) and they were just as good heated up in the oven the next day. Next time when I go, I will only be ordering the crabcakes.
(4)
Jeanine H.

I currently live in NJ but anytime I have to travel pass Baltimore I try to stop in for a crab cake. THE BEST crab cakes hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm getting hungry just thinking of one right now. Do yourself a fav and grab one or 2 or 3. Ok just 1. They are HUGE!
(4)
Fatima L.

Had to drop off some people at the Baltimore airport. Driving in from NoVa and this was my first time in/around Baltimore. It was right after that horrible summer storm so no other restaurant nearby had power. I was seriously skeptical of this place because of the kitschy outside. Let's just say that I have never eaten in a restaurant that looks like this before. I still don't get the camel concept, but no matter. I wasn't bothered by the 70's decor at all when I saw that even on Sunday mid-afternoon, the place was pretty packed. The sides were homely and gross Applebee's type gloppy sloppy stuff. The rolls, very unexciting. But the seafood was GOOOOD. We had delicious fresh tasting oysters, clams on the half shell, crab stuffed mushrooms (filled with lumps of delectable crab, though slightly under-seasoned), and a giant pile of broiled scallops. I am wary of ordering scallops at restaurants because so many places over-cook them when really they just need to heat through and firm up a bit, any more and they toughen and go stringy. Well, these were heavenly scallops, cooked just right and well seasoned with a pinch of cayenne in the seasoning, too. What a great meal. I am itching to try the crab cakes. The service was very friendly and attentive, too. I'll definitely make it a point to stop by next time I am obliged to go to the BWI airport.
(4)
Nancy T.

You've heard of greasy spoons, right? Well, this place takes the term literally. I stirred my iced tea and the liquid beaded on the spoon. I rubbed it and it was greasy! Then I checked my friend's spoon and it was also greasy. Ew. I set the spoons aside and tried not to think about them. Next came the salads. I got my basic iceberg dinner salad with the Greek dressing. When I poured the little cup of dressing on the salad the entire "top" slid off in one plop. It had a skin on it like pudding!! Ok, now I'm seriously grossed out. The dinner roll (you only get one so make it last) was like a small hamburger bun minus the sesame seeds. This is worse than cafeteria food so far. I'm hoping things get better, and soon. After an incredibly long wait, which seemed incomprehensible since the place was almost empty, the main course finally arrived. It was just OK. The coleslaw was pretty good, the fries were no better or worse than I've had elsewhere, the crab cake was decent. I heard they don't use Maryland blue crab in their crab cakes. That's odd. Overall this restaurant is a combination of dated wood-paneled decor, very stale service and underwhelming (and at times, flat out gross) food.
(1)
Mike R.

Maryland is known for having the best crabcakes in the world, and this place has among the best in Maryland. Any of their seafood options are excellent - stuffed shrimp, grilled fish, anything from the specials menu. They make strong and tasty mixed drinks as well. I haven't tried any of their steaks, ribs, or non-seafood menu items, but the seafood alone is worth the trip here. It's so convenient to BWI that it's a great option for a pre-flight meal. I've been here numerous times for dinner and a couple times for lunch, and service has always been super friendly and efficient.
(5)
Sunny D.

i don't get it. full disclosure: i don't eat/like shellfish. (they apparently have great crabcakes...i guess.) why do people love this place? i've been twice (both at the selection of other people), and that was 2 times too many. -it's in the middle of nowhere [and ain't worth the trip] -it looks and smells like your grandparent's basement, or like grandma tried [but failed] to spruce up the elks/knights of columbus lodge grandpa goes to with his war buddies -the staff is apathetic at best -the drinks taste more watered down than gatorade -the food is heat lamp rubbery/hard/tasteless -the tables are damn near on top of each other so no privacy while you try to force down the "food" with your dining companion(s) ~1 star for the potato salad, only, which was the only edible thing there. no.thank.you.
(1)
Jhia B.

I am a crab cake enthusiast and their crab cakes are delicious! I have yet to crunch on any shells lol and their crab cakes are the epitome of the word JUMBO lol.
(4)
Sid B.

3 1/2 yes we really did go back a second night two coworkers had steak and crab cake: crab cake great & huge , steak eh, OK I had two GREAT crab cakes; too huge- one was enough with salad ; had 1 1/2. but they ruined the baked potato again service was even nicer go have seafood , forget the rest
(3)
D H.

Busy place, good atmosphere and the wait staff are pretty nice. The crab cakes are the reason this place is in business and what they are known for. But the crab cakes are NOT gluten free and they do not make a version that is. I always get fish of some sort when I go here and it is always very good!
(4)
Susan M.

NOT the place to go if you want a modern, warm, lively ambiance. The dining room was dungenous and smelled funky when I first walked in. I'm probably not the best person to review their crab cakes because I'm not a seafood lover but I had a broiled crab cake and it was just ok. I had to add salt for flavor. The tartar and cocktail sauces were nasty and did not compliment the crab cake at all. My side order was apple sauce and it was served warm - YUK! I give the service a C+. The server was pleasant but it seemed like she was rushing us through he ordering process. I won't be back.
(2)
Tracey G.

Very nice service a good food but the cream of crab was loaded with shells. Won't order it again
(3)
Sandra B.

I was slightly disappointed. I have heard a lot about this place and couldn't wait to try it out. However, i wasn't that impressed. Crab cakes were good but other than that it was pretty bad. I had fried calamari for an appetizer and it wasn't the best I ever had, just average. Also, the crab of cream came in almost cold. When time came for our entree to arrive, I had ribs and a crab cake, and my ribs were cold again! It was so annoying to get cold food served especially for that price. I have expected it to be much better. I don't think I would come back again. It was overpriced for the quality of food they were serving.
(1)
Danielle L.

Again let me preface with I cant eat shell fish. That being said... Im not a fan of this place or their food. I always feel this place over rated, only because of the crabcakes. I have had several dishes here.. all to which seemed to be not fresh orginal food. Meaning canned food, processed food. The wait is long even though the place is huge. It outdated and the service not stellar.
(1)
Nader N.

Awesome Restaurant. The Crab Cakes are the best ive ever had.Also, A Great Selection of Foods and Drinks.Good Customer Service and Friendly. Great Restaurant.
(5)
MaryFoodie M.

Crab cakes are delicious and parking is a breeze. It was worth a visit after being a G&M loyals. They take reservations too.
(5)
Valerie R.

Two words: crab cakes. Stick with the perfection of these broiled masses of lumpy goodness and you can't go wrong. I can't even remember what else I ate, but I don't need to. Anything else is just getting in the way of the crab cakes, including the decor and service. Not bad, mind you - just not as bombtastic as those crab cakes. If I come here again, I will take the crab cakes somewhere worthy of their deliciousness, like for a glorious picnic at a park with wine and fancy hors d'oeuvres.
(4)
Eva C.

Went with a large group of people and we all ordered the crab cake! Honestly though, he crab cake was disappointing and isn't even in the same game as the amazing ones in Baltimore City (read: Faidley's). I shared the crab cake platter, and it was interesting to see 2 of them next 2 each other. They were like misshapen blobs, and one appeared much larger than the other. After biting into it, I realized the reason why they were misshapen was because there was so much filling. Other crab cakes (read: Faidley's) has so much crab and so little filling that they can hold their shape. The mac and cheese side dish hit the craving, but reminded me of kraft. The calamari and crab dip appetizers weren't much to write home about either. As a side note, I did take half of my crab cake home (it was really big), and found it to taste better as leftovers.
(2)
Tanisha C.

I went for the crab cakes and I was very disappointed. I LOVE crab cakes and if it's on the menu at any restaurant, it will likely be my entree of choice. I was told be several people that Timbuktu had the best crab cakes in the Maryland area. I also checked out the Yelp reviews and was excited to try the crab cakes at this restaurant. Unfortunately, they left much to be desired and I have definitely made crab cakes better than this in my own kitchen. Pluses: The crab cake is HUGE... or perhaps I should say monstrous, about the size of a cheeseburger off the $1menu at McDonalds. I ordered the single (in an effort to appear modest in front of my boyfriend's parents) and I was shocked when I saw the size. Unless you're a big burly man or exceedingly greedy, you probably can't finish the double. These are lump crab cakes with delectable chunks of crab meat, there's definitely no skimping at Timbuktu in this regard. Also, the surf and turf options with the crab cakes include ribs. I didn't have the ribs, but someone in my party did and I was eying them hard. Minuses: The crab cakes were seriously lacking in flavor. I generally enjoy crab cakes in two schools, either with huge chucks of crab meat with minimal additional ingredients or less dense crab meat wise with lots of seasonings and fresh ingredients. This crab cake was trying to do both and it was just strange. I think they used an egg-based mixture to hold the chucks of crab meat together. The consistency was very strange, in my opinion. And for all the extra fixings there was no improvement in the taste, for me it actually took away from my ability to enjoy the delectable crab meat. My mashed potatoes weren't very good, just basic mashed potatoes. The waitress admitted they weren't very good without the brown gravy. The salad that comes with the meal was a basic salad, nothing special. The decor is eh... nothing much going on there. It's in the middle of nowhere (hence the name, apparently) and not worth the drive, in my opinion. BUT: Everyone else at the table really enjoyed the crab cakes. Maybe my bar is higher than most given my love for crab cakes, but I won't be going back there.
(2)
Natane E.

My awesome date took me here and the crab cakes were delicious!!! I didn't even know this place was located back in the cut.
(4)
Ying C.

My colleague who grew up in Baltimore recommended this place to me for crab cakes so I drove in for lunch last Sunday. I ordered a single crab cake (from previous reviewers I've learned that they are huge). My husband ordered the fried trio with fried crab cake, fried shrimp and fried scallop. The crab cake is seasoned very well. The shrimps and scallops were fried to perfection. They are very fresh and the service were very good. The only drawback: they do not have lunch menu on weekends. So after a salad, some bread, and an enormous crab cake, I was so stuffed that I did not try any desserts. Highly recommend for crab cakes.
(4)
G D.

It is true. The crabcakes (broiled) are fantastic. They can't be making any money on them considering how much crab meat you get. I had the broiled platter - everything was cooked to perfection. The serving sizes are huge. Too bad they are not closer to DC.
(5)
Elaine M.

Service was definitely friendly and attentive. We stopped in for a quick lunch since this was really the only place nearby. The crab cakes are delicious. Definitely a must have. We also tried the cream of crab soup which I thought was too salty and lacking crab. The mussels were only alright. Overall, it was an okay experience but the crab cakes made it better.
(3)
Kesha T.

The service was great, the food, not so much. This was my first time here and I came for a bite to eat and karaoke. My friend ordered the crab cake, she told me earlier today that they were not great, and of course they have filler in them, but she ordered it again to give it another shot and it was dry. The friend were bland. I ordered chicken and mushrooms...just don't do what I did. The breast was indeed tender but the presentation was awful...the sauce and chopped artichokes looked like baby poo and throw up...yes, that gross. The sound for karaoke was not good. It seemed like only those 5ft max away from the DJ area could here the DJ. The music was slow and old school...not the good old school but like, 'im depresed and can't get a man' old school. Then the DJ mixed some new stuff in...no save. The atmosphere was an older crowd (40s+with a handful of young people). The server (forgot her name, worked the back of the lounge) was very accommodating. Overall, I won't be coming back or recommending to my friends.
(2)
Pat R.

So everyone said that I haven't fully experienced Maryland if I haven't had a real crab-cake. So this was the place that was supposed to be the best. So here is the synopsis: We came here on a Tuesday afternoon. The place was pretty packed however spread out over the massive restaurant. Nevertheless we were seated immediately. Sparing everyone a novel about the service; it flat out sucked. I ordered a beer and had to wait 10 minutes for it. Never once was our water topped off. We were not checked on for the duration of the dining. 2 tables that were seated after us were served before us. The Food: Here is what I ordered Crab chowder Fried Crab-cake Fried Prawns Fried Scallops The Crab chowder was similar to a New England Clam Chowder only thicker and creamier There was no skimp on the crab meat nor flavor but it was a little to heavy for me. Main Course There is a simple rule of thumb with fried food it needs to be served hot out of the fryer. The food would've been on point had this been the case. Instead my food was cold as if it was sitting on the counter waiting to be served. The high point was this was probably the best crab cake that ever had. It was a gigantic meaty mountain of flavor. Its just a shame that it was not served piping hot. The same can be said about shrimp and scallops. They were good but could've been better. A missed opportunity.. This place could be great if they worked on their customer service.
(2)
Craig M.

I've lived in Maryland for over 15 years and I'm past the novelty of finding the world's best crab cake, because I find many of the renowned places to be very similar, serving a large portioned crab cake with little filler and tons of meat, but lacking in flavor. Timbuktu is in that group. Good, but nothing signature about it to set it apart from others I've had in the past. Salad and sides were average at best. Their dessert special was an apple pie a la mode, which was very good. My wife was pleased with her chicken parm. All in all, I wasn't disappointed, but doubt I'd go back. However, if you're from out of town and staying near the airport, and if you don't frequently eat crab cakes, then its probably worth a visit. My mom fell into that category and she has happy with the choice.
(3)
Luis O.

As soon as you walk into this place you know you are in trouble...its a throw back to the 70s...old carpeting, wood paneling, cheap catering hall chairs, no windows...just a tacky visual nightmare. All the kitchen seems to have is a broiler and a deep fryer...crab was fresh but overcooked, dry, poorly prsesented and certainly not cheap...my dinner companions ordered other dishes that were awful...swimming in sauce...unappealing and bland. Staff means well and tries hard (except for the hosts) and must be commended given what they have to work with..although our server was quite pushy trying to sell the most expensive dishes on the menu...needs a visit by Gordon Ramsey pronto!!!
(1)
Dan S.

I Like this Place, whenever i crave for good crab cakes this is the place to be, service is pretty balanced hit or miss, but will come back for sure :)
(4)
Tim W.

Skip every food place at Arudel Mills Mall and come here! The steaks and crab cakes are delicious! The crab cakes are some of the biggest I've ever had. The service is good and attentive and there is plenty of parking. The restaurant could use a serious makeover though. It feels very 80's.
(4)
Lark A.

Not 100% impressed with the food. Crab cake was decent but I've had better and some of the seafood we ordered seemed pre-frozen or just not completely fresh. May try again.
(3)
Jude R.

I've been here many times and always get the crab cakes. They are the best I have ever had. Love to get the double and bring one home. The service is not consistent and can be great or really bad. Get the crab cakes to go and you won't be disappointed. Friends have had other meals and they are not consistent either.
(4)
Soo W.

Good food. Nice wait staff. Quantity of each dish could feed a gazillion people. Roomy seating areas and good gap between each table. I don't like feeling like I'm squished in. I'll come here again.
(4)
Jess Y.

Summary: Crab cakes are amazing - worth 5 stars. Everything else is MEH - 2 stars. Average that out, and you get about 3 stars from yours truly. Came here tonight for a late-night dinner. I am still extremely confused as to why the restaurant is named Timbuktu since it specializes in seafood (in particular, crab cakes). There is a not so satisfying explanation on the cover of their menu--something to the likes of Timbuktu being a mysterious, previously unknown treasure...just like the restaurant. A little lame if you ask me. Although, I do have to admit that it is really in the middle of nowhere. It's like a random destination off of a middle-of-nowhere highway near the BWI airport. The crab cakes are amazing. The crab cakes are chockfull of deliciously tender and sweet lump crab meat. They are flavorful and oh-so-satisfying. Not too much breading and no overpowering mayonnaise flavor (one of my pet peeves of most crab cakes). Oh, and they are huge, too. The crab cake dinners also come with a choice of vegetable and a measly mediocre salad. I hate wasting food, but I decided the salad just wasn't worth filling my stomach. As recommended by other Yelpers, we also ordered the calamari. I was expecting a lot more given the reviews from everyone else. The calamari were flavorful and the meat was tender...but the breading seemed just too much and it wasn't crispy. They were soggy and drenched in oil. Really not an impressive start to the night. The bread was okay. Any warm bread is good though. Although, I wonder if they think that we are secretly addicted to butter because for the three round rolls, they served us 10 butter pats. Do the math. Equally distributed among the rolls, that's more than 3 butter packs for one roll. Oh America, how I really am concerned about your health. In terms of service, I thought our waitress was very friendly, helpful, and patient with my indecisive dining partners. But, somehow refilling my glass with water required four different service staff to actually complete. The food is rather salty and it's heavy, so I needed a lot of water to help quench my thirst. When the crab cakes were brought out, the waiter delivering us the food told me "Oh, I'll come back to get you some more water." He never came back. Then ten minutes later, when our original waitress came around and asked us how we were doing, I asked for some more water and she said she would go get someone. A service staff did come into our room (since there are MANY different rooms) but purposefully ignored our table and refilled one glass at the other table. Still a thirsty Jess. Ten minutes later, our waitress finally returns and again we ask for water--now, I am suddenly not the only thirsty one at the table. She replied, "Oh, he didn't come around?" We shook our heads and she said that she would go refill them. Finally, five minutes later, a fourth service staff came to deliver what we were really craving--ice cold water. Again, really only worth a visit and the wait if you are getting crab cakes. I would steer clear of anything else.
(3)
Sandy T.

This place is out of the way for me, but OHEMGEEEE, they have the best seafood! Friendly service, loud crowd, and descent venue. For starters, if you like mussels or oysters, then it's a must try. They have great portion size entrees, so go hungry! I'm sure most of their entrees are great but I definitely recommend; -stuffed lobster tail with crabmeat -stuffed soft shell crab ....so much crab meat! :D
(4)
Winnie K.

Crab cakes are spectacular. Probably the biggest I've ever seen with a lot of crab and little filler (many other places have a crab cake with a lot of filler, little crab). We went on Monday for the 2 for $20 lobster special - what a fantastic deal. Lobster was steamed and came out with butter. They weren't very big or small, pretty average, and still a good deal. One star off for the decor - dated and kind of grimy. Will return when we have an inkling for seafood!
(4)
Amber M.

Timbuktu definitely has some of the best crabcakes offered in Baltimore next to G&M. My family's been dining here for years and years. Don't come here expecting a high end dining experience, it's pretty much what you see is what you get. The food is good and they are not stingy with the portions. I always order a crabcake sandwich to go and have the stuffed shrimp while eating in, however, 've grown fond of taking out and hitting the liquor store on the way out--just a great start to any evening, seafood & alcohol ....ahh! Ladies, if you're cute, the older guy working the liquor store will hook you up if you're a big spender ;-) .. and they have a decent selection.
(4)
Eric C.

The quality of the crab cakes alone gives this place a high rating in my book. This was my first experience at Timbuktu. Many people have told me about the amazing crab cakes served here, and that I would be a fool not to get one. I went here with a couple of employees at my job during lunch time. Even though I came late, the waitress was still able to accompany me with no problem. The waitress was indeed nice. Everyone at my table got the crab cake (I got a crab cake sandwich w/ a side of french fries). The crab cake was very tender and cooked well, no complaints there. The environment in Timbuktu was more of a laid-back, dim-lighted atmosphere which I liked. I will definitely be making another stop here sometime within the near future to explore other options on Timbuktu's menu.
(4)
Scott S.

Great crabcakes for those that are not in close proximity (DC/Annapolis/etc) to more seafood venues. They have a hug parking lot and can also handle large parties.... like over 50 guest size parties. In addition, they also have a full bar area with a variety of brew and liquor for food pairing. The wait staff and management are very friendly and will take care of all your needs - I believe that this is can make/break a restaurant. Timbuktu has a menu with a wide variety of options, but I they are locally known for crabcakes - so it's a must if you haven't yet! The price is reasonable for what you get, and the portions are "on-spot" for the average person.
(4)
Takiyah D.

I go here only for the crabcake sub to go. Once my order is up, I rush to the parking lot, get in my car and immediately dive in. It is simply delicious. I like mine with the sauteed onions only and dip it in cocktail sauce when I so desire. OMG!! I once happened upon the restaurant side to go to the bathroom and ur um.... it seems stank and dark and not quite worth the high priced menu.
(3)
Jamie G.

Went here for brunch. Friendly staff, perfect lobster ravioli, delicious crab toast points, and OMG the fries. Huge portions are huuuuge. Will be back the next time I'm in the DMV.
(4)
Luznery A.

Decent crab cakes were not full of filler lamb was over cooked and every side dish was trash
(3)
Nathan C.

So we took a big crowd here for dinner on Saturday. Let me start off by saying that, as usual, the crab cakes are fantastic, as is the cream of crab soup. That's why 2 stars. Everything else pretty much sucked donkey posterior, though. The service was terrible - the waiter obviously cared not a whit for our table, keeping our glasses filled, or, you know, actually *talking* to us other than taking our order. When one of us had the audacity to ask for ketchup, he *took it off the table next to us* (which still had 8 people eating at it!) and plunked it in front of us. I got the steak and cake, and the steak was shoe leather (medium rare was requested, FYI). Other person at the table with the same order got the same overcooked thin slab of beef. We're talking McDonald's Steak 'n Egg Bagel steaks, here, only tougher. Fries - soggy and limp. Drinks - not refilled. Bread - 5 pieces for a table of 10. Food - took 45-60 minutes to come out. For the other anecdote of the night, read Tom C's review. Regardless, complaints to management were handwaved away - basically, "I have no reason to care - I'm busy and you're obviously not coming back". Well, at least they got that right. If this is how they're going to run the joint, head a couple of miles up the road to G&M or Olive Grove - the crab cakes are just as good and everything else will be better.
(2)
Mika R.

Staff was so kind and friendly. Not too in your face, but they were there every time you needed something. My girlfriend raved about the crabcakes in this place, and i was not disappointed. I'm not a crab girl myself, but I believed it one is going to have a crab cake experience, it should be from here. The fresh bread rolls were delicious! I also ordered mac and cheese as a side dish. They were creamy, but not too much. I thought it was perfect. We also had the jalapeno poppers, oh man-- my mouth was watering the entire time. It was so full of flavor. And the sauce they give you to dip them in really helps. Over all, take some fancy mints, you just had a great time here.
(5)
Keisha F.

Once upon a time they had the best crab cake ever....now Blue Dolphin has!! The smell when you walk in the restaurant is awful and the wait staff is not very customer service friendly.
(2)
Kyle M.

I went back for "twin lobster dinner" night. It sounds like a great deal in theory. Two 1.25 lb steamed Maine lobsters, 2 side dishes, $20. In reality it was a bad meal all around. I made it clear in my first review of this place that the bread and salad are very poor quality here. Tonight, the bread was even chewier than ever. It's not that hard to bake fresh rolls. You can buy the dough frozen and already shaped. Or if that's too hard, order them to be delivered fresh every day. These were obviously not made anytime in the 24 hours before they were reheated and served to us. The rice pilaf was flavorless (thank god there was old bay at the table to rescue it), the baked potato small, and worst of all the lobster was SO overcooked it was like rubber. I'm pretty sure the lobster wasn't Live Maine Lobster either, it had to have been frozen, because the claws which should be the best part were flavorless and had a slight hint of an ammonia flavor which probably means I shouldn't have even eaten it. No ill effects afterwards, so it must not have been too far past its prime. I'm guessing they do this deal on Mondays to get rid of the frozen lobster they ordered in the previous week. Also, even though the service was decent the last two times, it was abysmal tonight. Our server seemed to be running around like a chicken with his head cut off for 5 minutes making it hard to even grab his attention, then he would completely disappear for the next 10. The plethora of "bus boys" and "runners" they had should have counteracted that. But when one of them helped out a table, I got to overhear a lecture on that action not being part of his job from one of the servers. Also, it took almost 45 minutes for our dishes to come out after ordering. So to recap this place..... 1) Dark, dank smelling interior. 2 stars 2) Below average service (even though there's a million people working the dining room) 2 stars 3) Bad side dishes/bread 1 star 4) Poor quality lobster 1 star But wait, he gave this place 3 stars overall? The crab cakes, stuffed oysters, scallops, shrimp, flounder, etc, basically any of the broiled seafood, are definitely 5 star material. The steak fries are also well done. So here's my advice, you can take it and really enjoy this place, or ignore it like so many other reviewers of this place seemed to have done. GO HERE FOR THE CRABCAKES. You won't be sorry. If you go here, and order something else, sorry, you were warned.
(3)
Sarah W.

coming from northern va/eastern shore/dc area - we are spoiled the crab cakes are HUGE. worth getting, but the double is waaaaay too much for this girl. hubby didnt like his lamb chops our friends loved their salmon and fried scallops dish the restaurant is dated and in need of a makeover asap. huge bar area. we came on a Sat night and they had run out of menus so we had to wait for menus a bit before we could order the dinner rolls are not worth your calories/consumption. blaaah. the mussels are NOT as good as everybody on yelp and our server made them out to be. save yourself.
(2)
Esther K.

crab cakes were amazing! words cannot describe it! the service was AMAZING! the softshell crab sandwich was super tasty! The coleslaw was absolutely yummy! i have nothing bad to say about this place! Oh I will definitely go back on my next trip to Baltimore. Such a friendly and family restaurant feel. I loved it! thank you for a great service and delicious food!!!!
(5)
Jeff P.

I loved the crabcakes! They offer one or two of them with salad, vegetables, and bread. One large one was plenty for me. It was plump, moist, and flavorful. I would have been challenged to finish a second one.
(4)
Greg W.

Polite service. Food is very good. A bit pricey. Plenty of parking.
(4)
Ria H.

MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT!! I LOVE this restaurant and carryout so much!! I always get the broiled seafood platter or two broiled crab cakes. The seafood is broiled to perfection. I have ate here a hundred times and my food has been consistently the same every time!! The crab cakes barely has any fillers and it's full of big lumps of crab meat!! The crab cakes are huge and seasoned to perfection!! I come here for special occasions and "I feel like eating a crab cake" occasion...that's when I get carryout and eat it at home. I also love the strawberry cheesecake too!! They have a huge selection of desserts. For two broiled crab cakes and 2 sides, it will cost about $25 It's pricey but it's worth every penny!!!!!! The servers at the dine in section can be more friendlier BUT I overlook it because I really LOVE the food!! The dining area is dim and has an old fashioned look BUT I overlook it because I really LOVE the food!!!
(5)
Sokha A.

We love Timbuktu! The only place we go for crab cakes in MD, nothing else compares. We usually split 1 order or crab cakes and get some sides, because they come in sets of 2 and they are HUGE lumps of CRAB. Unlike most other places, where the crab cakes are mostly breading w/some crab sprinkled in ... these crab cakes are mostly crab and almost no filler! We bring all our out-of-towners here for a real taste of MD crab.
(5)
Darren A.

Ahhh yes, there you are, Timbuktu! Where have you been? I know it's been a long time but we had a nice little visit, didn't we? Why has it been so long, you ask? Ohhhhhh, I dunno. Probably bc you seem so very distant - so very far away. When in actuality, you're not that far at all. Oh wait - I know why ... the WAIT!! It's the WAIT!!!! Ooooohhhh, the WAIT!!!!!! And you know how impatient I can be. Please forgive me .... Years ago, I came to party it up w/ some folks and we waited for what seemed to be just 15-minutes-shy of 'forever and a day'. That said, I knew it would be a long distance love ... Now don't get me wrong. On occasion, throughout the years, I have stopped through to try and get a bite but the LINE ... OHHHHH, THE LINE!!!!! I would then turn around, sobbing with disappointmet, and leave. Sorry, love but Papa's gotta eat ... lol Fast forward to this past weekend. I was out with people visiting from out of town and they decided they wanted a good MD crab cake. I hemmed & hawed. They asked what all the faces were for. I told them, ' I know a spot but the line is always CRAZY'!!! They didn't care and wanted to go. DAMMIT!!!!! (lol). So I called ahead and am told there is 'no wait' at all (Yeah, right! Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's rain, sister!!!!) Anyway, I begrudgingly start the drive over to the longest wait of my life ... and ... WHAT'S THIS?!?!? Like 15 cars in the WHOLE LOT!!!! **the heaven's opened up and my guardian angels were on my side... Ahhh aahhh ahhhh (that's the angels' singing, for those that didn't know...)**. We go inside, get seated immediately and begin our feast du jour... 1) The calamari was awesome - MASSIVE rings, seasoned well and nice & crispy on the outside and light and toothsome on the inside. A table could definitely share a serving; they were plentiful. 2) The salad - a basic garden - was a nice size and the dressing was a nice simple tangy blue cheese. Wish it had more chunks, though. 3) The Steak fries ... YUM! I mean - how could you NOT like a good steak fry, right? Nuff said ... and then 4) 'La piece de resistance' ... two golden orbs of jumbo lump crab meat, broiled to perfection. These mountains of decadency were toasted golden brown on the outside and packed full of creamy flavor on the inside. HOW they did that, is beyond me but **eyes rolled to back of head** these were PHENOMENAL!! Needless to say, I could only eat one. Lunch the next day was that much sweeter thanks to this leftover gem. Our server, Dana was FANASTIC and tended to us as if we owned the company. The service was STELLAR! As we continued eating and smiling with each and every bite, I notice that the dining room is filling up ... Oooooooooooooh - that's what it is. We beat the 'rush'... Everyone sated, we departed and I saw the wait ... OHHHH, THE WAIT!! OHHH, THE LINE!!!!!! OHHH, THE PARKING LOT!!!! (easily 75 to 100 cars now). Mentally, I collapse into a ball and start rocking back & forth thinking of 'my happy place' ... LOL. Once I snapped out it, I ran to my car and 'put the pedal to the metal' and I was OUTTA THERE!!!! Oh, sweet Timbuktu ... when will I see you again? I hope very soon... (but BELIEVE ME, it will be before 5:00PM) WHEW!!!!!!!
(4)
Tiffani C.

I only come for the crab imperial. That is all. The sides typically are basic and dull. The service is hit-or-miss. Oh and it is costly. They menu needs to be revamped so that the entire dining experience is worth it, not just the entrees.
(3)
Den F.

this restaurant was recommended to me because of their crabcakes. YUM. i ordered the broiled crabcake - there is barely any filler and jumbo lump meat. they tasted really good, without any tartar or cocktail sauce. the platter came with a salad, a side, and some rolls, all there of which were just average. for dessert, our table ordered 2 to share. the chocolate mousse tuxedo cheesecake and the chocolate mousse cake (i really love chocolate and mousse). the cheesecake was surprisingly light with just the right amount of sweetness evened out with the chocolate. the mousse cake was a lot richer and was a bomb of chocolate. both very delicious. the service was also good. we were greeted quickly, the waitress explained the menu to us and answered all our questions. she spilled water on our table, but apologized and cleaned it up quickly.
(4)
Scott M.

I am not going to be rude, it might be a nice place, but I have eaten there twice and the food has been gross both times. The waitstaff always make me feel as if I am asking for too much. I will never eat at this dirty place again.
(1)
Hugh P.

Seafood lunch was stuffed with great meat! I would recommend Timbuktu as a place you should try for sure.
(4)
Kim T.

I've been to this restaurant twice. Once, for a first date and then again for our anniversary. Both times I've been here, the food was adequate and the waiters we had were attentive. They let us take our time (I'm a really slow eater) and we were able to have meaningful conversations. I wish the crowd's a bit younger, but then again not many young people eat steak/seafood on a regular basis. The first time around, I had Steak and Cake ($24). The crab cake was memorable, it was meaty and seasoned nicely. The steak, however, was not the best I've ever had. Second time around, I wanted to sample a bit of everything so I ordered Jewels of the Sea (Petite lobster tail, crab cake, jumbo shrimp and jumbo scallops broiled to perfection, served with drawn butter - $29). When my plate came out, it did not wow me (underwhelmed). The jumbo shrimp and scallop did not live up to its name. =/ The lobster tail didn't do anything or me either. If I come back the third time, I'll just stick to crab cakes. I also want to try their fairly priced "nightly specials." Too bad they don't have it for weekends. I'm giving this a 3.5 star because: 1. Good service 2. Nice ambiance for a date 3. Crab cakes! 4. 1/2 star for sentimental reasons. hehe (Since I want more people to try this restaurant and for their business to thrive, I'll round my stars to 4) ;)
(4)
Yelp W.

Food: Seafood spot. They are known for their Crabcakes. You can get them fried or broiled and I got the broiled crabcakes. Very good. Ask for a Kaiser roll w/lots of Tarter Sauce. I don't really remember anything other than the Crabcakes. One complaint I have is in regards to the temperature of the rolls. It seems as if they are microwaved because they didn't hold heat for long. We even asked for new rolls and when they came out they didn't stay warm for a long time. Workers: Friendly. No complaints Atmosphere: Nice casual spot. Is usually packed during the weekend. Solid spot. If you live in DC-Baltimore you need to go.
(3)
T D.

I've only dined in once and I really don't remember well enough to write a review. It was a date and I was so into my boyfriend that I place could have burned down and I would not have known. We order take out and it is always spot on. I get the combination seafood platter and my boyfriend loves the crab cakes dinner. The only complaint are the sides, there is not much to choose from if you want healthy options. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.
(4)
Gita G.

the crab cakes are so damn good, the potatoe salad is very good as well, side options could differ ( corn, hush puppies fried apples, food very expensive but worth the money and trip in my book
(5)
Prince P.

Stay away from the chicken! Went here a couple days ago and got the Chicken Ranchero, my stomach is still not right from the chicken I ate from here it was extra dry and odd tasting. Good Ambiance but bad food, well what I got was bad.
(2)
A C.

Another restaurant where the only decent thing is the crab cakes - everything else is awful.
(4)
Jonathan H.

I feel like I actually made the journey to the famed middle-of-nowhere city in Mali when I finally arrive at Timbuktu. Along the road to Timbuktu, I encounter a Korean church, a seafood-shipping yard, and desolate fields of Maryland nothingness. Suddenly, a pictograph of a camel caught in a static running pose appears over the horizon, calling, beckoning to my caravan of hungry passengers. The word "Timbuktu" arches over the grand camel in letters faintly resembling the Latin alphabet. I hitch my faithful camel, affectionately named Infiniti G35x, in one of the many stalls and head up the stairs into the grand entryway. 10:55 A.M. One of the two hostesses leads us to our table in the middle of this truly expansive restaurant. There are at least 20 tables in our section, and I can see another section with a similar amount of tables as I walk through. I make a comment to my friend Julian wondering how this place can stay in business with no customers. 10:59 A.M. We are not prepared for what was to come... 11:00 A.M. (Exactly on the dot) Like a herd of renegade camels, every retiree on this side of the Chesapeake and a few from the other side have invaded this place to capacity. Some of them have postcards from grandchildren they want show while others are talking about knitting. Some are wearing plaid with beige Dockers, others show off sport coats they bought in the summer of '69 that match perfectly with their magenta corduroys. All wear black or gray Velcro shoes. Who needs laces anyway? Since I don't have the wherewithal to sell them robot insurance, I decide it's time to focus on the food. The menu has tons of options, mostly centered on crab and other seafood fare. The prices are moderate, but some items are very cheap. For example, the crab dish appetizer had probably eight ounces of crabmeat and was under $10. The crab soup appetizer is flavorful, but it seems like all the little crab chunks sprouted legs and jumped into the crab dish appetizer to join their friends, leaving behind only a memory of meat. The ravioli dish is pretty good, but it's basic. The imperial crab entree comes in a generous, heaping mountain of crab, cheese and seasonings, all melted together for a perfect taste combination. It was so delicious! What really takes the cake is the baklava. It comes in a pie-slice shape and size, and is one of the best baklava I've had in my life, to include my grandmother's homemade version (don't tell her please!). The amount of nuts is perfect, and it's not too saturated in sugar. I actually burped a few hours later, and the taste of baklava came up. Sounds gross right? WRONG! It was like eating dessert all over again! The service was really great as well. Our server refilled the glasses at 60%, even when the restaurant was completely full. He came by as soon as each dish was finished and cleared our area, followed immediately by our next course. He even split the bill the way we asked him to, which seems to be a rarity in the DMV. This place is worth the journey: excellent service, clean atmosphere, and delicious food.
(4)
Tina C.

I went to Timbuktu the first time last month. My god was this place AMAZING! My co-workers took me for my last day of work and I did not know what to expect but boy was it amazing! I started with the oyseters rockafeller. AMAZING. Very fresh, hot and delicious with the cheese and spinach. And for my entree they kepty saying; "You gotta get the crabcakes, you gotta get the crabcakes! They are the best!" Boy they were not kidding. They were absolutely huge stuffed with all CRAB, barely any fuller. They were so delicious and flavorful I did not want to stop eating but I was so full because they came with two and they were HUGE! I brought the other crabcake home and I heated it up and my god, it was almost as good as the night before! I had my parents try a bite and they could not put it down! They kept trying to eat the whoel thing. They said it was the best crabcake they ever had as well and they can only imagine how could it was when they served it to me initially. Timbuktu is awesome adn I highly reccomend it! They also had karaoke on that night (it was a Friday) and we had so much fun singing and dancing! The bartenders were very sweet as well! They made sure our drinks werer full and that we were having a good time. I cannot wait to go back to TImbuktu! BEST CRAB CAKE I HAVE EVER HAD!
(5)
Curtis W.

salad was a from a slightly brown mix. Server didn't refills water. Crab cake was too buttery tasting, French fries were dull (probably frozen)
(3)
Dr R.

Where to begin ... Lets start with their online presence. First, they do NOT offer their lunch menu on weekends. Which means at 11:30 am you're stuck with dinner sized (and priced) food. This is NOT mentioned online. Second, they offer specials. This is a warning sign. The food and service should speak for itself. Third, although they have a "reviews" tab they are not linked to the reviews but instead give only single line raves about their crab cakes -and no telling how old the reviews are. But, from the experience I just had I'm sure those reviews are old and no longer apply to the current situation. So, on to the dining experience. The place is dark and small and my father says the interior hasn't changed in over 20 years -and it looks it. The tables are close together and I feel sorry for anyone seated in the middle sections. As mentioned before, even though we arrived at 12:15 on a Saturday we only had the dinner menu to choose from. So my original intent to get a NY strip at 10.99 became a "bait-and-switch" which would cost me 18.99. I felt conned. Lunch time is for lunch. Not dinner. There are reasons for that. As for the menu itself; it's too large and pretentious. I suspect they are cutting corners in many respects in order to keep such a large menu possible. Quality; not quantity. Keep it simple. Also, don't bother hurting your eyes trying to read the description or the prices of the pasta dishes. You can't. Orange lettering against an orange background. Who in the world would okay that? I had to ask the server to tell me what it said, and even they had a hard time. In the meantime I felt like a four year old having the menu read to me. I ordered 6 fresh east coast oysters. One of which should never have made it out of the kitchen -brown and formless (not a good oyster). Unremarkable. The other diners with me ordered the onion rings which were very large, very fried and from what I heard very good. Their Bloody Mary was too heavy on the Tabasco, too light on everything else. I used the horseradish from my oysters to add some taste to it. And If you want to get a rim of Old Bay Seasoning you have to ask for it, but if you didn't know that was an option all you get is a glass of some vodka with a rookie mix, too much vegetation, no acids (like lime and/or lemon) and no spices (like pepper and salt). On the good side their soup du jour (a cream-based corn and chicken soup) was delicious. The salad was, again, unremarkable and the raspberry vinaigrette was thicker than I felt comfortable with. The lettuce was crushed and wilted and the croutons were unseasoned and the size of small meatballs. As for entrees; the shrimp basket is just deep-fried and heavily breaded medium (?) shrimp with a bowl of cocktail sauce. The crab cake is under-seasoned (in Maryland you're supposed to put lots of Old Bay in it), over breaded, and over-sold. NOTHING SPECIAL. I do not want to eat at a restaurant where I'm left thinking "I can do MUCH better than that." And frankly, I can and anybody could as long as they're not afraid of a little thing called "flavor." The french fries are typical, out-of-the-bag, processed slabs of starch that belong in a Tastee diner. I ordered seafood alfredo. The scallops (obviously frozen) were old and had gone bad. I literally spat mine out for fear of poisoning. And although I had requested penne whoever plated it put in spaghetti, then realized they made a mistake and put penne on top of it without taking the time to remove the spaghetti. That's lazy and a lazy kitchen is a bad kitchen. The plate itself was under-seasoned, the bagged fish was undercooked, the sauce lacked white wine, texture and taste. I have no doubt it was previously bagged too and microwaved. Otherwise, you could taste the reduction and the thickness would have allowed an aroma -neither of which were present. The penne, however, was al dente and well prepared but not enough to save it from pedestrian mediocrity. Although the manager was polite when the issue of scallops and spaghetti was brought to his attention, there was no offer to take the plate off the check -just an offer to do it again. As you can imagine, I was not going to wait for another disappointment. All in all Timbuktu is over-rated and has all the symptoms of a place on it's way down. The little things all indicate too much interest on volume and cost-saving (bring in the wallets) rather than quality and flavor (bring in the people). The quality of the food is what can be found at a restaurant that charges half the price. Evidently there is little quality control going on in the kitchen and whoever is in charge of the kitchen must simply have the philosophy that if it's on a plate; it's good enough to be served. If I ever find myself there again -likely by accident or by force- I will confine myself to the soup and onion rings. Unfortunately I don't like onion rings. If you KNOW food, and expect a QUALITY experience, go somewhere else!
(1)
David C.

I was here for a group event and we had a great time. Menu is extensive but there is something for everyone. There are daily specials for lunch with themed nightly dinners Monday to Thursday only. Our server was great at getting the orders correct and coming out on time. All who got the crabcakes and crab soup loved their food. If you drink, the drinks are affordable. I could come back here with a group or a date.
(4)
Ty M.

Crab cakes to die for. They are softball sized crab cakes with very little filler. All Crab.
(4)
Dave C.

I do enjoy Timbuktu. It's changed a bit in recent years and they now appear to host some sort of Karaoke event on weekends? Regardless, the sit down meals have always been good and the sheer amount of food you get is incredible. I've also tried their carryout, but it's done in what looks like a convenience / liquor store and standing around for 30 minutes waiting wasn't so great. I'll still go here, if only for the sole reason that they are open past 9/10pm, which is when Gunnings up the street seems to close these days.
(4)
Larry T.

Going to Timbuktu is like going to an unfamiliar foreign country where things don't quite make sense to you but you convince yourself that it's just you because everyone else seems to be enjoying it. First of all, what's with the name? It sounds like somewhere in the Himalayas but it serves an American and seafood menu. Second the place is like a one-stop strip mall but under one roof. There's the main restaurant in front and but go around to the side and there's a Timbuktu lounge, liquor store and carry-out counter. It's like, come for dinner, hang out in the lounge and take a dozen crab cakes home along with a case of beer? I only had the carry-out and did not experience the dining room, but I think the food is basically the same since it comes out of the same shared kitchen. I have mixed feelings about the crab cakes, which is what this place is apparently known for. On the upside they are indeed huge and seem like they weigh one pound each (no kidding!) - a single is more than filling. The crab meat is almost all jumbo lump meat with very little filler and a light egg binder, which is usually a good sign. They apparently ship their crab cakes too if you are that smitten with it. So here's the 'buts'. But the flavor is quite bland and the cakes could definitely benefit from more seasoning (this being Maryland at least throw in some Old Bay). But even though it's jumbo lump meat, it's not the famous local Maryland blue crabs so it kinda makes me wonder where the meat came from. The cakes are huge but they're almost too big for their own good. I got the broiled cakes but the outside doesn't develop much of a crust and the inside tastes eggy like it doesn't cook through because it's so big. But at $16 for a single platter with 2 sides and $26 for a double it's not the cheapest either (sandwiches are slightly less). So it's worth at least a visit, but maybe not more. Call it in beforehand, get the carry-out and take the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am home with you. If you decide you like it, you know where to find it the next night. Probably one of the few places serving crab cakes 'til 10:30pm on a weeknight.
(2)
Lyn P.

Amazing jumbo lump crab cakes. Get them broiled instead of fried. Otherwise, not too impressed by the rest of the food and service was just ok.
(3)
Tim H.

Best crab cake I have ever had and I've had my share of crab cakes. The size of it is big enough to split with someone. A lot of crab and hardly any filler. Their steaks are good too. The seafood platter is also very good.
(4)
Allen B.

This is a decent place to get dinner. It has that kind of hometown local feeling. It's not all modern and hipster. It's more traditional old school seafood type place. They have a great menu and very good pricing. They have daily specials. It was a Thursday and that is the day they do steak specials and it was very good. I ended up having a few drinks with some locals at the bar while watching the first presidential debate. It was a good time. Very friendly and cozy atmosphere. I will return.
(4)
G M.

THE BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT YOU'LL EVER FIND!!!!!!!!! Have you ever made a plan to go out to dinner at a "fantasy Restaurant" then pulled into the parking lot and changed your mind? You may think about doing something like that when you pull into the parking lot at Timbuktu, but just this one time don't use that sixth sense. Go inside and give it a chance, you WILL NOT be disappointed. Timbuktu is most definitely worth its weight in gold. From the outside, you see this older run down looking building, but when you walk into the doors, you'll be concerned that you under dressed. The white cloth tables and fantasy decor will make you feel as though your entering a Restaurant that requires a tie, but you don't. You will not be disappointed. The Restaurant itself is not nearly as important as the creations that they bring out of the kitchen. Like I said above, all I eat is seafood so I have visited just about every establishment in MD and Northern VA at some point in my life. This place is my all time favorite. Crab Cakes as big as a Softball and totally full of Jumbo Lump Crab Meat. I have ordered nearly every item on the menu and have never been disappointed with a SINGLE item. My wife is a very picky eater and even she has has Little to no complaints over the years.] If there is one single Restaurant that I can recommend to any reader out there, it is this one!!!! Go there... NOW... If you like seafood, you will love it. If you don't like seafood, they have plenty of items for you to pick (steak, chicken, pasta...), but if you pass it up, you'll never really now what satisfaction is... My family still lives about 10 minutes from there and I stop there EVERY time I am in the area to get a Crab Cake, even if it just carry out (and the carry out is always busy).
(5)
L S.

Crab cake is all you need! MD crab soup taste too much like veg soup. The fried grouper was tasty. My boys loved the huge smokehouse burger...enough leftover for lunch tomorrow- don't waste your time w/kids menu, thid burger for kids is a better value.
(4)
Cynthia C.

My son and I visited Timbuktu. Thank God for mapquest because it is a hidden secret.We order the loaded potatoe skins, which were dry almost as if they had set for a day. I had the the plate with lobster, crab cake, scallops, and shrimps with mash potatoes, and brocolli. My son had the stuff shrimp, crab cake, filet, and shrimp. Overhaul, they give you alot and it was good. The scallops were a little to undercooked for me, the lobster tasted good, the shrimp were good. the ambience was good it is a huge place and Gary, our waiter was attentive and knowledgeabe. I will return.
(4)
Jody Z.

Amazing Crabcakes. Seriously, who cares about anything else on the menu? The crabcakes are massive with huge chunks and minimal filler. The prices are decent. The interior is very outdated and something hole-in-the-wall-ish, but I usually get take out on my way home from work anyway. Call it in; they're super fast. Bottom line---come here for the crabcakes not the atmosphere and I'm not really sure about anything else on the menu.
(4)
Colin S.

Terrible. There are no windows. The food is average and overpriced. The service is BRUTAL. Would you believe I waited 25 minutes to get my check!? The lady behind me brought her own bottle of mayonnaise. I will only return to the liquor store. Fin.
(1)
Scott R.

the biggest and best crab cake that I have ever had. Friendly staff. one in our party got a steak, that looked really good too.
(4)
Paul F.

I was there a few weeks ago. The food and service were excellent as usual.
(5)
T S.

We really love this place but we dislike the limited menu on holiday's. The crab imperial is the absolute best in the area!!! This is my mom's favorite restaurant ever and she compares EVERY other seafood restaurant to TIMBUKTU! lol I gave them 4 stars because they are a little pricey but I guess you really do get your money's worth. I have yet to see anyone leave without carrying home leftovers.
(4)
Cathy L.

My husband and I love the crab cakes here, and we usually get pleasant service, but I wasn't happy with our server today. It took a long time before anyone greeted us (during which time our apparent server Ann looked at us, took a couple steps toward us and she must have decided she didn't have time to talk to us because she turned right around and disappeared for another 7 minutes). We sat there for about 15 minutes before anyone bothered to come by. When Ann finally did come by her attitude was unpleasant, she must have been in a bad mood because the restaurant surely wasn't busy, it's not like she was in the weeds. For some reason our appetizer and salads were rushed and came out at the same time. My mother and brother were visiting from Boston and although the crab cakes were great I was a little embarrassed to have taken them here due to the service.
(3)
Trae S.

Don't order anything except the broiled crab cakes. They are exceptional. Everything else, from the other entrees, to the side orders, to the ambiance, to the service...it all SUCKS. Can't overstate this. Crabcakes = 5 stars. Everything Else = TOTAL FAIL. No bad experience is causing me to write this review. It's just objectively horrible. Does anyone remember the line from "300" right before Theron rapes the Queen when he says, "This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy this". That basically sums up my take on Timbuktu. The faster you can get in, eat a crab cake and leave...the better off you'll be. You may even want to consider ordering JUST the crab cake. Hold the sides. Seriously...
(4)
James N.

First timer to this restaurant. Went with coworkers after work on a Monday and was one of the first ones there before the dinner on-rush later. On mondays, they apparently have a 2-lobster special for $20 that really draws the crowd in. Seeing how well this restaurant was rated by yelpers i wanted to see if this place was real deal. Decor was nice and appropriate, neither gritty nor swanky; appropriate for the area and price point. Ordered two appetizers--oysters and clams, and the 2-lobster special. I didn't opt for the crab cakes so no review on these this time. Slight issue with drinks as they serve their beers by the bottle with glasses and two of us had recieved glasses that appeared to be dirty and not clean, at which we informed the waiter and he mistakenly said they were finger smudges and replaced them promptly. I'll let that one slide. The oysters were smooth and came with lemon wedges and horseradish. I asked for cut green peppers to add, but they didn't have any so bit of a damper, but didn't diminish the natural taste of the oysters. The clams were salty, but were eased by healthy dose of horseradish. No issues with these and were par for the course. The lobsters came out hot and were healthy looking. They served each dish with a shell cracker, and the tails and meat were cooked well, but not overly tender so don't expect a really tender lobster meat. No seasoning to the lobsters, either. I was full after and the general consensus by the team was that it was a good meal. As 4 stars is par for the course, I dock it a star for the suspect service and the lack of creativity. Verdict: 3 stars 0 stars = don't go there if you're life depended on it. 1 stars = tried it, attempted to eat it, and paid the price for it later 2 stars = tried it, but would not even recommend it your mother 3 stars = tried it, tasted ok and had issues with either service, decor, or food, but would be willing to go back if hungry. 4 stars = par for the course. Taste, price, and decor reasonable for the area for a good meal. 5 stars = excellent for you, your spouse, and anyone of your snobbish foodie friends
(3)
Michael H.

I basically echo much of what has been said in regards to the crabcakes being phenominal and everything else ranging from lackluster to downright atrocious. That said I am still giving it five stars as the crabcakes are that good and the mixed drinks possibly better. Ridiculous pours at excellent prices. I believe a grey goose that essentially is a pint glass full of vodka with a splash of mixer is five or six bucks. Although I feel like the pours are stronger when you are actually sitting at the bar, however I have no definitive proof of this. Also dont sleep on the stuffed oysters. It five oyster shells filled with brolied crabcakes so for like seven dollars more than the twin crabcake platter you are basically getting five crabcakes. The oysters are pretty much irrelevant in this dish.
(5)
Andrey D.

The only good thing I can say about this place is that there is plenty of parking space available. The food was bland: French onion soup had a strong bitter aftertaste to it; crabcakes were too soft with too much filling; scallops were rubbery (the sure sign of overcooking). If you are looking for a better alternative in the neighborhood, drive a few mins further on Coca Cola drive and check out Gunning's.
(2)
Nancy C.

The restaurant itself was pretty retro, I guess I haven't been in a setting like that since I was a kid in the 70's, very banquet-hall-ish, hey, I'm from Hawaii, so that's what it reminded me of, can't explain it? It seemed like we were sitting close quarters to the people around us. My husband was listening to an obnoxiously loud woman at a table talking about her job at NSA. My husband's friend and I tuned her out, it's easy to do when you want to ignore someone invading your chow time but hubby ALWAYS has to have his ears open to his surroundings. He's the type of person who will comment on your conversation if it is in his earshot. He said he was waiting for her to say something classified so he could slam her in front of her parents. Yeah, he's THAT guy. The Asian waiter kept talking to me instead of my husband and his friend, lol. Menu is huge but I knew after reading reviews from yelp and other places that the crab cake was the place to go. Hubby ordered the fried shrimp, can't get any mediocre than that. His friend ordered the clams and I think a steak. He liked my crab cake more. I felt bad and gave him half of my cake. Yes, it's that big. 4 stars on my experience and the delish crab cake. 1 star left out because I emailed them about taking some crab cakes home to Hawaii when I visit in August and haven't heard a thing from them.
(4)
B W.

Not really a "foo-foo" poshy place but you get a great value for your bucks! Some of our fellow business travelers turned down their noses at the place, preferring to spend their per diem on pricier spots, but not us. It's definitely got more of a blue-collar vibe, and that's what I like. If I come from out of town, I want to eat where locals eat so I can talk to them! We went on Monday night, when they had their lobster special: $20 for 2 lobsters and sides. Each lobster about 1.25 lbs. Service was quick. There was a football game going on and the servers were crowded around the kitchen door, listening to the game and giving all the customers updates. Everybody would cheer or boo depending on their sympathies. All in all it was a fun evening and I look forward to coming back.
(4)
chris n.

It was like stepping back a few years with the retro styling (lots of brown) but I still had high hopes. The wait staff was fast and courteous. Had the steak and crab cakes... wow... the steak sucked. I knew it was going to be bad when the waiter brought out a bottle of A1 with them. It had no flavor and I am wondering if the chef knows what he is doing or if it was just a cheap cut. the crab cakes were good, not outstanding.
(2)
Brandima A.

The crab cakes are mounds of lumb crab barely held together by a few crumbs of breading and spices. The Imperial Crab I may go into a food coma for, wake up and do it again. The rich cheesiness is too much delicious for my brain to translate. Downside: pretty much always busy, horrible service, loud customers, but booze is served - just order two at a time. Also a bit hard to find if you don't all ready happen to know where it is.
(5)
Steve K.

The crabcakes are pretty good. They've got some filler and they're backfin meat, but they're tasty and seasoned. Like G&M, the other food besides the crabcakes is subpar. I predicted before eating that the fries would be like G&M's: frozen, mushy, tasteless, unsalted steak fries that were slightly warmed before serving. Bingo. Salad was pretty bad, it came with a sticky raspberry vinaigrette that reminded me of a raspberry syrup for a sundae. Advice to the owners: kill the stuff on the menu you're not good at making. The thing that kind of kills this place for me is that it's got that dated-in-a-very-bad-way feel. I mean, I don't think it's... thoroughly clean. When a restaurant has a slightly foul odor when you walk in and something hangs in the air the entire time you're eating, that is a major turnoff. The camel sign and throwback feel of the outside is kitschy and charming, but the mirrored inside that awaits you after you step through the strange entrance chamber has the feeling of a VFW hall from the 1970's. It feels seedy, and seedy combined with smelly and dark says, "get me out of here!" The crabcakes are tasty but the rest of the experience really takes away from them. Advice to the owners: renovate.
(3)
Jane L.

OMG!! The crab cakes are absolutely delicious!! We went here for my aunt's birthday. We were a group of about 15. We had the appetizer platter. There were shrimp, scallops, ribs, steak and CRAB CAKES. I couldn't get enough of them. There was just enough breading to keep them from falling apart. The service was awesome. They were incredibly attentive and patient.
(5)
Marsh W.

Okay, been there twice now. First time I had the Reuben -- it was okay. Fries were the "steak fries" kind, not as crunchy as I like, but okay. Decor is, as stated in other reviews 70s/80s style. Who cares, I go there to eat but I did expect to see some Sopranos in there. :-p Second trip was big work lunch. I should say, I don't like crab or most seafood, so their signature dish was out for me. I WANTED a gyro but was told I had to go to their takeout window?!? How un-customer-friendly... Anyway, large group meant longish wait. I had the porkchops. Very good. Same fries; chunderhead, when I say "crunchy fries" I don't want chewey. They only get 4 stars because of their wait staff. When we got there, they had containers of cocktail sauce and tartar sauce on the table -- by the time the food got there, the tartar was turning greenish-yellow. When I asked for it be replaced I got argument. Eff that! I don't want food poisoning. From the nwws it seems they have been busted for illegal help -- the ones I saw sure were off the boat.
(4)
L. K.

The broiled crabcakes are awesome with some lemon juice squeezed over it. I believe they offer cocktail sauce as well as tartar sauce, good with either or without. I've never really had crabcakes outside of Timbuktu (I'm a Marylander; yes, shame on me) but my brother says he was never a fan of crabcakes in general because they can be bony. Well, no bones to worry about here. Single is $15.99 and double is $24.99. From the outside, the restaurant looks like a shack, and maybe an ethnic restaurant as its name is Timbuktu and the logo is a giant camel but they serve mostly fresh seafood. Monday night is lobster night, single for $11.99 or double for $19.99. Had it for the first time last week, and the lobster isn't huge but contains a decent amount of meat and is delicious. The butter could have been better. As for sides, the zucchini/vegetable side is not very palatable. Nor the rice pilaf, sort of plain. French fries are huge; they're more like potato wedges. Can't go wrong with a baked potato.
(5)
Dwight D.

There is only one reason to come here it is for the broiled crab cakes. They serve other things but nothing else really measures up. Since I have been coming here over the past couple of years the price of the crabcakes has gone up about a buck a year but I keep coming back. By far these are the best crabcakes I have eaten, very little filler just pure crab meat. This place puts other well known crab cake places to shame. Only 3 stars because all they get rated on is the crabcakes. Pricey and no service to talk about because I carry out.
(3)
Yinka M.

Ok so me & my girls drove all the way from No Va to Hanover, and...meh...not worth all the hype I got the steak & cake platter, which was plenty & I struggled to finish it, so portion sizes are good. The crab cakes were really just ok, Phillips has better. The service was what made me give Timbuktu a 2 star rating. I have never had a waitress ask me where the rest of her tip was before the we had finished dessert & talk about our table loudly as we were exiting
(2)
Frank W.

The broiled crab cakes rock! Ambiance is only 2 stars (why don't you guys have windows?) and same star rating for the service. Get you cakes and get out quickly! (:
(4)
Nanci H.

I recently hosted a reunion in the banquet hall of Timbuktu and I can truly say, this venue was great! To start, there is ample parking! Which is a priority when hosting a big event. By the looks of the outside of the restaurant, you would not imagine that inside a treasure would be found. The hall was set up perfectly with tables, a dance floor and secluded area for the DJ. It was handicapped accessible and very clean. The Banquet Manager was a pleasure to work with. Each time I met and spoke with him we was courteous and helpful. Since I am not from the Maryland area he listened to my needs and concerns and made a few suggestions for my event. The day of the event, he made sure I had absolutely no problems. He was there if I needed him and handle any discrepancy with ease and speed. The food was finger licking good! I had a buffet style menu with ribs (so tender they fell of the bone), baked chicken (perfectly seasoned) and shrimp and scallop diablo (perfect over rice). And who can forget their famous crab balls!! You literally have to taste it to appreciate how amazingly good they are! Words could not describe it. The banquet staff was on top of everything from serving food to cleaning up dirty plates, they were attentive and always willing to help in any kind of way. If you are in the Hanover area you have to take a moment and visit this restaurant, you won't be disappointed in the food or the staff!
(5)
Kelly P.

Terrible, the crab dip tasted like cat food the crab cakes were full of bread stuffing and was just gross. waitress was a dingbat that said everything on the menu was "the best"
(1)
Randy L.

A little difficult to find the entrance to the parking lot. Was surprised at how large the parking lot is, and how large the restaurant is. Nice atmosphere, pretty good wait staff. Reasonable prices. I started with the French Onion Soup, which was very credible. My wife had the Crab Soup. It was very good. I would recommend both. She had the Crab Cakes. They were good. I would recommend them. It was the steak special day, and I ordered the NY strip. It was big, and thick cut--a sizable piece of beef for $15. It was cooked to order. Flavor was good. However, it was tough to me. Maybe I'm spoiled by good ribeyes. My wife's salad was just okay, and had some pieces of lettuce that shouldn't have been served. My mashed potatoes were good. Overall, I'd say that it's a place that I would return to, if I'm out this way.
(4)
Lori D.

Last try for Timbuktu... Grabbed a crab cake sandwich from carry out and it was DISGUSTING!!! The crab cake had a weird cleanser aftertaste. Yuck!!!
(3)
Elen C.

If you want an incredible crab cake with really great fries..this is the place. Its old, its funky, but who cares when all that matters is the crab cake. Big, full of sweet morsels of crab, just enough binder to hold it together. I will be ordering some of these on line as I do not live close.
(5)
Kat T.

Service was less than ok. The lady at the front was great and asked if I wanted to sit in the lounge with the TV's because I was by myself. The server was awful. He seemed annoyed that I was there by myself, and when I went to order, he kept laughing at someone behind me and talking over me. It also has a strange atmosphere to it. I don't know what the main dining room was like, but the lounge was weird. The only reason they are getting 3 starts is because the Crab Imperial was to die for. The sides were awful, baked potato was overcooked and green beans made me want to vomit, but I didn't go there for sides. I went because it was a recommendation of a place to go to get Blue Crab. Oh my god, great flavor, delicious chunks of crab and a very large portion at that. I would recommend going with the expectation of bad service and not order anything other than something the crab.
(3)
Shannon W.

Awesome crab pretzel and broiled crab cakes.
(4)
Nick L.

The atmosphere isn't the best but the crab cakes are awesome! I think a lot of Marylanders would agree this is one of the best crab crakes around! Broiled is the way to go.
(4)
Elysia M.

YUUUMMMMMM!!!!! I am drooling just thinking about this place. WONDERFUL restaurant with AMAZING Seafood. Portions are more than enough, the environment is very inviting and the service is always AMAZING. I HATE that the drive is so far otherwise I'd eat here ALOT more often. Crab cakes are to DIE FOR..the best I've ever had in my life. Stuffed Shrimp is my absolute FAVE! --broiled crab cakes are a MUST! Enjoy!
(5)
Teresa B.

Everyone talks about the crab cakes, so I won't bore you with that. But the STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE, the cheesecake !!!!! Is OFF THE CHAIN. The strawberries are large and fresh in a delicious sweet sauce. The cheesecake itself is whipped into a smooth light texture that melts into your mouth before it gets there. I usually like to eat half of my dessert and the other half later. It was difficult but I did it. I cried when the last morsel was done. Good bye Cheesecake Factory!
(5)
Jacqueline K.

Very bad service. I ordered think lamb chop medium and I got rare. Bathroom ? Stinky and dirty. Will never go back. Our 1st. And last.
(1)
John K.

Sorry to Melissa P. for not being able to eat here with her on her b-day. Excellent Crab Cakes. The other Yelp reviews are correct in that. I got their Steak and Cake which was their New York Strip and a crab cake. The steak was pretty horrible (I would say Sizzler quality), but their crab cake definitely made up for the meal. Also had their fried calamari which is pretty standard (3 star). My favorite sides were the mashed potatoes and their coleslaw (very wet coleslaw). I was looking at other dinners being served and it looks like if you get the fries, they'll give you a heaping pile. I would like to try their ribs sometime, but it is definitely hard not to turn down their crab cakes.
(4)
Deborah H.

The crab cakes are huge and full of lump crab meat but lack seasoning --The crab meat is def out of a can or plastic container from the supplier--not Maryland crab ..the rest of the seafood is very mediocre ..The steaks are very pedestrian with no to very little seasoning.. the chicken is diner style frozen hard over fried .The soups are very good and served hot!! Love the Maryland and creamm of crab soup! Pasta OMG where do I even start . Soo many things wrong on so many levels --under cooked or overcooked . The salads again are diner style not appealing at all..looked as though they were pre made and sitting around..almost a Mcdonalds salad ...there were some appetizers that did look appealing - the seafood combo platters served a silver tray and the calamari looked nicely prepared and was a mountain of tastiness....wouldnt want to try any of the veal or franchaise dishes the sauces looked right out of a powdered mix box....so unattractive :(....overall the menu was too big with little feel to it like a diner menu. Confusion/fusion I call it with no sense of style or direction of any kind....The atmosphere again confusion/fusion dont know what to call it. Wedding hall/diner with tablecloths...dont expect fine dining service .The service is usually very rushed when the restaurant is busy and good luck getting a 2nd drink or adding to your order. The desserts were very large and probaly ordered from the towns diner Attractive with little flavor. The service overall is a crapshoot..depends who you get-- what night it is --how busy they are--how late or early it is..if you go enough you will know what to avoid.. There is a bar- kind of hidden away in the middle of the restaurant.. There is an another front door with a liquor store/carryout located near the so called front of the restaurant..seems busy enough!! It serves items not available on the main dining room menu..subs,pizza, gyros (..and crabcakes of course).. Most of the carryout it worth trying out. The smell is usually masked by the food,,but if you go on a off night there is a foul odor emitting from everywhere..maybe its just the carpets but ewwie!!! Overall I think Timbuktu is a decent restaurant if you know what to order and what to avoid..I know from talking to people its def a love or hate thing right off..many businessman avoid Timbuktu because of the erratic service and reputation for having a gruff attitude..If just swinging by 100 to the mall, a stop for a caryrout crabcake is worth it. As for booking a large party for a Bday or company party I would be very scared for you if its in the main dining room with the general public...Book a private room and say your prayers:) Been through the wringer but still going back for a crabcake!
(2)
Chris T.

I came here to try out their crab cake - which btw is large and filled with crab chunks - but fell in love with their Fresh Calves Liver smothered in Spanish onions... Will definitely be back...
(4)
Quentin B.

Hands down my favorite crab cake. Big fan of the cream of crab soup too and I'm lactose intolerant. A bowl of the soup and a single crab cake platter does me in. The crab cakes are large and fresh. Just enough filler to hold things together. Light herbs to allow the full flavor of the sweet crab come through. Really, just amazing. I always take out of town guests there to show them what a real crab cake is supposed to be like. Atmosphere. I started going years ago so the current version seems fancy to me. Really though, it's like any other average establishment with tablecloths and waiter service. Most importantly, it's clean. Wait staff. I have always been pleased. Friendly and attentive. What more can you ask for. Even when busy the wait has never been unreasonable. Once I went on Mother's Day without reservations and was seated almost immediately (but I think we were just early enough for them to squeeze us in). Basically. GO. You won't be disappointed. If you are, I'll buy your next crab cake of choice.
(5)
Ralph R.

The crab cakes here are awesome. Get them broiled. Either as a sandwich or a platter. The decor and atmosphere are underwhelming, but the crab cakes alone are worth it. Nothing else on the menu comes close.
(4)
Stephanie M.

Last night I officially had the best crab cake ever!!!! EVER!!!! I went with my family and was told that the crab cakes were a must; I got the double crab cake platter which included a side salad and a baked potato. I only managed to eat one of the crab cakes; my boyfriend ate the other one. They are primarily crab, I didn't notice a lot (any) filler, I'm not sure how they keep them together, but they are broiled I believe so maybe that had something to do with it. I ate mine plain, no tarter or anything; it was melt in your mouth delicious. Everything else was great too. Nice server, great atmosphere, the place is huge. I had a bite of my dad's apple pie, it was yummy. I'm going to try and go back next week.
(5)
R T.

The Building itself needs updating in and out. The food was quite good though. The crab cakes are NOT over-rated. I also had the Seafood Diablo which was just okay and not very spicy. I had drinks at the bar and enjoyed myself, the drinks had a nice potency. I will defintely go back and I will urge others to try.
(3)
Leiah B.

Not as good as it used to be. Very disappointed on my birthday.
(2)
Wilford W.

Absolutely the best crab cakes I have ever eaten. I have lived in Georgia since 1978 but I make sure to order their crab cakes sent overnight at least a couple of times a year. When anywhere within 100 miles of the restaurant I make sure I detour to eat there. They were rated the best crab cakes in MD by both the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post. This restaurant is the thing I miss most about MD.
(5)
Kelly K.

5 stars for the crab cakes, the best in Maryland. I've had lots of crab cakes, and nothing comes close to these softball-sized beauties (except at G&M, which are the same owners). Fresh crab, very little filler. The decor is old, the outside a little dodgy, the service similar to a Greek diner, but that's not what you're there for. This place was recommended by a van operator after seeing the sights in DC. We almost didn't go in on the first visit, but after checking with a couple in the parking lot, we gave it a go. We've been there at least 10 times since, always having the crab cakes. Can't comment on any other menu items; always look at the menu and get tempted by other items, but can't pass up the gold. My mother had the stuffed shrimp once: basically shrimp covered with a mound of crab cake!!
(5)
Michelle G.

It would have been more stars if the decor/ambiance is better. They need to update. The hostess was not friendly but our waiter was and polite. Same as other reveiws, def get the broiled crabcakes. It is good.
(3)
Dave F.

Went there tonight. My personal experience is in-line with the other reviews. Crabcakes here are really good, but needed a little extra old bay seasoning, which they provided on the table next to the salt/pepper. (though the old bay is in the same salt shaker and its hard to get out for some reason) I had my crab in the 12.99 crabcake sandwich and i chose fries over coleslaw. Standard steak fries that were boring without old bay. My friend got a crab linguini with mushrooms for 21.99. Came with a terrible hard garlic bread, though it was just a roll with some seasoning on it, not good at all. The pasta itself was good, but the salad was meh. Service was lacking somewhat, only when it came to water refills; otherwise our guy francisco came relatively fast out with the salad and other dishes when they were ready. Decor was nothing impressive and I was shocked that it was as bad as it was, lol, but that doesn't really bother me. Most places are about the food and it was somewhat lacking.
(3)
Monica G.

I love their Crabcakes, shrimp imperial, and stuffed shrimp. The restaurant from the outside could use some remodeling, but my focus is on the food and every time, I have visited, I left there completely satisfied.
(5)
Meg G.

I dined here well over five years ago. Therefore, my sweet, succinct review is only based on the good old times. As everyone else, I loved the crabcakes. That's all I really ever went there for - and the four stars are based on that, and that alone. It reminds me of an "after church" lunch spot, and my only caveat is the setup in the main room. I felt like the table next to me could hear my entire conversation and vice versa. Or, maybe, that's just me being a typical Texan and wanting more space (shrug).
(4)
Tommy W.

We moved to the NoVA area in March and are still exploring. Last week, while at a meeting in Cleveland, a colleague mentioned Timbuktu. Some friends and I are always on a search for the ultimate crab cakes, so I came home and made reservations for Saturday evening. Baltimore is a 90+ minute drive for us, so we were hoping for the best. It was a good thing we had reservations. We arrived a few minutes before 6pm, and it was packed, with LOTS of people waiting. (And some of the same people were still waiting when we left.) We were immediately seated and had a server taking drink orders within 2-3 minutes of being seated. We really didn't bother with the menu. I briefly contemplated a combination platter with crab cakes, shrimp and scallops, but we came for the broiled crab cakes, so that is what we ordered. My partner and I had the crab bisque and our friend had the cream of crab soup. I can't speak for the cream of crab (our friend said it was excellent), but the bisque was hot, filled with crab, and perfectly seasoned. I would go back just for the soup. When the crab cakes came we were all a bit surprised at the size. We had been told they were 8 oz each, but I personally think mine were bigger. They were heavenly -- sweet, soft and bursting with flavor. There was little breading -- they were more mounds of crab as opposed to traditional crab cakes. I actually tried to eat slowly so they would last a long time. In my book, that is the ultimate compliment for a food item -- missing it when it is gone. The crab cakes came with baked potatoes or fries. I had the baked potato, which had been baked to death, but it was edible. We also had a small green salad and rolls. All unremarkable. The stars were the crab cakes. Service was fast, efficient and kept our drink glasses full. Will we be making the 90+ minute drive again? Absolutely!
(5)
HowChow B.

Timbuktu is a place for crab, just crab. People must order something else because Timbuktu fills three large rooms with a full menu, but I didn't see any reason to waver. The bun tasted bland, so I skipped it. The sandwich garnish looked average, so I pushed it aside. I spooned up my crab soup, then just read my newspaper and sliced up the softball-sized crab cake. This is Maryland, so I don't think that I need to describe a broiled crab cake to you. The key here is that Timbuktu's tastes like crab, just crab. Making a crab cake isn't rocket science, but restaurants find it too easy to cheapen theirs with crackers or hide low-flavor meat with mustard and spices. Timbuktu's flavor was sweet and strong. It brought me right back to the final hard shells of 2008 that I had enjoyed a few weeks before.
(3)
Kim S.

Hubby and I finally made it to Timbuktu! So many of my relatives and friends have big-time raves about this place - and for a good reason. The crabcakes are ginormous!! We went on a Saturday at 5pm and the place was packed. I would recommend reservations - yes, they take reservations and I was glad that I had one - we didnt even wait 5 minutes. Our server, Judy, was straight from Georgia. She was very nice but not too attentive - we didnt have anything else to do - so we were very patient. The bread that comes with the salad isnt that great and the cream of crab soup needed more Crab. I had Steak & Cake - my steak was room temp but the crab cake made up for that. Hubby had Stuffed Shrimp - you couldnt even see the shrimp under all that crabmeat Nice date place - it was our 6 year wedding anniversary Make reservations!
(4)
JOE B.

I'm rating this reastaurant for 1 thing and 1 thing only....Crab Cakes. I always order crab cakes to go at this place as I've had some bad serving experiences as well as the others (funny thing is it was the same problems..very long waits) but I really don't see this spot as a dining experience spot. I did make the mistake of ordering the fried oysters once as I had a craving but they were...uum...very bad! There are better tasting crab cakes in the area but this is a CLASSIC Maryland Crab Cake that is on the list of great choices. My Top-5 list would probably go like this1. Windsor Inn (non Marylander's don't really know about this spot) 2. Mo's (perfection but pricey) 3. G&M 4. Timbuktu (Largest in Maryland) 5. Gunnings ..... there are more great Crab Cakes in Maryland I've tasted that are great and some I'm sure I haven't tasted yet but will keep you all updated.
(4)
DA K.

Overratted is the word for this place. Awful and smells. The decor is old and crusty, Food was awful and bland. Ordered a fish sandwich and got the gortons fish patties fried. MY girl food was nasty and bland. Served us some old looking salad. This is the worst place I ever ate at. Straight nasty.
(1)
Ji K.

The prices are creeping up at this place. What used to be great crab cakes for the price are now just average for me. I once tried something other than crab cakes here and never made that mistake again. Only other thing I like here is the onion rings. G&M 10 more minutes north of here has better crab cakes and sides.
(3)
Matthew L.

A premier crabcake location in the Baltimore area. The restaurant is huge. It's always been a great lunch destination for work lunches. It feels spacious. The food is excellent. Aside from the reknowned crab cakes, the Reuben is an excellent sandwich. The wait staff make it feel like you've been coming here for years. Service is quick and wait time is minimal.
(4)
Diallo J.

A hidden gem. Good quality food, and very generous portions for the price. The fried calamari appetizer is big enough to be a meal if you didn't bring a healthy appetite. I had the broiled seafood platter and all the items were tasty, with none of the items disappointing. The atmosphere is subdued, nice for a casual dining experience w/ friend and family. Service was prompt and polite. I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 as nothing was truly exceptional. That said I will not hesitate to go again, and think that Timbuktu represents a very good value...
(4)
Sam L.

Timbuktu's food carries this restaurant. If it were a takeout-only restaurant, I'd probably bump it up to four stars. Like G&M up the road in Linthicum, you go to this place for crab-anything. Cream of crab soup, crabcakes, crab legs, etc. I wouldn't order a burger or a sandwich here, because it's a place you go to specifically for the crabs. Good food, probably one of the best restaurants within spitting distance of Arundel Mills.
(3)
Craig H.

Very dated decor. Service was just okay. Food was traditional and not bad though not cheap either.
(2)
Beau R.

I took a group of 11 people here for dinner tonight to get some of the authentic Maryland crab cake feel. The service was great. Rolando was energetic and very efficiently took care of such a large group. He was attentive (my glass was never empty) and friendly. Surprisingly, he didn't automatically put a gratuity on the check - but I made sure that he got his due. Ronaldo is where my excitement about this restaurant ends. And it makes me feel a little funny as a guy saying another guy is what excites me about a restaurant. The food was good, nothing special. The crab cakes were big and lots of crab, but it didn't give the impression that it was really good crab. I heard reports that the steaks were not warm/hot (surprising for a medium steak, at a steakhouse). The decor was... Um, there was no decor. The walls were wood paneled. That is about all I can remember. They get 3 stars for Ronaldo's service and how they handled such a large party.
(3)
Latise B.

I think my take on Timbuktu is very similar to the other reviewers. The crab cakes here are really good, but not as good as G&M down the road. We usually call for takeout of crab cakes, although occasionally we dine in. This place can get really crowded, but they do take reservations--I suggest you make one. I honestly cannot speak for the rest of the food here, the only thing I've had here is fried shrimp, shrimp cocktail, steamed shrimp, crabcakes and stuffed shrimp, all of which were good. The crab cake is a bit bready, but definitely has nice large pieces of lump crabmeat. Definitely worth a try and at a steal of a price. My family down in Atlanta always makes sure to get a crab cake from Timbuktu and G&M when they are in Maryland. I think the cream of crab soup here is just ok. The best I've ever had is at a restaurant called Sunset in Glen Burnie, and I would only rate the soup here as 2 stars below. Don't get me wrong--its good, but by good I mean just a step above average. If you are close, I would suggest doing carryout and getting a crabcake. If you are travelling, make a reservation. The service is average, but it feels a bit "rushed" in there. Its a bit dark with the "feel" of elegance, but the reality is Timbuktu isn't all that fancy of a restaurant--although it does try to be.
(4)
K E.

I can only speak to the carry out as I've only eaten inside once. The crab cake sandwiches and pizzas are PHENOMENAL. The wait is not long either for carry out- usually around 20 minutes depending on what you order.
(5)
Apostle S.

My wife and I went here for the first time and the food was awesome! She got the seafood diablo and I got the crab cake. Understand that seafood borders on a religion here in Baltimore and both dishes were outstanding. For those who can't eat shellfish, I tried the corn chowder which was similarly amazing. So in short, the service and food were both outstanding.
(5)
Carina d.

Timbuktu is great for crab cakes, and crab cakes only. I've only been there for lunch, and their crab cake sandwich ($13) is HUGE and tasty. Jumbo lump crab meat was piled high atop my sandwich bun, and there was little filler. On a side note, the decor is definitely dated, but you can't beat these crab cakes for their value!
(4)
Kathy N.

Cream of crab soup & the crab cake sandwich were good, ordered the 2 lobster dinner & it was like rubber & not remotely warm, sent it back and they brought another one exactly the same. It was either sitting to long or they tried reheating it & it tasted terrible. Service was poor to say the least & the waiter carried the claw crackers in his pocket, don't particularly want utensils from someones pants pocket. Would never go back, even if it were free.
(1)
Curtis B.

Best Crab Cakes in Maryland! This is the best place to go for fine seafood dining and to taste the best that Maryland has to offer. It has a very relaxed environment and excellent service. Good for intimate meals or if you're entertaining a large crowd. I highly recommend this for seafood lovers or for those visiting Maryland/DC Metro area.
(5)
Cedric C.

I've been going back and forth on how to rate Timbuktu. If we were rating on crab cakes and cream of crab cake soup they would be 5 stars and nothing lower. HOWEVER, if you rate on the quality of other items on the menu, I would give them negative stars if all possible. The crab cakes are the best I have ever had, but I'm warning you DO NOT ORDER ANYTHING ELSE ON THE MENU OTHER THAN THE CRAB CAKES AND CREAM OF CRAB SOUP! The rest of the food at this place is horrible, I mean horrible. I have even seen them ruin chicken fingers. How does one ruin chicken fingers? The crab cakes are large and has very little filler, the cream of crab cake soup is very tasty and their fries are good, but nothing special. Not to sound like a broken record, but don't order anything else on the menu. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!
(2)
Chef ms Andrea R.

the Absolute BEST crabcake!! The takeout side is very fast and thorough. Really worth the stop to get a broiled crabcake-egg based mixture all crab not much filler excellent texture. Also they are pretty large in size so getting a double crabcake platter is some healthy eating. Ive driven from Jersey to eat some crabcakes for dinner!
(5)
Kenneth Y.

I came here for a dinner with my family. I had heard about this restaurant from friends and co-workers and was willing to give this place a go. As soon as we entered the restaurant, we saw that the decor needed work on and it gave off an old person vibe. I felt underdressed in khakis and a nice polo. As for the food, we stuck with seafood, their forte according to what I've heard. We had calamari, seafood diablo, crabcakes, shrimp scampi, and a bowl of mussels. I was not disappointed. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, the calamari was soft and tender, and the crabcakes were huge and had little or no filler from what I tasted. The price was a little more than what I would have liked to pay, but it was definitely worth it. Definitely one of the best seafood restaurants this side of Maryland.
(4)
B F.

Awesome place... now live on the west coast, so its the place to go for crab cakes in the Columbia area!! Love it !!
(4)
Maryrose S.

The ambience and service were okay. You can definitely do better in that respect. It reminded me of Red Lobster in terms of environment. But this was my 4th day in Maryland. I had crab cakes every day I was there (thank goodness for allergy medicine), but Timbuktu had some of the best crab cakes around. Definitely order that. The cream of crab soup was excellent. I had to take spoonfuls from my cousin since I ordered the Marylyand crab. Definitely go with the Cream of Crab. The crab cakes are meaty and HUGE. I ordered the Jewels of the Sea which came with one crab cake. It was more than enough. Very enjoyable all around. The scallops were cooked to perfection. The shrimp was a little over done. The crab cake was excellent. Make reservations if you can. It was pretty crowded when we got there.
(4)
Stef T.

What can I say about Timbuktu that hasn't already been said? Get the crab cakes. I don't usually like crab cakes, but hey, I was in Maryland, so I decided to give it a shot. They're divine (huge chunks of crab, hardly any filler) but everything else about Timbuktu is just okay. The atmosphere...yikes. It really is like a big cafeteria. Huge, loud, and always packed, so make a reservation. I was in town for 2 days on business and this place had been recommended, so we stopped in for Lobster Night on Monday. We got there around 6 and they were already out of lobster - not surprising since they practically give it away on Mondays. I had the steak and crab cake, and wished I'd gotten two crab cakes instead - so I got two cakes from the carryout the next day. The other posters are right - broiled is better than fried, but fried is still damn good. So GET THE CRAB CAKES. Seriously.
(4)
Chery S.

Definitely the place to go for crabcakes. I went for lunch and ordered the crabcake sandwich but ended up eating the crabcake alone, sans sandwich fixings. It's heavy and filling enough to serve as a main dish, at least for me. For an appetizer I ordered the seafood stuffed mushrooms which were also quite delicious. A good place to eat, our service was really good as well.
(4)
Tom C.

What an utter disappointment our latest visit to Timbuktu turned out to be. We'd eaten there before and found the place adequate but unremarkable. Last night's visit changed all that. Our party of eight was seated promptly (thankfully we had reservations) in the crowded and cramped dining room. Our waiter (Nick) did his job getting cocktails and taking orders. Then came the Timbuktu surprise! I ordered the veal cordon bleu since I hadn't enjoyed the dish in some time. My order arrived, looking absolutely delicious, what with the white sauce, the mushrooms, et al. I anxiously cut into the tender package to find it was stuffed with plenty of ham and cheese, and it tasted JUST LIKE CHICKEN! Wow! By golly, it WAS chicken! I flagged down the waiter and informed him that my veal tasted like chicken. He smiled condescendingly, but the smile faded quickly when he realized I wasn't making a joke. He asked me if I 'really' wanted the veal, then took away the chicken with a promise to make it right. While the rest of the party were enjoying their crab cakes etc., I anxiously awaited the return of Nick and my veal. After about 10 minutes Nick appeared, telling me that they were out of veal and they "just snuck the chicken in on you." Then he gave me a sort of blank stare, finally asking if there was anything else I'd like to order. I declined. I spoke to the manager about the incident (including Nick's cavalier attitude), only to find that he had basically the same cavalier responses. He didn't seem to be bothered by anything that happened. As I looked around the crowded dining room I realized that he really didn't care about one dissatisfied customer. Just before I left Timbuktu I spoke with the couple seated next to our table. They had placed their orders at about the same time we had, and were still waiting to be served as we were finished and leaving. They were not pleased. I hope they didn't expect any satisfaction from Nick or the manager. If so, they were probably very disappointed.
(1)
Chow N.

Love the no frills carryout section. The double crabcake platter is a must.
(5)
Brandy K.

I consider myself a crab cake connoisseur--and this place is hands down one of the best places around. Scoured lots of places trying to find the best crab cake, and nothing compares to Timbuktu. Large portion and no filler. We typically get carry out--yes, the corner store set up is a little odd, but don't let that deter you. You won't be dissapointed!
(5)
Margaret L.

I don't care that I got hives!! Each itchy plateau was worth every friggin' huge bite of crab. Service was awesome, we were seated immediately, and the cream of crab soup was heavenly. The crab cakes are best broiled instead of fried. Not too much or too little of anything, just a really good even mix. One cake is as big as my open hand. So now I know I'm allergic to dungeness AND blue crab. But I'm not allergic to rock crab claws or lobster or shirmp.... It was so yummy I'd go back again, fever and hives and all. Then back at home I can go into a fevered sleep induced by benadryl happily dreaming of crabs. Mmm...scratch scratch...mmmm.....
(5)
Maxfactor C.

I really wanted to like this Restaurant...Im not sure why. I have been three times now over the past 4 years and I am still not impressed. I dont plan on going back. This time had the crab cake and my friend had the steak. Overall the price was about 40 bucks. The crabcake was good and the rest was bland. I had the mash potatoes and broccoli and the mashed potatoes were not homemade they tasted like they were out of the box and the broccoli was steamed in water and nothing else. The steak that my friend had was warm not like it was fresh off the grill and it was just ok. It was a T-bone! Any way the waiter was also nothing to be desired. He seemed in a rush and really seem to have no desire to speak other than to take your order and move on to the next guest. I dont plan on going back ever. I will stick with Red Sky!
(2)
S B.

Went here for my Birthday and most of us had the special of the day which was two 1 1.2 pound lobsters and the trimmings. It was great. Although the decor is from the 1960's and it reminds me of a Lounge more than a restaurant; who care what the furniture is like when they serve food like they do. One person in the group order flounder and they received 4, yes 4, filets that were so large she could only eat 2. The crab cakes were delicious and had almost no filler. The lobsters were delicious and could have had 2 more if we hadnt had the appetizers and going to have desert. For an appetizer we had the sampler which had crabballs, riblets, scallops, shrimp, beef tips adn an assortment of olives and feta cheese. OMG this was so good could have had this for dinner. Since I had my niece and nephew with me I thought I would be nice to get them a special drink so I ordered them a Shirley Temple and it came in a glass the same size as the ice tea......about 24 ounces. Needless to say the kids were very happy especially since the waitress put in about 6 cherries in each glass. For desert the kids had the brownie and ice cream and they said it was the best. They cut the the brownies into 1/2 and the brownies were big, think and dark choc fudge with walnuts. The waitress was so nice especially to the kids. The crab was great and like I said no filler to mention, the lobster was OOOOHHHHH so good, the flounder was plentiful and had great fresh taste. We did have someone who ordered steak and he said it was very very good but th crab cake was better. The sides were ok nothing special but there was enough cole slaw in one bowl to feed 3 people and enough fries on one plate to feed at least 3 people. So yes you get a ton of great food at a reasonable price and if you come away hungry its your fault!!!
(5)
Wendy S.

i started off with some oysters on the half shell, i wouldn't recommend these because they weren't as ice cold as oyster should be served. they were fresh, just not cold enough! the cream of crab soup was excellent, it would have been a tiny bit better if the temp of the soup were a lil bit hotter though. i wouldn't get the vegetable crab soup, its just OK. i got the broiled crabcakes as my entree, i ordered single because their crabcakes are HUGE! lots of crab and not a lot of filler (bread crumbs and whatever else they put in them). its not a fancy place, but a great place to get great crabcakes!
(4)
Andrew K.

Huge restaurant, I wasn't really feeling the wood paneled walls but that's not what I came for. There is a lounge and bar area and then several rooms for dining. I got the ribs and crabcake combo which was really good. I highly recommend getting any combo with the crabcake which is a good deal or get the double crabcake platter and make sure it's broiled. The crabcakes are pretty big and it doesn't have too much filler so I really liked it. The ribs were also pretty good, not the best but the combo of ribs and crabcake was really good. The stuffed shrimp is also a really good option and this comes with 3 crabcakes stuffed with shrimp and this is a really good choice too. The crabcakes were a little smaller than just getting a single or double crabcake but it's about the same price and tastes the same but also has shrimp inside. The sides were not that good and I would avoid the coleslaw or potato salad. The french fries were ok but I would come for the crabcakes.
(4)
H C.

Really good crab cakes!!! Sides are sub-standard. Service was good. Decor was as expected.
(3)
Josh T.

Really good crabcakes, really lousy service. Lousy service being a trend in and around the BWI area. They won't do separate checks, which really sucks when you are with a large group... especially when they claim to cater to large groups. Oh well.
(3)
francine s.

If you want some crabcakes, you come here to gert them. This place has the BEST crabcakes that you could ever find. Before coming to TImbuktu, I never even liked crabcakes until I came here. A definite must try!
(5)
Paul J.

If you come to Timbuktu, you HAVE to get the crab cakes. They are the best in the area and are the size of softballs. Best in the area.
(5)
Cynthia L.

I love this place. It's so hard not to name drop and compare G&M here. Both have about the same side dishes and the same size crab cakes (huge crab cakes with large chunks of meat). I get the two crabcakes (broiled) with a side of apple sauce (its actually really paired well with crabcakes), and a cup of soup and you are golden. I've never tried anything else here, but the crab cakes here generally imo tend to have less filler, better taste and tender crabmeat. Decent service, clean place, but a tad farther and out of the way for me. Totally worth the trip if you're trying to taste a totally "MD" thing or have family in town.
(5)
Marko G.

Food is a 5, service 4, and ambiance a 3. Best crab cakes ever.
(5)
Jeffrey K.

What a great place. A friend of mine took me here before a flight out of BWI and I will say they have the biggest crab cakes I have ever had. I actually had some trouble finishing it. The outside is nothing to write home about and the inside will looks a bit dated but the service was really good and you will have no trouble finding the crab in their crab cakes. Th price was not bad so I am going to give it a bump up to four stars.
(4)
Alexandra P.

Good place to grab jumbo crab crakes... They do have a lot more bread in them than i would like. Go straight to Carry-out, the wait to sit down is normally 30-45 minutes, Wait staff is great! Bar is always crowded, just a good ole hole in the wall type place to eat some pretty good seafood!
(3)
Kathy C.

Wow, there are some real good, generous-sized broiled crab cakes at Timbuktu. The outside looks very ghetto. Then you walk inside and it's a whole new world: a fancy and upscale feel. The service is great. The menu is huge. The free bread is mediocre. The cream of crab soup is SO GOOD. They didn't really have fat-free salad dressings available. Fresh, raw oysters were pretty good. This is a good place for a date or a celebration. I'd come again for crab cakes.
(4)
Jim G.

From the reviews, I had the impression that this was a little hole-in-the-wall place but it's a huge restaurant. The crab cakes were fabulous. They may have other things on the menu but I'll never eat them because the crab cakes are FABULOUS.
(5)
Jason R.

Why I see all these good reviews about this place- I will never know. Trust me, I am not one of those restaurant snobs that is even slightly hard to please... but the food there is nasty. It's basically diner food, served in a wannabe nicer atmosphere. The crab cakes ARE NOT good. As working 19 years in the restaurant business, I know they use the cheap imported Thailand/Indonesian blue swimming crab (5 bucks a can by the case for jumbo lump)- not to be confused with Maryland blue crabs. Nothing wrong exactly, but the flavor of this crab is skunky, muddy and has that wild gamey flavor. Drown it with old bay to make it go away. The crab cake was mushy and had uncooked rawness in the middle. The sides included with the dinner were terrible. I tried this place 3 times, because I don't judge places immediately, knowing how things can go in a restaurant.
(1)
Young P.

I revisited this restaurant while I was nearby on a business trip. I was craving for good crab cakes. Since I arrived there pretty late, i went to carry out area. I've ordered the crab cake sandwich. Crab cake was good but not as good as I remembered. Oh well. I will have to try the main dining area next time I'm in the neighborhood. Food - 3.0 Service - 3.0 Ambiance - 2.0
(3)
Erik G.

Terrible reservation process - had to stand around for 45 minutes even though we reserved it 2 days before. Food was OK - I had a Reuben. Not going back.
(2)
Courtney C.

Well, this was our Saturday night pick for our weekly new restaurant. We had a reservation, but they weren't that busy. They sat us in the lounge area, which kind of sucked (request the dinning room when you make a reservation). Our waitress was def rough around the edges, but nothing extreme. We started with the MD crab soup. It was good, nothing amazing, but healthy and I would order it again. Like a typical Marylander, it could have used more Old Bay! We also both decided on the crab cakes platter after reading all the great reviews on yelp! The salad was small, but the dressing was good. The rolls were soft and warm. There was no green veggie selection (major negative for someone like me) but we got apple sauce and it was what we expected. Now, the crab cakes come out! They were huge and neither of us could finish our meal....even though I gave it my all. The size and the amount of crab is what makes these so good. We both thought they lacked spice and flavor, but I would still order them again. My fiance wasn't as thrilled with his. I love making crab cakes at home, but its such a pain. These were well worth the price and all of the lump crab meat put a big smile on my face. There was a line out the door as we were leaving....with very full bellies.
(4)
Cher H.

I love this place. I have only had the deviled crab, crab cakes and baby back ribs and they were all very good. I came with a group on a Saturday even though we had reservations (and were on time) and the wait was still very long; almost 2 hours. I think this was right after the "situation" so they must have been hurting for staff. But the food was worth the wait.
(4)
Jeff C.

This is one of the nicer places you can get a crabcake. Decor better than Obrycki's and any other crabhouse. It actually is a real restaurant with extensive seafood and non-seafood menu. While I don't know how it was when the former famous chef was there, I was told to stick to the crabcake. Server was very prompt and extremely professional. I had half dozen raw oysters which were very fresh with no fishy/shellfish taste. The cream of crab was decent (not too salty), with small pieces (not chunks) of crabs. I would say it's in the middle of the road. The bread was warm. The crabcake was huge, bigger than Gunnings. It had a good flavor, with a balanced mix of stuffing to keep it moist and crab meat to make it taste so good. Yes, one needs only one crabcake when ordered with sides....at least for me. While Gunnings had higher proportion of crabmeat, the resultant crabcake was a bit on the dry part. Well, it tasted good but I wonder whether they put MSG in it cause I am getting that ol' familiar feeling again....mmm... MSG or no MSG, it's still one of the better crabcakes I've had.
(4)
Steve W.

OK, I am truly on a mission to try all the great crab cakes in Maryland. I'll drive a couple of hours to sample one if I've heard it's "Great". Luckily, Timbuktu isn't too far away. I have been there many times and I have always had the same thing... broiled crab cake, fries, cole slaw. Why? Because it's delicious! The portions are large and you will not leave hungry. The fries are cut long and wide and fried to perfection. The slaw is chopped fine and is almost all cabbage with a little carrot. It looks bland but it is sweet and crisp and wonderful. The crab cakes??? My wife and had were there today and it was her first visit. She loved the crab cake. Order it broiled (BTW, never order it fried here, it pales in comparison to the broiled one) and it arrives hot and beautifully golden. Excellent seasoning that adds to the flavor of the crab but does not overwhelm it makes it a winner. Did I mention that it is a very large cake? I would guess about 7 ounces. It could use a few more jumbo lumps and that would bump it up another notch but you will not be disappointed with one of these babies. The Mrs. and I both rated it an 8 on our 10 point scale. Next time I go I promise I will try something different, or maybe not. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very casual. It has several dinning areas and a nice lounge.
(3)
Mike W.

I think g&m is slightly better based only on a little bit more variety in the sides dishes. And is it a crab cake place. Though the crab cakes taste about the same I didn't feel like that should be what their claim to fame is.
(4)
Tracie P.

When I visit my parents and ask for regional food, this is where we go..... Its a bit of a dive atmostphere but I still remember the broiled fish seafood platter I had here... And when my parents send us crab cakes, they buy the good stuff here.
(4)
Grace C.

You come to Timbuktu for one reason -- the crab cakes. Don't get anything else (my friend who got the steak and crab cake regretted the steak part). I don't like too much random stuff in my crab cake, so I LOVE that the crab cakes here are almost completely just crab! Yes, reservations are important, especially if you have more than 2 people. Generally, I received pretty good service there from the waiters and busboys. The ambiance is kind-of like the cafeteria kind (if you're from the South, it's like Luby's) -- not too fancy, but not shabby either. It's a huge place, kinda noisy because of all the large parties there. But it's all worth it just for those damn good crab cakes!!
(4)
Jay M.

Pretty darn good overall. Great crabcakes and my NY Strip was done perfectly. Worth the 9 mile drive from my house. Some of us got dessert and those were nice also.
(4)
Anne A.

Five star crab cakes in a two star atmosphere. I would rather go to a crab shack than a place trying to be fancy. Very nice waitstaff but the place was not really clean and the musack was loud. White table clothes but a musty smell. Lunch was over 50 dollars for three and one off us just had an appetizer. He had the fried calamari and a cup of soup. The calamari was too much for one for lunch.
(3)
Alex T.

Great Crab Cakes. . . large lump pieces of crab meat. . . most places I've been too fill it up with bread crumbs or fillers. . Timbuktu's crab cakes are mostly crab meat as it should be. The decor is like a throw back . . . outdated but the food is great =)
(4)
Heather M.

We drive in from Fairfax Virginia to dine at Timbuktu's. We made our second trip last night and although it was good it was not as good as our first trip a year ago. My husband and another gentelman at the table ordered the stuffed lobetr tail, the lobster was over cooked. But oohhhh those crabcakes, they were worth the drive. Make sure to get them broiled not fried. The fried cakes have more breading. The broiled cakes are mounds of lump crab meat with hardly any filler. They do take reservations and I would highy recommend them, the place was packed.
(5)
Port D.

Fried seafood. I'd recommend the crab cakes without the sandwich, as the bread is soggy wonder bread. There are better places for seafood, such as the real crab houses, around.
(3)
Marcia W.

I was very pleasantly surprised at the this little joint. The outside appearance does nothing for the good quality and service at this place. I've gone on 3 separate occasions and was impressed each time. The greeters are cheerful as well as the wait staff. I've never had to wait for a table although I've seen a few people waiting in the lobby a couple times. (They might have had large parties). The menu is so extensive! From buffalo wings to high-end seafood selections. The vast selection of drinks was impressive too. I ONLY order the Crab Imperial when I go. It is THE BEST thing I've ever eaten in my life! If you love crabs like I do, you HAVE to try this dish. It's a HUGE mound of lump crab meat, coated in the most delectable sauce. I swear, it's about 5 lbs. of meat! It comes with 2 tasty sides and rolls, all for a measely $25. Unbelievable. This dish could easily go for $50 or more and would still be worth it. I always have to take part of my meal home because they give you so much. Everytime I go, I choose a different specialty drink which have all been good. The service is prompt and cordial. This is my go to place everytime I visit MD.
(5)
Doug W.

Not very good, average at best. Slow service, very outdated atmosphere, wobbly table, average steak, overcooked. About the only good thing I can say is a lot of meat for your money.
(2)
JADE N.

Not a fancy place at all. Looks like a cheap hotel banquet hall. Service for some reason is slow even though when we went there it was pretty empty. The rolls were out of the bag. We had the mussels for an appetizer, which were okay. However, what saved this place is the broiled crab cakes. They are large and full of meat. I could only eat one and had to take the other home. The next day I couldn't finish the second one. Delish!
(3)
Guy S.

The crab cakes are awesome! Big with lots of crab and not much filler. The atmosphere is ... eclectic ... to say the least. It's kind of dark and maze like inside with an attached liquor store (why? I don't know) selling lotto tickets and other necessary items. The service is good in a Mel's Diner kind of way. I swear our server said "kiss my grits" (in a two pack a day voice) at least once. As she slammed plates around. She didn't so much provide conscientious service, she more scared you into liking her waitressing skills. Weird atmosphere and interesting service aside the place is always packed, so make a reservation if you plan on going. The crab cakes are worth it!
(4)
blowfly x.

okay, let's see. DON'T EAT HERE!!! Man, that was some of the worst food I've had in a long time. here's the list: Cream of crab soup - tasted like CHICKEN. did they use CHICKEN STOCK in it?! Lobster - tasted horrible, and had a thick texture - overdone. Scallops, shrimp - tasted okay but also that bad thick texture. Crab cakes - pretty good, but weird taste on top. Near the end of the meal, which wasn't long since I didn't eat much of it, I tasted the drawn "butter." OMG it was horrible. What WAS that crap? It wasn't butter, I assure you. It tasted like that gross butter-flavored oil they put on popcorn at movie theateres, but even worse, if you can imagine that. I dipped my finger in it and tasted it - I don't know what it was, honestly. I even asked the waiter - he said it's butter, and that they buy it in big slabs. Okay, what butter is sold in big slabs? It ruined the taste of everything it was in. Or was it RANCID?! Are they serving food coated with RANCID BUTTER? And all the seafood was overcooked and heavy. The only thing that was even okay was the crab cakes. How do people screw up seafood? All you have to do is get some seafood and cook it lightly in a little QUALITY, non-rancid butter. That's it! How hard is that? We had been been on our way to Mo's Wharf in Baltimore, whose crab cakes are a million times better. Still pissed at myself for changing THAT plan - why did I take a dinner referral from my tax guy? Run! I'm not kidding. What a waste of money - to add insult to injury, it was expensive. Honestly, I feel traumatized. I guess we should have sent it back but it was one of those dinners where you keep eating because you're trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with the food. UPDATE: I tried wiping off my leftovers (scallops, shrimp) to get rid of the "butter" - I don't give up easily - now the food tasted normal. So that means either the "butter" is low-quality crap, or it was rancid. Charming.
(1)
Michael A.

The best way I can encapsulate the kind of experience we had at Timbuktu is to say that it was recommended to us by some crazy man my brother works with who wears a calculator watch and Z-coil, Inspector Gadget shoes. This place is an EMBARRASEMENT to restaurants everywhere and is especially embarrasing to the residents of Maryland who tout it as one of the better places to go for crab. We braved past the cafeteria-style decor with the vinyl chairs and into the menu where we were greeted by a hot-pink menu insert stating that "Oysters are no longer being served due to hygenic reasons." We figured that ordering something fried or broiled at this place probably wouldn't kill us. Of course we ordered the crab but we were unimpressed by the huge, double-fistful mound of low quality crab encased in some type of congealed creamy gunk. My steak looked like the insole of Army boot. The ketchup was brown. NO KIDDING, BROWN. We sent it back for another bottle of slightly less brown ketchup. I did, however, like how they artfully arranged my platter of french fries so the burned, nasty one was at the top. The service is nonexistent. We waited 60 minutes to be served this drek. This was the most horrid food experience I have ever had. I wish I could give this place a negative star. Not for the substandard food and nonexistent waitstaff, but because EACH MEAL IN THIS PLACE COSTS $25+ !! I can't believe we stayed. I'm equally amazed that now, 24 hours out, I am not in some hospital emergency room somewhere seeking medical attention. F* this place. Eat out of a dumpster anywhere else it the world rather than eat at Timbuktu. Well . . . you probably don't want to eat out of the dumpster at Timbuktu because you're likely to run into the chef scratching his head, looking for ideas on how to turn garbage into $30/plate.
(1)
Myla K.

Had a group of 6 with reservations for 7PM. Seated at 7:45. A few apologies. Ordered seafood platter. All was good- but the shrimp was very chlorinated in flavor- two people ordered the sauted soft shell crab. The waiter put in their order wrong, so they were not served at the same time. When their food came out- it was FRIED soft shell crab. The waiter was questioned & brought a menu which said SAUTED in Butter. The waiter said "it always came out like that (fried) and no one complained before". Our people complained- it was NOT what they wanted. The attitude was basically- too bad. When the bill came- the manager was summoned. His attitude was-too bad" the menu is old, we'll change it some day- you ate it (they waited longer than anyone, we were seated late, as it was, and they were hungry cause nothing was done when it was served). We feel that they need to SERVE WHAT IS ON THE MENU or WARN THE CLIENTELE it will be different when ordering. Watch out for "BAIT" and switch.
(2)
tracey s.

This is the same as G&M b/c its the same owner! YEAH! Another good crab cake place! I still think G&M is better though...
(4)
Jim C.

I have been here several times while in the area on business. This is not the fanciest place in the world but a decent restaurant. You have to get the crabcakes, they are out of this world. Creamy, full of crab and just enough breadcrumbs to bind it together. A colleague of mine has had the filet mignon several times and states that it is excellent.
(4)
NoCal N.

Best Crab Cakes in town period. The service is a bit supspect, however the crab cakes, mussles and prime rib are worth the wait. I would stay away from the clams and potatoe salad. Local atmosphere, suspect service, absolute the best crab cakes in town. Large lumps, great taste and a fantastic taste experience.
(5)
Grace B.

The best crab cakes and excellent service too!! It was our first visit there with our family from the West Coast. Come hungry and you'll be very satisfied!
(5)
Trish J.

It's in the middle of nowhere MD. You walk in confused because you know you're coming for the crab cake but there are pictures of camels everywhere. Once you pass the hostess stand it get's more confusing. You almost feel like you're in a renovated Asian restaurant. There are multiple sections to this really big establishment. Once you get passed the decor, you can focus on the menu (it's got a lot of typos). But ok, on to the reason why you're there, the crab cake. HOLY AMAZING! I ordered just one and it was all I could eat. It was huge and so tasty. Perfectly prepared to fall apart in your mouth. The service was also good. I loved the food but wish it all made sense on the inside.
(4)
Christine L.

Since it's right around the corner, decided to give the place a try. Now we know why its always packed. Went on a Monday or whichever day has the lobster special, and the wait was decent. Their service was horrible. It took our waitress forever to come take our order, then literally waited almost 2 hours for our food. We got in round 7pm, sat down by 7:30pm.. we didn't get our food till after 9pm. Tables next to us, and behind us sat down later than us, but all recieved their food well before we did. We tried to flag down our server, but she was nowhere in sight. Was able to get another waiters attention only to be told he'll try to check for us (he never came back). Our food eventually arrived. Lobster was good; crab cakes were huge and delicious; kids spaghetti was delish too! 3 stars for each satisfying dish. Minus 1 star for service. And 1 more for our waitress who gave us our check WITH our food. We didn't wait 2 hours just to be rushed to leave. Terrible. Will be back for the food, but won't expect much from service.
(3)
Frank S.

Ok, I'm giving this one a three just because I like crabcakes. The service tonight was horrible. They sat us and someone came to give us our water. Literally 20 minutes later someone came over and said did anyone take your order. We informed them that no one came over. The server said let me try to figure out who will be serving you all tonight. That's totally unacceptable. The crabcakes were decent but not great. The fries were hot. The others had the crabcake sandwich. Some had tomatoes and some didn't. Some of the sandwiches had lettuce and others didn't. Where is the consistency????
(3)
Tutti S.

Oh wow. I'm a tad bit disappointed, Timbuktu used to be my go to place for crab cakes whenever I'm in town. On this occasion the cakes were overdone and dry. Plus, tiny baked potatoes. Certainly nothing super special overall. Because of good past experirnces, I'll definitely give them another try on my next visit to MD before taking them off of my rotation.
(3)
Christina G.

The only thing I've had is the jumbo lump crab cake. I've had it 5 times plus ordered it fedex to my house frozen. It's amazing. Better than homemade. Omg. Best. Crabcake. Ever.
(4)
Karen T.

Today our party of six enjoyed a stellar meal with exquisite care and attention to detail provided by server Kathlyn! Each of us ordered a different item from the generous selection of menu items, i.e., lamb chops, steak, ribs, crab cakes, grilled shrimp, salads, soups and various sides and desserts, wine, beer - they even have Guiness Extra Stout! We were blown away by every aspect of the meal which included Kathlyn's exceptional expertise and professionalism and warmth! The preparation, and presentation of our meals was only exceeded by its deliciousness. We agreed it had been a long, long time since we experienced, anywhere, such a fabulous meal! Two members of our party had been here many times and it was the first time for the other four in our party. This restaurant now has gained four additional loyal patrons!
(5)
April S.

It was not busy when we went. We were pleasantly greeted at the door and seated. We ordered two bowls of cream of crab soup. The soup tasted like it came out of a can. Nothing to write home about. I ordered the fried trio, which consisted of a crab cake, shrimp and scallops. The crab cake was decent. Would have preferred jumbo lump crab meat for the price if my plate ($28). Scallops and shrimp were in. The batter did not have any flavor. I also got mashed potatoes and zucchini as sides. The potatoes were over whipped. The zucchini was delicious. My boyfriend got the broiled platter, which consisted of a crab cake, oyster, scallops, fish and shrimp. His sides were coleslaw and mashed potatoes. He was not impressed at all. He said for $30 he should have been wow'd. He said he could have gotten better or equivalent from a carry out. The coleslaw was shredded too finely and had no bite. KFC coleslaw is better. Our server was awesome. When we left the greeters were on their phones texting. I guess they got our money and felt no need to thank us for giving them close to $100 for a mediocre meal.
(3)
Rejena C.

Timbuktu is one of my family's favorite restaurants to go to when I come back home for a visit. It's right near BWI airport/Amtrak station and is a great seafood restaurant. The service there is very good; the servers are always extremely friendly and attentive. The wait for food is usually on the longer side, but you know it's worth the wait when your food is served fresh and delicious. They are most well known for their crab cakes, which my family raves about. However, as someone who does not really like crab, I've gotten the opportunity to try out some of their other exquisite dishes. I don't have a strong taste for seafoods because it's usually too strong for me, so as an introduction meal I tried their lobster ravioli. AMAZING! Didn't taste harsh at all and I devoured the whole thing. Last visit there, I had the salmon - probably the best cooked salmon I've ever eaten. Their steak fries are also great. As for dessert, my brother won't leave the restaurant without taking home his favorite bread pudding. Love this place :)
(4)
A'Chere K.

I went to the carryout side which was inside of a liquor store. I guess that isn't a bad thing if you want to get a bottle of wine to go with your food. The wait was a little long, but it was worth it. We got steamed shrimp and crab cakes. All I can say is Wow! The shrimp were big. They could have had a bit more old bay on them, but they were still great. The crab cakes were AMAZING. All crab and hardly any filler in them. Just big juicy pieces of crab. I would definitely go back
(4)
jon l.

I have mixed experiences at this restaurant. The dining area is surprisingly nice and not usually too loud. The service is also pretty good. The food can be hit or miss. The crab cakes are quite large and tasty and the crab soup was delicious. If you are going for these two things you will probably be pleased. I had the seafood Diablo recently and it did not have much seasoning to it and the rice was bland. The shrimp they used in this dish were not cleaned/deveined. The deserts are not that great and drink refills were slow. On this visit, meals came out cold too.
(3)
Diana S.

Just in and out of Maryland in 24 hours I just had to get in a blue crab cake. Since I wasn't in the downtown area I has to ask around where to find a good blue crab cake and a colleague recommended this place. Located right off the hey, this vintage looking restaurant had some character. The outside is basic, nothing showy shiny...just a tinted glass door that brings you to a weird empty space to another glass door where you then get greeted by the server and brought to a very dim lit windowless cavern. Creepy but intimate? The menu is extensive serving everything from soups to deserts, meats, pasta etc. We started off with the calamari which was crispy on the outside and soft inside but I felt was lacking a bit of spice I usually like. But with a little tarter sauce and lemon it helped bring out the flavors. My friend got a soup but didn't like it and the waitress was kind enough to take it off our check since he didn't really eat it. Such an observant wait staff! I order the crab cake special (one) with a baked potato and broccoli. I have to say, this was one tasty and HUGE crab cake! It was almost the size of my palm. It was baked and had this buttery flavor and it was not over seasoned or dry. No sauce necessary. My friend got a seafood Alfredo pasta and it was delicious! The scallops, shrimp and pieces of crab mixed in this sweet and creamy sauce on a bed of pasta. I could just drink the sauce up all by itself. Beyond the look of the place, the food is decent especially for this non local gal. I'd go back for a crab cake here.m
(4)
Jessica B.

A friend and I came one Friday night for dinner and overall, the experience was good. The service was a little slow but it was a Friday night and it was crowded so I understand (they even had karaoke). My friend ordered the Maryland crab soup as an appetizer and said it was delicious. For our entrÃ©es, my friend ordered the crab cakes fried (2) and I ordered the blackened Mahi Mahi. The crab cake barely had any filler and it was so good, the Mahi Mahi was delicious, I recommend getting it blackened--it had a nice spicy flavor. So, this place loses a star for their side options--they only have one type of vegetable which is their vegetable du jour but they have four ways you could have potato (potato salad, French fries, whipped and baked). Really?! All in all, I was pleased with my meal and I would come back.
(4)
Lisa W.

I'm from out of town ... but omg this is the best crab cakes I have ever had!!!! I had the seafood plate and it was amazing!!! Get the crab cakes, you won't regret it.
(5)
Rae M.

Overrated! I was dragged here a couple of times and I don't understand the fascination with this place. It's a big restaurant that looks like a warehouse from the outside. Sure, the portion sizes that they serve are huge, but I prefer quality over quantity, so I wasn't impressed. I've experienced wonderful service when I have gone and the wait time has been little to none, but I'm just not a fan of their food. I had a few Italian dishes and they were just mediocre. The people I've dined with always gets the seafood platters and they seem to enjoy it. I've tasted some of their food and it was just okay. I have family that swears by this place, but if I'm going to drive 30 minutes plus to get to a restaurant, the food has to be excellent. Just an "okay" spot in my opinion.
(3)
Carolyn C.

Negative stars.. I would advise anyone and everyone even my worst enemy to never come here. I worked here when I was younger and only lasted a day as a hostess. They encouraged me to be a server "because of my looks" and due to their creepiness I peaced-out so effing fast. I actually ran home that day (I live down the street), hoping that the Mexican employees that were annoying me (to say the least) wouldn't follow me. That should say enough... The employees who work here are gross, so GROSS! Gross enough that I wouldn't want them making my food (most of them had dirty fingernails and drank alcohol outside the restaurant doors in the back, you could even see them drinking while driving on Dorsey road). They used to live in the awful frayed, rotten and decaying house next door; however, it was torn down (most likely due to the investigation). The owner served time in jail due to harboring illegal employees who worked/lived there! He was sentenced to four months in prison and four months home detention with electronic monitoring, followed by two years of supervised release, for harboring for private financial gain and commercial advantage at least 24 unauthorized alien employees of Timbuktu and his other restaurant. The 2010 investigation was led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Look it up: ice.gov/news/releases/owâ€¦ . ENOUGH SAID. My family has not returned, ever. When we hear people talk about it we advise them to go somewhere else.
(1)
S F.

The fries were good. Thank goodness, because of the 9 of us, the only good thing we had to say about the place was the fries were good. 8 people ordered crab cakes and 1 person ordered a roast beef sandwich. 6 people ordered fries and 3 people ordered cole slaw. An hour's wait for lunch, dirty tablecloth, non-existent service, but the fries were good.
(1)
Sheila L.

Get the crab cakes. That's all you need!
(4)
Funmi O.

Absolutely will NEVER go back here to eat again!! Went in for lunch today and there were flies everywhere and landing on the food. Our server was horrible!!! He was rude, never checked on us and when I told him about the flies and to speak the manager, he was ambivalent!! When the manager came to our table and we told him the situation, he validated why there were and abundance of flies in there and barely apologized!! He did nothing to change our bill and walked away!! Unacceptable!!! Timbuktu will NEVER get another penny from me!!!!
(1)
Jennifer B.

We ate here for a coworker"s going away party. This place has an interesting atmosphere as there are no windows in the dining area. For se reason it reminds me of a casino how it feels kinda like you're closed in. Overall though our experience was good. The service was good and I had a steak salad which was quite large and I enjoyed what I could finish. Two of my coworkers had crab cake sandwiches which they said were one of the best they've ever had.
(4)
Randy S.

Growing up on the shores of the Chesapeake, members of my family were seafood restaurant owners for many years. I grew up eating steamed hard crabs every Sunday and a steady diet of Maryland seafood for most of my youth. I had great expectations for these crab cakes since I had heard so many rave about them. Honestly, nice pieces of lump crab meat comprise these cakes but I found them to be very bland. I ordered online for the overnight delivery from Maryland to Las Vegas, NV. They come to you uncooked, ready to prepare but I recommend adding a touch of finely minced green pepper, pimento, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, pepper, melted butter and of course a nice amount of Old Bay seasoning, which seemed surprisingly absent from these cakes. Luckily I only cooked one before serving them to guests so I was able to taste them first. They were a hit once I corrected the recipe. But $145 for 6 crab cakes with shipping and I have to re-prepare the mixture myself is not a something I will do again.
(3)
SoCal F.

This place can be a bit pricey but their food is amazing. It was recommended to me as the best place to get a crab cake in the area and possibly even all of Baltimore; I might agree. It's at least a tie with any other high-end place. The sides are great as well. One tip: try to give this place a shot during an off-hour, it'll cut down on the crowds that can be huge. Here's a good test of place: drive by on a Friday night, observe the rather large parking lot filled to capacity for only Timbuktu; come back later when lot is empty and enjoy the great food!
(4)
Rashida C.

This was a restaurant that my friend suggested to me and how she described it was exactly what it was Ok. Yes I'm from out of town. I'm not familiar with the whole crab cake thing. But I have eaten food allot and their food was Ok. The crab cake was excellent it was the only thing I ate. I got the crab cake sandwich which came with fries. Simple enough. It took our waiter about 20 mins to take our simple order. The bus boys were waddling around eating food from plates where people had left their fries. WTH? After waiting for a long time finally our food came. Yay! The crab cake was great the fries were awful..ketchup couldn't help them. The bread the sandwich came on was cold and boring. The lettuce was old stale iceberg. I got an end piece of a tomato on my sandwich... Very appetizing (ugh). After eating just the crab cake(and discarding the rest) our waiter advised us that he can't split the check he can take numerous payments. We gave him 2 cards and a $20. Our waiter asked how am I supposed to do this which resulted in my friend calculating the total for him to charge us. Seriously. If I visit again will just get it to go with a bottle of wine. This way we can toast the bread and use our own lettuce.
(2)
Kris L.

This basically reminded me of another G&M: local flavors, famous for the crabcake, and the ambience was very Baltimore. However, Timbuktu was nowhere near as crowded and the service was much much better. I ordered the jewel of the sea which featured a lobster tail(mini), shrimp, scallops, and their "famous" crabcake. I thought the shrimp and lobster were a touch overcooked but the scallops were spot on and delicious (everything was drenched in butter but hey, it was tasty). The crabcake itself was the size of a softball and broiled (that's the maryland way!) Due to it's size, the outside was cooked perfectly but the inside was sort of a soggy mush. The flavors were decent and it was mostly crab, not filler. Overall, glad I stopped in but will not likely be frequenting this place for crab cakes.
(3)
Erica M.

Large meaty crab cakes and huge lasagna! My parents and I came here in August last year. It was actually very easy to find. Although the outer appearance of this restaurant is slightly bland, don't let this scare you off. The inner-decor was very red...very dark and felt a bit antique, and the food was just as classical. The lasagna had a good meat-to-sauce-to-pasta ratio and was extremely filling! However we all know you don't come here for lasagna! I only ordered it because my parents were both ordering the crab cakes! The crab cakes here are huge and filled with fresh large chunks of crab meat. The crab mustard (the crab fat that makes the cake a bit bitter) wasn't overpowering, so if you don't like the bitterness in your crab cakes, coming here would be the best bet! I really enjoyed eating these crab cakes, and simply ordering one crab cake sandwich would fill you up! Although there are many complaints about the service, I didn't feel like they were extremely lacking, but I do agree they aren't much help.. Don't come here when you are in a rush because they aren't always the fastest. There wasn't much of a wait for the food or to get seated, but I remember waiting a longer time to get our check and pay.
(3)
Beth A.

Tonight was the second time I have been here and not at all disappointed! They have by far the best crab cakes I have ever had. The appetizers are delicious as well. We had the crab pretzel and seasoned crab meat on Toasted Italian bread..so good. My son also had a bowl of cream of crab, the amount of grab meat was beyond generous. I recommend this place 100%. My son attends UMBC and I live outside of the Philadelphia area.
(5)
Kim M.

Awesome spot to stop! A classic actually. The crab cake sandwich is great if your into that. You can take clients here and they love it. Can't even tell its next to a liquor store unless you yelp.
(4)
Gail R.

This was my 2nd time going to this restaurant. My first was too long ago to remember and I do not think I was Yelping then...I am now. It was a group of us and we decided to do dinner on the weekend celebrating a big day for someone. A reservation was made, but all in the party had to be there for us to be seated. Lesson learned, but the good thing was that we did not have to wait too long even though dinner time on the weekend brings in a lot of folks. As we were seated, someone in our group had mentioned that there were so many empty seats available, but yet so many folks were waiting in the wait area. I chimed in and said that maybe they were waiting on their own group of folks to be seated. However, it did not take long before all those seats were filled...it was dinner time. We had a great waitress who took our orders...a few of us had appetizers, like me, who had a cup of Cream of Crab Soup. It was quite delicious and I enjoyed it. Next up, our entrees - interesting was that no one in our party had their crab cakes which most folks have there. Instead we had ribs, fish, pasta, and seafood. I had the Seafood Alfredo which I decided to try only because I love the Crab Alfredo at Red Lobster...not the same, but similar, or so I thought. The Seafood Alfredo was served in their own Alfredo Sauce and it also came with a House Salad (or Ceasar Salad) and Garlic Bread. The salad was good and I had dressing with it. The Seafood Alfredo was swimming in a lot of sauce and did not look pleasing to the eye, when served, but that was minor. I ate some, but left a lot of it on my plate. Others at the table experienced more bigger issues like their food being a bit lukewarm and another said their ribs were dry and not falling off the bone. Some of the folks in our group who had been there before, said that maybe the chef was different, because the food was much better the last time they were there. Some decided to have dessert and we were informed that some items on the dessert menu were not being served (like the Baklava), while some were being served but not on the menu (like the CrÃ¨me Brulee). I know, it sounds confusing, but our waitress knew her stuff and we still had a good time at the restaurant overall. The extra star is for her service. Tip: Parking is free Great for groups, but if you come with a group, all have to be there in order to be seated
(3)
Puneet M.

Some of the BEST crab cakes I have ever had!! So when you visit or live in MD, you need to try crab cakes, well look no further than Timbuktu! Crazy name but crazy good crab cakes! Note: the take out is much better not because of the food but because the ambience and service in the sit down section is mediocre at best. So I usually get take out. So grab your chicken necks and head to the shore we are crabbing tonight!
(4)
Sherri G.

Amazes me that this place is still as packed as it has always been. Perhaps it's because the restaurant is a local establishment and it's been here ever since I can remember. The food hasn't changed much. The servers aren't exactly experts in the food choices and they aren't very friendly. They seem rushed.
(2)
Maggie G.

Food: 3 stars Service: 3 stars Both my boyfriend and I got the crab cake special ($15) and unfortunately the flavor and the way it was prepared just didn't work for us :-( Visiting Maryland, I had done my homework and I was so excited to try this place after seeing all the positive reviews (which is why I might have came in with high expectations), but the crab cakes were luke warm in the middle and quite heavy after going thru half the cake. The buns were alright, fries were little above mediocre. I suggest sharing the special and ordering something different to switch it up. Ambience, like Yelpers have reviewed, is very "maryland", dark and unassuming, but relaxed and welcoming. Service did not catch my attention, he just served our food, it was timely.
(3)
S V.

Everything was average. Decor was eh, most food were okay, and environment seemed alright. The only great things I can say were their crab cakes and customer service.
(3)
Sylvia B.

I got nothing but love for you. Timbuktu. I still think they have the best crab cakes with lump meat and no fillers. Well I'm sure they used something to hold them together and whatever they used definitely works for me! Let's start by saying i was craving crabmeat for sometime now because i loveeee crabs and crab cakes. So tonight after the movies i went for it. If you're going to do it then i say go for it! So i ordered the jewels of the sea. Which consists of all my favorites. You get 1 petite lobster tail. Which was very meaty. A large Crab cake which had so much meat in it my mouth was watering just watching it. Man it was good! 3 jumbo shrimp and 3 or 4 jumbo scallops. And 2 choice of sides. I was freaking so happy. Couldn't even eat it all. So you would definitely have something leftover for later Yeyyy . I did the carryout which is connected to the liquor store. Also if you call your order in they will have it ready for you when you arrive. I'm going to do that next time because even for carryout this place was pretty busy and this is the weekend of course. I have dined in before but wanted this to go. Anyway i love you Timbuktu. Also it is a little on the pricey side but for what i got it was so worth it. Everything was tasteful and do yourself a favor and get it broiled it tastes much better than fried and is much better for you :)
(5)
Alyssa M.

I have been going here for years for the crab cake. The crab cakes are large and seasoned perfectly. It is all crab... barely any fillers... just enough to keep the crab together... YUMMM. However,I do think the carry out has better food than the sit down part. Different cooks. My fiancee did not want to try the crab cakes as he is from the midwest and use to the crab cakes full of fillers. so he opted out of getting a crab cake. I encouraged him however,he decided to get a philly and gyro. Glad he did. I had never had anything but a crab cake from this place. The philly was delicious and so was the gyro. This place is great. I have had two bad experience at the sit down part of this restaurant where the crab cakes SUCKED but I have never had a bad experience at the take out. Stay away from the sit down and you will be in for a treat. My plan of action: order at the take out then devour the food in the car. Note: this should only be done behind tinted windows.
(5)
Latoya P.

I treated my fiance to a birthday dinner on Friday night. I made a reservation for 8 P.M. when we arrived we were greeted and asked our names, and then took to our awaiting table. The hostess who sat us noticed that I was cold, and suggested she move us to the lounge area were is was a little warmer. We moved to the lounge and our waitress came to the table immediately, and took our drink orders. Once we placed our orders we were served, and stuffed by 8:43. This was the best experience ever and the food was amazing. I ordered the cake and ribs and he had the cake and steak and everything came out hot and just as we ordered it. The crab cakes have little to NOOOO filler and they are amazing..The portion sizes are huge and worth every penny we paid for it. We usually come here twice a year and I can't wait for our next visit..
(5)
Miss R.

This is my spot! Give me 2 broiled crabcakes and call me one happy lady! (you just better not ask me for a bite...) I have been coming here for years and I have never had a bad meal here. The fried crabcakes are good too, but it's just something about those broiled ones... I had an excellent chicken parm here too. (It the only time I didn't order my beloved crab cakes. Blame it on a hangover in Martha's Vineyard after a New England clam bake. Long story... just know that I didn't eat seafood for a LONG time after that night) I'm not really crazy about the decor (what's up with the dark and drab thing? I've seen funeral homes with more flair!), so I usually get mine to-go. You can order in the back of the liquor store next door, which is attached to the restaurant. This place has the legendary Maryland crabcakes that you've been hearing about. Come get you some! (Just get there before I do, because I definitely plan on getting a few extra to go!)
(4)
Ty J.

Valentine's Day dinner! Well I'm glad we made reservations because as usual the place was busy and crowded. We drove in a snow storm thinking it would be less crowded...it wasn't! We got seated within 10 minutes of arrival and they quickly accommodated my request to be moved to a new table away from the door. Our server took a a bit of time to greet us but apologized and was pretty attentive after that. The restaurant had a special menu for the night which narrowed down the menu items but still offered plenty of options. I ordered the Steak and Cake and my boyfriend ordered the Broiled Seafood Platter. Their crab cakes never disappoint, huge with large pieces of lump crab and minimal filler. Now for my dislikes, my steak was cooked as I requested but it wasn't hot when it arrived to the table and it wasn't really seasoned. Their options for sides was very limited, I ended up with a baked potato and broccoli both were good. My boyfriend had coleslaw and mashed potatoes. Coleslaw was not a bad choice! The dessert menu was varied with a lot of options and they offered a special specifically for the night. We decided not to go for dessert because we were full!!! In general dinner was nice and we had a very good time.
(4)
MoevsMakenzie T.

Came here on VDay with hubby, bestie & her hubby.... The wait was not long because we had a reservation! But it was Very crowded! Plenty of parking! The inside was OK nothing to rave about! The food was good, drinks was strong, & big servings! Bill can add up quickly & they add 18% tip in on check! The waiter was attentive & we had a good time! If I could I would give 3 1/2
(4)
Tami F.

Not sure what's going on at Timbuktu, but apparently, it's on a steady decline. This place used to have excellent food and everybody knew it. It was always a packed house and a minimum 30-minute wait. We went there a couple weeks ago, and at 6:45 p.m. on a Friday evening, we were seated immediately in a near-empty dining room. I should have known then that something was wrong. Our server was nice. She forgot our cream of crab soup but no biggie. We also had appetizers and our meals were coming too. We get through the appetizers with no drama. I ordered the same thing I always get when I go to Timbuktu - the crab-stuffed lobster tail. Seems like it's always increasing in price each time too. It's now almost $45 for that meal, so I expected perfection. I was wrong! I cut down the middle of my crab cake, and it was RAW! The insides just oozed right out. Our server said "Yeah, that's a little too wet huh?" and took it back right away. She returned and said they made me a new one, but really they just re-cooked the one I had. I know because the crab cake was done, but the lobster tail was so tough I couldn't even eat it. I'd read a previous review from a young lady who worked there. If any of what she's saying is true, I really hope the manager takes note of it. The energy and atmosphere in Timbuktu is just awful...and it's coming through the quality of the food as well. And the bathroom was filthy. You know what they say about restaurants: Dirty bathroom = dirty kitchen. This place is no longer one that I think of when I'm in the mood for a good crab cake. The thrill is gone!
(2)
Denise C.

The food was amazing. The server Charles was horrible and also had the nerve to ask for a tip. Even though the food was great I will not come back because of bad service.
(2)
Wendy G.

I went here a couple weeks ago. My first time in Maryland so I wanted to try the crab cakes. And it came out raw!!!! Also we had the worst service! Our waitress was so rude. The best part about this and the reason why I'm giving it 2 stars was that the water guy constantly filled our waters and was on point.
(2)
LMarie C.

Crab cakes....I only come here for crab cakes. As many times as I have been here, I always get crab cakes. The crab cakes are very filling and full of crab meat. Yummy! The sides are quite bland but the French fries are good. The cream of crab soup is also good. The decor is dreadful...honestly, the place is dim and everything feels old and smells old... Get a crab cake to go!
(3)
Gi W.

For service 3 stars .......mediocre seafood, got the jewels of the sea and it had everything on the platter but wasn't that fresh.... Lobster dry flavorless crab cake well being from the south I may not be a good judge of crabcakes but I definitely had better the best thing was the salad and I tried the soup for appetizer it was ok also...... Just was hoping for better !! :(
(3)
Altha W.

My crab cake was actually delicious but Kathleen the server got bothered because I asked her to not reach over us at the table as she passed the food-- simply ask the guest to pass the food. Soooooo rude, and after that she didn't come back to check on the table....I had to ask the manager to get us refills. Kathleen may be a great s3rver, a bit pushy with her suggestive food techniques but today she was childish and unprofessional. Hopefully my next visit will be better!
(1)
Tony H.

The best crab cakes and ole bay you can ask for. Their crab cake are more like crab STEAKS!!
(5)
Rod N.

Went there a number of years ago, there was a roach in my coleslaw. Never went back since.... Enough said.
(1)
Jasmine T.

I'll start this review off by stating that I am a huge fan of Timbuktu's food. By far, I feel they have the best crab cakes in the DC/MD/VA area, and can only be remotely touched by Blue Dolphin in Gambrills. I've also tried a few of their other seafood dishes including the Chicken Chesapeake, Stuffed Shrimp and Baked Crab Imperial - all which were hearty sizes and served piping hot. However, there are few times when I've come here as a part of a large group. Usually, my family visits Timbuktu on Mother's Day and receives great service; but I have noticed that when I come with a smaller party or during a time that isn't quite so busy we've received meals at room temperature. I'm not sure if this is a staffing issue, or not - but the food has always been delicious. The staff is very accommodating if there's a problem. The one thing I really wish they would change is the format of the "holiday" meal seatings. Even though you can make a reservation ahead of time, you still have to wait in a long line in order to be seated. The last time we went, there were several elderly people in our party and very few chairs where they could sit. It was a warm wait outside in the parking lot line, and very hot while waiting in the lobby due to the volume of people. You'd think they'd figure out a way to better handle the crowds by now. Despite the unfortunately long wait, we still enjoyed our meal. We also appreciated that the air conditioning pumping on the lower level. I look forward to going back when during a non-holiday!
(4)
Paulette P.

I went for lunch ordered the steak and cake. Steak was overcooked not seasoned enough. Mashed potatoes were bland. Crabcake was great! Didn't care for the Arnold Palmer. Kathleen was nice . It wasn't my best experience there.
(4)
John H.

I've been here now about 5 times and usually do crab cake on salad with some fries. Great crab cake every time and they have awesome fries...
(4)
JD G.

I've been to Baltimore several times and have never had the famous Maryland Crab Cakes so when I asked around, someone recommended Timbuktu. Now, for a quick Geography lesson, Timbuktu is an ancient city located in Mali, a landlocked country, that is 500 miles from the nearest ocean. Needless to say, I was a little confused as to why I'd go visit a restaurant named Timbuktu to try my first Maryland Crab Cake. I have to say, I was impressed. The restaurant itself is nothing to rave about as it has no windows and looks like a hospital cafeteria, which was off-putting at first. The food, though, is pretty good and the service is wonderful. I ordered two crab cakes, which are HUGE!! If I went back, I'd only order one because its much cheaper and I wasn't able to eat it all...but I also ordered the Mac n Cheese and Potato salad and both were great! I also tried one of their smoothies (PiÃ±a Colada) and it was pretty great! My partner ordered the greek salad and loved it, but his only complaint is that the olives in it still had the pits, which is a little silly I think if they're in a salad. As for the service, it was great...from the time we were greeted at the front to the time we left, everyone was so friendly and the server we had made plenty of suggestions as to what we should try. Overall, I'd be back here in a heartbeat...the only reason I gave 4 stars is that the restaurant itself looks pretty ugly and could really use a makeover.
(4)
Kimberly A.

Dated rugs and atmosphere but that is what gives this place its charm. Service was timely, friendly and helpful. Portions were huge and we each came home with a take home box. Broiled scallops were awesome and could only eat five of the 10. The stuffed mushrooms were also huge n yummy(; I will be back for sure;)
(5)
EM W.

Love the Crab Cakes and the Stuffed Shrimp. All Jumbo Lump Crab Meat. I came all the way down from New York City. I was indeed worth the drive and the wait.
(5)
Charisse S.

Great food and great service! Calamari, Crab Bomb, and King Cut Prime Rib! Delishiosis!!!!!! We will be back in addition to telling our friends and family!
(5)
Art C.

I come all the way from Virginia to eat crab cakes here. I can't find anyone within 75 miles that can do it better!
(5)
Jeri T.

I haven't eaten in a lot of area restaurants but I feel this one was mediocre to good. It had that diner feel with a steak/seafood menu. The lunch menu is identical to the dinner menu as far as I could tell which was disappointing. Cream of crab soup was floury and crab cake on my sandwich was loose-liquidy on the inside. Not bad but not a comeback until I visit other places first.
(3)
Rummy V.

Food and service is amazing but I'm not a big fan of the prices raising. This place was doing great they did not need to raise prices. Also there is a huge difference between dining in and picking up....if you can dine in! When your picking up you are basically picking up food from a gas station like setting.
(4)
Alex Y.

Good food, Awesome crab cake. We went there for a lunch. We ordered crab cakes, steak, and pasta dishes. They are turned out great. My steak cooks just right. And the service is good. The only complain is about the hostess, she seems to be a bit confused about my reservation. But it is okay, we got sit right away once all of us shown up.
(4)
Lauren H.

I found this place incredibly interesting... It was simultaneously pleasant and distasteful. My dining partner and I had a little fun waiting for our meal by outlining how we'd improve. First, the name and desert imagery (camels, sand colored building, pyramid lighting) implies an Arab/North African menu. Not here. Camels mean BBQ specials and crab cakes. There were three doors all easily seen and accessible from their massive parking lot. As visitors to the area, we had no idea what door was for the main restaurant. Turns out it's the one with the stairs going up. A sign, awning, nice welcome mat, or any visual direction at all would be helpful. The decor is fine for what I think it's main purpose is-banquets and catering. Just dim the lights for us regular diners and provide some ambience! It will help take away from lack of art or personality on the wood panel walls. Bring a sweater for this place; it's fairly chilly. Crab cakes: as amazing and crabby as everyone says! You MUST have one. Lobster tail is a different story... That came with the jewels of the sea entrÃ©e and it was left with the plate. It was tough, dry, and not worthy to stand next to the crab cake or tender scallops. I prefer Dijon mustard with it as the "drawn butter" tasted like used vegetable oil. Sick. Our server was helpful and attentive so I don't want to take away from her excellent service. HOWEVER, tables don't need a narration of your every move, or 6 visits to ask if everything is okay. "Is everything okay here?...I'll refill your water...I'll be right back with some butter...Is everything okay here?" There was also an extremely loud server at the other table who was completely distracting. I think the bright lights in the restaurant and lack of background music has created a sound vacuum that people there need to occupy with noise. The whole experience overshadowed the tasty crab crakes and makes this place a solid 2 stars.
(2)
Molly H.

This place used to be great. Something has happened and I'm not sure what but the past 3 or 4 times the crab cakes have been not so good. I've probably been here 15 times in my life and I only order 1 thing. The past few times they weren't cooked right (were underdone and pretty much raw in the middle) and tasted funny. While the crab meat is cooked, the egg and whatever else they use to bind the meat together is not. Either way, they lost their touch. Different chef, low quality ingredients? I don't know. It's a shame because I used to love their crab cakes. Try somewhere else though.
(1)
K S.

The funny thing is that I have not been to the restaurant yet. However, my husband and in-laws went this weekend to an anniversary party there and they brought back some of the food for me. I am so glad they did! The crab cakes were the BEST I have ever had! I loved them! Not only were they seasoned well and almost all crab meat, HALF of one filled me up! I ate the second half for lunch the next day. I can't wait to go to the restaurant myself and try something else. I thoroughly enjoyed the strawberry shortcake leftovers as well. I will make certain to order the crab cakes when I come (heard the crab soup was just OK). Timbuktu - you will see me soon!
(5)
Andrew S.

I stumbled on Timbuktu while looking for a different place that was closed. The parking lot was pretty full so I figured let's give it a try. I grabbed a seat at the bar. Turned out to be a good choice. Lisa, the sole bartender was a real pro (and very attractive). She immediately recognized I was a newbie and made some suggestions and then let me take my time deciding. I ended up with the Maryland Crab Soup and the Crab Stuffed Shrimp (Lisa's recommendation). My two sides - fries and cole slaw. The soup was good, but not great. But good enough to order again. The Stuffed Shrimp was VERY VERY good. It was basically 3 large shrimp, each covered with a crab cake. It was almost too much food. The crab cake was exactly what we all want - lots of lump crab meat, only enough filer to bind it, subtle seasoning as to not overpower the crab taste, and just a slight crisping on the top. Really, one of the best crab cakes I've had. The sides were good but nothing special. The fries were the steak fries variety and the slaw was a fine chop with a slight vinegar base to it. While I was eating I noticed that Lisa was greeting the regulars like they were old friends. She knew their usual orders. Before I left she asked if I was a local or visiting. I told her I was in town for a week. She rattled off the specials for the rest of the week. I usually don't do multiple visits when I travel but I think I'll be back at least once or twice this week. I would have given this place 4 stars, but Lisa was worth the extra star. Having many clients in the restaurant business I know how valuable a star employee can be. Whatever they are paying her isn't enough.
(5)
Jim B.

Old fashioned, straight-up continental, with a particular focus on seafood. Great crab and oysters. The oysters Rockefeller is a perfect mix of spinach and oyster. There's no over-powering bacon or cheese to overshadow the oyster. Don't be surprised if you leave feeling comfortable and happy and like this review understated the work of the kitchen. It's not fancy. It's not complicated. But, it's solidly cooked with good portions and fresh ingredients.
(3)
Penni L.

The crab cakes are excellent! They are a nice size, full crabmeat and very little filler. The sides (string beans and coleslaw) were plentiful and very well seasoned. The service was quick and the staff was very professional.
(3)
Vanessa P.

This family friendly restaurant is labeled Italian and while I'm sure they don't disappoint please do yourself a favor and order the crab cake! There is a reason you can overnight ship them. They are unlike any crab cake you've had before and could ruin your outlook on all future crab cakes (and I'm sorry). The service is also amazing! We had a large Italian group of 16 (or small group..I was there by marriage) and our waiter Francisco was on the ball! No glass (water, wine, soda) was empty and we were all served our meals together. Sometimes large groups have a straggler or only a few people get their meals at once...then again most of our group got the crab cakes so that may have helped. Although I have only been here twice (but coming from Las Vegas, NV has to count for something) I enjoy this gem of a place. They decor is comfortable, but not fancy. Good for kids, families & groups. Fairly priced (crab cake w/ 2 sides runs about $20). The bar/lounge has good pours and staff is friendly and helpful.
(5)
Nikki V.

This was our first time visiting this restaurant. It seems to be located in the middle of no where as we went at night. So it was pretty dark around this area. The staff was great, although our waiter had to many tables. It took her awhile to check on us. We had to signal her more times then she came to the table on her own just to check on the table. The food was great. Crabcakes seem to be the best. The mac and cheese looked good but tasted auuuuh.... bad. It just didn't have something or anything in it. I won't get that again. The restaurant itself is nice and the bar area is tight. We will try to come back but auuh no mac and cheese.
(3)
Jerome W.

My group has eaten there numerous times, and this review covers the last of three visits over the last six months. Previous visits have been three stars, but this party of nine at 6 PM was sorely disappointed with food quality and atmosphere. Mixed drinks before dinner were variable: a Manhattan was good, while three diners received Margaritas that were decidedly sour and missing Tequila. Deep-fried Calamari appetizer was delicious, warm, and fresh; the Marinara sauce was a good accompaniment. An appetizer Greek salad was good. The two-star rating, which is unpredicted by previous visits, is due to a dried-out, tough, flavorless lobster tail entree. Another flavorless entree was the flounder in a stuffed-flounder dish. The Crab-Cakes, and the Crab stuffing the Flounder was, as we have come to expect, PERFECT. Lesson learned, we will emphasize purchasing CRAB when we visit Timbuktu. On previous visits I would have granted Timbuktu a three-star rating for the Crab, service, ambience, and parking, and their choice of seating us in a quiet dining area. This time, our party of nine was seated in the TV lounge area, with patrons wandering about behind us, watching the TV's on the wall in front of us, and cheering the progress of the sports teams being telecast.
(2)
Tom R.

The crab cakes are delicious, big and priced accordingly (not bad). The service could have been better but overall good lunch!
(4)
Nicole H.

I've been here for dine-in and carry out. Neither are terribly impressive in my opinion. The crabcake is pretty good. Great...? Not really, but it's a solid Maryland staple. The sides are very mediocre, and the cream of crab leaves a lot to be desired. Unfortunately the nightly specials are only for dine-in so if you are in a hurry, forget about it. Settling for Timbuktu now that Gunning's is closed is ok though. Just don't order the cream of crab.
(3)
Mitchell S.

On my last night in Baltimore this week I decided on having a steak. The clerk at the hotel where I am staying recomended I go here. "Good food and it is close". She was right. I ordered the Cream of Crab soup and while it tended to be more salty than I prefer, it was still best of the similarly named soups I have tasted in the area. I had the petite filet. At 8 oz it was more than I wanted and still the smallest quality cut on the menu. The kitchen sent it out perfectly cooked with my choice of side which was a baked potato. If I had any critique at all it would be the lack of healthy side choices and the service. There should be a green veggie available other than canned peas and carrots. Broccoli or asparagus would be awesome. The service was adequate and yet just slightly lacking in attentiveness. Otherwise a good experience. I would return for the great steak!
(4)
Erica J.

I have never felt one way or the other about Timbuktu. I can take it or leave it. There are so many places in the area that are equal to or better in my opinion. Tonight the service was absolutely great. Even though they were relatively packed we were seated within five minutes. Our waitress was knowledgeable and personable. I had one of the specials - a crabcake and a 1 & 1/2 pound lobster. I dont really like the sides offered at Timbuktu so I ordered a side salad and took the mac and cheese and applesauce to go. Overall I had a very pleasant experience and will continue to patronize this business.
(4)
James H.

The food was great, the service was good and the atmosphere was good..It appears as though they've cut back on the portions, but over all..Good!
(3)
Tamara R.

Our waitress was not tentative. It took a very long time for us to receive anything we ordered. The bread took long and that is not something you order. I ordered the jewel of the sea which was pretty good but the porter house steak we ordered was dry as hell. The flavor was good but the dryness of the steak just ruined the experience. I would never visit this place again. Thumbs down from me.
(1)
Adrian M.

By far the best crab cakes I've ever had. I first ordered the fried crab cake but everyone else gave me this look like your not going to like it. When I got my plate I looked and had the waiter switch out for the broiled crab cake. Best decision made and enjoyed it.
(5)
Matt H.

Timbuktu was our destination for a business dinner during the wek. First, they have meal specials every night during the week, Wednesday was steak night, $19.99 for any of their cuts of steak, baked patato, and vegtable. They're also famous for their crab cakes, and I have heard that they rival G & M's crab cakes. The wait staff was great for our large party, and they have plenty of room for groups! Only thing I would improve is the 1970's decor and wood paneling.
(4)
Jennifer S.

I was only in town for the night and was dying for some good seafood. Every time I'm in Maryland all I eat is crab and this place by far had one of the biggest and best crabcakes I had ever enjoyed. Our waitress was attentive, pleasant& helpful. I can't think of her name but she was a blonde lady and her name began with a "C". Nice atmosphere, large wine selection, & reasonably priced. We had the broiled seafood combo (Jewel of the Sea I think it's called) and it was delicious. I look forward to coming here again
(4)
Jackie A.

You know what I think it is; I think it's hype; I think there's a lot of return customers and I think; holy crap; it's lobster night and how freakin' amazing the price of a two lobster dinner is. That's right - for your $27 and some change, you get two - not ONE, but two lobster whole lobsters and TWO sides. A bargain, right? With something so affordable, at an establishment that's been around forever and has the customer base to prove, who would dare gripe, especially when there's butter dripping down your chin. You can't even think to discern that the food your eating is mediocre, at best - cause this is a place that's tried and true, right? No, no and NO. This place is a mess, down to my perky, rude waitress - Kathleen. I started off with an appetizer of steamed shrimp, cubes of potatoes and thinly sliced onions, tossed in old bay. On the whole, decent and the shrimp, plentiful. I would have likened the onion to have been chunked up a bit, so that I could enjoy the sweetness of them - but that's a preference. Kathleen was quick, pleasant enough at first, replenished our water glasses and then some and provided us with whatever it was we asked for - so, why dish on poor Kathleen for only doing her job. Take out the attitude that was received later on, as the meal progressed - I might have called her a stellar waitress, for she knew the menu backward/forward, was quick and pleasant, but say something about the quality of the food at HER restaurant, and heaven hold back that tongue of hers. That's how it is at establishments like these and I get that. I don't like it, but I get it. The lobsters arrive freshly steamed and since it was lobster night, this place was obviously rocking and rolling with lobster orders right and left, corners were cut though, that greatly impacted the quality of their food. I believe the rubber bands that keep the claws together, were left on, during the steaming of the lobsters. The lobster claw meat was inedible - tasting metallic or as the hubby put it, of rubber bands. The meat of the lobster was slightly mushy and flavorless. I know that wasn't butter put before me, but maybe margarine? Who knows. And with everyone around me, chowing down and happily doing so - I waited, anticipated like everyone else, for my lobster, yet my hubby and I are the only one's complaining. Yeah, I do find that odd, but once again - the repeaters never complain and the newbies are too scared to, cause after all - this is the infamous Timbuktu, home of the award winning crab cake. Speaking of crab cake, the hubby sampled this treat from a fellow diner's plate only to realize that the crab cake was raw in the middle, though delish - raw is raw. If you're gonna make an enormouse sized crab cake, learn how to cook the darned thing right. I hope my friend didn't get sick and if she did, never in a zillion years, would she have contributed her sickness to Timbuktu. My biggest gripe here and yes, there's more - just because you have some accolades behind your belt, combined with longevity, doesn't give you the right to disrespect a diner and to cut corners, thinking no one will notice, because they will.
(2)
Monique J.

Timbuktu what has happened to you ? I visited on a Saturday night at 9PM, the wait time was pretty short. We were seated in the main hallway where other customers would brush against your back and coats due to the small space. A few times customers had to lean over our table to pass through the cramped seating. We received our bread and the napkin which was wrapped around it was covered in a snot looking substance. We never even touched the napkin to reveal what was underneath. It led me to believe that the napkin was used and not properly cleaned, instead it was used to wrap the bread. I was floored that the waiter skipped off after giving us this disgusting napkin wrap for the bread. Later I received my mediocre crab cake which was cold and overwhelmed with fillers. Overall my experience was distasteful. Not sure what has happened to the quality of food or service.
(2)
Jennifer N.

This place was just ok. My sister and I got the steak & crab cake combo. Although the crab cake had very little filler I felt it was lacking in flavor. Between 3 of us who had the crab cake we all thought it was just OK. I've had better. The steak was ok, nothing great, not a whole lot of flavor. Another person in our party got the seafood alfredo and found the clams still had bits of sand. Don't think she enjoyed crunching on that. The service was a bit slow in the beginning but eventually got a bit better. Drinks were so-so. I wouldn't seek this place out or make a special trip like we did this time but if ever in the area I might stop by.
(2)
Artranda H.

Ordered carry-out with my co worker, and of course got the crab cake lunch special! We enjoyed our crab cakes, very filling. Cant wait to get another one.
(4)
Jai L.

Been going there for years., and will never stop...........
(5)
Joe C.

Meeting my sons for Sunday lunch, we were told the best crab cakes around are here so we gave it a try. It is located right of a highway and the outside dÃ©cor was plain and had it not been recommended, probably would not have gone in. There is plenty of parking and when you walk in it is a small room and then there is a counter where you are greeted. The part of the restaurant we were in were all tables and no booths. We really focused on the crab cakes even though looking at the plates of food others ordered, I am not sure you would go wrong with anything from the menu. They did not have draught beer but a good selection of bottle beer and wine. I assume they have a full bar. We ordered Crab cakes and everyone agreed they were huge and very "meaty"... I did not think they were a "tasty" as ones I have had before but they were very good. My sons raved about them and the size... almost too much if you order 2. An order of one crab cake is probably enough for most people. I thought the cost was a little pricey but food certainly was good. I also was very pleased with our waiter. He was friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. I give it a 4.
(4)
Thomas L.

This place has awesome crab cake sandwiches!! Makes my mouth just thinking about it!!
(4)
Teresa L.

#will travel for food. At the recommendation of my friend's mum, we decided to drive down to Maryland to have a bite of these infamous crab cakes. I was a bit wary of how good these crab cakes would truly be. Yes, the restaurant is located in Maryland, but it wasn't near the harbor. The restaurant was in Hanover, MD. Not exactly the crab cake capital of the world. Secondly, the restaurant is called "Timbuktu," which is a West African city not necessarily known for its long history in crab cakes. Therefore, I came here with an open mind, lowered expectations, and a readied appetite. My friend and I ordered the double crab cake platter to share. I remember the price to be $26, and not $24 as posted on the website. (don't quote me on that). We ordered the crab cakes broiled, with a side of french fries and steamed veggies. THE CRAB CAKES WERE FANTASTIC. 1) They were huge. 2) There were noticeable, whole chunks of crab meat, which means less miscellaneous fillings. You definitely get your money's worth 3) They were perfectly seasoned. We paired the cakes with tartar sauce, but it wasn't necessary, as the cakes were tasty by themselves. I can't stop thinking about the crab cakes, and would be 110% willing to make another roadtrip to Maryland just to eat here again. Until then, I'll have to make do with ordering their crab cakes via this website: timbuktucrabcakes.com .
(5)
Alyssa F.

I was in town for business, and my coworker kept saying he had to take me to Timbuktu, so we hit it up before driving out of town. Crabcakes the size of my head? Yes please! Super delicious, and I think I was full until the next day.
(4)
Tom R.

I don't know of a better crab cake on the east coast! Lump meat no filler! Stop here anytime I'm near md-100/295.
(4)
Grecia O.

Why did I just pay 15$ for five shrimp? The food wasn't tasteful and they took nearly an hour to serve my friend his beer. My other friend ordered shrimp and the sauce was dried, the shrimp weren't properly cleaned and you could tell it was reheated. Never coming here again.
(1)
Blake S.

Let's take a journey.... all the way back to circa 1988. If you're too young to know what the 1980s were like, I highly recommend a visit to Timbuktu. The decor, menu, and food presentations are all very dated. Seating areas are little awkward and cramped. The menu consists of forgettable appetizers followed by further mediocrity. Side dishes are expendable. Ignoring the plastic-tasting mac and cheese, dried up "whipped potatoes," the shriveled baked potatoes, and the straight-from-the-freezer veggies and fries...the real test is in what we all know this place is supposed to be good for: the crab cakes. They are huge, and they are very meaty. They do not skimp on the crab. This meaty-ness is the only reason for the second star here. Don't order two unless you are very hungry, and be prepared to pay. Even though the crab cakes taste ok, they don't seem to come a la carte, so you'll easily shell out $30 for the experience. I ordered broiled crab cakes, which again tasted ok, but they were a bit too mushy inside. Maybe that's just the style. Regardless, I can see how some people may enjoy this restaurant... even if only for nostalgia reasons, but I will not be returning.
(2)
Briana R.

I can vouch for their crabcakes. I personally think they have the best in the areas. Timbuktu is a good distance from me, so I've been trying to find closer places, but nothing ever seems to measure up. 9 times out of 10 when I go, it's to the carryout, which has fairly good service. There is a restaurant portion also, not a big fan of the dining room though. All in all crabcakes are nice and lumpy good crab meat compared to many other places in the area!
(4)
Pat W.

Love their crabcakes. Huge chunks of lump crab meat with almost no filler. And the crabcake is the size of my palm. Reasonable price. This is our last stop before arriving at the airport to return to Orlando. Never disappointed.
(5)
Eric P.

Sadly their crab cakes have taken a turn for the worst over the years. I grew up in Hanover and have been ordering their crab cakes for years, but I think this past weekend will be my last. sure they are large, but also have way more filler than they used to. For 15 dollars, there were several mushy, doughy undercooked wads of breading in our cakes... Major turn off. (this is the broiled crab cake, I haven't had the fried ones in a while) the potato salad is very bland as well, the fries are limpy /soggy, the broccoli was cooked /seasoned well however.
(2)
Delmar H.

I've been here a few times. To sum this place up, great service, amazing crab cakes, but everything else is mediocre. This place has some of the best crab cakes in MD. The cakes are packed with crab meat and very flavorful. Fried or broiled you can't go wrong. The rest of the menu...eh, not so great. I find a lot of their other seafood dishes to be underseasoned or overcooked. I recently had the Jewels of the Sea and found everything outside of the crab cake to be underwhelming. Also, their breaded seafood items tend to be too lightly breaded and have a chalky aftertaste.
(3)
Heather C.

Food was good a little chilly! Sat us in the corner where cold air was constantly blowing on us! Server was nice but didn't really check on us!
(3)
David S.

The place has changed. It's like they are relying on good reviews from 10 years ago. The carpet sticks and the quality of food has gone down tremendously. Two instances from last night. 1. I asked for honey with my tea and they gave me a corn syrupy goo. 2. I asked the server if the pretzels for the crab pretzel were made "in house". When it got to the table it was a Super Pretzel that you buy at the grocery store. I could not eat it. The soup was okay, less crab meat than I remembered and the same with the crabcakes. The custard was too much it tasted kind of like crab pudding. Not great. On top of that they raised their prices. G and M and Blue Dolphin still actually try to give you what you pay for, go there!!
(1)
Margaret N.

Lines are always long so make sure you make a reservation! Crab cakes are amazing! Perfectly portioned and juicy! Definitely recommend!
(4)
Ray M.

The broiled Crab cake is phenomenal! Jumbo lump. Hardly any fillers. Good flavor. It's expensive, but worth the treat every now and then :) The rest of the food however wasn't really memorable.The to-go location is kind of random as it is attached to a liquor store. There is a bar in a separate room with a very extensive selection as well ;)
(4)
Jay L.

Lobster Night with Crab Cake kicker. Beautiful. A lock every time I come to Baltimore area. Great food and great drinks. Can't miss. Best crab cakes I have ever had, easily.
(5)
Spencer H.

I must say that it's hard for me to wrap myself around some of the negative reviews I've read about this place. You get the largest, meatiest, no filler crab cake around for under $15.00. I always compare crab cakes to Jerry's Seafood which is in my opinion completely overrated. It's good but not worth the price they're demanding. This crab cake is bigger and just as tasty for half the price. Try it for yourself and you won't regret it!
(5)
Robin S.

Just wanted to say how impressed I am. The ladies running the carryout A+ and the food A+ It was so nice to walk into a restaurant and watch everything run so smooth. One thing stood out the most, how the young lady put together the carryout orders. Great job.
(5)
Nicole L.

This is by far my favorite place to get a crab cake. I live on the west coast now. Absolute Must. Get off the plane go straight to Timbuktu. I have tried so many other places. Hands down the best crab cake I have Ever had
(5)
J J.

I took a friend to this restaurant to eat crab cakes. I was so disappointed. He ordered two crab cakes and I ordered the lobster tail stuffed with crab imperial. The food seemed overcooked to me. The lobster was so hard and chewy. I spent about $115.00 and felt the only thing I enjoyed was the glass of red sangria. The place was packed so I am sure there are people out there that loves this place, I know for sure that I will never go back. I think this place is on the same scale as Red Lobster. Actually lobster at red lobster taste better. Very disappointed.
(2)
Chuck R.

The hype and the reality match. Crab cakes are almost all blue crab meat with very little filler. Tasty. Sweet. Fresh. Went there for lunch and service was fast, friendly, and efficient. Prices are up there, but you get what you pay for. Only criticism is that the beer list is short and uninteresting. Go for the crab cakes. Order the crab cakes. Eat the crab cakes. You'll like what happens.
(4)
Tamara W.

Pleasantly surprised, this restaurant has amazing crab cakes and fried crab claws. The female bartender was a grouch and not helpful at all but our wait staff was wonderful. Would visit again!
(4)
Franklin F.

When we walked up to the front door, there were at least 30 people waiting in the parking lot to be seated. After we walked in the front door, we saw another 10-15 people near the hostess station. We asked if there was space at the bar and try said that we could check it out. After about 5 minutes, my best friend and I were able to get a seat at the bar for dinner. I can honestly say, trying to eat here on a Saturday night at 8pm is difficult. I'd never been here before so I could assume, by the number of people waiting, that the food must be good. So while I'm sipping my beer, I scoped the bar and tables for food that I should order. The woman next to me at the bar had a plate of HUGE fried shrimp and her friend had a crab cake that looked like a soft ball. Sheesh! I picked up the menu and found a crab cake and fried shrimp combo and put in my order. The meal came with a nice side salad and a okay side of Mac and cheese. There were other sides available, but I picked the Mac and cheese. The next time I will order the stuffed baked potato. The crab cake took up 1/4 of my plate and the shrimp looked like scuba flippers. The crab cakes are made of lump crab meat and about 1% filler. They are a beast! The meal was worth the short wait and I would definitely recommend that you try the crab cakes if you try Timbuktu. If you are by yourself or with a friend or spouse, I suggest finding a space at the bar if there is a wait for a table. The bar tenders were extremely helpful and friendly.
(5)
Kelli B.

Place has gone down down down. I think the last time I had the cream of crab I was ill. If you order take out, sometimes they don't make your food to order. The French fries are sometimes stone cold and I work literally, .20 miles away. I'm usually waiting for them to give me my order and the fries are cold when I get the order. Cleanliness is next to godliness...well Timbuktu, you won't be getting to heaven any time soon. Also, the prices on the carry out alcohol is WAY TOO HIGH! Smh, I've actually stopped eating here.
(2)
Synedra B.

The service was not the best. I was seated in the lounge area, although I would have much rather been in the dining area. The crab cakes were very bland. I had to wait entirely too long to get my drink refilled. This wasn't the best experience.
(3)
Michael R.

Yeah, you'll read the other reviews like I did and I'm glad I went. 5 stars for the crab cakes. The homemade potato salad and Caesar were also good. Good service. I would visit regularly if I lived here.
(5)
Vick K.

We went here today and I want to first start off by saying these 4 stars are mainly coming from the service we received while here. Our waitress name was Char and she was absolutely wonderful, this was the best service we had received in a long time. Char was extremely attentive to us and remained pleasant the entire time, o and she was also very honest about the products. There was another waitress as well who was also very pleasant, while Char was in the kitchen she came over to make sure we were ok with a big smile. As far as the food goes, the complimentary rolls were not my favorite, I wish they were a tad softer. The crab dip was delicious, but again the bread that came with it was not as soft as we would have liked it to be. The crab cakes were good, nice size and bot much filler, the broiled is better than the fried. Not a big fan of the rice pilaf but the mashed potatoes and gravy were delicious. Scallops were tasty, mixed vegetables delicious. The ribs were ok, but not if you really have a taste for ribs. The decor in the place should be updated, but other than that it was a pleasant experience and we will return! Char should receive a raise
(4)
S S.

Do not come here on Mother's Day! We had a reservation, arrived on time and still had to wait 20 minutes for a table. Even with a limited menu and twice the wait staff every portion of my meal (soup, sides and entrÃ©e) were ridiculously cold. I am so disappointed. I've come here many times and have never experienced the horrible service I received today. Even the crabcakes were cold! I will not be back for another Mother's Day or any other celebratory day.
(1)
Lan T.

This review is ONLY for the pizza. I LOVE the crab cakes here, but I thought I should share my pizza experience. One night when I ordered a crab cake sandwich to go, I saw people walking out with pizza boxes and it smelled sooo good! So I told myself that I HAD to try the pizza! A few weeks pass and I'm in the area, so I order a small pizza with mushrooms and italian sausage. The menu said they use fresh dough, so I got extra excited. I got the pizza and it looked like it could have been a frozen pizza with an overload of cheese. When I pulled a slice out to eat, all of the toppings fell off! The cheese slide off the pizza like water. That was weird. The crust was awful too! I guess I learned my lesson. Don't order pizza from a place that's famous for its crab cakes!!!! I guess I won't experiment with the gyro either! Sticking to the crab cakes for sure!!!!
(1)
Barbara R.

The food was food was great. Service was good. Crab cakes, flounder, oysters and salmon, and chicken Parmesan was fab.
(4)
Shayna F.

I had my rehearsal dinner here (10/15/09) The food was delicious! I had crab cakes and pasta for my guests. People from my party still ask me where we had the crab cakes from my rehearsal dinner. I rented a room for a reasonable price. The only issue was the way the tables were set up. It was difficult to hold a conversation with my wedding party and my husband had to rearrange the tables so we could talk to one another.
(4)
Thomas J.

I only have been here for the crab cakes. They are very good and flavor is good. Only one time last year that my crab cake was not cooked to otder. I have taken family members from out of state here and they love them to.
(4)
Nanci H.

I recently hosted a reunion in the banquet hall of Timbuktu and I can truly say, this venue was great! To start, there is ample parking! Which is a priority when hosting a big event. By the looks of the outside of the restaurant, you would not imagine that inside a treasure would be found. The hall was set up perfectly with tables, a dance floor and secluded area for the DJ. It was handicapped accessible and very clean. The Banquet Manager was a pleasure to work with. Each time I met and spoke with him we was courteous and helpful. Since I am not from the Maryland area he listened to my needs and concerns and made a few suggestions for my event. The day of the event, he made sure I had absolutely no problems. He was there if I needed him and handle any discrepancy with ease and speed. The food was finger licking good! I had a buffet style menu with ribs (so tender they fell of the bone), baked chicken (perfectly seasoned) and shrimp and scallop diablo (perfect over rice). And who can forget their famous crab balls!! You literally have to taste it to appreciate how amazingly good they are! Words could not describe it. The banquet staff was on top of everything from serving food to cleaning up dirty plates, they were attentive and always willing to help in any kind of way. If you are in the Hanover area you have to take a moment and visit this restaurant, you won't be disappointed in the food or the staff!
(5)
Kelly P.

Terrible, the crab dip tasted like cat food the crab cakes were full of bread stuffing and was just gross. waitress was a dingbat that said everything on the menu was "the best"
(1)
Randy L.

A little difficult to find the entrance to the parking lot. Was surprised at how large the parking lot is, and how large the restaurant is. Nice atmosphere, pretty good wait staff. Reasonable prices. I started with the French Onion Soup, which was very credible. My wife had the Crab Soup. It was very good. I would recommend both. She had the Crab Cakes. They were good. I would recommend them. It was the steak special day, and I ordered the NY strip. It was big, and thick cut--a sizable piece of beef for $15. It was cooked to order. Flavor was good. However, it was tough to me. Maybe I'm spoiled by good ribeyes. My wife's salad was just okay, and had some pieces of lettuce that shouldn't have been served. My mashed potatoes were good. Overall, I'd say that it's a place that I would return to, if I'm out this way.
(4)
Lori D.

Last try for Timbuktu... Grabbed a crab cake sandwich from carry out and it was DISGUSTING!!! The crab cake had a weird cleanser aftertaste. Yuck!!!
(3)
Elen C.

If you want an incredible crab cake with really great fries..this is the place. Its old, its funky, but who cares when all that matters is the crab cake. Big, full of sweet morsels of crab, just enough binder to hold it together. I will be ordering some of these on line as I do not live close.
(5)
Kat T.

Service was less than ok. The lady at the front was great and asked if I wanted to sit in the lounge with the TV's because I was by myself. The server was awful. He seemed annoyed that I was there by myself, and when I went to order, he kept laughing at someone behind me and talking over me. It also has a strange atmosphere to it. I don't know what the main dining room was like, but the lounge was weird. The only reason they are getting 3 starts is because the Crab Imperial was to die for. The sides were awful, baked potato was overcooked and green beans made me want to vomit, but I didn't go there for sides. I went because it was a recommendation of a place to go to get Blue Crab. Oh my god, great flavor, delicious chunks of crab and a very large portion at that. I would recommend going with the expectation of bad service and not order anything other than something the crab.
(3)
Shannon W.

Awesome crab pretzel and broiled crab cakes.
(4)
Nick L.

The atmosphere isn't the best but the crab cakes are awesome! I think a lot of Marylanders would agree this is one of the best crab crakes around! Broiled is the way to go.
(4)
Elysia M.

YUUUMMMMMM!!!!! I am drooling just thinking about this place. WONDERFUL restaurant with AMAZING Seafood. Portions are more than enough, the environment is very inviting and the service is always AMAZING. I HATE that the drive is so far otherwise I'd eat here ALOT more often. Crab cakes are to DIE FOR..the best I've ever had in my life. Stuffed Shrimp is my absolute FAVE! --broiled crab cakes are a MUST! Enjoy!
(5)
Teresa B.

Everyone talks about the crab cakes, so I won't bore you with that. But the STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE, the cheesecake !!!!! Is OFF THE CHAIN. The strawberries are large and fresh in a delicious sweet sauce. The cheesecake itself is whipped into a smooth light texture that melts into your mouth before it gets there. I usually like to eat half of my dessert and the other half later. It was difficult but I did it. I cried when the last morsel was done. Good bye Cheesecake Factory!
(5)
Jacqueline K.

Very bad service. I ordered think lamb chop medium and I got rare. Bathroom ? Stinky and dirty. Will never go back. Our 1st. And last.
(1)
John K.

Sorry to Melissa P. for not being able to eat here with her on her b-day. Excellent Crab Cakes. The other Yelp reviews are correct in that. I got their Steak and Cake which was their New York Strip and a crab cake. The steak was pretty horrible (I would say Sizzler quality), but their crab cake definitely made up for the meal. Also had their fried calamari which is pretty standard (3 star). My favorite sides were the mashed potatoes and their coleslaw (very wet coleslaw). I was looking at other dinners being served and it looks like if you get the fries, they'll give you a heaping pile. I would like to try their ribs sometime, but it is definitely hard not to turn down their crab cakes.
(4)
Frank W.

The broiled crab cakes rock! Ambiance is only 2 stars (why don't you guys have windows?) and same star rating for the service. Get you cakes and get out quickly! (:
(4)
Deborah H.

The crab cakes are huge and full of lump crab meat but lack seasoning --The crab meat is def out of a can or plastic container from the supplier--not Maryland crab ..the rest of the seafood is very mediocre ..The steaks are very pedestrian with no to very little seasoning.. the chicken is diner style frozen hard over fried .The soups are very good and served hot!! Love the Maryland and creamm of crab soup! Pasta OMG where do I even start . Soo many things wrong on so many levels --under cooked or overcooked . The salads again are diner style not appealing at all..looked as though they were pre made and sitting around..almost a Mcdonalds salad ...there were some appetizers that did look appealing - the seafood combo platters served a silver tray and the calamari looked nicely prepared and was a mountain of tastiness....wouldnt want to try any of the veal or franchaise dishes the sauces looked right out of a powdered mix box....so unattractive :(....overall the menu was too big with little feel to it like a diner menu. Confusion/fusion I call it with no sense of style or direction of any kind....The atmosphere again confusion/fusion dont know what to call it. Wedding hall/diner with tablecloths...dont expect fine dining service .The service is usually very rushed when the restaurant is busy and good luck getting a 2nd drink or adding to your order. The desserts were very large and probaly ordered from the towns diner Attractive with little flavor. The service overall is a crapshoot..depends who you get-- what night it is --how busy they are--how late or early it is..if you go enough you will know what to avoid.. There is a bar- kind of hidden away in the middle of the restaurant.. There is an another front door with a liquor store/carryout located near the so called front of the restaurant..seems busy enough!! It serves items not available on the main dining room menu..subs,pizza, gyros (..and crabcakes of course).. Most of the carryout it worth trying out. The smell is usually masked by the food,,but if you go on a off night there is a foul odor emitting from everywhere..maybe its just the carpets but ewwie!!! Overall I think Timbuktu is a decent restaurant if you know what to order and what to avoid..I know from talking to people its def a love or hate thing right off..many businessman avoid Timbuktu because of the erratic service and reputation for having a gruff attitude..If just swinging by 100 to the mall, a stop for a caryrout crabcake is worth it. As for booking a large party for a Bday or company party I would be very scared for you if its in the main dining room with the general public...Book a private room and say your prayers:) Been through the wringer but still going back for a crabcake!
(2)
Chris T.

I came here to try out their crab cake - which btw is large and filled with crab chunks - but fell in love with their Fresh Calves Liver smothered in Spanish onions... Will definitely be back...
(4)
Quentin B.

Hands down my favorite crab cake. Big fan of the cream of crab soup too and I'm lactose intolerant. A bowl of the soup and a single crab cake platter does me in. The crab cakes are large and fresh. Just enough filler to hold things together. Light herbs to allow the full flavor of the sweet crab come through. Really, just amazing. I always take out of town guests there to show them what a real crab cake is supposed to be like. Atmosphere. I started going years ago so the current version seems fancy to me. Really though, it's like any other average establishment with tablecloths and waiter service. Most importantly, it's clean. Wait staff. I have always been pleased. Friendly and attentive. What more can you ask for. Even when busy the wait has never been unreasonable. Once I went on Mother's Day without reservations and was seated almost immediately (but I think we were just early enough for them to squeeze us in). Basically. GO. You won't be disappointed. If you are, I'll buy your next crab cake of choice.
(5)
Ralph R.

The crab cakes here are awesome. Get them broiled. Either as a sandwich or a platter. The decor and atmosphere are underwhelming, but the crab cakes alone are worth it. Nothing else on the menu comes close.
(4)
Stephanie M.

Last night I officially had the best crab cake ever!!!! EVER!!!! I went with my family and was told that the crab cakes were a must; I got the double crab cake platter which included a side salad and a baked potato. I only managed to eat one of the crab cakes; my boyfriend ate the other one. They are primarily crab, I didn't notice a lot (any) filler, I'm not sure how they keep them together, but they are broiled I believe so maybe that had something to do with it. I ate mine plain, no tarter or anything; it was melt in your mouth delicious. Everything else was great too. Nice server, great atmosphere, the place is huge. I had a bite of my dad's apple pie, it was yummy. I'm going to try and go back next week.
(5)
R T.

The Building itself needs updating in and out. The food was quite good though. The crab cakes are NOT over-rated. I also had the Seafood Diablo which was just okay and not very spicy. I had drinks at the bar and enjoyed myself, the drinks had a nice potency. I will defintely go back and I will urge others to try.
(3)
Leiah B.

Not as good as it used to be. Very disappointed on my birthday.
(2)
Meg G.

I dined here well over five years ago. Therefore, my sweet, succinct review is only based on the good old times. As everyone else, I loved the crabcakes. That's all I really ever went there for - and the four stars are based on that, and that alone. It reminds me of an "after church" lunch spot, and my only caveat is the setup in the main room. I felt like the table next to me could hear my entire conversation and vice versa. Or, maybe, that's just me being a typical Texan and wanting more space (shrug).
(4)
Kelly K.

5 stars for the crab cakes, the best in Maryland. I've had lots of crab cakes, and nothing comes close to these softball-sized beauties (except at G&M, which are the same owners). Fresh crab, very little filler. The decor is old, the outside a little dodgy, the service similar to a Greek diner, but that's not what you're there for. This place was recommended by a van operator after seeing the sights in DC. We almost didn't go in on the first visit, but after checking with a couple in the parking lot, we gave it a go. We've been there at least 10 times since, always having the crab cakes. Can't comment on any other menu items; always look at the menu and get tempted by other items, but can't pass up the gold. My mother had the stuffed shrimp once: basically shrimp covered with a mound of crab cake!!
(5)
Michelle G.

It would have been more stars if the decor/ambiance is better. They need to update. The hostess was not friendly but our waiter was and polite. Same as other reveiws, def get the broiled crabcakes. It is good.
(3)
Dave F.

Went there tonight. My personal experience is in-line with the other reviews. Crabcakes here are really good, but needed a little extra old bay seasoning, which they provided on the table next to the salt/pepper. (though the old bay is in the same salt shaker and its hard to get out for some reason) I had my crab in the 12.99 crabcake sandwich and i chose fries over coleslaw. Standard steak fries that were boring without old bay. My friend got a crab linguini with mushrooms for 21.99. Came with a terrible hard garlic bread, though it was just a roll with some seasoning on it, not good at all. The pasta itself was good, but the salad was meh. Service was lacking somewhat, only when it came to water refills; otherwise our guy francisco came relatively fast out with the salad and other dishes when they were ready. Decor was nothing impressive and I was shocked that it was as bad as it was, lol, but that doesn't really bother me. Most places are about the food and it was somewhat lacking.
(3)
Monica G.

I love their Crabcakes, shrimp imperial, and stuffed shrimp. The restaurant from the outside could use some remodeling, but my focus is on the food and every time, I have visited, I left there completely satisfied.
(5)
Wilford W.

Absolutely the best crab cakes I have ever eaten. I have lived in Georgia since 1978 but I make sure to order their crab cakes sent overnight at least a couple of times a year. When anywhere within 100 miles of the restaurant I make sure I detour to eat there. They were rated the best crab cakes in MD by both the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post. This restaurant is the thing I miss most about MD.
(5)
Tommy W.

We moved to the NoVA area in March and are still exploring. Last week, while at a meeting in Cleveland, a colleague mentioned Timbuktu. Some friends and I are always on a search for the ultimate crab cakes, so I came home and made reservations for Saturday evening. Baltimore is a 90+ minute drive for us, so we were hoping for the best. It was a good thing we had reservations. We arrived a few minutes before 6pm, and it was packed, with LOTS of people waiting. (And some of the same people were still waiting when we left.) We were immediately seated and had a server taking drink orders within 2-3 minutes of being seated. We really didn't bother with the menu. I briefly contemplated a combination platter with crab cakes, shrimp and scallops, but we came for the broiled crab cakes, so that is what we ordered. My partner and I had the crab bisque and our friend had the cream of crab soup. I can't speak for the cream of crab (our friend said it was excellent), but the bisque was hot, filled with crab, and perfectly seasoned. I would go back just for the soup. When the crab cakes came we were all a bit surprised at the size. We had been told they were 8 oz each, but I personally think mine were bigger. They were heavenly -- sweet, soft and bursting with flavor. There was little breading -- they were more mounds of crab as opposed to traditional crab cakes. I actually tried to eat slowly so they would last a long time. In my book, that is the ultimate compliment for a food item -- missing it when it is gone. The crab cakes came with baked potatoes or fries. I had the baked potato, which had been baked to death, but it was edible. We also had a small green salad and rolls. All unremarkable. The stars were the crab cakes. Service was fast, efficient and kept our drink glasses full. Will we be making the 90+ minute drive again? Absolutely!
(5)
HowChow B.

Timbuktu is a place for crab, just crab. People must order something else because Timbuktu fills three large rooms with a full menu, but I didn't see any reason to waver. The bun tasted bland, so I skipped it. The sandwich garnish looked average, so I pushed it aside. I spooned up my crab soup, then just read my newspaper and sliced up the softball-sized crab cake. This is Maryland, so I don't think that I need to describe a broiled crab cake to you. The key here is that Timbuktu's tastes like crab, just crab. Making a crab cake isn't rocket science, but restaurants find it too easy to cheapen theirs with crackers or hide low-flavor meat with mustard and spices. Timbuktu's flavor was sweet and strong. It brought me right back to the final hard shells of 2008 that I had enjoyed a few weeks before.
(3)
Kim S.

Hubby and I finally made it to Timbuktu! So many of my relatives and friends have big-time raves about this place - and for a good reason. The crabcakes are ginormous!! We went on a Saturday at 5pm and the place was packed. I would recommend reservations - yes, they take reservations and I was glad that I had one - we didnt even wait 5 minutes. Our server, Judy, was straight from Georgia. She was very nice but not too attentive - we didnt have anything else to do - so we were very patient. The bread that comes with the salad isnt that great and the cream of crab soup needed more Crab. I had Steak & Cake - my steak was room temp but the crab cake made up for that. Hubby had Stuffed Shrimp - you couldnt even see the shrimp under all that crabmeat Nice date place - it was our 6 year wedding anniversary Make reservations!
(4)
JOE B.

I'm rating this reastaurant for 1 thing and 1 thing only....Crab Cakes. I always order crab cakes to go at this place as I've had some bad serving experiences as well as the others (funny thing is it was the same problems..very long waits) but I really don't see this spot as a dining experience spot. I did make the mistake of ordering the fried oysters once as I had a craving but they were...uum...very bad! There are better tasting crab cakes in the area but this is a CLASSIC Maryland Crab Cake that is on the list of great choices. My Top-5 list would probably go like this1. Windsor Inn (non Marylander's don't really know about this spot) 2. Mo's (perfection but pricey) 3. G&M 4. Timbuktu (Largest in Maryland) 5. Gunnings ..... there are more great Crab Cakes in Maryland I've tasted that are great and some I'm sure I haven't tasted yet but will keep you all updated.
(4)
DA K.

Overratted is the word for this place. Awful and smells. The decor is old and crusty, Food was awful and bland. Ordered a fish sandwich and got the gortons fish patties fried. MY girl food was nasty and bland. Served us some old looking salad. This is the worst place I ever ate at. Straight nasty.
(1)
Ji K.

The prices are creeping up at this place. What used to be great crab cakes for the price are now just average for me. I once tried something other than crab cakes here and never made that mistake again. Only other thing I like here is the onion rings. G&M 10 more minutes north of here has better crab cakes and sides.
(3)
Matthew L.

A premier crabcake location in the Baltimore area. The restaurant is huge. It's always been a great lunch destination for work lunches. It feels spacious. The food is excellent. Aside from the reknowned crab cakes, the Reuben is an excellent sandwich. The wait staff make it feel like you've been coming here for years. Service is quick and wait time is minimal.
(4)
Diallo J.

A hidden gem. Good quality food, and very generous portions for the price. The fried calamari appetizer is big enough to be a meal if you didn't bring a healthy appetite. I had the broiled seafood platter and all the items were tasty, with none of the items disappointing. The atmosphere is subdued, nice for a casual dining experience w/ friend and family. Service was prompt and polite. I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 as nothing was truly exceptional. That said I will not hesitate to go again, and think that Timbuktu represents a very good value...
(4)
Sam L.

Timbuktu's food carries this restaurant. If it were a takeout-only restaurant, I'd probably bump it up to four stars. Like G&M up the road in Linthicum, you go to this place for crab-anything. Cream of crab soup, crabcakes, crab legs, etc. I wouldn't order a burger or a sandwich here, because it's a place you go to specifically for the crabs. Good food, probably one of the best restaurants within spitting distance of Arundel Mills.
(3)
Craig H.

Very dated decor. Service was just okay. Food was traditional and not bad though not cheap either.
(2)
Beau R.

I took a group of 11 people here for dinner tonight to get some of the authentic Maryland crab cake feel. The service was great. Rolando was energetic and very efficiently took care of such a large group. He was attentive (my glass was never empty) and friendly. Surprisingly, he didn't automatically put a gratuity on the check - but I made sure that he got his due. Ronaldo is where my excitement about this restaurant ends. And it makes me feel a little funny as a guy saying another guy is what excites me about a restaurant. The food was good, nothing special. The crab cakes were big and lots of crab, but it didn't give the impression that it was really good crab. I heard reports that the steaks were not warm/hot (surprising for a medium steak, at a steakhouse). The decor was... Um, there was no decor. The walls were wood paneled. That is about all I can remember. They get 3 stars for Ronaldo's service and how they handled such a large party.
(3)
Latise B.

I think my take on Timbuktu is very similar to the other reviewers. The crab cakes here are really good, but not as good as G&M down the road. We usually call for takeout of crab cakes, although occasionally we dine in. This place can get really crowded, but they do take reservations--I suggest you make one. I honestly cannot speak for the rest of the food here, the only thing I've had here is fried shrimp, shrimp cocktail, steamed shrimp, crabcakes and stuffed shrimp, all of which were good. The crab cake is a bit bready, but definitely has nice large pieces of lump crabmeat. Definitely worth a try and at a steal of a price. My family down in Atlanta always makes sure to get a crab cake from Timbuktu and G&M when they are in Maryland. I think the cream of crab soup here is just ok. The best I've ever had is at a restaurant called Sunset in Glen Burnie, and I would only rate the soup here as 2 stars below. Don't get me wrong--its good, but by good I mean just a step above average. If you are close, I would suggest doing carryout and getting a crabcake. If you are travelling, make a reservation. The service is average, but it feels a bit "rushed" in there. Its a bit dark with the "feel" of elegance, but the reality is Timbuktu isn't all that fancy of a restaurant--although it does try to be.
(4)
K E.

I can only speak to the carry out as I've only eaten inside once. The crab cake sandwiches and pizzas are PHENOMENAL. The wait is not long either for carry out- usually around 20 minutes depending on what you order.
(5)
Apostle S.

My wife and I went here for the first time and the food was awesome! She got the seafood diablo and I got the crab cake. Understand that seafood borders on a religion here in Baltimore and both dishes were outstanding. For those who can't eat shellfish, I tried the corn chowder which was similarly amazing. So in short, the service and food were both outstanding.
(5)
Michael H.

I basically echo much of what has been said in regards to the crabcakes being phenominal and everything else ranging from lackluster to downright atrocious. That said I am still giving it five stars as the crabcakes are that good and the mixed drinks possibly better. Ridiculous pours at excellent prices. I believe a grey goose that essentially is a pint glass full of vodka with a splash of mixer is five or six bucks. Although I feel like the pours are stronger when you are actually sitting at the bar, however I have no definitive proof of this. Also dont sleep on the stuffed oysters. It five oyster shells filled with brolied crabcakes so for like seven dollars more than the twin crabcake platter you are basically getting five crabcakes. The oysters are pretty much irrelevant in this dish.
(5)
Nancy C.

The restaurant itself was pretty retro, I guess I haven't been in a setting like that since I was a kid in the 70's, very banquet-hall-ish, hey, I'm from Hawaii, so that's what it reminded me of, can't explain it? It seemed like we were sitting close quarters to the people around us. My husband was listening to an obnoxiously loud woman at a table talking about her job at NSA. My husband's friend and I tuned her out, it's easy to do when you want to ignore someone invading your chow time but hubby ALWAYS has to have his ears open to his surroundings. He's the type of person who will comment on your conversation if it is in his earshot. He said he was waiting for her to say something classified so he could slam her in front of her parents. Yeah, he's THAT guy. The Asian waiter kept talking to me instead of my husband and his friend, lol. Menu is huge but I knew after reading reviews from yelp and other places that the crab cake was the place to go. Hubby ordered the fried shrimp, can't get any mediocre than that. His friend ordered the clams and I think a steak. He liked my crab cake more. I felt bad and gave him half of my cake. Yes, it's that big. 4 stars on my experience and the delish crab cake. 1 star left out because I emailed them about taking some crab cakes home to Hawaii when I visit in August and haven't heard a thing from them.
(4)
B W.

Not really a "foo-foo" poshy place but you get a great value for your bucks! Some of our fellow business travelers turned down their noses at the place, preferring to spend their per diem on pricier spots, but not us. It's definitely got more of a blue-collar vibe, and that's what I like. If I come from out of town, I want to eat where locals eat so I can talk to them! We went on Monday night, when they had their lobster special: $20 for 2 lobsters and sides. Each lobster about 1.25 lbs. Service was quick. There was a football game going on and the servers were crowded around the kitchen door, listening to the game and giving all the customers updates. Everybody would cheer or boo depending on their sympathies. All in all it was a fun evening and I look forward to coming back.
(4)
chris n.

It was like stepping back a few years with the retro styling (lots of brown) but I still had high hopes. The wait staff was fast and courteous. Had the steak and crab cakes... wow... the steak sucked. I knew it was going to be bad when the waiter brought out a bottle of A1 with them. It had no flavor and I am wondering if the chef knows what he is doing or if it was just a cheap cut. the crab cakes were good, not outstanding.
(2)
Andrey D.

The only good thing I can say about this place is that there is plenty of parking space available. The food was bland: French onion soup had a strong bitter aftertaste to it; crabcakes were too soft with too much filling; scallops were rubbery (the sure sign of overcooking). If you are looking for a better alternative in the neighborhood, drive a few mins further on Coca Cola drive and check out Gunning's.
(2)
Steve K.

The crabcakes are pretty good. They've got some filler and they're backfin meat, but they're tasty and seasoned. Like G&M, the other food besides the crabcakes is subpar. I predicted before eating that the fries would be like G&M's: frozen, mushy, tasteless, unsalted steak fries that were slightly warmed before serving. Bingo. Salad was pretty bad, it came with a sticky raspberry vinaigrette that reminded me of a raspberry syrup for a sundae. Advice to the owners: kill the stuff on the menu you're not good at making. The thing that kind of kills this place for me is that it's got that dated-in-a-very-bad-way feel. I mean, I don't think it's... thoroughly clean. When a restaurant has a slightly foul odor when you walk in and something hangs in the air the entire time you're eating, that is a major turnoff. The camel sign and throwback feel of the outside is kitschy and charming, but the mirrored inside that awaits you after you step through the strange entrance chamber has the feeling of a VFW hall from the 1970's. It feels seedy, and seedy combined with smelly and dark says, "get me out of here!" The crabcakes are tasty but the rest of the experience really takes away from them. Advice to the owners: renovate.
(3)
Jane L.

OMG!! The crab cakes are absolutely delicious!! We went here for my aunt's birthday. We were a group of about 15. We had the appetizer platter. There were shrimp, scallops, ribs, steak and CRAB CAKES. I couldn't get enough of them. There was just enough breading to keep them from falling apart. The service was awesome. They were incredibly attentive and patient.
(5)
Marsh W.

Okay, been there twice now. First time I had the Reuben -- it was okay. Fries were the "steak fries" kind, not as crunchy as I like, but okay. Decor is, as stated in other reviews 70s/80s style. Who cares, I go there to eat but I did expect to see some Sopranos in there. :-p Second trip was big work lunch. I should say, I don't like crab or most seafood, so their signature dish was out for me. I WANTED a gyro but was told I had to go to their takeout window?!? How un-customer-friendly... Anyway, large group meant longish wait. I had the porkchops. Very good. Same fries; chunderhead, when I say "crunchy fries" I don't want chewey. They only get 4 stars because of their wait staff. When we got there, they had containers of cocktail sauce and tartar sauce on the table -- by the time the food got there, the tartar was turning greenish-yellow. When I asked for it be replaced I got argument. Eff that! I don't want food poisoning. From the nwws it seems they have been busted for illegal help -- the ones I saw sure were off the boat.
(4)
L. K.

The broiled crabcakes are awesome with some lemon juice squeezed over it. I believe they offer cocktail sauce as well as tartar sauce, good with either or without. I've never really had crabcakes outside of Timbuktu (I'm a Marylander; yes, shame on me) but my brother says he was never a fan of crabcakes in general because they can be bony. Well, no bones to worry about here. Single is $15.99 and double is $24.99. From the outside, the restaurant looks like a shack, and maybe an ethnic restaurant as its name is Timbuktu and the logo is a giant camel but they serve mostly fresh seafood. Monday night is lobster night, single for $11.99 or double for $19.99. Had it for the first time last week, and the lobster isn't huge but contains a decent amount of meat and is delicious. The butter could have been better. As for sides, the zucchini/vegetable side is not very palatable. Nor the rice pilaf, sort of plain. French fries are huge; they're more like potato wedges. Can't go wrong with a baked potato.
(5)
Dwight D.

There is only one reason to come here it is for the broiled crab cakes. They serve other things but nothing else really measures up. Since I have been coming here over the past couple of years the price of the crabcakes has gone up about a buck a year but I keep coming back. By far these are the best crabcakes I have eaten, very little filler just pure crab meat. This place puts other well known crab cake places to shame. Only 3 stars because all they get rated on is the crabcakes. Pricey and no service to talk about because I carry out.
(3)
Yinka M.

Ok so me & my girls drove all the way from No Va to Hanover, and...meh...not worth all the hype I got the steak & cake platter, which was plenty & I struggled to finish it, so portion sizes are good. The crab cakes were really just ok, Phillips has better. The service was what made me give Timbuktu a 2 star rating. I have never had a waitress ask me where the rest of her tip was before the we had finished dessert & talk about our table loudly as we were exiting
(2)
Esther K.

crab cakes were amazing! words cannot describe it! the service was AMAZING! the softshell crab sandwich was super tasty! The coleslaw was absolutely yummy! i have nothing bad to say about this place! Oh I will definitely go back on my next trip to Baltimore. Such a friendly and family restaurant feel. I loved it! thank you for a great service and delicious food!!!!
(5)
Jeff P.

I loved the crabcakes! They offer one or two of them with salad, vegetables, and bread. One large one was plenty for me. It was plump, moist, and flavorful. I would have been challenged to finish a second one.
(4)
Greg W.

Polite service. Food is very good. A bit pricey. Plenty of parking.
(4)
Ria H.

MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT!! I LOVE this restaurant and carryout so much!! I always get the broiled seafood platter or two broiled crab cakes. The seafood is broiled to perfection. I have ate here a hundred times and my food has been consistently the same every time!! The crab cakes barely has any fillers and it's full of big lumps of crab meat!! The crab cakes are huge and seasoned to perfection!! I come here for special occasions and "I feel like eating a crab cake" occasion...that's when I get carryout and eat it at home. I also love the strawberry cheesecake too!! They have a huge selection of desserts. For two broiled crab cakes and 2 sides, it will cost about $25 It's pricey but it's worth every penny!!!!!! The servers at the dine in section can be more friendlier BUT I overlook it because I really LOVE the food!! The dining area is dim and has an old fashioned look BUT I overlook it because I really LOVE the food!!!
(5)
Sokha A.

We love Timbuktu! The only place we go for crab cakes in MD, nothing else compares. We usually split 1 order or crab cakes and get some sides, because they come in sets of 2 and they are HUGE lumps of CRAB. Unlike most other places, where the crab cakes are mostly breading w/some crab sprinkled in ... these crab cakes are mostly crab and almost no filler! We bring all our out-of-towners here for a real taste of MD crab.
(5)
Darren A.

Ahhh yes, there you are, Timbuktu! Where have you been? I know it's been a long time but we had a nice little visit, didn't we? Why has it been so long, you ask? Ohhhhhh, I dunno. Probably bc you seem so very distant - so very far away. When in actuality, you're not that far at all. Oh wait - I know why ... the WAIT!! It's the WAIT!!!! Ooooohhhh, the WAIT!!!!!! And you know how impatient I can be. Please forgive me .... Years ago, I came to party it up w/ some folks and we waited for what seemed to be just 15-minutes-shy of 'forever and a day'. That said, I knew it would be a long distance love ... Now don't get me wrong. On occasion, throughout the years, I have stopped through to try and get a bite but the LINE ... OHHHHH, THE LINE!!!!! I would then turn around, sobbing with disappointmet, and leave. Sorry, love but Papa's gotta eat ... lol Fast forward to this past weekend. I was out with people visiting from out of town and they decided they wanted a good MD crab cake. I hemmed & hawed. They asked what all the faces were for. I told them, ' I know a spot but the line is always CRAZY'!!! They didn't care and wanted to go. DAMMIT!!!!! (lol). So I called ahead and am told there is 'no wait' at all (Yeah, right! Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's rain, sister!!!!) Anyway, I begrudgingly start the drive over to the longest wait of my life ... and ... WHAT'S THIS?!?!? Like 15 cars in the WHOLE LOT!!!! **the heaven's opened up and my guardian angels were on my side... Ahhh aahhh ahhhh (that's the angels' singing, for those that didn't know...)**. We go inside, get seated immediately and begin our feast du jour... 1) The calamari was awesome - MASSIVE rings, seasoned well and nice & crispy on the outside and light and toothsome on the inside. A table could definitely share a serving; they were plentiful. 2) The salad - a basic garden - was a nice size and the dressing was a nice simple tangy blue cheese. Wish it had more chunks, though. 3) The Steak fries ... YUM! I mean - how could you NOT like a good steak fry, right? Nuff said ... and then 4) 'La piece de resistance' ... two golden orbs of jumbo lump crab meat, broiled to perfection. These mountains of decadency were toasted golden brown on the outside and packed full of creamy flavor on the inside. HOW they did that, is beyond me but **eyes rolled to back of head** these were PHENOMENAL!! Needless to say, I could only eat one. Lunch the next day was that much sweeter thanks to this leftover gem. Our server, Dana was FANASTIC and tended to us as if we owned the company. The service was STELLAR! As we continued eating and smiling with each and every bite, I notice that the dining room is filling up ... Oooooooooooooh - that's what it is. We beat the 'rush'... Everyone sated, we departed and I saw the wait ... OHHHH, THE WAIT!! OHHH, THE LINE!!!!!! OHHH, THE PARKING LOT!!!! (easily 75 to 100 cars now). Mentally, I collapse into a ball and start rocking back & forth thinking of 'my happy place' ... LOL. Once I snapped out it, I ran to my car and 'put the pedal to the metal' and I was OUTTA THERE!!!! Oh, sweet Timbuktu ... when will I see you again? I hope very soon... (but BELIEVE ME, it will be before 5:00PM) WHEW!!!!!!!
(4)
Tiffani C.

I only come for the crab imperial. That is all. The sides typically are basic and dull. The service is hit-or-miss. Oh and it is costly. They menu needs to be revamped so that the entire dining experience is worth it, not just the entrees.
(3)
Den F.

this restaurant was recommended to me because of their crabcakes. YUM. i ordered the broiled crabcake - there is barely any filler and jumbo lump meat. they tasted really good, without any tartar or cocktail sauce. the platter came with a salad, a side, and some rolls, all there of which were just average. for dessert, our table ordered 2 to share. the chocolate mousse tuxedo cheesecake and the chocolate mousse cake (i really love chocolate and mousse). the cheesecake was surprisingly light with just the right amount of sweetness evened out with the chocolate. the mousse cake was a lot richer and was a bomb of chocolate. both very delicious. the service was also good. we were greeted quickly, the waitress explained the menu to us and answered all our questions. she spilled water on our table, but apologized and cleaned it up quickly.
(4)
Scott M.

I am not going to be rude, it might be a nice place, but I have eaten there twice and the food has been gross both times. The waitstaff always make me feel as if I am asking for too much. I will never eat at this dirty place again.
(1)
Hugh P.

Seafood lunch was stuffed with great meat! I would recommend Timbuktu as a place you should try for sure.
(4)
Scott V.

Food was ok. We had better crab cake at the G&M. Service was terrible our server Catherine confronted us about the tips that we gave her that was not enough.
(2)
Kristin G.

Great crab cakes. Server was great. Appears if you are alone they seat you in the lounge even though there was plenty of room in the dinning room. Not impressed with that and giving a 3 star because of this. Plenty of parking but poor lighting. Ladies traveling alone should consider this.
(3)
Dave F.

Pretty good food! A little overpriced for what you get, but if you can't make it to G&M for your crab cakes, this is a good second place.
(4)
Leshaun L.

I had a dinner party here and not only was the service horrible but so was the food. The waitresses forgot about us and we waited almost 45 mins before they took our order, our food was brought out almost an hour after the order was placed. Everyone's food was cold and my crab cakes were not completely cooked. I spoke to the manager who was really rude himself. This used to be my favorite restaurant and this experience as made me change my position on the. I will never step foot or even think to patronize this place again.
(1)
A K.

Crab cake heaven. Don't bother ordering anything else. Their md carb soup and crab cakes are the best in the area.
(5)
Solomon D.

This review is strictly for the karaoke. Been here several times over the years. The DJ is always tight on Friday and Saturday nights. The crowd is mature and easy going. There are always some regulars who do a pretty decent job with the singing. You definitely have to watch what your drinking because the bartenders pour heavy here and before you know it you can be over your limit. Good times here and I will be back.
(4)
Joe P.

Great crab cake, good service. The overall ambience keeps it from being 5 star. The signage really makes no sense, and we had to wait for the shift change meeting to end before being seated. Took some out if town friends in for the crab cake specifically, and they did not disappoint.
(4)
Michelle B.

I actually like Timbuktu a little more than I did years ago. It seems like when I go now, the crab is moist and not so dry like it was in the past. I typically get the stuffed lobster with a salad and a baked potato. The baked potato is always the worst item because they always seem old, so I would advise people not to get one. The drinks were okay if you wanted a sweet fruity drink. I ordered a margarita and had to ask for another shot of tequila on the side to help me finish drinking it. The service is decent, but the decor is kinda drab. 3.5 Stars!
(4)
Tina Z.

We came for only the crabcakes and loved them. Make sure you get them broiled though!
(4)
Nicole H.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the crabcakes and Monday night Lobster night. The bread is always fresh and hot, servers are nice, but the mystery musty smell in the restroom needs to be investigated thoroughly.
(3)
Jeab R.

We waited for a little more than an hour for our meal and when it arrived the steaks which were to be medium rare and medium were both well done. When the new ones came they were not seasoned properly. Granted, the crab cakes were good, but the sides of Mac and Cheese was dreadful. Definitely a letdown. Not worth the wait at all.
(1)
Darrell S.

This was some of the worst service I've ever had in my entire life. My family took my father there for his birthday on Saturday the 11th and we kept raving about the crabcakes and the pleasant staff that we had had before but on this night it was the total opposite. We had a 630 reservation and we did not get sacked until 7 o'clock and when we were sad we didn't even have a way to come and greet us until about 20 minutes later which I don't understand why the waiter even had a four table section when he should've only had about two or three table section. When he did greet is we all ordered cream of crab soup and salads and my soup was the only one that was cold and it took him 15 minutes to get back a new soup for me. We then waited almost 45 minutes for our entrÃ©es which were just crabcakes and side salads and my brother had a burger plus he never came back and checked on us we had to have another young lady constantly fill our water for us. This is a legendary place that is been around for over 30 years and I've heard nothing but good things about it and I came a couple years ago for my wife and I anniversary but for what I witnessed on this night I will never ever come back again to dine. Maybe carry out but NEVER EAT IN.
(1)
Darlene R.

My fellow book club members and I visited this restaurant today. It was my first time, but not the first time for a few of the others. The waitress was ok. I got the crab cake sandwich. When the waitress brought the food to us, she dropped my sandwich on the table and there was glass, and food all over the place. My friend's meal was free of course. There was a whole lot of glass on the floor. When I finally did get my crabcake it was cold. I was hungry so I ate it. I had much better. I will definitely not be revisiting this dump.
(1)
LaLa H.

my favorite restaurant in the world..they have the best seafood its cooked to perfection...never had such amazing food an I loved it so much I had thecrab cakes ordered and shipped in a cooler to my house in florida..I would fly to md just to eat here again..nothing beats this place..best food ever
(5)
Shannon L.

The food here is AMAZING! If it's your first time, I'd recommend getting the crab cakes with extra lemon on the side. My only complaint is the mashed potatoes I ordered as a side item... They tasted too russetty; like, I could still taste the russet potato skins. Other than that - ambiance, waitress, food, all excellent! Treat yourself!!
(4)
Keith R.

$25 for a steak and lobster with two sides on Tuesday night is a good deal. It was decent but didnt blow me away by any means.
(3)
B M.

Not what it used to be! This place is not what it used to be. I say this only as a person who has gone to this establishment for over a decade. Trust me people when I tell you that the reviews that are posted now, would probably have all 'five-stars', across the board. 'Timtu' used to have the best crab cakes in Maryland, and it wasn't even close. Throughout the years though, the original chefs left to better establishments, which have left the succeeding and current chefs trying to duplicate their previous predecessors success. Fail! Because of the aforementioned departure of said chefs, i've only gone back to Timtu a couple times and both times (Most recently last Friday). The service is slow and impatient with taking complete orders. The table we sat at, already had a sweaty glass of water on the table. Silverware was missing..and the wait time for receiving your food was terrible. Just to make this brief, when the food finally arrived, (I ordered crab cakes) it was not very good, and had Small pieces of crab shells in it. The previous time I went, about 6 months ago, the Italian dish I ordered was runny and tasteless. I wish I could co-sign all the good reviews, better yet, I wish, the 'old' Timtu was still around, because it was one of the best seafood restaurants in the Md. area. Do yourself a favor and pass on the New Timtu.
(2)
Kathleen O.

Because I only had a limited number of dinners I would get to experience while in the Baltimore area, I am so disappointed that I had to waste one of them at Timbuctu. Simply put, the seafood it was overcooked, overpriced, and under serviced. At $31.99, I got the seafood Jewel and the only thing that was edible on the plate was the scallops which were under seasoned. Two of the side orders were decent, the cole slaw and green beans but the lobster and shrimp were like rubber and the crab cake was over breaded and raw in the middle. Save yourself the disappointment and go to a chain restaurant before considering this restaurant.
(1)
Ma-e M.

An old established family restaurant in somewhat remote area out of sight in the bustle and hustle of Arundel Mills Mall. Lump crab cake was big and crabby. Finding a staple in my corned beef sandwich which was really good, could be a rare occurrence but I was traumatized. I was lucky not to think of it that it was a small bone and swallowed it. I questioned it by continuing to chew it. I picked it up and there it was a staple, unbelievable. My throat felt scared and had a difficulty in swallowing normally. Timbuktu has probably more to offer, but the next time we have a business party, I would be careful what's on my food.
(3)
Jason W.

Anytime I visit thus area, I try to stop here for some crabcakes. The best that I have found in the BMore/DC area.
(4)
JK N.

My mother insists this place is fantastic, I myself cannot stand it. - service is slow and full of mistakes - cobwebs hanging from the ceiling - food is awful except for the crab cakes and the onion rings, everything else is barely swallowable How do I come to these conclusions well I have been there twice in two years and both times it was horrendous. We just ate there on Sat 7/5 (my mom's bday pick - she likes places where the possibility of getting sick or having your card number stolen is part of the ambiance). We had a party of 8 persons (including one finicky teenager and one person over 80). We had a reservation, all of our party arrived on time, yet we had to wait for 10 minutes for our table. The tables are too close together so the 80 yr old walking with a cane had a tremendously hard time navigating to our table which was in the furtherest room from the front door. We sat at a table that was a folding table from the elementary school cafeteria and chairs from a worst wedding you have been too (i.e. very uncomfortable past 10 mins). The waitress while polite, she messed up on several of the orders (none of which requested specials attention). She gave my father fries vs. baked potato, my friend never got her a la carte salad, and three of us got soda vs. the ice tea we requested. Since we had waited for an hour for our meal we didn't say anything fearful that she would take away what she had brought (we were starving). We did get some appetizers onion rings and the special (potato skins, wings, mozzarella sticks and ribs). Only the onion rings were truly special, the rest taste frozen no where near fresh. Also the apps took about 30 mins to arrive. So between the dinner taking an hour to arrive and the apps taking 30 mins to arrive from the moment we sat down, I would not recommend this place for persons who are hungry. My mom raved about her fish and three diners liked their crab cakes but the spaghetti, chicken fingers, fries, chicken piccata was all horrendous.
(2)
Mike G.

So.... story is this: Over the past few months, friends have been telling us how good Timbuktu is and how it was the place to go. They hyped it up pretty good. My lady and I took up the opportunity to go to Timbuktu for one our date nights. When we got there, we were seated relatively quick. When one of the servers came to the table to pour us water, he seemed to be mad at the fact he was at work that night. Also, he spilled water on the table as he was pouring our glasses, and he angrily took the extra place settings off the table. I wasn't too upset at this because I know sometimes its hard to hide your feelings when you are at work. Our waitress on the other hand was awesome. She gave us great customer service. Ultimately, we were not impressed with the food. My fiance had two crab cakes, which she said was okay. I can't remember specifically what I ordered because it was nothing to write home about. It tasted like banquet food. Nothing was special about the meal at all. I recommend you try this place to form your own opinion..
(2)
Maria M.

The (2)crab cake dinner was very good. I got one fried and one broiled. The broiled was 95% pure LUMP crabmeat and the fried was about 75/80% lump crabmeat and the remainder was filler. I would definately recommend the broiled. The down side was the ladies bathroom.....ugh, not clean at all, which had I went to the bathroom before being seated I would not have stayed. There were three stalls, one was broken and the floor was wet, urine or mop water, not sure.
(3)
John E.

This review is for the restaurant side. I again got the crabcake which was absolutely amazing, so creamy and good. In my opinion there is a bit too much bread with it and that takes away from the crabcake. It is a huge white bread bun, tastes good, but isn't the right match for a crabcake. I think upgrading from a piece of iceberg lettuce to a piece of romaine lettuce would be the other improvement that I would make to the sandwich. When my friend and I sat down the waiter came up to take our food orders with in 10 seconds of sitting down. We hadn't even opened the menus. She then came back about 10 times in 5 minutes asking if we were ready to order. Seemed a bit excessive and was getting annoying as she kept interrupting our conversation. Once we ordered she left us alone and just came around to refill our drinks. Service was great except for her initial pestering us to make an order. The fries were much better this time, so I am guessing I just got a bad batch from the takeout side.
(4)
Tilia M.

Completely underwhelmed by the decor, the service, and pretty much everything I placed in my mouth. My seasoned broccoli was tasty, but the salad was sad, as was the overly-sweet, too-thick vinaigrette. Literally every side dish this place serves is straight out of a can, frozen container, or box. The mashed potatoes were instant, the Maryland crab soup was SO thick - it looked like a can of cream of mushroom soup with a light sprinkling of crab. BUT. Yes, there is a but. If you come here, waive ALL side dishes (the broccoli was edible,) and go straight for the crab cakes, you will be pleasantly surprised. They were large, made almost completely of sweet, fresh lump crab meat, and were very tasty. One of the best crab cakes I've EVER EATEN. They, and I am assuming all of their seafood is this restaurant's saving grace. Go for the seafood, skip the frills - they're awful.
(4)
Greig T.

Went here Saturday (1/31) for my fathers Birthday and my wife suggested it because she has had several lunches here. I have lived in Maryland since 2004 and I still don't get the obsession with Maryland Crab and crab cake. It doesn't taste as good as real crab (snow, king) and 90% of the time it is tainted with that disgusting Old Bay seasoning that Marylanders seem to love. I say all of this because we did not go here for Crab Cakes, which most reviewers tend to focus on. We made reservations, same day and they got us in, party of 7 1/2 (handicapped daughter cannot eat but takes up a chair space). We got there and it was NTB but there was plenty of parking and multiple different sections for handicapped parking for the ramp van. Thumbs up there. Multiple access ramps too. They are definitely disabled friendly here. Since we had reservations, not much wait and seated promptly. Lets Break It Down Drinks - No complaints, orders taken, got right, periodic refill checks. Apps - Mixed bag here. The Calamari had some of the lightest breading on it I have ever tasted. Really good and light. You didn't get that heavy feeling. We ordered the sampler as well. Pretty good though the loaded potatoes were mediocre. Chicken wings were good with fat drums but the mozzarella sticks were average. Cream of Crab Soup, average . . . not bad, not great. Apps I am gonna say 3.5 Stars. Main Course - I ordered the Lamb Chops, my Wife the Broiled Seafood Combination, my Dad the Steak and Lobster, my nephew the Fettuccine Alfredo and my two in-laws something with steak and shrimp. I do not remember what my son ordered. The lamb was generous in portion and cooked and seasoned to perfection. Tender and tasty. the Seafood combo was good in my wife's words as was the two with steak and shrimp and my fathers steak and lobster. Cooked to desired temperature, big portions, seasoned properly and arrived at the table hot. The downside here were the sides. They sucked. Wish they could have been swapped for a soup or a salad. Macaroni; gloppy, slightly cold, Whipped Potatoes; cold and bland, Cole Slaw; way too much mayonnaise, almost liquidy, Steamed vegetables; mediocre. And you cannot substitute the sides for a salad, we asked because my wife is on some weird diet. So 4 Stars for the food having lost one for the sides. Because there was a crab cake on the seafood combination we tasted it. Pretty good. I was really impressed. No Old Bay (+1). Lots of large chunks of meat (+2) with little stuffing or filler or whatever they call it. Broiled right so there was just a light crust on the top and moist inside (+1). So yeah, crab cakes here are 4 Stars. We did not do Desert Service - Service was good. Polite staff. Attentive to our needs and efficient in used dish clearing after courses. Waitress communicated clearly and made sure our orders were right. Did not pester us too often with "hows your meal" questions, only after the end of the apps and halfway through main when she refilled drinks. The right amount. Generally felt that the staff overall were positive in attitude. So yeah, this is a pretty good joint to come eat. The prices are up there though not outrageous but when you consider the portion sizes they serve, they are actually a pretty good price mark. I mean we all ended up taking home a lot of leftovers that themselves acted as a full meal the next day, so unless you are a glutton, you are getting two meals for the price of one. I would recommend this place . . . make a reservation though because it was butt crowded.
(4)
Tommy_n_Loretta C.

The crab cakes were just ok. I was not really impressed. The service was great and the waitress was really nice.
(3)
Juli B.

My co workers rave about this place about the crab cakes and crab creations, I wanted to see what the fuss was about. I went on a Saturday afternoon and sat at the bar, ordered a beer and a crab cake. The bartender had the personality of a wet sock, and seemed like he was going through the motions to collect a check. My food came out, and the plate was hot and food wasn't as hot as the plate. The crabcake was full of meat, not hardly any filler but didnt like it was worth all the hoopla and fuss. The bar side is dark and dinghy lot of tables uncleared and wasnt a lot of people there.
(2)
Mabel T.

More like 3 1/2. This place is a classic example of "Never judge a book by its cover." It's located in the middle of nowhere and the place is a little run down and out-dated. The restaurant layout is awkward and compartmentalized -- not just one big open layout so there've been a couple of times where I'm meeting people and literally walk in circles throughout all the rooms just trying to find them. But it is all totally worth it for 2 words -- crab cakes. Their crab cakes are HUGE and taste amazing -- lots of lump crab meat and barely any filler. You can have a single or double order, but I always do the double just because it's a greater deal. One is always enough for me and I just bring the rest home. It tastes delicious even microwaved the next day. I prefer my crabcakes broiled but you do have an option to fry them. Most of their entrees come with a side or caesar salad, so I think it's great value for the money!
(4)
Rebecca R.

I was here in June 2013. Recommended by a client. I had the jumbo crab cake - they are not kidding about the jumbo - great food - large pieces of crab - expensive but worth it. Everything you've heard about Maryland crab is true.
(4)
Melissa M.

Went here for anniversary dinner. We decided to go with the recommendation if fellow yelpers and get the crab cakes. Very nice proportion, not much filler, but more creamy/mayo than unusually prefer. Everything was served in a timely fashion and served HOT! The sides I got (Mac n cheese and mashed potatoes) were bland. Also ordered a bowl of MD crab soup, delicious! Our server was very courteous and knowledgeable of the menu options. Prices your normal $20-30 range for most meals. As for atmosphere, not too impressed. Very dimmed lighting, the desert theme was presented by cheap photos of desert and sand on the walls, that's about it. Could do for a renovation. All in all, not bad for a nice dinner out for two on a week night.
(4)
Tomasa R.

Best Maryland crab cake hands down!!! Mo's is 2nd place.
(4)
Antoine W.

Location Located off of Route 100 at the Coca-Cola Drive exit. Easily accessible from Route, Route 295, and I-95. Atmosphere Somewhat dark and a little depressing looking with the wood paneling on the walls, banquet-worthy tables and chairs, and the main rooms and skinny corridors throughout the restaurant. Service What you would expect from a moderately-priced restaurant: attentive runners filling up water glasses and clearing finished plates, a waiter/waitress who provides just enough attention to your table to not be overbearing or bothersome. Dressed professionally with white dress shirts, black pants, and a colored tie. Food/Drinks THIS is why you come to Timbuktu: seafood! Crab cakes are large, all crab, can be fried or broiled, and are worth EVERY penny! In fact, anything with crab that is served on their menu is well worth the money. On my most recent trip, I had the stuffed mushroom caps with a baked potato and side Caesar salad. I will admit that I wish the side salad was larger and the baked potato offered more than butter and sour cream (how about cheese and chives/green onions, too?) Note What I would like to point out, in particular, is their speediness on Mother's Day 2013, my most recent visit. For a table of six (6) people at 5:30pm with no reservations, we waited approximately ten (10) minutes for a table! Can't beat that!!!
(4)
Leslie S.

Timbuktu was ok just off as few reasons, really these reasons made it only 3 stars. The crab cakes I had where the best I have ever had! The service was subpar & the ambience was older looking. The wait was long & the wait for my food was even longer. Good idea to order appetizers here! My steak wasn't cook the way i ordered it, & the bread pudding wasnt bread pudding at all, being from Texas I know my bread pudding! That was my first time going there, & I will rather take it out than eat there.
(3)
Chris S.

I have been here a couple of times and I absolutely love their steaks. They're juicy and delicious. I'm allergic to shellfish but my friends and family always get the crab cakes and lobsters. They say that it's all good. The servings are generous and I always feel stuffed. I've tried a few of their desserts and I like the Oreo cake the most.
(4)
Barbara H.

The crab cakes are not what they used to be! We loved going to this restaurant many times over the years, but the crab cakes we had today contained a LOT of filler; very different from even two months ago. New chef? New recipe? They are bigger but definitely not better. And the cole slaw couldn't be more bland. Service was fine, although it seems our server has joined those who think it's acceptable to ask "what would WE like to drink today?" Disappointing visit.
(3)
Em. S.

Had not been here in years, but came by for a dinner crabcake. It was probably the best crabcake I've had in a while: not overcooked, full of lumps, not too much filling. Side dishes were background noise, unfortunately. Menu has just about everything. Service was good. It's the sort of place to take a large family: little decor, no flash, just friendly service and good food.
(4)
Eric S.

The food here is predictably meh, but the real crime is the service. Took FOREVER to be served and refills on drinks was not a thing that was happening. Even flagging down the waiter for the check was excessively difficult. Overall very negative experience. Very unaccomodating on split checks. Was required to use ATM which charged $3.
(2)
Ronald T.

Very good food at a affordable price and the service was fast. I plan on coming back and trying more things on the menu.
(4)
Steve E.

It is hard for me to give just one star, but this place earned it. I was seated very quickly and was greeted right away by the hostess. But that is where the good time ends. The waitress was less than attentive and as she was taking our order, she was looking elsewhere and not that interested in us. After placing my order, I used the restroom to wash my hands, and the men's room was a mess. Now I wad there at the end of the lunch rush, so I give some slack for that, but the kicker was the soap dispenser didn't work. To get soap out, I had to take the top off the dispenser and dip my hand in. I just hope the staff was willing to do the same before they handled my food! When the food came out, I was less than impressed. It is ever a good sign when the frozen French fries are the highlight of the meal. My sandwich was dry and unappetizing and the crab cakes my guest ordered were huge, but unmemorable. I would say better luck next time, but there won't be another next time.
(1)
Geoffrey L.

Staying in Laurel, MD, this place had AMAZING crab cakes. Anything on the menu including the stuffed mushrooms were over flowing with the sweetest crabmeat. Would definitely recommend!
(5)
Mike M.

Ok, let's set the stage for this oddball gem of a restaurant. It's just off Coca-Cola drive...yet only sells Pepsi products. It seats 400+ in the dining rooms, not including the separate meeting rooms and private dining areas. It's a maze. Not only do you need the very nice hostesses to seat you, you might need one to lead you back out after your meal. It's very old fashion. Wood chairs, table cloths, curtains, small, covered windows (as opposed to the daylight-rich chain restaurants that abound), and dark paneling. The crowd generally fits the rest of the place with lots of locals and an older crowd. Same for the waiters who are friendly but generally appear to be tired of being there. The menu is eclectic covering the gambit from Italian to American to seafood. Sandwiches from burgers to cheese steak. Let me encourage you to stay focused. You want the seafood. The menu denotes several items as Timbuktu specialties and generally they are the best choices. The creamy crab soup is outstanding. Smooth and favorable with tons of crab. Order the cup, the bowl is barely any larger. The salads are fresh with very good dressings. No idea if they're house made or anything but they're tasty. Next, try a seafood appetizer or something from the steam table then go straight to the crab cakes. You may have to force yourself to ignore the rest of the menu, the comfort of the pasta, the sizzle of the steak, but trust me, your diligence will be rewarded. This is my favorite crab cake in town. Huge pieces of crab, the filler is creamy and rich (and quite minimal). You can go broiled or fried. Just go with your gut here, you can't go wrong. I've had the deserts but it's been a while so I'll write a review of them some other time. You're on your own for sweets. Prices are very reasonable for the area. A dozen oysters runs $18, about $6 less than in town. Other items run about the same discount to DC prices but you simply will not find better seafood in DC or in Baltimore in my opinion. This place get's crowded so bring your patience. There are specials every night but again, stay focused, you want the crab cakes! Enjoy!
(4)
Courtney F.

I've been to Timbuktu on numerous occasions. Tonight was the first night I was disgusted with the food and the service. My fiancÃ© and I were seated and immediately we had unwanted guests at our table. The nets flying around the dining area was ridiculous. There was a net floating in my water. I asked that we be moved to another section (out of the fly zone). The manager moved us to a separate area. The Nets were not as bad but they were still lingering. OVER AN HOUR later our food comes to the table. I ordered the seafood diablo and a side of steamed broccoli. My seafood diablo came to the table COLD. The pasta was cold, and so was the waitress' (Chandra) response. I received a cold dish that should have come hot and i didn't receive my side order of broccoli. I asked the waitress to take back my cold plate of food. And I told her I didn't receive my side order of broccoli. Never did she apologize, or try to accommodate me. She gave me a lot of attitude. By this time, I would like a new waitress with with a better attitude. I don't require a lot. But if I order a hot dish that's what i expect to get. With the cold food and the waitress' poor attitude, this will be my last visit to Timbuktu. Jerry's seafood will be my first choice going forward. They have better seafood and better customer service.
(1)
JJ R.

Went to G and M first Excellent service. The server was extremely friendly. Food was delicious!
(5)
Lakeia S.

My husband and I went to Timbuktu's for a lunch date. We ordered carryout. We had two crab cakes and fries platters, it was delicious. Customer service was great. No complaints.
(4)
Jenny T.

LOOOOVE!! This place is literally in the middle of nowhere, about 10 min away from BWI airport. The crab cake sandwich is huge and amazing - it's all lump crab meat. You will not be disappointed. You can also buy the crab cakes and cook them at home on your own!
(5)
Iyore E.

Service was horrible. Food was great. We had to wait for about 2 hours before we got seated.
(3)
Victoria S.

I had heard of Timbuktu for years and have never been! Finally last Friday my boyfriend and I w/another couple met for dinner. The location is very easy to find - we had a couple of us coming from Baltimore, and I from Annapolis. The location is right of Rt. 100 so it is easy for everyone. The outside is nothing special, just looks more like a bar than a restaurant. When I walked inside I was greeted by very friendly hostesses, through glass doors is a much larger restaurant than I would have expected! You can tell they can hold a lot of people, and larger banquets. The dÃ©cor is a little dated. Mirrors surrounding everyone in almost one giant room. But never judge a book by it's cover! The food was great! Our waitress, although swamped with the larger parties apologized repeatedly for taking a few extra minutes to take our order. We didn't care because we were catching up but it was nice she made a big deal out of it. 3 out of 4 of us ordered the crab cakes. I ordered the Duo which I probably could have gotten away with eating one. These things were huge! I am a serious crab cake snob (c'mon I live in Annapolis!) These were juicy and hardly any filler, just the way a crab cake SHOULD be. It came with a house salad, and the choice of the veggies of the day or a baked potato. I had the sauteed veggies which were delicious and not drowned in butter/oil . Our friends had steak which looked great (they said it was). My boyfriend had the Manicotti. He enjoyed his dish as well. This menu has a little bit of everything, sure to please any picky palette! As my boyfriend says, we can now put this on our "Restaurant rotation". :)
(4)
Julie F.

We swung by here while roadtrippin' down I-95. I wanted to try Maryland crab cakes and this was the best option: they have a carry-out window for fast take-out service, perfect for those who travel with canines. Reaching the carry-out window was a little confusing, and signage on the outside sparse. We had to trek around the building from the main entrance, enter through a side door, and walk through a liquor store. But now you know that the take-out crab cakes are in the liquor store. Let that aid you in your quest. We kept things simple by sharing a double broiled crab cake platter accompanied by french fries (for him) and mashed potatoes (for me). It was cooked to order and stayed hot as we went across the street to have a mini-picnic in the construction area. The crab cakes tasted pretty good to this Philly-bred, Atlanta-dwelling non-expert. They were huge and consisted mostly of giant chunks of jumbo lump meat, which I adore. The binder, if a little bit more voluminous than I might have preferred, was redolent of mustard and egg. I really loved the crispy bits of crab that had browned under the broiler. My only issue with the cakes was the amount of shell that I picked out of them. There were at least eight shards per cake, many of them large (dime-sized). If I'm paying $27.99 for two crab cakes, I'd prefer to take big confident bites without fear of lodging exoskeleton into the roof of my mouth. Nobody likes timid chewing. That's right, nobody. I don't know if I'd return here on my next road trip through the area, but only because there are so many other places to try. The crab cakes were pretty good, shell and all.
(4)
Blue C.

One of the Best Restaurants Ever. Great Customer Service and a Great Variety of Foods n Drinks.
(5)
Jason F.

Solid place. Raised in Maryland and been living here for 22 years and the crab cakes here can compete with anything in the state. First time I have been here and won't be my last. I went here for lunch and got the cream of crab soup and a crab cake sandwich. The soup is above average, but does not blow you away. The crab cake is excellent. Softball size and full of meat. Very similar to G&M's and depending on who you are partial to one could be better than the other. The restaurant is tucked away off of Coca Cola drive, which is off Rt. 100.
(4)
Dave B.

Their crab cake is the best! Everyone who keeps rating it as not so good is unaware of what a true Maryland style crab cake should taste like. These are perfect! The crab is the star and the other ingredients are minimal and compliment the meat perfectly! Delicious cole slaw and fries! I would give five stars but I can't base my review on one meal. I would go back in a heartbeat!
(4)
Brad N.

Visiting from California, I found Timbuktu when searching here on Yelp. Location was pretty close to hotel, and I wanted to try some famous Maryland seafood. I really enjoyed it. I had the jewels of the sea, and my wife the seafood fettuccine. My son had the blackened rockfish, and a bowl of cream of crab soup. Kathleen our server was great. The lobster on the JOTS was average at best. I would opt for two crab cakes . Bread was good. Rockfish and fettuccine was VERY good. I may stop by again before we leave, and will definitely visit when I return.
(4)
David E.

Good, not great food. Normally get the crabcakes, or chicken parm, or one of their specials. Used to be very good value, but recently I think they increased prices and removed salads from being included with some meals. I'll probably not go as often, and am more inclined to try other places.
(3)
Charnika P.

I have been to Timbuktu several times. It's def a must try whenever you are near BWI Airport or Arundal Mills just outside of Baltimore, MD. The quality of the food is consistent and pretty good. The crab cakes are huge with jumbo lump meat. I wouldn't say these are the best in MD. But they are def in the top of my list.
(4)
Christine A.

My husband is a crotchety old man. He is a very picky person. So much that I rarely waste my time or energy cooking . If I put out the energy I expect a "thank you", and better than "its alright." The old man loves TIMBUKTU. He says the CRAB CAKES are FANTASTIC. As others have said, they are huge.This is the only place that he speaks of with real fondness. I for one find this place OK. Like others have said, get the CRAB CAKES. Sadly for the mister, TIMBUKTU is a long haul for us......I would definitely stop by if we were in the area, but certainly would not go outta the way for a meal.
(4)
Stacie B.

It seems to be the only reason this place should be rated highly is for the awesome crabcakes. My family took me here for the first time the other day and here are my observations: - We were seated quickly (and it seems the reservation I made earlier in the day was not necessary.) - The place should actually be called "The Igloo" because of how cold it was in there. It was about 82 degrees outside, but about 55 degrees inside. It's low tiled ceiling also contributed to the "igloo feel". - The website states "proper attire required" but doesn't say what they deem as "proper"... therefore everyone is left to deem what's appropriate on their own which results in Batman T-shirts to dress shirts and ties. - While the staff was friendly, they had no sense of urgency which left us sitting at our table wondering where our servers were when we needed them. Now for the important stuff... the food! - We ordered the CALAMARI and CRAB DIP as an appetizer. Both were very good and I would order them again! The calamari was light, crispy and tender. The crab dip was creamy, cheesy, and had good flavor, but could have used more crab meat. - My dad ordered the BROILED SEAFOOD PLATTER which looked great and I heard no complaints. He orders it frequently and it's good each time. - My stepmom ordered the CRAB PRETZEL and CAESAR SALAD. The crab pretzel was HUGE. She is likely still snacking on it right now. It is pretty much like crab dip spread on top of a huge soft pretzel. The caesar salad was like a side salad and was not worth the over $5 price tag. - My husband and I ordered the PEARLS OF THE SEA platters. The broiled scallops were good, but I wouldn't classify them as "jumbo" as the menu does. The steamed shrimp were quite tough and overcooked. The "petit lobster tail" was where it totally went wrong. Both my husband and I received what was probably the fake lobster (the huge shrimp) and whatever it was, it was mushy and bland yet had a "not-right" taste to it. I hated to do it, but we sent them back. They offered to cook us a new pair, but we passed on it in fear that we would get the same result. Something wasn't right with those "lobster tails". So they credited us for them on our bill. The sides were quite bland (rice pilaf and mashed potatoes.) The crab cake was what made this trip well worth it. HUGE, cooked perfectly, yummy, creamy, and full of crab. Of course everyone's meal was all about the crab cakes. We all even ordered a second crabcake (at the same time as our meals so we could take advantage of a 2nd crabcake discount) and they were just as good heated up in the oven the next day. Next time when I go, I will only be ordering the crabcakes.
(4)
Jeanine H.

I currently live in NJ but anytime I have to travel pass Baltimore I try to stop in for a crab cake. THE BEST crab cakes hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm getting hungry just thinking of one right now. Do yourself a fav and grab one or 2 or 3. Ok just 1. They are HUGE!
(4)
Fatima L.

Had to drop off some people at the Baltimore airport. Driving in from NoVa and this was my first time in/around Baltimore. It was right after that horrible summer storm so no other restaurant nearby had power. I was seriously skeptical of this place because of the kitschy outside. Let's just say that I have never eaten in a restaurant that looks like this before. I still don't get the camel concept, but no matter. I wasn't bothered by the 70's decor at all when I saw that even on Sunday mid-afternoon, the place was pretty packed. The sides were homely and gross Applebee's type gloppy sloppy stuff. The rolls, very unexciting. But the seafood was GOOOOD. We had delicious fresh tasting oysters, clams on the half shell, crab stuffed mushrooms (filled with lumps of delectable crab, though slightly under-seasoned), and a giant pile of broiled scallops. I am wary of ordering scallops at restaurants because so many places over-cook them when really they just need to heat through and firm up a bit, any more and they toughen and go stringy. Well, these were heavenly scallops, cooked just right and well seasoned with a pinch of cayenne in the seasoning, too. What a great meal. I am itching to try the crab cakes. The service was very friendly and attentive, too. I'll definitely make it a point to stop by next time I am obliged to go to the BWI airport.
(4)
Nancy T.

You've heard of greasy spoons, right? Well, this place takes the term literally. I stirred my iced tea and the liquid beaded on the spoon. I rubbed it and it was greasy! Then I checked my friend's spoon and it was also greasy. Ew. I set the spoons aside and tried not to think about them. Next came the salads. I got my basic iceberg dinner salad with the Greek dressing. When I poured the little cup of dressing on the salad the entire "top" slid off in one plop. It had a skin on it like pudding!! Ok, now I'm seriously grossed out. The dinner roll (you only get one so make it last) was like a small hamburger bun minus the sesame seeds. This is worse than cafeteria food so far. I'm hoping things get better, and soon. After an incredibly long wait, which seemed incomprehensible since the place was almost empty, the main course finally arrived. It was just OK. The coleslaw was pretty good, the fries were no better or worse than I've had elsewhere, the crab cake was decent. I heard they don't use Maryland blue crab in their crab cakes. That's odd. Overall this restaurant is a combination of dated wood-paneled decor, very stale service and underwhelming (and at times, flat out gross) food.
(1)
Mike R.

Maryland is known for having the best crabcakes in the world, and this place has among the best in Maryland. Any of their seafood options are excellent - stuffed shrimp, grilled fish, anything from the specials menu. They make strong and tasty mixed drinks as well. I haven't tried any of their steaks, ribs, or non-seafood menu items, but the seafood alone is worth the trip here. It's so convenient to BWI that it's a great option for a pre-flight meal. I've been here numerous times for dinner and a couple times for lunch, and service has always been super friendly and efficient.
(5)
Sunny D.

i don't get it. full disclosure: i don't eat/like shellfish. (they apparently have great crabcakes...i guess.) why do people love this place? i've been twice (both at the selection of other people), and that was 2 times too many. -it's in the middle of nowhere [and ain't worth the trip] -it looks and smells like your grandparent's basement, or like grandma tried [but failed] to spruce up the elks/knights of columbus lodge grandpa goes to with his war buddies -the staff is apathetic at best -the drinks taste more watered down than gatorade -the food is heat lamp rubbery/hard/tasteless -the tables are damn near on top of each other so no privacy while you try to force down the "food" with your dining companion(s) ~1 star for the potato salad, only, which was the only edible thing there. no.thank.you.
(1)
Jhia B.

I am a crab cake enthusiast and their crab cakes are delicious! I have yet to crunch on any shells lol and their crab cakes are the epitome of the word JUMBO lol.
(4)
Sid B.

3 1/2 yes we really did go back a second night two coworkers had steak and crab cake: crab cake great & huge , steak eh, OK I had two GREAT crab cakes; too huge- one was enough with salad ; had 1 1/2. but they ruined the baked potato again service was even nicer go have seafood , forget the rest
(3)
D H.

Busy place, good atmosphere and the wait staff are pretty nice. The crab cakes are the reason this place is in business and what they are known for. But the crab cakes are NOT gluten free and they do not make a version that is. I always get fish of some sort when I go here and it is always very good!
(4)
Susan M.

NOT the place to go if you want a modern, warm, lively ambiance. The dining room was dungenous and smelled funky when I first walked in. I'm probably not the best person to review their crab cakes because I'm not a seafood lover but I had a broiled crab cake and it was just ok. I had to add salt for flavor. The tartar and cocktail sauces were nasty and did not compliment the crab cake at all. My side order was apple sauce and it was served warm - YUK! I give the service a C+. The server was pleasant but it seemed like she was rushing us through he ordering process. I won't be back.
(2)
Tracey G.

Very nice service a good food but the cream of crab was loaded with shells. Won't order it again
(3)
Sandra B.

I was slightly disappointed. I have heard a lot about this place and couldn't wait to try it out. However, i wasn't that impressed. Crab cakes were good but other than that it was pretty bad. I had fried calamari for an appetizer and it wasn't the best I ever had, just average. Also, the crab of cream came in almost cold. When time came for our entree to arrive, I had ribs and a crab cake, and my ribs were cold again! It was so annoying to get cold food served especially for that price. I have expected it to be much better. I don't think I would come back again. It was overpriced for the quality of food they were serving.
(1)
Sonya A.

Hhhmmmmmm... Huge crabcakes.... If I was in the area- and craved a crabcake- I would go and know I'd get a sure thing.
(4)
Roberto N.

It gets an additional star JUST for it's crab cakes. All crab meat, and just enough egg batter to hold it together. My mother was real fan of Crab Cakes, and she seemed to like these the very best. I've taken at least one birthday party here, and everyone enjoyed their meal. I liked it because it had the feel of what I think it is- an old fashioned restaurant located along a traveler's highway, linking DC to Baltimore in the old pre-interstate days. Heck, 10 years ago, they even had served you that tasty orange cheese with crackers and cheese sticks, and Melba Toast, when you sat down, but that's gone now. (sigh). One other thing they do well. (well, they do all seafood well. Really). Desserts. I suspect they have a separate chef for these, as they both look and taste great! It's a huge restaurant, with a REALLY cool wall decor. Go forth, and enjoy this unique place!
(4)
Danielle L.

Again let me preface with I cant eat shell fish. That being said... Im not a fan of this place or their food. I always feel this place over rated, only because of the crabcakes. I have had several dishes here.. all to which seemed to be not fresh orginal food. Meaning canned food, processed food. The wait is long even though the place is huge. It outdated and the service not stellar.
(1)
Nader N.

Awesome Restaurant. The Crab Cakes are the best ive ever had.Also, A Great Selection of Foods and Drinks.Good Customer Service and Friendly. Great Restaurant.
(5)
MaryFoodie M.

Crab cakes are delicious and parking is a breeze. It was worth a visit after being a G&M loyals. They take reservations too.
(5)
Valerie R.

Two words: crab cakes. Stick with the perfection of these broiled masses of lumpy goodness and you can't go wrong. I can't even remember what else I ate, but I don't need to. Anything else is just getting in the way of the crab cakes, including the decor and service. Not bad, mind you - just not as bombtastic as those crab cakes. If I come here again, I will take the crab cakes somewhere worthy of their deliciousness, like for a glorious picnic at a park with wine and fancy hors d'oeuvres.
(4)
Eva C.

Went with a large group of people and we all ordered the crab cake! Honestly though, he crab cake was disappointing and isn't even in the same game as the amazing ones in Baltimore City (read: Faidley's). I shared the crab cake platter, and it was interesting to see 2 of them next 2 each other. They were like misshapen blobs, and one appeared much larger than the other. After biting into it, I realized the reason why they were misshapen was because there was so much filling. Other crab cakes (read: Faidley's) has so much crab and so little filling that they can hold their shape. The mac and cheese side dish hit the craving, but reminded me of kraft. The calamari and crab dip appetizers weren't much to write home about either. As a side note, I did take half of my crab cake home (it was really big), and found it to taste better as leftovers.
(2)
Tanisha C.

I went for the crab cakes and I was very disappointed. I LOVE crab cakes and if it's on the menu at any restaurant, it will likely be my entree of choice. I was told be several people that Timbuktu had the best crab cakes in the Maryland area. I also checked out the Yelp reviews and was excited to try the crab cakes at this restaurant. Unfortunately, they left much to be desired and I have definitely made crab cakes better than this in my own kitchen. Pluses: The crab cake is HUGE... or perhaps I should say monstrous, about the size of a cheeseburger off the $1menu at McDonalds. I ordered the single (in an effort to appear modest in front of my boyfriend's parents) and I was shocked when I saw the size. Unless you're a big burly man or exceedingly greedy, you probably can't finish the double. These are lump crab cakes with delectable chunks of crab meat, there's definitely no skimping at Timbuktu in this regard. Also, the surf and turf options with the crab cakes include ribs. I didn't have the ribs, but someone in my party did and I was eying them hard. Minuses: The crab cakes were seriously lacking in flavor. I generally enjoy crab cakes in two schools, either with huge chucks of crab meat with minimal additional ingredients or less dense crab meat wise with lots of seasonings and fresh ingredients. This crab cake was trying to do both and it was just strange. I think they used an egg-based mixture to hold the chucks of crab meat together. The consistency was very strange, in my opinion. And for all the extra fixings there was no improvement in the taste, for me it actually took away from my ability to enjoy the delectable crab meat. My mashed potatoes weren't very good, just basic mashed potatoes. The waitress admitted they weren't very good without the brown gravy. The salad that comes with the meal was a basic salad, nothing special. The decor is eh... nothing much going on there. It's in the middle of nowhere (hence the name, apparently) and not worth the drive, in my opinion. BUT: Everyone else at the table really enjoyed the crab cakes. Maybe my bar is higher than most given my love for crab cakes, but I won't be going back there.
(2)
Natane E.

My awesome date took me here and the crab cakes were delicious!!! I didn't even know this place was located back in the cut.
(4)
Ying C.

My colleague who grew up in Baltimore recommended this place to me for crab cakes so I drove in for lunch last Sunday. I ordered a single crab cake (from previous reviewers I've learned that they are huge). My husband ordered the fried trio with fried crab cake, fried shrimp and fried scallop. The crab cake is seasoned very well. The shrimps and scallops were fried to perfection. They are very fresh and the service were very good. The only drawback: they do not have lunch menu on weekends. So after a salad, some bread, and an enormous crab cake, I was so stuffed that I did not try any desserts. Highly recommend for crab cakes.
(4)
G D.

It is true. The crabcakes (broiled) are fantastic. They can't be making any money on them considering how much crab meat you get. I had the broiled platter - everything was cooked to perfection. The serving sizes are huge. Too bad they are not closer to DC.
(5)
Elaine M.

Service was definitely friendly and attentive. We stopped in for a quick lunch since this was really the only place nearby. The crab cakes are delicious. Definitely a must have. We also tried the cream of crab soup which I thought was too salty and lacking crab. The mussels were only alright. Overall, it was an okay experience but the crab cakes made it better.
(3)
Kesha T.

The service was great, the food, not so much. This was my first time here and I came for a bite to eat and karaoke. My friend ordered the crab cake, she told me earlier today that they were not great, and of course they have filler in them, but she ordered it again to give it another shot and it was dry. The friend were bland. I ordered chicken and mushrooms...just don't do what I did. The breast was indeed tender but the presentation was awful...the sauce and chopped artichokes looked like baby poo and throw up...yes, that gross. The sound for karaoke was not good. It seemed like only those 5ft max away from the DJ area could here the DJ. The music was slow and old school...not the good old school but like, 'im depresed and can't get a man' old school. Then the DJ mixed some new stuff in...no save. The atmosphere was an older crowd (40s+with a handful of young people). The server (forgot her name, worked the back of the lounge) was very accommodating. Overall, I won't be coming back or recommending to my friends.
(2)
Tim W.

Skip every food place at Arudel Mills Mall and come here! The steaks and crab cakes are delicious! The crab cakes are some of the biggest I've ever had. The service is good and attentive and there is plenty of parking. The restaurant could use a serious makeover though. It feels very 80's.
(4)
Pat R.

So everyone said that I haven't fully experienced Maryland if I haven't had a real crab-cake. So this was the place that was supposed to be the best. So here is the synopsis: We came here on a Tuesday afternoon. The place was pretty packed however spread out over the massive restaurant. Nevertheless we were seated immediately. Sparing everyone a novel about the service; it flat out sucked. I ordered a beer and had to wait 10 minutes for it. Never once was our water topped off. We were not checked on for the duration of the dining. 2 tables that were seated after us were served before us. The Food: Here is what I ordered Crab chowder Fried Crab-cake Fried Prawns Fried Scallops The Crab chowder was similar to a New England Clam Chowder only thicker and creamier There was no skimp on the crab meat nor flavor but it was a little to heavy for me. Main Course There is a simple rule of thumb with fried food it needs to be served hot out of the fryer. The food would've been on point had this been the case. Instead my food was cold as if it was sitting on the counter waiting to be served. The high point was this was probably the best crab cake that ever had. It was a gigantic meaty mountain of flavor. Its just a shame that it was not served piping hot. The same can be said about shrimp and scallops. They were good but could've been better. A missed opportunity.. This place could be great if they worked on their customer service.
(2)
Craig M.

I've lived in Maryland for over 15 years and I'm past the novelty of finding the world's best crab cake, because I find many of the renowned places to be very similar, serving a large portioned crab cake with little filler and tons of meat, but lacking in flavor. Timbuktu is in that group. Good, but nothing signature about it to set it apart from others I've had in the past. Salad and sides were average at best. Their dessert special was an apple pie a la mode, which was very good. My wife was pleased with her chicken parm. All in all, I wasn't disappointed, but doubt I'd go back. However, if you're from out of town and staying near the airport, and if you don't frequently eat crab cakes, then its probably worth a visit. My mom fell into that category and she has happy with the choice.
(3)
Luis O.

As soon as you walk into this place you know you are in trouble...its a throw back to the 70s...old carpeting, wood paneling, cheap catering hall chairs, no windows...just a tacky visual nightmare. All the kitchen seems to have is a broiler and a deep fryer...crab was fresh but overcooked, dry, poorly prsesented and certainly not cheap...my dinner companions ordered other dishes that were awful...swimming in sauce...unappealing and bland. Staff means well and tries hard (except for the hosts) and must be commended given what they have to work with..although our server was quite pushy trying to sell the most expensive dishes on the menu...needs a visit by Gordon Ramsey pronto!!!
(1)
Dan S.

I Like this Place, whenever i crave for good crab cakes this is the place to be, service is pretty balanced hit or miss, but will come back for sure :)
(4)
Jess Y.

Summary: Crab cakes are amazing - worth 5 stars. Everything else is MEH - 2 stars. Average that out, and you get about 3 stars from yours truly. Came here tonight for a late-night dinner. I am still extremely confused as to why the restaurant is named Timbuktu since it specializes in seafood (in particular, crab cakes). There is a not so satisfying explanation on the cover of their menu--something to the likes of Timbuktu being a mysterious, previously unknown treasure...just like the restaurant. A little lame if you ask me. Although, I do have to admit that it is really in the middle of nowhere. It's like a random destination off of a middle-of-nowhere highway near the BWI airport. The crab cakes are amazing. The crab cakes are chockfull of deliciously tender and sweet lump crab meat. They are flavorful and oh-so-satisfying. Not too much breading and no overpowering mayonnaise flavor (one of my pet peeves of most crab cakes). Oh, and they are huge, too. The crab cake dinners also come with a choice of vegetable and a measly mediocre salad. I hate wasting food, but I decided the salad just wasn't worth filling my stomach. As recommended by other Yelpers, we also ordered the calamari. I was expecting a lot more given the reviews from everyone else. The calamari were flavorful and the meat was tender...but the breading seemed just too much and it wasn't crispy. They were soggy and drenched in oil. Really not an impressive start to the night. The bread was okay. Any warm bread is good though. Although, I wonder if they think that we are secretly addicted to butter because for the three round rolls, they served us 10 butter pats. Do the math. Equally distributed among the rolls, that's more than 3 butter packs for one roll. Oh America, how I really am concerned about your health. In terms of service, I thought our waitress was very friendly, helpful, and patient with my indecisive dining partners. But, somehow refilling my glass with water required four different service staff to actually complete. The food is rather salty and it's heavy, so I needed a lot of water to help quench my thirst. When the crab cakes were brought out, the waiter delivering us the food told me "Oh, I'll come back to get you some more water." He never came back. Then ten minutes later, when our original waitress came around and asked us how we were doing, I asked for some more water and she said she would go get someone. A service staff did come into our room (since there are MANY different rooms) but purposefully ignored our table and refilled one glass at the other table. Still a thirsty Jess. Ten minutes later, our waitress finally returns and again we ask for water--now, I am suddenly not the only thirsty one at the table. She replied, "Oh, he didn't come around?" We shook our heads and she said that she would go refill them. Finally, five minutes later, a fourth service staff came to deliver what we were really craving--ice cold water. Again, really only worth a visit and the wait if you are getting crab cakes. I would steer clear of anything else.
(3)
Sandy T.

This place is out of the way for me, but OHEMGEEEE, they have the best seafood! Friendly service, loud crowd, and descent venue. For starters, if you like mussels or oysters, then it's a must try. They have great portion size entrees, so go hungry! I'm sure most of their entrees are great but I definitely recommend; -stuffed lobster tail with crabmeat -stuffed soft shell crab ....so much crab meat! :D
(4)
Lark A.

Not 100% impressed with the food. Crab cake was decent but I've had better and some of the seafood we ordered seemed pre-frozen or just not completely fresh. May try again.
(3)
Jude R.

I've been here many times and always get the crab cakes. They are the best I have ever had. Love to get the double and bring one home. The service is not consistent and can be great or really bad. Get the crab cakes to go and you won't be disappointed. Friends have had other meals and they are not consistent either.
(4)
Soo W.

Good food. Nice wait staff. Quantity of each dish could feed a gazillion people. Roomy seating areas and good gap between each table. I don't like feeling like I'm squished in. I'll come here again.
(4)
Winnie K.

Crab cakes are spectacular. Probably the biggest I've ever seen with a lot of crab and little filler (many other places have a crab cake with a lot of filler, little crab). We went on Monday for the 2 for $20 lobster special - what a fantastic deal. Lobster was steamed and came out with butter. They weren't very big or small, pretty average, and still a good deal. One star off for the decor - dated and kind of grimy. Will return when we have an inkling for seafood!
(4)
Amber M.

Timbuktu definitely has some of the best crabcakes offered in Baltimore next to G&M. My family's been dining here for years and years. Don't come here expecting a high end dining experience, it's pretty much what you see is what you get. The food is good and they are not stingy with the portions. I always order a crabcake sandwich to go and have the stuffed shrimp while eating in, however, 've grown fond of taking out and hitting the liquor store on the way out--just a great start to any evening, seafood & alcohol ....ahh! Ladies, if you're cute, the older guy working the liquor store will hook you up if you're a big spender ;-) .. and they have a decent selection.
(4)
Eric C.

The quality of the crab cakes alone gives this place a high rating in my book. This was my first experience at Timbuktu. Many people have told me about the amazing crab cakes served here, and that I would be a fool not to get one. I went here with a couple of employees at my job during lunch time. Even though I came late, the waitress was still able to accompany me with no problem. The waitress was indeed nice. Everyone at my table got the crab cake (I got a crab cake sandwich w/ a side of french fries). The crab cake was very tender and cooked well, no complaints there. The environment in Timbuktu was more of a laid-back, dim-lighted atmosphere which I liked. I will definitely be making another stop here sometime within the near future to explore other options on Timbuktu's menu.
(4)
Scott S.

Great crabcakes for those that are not in close proximity (DC/Annapolis/etc) to more seafood venues. They have a hug parking lot and can also handle large parties.... like over 50 guest size parties. In addition, they also have a full bar area with a variety of brew and liquor for food pairing. The wait staff and management are very friendly and will take care of all your needs - I believe that this is can make/break a restaurant. Timbuktu has a menu with a wide variety of options, but I they are locally known for crabcakes - so it's a must if you haven't yet! The price is reasonable for what you get, and the portions are "on-spot" for the average person.
(4)
Takiyah D.

I go here only for the crabcake sub to go. Once my order is up, I rush to the parking lot, get in my car and immediately dive in. It is simply delicious. I like mine with the sauteed onions only and dip it in cocktail sauce when I so desire. OMG!! I once happened upon the restaurant side to go to the bathroom and ur um.... it seems stank and dark and not quite worth the high priced menu.
(3)
Jamie G.

Went here for brunch. Friendly staff, perfect lobster ravioli, delicious crab toast points, and OMG the fries. Huge portions are huuuuge. Will be back the next time I'm in the DMV.
(4)
Luznery A.

Decent crab cakes were not full of filler lamb was over cooked and every side dish was trash
(3)
Nathan C.

So we took a big crowd here for dinner on Saturday. Let me start off by saying that, as usual, the crab cakes are fantastic, as is the cream of crab soup. That's why 2 stars. Everything else pretty much sucked donkey posterior, though. The service was terrible - the waiter obviously cared not a whit for our table, keeping our glasses filled, or, you know, actually *talking* to us other than taking our order. When one of us had the audacity to ask for ketchup, he *took it off the table next to us* (which still had 8 people eating at it!) and plunked it in front of us. I got the steak and cake, and the steak was shoe leather (medium rare was requested, FYI). Other person at the table with the same order got the same overcooked thin slab of beef. We're talking McDonald's Steak 'n Egg Bagel steaks, here, only tougher. Fries - soggy and limp. Drinks - not refilled. Bread - 5 pieces for a table of 10. Food - took 45-60 minutes to come out. For the other anecdote of the night, read Tom C's review. Regardless, complaints to management were handwaved away - basically, "I have no reason to care - I'm busy and you're obviously not coming back". Well, at least they got that right. If this is how they're going to run the joint, head a couple of miles up the road to G&M or Olive Grove - the crab cakes are just as good and everything else will be better.
(2)
Mika R.

Staff was so kind and friendly. Not too in your face, but they were there every time you needed something. My girlfriend raved about the crabcakes in this place, and i was not disappointed. I'm not a crab girl myself, but I believed it one is going to have a crab cake experience, it should be from here. The fresh bread rolls were delicious! I also ordered mac and cheese as a side dish. They were creamy, but not too much. I thought it was perfect. We also had the jalapeno poppers, oh man-- my mouth was watering the entire time. It was so full of flavor. And the sauce they give you to dip them in really helps. Over all, take some fancy mints, you just had a great time here.
(5)
Keisha F.

Once upon a time they had the best crab cake ever....now Blue Dolphin has!! The smell when you walk in the restaurant is awful and the wait staff is not very customer service friendly.
(2)
Kyle M.

I went back for "twin lobster dinner" night. It sounds like a great deal in theory. Two 1.25 lb steamed Maine lobsters, 2 side dishes, $20. In reality it was a bad meal all around. I made it clear in my first review of this place that the bread and salad are very poor quality here. Tonight, the bread was even chewier than ever. It's not that hard to bake fresh rolls. You can buy the dough frozen and already shaped. Or if that's too hard, order them to be delivered fresh every day. These were obviously not made anytime in the 24 hours before they were reheated and served to us. The rice pilaf was flavorless (thank god there was old bay at the table to rescue it), the baked potato small, and worst of all the lobster was SO overcooked it was like rubber. I'm pretty sure the lobster wasn't Live Maine Lobster either, it had to have been frozen, because the claws which should be the best part were flavorless and had a slight hint of an ammonia flavor which probably means I shouldn't have even eaten it. No ill effects afterwards, so it must not have been too far past its prime. I'm guessing they do this deal on Mondays to get rid of the frozen lobster they ordered in the previous week. Also, even though the service was decent the last two times, it was abysmal tonight. Our server seemed to be running around like a chicken with his head cut off for 5 minutes making it hard to even grab his attention, then he would completely disappear for the next 10. The plethora of "bus boys" and "runners" they had should have counteracted that. But when one of them helped out a table, I got to overhear a lecture on that action not being part of his job from one of the servers. Also, it took almost 45 minutes for our dishes to come out after ordering. So to recap this place..... 1) Dark, dank smelling interior. 2 stars 2) Below average service (even though there's a million people working the dining room) 2 stars 3) Bad side dishes/bread 1 star 4) Poor quality lobster 1 star But wait, he gave this place 3 stars overall? The crab cakes, stuffed oysters, scallops, shrimp, flounder, etc, basically any of the broiled seafood, are definitely 5 star material. The steak fries are also well done. So here's my advice, you can take it and really enjoy this place, or ignore it like so many other reviewers of this place seemed to have done. GO HERE FOR THE CRABCAKES. You won't be sorry. If you go here, and order something else, sorry, you were warned.
(3)
Sarah W.

coming from northern va/eastern shore/dc area - we are spoiled the crab cakes are HUGE. worth getting, but the double is waaaaay too much for this girl. hubby didnt like his lamb chops our friends loved their salmon and fried scallops dish the restaurant is dated and in need of a makeover asap. huge bar area. we came on a Sat night and they had run out of menus so we had to wait for menus a bit before we could order the dinner rolls are not worth your calories/consumption. blaaah. the mussels are NOT as good as everybody on yelp and our server made them out to be. save yourself.
(2)
Debbie G.

Nice restaurant. Had the broiled seaford platter and it was very good; however, I wouldn't say they had the best crab cakes in Baltimore.
(3)
Katen C.

I always enjoy eating at Timbuktu. The food and service are excellent. My favorites are the crab cakes, steaks, and pastas. Okay I admit it, I like everything that I've tried here. I like eating at Timbuktu because it's a nice change from all the chains. Definitely my favorite local restaurant. This week we went for pasta night. The cheese stuffed manicotti was delicious and my husband enjoyed his spaghetti with Italian sausage. We like eating pasta here because you can add on meat sauce, meatballs, sausage, or mushrooms. It's not your average run of the mill restaurant.
(5)
Jay M.

Not what it used to be. Over the past decade, I had come here multiple times from out of state and brought friends and family to experience the delicious crab cakes here. I had also recommended this place to friends who were traveling to or past the Baltimore area, and some of them even ordered crab cakes online from here. However, I had just come here again recently and it is no longer what it used to be. The crab cakes now have noticeably more filler than they used to have, and there were crab shell bits in the several crab cakes we had. We also went to the carry-out side to buy uncooked crab cakes frozen to bring back home. It was an hour before closing and the take out area was not busy with guests. We placed our order with the cashier who relayed it to the guys working in the cooking area, and one of the guys there was noticeably mad at the cashier for giving him that order. Imagine that! Unhappy to have business for the restaurant? All they had to do was to scoop pre-made crab cake mix from a tub into individual containers and put them in a styrofoam box with dry ice packages. It's hardly tedious work that warranted a sneer at the cashier and a bad attitude. We were surprised by this treatment and felt bad for the cashier. The decrease in quality and attitude in staff no longer makes this place a destination for me. I will also no longer be recommending this restaurant to out-of-state friends.
(2)
Deborah G.

Came here the last week of August with the family. Ordered oysters, crab dip, kids chicken tenders, pasta, and crab cake plater. The oysters came out first. Never received our crab dip which was disappointing. Our server Josh or Joshua was great with the kids but we waited over an hour and a half for our food and looked like our server was too busy to check on our table. It seemed like everyone got their food before us. The crab cake dish was good but we waited so long we were over it. The chicken tenders were over cooked, dry and hard. My little boy wouldn't eat it. By the time everything came out I was ready to leave. Don't think I'll be returning.
(2)
Toby R.

As one of my rare 5-star ratings, Timbuktu deserves the high accolades. Every experience is excellent and nearly flawless. If you enjoy fresh seafood, then this is your restaurant. First of all, although prices are high, they are worth it. Portions are HUGE and delicious. Starters range from Clams Casino to garlic bread. The crab cakes are enormous with very little filler. Also, the Chicken Chesapeake is a great dish: big, seasoned well and tasty. Service here is fantastic. Also, they have a lounge where you can have a drink (and food!) while you wait for a table. Prepare to wait on weekends and most nights; this popular place gets extremely busy. And, prepare to leave with half of your meal!! Bravo, Timbuktu.
(5)
Joe K.

Jump lump crab cake sandwiches make people come back for more and more. It's not a rare occurrence to see the parking lot packed full and a wait of a hour plus. With a semi-formal decor, your service will be A+ and nothingness than desirable . There is a connected liquor store which has a takeout side, which makes a trip to Timbuktu even easier, for lunch, dinner or late night. -Crab cake sandwiches or even alone Timbuktu is the place to go for your crab cake needs!
(5)
Ashley M.

awful! i was recommended this place for the crab cakes. The NY strip steak was majority fat. The crab cake was very fishy tasting. The mashed potatoes were a pile of ice cold box potatoes. The place was dirty and outdated. The ceiling was leaking. The waitress told us she was working a double and her kids were sitting at the table behind us asking if the only thing they were waiting for was us to leave. SO upset the meal was $100 for nothing!!! Will never ever go back.
(1)
Danny C.

Odd. Thought I already wrote a review about this place?? I wasn't here for the ambiance or what the place looks like. This was strictly about the food. And from what I heard about their crab cakes being the best around the area. Fried calamari. Mozzarella sticks. Crab dip. Rib & cake. The cake fried. Double crab cake platter.1 broiled. 1 fried. Fried calamari is your typical dish you get from other places. A bit greasy. Not that great. Mozzarella sticks are even less. Crab dip was amazing! And with the bread?! I loved it! My friend had the Rib & cake platter and she liked it very much. Said she never had such amazing crab cakes before. She lives in Ohio though... As for my Double crab cake platter. I'm not gonna lie. I never had that many crab cakes in my life. But at Timbuktu's? My gosh they were the best i've ever had! Gigantic sized crab cakes. 95% crab meat. 5% filler. The filler needs to be there to keep the crab meat together. To keep it from falling apart. Fried crab cake was crispy on the outside, tender and juicy in the inside. Amazing! Broiled crab cake. Less oily, more flavorful and tender! Broiled was better than the fried... Service was pretty good. Food was great. Ambiance? Forgettable. Come to this place for their crab cakes and crab dip!
(4)
Mo A.

Location is kinda out there. Service is decent, nothing spectacular. Decor is an attempt at upscale but it's very outdated. Food is kinda blah. Seafood dishes can be hit or miss. They get a lot of customers, which I think causes a little bit complacency in terms of the quality of the food. It's definitely not good enough for them to just operate on cruise control. I will say that their chicken fingers are actually pretty good and have a MAJOR kick to them. Prices are high considering quality. Not worth going more than once or twice.
(2)
Pri P.

The Double Crab cakes were delicious and huge! Not bad for $25. Had cream of crab soup which was also pretty good.
(4)
Yelp W.

Food: Seafood spot. They are known for their Crabcakes. You can get them fried or broiled and I got the broiled crabcakes. Very good. Ask for a Kaiser roll w/lots of Tarter Sauce. I don't really remember anything other than the Crabcakes. One complaint I have is in regards to the temperature of the rolls. It seems as if they are microwaved because they didn't hold heat for long. We even asked for new rolls and when they came out they didn't stay warm for a long time. Workers: Friendly. No complaints Atmosphere: Nice casual spot. Is usually packed during the weekend. Solid spot. If you live in DC-Baltimore you need to go.
(3)
Kim T.

I've been to this restaurant twice. Once, for a first date and then again for our anniversary. Both times I've been here, the food was adequate and the waiters we had were attentive. They let us take our time (I'm a really slow eater) and we were able to have meaningful conversations. I wish the crowd's a bit younger, but then again not many young people eat steak/seafood on a regular basis. The first time around, I had Steak and Cake ($24). The crab cake was memorable, it was meaty and seasoned nicely. The steak, however, was not the best I've ever had. Second time around, I wanted to sample a bit of everything so I ordered Jewels of the Sea (Petite lobster tail, crab cake, jumbo shrimp and jumbo scallops broiled to perfection, served with drawn butter - $29). When my plate came out, it did not wow me (underwhelmed). The jumbo shrimp and scallop did not live up to its name. =/ The lobster tail didn't do anything or me either. If I come back the third time, I'll just stick to crab cakes. I also want to try their fairly priced "nightly specials." Too bad they don't have it for weekends. I'm giving this a 3.5 star because: 1. Good service 2. Nice ambiance for a date 3. Crab cakes! 4. 1/2 star for sentimental reasons. hehe (Since I want more people to try this restaurant and for their business to thrive, I'll round my stars to 4) ;)
(4)
T D.

I've only dined in once and I really don't remember well enough to write a review. It was a date and I was so into my boyfriend that I place could have burned down and I would not have known. We order take out and it is always spot on. I get the combination seafood platter and my boyfriend loves the crab cakes dinner. The only complaint are the sides, there is not much to choose from if you want healthy options. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.
(4)
Gita G.

the crab cakes are so damn good, the potatoe salad is very good as well, side options could differ ( corn, hush puppies fried apples, food very expensive but worth the money and trip in my book
(5)
Prince P.

Stay away from the chicken! Went here a couple days ago and got the Chicken Ranchero, my stomach is still not right from the chicken I ate from here it was extra dry and odd tasting. Good Ambiance but bad food, well what I got was bad.
(2)
A C.

Another restaurant where the only decent thing is the crab cakes - everything else is awful.
(4)
Tina C.

I went to Timbuktu the first time last month. My god was this place AMAZING! My co-workers took me for my last day of work and I did not know what to expect but boy was it amazing! I started with the oyseters rockafeller. AMAZING. Very fresh, hot and delicious with the cheese and spinach. And for my entree they kepty saying; "You gotta get the crabcakes, you gotta get the crabcakes! They are the best!" Boy they were not kidding. They were absolutely huge stuffed with all CRAB, barely any fuller. They were so delicious and flavorful I did not want to stop eating but I was so full because they came with two and they were HUGE! I brought the other crabcake home and I heated it up and my god, it was almost as good as the night before! I had my parents try a bite and they could not put it down! They kept trying to eat the whoel thing. They said it was the best crabcake they ever had as well and they can only imagine how could it was when they served it to me initially. Timbuktu is awesome adn I highly reccomend it! They also had karaoke on that night (it was a Friday) and we had so much fun singing and dancing! The bartenders were very sweet as well! They made sure our drinks werer full and that we were having a good time. I cannot wait to go back to TImbuktu! BEST CRAB CAKE I HAVE EVER HAD!
(5)
Curtis W.

salad was a from a slightly brown mix. Server didn't refills water. Crab cake was too buttery tasting, French fries were dull (probably frozen)
(3)
Dr R.

Where to begin ... Lets start with their online presence. First, they do NOT offer their lunch menu on weekends. Which means at 11:30 am you're stuck with dinner sized (and priced) food. This is NOT mentioned online. Second, they offer specials. This is a warning sign. The food and service should speak for itself. Third, although they have a "reviews" tab they are not linked to the reviews but instead give only single line raves about their crab cakes -and no telling how old the reviews are. But, from the experience I just had I'm sure those reviews are old and no longer apply to the current situation. So, on to the dining experience. The place is dark and small and my father says the interior hasn't changed in over 20 years -and it looks it. The tables are close together and I feel sorry for anyone seated in the middle sections. As mentioned before, even though we arrived at 12:15 on a Saturday we only had the dinner menu to choose from. So my original intent to get a NY strip at 10.99 became a "bait-and-switch" which would cost me 18.99. I felt conned. Lunch time is for lunch. Not dinner. There are reasons for that. As for the menu itself; it's too large and pretentious. I suspect they are cutting corners in many respects in order to keep such a large menu possible. Quality; not quantity. Keep it simple. Also, don't bother hurting your eyes trying to read the description or the prices of the pasta dishes. You can't. Orange lettering against an orange background. Who in the world would okay that? I had to ask the server to tell me what it said, and even they had a hard time. In the meantime I felt like a four year old having the menu read to me. I ordered 6 fresh east coast oysters. One of which should never have made it out of the kitchen -brown and formless (not a good oyster). Unremarkable. The other diners with me ordered the onion rings which were very large, very fried and from what I heard very good. Their Bloody Mary was too heavy on the Tabasco, too light on everything else. I used the horseradish from my oysters to add some taste to it. And If you want to get a rim of Old Bay Seasoning you have to ask for it, but if you didn't know that was an option all you get is a glass of some vodka with a rookie mix, too much vegetation, no acids (like lime and/or lemon) and no spices (like pepper and salt). On the good side their soup du jour (a cream-based corn and chicken soup) was delicious. The salad was, again, unremarkable and the raspberry vinaigrette was thicker than I felt comfortable with. The lettuce was crushed and wilted and the croutons were unseasoned and the size of small meatballs. As for entrees; the shrimp basket is just deep-fried and heavily breaded medium (?) shrimp with a bowl of cocktail sauce. The crab cake is under-seasoned (in Maryland you're supposed to put lots of Old Bay in it), over breaded, and over-sold. NOTHING SPECIAL. I do not want to eat at a restaurant where I'm left thinking "I can do MUCH better than that." And frankly, I can and anybody could as long as they're not afraid of a little thing called "flavor." The french fries are typical, out-of-the-bag, processed slabs of starch that belong in a Tastee diner. I ordered seafood alfredo. The scallops (obviously frozen) were old and had gone bad. I literally spat mine out for fear of poisoning. And although I had requested penne whoever plated it put in spaghetti, then realized they made a mistake and put penne on top of it without taking the time to remove the spaghetti. That's lazy and a lazy kitchen is a bad kitchen. The plate itself was under-seasoned, the bagged fish was undercooked, the sauce lacked white wine, texture and taste. I have no doubt it was previously bagged too and microwaved. Otherwise, you could taste the reduction and the thickness would have allowed an aroma -neither of which were present. The penne, however, was al dente and well prepared but not enough to save it from pedestrian mediocrity. Although the manager was polite when the issue of scallops and spaghetti was brought to his attention, there was no offer to take the plate off the check -just an offer to do it again. As you can imagine, I was not going to wait for another disappointment. All in all Timbuktu is over-rated and has all the symptoms of a place on it's way down. The little things all indicate too much interest on volume and cost-saving (bring in the wallets) rather than quality and flavor (bring in the people). The quality of the food is what can be found at a restaurant that charges half the price. Evidently there is little quality control going on in the kitchen and whoever is in charge of the kitchen must simply have the philosophy that if it's on a plate; it's good enough to be served. If I ever find myself there again -likely by accident or by force- I will confine myself to the soup and onion rings. Unfortunately I don't like onion rings. If you KNOW food, and expect a QUALITY experience, go somewhere else!
(1)
Jonathan H.

I feel like I actually made the journey to the famed middle-of-nowhere city in Mali when I finally arrive at Timbuktu. Along the road to Timbuktu, I encounter a Korean church, a seafood-shipping yard, and desolate fields of Maryland nothingness. Suddenly, a pictograph of a camel caught in a static running pose appears over the horizon, calling, beckoning to my caravan of hungry passengers. The word "Timbuktu" arches over the grand camel in letters faintly resembling the Latin alphabet. I hitch my faithful camel, affectionately named Infiniti G35x, in one of the many stalls and head up the stairs into the grand entryway. 10:55 A.M. One of the two hostesses leads us to our table in the middle of this truly expansive restaurant. There are at least 20 tables in our section, and I can see another section with a similar amount of tables as I walk through. I make a comment to my friend Julian wondering how this place can stay in business with no customers. 10:59 A.M. We are not prepared for what was to come... 11:00 A.M. (Exactly on the dot) Like a herd of renegade camels, every retiree on this side of the Chesapeake and a few from the other side have invaded this place to capacity. Some of them have postcards from grandchildren they want show while others are talking about knitting. Some are wearing plaid with beige Dockers, others show off sport coats they bought in the summer of '69 that match perfectly with their magenta corduroys. All wear black or gray Velcro shoes. Who needs laces anyway? Since I don't have the wherewithal to sell them robot insurance, I decide it's time to focus on the food. The menu has tons of options, mostly centered on crab and other seafood fare. The prices are moderate, but some items are very cheap. For example, the crab dish appetizer had probably eight ounces of crabmeat and was under $10. The crab soup appetizer is flavorful, but it seems like all the little crab chunks sprouted legs and jumped into the crab dish appetizer to join their friends, leaving behind only a memory of meat. The ravioli dish is pretty good, but it's basic. The imperial crab entree comes in a generous, heaping mountain of crab, cheese and seasonings, all melted together for a perfect taste combination. It was so delicious! What really takes the cake is the baklava. It comes in a pie-slice shape and size, and is one of the best baklava I've had in my life, to include my grandmother's homemade version (don't tell her please!). The amount of nuts is perfect, and it's not too saturated in sugar. I actually burped a few hours later, and the taste of baklava came up. Sounds gross right? WRONG! It was like eating dessert all over again! The service was really great as well. Our server refilled the glasses at 60%, even when the restaurant was completely full. He came by as soon as each dish was finished and cleared our area, followed immediately by our next course. He even split the bill the way we asked him to, which seems to be a rarity in the DMV. This place is worth the journey: excellent service, clean atmosphere, and delicious food.
(4)
Larry T.

Going to Timbuktu is like going to an unfamiliar foreign country where things don't quite make sense to you but you convince yourself that it's just you because everyone else seems to be enjoying it. First of all, what's with the name? It sounds like somewhere in the Himalayas but it serves an American and seafood menu. Second the place is like a one-stop strip mall but under one roof. There's the main restaurant in front and but go around to the side and there's a Timbuktu lounge, liquor store and carry-out counter. It's like, come for dinner, hang out in the lounge and take a dozen crab cakes home along with a case of beer? I only had the carry-out and did not experience the dining room, but I think the food is basically the same since it comes out of the same shared kitchen. I have mixed feelings about the crab cakes, which is what this place is apparently known for. On the upside they are indeed huge and seem like they weigh one pound each (no kidding!) - a single is more than filling. The crab meat is almost all jumbo lump meat with very little filler and a light egg binder, which is usually a good sign. They apparently ship their crab cakes too if you are that smitten with it. So here's the 'buts'. But the flavor is quite bland and the cakes could definitely benefit from more seasoning (this being Maryland at least throw in some Old Bay). But even though it's jumbo lump meat, it's not the famous local Maryland blue crabs so it kinda makes me wonder where the meat came from. The cakes are huge but they're almost too big for their own good. I got the broiled cakes but the outside doesn't develop much of a crust and the inside tastes eggy like it doesn't cook through because it's so big. But at $16 for a single platter with 2 sides and $26 for a double it's not the cheapest either (sandwiches are slightly less). So it's worth at least a visit, but maybe not more. Call it in beforehand, get the carry-out and take the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am home with you. If you decide you like it, you know where to find it the next night. Probably one of the few places serving crab cakes 'til 10:30pm on a weeknight.
(2)
Lyn P.

Amazing jumbo lump crab cakes. Get them broiled instead of fried. Otherwise, not too impressed by the rest of the food and service was just ok.
(3)
Tim H.

Best crab cake I have ever had and I've had my share of crab cakes. The size of it is big enough to split with someone. A lot of crab and hardly any filler. Their steaks are good too. The seafood platter is also very good.
(4)
Allen B.

This is a decent place to get dinner. It has that kind of hometown local feeling. It's not all modern and hipster. It's more traditional old school seafood type place. They have a great menu and very good pricing. They have daily specials. It was a Thursday and that is the day they do steak specials and it was very good. I ended up having a few drinks with some locals at the bar while watching the first presidential debate. It was a good time. Very friendly and cozy atmosphere. I will return.
(4)
David C.

I was here for a group event and we had a great time. Menu is extensive but there is something for everyone. There are daily specials for lunch with themed nightly dinners Monday to Thursday only. Our server was great at getting the orders correct and coming out on time. All who got the crabcakes and crab soup loved their food. If you drink, the drinks are affordable. I could come back here with a group or a date.
(4)
Ty M.

Crab cakes to die for. They are softball sized crab cakes with very little filler. All Crab.
(4)
Dave C.

I do enjoy Timbuktu. It's changed a bit in recent years and they now appear to host some sort of Karaoke event on weekends? Regardless, the sit down meals have always been good and the sheer amount of food you get is incredible. I've also tried their carryout, but it's done in what looks like a convenience / liquor store and standing around for 30 minutes waiting wasn't so great. I'll still go here, if only for the sole reason that they are open past 9/10pm, which is when Gunnings up the street seems to close these days.
(4)
G M.

THE BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT YOU'LL EVER FIND!!!!!!!!! Have you ever made a plan to go out to dinner at a "fantasy Restaurant" then pulled into the parking lot and changed your mind? You may think about doing something like that when you pull into the parking lot at Timbuktu, but just this one time don't use that sixth sense. Go inside and give it a chance, you WILL NOT be disappointed. Timbuktu is most definitely worth its weight in gold. From the outside, you see this older run down looking building, but when you walk into the doors, you'll be concerned that you under dressed. The white cloth tables and fantasy decor will make you feel as though your entering a Restaurant that requires a tie, but you don't. You will not be disappointed. The Restaurant itself is not nearly as important as the creations that they bring out of the kitchen. Like I said above, all I eat is seafood so I have visited just about every establishment in MD and Northern VA at some point in my life. This place is my all time favorite. Crab Cakes as big as a Softball and totally full of Jumbo Lump Crab Meat. I have ordered nearly every item on the menu and have never been disappointed with a SINGLE item. My wife is a very picky eater and even she has has Little to no complaints over the years.] If there is one single Restaurant that I can recommend to any reader out there, it is this one!!!! Go there... NOW... If you like seafood, you will love it. If you don't like seafood, they have plenty of items for you to pick (steak, chicken, pasta...), but if you pass it up, you'll never really now what satisfaction is... My family still lives about 10 minutes from there and I stop there EVERY time I am in the area to get a Crab Cake, even if it just carry out (and the carry out is always busy).
(5)
L S.

Crab cake is all you need! MD crab soup taste too much like veg soup. The fried grouper was tasty. My boys loved the huge smokehouse burger...enough leftover for lunch tomorrow- don't waste your time w/kids menu, thid burger for kids is a better value.
(4)
Cynthia C.

My son and I visited Timbuktu. Thank God for mapquest because it is a hidden secret.We order the loaded potatoe skins, which were dry almost as if they had set for a day. I had the the plate with lobster, crab cake, scallops, and shrimps with mash potatoes, and brocolli. My son had the stuff shrimp, crab cake, filet, and shrimp. Overhaul, they give you alot and it was good. The scallops were a little to undercooked for me, the lobster tasted good, the shrimp were good. the ambience was good it is a huge place and Gary, our waiter was attentive and knowledgeabe. I will return.
(4)
Jody Z.

Amazing Crabcakes. Seriously, who cares about anything else on the menu? The crabcakes are massive with huge chunks and minimal filler. The prices are decent. The interior is very outdated and something hole-in-the-wall-ish, but I usually get take out on my way home from work anyway. Call it in; they're super fast. Bottom line---come here for the crabcakes not the atmosphere and I'm not really sure about anything else on the menu.
(4)
Colin S.

Terrible. There are no windows. The food is average and overpriced. The service is BRUTAL. Would you believe I waited 25 minutes to get my check!? The lady behind me brought her own bottle of mayonnaise. I will only return to the liquor store. Fin.
(1)
Scott R.

the biggest and best crab cake that I have ever had. Friendly staff. one in our party got a steak, that looked really good too.
(4)
Paul F.

I was there a few weeks ago. The food and service were excellent as usual.
(5)
T S.

We really love this place but we dislike the limited menu on holiday's. The crab imperial is the absolute best in the area!!! This is my mom's favorite restaurant ever and she compares EVERY other seafood restaurant to TIMBUKTU! lol I gave them 4 stars because they are a little pricey but I guess you really do get your money's worth. I have yet to see anyone leave without carrying home leftovers.
(4)
Cathy L.

My husband and I love the crab cakes here, and we usually get pleasant service, but I wasn't happy with our server today. It took a long time before anyone greeted us (during which time our apparent server Ann looked at us, took a couple steps toward us and she must have decided she didn't have time to talk to us because she turned right around and disappeared for another 7 minutes). We sat there for about 15 minutes before anyone bothered to come by. When Ann finally did come by her attitude was unpleasant, she must have been in a bad mood because the restaurant surely wasn't busy, it's not like she was in the weeds. For some reason our appetizer and salads were rushed and came out at the same time. My mother and brother were visiting from Boston and although the crab cakes were great I was a little embarrassed to have taken them here due to the service.
(3)
Trae S.

Don't order anything except the broiled crab cakes. They are exceptional. Everything else, from the other entrees, to the side orders, to the ambiance, to the service...it all SUCKS. Can't overstate this. Crabcakes = 5 stars. Everything Else = TOTAL FAIL. No bad experience is causing me to write this review. It's just objectively horrible. Does anyone remember the line from "300" right before Theron rapes the Queen when he says, "This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy this". That basically sums up my take on Timbuktu. The faster you can get in, eat a crab cake and leave...the better off you'll be. You may even want to consider ordering JUST the crab cake. Hold the sides. Seriously...
(4)
James N.

First timer to this restaurant. Went with coworkers after work on a Monday and was one of the first ones there before the dinner on-rush later. On mondays, they apparently have a 2-lobster special for $20 that really draws the crowd in. Seeing how well this restaurant was rated by yelpers i wanted to see if this place was real deal. Decor was nice and appropriate, neither gritty nor swanky; appropriate for the area and price point. Ordered two appetizers--oysters and clams, and the 2-lobster special. I didn't opt for the crab cakes so no review on these this time. Slight issue with drinks as they serve their beers by the bottle with glasses and two of us had recieved glasses that appeared to be dirty and not clean, at which we informed the waiter and he mistakenly said they were finger smudges and replaced them promptly. I'll let that one slide. The oysters were smooth and came with lemon wedges and horseradish. I asked for cut green peppers to add, but they didn't have any so bit of a damper, but didn't diminish the natural taste of the oysters. The clams were salty, but were eased by healthy dose of horseradish. No issues with these and were par for the course. The lobsters came out hot and were healthy looking. They served each dish with a shell cracker, and the tails and meat were cooked well, but not overly tender so don't expect a really tender lobster meat. No seasoning to the lobsters, either. I was full after and the general consensus by the team was that it was a good meal. As 4 stars is par for the course, I dock it a star for the suspect service and the lack of creativity. Verdict: 3 stars 0 stars = don't go there if you're life depended on it. 1 stars = tried it, attempted to eat it, and paid the price for it later 2 stars = tried it, but would not even recommend it your mother 3 stars = tried it, tasted ok and had issues with either service, decor, or food, but would be willing to go back if hungry. 4 stars = par for the course. Taste, price, and decor reasonable for the area for a good meal. 5 stars = excellent for you, your spouse, and anyone of your snobbish foodie friends
(3)
Brandima A.

The crab cakes are mounds of lumb crab barely held together by a few crumbs of breading and spices. The Imperial Crab I may go into a food coma for, wake up and do it again. The rich cheesiness is too much delicious for my brain to translate. Downside: pretty much always busy, horrible service, loud customers, but booze is served - just order two at a time. Also a bit hard to find if you don't all ready happen to know where it is.
(5)
Alainna W.

We arrived a bit after they finished seating for the evening because my brother's flight was late coming in from Jordan. He had just finished his first deployment. The hostesses sat us anyway when they saw that he and his sergeant were in uniform. Our server, Drew, was quick and polite. He made sure our orders were spot on. The crab cakes were out of this world just as we were promised. They were huge! The irony of the evening was the decor... Our poor boys sat and looked at pictures of sand dunes and camels... But that was as much my oversight in bringing them to a place called Timbuktu... It's all good for a laugh in the end. Thank you, Drew and the kitchen at Timbuktu, not only for taking us in so late, but for providing our servicemen with the first real meal they've had in close to a year, and making sure to include crab cakes as big as our faces! We'll be back!
(5)
Rob M.

Food was pretty good, but the service...meh. We went there with friends and we had reservations. Still took too long to seat us. Big a$$ crab cake and pretty good oysters. Prime Rib was very tasty. Just wished we would have had a little better service before and during our meal.
(2)
Lakiya T.

I'm from Boston so it's hard to give an outside state seafood restaurant 5 stars ...I mean it's no Neptune Oyster or Oceanaire, but they do serve decent fresh seafood. I went Monday night for the Lobster Dinner which starts promptly at 4pm (the waitress told me by 7, they're out!) $20.99 twin lobster (Maine lobster flown in from Boston which arrives right before serving time) you get your choice of 2 sides. Don't expect much from the bar. Fairly stocked well. The bartender was a little ditsy, perhaps because it was close to the end of her shift. Either way, I will return for the lobster dinner. Whipped potatos are fresh not box! Sidenote: Crabcake is bomb.com
(4)
Lola L.

I was not sure if I wanted to come here, because from the outside it didn't really look too appealing, but I guess you don't judge from the outside, because their entree was amazing. Some of the things that put us off was the decor, it wasn't too modern, which there's nothing wrong with, but everything looked a big old. It was like going to your old grandma's house where all the furniture is the same tone of color. The ceiling had a leak too. We got mussels for an appetizer, and they were good, but I've had better. My bf and I shared an entree which came with 2? sides, and it was the perfect portion. Their crab cakes were so good, just thinking about it makes me wanna go back for more. Service was excellent, and all the workers were very nice as well.
(4)
Terri S.

Let's see where do I begin? Haven't been here in years but came today for dinner I ordered the fried trio which came with scallops, shrimp,and crab cake I did not like the scallops at all they weren't fresh seemed old,the crab cake could have cooked longer I wasn't impressed my friend had the crab stuffed mushrooms he liked it. Will I be back anytime soon? Probably not it was just OK.
(3)
Maurice G.

This will be brief, this was my second time eating here and I will never return. Me and my friend walked in around 6pm and we were promptly seated, after that we sat for almost 20 mins waiting for someone to acknowledge us. The only person who came by was a water boy who filled our glasses and said our server would be with us momentarily. After another 5 mins of no service we left but on the way out a server asked if we just left the table in the middle of the isle, I said we had been sitting there for sometime with no server. He offered an apology but it was too late. I will never understand how servers can continually walk past tables even if they're not in their sections and not at least ask have you been waited on. Is that too much to ask. Timbuktu has lost two customers forever.
(1)

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Address : 1726 Dorsey Rd
Hanover, MD, 21076
Phone (410) 796-0733
Website https://www.timbukturestaurant.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Timbuktu Restaurant & Carryout

1726 Dorsey Rd, Hanover, MD, 21076

Timbuktu Restaurant & Carryout Menu

Appetizers

Soups

Salads

Chicken Specialties

Pasta

Desserts - Cakes

Healthy Meal suggestions for Timbuktu Restaurant & Carryout

Appetizers

Soups

Salads

Chicken Specialties

Pasta

Desserts - Cakes

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