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Obrycki's Crab House To Close In Fells Point

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Longtime crab house Obrycki's is closing after six decades of serving tourists, celebrities and locals in Fells Point.

Mary Bubala reports the Cernak family owns the business and decided to close for good next November when the crab season ends.

Obrycki's Crab House has welcomed customers in Fells Point since 1944, but the legendary crab house on Pratt Street is calling it quits in 2011.

"It's horrible, it's what Baltimore is known for and it's a shame," said Denise Kurek.

"It is a legendary restaurant, and I am certainly going to be sad to see it go," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Many want to know why Obrycki's is closing.

The family that owns it says it is simply a quality-of-life issue.

"The owners are really sweet, and after losing their mom...it's not a real nice thing. All I can say is if they move and go away, I wish them the best of luck," said Wayne Bahner, neighbor.

Obrycki's is known for its peppery crab seasoning that differs from Old Bay, along with its crab cakes and its popular online business that will ship steamed crabs anywhere.

Locals get one last chance to crack crabs at Obrycki's this spring.

It will reopen in March for one last run, and then close for good in November.

"It's an icon in Baltimore, it's been here forever. I am 42-years-old and I remember Obrycki's as the place to go get crabs since the time I was 10," said Patrick Russell, Kooper's Tavern.

"You have to be on your game right now and I think they have adapted. I mean if you go to the airport, you go to their location there and I bet they do a heck of a business there," said Bill Irwin, Kooper's Tavern.

Obrycki's will keep its location at BWI Airport and it does plan to open a smaller crab house at the planned slots parlor near Arundel Mills Mall.

The owners plan to sell or lease the Pratt Street location to another restaurant operator.

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