For over a century, O’Donnell’s has been a staple of the seafood scene in the Washington, D.C. metro area and Montgomery County, Maryland, known for its exceptional crabcakes, fresh seafood, and enduring family legacy. What began as a single restaurant in downtown D.C. has grown into a beloved institution now operating as O’Donnell’s Market in Potomac, Maryland.
Today, the restaurant is not only a favorite among locals but also continues to earn accolades, including a recent ranking from local food reviewer Mr. MoCo, who named O’Donnell’s crabcakes the best in Montgomery County and among the top five in all of Maryland.
A Humble Beginning in 1922
The story of O’Donnell’s dates back to 1922, when Tom O’Donnell opened the Sea Grill at 1207 E Street NW in downtown Washington, D.C. From its earliest days, the restaurant became known for its high-quality seafood, warm hospitality, and unique Norfolk-style cooking.
Despite opening just before the Great Depression, Tom’s vision endured. In 1941, the success of the Sea Grill led to the opening of a second location just down the street at 1221 E Street. As the business grew, so did the family’s involvement. In 1945, Tom’s daughter, Janice O’Donnell Edelblut, joined the company, marking the beginning of a multi-generational family legacy that still thrives today.
Expanding into Maryland
In 1956, the O’Donnell family made a significant move by acquiring the Edgemoor Motor Building on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland, where they opened another seafood restaurant. The Bethesda location quickly became a community favorite, thanks to its combination of classic menu offerings and family-friendly atmosphere.
Over the decades, the restaurant underwent multiple expansions and renovations to meet increasing demand and enhance the customer experience. O’Donnell’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced seafood and quality service made it a landmark for residents of Montgomery County and beyond.
A Third Generation Takes the Helm
Leadership eventually passed to Tom’s grandson, Bill Edelblut, who continued to grow the family’s seafood empire. In the summer of 1997, O’Donnell’s opened a new restaurant in the Kentlands community of Gaithersburg, Maryland. This marked a significant expansion into the suburban heart of Montgomery County.
The Kentlands location operated for approximately 16 years, serving thousands of customers before closing its doors in July 2013. However, the family’s passion for food and community never waned.
O’Donnell’s Market: A Modern Take on a Timeless Tradition
In December 2015, the fourth generation of the O’Donnell family—led by Bill Edelblut and his daughter Ashlee Edelblut—opened O’Donnell’s Market at 1073 Seven Locks Road in Potomac, located in the Potomac Woods Plaza.
This modern concept blends the traditions of the past with today’s culinary demands. At O’Donnell’s Market, guests can find:
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Fresh seafood delivered daily
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Premium cuts of meat
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Prepared dishes made with wholesome ingredients
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Scratch-made baked goods
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A raw bar and grill for dine-in customers
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Catering services, including the signature Norfolk Table option, which brings O’Donnell’s seafood experience directly to private events
O’Donnell’s Market allows longtime fans and new customers to enjoy the family’s famous crabcakes, seafood platters, and other specialties in a versatile market setting.
What Makes O’Donnell’s Special?
O’Donnell’s isn’t just a seafood restaurant—it’s a story of family, resilience, and culinary craftsmanship. Through changing economies, shifting dining trends, and even a global pandemic, the business has stayed true to its founding values.
Central to its lasting appeal is the Norfolk style of cooking, a regional method known for its simplicity and emphasis on fresh, flavorful seafood. The family has also preserved original recipes, passed down through generations and beloved by customers for decades.
A Community Favorite with Statewide Recognition
In a state known for crabcakes and seafood excellence, earning recognition as one of the top five crabcakes in Maryland is no small feat. Local reviewers and longtime patrons alike have praised O’Donnell’s for its generous portions, flaky texture, and rich flavor that sets their crabcakes apart.
Beyond crabcakes, the menu features seasonal catches, soups, sides, and baked goods that reflect the family’s dedication to freshness and quality.
Looking Ahead
With over 100 years of history behind them, the O’Donnell family continues to evolve while honoring the legacy that started in 1922. The success of O’Donnell’s Market in Potomac stands as a testament to the power of family entrepreneurship, community support, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the business moves forward, it remains committed to serving the best seafood in Maryland, just as Tom O’Donnell envisioned more than a century ago.
O’Donnell’s Market is located at 1073 Seven Locks Road in Potomac, Maryland. For more information, menu offerings, and catering inquiries, visit their official website or stop by to experience one of Maryland’s longest-standing seafood traditions.
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