The best shrimp salad ever was made by Jimmy Prout at Prout's Deli & Market in Forest Hill. Good shrimp salad is about balance, between seasoning, mayo and the seafood itself, and he nailed it. Sadly, he sold out about 10 years ago (to Kenny, who now makes sushi at Wegmans) and after he left, the place went so far south that it is now a physical therapy gym.

For my money, Eddie's of Roland Park does the best shrimp salad that I can get to easily.

One nomination for J. Patrick's Irish Pub in Locust Point.

Kibbys on Wilkens Ave. When I had my first office job, it was in Catonsville, and for occassions like birthdays etc, we'd make the carryout trek for Kibby's shrimp salad. To this day it's one of the best I've ever had.

I prefer my own shrimp salad, but I'll second Eddie's for easy to get to shrimp salad.

The best I ever had in a restaurant was at the old Haven (as opposed to the New Haven Lounge) in Northwood Shopping Center. This was back in the late 70's - early 80's.

I would eat lunch there frequently and always had their excellent shrimp salad sandwich.

Mamie's Cafe in Aberdeen has excellent shrimp salad, with big, robust shrimp. It's particularly good on a croissant with crispy bacon.

I am fan of the shrimp salad made by Towson Deli. It's the closest thing since the late lamented Parker's Grocery in downtown Towson closed some years ago.

The Firehouse Tavern on Joppa Road in Carney makes a great shrimp salad.

I seem to remember the Linway Lounge on Harford Road in Parkville having a good one as well.

I guess I should have put my comment here - whoops! At this moment, I feed my shrimp salad craving at Rocket to Venus, Bertha's, or Mary Mervis in Lexington Market. They each have their place. Each spot brings it's own flavor to the entire experience, inlcluding default side items. I love the spicy seafood macaroni salad at Bertha's, and the curry dusted fries at Rocket to Venus. The only side item you get at Mary Mervis is the madness that comes with placing your order.

I live in Catonsville, and it has never occured to me to go in to Betty and Jake's. There are a bunch of restaurants there on main street, but I always seem to end up at either the Catonsville Gourmet, Indian Delight, or Taneytown deli.

I always loved the shrimp salad at Bay Cafe. When I worked in Highlandtown, we used tor eward ourselves for putting up with a certain level of, uh...., nonsense by going to Bay Cafe. Of course, by the time we'd maneuvered that dreaful parking lot we were always laughing and continued to do so throughout the meal, so while I'm sure that the shrimp salad is as good as I remember, I will admit to being easily swayed by good companions and good laughter.

The famous Mary Mervis Deli at Lexington Market has the BEST shrimp salad anywhere..I was Asst.Marketing Director at Lexington Mkt in the 80's ..it was great then and still today..all my relatives request their sandwich when they come in from out of town.

Bay Cafe!!!

Hands down---Theresa's in the Broadway Market---plenty of Old Bay for my spicy taste!

I like the shrimp salad at Red Brick Station in White Marsh, but nobody really puts enough Old Bay in it for my taste. I like restaurants that have Old Bay on the table along with the salt and pepper -- in fact, IMO, you can keep the salt and just leave me the pepper and the Old Bay.

Welp, I agree about Lexington Market, but D. Barron (right next door to Mary Mervis) makes my favorite shrimp salad. As is the case with many competitors, there are aficionados of Barron OR Mary Mervis...never both. I happen to be a Barron fan.

A little late on this one but here goes:

Kibby's (Wilkens Ave)
Shannon's (Rt. 40 in Ellicott City)
Ocean Pride (Lutherville)
Bay Cafe (Canton)
Kisling's (Fleet Street)