About Us

Where smoke meets the shore

Leave your worries at the Knapps Narrows Drawbridge and settle into the soul of waterman territory. Located on historic Tilghman Island—just a scenic drive from St. Michaels—Big Mack’s Kitchen & Dock Bar is where the salt air meets the scent of slow-smoked BBQ.

Chef and Owner Chris Mack brings the spirit of the Eastern Shore to life through a wood-fired menu. Whether you arrive by car or tie up at our docks, you’ll find an atmosphere where the views are as legendary as the food.

Our specialties include:

Wood-Fired Classics: Authentic pit beef, tender ribs, and Peruvian-style smoked chicken.
Brick Oven Pizzas: Hand-crafted pies baked to a signature crisp.
Local Seafood: Jumbo lump crab cakes (all killer, no filler), fresh Bay oysters and spiced shrimp.
Dockside Spirits: Crushes and cocktails served with a front-row seat to the water.

As Chef Chris says, “We gonna eat good, I promise!”

Portrait of Chef Chris Mack and his wife Jen Mack smiling in their restaurant, Big Mack's Kitchen

Meet the MASTER

Chef Chris Mack, a Maryland native, has been crafting memorable, comfort-driven cuisine for over two decades. His passion for food began early with hands-on experience in his great aunt’s butcher shop in Dunkirk, New York—an introduction that sparked a lasting appreciation for quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation.

After graduating from L’Académie de Cuisine in 2008, Chris built his culinary foundation while drawing inspiration from time spent living in Hawaii, Texas, and Oakland, CA. Those regional influences continue to shape his cooking style today—approachable, flavor-forward dishes that feel both familiar and elevated, designed to bring people together around the table.

In 2015, Chris moved to the Eastern Shore, where he is now the proud owner of his own restaurant—turning a lifelong dream into reality in a community that appreciates good food, genuine hospitality, and a strong sense of connection. His cooking reflects a deep love for creativity and the simple joy of sharing a well-prepared meal.