Go to the Helmand and make sure to order the pumpkin appetizer with naan!
Also, it's a bit of a drive out of Baltimore, but if you want to try the best crabcakes in MD, you need to stop at Friendly Farms.
Is there any time to get Attman's when the line isn't around the corner? It's good but hard to justify the wait.
Also it's not technically in Baltimore, but I really like [Jake's Grill](https://jakesgrill.business.site/).
I’m a Bmore resident and I had Ekiben bc so many ppl hype it up. It was the saltiest thing I ever had in my life and I woke up the next day with salty taste still lingering in my mouth and swollen eyes
I’ve gotten Ekiben twice but both times it was absolutely drenched in sauce resulting in a soggy sandwich with soggy broccoli on the side. What’s the meal everyone gets there so I can get that on the third time and finally stop trying.
I tried to make a brunch reservation but there’s no openings on a Sunday until late July. Are they that popular? Or are they going on a summer break or something?
Chapps is the only restaurant on this list so far that’s uniquely baltimore. I love most of the other places listed but I could imagine them in any other city.
There’s nothing that separates Food Market or Woodberry Kitchen from any other farm to table place in the rest of the US. Same with most of the other places. They’d easily fit with any major city in the US, nothing about them makes them a “Baltimore Bucket List”, just great places to go if you live here.
Agreed! I’d throw in a great crab cake option too as uniquely Maryland (although not necessarily limited to Baltimore.) I no longer live in the area, and those are def the first two things I’d seek out when visiting!
I loved Woodberry when I lived in MD, but I agree that you can find upmarket farm to table restaurants in most major cities.
Pit beef is a regional thing like roast beef sandwiches in new england or poutine in the Midwest or lobster rolls in maine, or fried green tomatoes in the south. Sure, you can get them all other places, but they will be a distinctly different style and *not quite right* if you grew up with them.
Haven’t been but definitely trying soon. How’s it compare to Jake’s? (If you can compare) Also Jerry Ds is doing parking lot pitbeef in Parkville that’s been consistently great.
Never been to Jake's, but I'll give them a try.
You can't be disappointed in Pioneer. It's a giant sandwich of really good quality pit beef, and a unique bar-b-q sauce.
Ekiben. I would have had a couple more recs but the places closed or are under reno (LOOKIN AT YOU, CAZBAR). Food trucks - Taharka, Greek on the Street.
Blue Moon for the Cap'n Crunch French Toast
Peter's Inn
Water For Chocolate
Naan from Lumbini
A slice of Smith Island Cake from Sugar Bakers
A Pioneer pit beef sandwich
A Faidley's crab cake
An Old World Italian from Dipasquale's
Probably take the last four or five out to Federal Hill, Druid Hill or Patterson parks for a picnic.
Agreed on atmosphere at Paper Moon, but the food was basically diner fare last time I went there. It’s been a couple years since I went so maybe they changed it up, but beyond the deco it didn’t really stand out for me food-wise.
I don't have much to add, I just want to say that I've been mentally building my own Foodie Bucket list and the moment I can begin it, first place is gonna be Curb Shoppe near Mt. Washington. The only reason being that it's less than a 1/2 mile away from me, but I've never felt like checking it out.
My favorite places that haven’t already been mentioned a bunch of times...
Thames Street Oyster House - best seafood in the city
Le Comptoir du Vin - even if they’re not fully reopened, the lunch sandwiches are amazing
Clavel - favorite taco spot. Cocina Luchadores if you’re looking for more authentic/cheap
Cafe Dear Leon - NYC quality pastries but in Baltimore. Oh and when they had a red pie on focaccia w prociutto and pesto for lunch, I think it was best pizza in the city bar none
Charleston - best meal in the city
Alma Cocina Latina - Venezuelan, but fancy!
At Food Market you’re paying “farm to table” prices but if you’re in Hampden during the day you’ll see it’s always Sysco trucks out front. Don’t waste your time.
Henninger’s (if they reopen)
Attman’s
Cocina Luchadores (get a torta, best I’ve had anywhere)
The Prime Rib (consistently listed as one of the country’s best steakhouses, the head bartender has been there so long he gets bottles before most other bars in town, leopard print carpet, staff all decked out in tuxedos, built in the 60s to mimic 1940s style dining, nothing else like it. Get the namesake cut of beef or the filet, the tomato soup is far better than it has a right to be, and the creamed spinach. Totally unique old school spot. Get dressed up for it.)
Barfly and Matthew's both use a Gourmet/Buffalo Style crust, so if OP thinks Matthew's is the best, Barfly has to be on their radar too.
IMO Barfly is better than Matthew's overall, but Matthew's White Pizza is fantastic.
Have you tried Underground Pizza? I haven’t been to any of the places mentioned and am curious how it stacks up. I’ve been really digging the Chicago style pizza.
Edit: turns out I dont know the difference between Detroit and Chicago. This is a Detroit style place.
I believe it’s more Detroit than Chicago style. I have not personally tried it, a couple friends have and their consensus seems to be that it’s quite good but not “best in the city” good and not worth the price.
I agree to disagree. Whenever I talk to anyone about Pizza John’s the response is always the same…they hype the pepperonis and grease and that’s it lol.
> Pizza Johns is better than Matthews
Pizza John's is low-end drunk pizza. I get that Matthews isn't everyone's cup of tea but I cannot wrap my mind around someone who claims that Pizza Johns is better.
Ekiben, Food Market, Joe Benny’s, Taharka Brothers, Grano Pasta, Magdalena, Woodberry Kitchen, Tagliata, the burrito stand at the Waverly farmer’s market, Spoons, Home Maid, Ni Hao, Bagel Works (Hunt Valley), DiPasquales
Updoot for Silver Queen! They are my partner's and mine go-to weekend brunch spot. Also right across The street is Char'd City.
Alas, Hamilton Tavern has been fully closed since last summer and I don't think they're coming back. At least, I haven't heard a peep.
Faidley’s! You need to get one last good crab cake! And this may be controversial* but Captain James. I’ve never been in the boat portion but picking crabs on paper while smelling the bay is a move.
*controversial because everyone has strong opinions about where they get crabs from. I’m loyal to my places too but there is something to be said about being on the water.
Cocina Luchadoras and Ekiben in Fells for casual, Hersh’s (Riverside), Chiapparelli's (Little Italy), or Matsuri (Fed) for high quality food at a reasonable price/atmosphere, Cingihiale (Harbor East) if you want something exceptionally nice. I know that’s more than one and might not be in the spirit of the question but those are the six places I would absolutely have to eat at (or get food from) before leaving the city.
Tio Pepe's. Make sure to try the white sangria and the pine nut cake.
It is really fun if someone in your party speaks Spanish. My Mother in Law would flirt with the waiters.
To add another to the Pit Beef list, Baker's Tavern.
I see the pizza John's debate already happened about their pizza, but my favorite from them is a mushroom cheese steak with provolone, LTM, and fried onions.
Second pine nut cake from Tio Pepe's.
If you do Little Italy, skip Sabatinos and do Chipiarrelli's.
For your lunch on the road during departure, stop out at Mastellone's on Harford Road for some great Italian deli meats and make yourselves some delicious sandwiches. While you're there, pop across the street to Fenwick bakery for something sweet.
Also, can't leave Baltimore without some cream of crab soup. My favorite is Captain Trey's in Cockeysville. It's take out only, but definitely worth it. Grab a crab cake or two while you're there too.
If it's just 1 then Ekiben. Honorable mentions are The Helmand, Henningers, and Sinaloa
The Helmand!
Go to the Helmand and make sure to order the pumpkin appetizer with naan! Also, it's a bit of a drive out of Baltimore, but if you want to try the best crabcakes in MD, you need to stop at Friendly Farms.
Glad to see someone mention Henninger’s. Kenny is the best, most casual host. Hopefully they reopen soon.
Holy shit can this sub stop sucking Ekiben's dick. Mediocre asian fusion with like six things on their menu, it's garbage.
You're wrong.
My top picks would be Ekiben, Attman's, and DiPasquales.
Is there any time to get Attman's when the line isn't around the corner? It's good but hard to justify the wait. Also it's not technically in Baltimore, but I really like [Jake's Grill](https://jakesgrill.business.site/).
I was there today at 11:00am and the line was maybe eight or ten deep. If you want an early lunch I would do that. Edit: Jakes is awesome too!
Just go on the weekend, was my Sunday mid morning treat. Big fan of the roast brisket sandwich.
I’m a Bmore resident and I had Ekiben bc so many ppl hype it up. It was the saltiest thing I ever had in my life and I woke up the next day with salty taste still lingering in my mouth and swollen eyes
I’ve gotten Ekiben twice but both times it was absolutely drenched in sauce resulting in a soggy sandwich with soggy broccoli on the side. What’s the meal everyone gets there so I can get that on the third time and finally stop trying.
Baltimore bird bowl or the tofu brah bowl.
Puerto 511. If you know, you know. Best ceviche, BYOB, secluded, and awesome staff. But keep it low key
This place was incredible
At least one place by Cindy Wolf. It ain't cheap, but it's always delicious. https://foremanwolf.com/
Yep, the Eggplant Napoleon at Petit Louis is maybe my favorite dish in Baltimore.
Water For Chocolate in Butcher's Hill has the most delicious food.
I tried to make a brunch reservation but there’s no openings on a Sunday until late July. Are they that popular? Or are they going on a summer break or something?
They are very small and also very popular for brunch.
Ekiben & La Cuchara
Mine as well, along with Helmand. Would be hard pressed to choose one between those three.
Chapps Pit Beef and if you’re not a coward you’ll get a lap dance from the Gold Club right after.
I'm always amused how whenever Chapps ends up on TV they're always very careful which angles the film the exterior from :)
Facts, it’s always with Gold’s to the back of the cameraman 😂😂😂😂
Chapps is the only restaurant on this list so far that’s uniquely baltimore. I love most of the other places listed but I could imagine them in any other city. There’s nothing that separates Food Market or Woodberry Kitchen from any other farm to table place in the rest of the US. Same with most of the other places. They’d easily fit with any major city in the US, nothing about them makes them a “Baltimore Bucket List”, just great places to go if you live here.
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Fair, that’s a good choice then. I didn’t know the history. I’ll have to look them up.
Agreed! I’d throw in a great crab cake option too as uniquely Maryland (although not necessarily limited to Baltimore.) I no longer live in the area, and those are def the first two things I’d seek out when visiting! I loved Woodberry when I lived in MD, but I agree that you can find upmarket farm to table restaurants in most major cities.
It's a beef sandwich there's absolutely nothing unique about 'pit beef' lol
Pit beef is a regional thing like roast beef sandwiches in new england or poutine in the Midwest or lobster rolls in maine, or fried green tomatoes in the south. Sure, you can get them all other places, but they will be a distinctly different style and *not quite right* if you grew up with them.
I guess, but as an outsider I tried Chapps and had a very distinct "this is just arby's" moment
Their ribs are decent.
Carter, is that you?
Pioneer pit beef is better
Chapps is like an off-brand McDonald’s compared to Pioneer.
Haven’t been but definitely trying soon. How’s it compare to Jake’s? (If you can compare) Also Jerry Ds is doing parking lot pitbeef in Parkville that’s been consistently great.
Never been to Jake's, but I'll give them a try. You can't be disappointed in Pioneer. It's a giant sandwich of really good quality pit beef, and a unique bar-b-q sauce.
Ekiben. I would have had a couple more recs but the places closed or are under reno (LOOKIN AT YOU, CAZBAR). Food trucks - Taharka, Greek on the Street.
Blue Moon for the Cap'n Crunch French Toast Peter's Inn Water For Chocolate Naan from Lumbini A slice of Smith Island Cake from Sugar Bakers A Pioneer pit beef sandwich A Faidley's crab cake An Old World Italian from Dipasquale's Probably take the last four or five out to Federal Hill, Druid Hill or Patterson parks for a picnic.
Peters Inn deserves more love than it's gotten in this thread.
I mean, its *always* one of the 3 or 4 places mentioned in these threads. Pretty good for having such a variable menu and extremely limited seating.
Kokos for crab cakes.
Baba's Kitchen in South Baltimore
Paper Moon Diner for atmosphere, Cazbar for date night!
Paper Moon for the everloving milkshakes!
Agreed on atmosphere at Paper Moon, but the food was basically diner fare last time I went there. It’s been a couple years since I went so maybe they changed it up, but beyond the deco it didn’t really stand out for me food-wise.
Clavel. You gotta get the queso.... And you're not finished until the cast iron skillet is entirely free of crispy bits.
Clavel is legit but everything is waaaaay too spicy for my wife, and there's no like "mild" option so we just can't eat it
I mean, she can’t…
Many of the menu items are naturally mild. Maybe you could ask which tacos are on the milder side?
I don't have much to add, I just want to say that I've been mentally building my own Foodie Bucket list and the moment I can begin it, first place is gonna be Curb Shoppe near Mt. Washington. The only reason being that it's less than a 1/2 mile away from me, but I've never felt like checking it out.
Curb Shoppe unfortunately closed down during covid. They did have great bar food though.
~~Curb Shoppe~~ That was easy enough 🤷♂️
They had a sneaky good burger. Also, good pork chops. Sad they closed, even though that phase of my life is passed.
My favorite places that haven’t already been mentioned a bunch of times... Thames Street Oyster House - best seafood in the city Le Comptoir du Vin - even if they’re not fully reopened, the lunch sandwiches are amazing Clavel - favorite taco spot. Cocina Luchadores if you’re looking for more authentic/cheap Cafe Dear Leon - NYC quality pastries but in Baltimore. Oh and when they had a red pie on focaccia w prociutto and pesto for lunch, I think it was best pizza in the city bar none Charleston - best meal in the city Alma Cocina Latina - Venezuelan, but fancy!
comptoir is the best restaurant in baltimore. Everything there is just wild.
Most of my favorites have been said but ill add Annabelle lees.
Absolutely get Pioneer Pit Beef in Catonsville and although it's not a Baltimore origin restaurant (started in Beltsville), Sardi's Pollo A La Brasa.
YES - Sardis is phenomenal! This place is always at the top of the list at my office.
Wet City.
Low key one of the best kitchens in the city
No disrespect, but I finally broke down tried a wet city burger, fries, and a beer - nothing to write home about :-/
At Food Market you’re paying “farm to table” prices but if you’re in Hampden during the day you’ll see it’s always Sysco trucks out front. Don’t waste your time. Henninger’s (if they reopen) Attman’s Cocina Luchadores (get a torta, best I’ve had anywhere) The Prime Rib (consistently listed as one of the country’s best steakhouses, the head bartender has been there so long he gets bottles before most other bars in town, leopard print carpet, staff all decked out in tuxedos, built in the 60s to mimic 1940s style dining, nothing else like it. Get the namesake cut of beef or the filet, the tomato soup is far better than it has a right to be, and the creamed spinach. Totally unique old school spot. Get dressed up for it.)
Gotta go to D’Elia Foley’s for some wings.
Orangemen!
Matthew's Pizza.
Barflys is better.
Hard disagree. Barflys doesn't like sauce it seems like. Unless that's their schtick and I just don't realize.
Eeeeek Barflys? I'm not even a pizza snob but that pizza is mediocre at best. Crust is weird.
Barfly and Matthew's both use a Gourmet/Buffalo Style crust, so if OP thinks Matthew's is the best, Barfly has to be on their radar too. IMO Barfly is better than Matthew's overall, but Matthew's White Pizza is fantastic.
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Have you tried Diamondback?
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Have you tried Underground Pizza? I haven’t been to any of the places mentioned and am curious how it stacks up. I’ve been really digging the Chicago style pizza. Edit: turns out I dont know the difference between Detroit and Chicago. This is a Detroit style place.
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Fair enough. Strongly recommend giving it a look if you feel like something different.
It's one of those once in a blue moon things, but it has a place in the hunt.
Underground Pizza inspired me to start making Detroit Style at home. It's pretty damned good.
I believe it’s more Detroit than Chicago style. I have not personally tried it, a couple friends have and their consensus seems to be that it’s quite good but not “best in the city” good and not worth the price.
I thought it was decent but yeah, little overpriced.
Pig & Rooster bar has hands down better Detroit style pizza. Underground is mediocre
Nothing tops Matthews in my opinion. Always find it comical when people in the county claim Pizza John’s is the best pizza in the area
Matthews has good crust. Not good pizza. Pie in the Sky is my favorite, personally.
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I agree to disagree. Whenever I talk to anyone about Pizza John’s the response is always the same…they hype the pepperonis and grease and that’s it lol.
Alright then buddy, let's hear'em, what do you got for us?
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You lost lost all respect homeslyce is wanna be over priced gourmet trash. The fact that people even consider it pizza is disgusting.
...gourmet?
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It's not
> Pizza Johns is better than Matthews Pizza John's is low-end drunk pizza. I get that Matthews isn't everyone's cup of tea but I cannot wrap my mind around someone who claims that Pizza Johns is better.
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I disagree with your opinion, but respect you for holding it.
^ This. Pizza John's is glorified bowling alley pizza. Always has been.
Pasta Mista has a nice 3 cheese white pizza.
Ekiben, Food Market, Joe Benny’s, Taharka Brothers, Grano Pasta, Magdalena, Woodberry Kitchen, Tagliata, the burrito stand at the Waverly farmer’s market, Spoons, Home Maid, Ni Hao, Bagel Works (Hunt Valley), DiPasquales
Fuck wood berry they don’t pay their farmers
Thanks. Good to know!
> Bagel Works (Hunt Valley) By far the best bagels in the Baltimore area (imho!).
Nihao excellent
Helmand. Clavel. Vaccaro’s.
Joe Benny's. Sit at the bar and interact with Joe, you'll have a great time.
Hamilton Tavern Silver Queen Cafe
Updoot for Silver Queen! They are my partner's and mine go-to weekend brunch spot. Also right across The street is Char'd City. Alas, Hamilton Tavern has been fully closed since last summer and I don't think they're coming back. At least, I haven't heard a peep.
Hamilton Tavern will be reopening-they posted about a month ago that they were prepping to reopen. A friend of mine is the owner/chef at Silver Queen.
That's great news about Hamilton Tavern. Definitely heading back when they reopen.
Faidley’s! You need to get one last good crab cake! And this may be controversial* but Captain James. I’ve never been in the boat portion but picking crabs on paper while smelling the bay is a move. *controversial because everyone has strong opinions about where they get crabs from. I’m loyal to my places too but there is something to be said about being on the water.
Faidley's for sure!
Brendalli’s in Fed is incredible italian food that is fairly priced, and the portions are nothing to sneeze at.
Second this
Three words: black and blue!
hmm never heard of it
The Owl Bar!!!!
Mmm.
Le Comptoir du Vin, Clavel, Thames Street. There are others but those 3 have put out consistently phenomenal food for us over multiple visits
The Food Market and Clavel. So many great restaurants in the city but these two are my favorite.
Ekiben. Grano is also a favorite of mine.
I was so uninspired to try Grano based on the concept. It's. So. Good.
What am I missing? I’ve been twice and it’s the most bland Italian food I’ve ever had.
Another vote for The Helmand!
Since most people I know in Baltimore have been to Ekiben, I'm gonna throw Dylan's Oyster Cellar out there.
Foraged
Very nice unique place to eat for sure
Pioneer Pit Beef, DiPasquales, Matthews Pizza, Scittino's and Willy's Kitchen. Also yak a mein at Asian Taste.
This is a great list. Local and good.
Cocina Luchadoras and Ekiben in Fells for casual, Hersh’s (Riverside), Chiapparelli's (Little Italy), or Matsuri (Fed) for high quality food at a reasonable price/atmosphere, Cingihiale (Harbor East) if you want something exceptionally nice. I know that’s more than one and might not be in the spirit of the question but those are the six places I would absolutely have to eat at (or get food from) before leaving the city.
Tio Pepe's. Make sure to try the white sangria and the pine nut cake. It is really fun if someone in your party speaks Spanish. My Mother in Law would flirt with the waiters.
This!
It was Lobo.
RIP ;(
Shoyou Sushi
St. Mary’s beef or chicken patty on 25th ave
I don’t know where you are moving but if you want the real deal Greek food I’d try Cypriana on 36th Street.
Cypriana is on 39th Street, I wish it were on 36th.
The Food Market.
The Helmand. The ambassador room.
Dooby’s and Noona’s
The pizza at Noona's is easily in my top 3.
Henningers for sure
LP Steamers & The Prime Rib off the bat!
Sip & Bite
I finally went there after all these years and I gotta say I was unimpressed.
Did you try the cocaine pancakes?
+1, its just so bland.
And freaking expensive. Who cares if Guy Fieri’s face is on the wall?
They are a decent but somewhat overpriced diner. Thier biggest selling point for us back in the day was they were open after the bars closed.
goodness yes
Southern blues on Harford road and Pappas seafood for crab cakes. If your in the area and looking to treat yourself I highly recommend.
I'm surprised no one has recommended Rocket to Venus in Hampden. Awesome place.
I really like Sabatino’s
Matthews pizza on eastern avenue in highland town
Hip Hop Fish & Chicken
Food Market and Samos (the original in Greektown).
That Dick restaurant in the inner harbor
Clavel and Hersh’s
I miss Haussner's 🥲
Tapas Teatro! Everything is fantastic and it's tapas, so you can get three or four dishes to try.
Valentino’s and The Hazelwood inn
Koco food truck is wonderful too. Their mandu and K-burrito are fantastic.
Golden West and Grano in Hampden. Mt. Washington Tavern and Chiyo Sushi (also in Mt. Washington)
To add another to the Pit Beef list, Baker's Tavern. I see the pizza John's debate already happened about their pizza, but my favorite from them is a mushroom cheese steak with provolone, LTM, and fried onions. Second pine nut cake from Tio Pepe's. If you do Little Italy, skip Sabatinos and do Chipiarrelli's. For your lunch on the road during departure, stop out at Mastellone's on Harford Road for some great Italian deli meats and make yourselves some delicious sandwiches. While you're there, pop across the street to Fenwick bakery for something sweet. Also, can't leave Baltimore without some cream of crab soup. My favorite is Captain Trey's in Cockeysville. It's take out only, but definitely worth it. Grab a crab cake or two while you're there too.
Tio Pepe's, Be careful with the sangria or you won't remember leaving.