1. Get More Than A Meal At Water For Chocolate
Water For Chocolate
1841 E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 675-7778
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 173 reviews From the moment you walk through the doors of Water for Chocolate in Baltimore, you’re in for a true culinary experience. Customers are greeted at the door personally by Chef Sean Guy. The open kitchen fills the intimate space with the most delicious smells and the small floor plan of just five tables allows for customers to mingle while they dine. But all of that pales in comparison to what your taste buds are in for. The jalapeno cornbread, the tilapia fish tacos, the pulled pork sandwiches, the goat cheese mac… It’s never an easy decision. But at Water For Chocolate restaurant, there’s no such thing as a bad choice.
2. Go Hungry Nevermore At Annabel Lee’s
Annabel Lee Tavern
601 S Clinton St, Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 522-2929
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 204 reviews Baltimore is famous for displaying its Edgar Allan Poe love and Annabel Lee Tavern is no different. From the menus written out like distressed lines of poetry to the walls plastered in prose, everywhere you look in Annabel Lee makes you feel like you’re sitting in one of Poe’s works. The kitsch might be what draws everyone in, but the food is what keeps them coming back. It’s hard to find an empty table at Annabel’s on the weekend, when everyone comes out to order the Duck Fat Fries.
3. Get A Taste Of Down South At Langermann’s
Langermann’s
2400 Boston Street, Baltimore, MD 21224
(410)-534-3287
Yelp: 4 stars, 132 reviews If you have a hankering for southern comfort food, look no further than Langermann’s in Cantor. The atmosphere is friendly with a casual-cool feel and the service has been slow-cooked to perfection just like the menu options. The grits and fried green tomatoes are enough to make you forget you’re still up north. They’re so good, in fact, that you have the option of ordering an entrée and getting your sides from the buffet. But make sure you save enough room for the short ribs because they’re a southern treat you won’t forget anytime soon.
4. Experience The Ultimate Sandwich At Chaps Pit Beef
Chaps Pit Beef
5801 Pulaski Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 483-237
Yelp: 4 stars, 413 reviews Featured as a Best Of Baltimore restaurant and in a new episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives, Chaps Pit Beef is where you go in Baltimore for the finger-lickin’ barbecue. Whether you get the Pulled Pork BBQ or the Beef & Italian Sausage, you’ll never be able to look at a sandwich the same way after leaving Chaps Pit Beef. With huge portions overflowing with meat, you’ll be lucky if you eat these mammoths without a fork and knife. Their fries in gravy complement each sandwich perfectly and never leave you feeling unsatisfied. It’s usually packed, sometimes with lines outside the door, but considering that Chap’s fills the barbecue void in Baltimore, it’s easy to understand why. And the quality of the food makes it well worth the wait.
5. Find Out What Amore Really Is At Aldo’s
Aldo’s Restaurant
306 S High St, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 727-0700
Yelp: 4 stars, 97 reviews When you hit up Little Italy for some authentic Italian cuisine, you’re already expecting the best of the best. But Aldo’s really is in a class of its own and has been for years. This award-winning restaurant uses the freshest locally grown ingredients and has not only raised the bar, but has set an entirely new standard. The dining rooms are full of romantic ambience and elegant décor, tables are immaculately set with pure green olive oil alongside freshly warm bread, and the spirits menu is a wine lovers’ dream come true. Keep it traditional with the caprese salad, Spaghettoni all’Amatriciana, with a side of grilled balsamic asparagus and you’ll think you just magically teleported to Italy.
6. Eat Straight From The Sea At Thames Street Oyster House
Thames Street Oyster House
1728 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231
(443) 449-7726
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 333 reviews You can’t be near the Harbor too long without craving seafood. Luckily, Thames knocks it out of the park. Bring a large crowd so that you can all sample each others’ meals. Otherwise, be prepared to over order. There is the raw bar, the buttery lobster roll, oysters rockefeller, seared block island scallops, the 5 lb. stuffed lobster dinner, cast iron crab cakes… But you absolutely can’t leave without trying the grilled octopus. You might even want to order an extra as your main dish. No matter what, come hungry.
7. Go Hog Wild Over The Menu At Woodberry Kitchen
Woodberry Kitchen
2010 Clipper Park Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211
(410) 464-8000
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 794 reviews Woodberry Kitchen restaurant in Baltimore is the kind of place that makes you realize that you never knew you wanted a crispy pig ear salad until you saw how they got it done. The staff are so inviting and friendly, they can really talk you into anything. But the traditional menu items are just as exciting, too, whether you’re stopping in for brunch, lunch or dinner. Try the Chesapeake Pie, an explosion of VA oysters, Marvesta shrimp and seasonal veggies with shrimp sauce, and round it off with a slice of Brown Sugar Peach Cheesecake for the perfect meal. Woodberry Kitchen also offers gluten-free and “meatless Monday” menus so that everyone can enjoy what they have to offer.
8. Dig Into Some Crazy Good Cheese Pies At Neopol Savory Smokery
Neopol Savory Smokery
529 E Belvedere Ave, Baltimore, MD 21212
(410) 433-7700
Yelp: 5 stars, 41 reviews Conveniently located in Belvedere Square Market, Neopol’s offers a wide lunch selection of smoked meats, fish and tofu. Don’t overlook that breakfast menu though: free range eggs, smoked sausage and bacon, and the most incredible hash platter you’ll ever dig into. But it’s the cheese pies that manage to stand out among a menu of already shining stars. These delightful treats are filled with gouda, swiss, fontina and ricotta cheeses and an herb custard, all on a perfectly flakey crust. Make sure to top yours with the smoked salmon and never look at breakfast the same way again.
9. Eat Fresh And Stay Local At Charleston Restaurant
Charleston Restaurant
1000 Lancaster St, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 332-7373
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 178 reviews The menu is always changing at Charleston’s, but that’s so they can bring you the freshest food with the most local and seasonal ingredients around. But if you see Chef Wolf’s classic Rich Lobster Soup with Curry on the menu, order that sucker. This delicately poached lobster is complimented with a flavorful lobster stock reduction and cream, argula and curry oil. With a foie gras for your entrée and any of the immaculate dessert plates, there’s no doubt you’ll be planning your next trip back before you even pay your bill.
10. Gyro Up For Baba’s Mediterranean Kitchen
Baba’s Mediterranean Kitchen
745 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 727-7482
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 125 reviews Baba’s might be a quick service eatery, but the food is always high quality. The hummus is made fresh daily and the zucchini fries are crisped to veggie perfection. You’ll have a hard time deciding between the Lamb Gyro’s or the Chicken Kabobs, but both are equally as good. Vegetarians and vegans also have a huge selection at Baba’s, thanks to meatless Mediterranean staples like the falafels, stuffed grape leaves and baba ganoush. You can BYOB your beverage of choice to Baba’s, too, for the ultimate in affordable yet delicious meals.
11. Capital Grille
The Capital Grille
500 E Pratt St
Baltimore, MD 21202
(443) 703-4064
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 143 reviews A steakhouse to put other steakhouses to shame, Capital Grille is where you go in Baltimore when your beef craving kicks in and you’ve got some money burning a hole in your pocket. It doesn’t matter what cut of steak you choose; from the filet mignon to the tenderloin, it’s always a perfect cut and magnificently cooked to your liking. Whatever you choose, opt for the kona rub with butter shallot sauce. It will take your perfect 10 steak up to an 11. If that’s not enough to convince you, the service really can’t be beat. The wait staff will even take your picture and bring it out to you in a frame at the end of your meal. You can’t get that out Outback.
12. Taste Truly Clever Cuisine At Wit & Wisdom
Wit & Wisdom
200 International Dr
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 223-1456
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 143 reviews Looking for something different from your tavern? How about Lobster Corn Dogs or Brick Oven Roasted Bone Marrow with bacon marmalade? With unique dishes like these served to you overlooking the scenic waterfront, it’s easy to see why Wit & Wisdom won a spot on the Best Of Baltimore list in 2013. Even the more traditional menu options have a flavor that stands out. Stop by for breakfast and order the Brioche French Toast with spiced maple syrup and caramelized bananas.
13. Combine Elegance And Grunge At Fork & Wrench
The Fork & Wrench
2322 Boston St, Baltimore, MD 21224
(443) 759-9360
Yelp: 4 stars, 172 reviews Eat upscale with an edge. Fork & Wrench is a trendy gem that changes up its menu constantly with new and innovative dishes that reflect their seasonal and local ingredients. Grab some friends and make a night out of their amazing craftmade cocktails, a cool atmosphere and killer meals. They serve everything from octopus to veal, but even the non-meat eaters can enjoy a night here when they order the vegan box. Your guests are sure to be thoroughly impressed by your sophisticated palate.
14. Sushi And Beyond At PABU
PABU
725 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 223-1460
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 108 review A lot of Japanese restaurants revolve around their sushi menus. PABU breaks the mold by offering top-notch sushi AND an outstanding menu of mouth-watering Japanese cuisine. Enjoy the modern décor while you sip on a Yume Orenji, a cocktail full of color and flavor. Then kick your sashimi-loving palate up a notch by ordering the Chirashi, which is an assortment of raw fish, ikaru and sushi rice.
15. La Scala’s Grilled Caesar Is The Emperor Of All Salads
La Scala Ristorante Italiano
1012 Eastern Ave
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 783-9209
Yelp: 4 stars, 141 reviews Delicious Italian food with modern charm and a lively crowd–it’s no wonder La Scala won the Best Of Baltimore Reader’s Choice award. Happy hour is always a hit with an affordable assortment of wines, beer and their famous $6 espresso martinis. Regulars of La Scala’s will all agree, though, that crown jewel of their menu is the Grilled Caesar Salad. One bite and you’ll never want to eat a different salad ever again.