Table of contents
Munchies
By Madeleine O’Neill
Mi Comalito
2101 N. Charles Street
All of the food at Mi Comalito, a little Salvadoran spot in Charles North, is delicious and worth a visit. But the pupusas are what I end up craving on late nights, and Doordashing more often than I’d like to admit. They’re always delivered piping hot and their cheesy, gooey centers are so satisfying to pull apart. Try the pupusas revueltas, which come with beans, cheese and pork, or get the pupusas frijol con queso if you want a vegetarian snack.
Ekiben
911 W. 36th Street, 801 E. Fort Avenue, 1622 Eastern Avenue
Even the most committed carnivores love the tempura broccoli from Ekiben, which has a huge fanbase among Baltimoreans. The lightly-battered broccoli is both vegan and gluten free, but feels like an indulgent snack and comes in a large enough serving that it will fill you up. But it’s broccoli, so you can still tell yourself you’re being healthy.
Underground Pizza
30 Market Place, 28 Allegheny Avenue
There’s something so unexpected about a Detroit-style pizza. With a thick focaccia crust covered in cheese, then slathered in sauce and toppings, it sounds upside-down but tastes perfect. The Trifecta, which comes topped with red sauce, pesto, and vodka sauce, is a personal favorite, but there are plenty of options for everyone.
Aunt Kelly’s Cookies
857 N. Howard Street
This adorable bakery on Howard Street offers a butter crunch chocolate chip cookie that’s to die for. Do yourself a favor and buy a dozen of Aunt Kelly’s perfectly crisp cookies to bring home and snack on at night. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent, order some ice cream sandwiched between two cookies and eat it while you walk through the Bromo Arts District.
Clark Burger
5906 York Road
Poutine is the perfect pre- or post-movie snack: a pile of fries slathered in gravy and topped with cheese curds. Real poutine heads know that you want cheese curds so fresh that they squeak when you bite into them. Clark Burger has the best version of poutine, the popular Canadian comfort food, that you can find in Baltimore.
Crab cakes
By Madeleine O’Neill
Koco’s Pub
4301 Harford Road
As I was sitting down to enjoy a grapefruit crush at Koco’s Pub, a man sitting near me at the bar announced that he knew what he wanted to eat. “What?” his partner asked. “Crab cake!” he replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. And he was right. These gigantic crab cakes are truly a classic for a reason. Though the market price for crab meat is sky high right now, you get your money’s worth here.
Soul Kuisine Cafe
301 Light Street
I haven’t tried Soul Kuisine since they moved to their new location near the Inner Harbor, but I still remember ordering my first Baltimore crab cake from this hole-in-the-wall soul food spot when it was still on North Avenue. I also remember asking myself: “Will all of the crab cakes here be this good?” Few have lived up to it since then.
Chefrock’s
945 E. Patapsco Avenue
This spunky little restaurant in the Brooklyn neighborhood is still finding its feet but serves an incredible crab cake. I’m not even sure what was holding all the crab meat together, because there was so little filler in the Smack and Crack meal, which came with two jumbo lump crab cakes. If you’re lucky, Chef Rock himself will also stop by the table to chat (and might ask to take a video of you trying the food for his popular Instagram page). The service is exceptional. We’re wishing them luck!
Next Phaze Cafe
112 E. Lexington Street
This often-overlooked restaurant near the city’s downtown courthouses is a hidden gem. The crab cake was served piping hot and there was hardly any filler to be found. Try them out next time you have jury duty — but give yourself plenty of time, since the service can be on the slower side.
Maggie’s Farm
4341 Harford Road
My favorite brunch spot also serves a delightful crab cake for dinner. Yes, it might have a little more bread crumb than the other crab cakes on this list, but the silky velouté sauce it’s served with makes up for it. The roasted asparagus and golden potatoes on the side make this a filling meal. Don’t forget to order a craft cocktail while you’re there.
Burgers
By Teri Henderson
The Royal Blue
1733 Maryland Avenue
Located in the heart of Station North — in the former Gallery One Bar, and a stumble away from Club Chuck — The Royal Blue serves up a reliably delicious and straightforward Smash Burger. It’s a go-to spot for a casual and satisfying meal any day of the week, with great mocktails and plentiful vegetarian and vegan options that make it a true crowd-pleaser. Make sure you stick around for DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays in the disco pit.
Dylan’s Oyster Cellar
3601 Chestnut Avenue
Don’t let the name fool you — one of the best burgers in the city can be found at this Hampden oyster house. The classic cheeseburger is a perfectly executed smash-style patty with a top-secret sauce that has kept regulars coming back for years, even if they don’t love oysters. I’ve been to Dylan’s dozens of times, and each and every time I get the burger. For the perfect finish, indulge in the Peaches & Cream Supreme for a truly flawless meal.
Mera Kitchen Collective
1301 N. Calvert Street
For a globally-inspired burger, look no further than Mera Kitchen Collective in Mount Vernon. Their Kofta Burger features seasoned ground meat mixed with fresh herbs and spices, offering a distinct and delicious wave of flavor that stands out from a typical beef patty. It’s a delicious reflection of Mera’s mission to highlight culinary traditions from around the world.
Rooted Rotisserie
1116 Hollins Street
This sumptuous burger features 21-day dry-aged Roseda beef with a perfectly-paired hot pepper adobo aioli. Located in Hollins Market, Rooted Rotisserie crafts a gourmet experience that elevates the humble burger into something truly memorable. The parmesan truffle frites are the perfect, decadent complement to this must-try meal, and now the location is no longer BYOB!
CookHouse
1501 Bolton Street
For a truly exclusive bite (in a gorgeous interior), head to CookHouse in Bolton Hill for their Proper Pub Burger, available in limited quantities on Thursdays only. This burger features an eight ounce sous-vide wagyu patty and is meticulously built with aged cheddar, crispy onions, and a rich demi-glace. If you can’t wait until Thursday, you can grab the excellent OTH double smash burger from their sister spot, On The Hill Cafe.
Comfort Food
By Teri Henderson
Pete’s Grille
3130 Greenmount Avenue
Pete’s Grille is a true Baltimore institution, serving no-frills diner perfection on Greenmount Avenue. Expect a line and a seat at the small counter, an experience that is absolutely worth the wait for their classic breakfast special. For under $15, you get a hearty plate of pancakes or French toast, two eggs, and your choice of meat.
Rocket To Venus
3360 Chestnut Avenue
This Hampden mainstay elevates classic diner fare with a fun, punk-rock edge. Their Waffle Sandwich is a standout comfort dish, offering a perfectly fried chicken (or vegan!) patty that you can customize with one of ten sauces, from classic buffalo to their inventive rocket fuel. (Also their wings are delicious!)
Easy Like Sunday
66 Village Square
Easy Like Sunday offers an upscale and delicious take on brunch classics. Their Fried Chicken & Cornmeal Pancakes are a perfect example, swapping a standard waffle for hearty cornmeal pancakes topped with crispy buttermilk fried chicken.
Little Donna’s
1812 Bank Street
Little Donna’s in Upper Fells Point offers pizzas, pierogies, and other Midwestern comfort fare in a cozy, intimate setting. The menu is personal; the signature pierogies are a direct homage to the chef’s grandmother, nicknamed Little Donna, from Yugoslavia. Little Donna’s is small and reservations are hard to get, but it’s worth it. When I think of dinner food I think of home-cooking — look no further than this place.
Blacksauce Kitchen
401 W. 29th Street
Blacksauce Kitchen has built a legendary reputation on bold, unforgettable flavors, and their Remington storefront does not disappoint. The jerk wings are perfect in their preparation — brined, smoked, fried, and sauced to absolute perfection. Make sure to save room for a slice of their incredible peach rum cake for a perfectly sweet finish. If you can’t make it to the storefront, they are also at the 32nd Street Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
Tea and Coffee
By Sydney Allen
Equitea
Pop-ups around Baltimore, opening a storefront at 311 W. 28th Street
If you don’t like matcha, it’s because you aren’t doing it right! I didn’t know what a dirty matcha was — an added shot (or two) of espresso — until I visited Equitea at their pop-up location on Howard Street in Remington (currently closed). Not only were their matcha variety drinks delicious, but they were also vibrant in color. Their lavender matcha looks like a spring meadow with a lilac-colored milk mix on top of a mint-colored matcha base. The combinations are rich and will change your mind about matcha.
Black Acres Roastery
1400 Greenmount Avenue, 112 N. Eutaw Street
You can stop in the hustle and bustle of Lexington Market from the Paca Street entrance to grab some of Black Acres Roastery’s coffee made from ethically-sourced beans. Their dark roast coffee blends with hints of chocolate and cherry pair well with oat milk and a vanilla sweetener to gently wake you up. If you are in a cafe-core mood, you can stop by their cafe on Greenmount located inside the lobby of Open Works and have a seasonal drink like their earthy Matcha Mint-Aid or their spiced Marrakesh Cold Brew.
Sophomore Coffee
2223 Maryland Avenue
This is my everyday coffee spot, located in a cozy basement space on the corner of Maryland Avenue and 23rd Street. Their menu is straight to the point with your basic coffee and tea iterations that pair well with their locally-sourced baked goods. When I’m in a rush I get their iced coffee, which is on tap and ready-to-go with a milk chocolate and stone fruit flavoring.
Llamas’ Corner
132 McMechen Street
There’s some fun flavored coffee drinks here such as strawberry shortcake latte, salted caramel chai, and a banana bread latte just to name a few. Located in the cozy neighborhood of Bolton Hill right on McMechen, Llamas’ Corner offers a full menu from sweet baked goods to delicious paninis, my favorite being Llama Guac-N-Roll Turkey Panini.
Adee’s Coffee Roasters
1625 Fleet Street
A space for a day drink or night drink. Adee’s Coffee Roasters is located in Fells Point right next to H&S Bakery (I love the bread smells from there). It’s a roomy cafe space that offers baked goods and a full lunch menu. Coffee is everything there with a Dirty Chai Tonic or a sweet Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. By happy hour, coffee is still an option along with a mixed alcoholic beverage. Or if you just love the flavor of coffee, then a decaf might do.
Vegan Food
By Eze Jackson
Niecy’s Fabulous Juice Bar
5416 Belair Road Suite 1
Niecy’s has been growing since their March 2022 opening at their flagship location. They now have a second location on Johns Hopkins University campus in the Ralph S. O’Connor Recreation Center. You don’t need a gym membership or Student ID to patronize since they’re located right in the front. The salads, wraps, and fruit bowls are always fresh and colorful. The family-owned business specializes in more than just juice, but it’s the juices and smoothies that really pack the nutrients needed to keep you healthy and energized. The non-dairy The Butter Baby smoothie is a popular favorite with banana, dates, almond butter, and almond milk. They also serve wellness shots. Try the medicinal shot with mushrooms, lime, honey, and spring water or the immunity shot of ginger, turmeric, pineapple, and pepper. Tell them Eze Jackson sent you.
Mama Koko’s
100 E 23rd Street
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Mama Koko’s — the ambiance, the staff, or the events, you name it. Mama Koko herself is always full of life and great conversation. Whether you’re stopping in during the day to take advantage of their cold bowls and smoothies or having a late night drink with the munchies for the bar bites menu, you’re in for an excellent time. Everything is prepared with care and packed with flavor. My favorite eats are the Vegan Citrus BBQ “Ribs” and Smoked Collard Greens (no animal necks I promise), and the Green Gangsta smoothie with apple, peach, spinach, spirulina, ginger, pineapple, mango and wheatgrass, is highkey refreshing and energizing.
Oleum Vegan Kitchen
701 S. Bond Street
Head Chef Alisha Adibe has traveled the world to bring top notch vegan cuisine to Baltimore. The new location in Fells Point is a cozy vibe, perfect for vegan vets and the vegan-curious. Arguably one of the largest menus you can find, it has everything from pizzas to pastas, wraps, and desserts with gluten-free options for many items. To add even more likeability, local ingredients available each season are used to perfection in a meticulous attempt to make even the biggest meat eater question themselves. Recommendations may not hold much weight as there’s a little something for everyone, but I go for The Fancy Farmer (organic field greens tossed with nutty farro, crisp bosc pears, blueberries, candied pecans, haricot vert, red onion, and crumbled blue cheese, finished with a maple balsamic vinaigrette) and the Mediterranean Hummus Wrap featuring the Oleum signature hummus with choice of lemon or aleppo, chased down with one of their spirit-filled or spirit-free cocktails (the Social Hour shows off with the lion’s mane mushrooms). Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or brunch, impress your vegan date with this move.
Land of Kush
840 N. Eutaw Street
This veteran plant-based eatery has stood the test of time, and rightfully so. Winning awards for years, they have been a dependable go-to for top tier vegan food. Grab something on the go, dine in, or be lucky enough to attend an event catered by them, and it’s clear they know exactly what they’re doing. I really don’t know who has better “ribs,” them or Mama Koko’s, but who’s comparing? They’ve got hearty Kush Platters for grown-ups or Child of Kush options for the babies. The breaded and pan-fried Hearts of Palm Vish is great as an entree or a sandwich, and their delicious ginger spice drink can be bought by the gallon.
Places we’d like to see have a brick and mortar
By Eze Jackson
Glizzy’s Wagyu Dogs
instagram.com/glizzyswagyudogs
The Glizzy King Casey Jarvis moved to Baltimore 10 years ago and after a few years, turned his passion for cooking into one of the busiest food trucks in the city. You can find Glizzy’s at almost any type of event serving up high-quality dogs and the friendliest of service. Jarvis’ jovial smile and witty sense of humor is always on display as he confidently stands by his commitment to please. When Baltimore Beat held its 3rd Annual Summer Jam in July, we were their third stop on the sweltering summer Saturday. Yet he and his crew served our hungry dancing crowd with joy. Catch them on Fridays outside of Releaf for now but we’re hoping soon they won’t have to move around so much.
From The Heart Food Truck
instagram.com/ftheart9
The best way to keep up with From The Heart is to follow their Instagram. Daytime and late night, FTH delivers food that tastes like it’s straight out of auntie’s kitchen. Luxury soul food for an affordable price, they go crazy with items like the loaded box (hot honey wings & loaded crabby sauce, which is barely sauce at all) or any $20 dinners. If you can catch them, it’s worth the chase. They’ve been at it so long, we’re not sure if they want to settle down and open a stationary spot but if they do, we’ll be first in line.
Chicken Boxes
By Eze Jackson
A chicken box and a large half and half is four to five whole wings fried hard with either french fries or western fries and a half-lemonade, half-iced tea, sweetened to perfection.
In Baltimore, a good chicken box is a lot easier to find than some may want to admit. Similar to Philadelphia and the cheesesteak, it’s really the lowkey spots, reserved for the consistent clientele of natives who know, that do it best. Some may argue that Baltimore’s cheesesteaks are better, but that’s not what this is about. This is more about letting you know that there are some hidden gems whose chicken boxes sit a bit higher in quality and consistency than say Stoko’s, which has actually fallen off over the years. Two of our top five spots are actually on the same block as Stoko’s. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a chicken box, try exploring and add these go-to spots to your list.
- Home Town Deli & Grill – 311 N. Calvert Street
- Roma Little Italy – 5417 York Road
- Corner Carryout – 5401 York Road
- Walbrook Fried Chicken – 3420 Clifton Avenue
- One Plus One Carry Out – 1550 N. Monroe Street
Best crab dishes that aren’t crab cakes
By Grace Hebron
2 AM Project
2018 N. Charles Street, 2339 Frederick Avenue
If you give a mouse an order of these crabmeat fries, he’s going to ask for extra 2 AM sauce. It’s light, silky, almost sweet, and slightly smoky, which works well with the filling combination of potatoes, melted cheese, and crab. These fries are customizable, which means that you can pile yours with real or imitation crab — or both. (I will be judging you based on your choice.)
Mama’s On the Half Shell
2901 O’Donnell Street
So long as it’s chunky and rich, there are few things that rival a hot bowl of cream of crab soup. Most great soups, but especially this one, deserve something crunchy to go along with it. When I learned that Canton’s Mama’s On the Half Shell serves their dish — which already comes with a chilled heap of jumbo lump crab meat — with a fried soft shell crab, it became an obsession. If Baltimore had its own version of country-fried steak, I imagine that this would be it.
Little Donna’s
1812 Bank Street
Topped with fried soft shell crab hunks, an herby aioli, and cherry tomatoes that sing in your mouth, this pie bottles up everything memorable about Maryland summer. It’s a limited-time item, only available for the duration of soft shell crab season, and something I think about pretty much daily the rest of the year. It’s a square-cut explosion of textures and flavors so achingly good — like debate over who gets the final slice, good. I remember exactly what I wore to Little Donna’s when I tasted it the first time, and my walk back home, sans leftovers.
Ekiben
911 W. 36th Street, 801 E. Fort Avenue, 1622 Eastern Avenue
Available at Ekiben’s South Baltimore location — only during soft shell crab season — this bun surprised the woman standing next to me in line, who promptly craned her neck to get a better look, and then asked, “What was that?” It was Ekiben cofounder Ephrem Abebe’s idea to take the “Ekiben Softie” bun (a fried soft shell crab bun with a Cantonese dry rub, with topped jumbo lump crab meat and cheddar) and make it “even more Maryland,” with Old Bay, a crab cake, and tangy, rich Chesapeake remoulade. That day at the restaurant, I wanted to sneak home to (messily) tackle this monster alone. But as Ekiben staff said, it’s meant to be eaten immediately, so I did. With 12 napkins.
Matthew’s Pizzeria
3131 Eastern Avenue
This buttery, crispy-edged pie is, in my book, the best part of nights out in Highlandtown. As far as pizzas go, this one is pretty decadent, with caramelized onions, backfin crab meat, various grated, imported cheeses, and Old Bay, of course. There isn’t sauce, because this local treasure truly doesn’t need any. It’s sort of like if cheesy bread and crab dip fell in love and moved to Baltimore, then had a kid. The best part? It’s only 10 inches, which means there’s no guilt if you finish the whole thing.
Late night food
By Kori Skillman
Next Phaze
112 E. Lexington Street
Tucked into Lexington Street downtown, Next Phaze offers the kind of soulful, home-style plates that feel both comforting and generous. Every entrée comes with two sides and a square of cornbread. I went for the Cajun Salmon Platter, which is served over a fluffy bed of rice pilaf. The salmon carried a nice kick of seasoning, balanced well by collard greens and mac and cheese. The greens were straightforward and meatless, solid and familiar. The mac and cheese, on the other hand, was the standout: creamy, savory, and lightly seasoned with black pepper, making each bite rich without being overwhelming.
Next Phaze isn’t trying to reinvent soul food; instead, it’s serving up hearty, well-portioned plates in a casual downtown setting, where the food itself is the highlight. The space radiates a jazzy, sexy energy, with a live band setting the tone and a crowd that was, the night I visited, entirely Black, which added to the sense of community and cultural pride the restaurant embodies.
Kong Pocha
12 W. 20th Street
Kong Pocha feels like a slice of modern Seoul nestled into Baltimore. Despite the late hour — it was nearly midnight when I ordered — the kitchen was lively, and the hospitality was top-notch.
I went for the spicy pork bibimbap, a generous and satisfying bowl priced at just $15.99. The pork arrived piping hot with a lot of steam rising from it. The dish was perfectly cooked and deeply flavorful. The blended spice kicked your palate just enough without overpowering the dish. Mixed into the dish were crisp vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bean sprouts, and a sunny-side-up egg. Each aspect added its own texture, color, and balance to the bowl. However, the rice was the best part. It soaked up all the juices, making every spoonful deeply comforting and well-seasoned. I want to be at Kong Pocha every night.
Pie in the Sky
716 S. Broadway
In the heart of Fells Point, Pie in the Sky is a late-night gem that keeps its doors open until 2 a.m. daily, making it a go-to for post-dinner bites or nightcap cravings.
I ordered the meatballs off the starters menu (under $13), and while they took a little while to reach the table, the wait was a good sign that these were clearly made fresh-to-order. Each meatball was evenly cooked, with just the right balance of tenderness and density, and a beautiful char on one side that gave them a subtle smokiness. They arrived smothered in marinara sauce, bright with tomato, full-bodied with herbs, and just garlicky enough to not be overwhelming. The sauce was so good it almost stole the show. Luckily the dish came with heaps of warm pita bread, perfect for sopping up every last bit of the marinara.
Ruben’s Mexican Food
1043 S. Charles Street, 809 S. Broadway
Ruben’s serves up a California-style experience that tastes like my home with every bite. I tried the Cali Burrito and it was amazing. Packed with your choice of protein —I went with steak and chorizo — the flavors were bold and hearty. Golden, crispy fries added a satisfying familiar flavor while creamy guacamole and cheese elevated each bite to something indulgent. Ruben’s signature ranchito sauce tied everything together. Every element of this burrito felt thoughtfully prepared.The meat was juicy, the accompaniments fresh, and the combination created a satisfying, flavorful experience that reminded me why California burritos have such a loyal, cult-like following.
Nacho Bangers
1841 Pennsylvania Avenue
Catching Nacho Bangers at the right time is half the fun, and half the challenge. This food truck doesn’t serve every night, so you have to be ready when they post on Instagram to snag a spot in line. But trust me, it’s worth the chase. Their shrimp and crab wrap is a masterpiece of flavor. Piled with plump, perfectly cooked shrimp and tender crab layered over each other, smothered in melted cheese and drizzled with just the right amount of “banger sawwwce.” The wrap was $8 and, being crab and shrimp, it was the most expensive wrap they offer.
Desserts
By: Sydney Allen
Doppio Pasticceria
300 W. 29th Street
I come for the coffee and pizza, but I can’t leave without a sweet treat. Nestled on the corner of Remington Avenue and 29th Street, Doppio is known for its Italian-inspired quick bites and coffee. My go-to combo with my coffee is the small pistachio bun; a perfectly sized milk bun with a balanced sweet and nutty flavor. The desserts are in constant rotation to create variety, so if that’s not available I go for the cream-filled bomboloni accompanied with a seasonal fruit.
Cajou Creamery
411 N. Howard Street
A very quaint Black-owned shop in the Bromo Arts district on Howard Street. Every ice cream flavor is non-dairy, made with cashew milk and unconventional flavors. I love mango-flavored anything and go for a single scoop of the Mango Lassi. I’m less of a cone person but I can’t help but fantasize about what a scoop of the Jamaican Rum Raisin in the red velvet cone would taste like on a nice warm day.
Market Bakery
112 N. Eutaw Street
Market Bakery is a mandatory stop while I’m moving through a sea of people in Lexington Market. It’s home to the famous Baltimore-style Berger Cookie, however I go for a quarter pound of their thin buttery snickerdoodle cookies which rivals in flavor The Great Cookie. If I’m craving more variety, I throw in some of the chunky peanut butter cookies or the soft oatmeal raisin cookies.
Sistahs’ Sweets
2507 St. Paul Street
If you don’t want a whole slice of cake, then why not a bite-sized version with a cupcake? Sistahs’ Sweets is the perfect space for creative gourmet cupcakes. Conveniently located on St. Paul near 25th Street, the cupcake store offers your classic flavors like vanilla cream as well as sugar-free and gluten-free options. You can’t go wrong with the red velvet with cream cheese frosting or the Cinnabon cupcake which has mini bits of cinnamon rolls. A dessert on a dessert!
Dangerously Delicious Pies
810 W. 36th Street
The best thing about Dangerously Delicious Pies is that they offer sweet AND savory pies, so you are having dinner and dessert on one plate. Located on The Avenue in Hampden, Dangerously Delicious Pies offers whole pies and individual slices. I love the bittersweet taste of cherries inside a flakey pie crust or the smooth taste of banana custard and cream in their banana cream pie.