Baltimore, Maryland, became my home, and with that came an exciting quest: to uncover the city’s most delicious local dishes and must-visit restaurants. Through years of delightful eating adventures, even amidst a global pandemic, I’ve curated a guide to what I believe is the Best Food In Baltimore, MD. Prepare your taste buds for a true Charm City culinary journey!
Must-Try Dishes: The Best Food in Baltimore
Maryland Blue Crab: Baltimore’s Seafood Crown Jewel
When you ask about the best food in Baltimore, Maryland Blue Crab is invariably the first answer. It’s not just food; it’s a cultural icon. The sheer versatility of crab in Baltimore’s culinary scene is astounding, reminiscent of Bubba’s shrimp monologue in Forrest Gump. Let’s dive into the crab highlights.
Steamed crab is perhaps the most iconic and purest expression of Baltimore crab cuisine. Imagine tables laden with paper, piled high with crabs generously seasoned with unique spice blends (the precursor to Old Bay, which itself is a common ingredient today). Locals expertly navigate the shells, extracting every morsel of tender, flavorful meat, while newcomers often find themselves joyfully covered in crab seasoning and shell fragments in the process. This communal, hands-on experience is a must for anyone seeking the best food in Baltimore.
Next on the crab spectrum is the crab cake. Forget any preconceived notions of minced crab mush encased in a thick, fried crust. Baltimore crab cakes are a celebration of lump crab meat, held together with just enough binder and seasoning to maintain their glorious form. Served as platters or sandwiches, they offer a less hands-on but equally satisfying crab experience. For a smaller taste, crab balls, or mini crab cakes, are a popular appetizer, perfect for sampling before committing to a full crab feast.
Crab dip is another ubiquitous Baltimore offering, appearing on menus city-wide as an appetizer or a decadent topping. From fries and tater tots to pretzels and burgers, crab in Baltimore knows no bounds. It’s a testament to the city’s love affair with this crustacean – if you can name a food, chances are Baltimore has topped it with crab at some point. This pervasive use of crab truly cements it as a cornerstone of the best food in Baltimore.
Maryland Crab Soup: A Taste of Baltimore Tradition
Another crab creation, Maryland Crab Soup, was a revelation to me upon moving to Baltimore. While cream of crab soup and crab chowders are regional favorites, Maryland Crab Soup stands out as a distinctly local, time-honored tradition, evolving through generations. My first spoonful evoked minestrone, but elevated with generous chunks of lump crab meat and a signature Old Bay spice kick. The robust crab flavor harmonizes beautifully with a medley of vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, green beans, and corn, creating a hearty and flavorful soup.
My appreciation for this soup has grown rapidly as I’ve embarked on a quest to find the city’s best rendition. Many restaurants offer a “half and half” or “split level” option, combining cream of crab and Maryland crab soups, a compromise for those wanting both creamy richness and spicy zest. However, I often lean towards the Maryland crab soup for its distinctive Old Bay spice and vibrant, brothy character. It’s a true representation of Baltimore’s best food.
Old Bay Seasoning: The Spice of Baltimore Life
To those unfamiliar, Old Bay might just be a seasoning blend on a grocery store shelf. But in Baltimore, Old Bay seasoning transcends mere spice; it’s a cultural identity. You’ll find it gracing restaurant tables alongside salt and pepper, its logo emblazoned on apparel and accessories throughout the city, and as a key ingredient in countless Baltimore dishes.
From Old Bay-dusted chicken wings to Old Bay-infused Bloody Mary cocktails, its presence is pervasive and delightful. Even The Charmery, a local ice cream parlor, features an Old Bay Caramel ice cream – a surprisingly delicious and uniquely Baltimorean flavor. Acquiring my own container of Old Bay shortly after moving here felt like an initiation into Baltimorean life. Its ubiquity and unique flavor profile make it an integral part of the best food in Baltimore experience.
Pit Beef: Baltimore’s Char-Broiled Roast Beef Sandwich
The United States boasts a diverse array of regional roast beef sandwiches. Chicago has its Italian Beef, Philadelphia is famed for cheesesteaks, and Buffalo, NY (my personal favorite, featured on my Must Eat Food in Buffalo, NY list) offers the Beef on Weck. Baltimore’s contribution to this esteemed list is Pit Beef: thinly sliced, char-broiled roast beef piled high on a Kaiser roll. Customization is encouraged with various condiments, but the classic preparation features raw onion slices and tiger sauce, a tangy horseradish-mayonnaise blend.
While Pit Beef can be found across many Baltimore bars and restaurants, certain establishments specialize in this regional delicacy. Pioneer Pit Beef, just west of the city, and Chap’s Pit Beef, located on Baltimore’s east side, are frequently cited as top destinations for authentic Pit Beef. A drive to Pioneer Pit Beef is worthwhile for the dedicated foodie, while Chap’s offers greater convenience with a Baltimore city location and suburban outposts. Sampling Pit Beef from one of these dedicated spots is essential for experiencing the best food in Baltimore.
Berger Cookies: Baltimore’s Fudge-Topped Treat
The Berger Cookie legacy began with German immigrant Henry Berger, who opened a bakery in East Baltimore shortly after arriving in the 1830s. The original homemade cookie recipe and bakery have been passed down through generations of family and business partners, maintaining its authentic charm. These soft, cake-like cookies are hand-dipped in a thick layer of rich chocolate fudge icing, creating a decadent and beloved Baltimore treat.
Berger Cookies have permeated Baltimore’s culinary landscape, inspiring menu items across the city. Local ice cream shops feature Berger Cookie-inspired flavors, Dangerously Delicious Pies offers a Baltimore Bomb pie incorporating these cookies, and Abbey Burger Bistro serves a Berger Cookie shake (available with or without spirits). Fortunately, these iconic cookies are widely available online and in regional grocery stores. Don’t miss the chance to savor this quintessential Baltimore sweet when exploring Charm City’s best food offerings.
Snowballs: Baltimore’s Icy Summer Delight
Baltimore snowballs are distinct from snow cones or Hawaiian shave ice. They feature finely shaved ice, meticulously packed into a cup and drenched in flavored syrups. Classic flavors include skylite (“blue”), egg custard (a vanilla syrup reminiscent of cream soda, historically made with eggs, vanilla, and sugar), and Tiger’s Blood (a fruity blend of watermelon, coconut, and strawberry). Modern snowball shops often offer countless flavor combinations, encouraging customization. For added indulgence, top your snowball with marshmallow sauce or soft-serve vanilla ice cream for a creamy texture.
Having disliked chunky snow cones as a child, I was converted by the Baltimore snowball’s finer texture. Even the marshmallow topping, initially unexpected, enhances this quintessential summertime treat. Beyond dedicated snowball stands and ice cream shops, informal roadside stands proliferate throughout the city during the hot summer months, making snowballs readily accessible.
Quality Snowballs on The Avenue (W 36th St) in Hampden is a personal favorite, offering both classic and inventive flavors, including the unique Lemon Stick snowball (more on Lemon Sticks below). Experiencing a Baltimore snowball is essential for understanding the city’s best food culture, particularly during warmer months.
Lemon Sticks: A Baltimore Flower Mart Tradition
Lemon Sticks are a sticky, refreshing, and uniquely Baltimorean treat, deeply rooted in the city’s Flower Mart tradition. A lemon, typically halved or with the top third removed, is pierced with a soft peppermint stick. Using the peppermint stick as a straw, you draw lemon juice through it, slowly dissolving the peppermint.
The result is a surprisingly delightful sweet and tart combination. While initially messy as you squeeze more lemon juice, the refreshing flavor is undeniable. Despite not being a peppermint enthusiast, I’ve become a Lemon Stick convert since my first Baltimore summer. Seeking out Lemon Sticks, especially during Flower Mart, offers a taste of Baltimore’s unique and best food traditions.
Crushes: Baltimore’s Refreshing Cocktail
Legend has it that the Crush cocktail originated at Harborside Bar & Grill in West Ocean City, Maryland, in 1995. The Orange Crush, a blend of fresh-squeezed orange juice, orange vodka, triple sec, and lemon-lime soda, served over ice in a pint glass, quickly became Maryland’s unofficial summer drink.
As the Crush gained popularity, bartenders innovated, creating variations. Some insist on crushed ice, while others use cubed. Grapefruit Crushes are nearly as ubiquitous as the original orange, and lemon, key lime, watermelon, and countless other fruit variations abound. As temperatures rise, so does the demand for these refreshing cocktails across the region. Enjoying a Crush is an essential part of the best food in Baltimore experience, especially during the warmer months.
Natty Boh (National Bohemian) Beer: Baltimore’s Beloved Brew
National Bohemian Beer, affectionately known as Natty Boh to Baltimoreans, is an American Pilsener first brewed by the National Brewing Company in Baltimore’s Brewer’s Hill neighborhood in 1885. While National Bohemian is no longer brewed within the city and is now owned by Pabst Brewing Company, an impressive 90% of Natty Boh sales remain in Baltimore and the surrounding area.
Mr. Boh, the beer’s iconic one-eyed, mustachioed mascot, is omnipresent in Baltimore. He prominently graces the former National Brewing Company Building in Brewer’s Hill, perpetually winking at the city. Natty Boh is readily available at Baltimore bars and restaurants, and six-packs are easily found in local liquor stores. No exploration of the best food in Baltimore is complete without sampling a Natty Boh, the city’s quintessential beer.
Honorable Mentions: More Baltimore Food Delights
While the following didn’t quite make the “must-eat” list, they deserve recognition as delicious Baltimore food experiences. Consider these honorable mentions as bonus dishes to try when you have the opportunity.
Otterbein Cookies: A Baltimore Cookie Tradition
Similar to Berger Cookies, Otterbein’s bakery was founded by a German immigrant, Adam Otterbein, in the 1880s, establishing itself as another enduring Baltimore tradition. While I typically prefer thick and chewy cookies, I was pleasantly surprised by the thin and crispy delights from Otterbein’s Cookies. The original Sugar and Ginger cookie recipes originated from the family’s German bakery, and they’ve since expanded their flavor offerings. Chocolate Chip and Lemon Sugar are among our favorites.
Otterbein’s Cookies are particularly popular during the Christmas season. Frederick, Maryland-based Flying Dog Brewery has even collaborated with Otterbein’s, creating holiday craft beer collections designed to pair with different cookie flavors. Look for the distinctive red and white paper bags in regional grocery stores to sample these Baltimore treats, a worthy addition to any best food in Baltimore exploration.
Oysters: Chesapeake Bay’s Bounty
Oysters are included as an honorable mention, not because they are unique to Baltimore, but due to their immense popularity and the Chesapeake Bay’s long-standing oyster harvesting tradition. Many Baltimore restaurants feature oysters from local fisheries alongside those sourced from across North America, showcasing the city’s appreciation for this bivalve.
Raw bars and freshly shucked oysters are commonplace in Baltimore dining. Raw oysters on the half shell are a favored appetizer. For the more adventurous, some bars offer oyster shooters – an oyster in a shot of alcohol (typically vodka) with cocktail sauce, and sometimes lemon juice or pepper. While I haven’t yet tried an oyster shooter, cooked oyster preparations, such as baked, broiled, or grilled, are also widely available. Enjoying oysters in Baltimore offers a taste of the Chesapeake Bay and its contribution to the city’s best food scene.
Utz Potato Chips: A Baltimore Snack Staple
While Utz chips originate just north of Maryland in Pennsylvania, they are a beloved snack food in Baltimore. Urban legends even link the Utz chip girl and Mr. Boh of Natty Boh beer, further cementing the brand’s Baltimore connection.
Utz offers a “Crab” flavored chip, seasoned with spices reminiscent of Old Bay, delivering a tasty, shellfish-free crab flavor. Grab a bag of Utz chips while in Baltimore to experience one of Charm City’s favorite snack foods, a casual yet essential component of the best food in Baltimore experience.
Eat More in Bmore: Embrace Baltimore’s Culinary Scene
Baltimore’s diverse and delicious food scene has been a joy to explore over the years. I encourage you to venture beyond the Inner Harbor’s chain restaurants and discover the local specialties at Baltimore’s unique eateries. I hope this guide inspires you to experience the best food in Baltimore firsthand!
Have you tasted any of these Baltimore food favorites?
