Baltimore, a port city in Maryland, is not only famous for its rich maritime culture, charming seaside scenery and the TV series “The Wire”, but also stands out in the East Coast for its mouth-watering food culture.
Whether you are here for the first time or a long-time gourmet, there are always a few restaurants in Baltimore that will make you willing to queue for an hour just for that unforgettable taste.
1. Thames Street Oyster House: When the sea breeze meets the sea flavor, the irresistible temptation of oysters
Restaurant Overview and Charm
Located in the historic Fells Point neighborhood, Thames Street Oyster House is an iconic presence in the Baltimore seafood restaurant industry. If you ask ten locals where to eat the most authentic New England-style seafood, nine will recommend this restaurant without hesitation.
As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you feel like you have traveled to a small fishing village in New England. The retro brick walls and wooden floors create a warm nostalgic atmosphere, and the aroma of seafood in the air makes you almost forget that you haven’t ordered yet.
Must-eat recommendations
Raw Oyster Sampler
Top oysters from all over the East Coast of the United States are airlifted in daily. They are plump and full of flavor. They are served with homemade horseradish sauce and rice vinegar and shallot sauce. It feels like the waves hitting your taste buds.
Maine Lobster Roll
The chef insists on using whole fresh lobster meat, served with slightly melted butter, and gently spread on a crispy hot dog bun. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and fragrant, it is a must-order star in the restaurant.
Smoked Clam Chowder
The soup base is thick but layered, with a smoky and milky flavor that complement each other. It is served with soft bread. After one spoonful, your whole body will be warmed up.
Price range
Per capita consumption: US$40-65
Oyster platter is about US$28-35; lobster rolls are about US$32 a la carte.
Suitable for people
Suitable for dating couples, family gatherings, and diners who love high-end seafood.
Booking platform
It is recommended to use OpenTable or Resy to make reservations for dinner in advance. It is recommended to make reservations at least one week in advance for holidays and weekends.
2. Ekiben: Asian street style, you want to pack up the whole menu to take home after eating
Restaurant overview and charm
If Thames Street Oyster House is an elegant seafood feast, then Ekiben is an energetic Asian street food revolution. Ekiben, located in Fells Point and Hampden, has always been a popular spot for local young people to queue up.
The soul of this restaurant is the mashup concept of “Asian soul + Baltimore streets” of its founding trio. They use a small steamer box to condense the essence of Thai, Japanese and Taiwanese street snacks into a creative lunch box that will amaze you.
Must-eat recommendation
Neighborhood Bird
This Thai fried chicken bun is the treasure of the town. The crispy boneless chicken thighs are served with Thai spicy sauce and fresh minced garlic, sandwiched in a soft steamed bun. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, spicy but with a long aftertaste.
Tofu Brah
Good news for vegetarians! The fried tofu is crispy on the surface and tender on the inside. It is paired with mature kimchi and sesame paste, and the sour, spicy and sweet flavors are intertwined.
Tempura Broccoli
It looks ordinary at first glance, but the broccoli coated with secret batter is fried to a crispy crisp, and then sprinkled with a pinch of five-spice powder, the crispy taste and the fragrance of vegetables are perfectly combined.
Price range
Per capita consumption: $18-30
Each main course is about $12-15; side dishes are $5-8.
Suitable for people
Suitable for fast-paced urbanites, vegetarians, Asian flavor lovers, and diners who want to try something different.
Booking platform
Ekiben does not accept online reservations, only provides in-store queuing and take-out platforms such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. It is recommended to avoid the lunch rush (11:30am-1:30pm).
3. La Cuchara: A taste feast from the Basque region of Spain
Restaurant overview and charm
La Cuchara, hidden in the old factory building in the Woodberry Industrial Zone, is inconspicuous from the outside, but once you walk in, you will be attracted by its unique Spanish Basque style: open kitchen, flame-flaming stove, and art paintings projected on the wall, all revealing a strong European bistro atmosphere.
La Cuchara is one of the few high-end restaurants in Baltimore that specializes in “pintxos” (Spanish Basque snacks). Its craftsmanship and freshness of ingredients have always been highly praised by diners.
Must-eat recommendations
Smoked Octopus with Sweet Potato Purée
The octopus is slow-smoked and has a chewy texture with a burnt aroma. The sweet potato puree is dense and sweet, with a strong sense of layering.
Chef’s Pintxos Selection
Every time I come, there is a different combination, which may be grilled lamb chops, pickled sea bass, mushroom sausage, etc., one bite at a time, exquisite and delicious.
Smoked Duck Breast with Fig Jam
The salty and slightly sweet blend in the mouth, which is a representative of the classic Basque flavor.
Price range
Per capita consumption: US$50-80
Tapas are about US$10-15; main dishes are between US$25-40.
Suitable for people
Suitable for dating couples, art lovers, food adventurers, especially recommended for dinner and holiday gatherings.
Booking platform
It is recommended to make reservations through OpenTable or Tock. Especially during the peak dinner time on weekends, you need to make reservations at least three days in advance.
4. The Food Market: A creative American cuisine paradise in industrial style
Restaurant overview and charm
The Food Market in Hampden is a restaurant that combines industrial design with American family cooking. Founded by Chef Chad Gauss, it not only has creative dishes that are eye-catching, but also has a warm dining atmosphere like a gathering of friends.
The open kitchen, blackboard hand-painted menus and dim lighting make this place one of the popular choices for locals to date, party and celebrate birthdays.
Must-eat recommendations
Amish Soft Pretzel Bites with Crab Cheese Dip
Baltimore crab elements are perfectly combined with Amish handmade pretzels, and the salty and crispy flavors blend with the smooth cheese on the tip of the tongue.
Slow-Cooked Pork Shank with Pumpkin Puree
The slow-cooked pork shank has a crispy skin and tender meat that falls off the bone. It is irresistible when paired with the delicate pumpkin puree.
Fancy Fries Triple Flavor French Fries Platter
Three different flavors of fries are alternately served (truffle oil, spicy garlic, honey mustard), served with homemade sauces, which is crazy addictive.
Price range
Per capita consumption: US$45-70
Appetizers are about US$10-18; main dishes are US$25-40.
Suitable for groups
Suitable for friends, family dinners, and weekend drinks. The style is relaxed but the food is of high quality, making it the first choice for social diners.
Reservation platform
Reservations can be made through Resy and OpenTable. It is recommended to make reservations for the weekend Brunch time (starting from 11:00am) in advance.
5. Note: Although waiting in line is delicious, you should also eat leisurely
Plan ahead to save time
Although most restaurants with queues do not accept reservations or only accept a small number of reservations, it is still recommended that travelers check the restaurant’s official website or use reservation platforms (such as OpenTable and Resy) in advance to understand the opening hours and peak queue hours of the day. Some restaurants allow you to join a virtual waiting queue, which can be used while shopping and waiting for a table.
Avoid peak hours for a better experience
Avoiding the prime dinner time (18:00-20:00) can greatly reduce the waiting time. It is recommended to go in the evening during the week or during the weekend brunch time, which can not only avoid the crowds, but also slowly enjoy the flavor of the food.
Respect the local dining culture
Most restaurants in Baltimore are casual, but it is still recommended to dress neatly and maintain basic etiquette. Some well-known restaurants do not encourage long-term seat occupation. Please leave the table in time after enjoying the food so that the next diner can also experience this delicious and enthusiastic.
Baltimore’s dining culture is not only a carnival for taste buds, but also a reflection of the city’s multiculturalism. From elegant seafood taverns to noisy Asian street food, to a mix of creative American and Basque styles, each restaurant has its own story and soul behind it.
If you are planning your next trip, a weekend short trip, or just living in Baltimore, please remember: you must try these four restaurants at least once. They are not the kind of short-named restaurants that no one cares about after the Internet celebrity craze fades, but the city’s signs that are truly supported by taste, atmosphere and human touch.
Next time you are standing at the door waiting for a table, don’t be impatient-because the taste that makes you “addicted to it after one bite” is really worth your wait.