How to Eat Like a Local in Baltimore, Maryland

Take traditional Chesapeake Bay seafood classics, add a vibrant global food scene, and finish with a twist of “new American cuisine,” and you’ve got an idea of the culinary influences propelling Baltimore’s food scene.

Diverse neighborhoods like Fells Point, the Inner Harbor, and Little Italy are offering up traditional as well as re-invented, unique eats in Baltimore.

Here’s just a sampling of the best restaurants, bars, markets, and other places to eat in Baltimore.

For The Person Who Loves Fresh Seafood

• If you’re wondering where to eat in Baltimore, you’ve got to start by finding some fresh steamed blue crabs. Luckily, there are plenty of places to choose from. Some longtime local favorites include Locust Point Steamers, Captain James Landing, Nick’s Fish House, and P. Steamers.
• If you don’t want the work of cracking and picking crabs, family-owned Faidley’s Seafood has been serving jumbo lump crab cakes since 1886. It’s located in Lexington Market, one of the longest-running public markets in the U.S.
• Head over to the historic Fells Point district for the Chesapeake Bay’s other star seafood: oysters. Thames Street Oyster House serves only the freshest locally-sourced seafood. Plus the loaded raw bar has an assortment of oysters, clams, crab claws, shrimp, lobster, herring, sardines, and even escargot.

For The Person Who Loves Live Music

• Also in Fell’s Point, Bertha’s was opened by two musicians, Tony and Laura Norris. It has been serving mussels and hosting blues concerts since 1972. “Eat Bertha’s Mussels” bumper stickers can be seen all over town.
• The original Keystone Korner operated in San Francisco from 1972 to 1983 and became an internationally renowned jazz club. Relaunched in Baltimore in 2019 with Michelin-star Chef Robert Wiedmaier in the kitchen, the Keystone Korner Baltimore melds world-class jazz with “retro refined Americana” cuisine (think throwback dishes like deviled eggs and iceberg wedge salads).
• When musicians are looking for places to eat in Baltimore, they head to a local favorite – the Tin Roof. The menu features “better than bar food” mainstays like chicken wings and nachos, while the stage has hosted hundreds of live musical acts.
• One of the most unique eats in Baltimore is Joe Squared, a worker-owned pizza restaurant and bar located in Baltimore’s Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Pre-COVID, Joe Squared was the spot to hear acoustic music and local bands, a practice they hope to restart soon.

For The Person Who Likes A Glamorous Night Out

• The Bygone’s, which sits atop the roof at the Four Seasons, offers a 1920’s vibe complete with old-fashioned cocktails and guarantees stunning city views. The innovative menu by Chef Matthew Oetting features whole birds, wild game, meat and fish roasted over an open rotisserie and presented tableside.
• Housed in a former flour mill and helmed by the city’s first James Bead Award-winning chef, Woodberry Kitchen is a leader in Baltimore’s farm-to-table movement. Chef Spike Gjerde sources only seasonal produce from local farms and fishermen, making for a deliciously diverse menu and memorable meal, any time of year.
• Devoted foodies wondering where to eat in Baltimore won’t want to miss this one. Opened in 1997 in Baltimore’s burgeoning Harbor East neighborhood, The Charleston combines the low country cooking of South Carolina with classic French techniques for an award-winning, fine dining experience.
• For an evening of art and unique eats in Baltimore, make a reservation at Gertrude’s. Situated within the Baltimore Museum of Art, this restaurant’s locally sourced ingredients and unique menu options combine to create an unforgettable culinary adventure. The main dining room overlooks the BMA’s sculpture garden featuring works by Alexander Calder, Isamu Noguchi, and Auguste Rodin

For Those Who Like a Lot of Options

When it comes to unique eats in Baltimore, nothing beats these public markets and food halls, where residents can pop in for ingredients to cook at home or take a seat and enjoy a full meal.

• The Broadway Market in Fell’s Point is one of the first public markets in Baltimore and dates back to 1786. Check out Sal and Son’s Seafood for fried shrimp or grilled rockfish, Sophia’s Place for pierogies and traditional Polish food, and Vikki’s Deli for classic diner fare. Newer vendors include Thai Street, Old Boy, Fat Tiger, Connie’s Chicken and Waffles, and Taharka Bros. Ice Cream.
• The sprawling Whitehall Market is located in a 1798 historic mill in Hampden and features a lineup of local vendors. Grab a cup of coffee at Ceremony Coffee, a cheese and sandwich board from Firefly Farms, a burger at The Urban Burger Bar, Filipino-inspired cuisine at Heritage Kitchen and dessert at Crust by Mack.
• Housed in a former Sears warehouse, Union Collective is a curated assembly of independently-owned, Baltimore-based businesses set under one roof and anchored by Union Craft Brewing. But there’s so much more than beer–taste homegrown whiskey at Baltimore Spirits Company or sample a wine and small plates from The Wine Collective. The Charmery offers hand-crafted ice cream, Well Crafted Kitchen creates some of the most unique pizzas around, and Vent Coffee Roasters is a small batch roaster with a full espresso bar.

Eat Like a Local in Baltimore, Maryland with Southern Management

The question isn’t “where to eat in Baltimore?” It’s “how much can I eat in Baltimore?” Bring your crab bib and your appetite because there is no shortage of great, local places to eat in Baltimore.

If you’re wondering what it’s like to live in Baltimore or the best things to do in Charm City, we’ve got you covered. We’re the Baltimore experts, and our team is here to help you figure out how to get a good deal on an apartment, too!

Southern Management offers discounts for many Baltimore graduate students, teachers, police officers, and City employees. With seven apartment communities located right downtown, we have floor plans and price points to suit every lifestyle. Contact us for move-in or relocation specials and more information.