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The endless food choices you’ll find in Baltimore almost feel like a dream for visitors. From Afghan to Chinese, the diversity of cuisine and culture in this city is celebrated to such a great extent that it makes almost everyone fall in love with the vibe.
But in the middle of international fusions, locals often revel in the delicious local seafood produced and brewed beers. Taking pride in its excellent all-year round and fresh seafood supply, Charm City crafts some of the most excellent seafood dishes, of which crab cakes and boiled crabs are local favourites.
There’s a lot more to try in the city. For something sweet and toothsome, the Berger Cookies and Otterbein’s Cookies are sure to hit the spot. You’ll get these treats at plenty of diners, but the ones that serve the best are mentioned below. Try these treats in the designated restaurants and savour the essence of Charm City at its best.
7 Famous Foods Of Baltimore To Try
1) Maryland Blue Crab, Thames Street Oyster House
Image Credit: Thames Street Oyster House
Maryland Blue Crab is a sweet and tender crab meat dish that is the quintessential meal in Baltimore. Best enjoyed in the summer, these crabs are native to Chesapeake Bay. You can find them steamed with butter or in dishes like crab cakes and crab dip. Thames Street Oyster House in Fells Point serves up mouth-watering blue crab dishes, along with local oysters and refreshing drinks. Expect a wait for a table, but it's worth it for the delicious flavours of Baltimore's favourite crustacean.
Location: 1728 Thames St., Baltimore, MD 21231
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 4:30–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Sun: 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–9 pm
Must Try: Maryland Blue Crab
Price for 2: $100, approx.
2) Crab Cakes, Faidley's Seafood at Lexington Market
Image Credit: Faidley's Seafood
Crab Cakes from Faidley's Seafood are a Baltimore classic. This family-run spot in Lexington Market has been making them since 1886. People come from all over to taste these delicious cakes and the restaurant has also served some famous people like TODAY's Al Roker and Mayor Brandon Scott. What sets their crab cakes apart is the delicious crab meat selected, especially based on the flavour profiles so you get the best of it. Faidley's also serves up other seafood delights like soft-shell crabs and oysters, which are also a must-try.
Location: 119 N Paca St., Baltimore, MD 21201
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 10 am–5 pm; Fri-Sat: 10 am–5:30 pm; Sun: Closed
Must-Try: Crab Cakes, Soft-Shell Crabs and Oysters
Price for 2: $60, approx.
3) Berger Cookies, Berger Bakery at Lexington Market
Image Credit: Berger Bakery
Berger Cookies were introduced by Berger's Bakery, located in Lexington Market. These cookies have been a Baltimore tradition since 1835. The cookies feature a soft cake-like base covered in thick, creamy fudge frosting. They're so popular that you can find them in grocery stores all around the area. Loved by locals and visitors alike, Berger Cookies have won awards and are a must-try treat when you're in Charm City. Also, try the delicious combination of vanilla cookie and chocolate frosting when you place your order.
Location: 112 N Eutaw St., Baltimore, MD 21201
Open Hours: Mon-Wed: 6 am–5 pm; Thu-Fri: 6 am–6 pm; Sat: 7 am–6 pm; Sun: Closed
Must Try: Berger Cookies
Price for 2: $30 approx.
4) Pit Meat, Chaps Pit Beef Baltimore
Image Credit: Chaps Pit Beef
Pit beef is one of the classic favourites of meat lovers in Baltimore. The dish features charred and barbecued meat served on a soft bun. Many times, it is enjoyed with horseradish and mayo for extra taste. You can find pit beef stands all over Maryland but the place that does it the best is Chaps Pit Beef. Chap’s will give you the taste of some of the best award-winning sandwiches, including their famous Pit Beef sandwich, favoured by Guy Fieri.
Location: 5801 Pulaski Hwy., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
Open Hours: Sunday–Thursday from 10.30 am to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10.30 am to 10 pm
Must Try: Pit Meat Sandwich
Price for 2: $20, approx.
5) Snowballs, Ice Queens Snowball Shop
Image Credit: Ice Queens Snowball Shop
Cool off in Baltimore with a snowball from Ice Queens Snowball Shop. The finely shaved ice is topped with flavoured syrup, perfect for scorching summer days. While there are many flavours to choose from, locals love the traditional egg custard with marshmallow on top. Ice Queens will give you so many options to try, which you can never get tired of. They are known for their New Orleans-style shaved ice and you can hear locals rave about it. Visit their shop in Locust Point for a refreshing taste of Baltimore's summer tradition.
Location: 1648 E Fort Ave., Baltimore, MD 21230
Open Hours: Mon-Fri: 3–7 pm; Sat: 10 am–7 pm; Sun: 2–7 pm
Must Try: Snowballs with a variety of toppings
Price for 2: $10, approx.
6) Otterbein’s Cookies, Otterbein's Cookies
Image Credit: Otterbein's Cookies
Come and savour the famous Otterbein’s Cookies in Baltimore to satisfy your sweet tooth. Since 1881, this family-run bakery near Fort McHenry has been baking up crispy, buttery treats loved by Baltimoreans for generations. With flavours like chocolate chip, lemon sugar, and ginger, there's something for everyone. Pick up a pack of these homely, freshly baked cookies at grocery stores around the region. You can find the main bakery at Rolling Rd., Suite 309. Or you can conveniently savour the taste in the stores around the region.
Location: 2603 Rolling Rd., Suite 309, Baltimore, MD 21244
Open Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 am–3 pm; Sat-Sun: Closed
Must Try: Cookies
Price for 2: $60, approx.
7) Natty Boh, The Ottobar
Image Credit: Flickr
In Baltimore, Natty Boh is more than just a beer—it's a symbol of the city's love for brewed beer delicacies. Natty Brew is a famous short form for the National Bohemian, which is a local brand known for crafting these artisan beers since 1885. You can find this beer in many taverns located in the city, of which the Ottobar is a famous spot. Here, you can grab a chilled beer and soak up the city's vibe while you relax and enjoy some live music at this iconic venue.
Location: 2549 N Howard St., Baltimore, MD 21218
Open Hours: Sat-Tue: 9 pm–2 am; Wed: 6 pm–2 am; Thu: 9 pm–2 am; Fri: 6 pm–2 am
Must Try: Natty Boh
Price for 2: $30 approx.
