Daily Grind
The Daily Grind is the neighborhood spot for coffee and Wi-Fi.
10 Best Restaurants in Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore loves seafood, and, in particular, crabs. Soft- or hard-shell crabs, crab cakes, crab dip—the city's passion for clawed crustaceans seems to have no end. Flag down a Baltimore native and ask them where the best crab joint is and you'll get dozens of different options.
But crabs aren’t the only thing on the menu. Baltimore's burgeoning restaurant scene features a world of flavors: Afghan, Greek, American, French, Italian, Korean, and other ethnic cuisines. In recent years, Baltimore’s culinary cred has grown, thanks to the efforts of standout restauranteurs such as Spike Gjerde, Tony Foreman, and Cindy Wolf.
Most of the Inner Harbor has chain and hotel restaurants, so if you want to eat well, spread out. Harbor East is the city's newest center for fine dining. A few blocks east of the Inner Harbor, Little Italy has a host of Italian restaurants, most of which serve classic southern Italian, spaghetti-with-garlic-bread fare. Yet father east, Fells Point has some renowned local restaurants. Or, head north. Charles Village, near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, to the northwest, and posh Roland Park, at the city’s suburban limits, have outstanding dining options. Note that most places generally stop serving by 10 pm, if not earlier.
Dooby's Coffee
A comfortable spot for a chai latte or espresso creation, Dooby's serves artisanal sandwiches, pastries, and they offer a full dinner menu as well.
Kooper's Tavern
Scrumptious burgers abound at Kooper's—be they made with Angus or Wagyu beef, bison, lamb or even black beans. It's a popular Thames Street watering hole and restaurant.
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Lexington Market
Lexington Market is in a slightly sketchy area, but a trip there for Faidley's crab cakes is definitely worth it.
One World Cafe
With great vegetarian food, cocktails, and doors that stay open until 2 am every day but Sunday, it's no surprise that students love the One World Cafe. In summer, take advantage of the café's sidewalk seating.
Paper Moon Diner
The ceilings and walls of this funky, colorful diner are plastered with toys and other interesting objects. People come at all hours (it's open 7 am–midnight every day except Tuesday, and until 2 am on the weekend) for the overstuffed omelets, big stacks of pancakes, burgers, nachos, sandwiches and... bacon milkshakes (a must-try). Stop by at midnight on a Friday or Saturday night to nosh on sweet potato fries with hipsters and students from nearby Johns Hopkins University. The servers have a diner attitude—they don't always seem too interested in serving, and the food might take a while—but the place is always lively and entertaining.
Piedigrotta Bakery
Piedigrotta Bakery is ground zero for tiramisu. Owner/pastry chef Carminantonio Iannaccone is credited with inventing the dessert in Italy, and he brought it with him to Baltimore, making residents forever grateful. You will be, too, after one bite of his spongy confection, made with ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, espresso, and Marsala. Piedigrotta also serves sandwiches, pizza, and fresh loaves of Italian breads—all baked in-house.
Trinacria Foods
Trinacria Foods is an authentic Italian grocery store a few blocks from Lexington Market that sells meat, cheese, fresh-baked bread, pastries, and wine. There's no better sandwich in the area.
Vaccaro's
Espresso, gelato, cannolis, and other delicious Italian pastries can be found at Vaccaro's, as well as sandwiches and light fare.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods has tables and chairs inside and out for eating sandwiches, sushi, and salads.
