Must-see restaurants in Maryland

  • Layton's Family Restaurant

    Maryland

    Celebrating its 50th birthday in 2018, Layton's is the place to enjoy an old school breakfast. Join the crowds for diner standards and specialties, such…

  • Old Angler's Inn

    Maryland

    While it sounds like a salty seadog hangout, the Old Angler's Inn is actually one of the poshest restaurants in town. Inside the warm, rustic-chic dining…

  • Dooby's Coffee

    Baltimore

    This hip but unpretentious place is equal parts sunny cafe and creative eating and drinking spot. Come in the morning for tasty pastries and egg-and…

  • Acorn Market

    Eastern Shore

    This order-at-the-counter gourmet sandwich shop is great for grabbing a picnic lunch to go if you're driving east to Ocean City on US 50 Business. The…

  • Chaps

    Baltimore

    This is the go-to stop for pit beef, Baltimore's take on barbecue – thinly sliced top round grilled over charcoal. Park and follow your nose to smoky…

  • High Spot Gastropub

    Eastern Shore

    Wash down your Duck Fat Burger – a steakhouse grind topped with a fried egg, mushrooms, bacon and smoked gouda – with a draft from the short but…

  • Preserve

    Maryland

    Side dishes and toppings are fermented, pickled and tastily preserved at this well-named spot where you'll also enjoy big-windowed views of Main St…

  • Papermoon Diner

    Baltimore

    This brightly colored, quintessential Baltimore diner is decorated with thousands of old toys, creepy mannequins and other quirky knickknacks. The real…

  • Cacique

    Western Maryland

    This interesting spot mixes up a menu of Spanish (as in Spain) favorites such as paella and tapas with Latin American gut-busters such as seafood…

  • Potomac Street Grill

    Western Maryland

    This is a tasty find – think baba ghanoush dip with pita bread, delicately seasoned lamb shawarma wraps, and a kebab platter with marinated meat over…

  • CD Cafe

    Maryland

    Intensely fresh seafood and produce characterize the menu at this sunny spot, where natural light, friendly service, crisp salads and tasty pastas are the…

  • Greenhouse Cafe

    Maryland

    It's not all vegan or vegetarian – we're looking at you, bacon on the breakfast sandwich – at this cafe, but there are plenty of options for those seeking…

  • Gin Mill

    Western Maryland

    Refuel after biking the Great Allegheny Passage with gourmet burgers and sandwiches at this snazzy 1940s-themed restaurant in the Gunter Hotel. Steak,…

  • Casey Jones

    Maryland

    There are lots of restaurants in America that try to come off as high-end gastropubs, and they should all be more like Casey Jones. There's an excellent…

  • Crab Claw

    Eastern Shore

    The Crab Claw serves up tasty Maryland blue crabs to splendid views over the harbor. Avoid the Waterman's seafood sampler, unless you're a fan of deep…

  • Gordon's Confectionery

    Eastern Shore

    You can find local waterfolk here at their favorite old-school hangout, having 4am coffee before shipping off to check and set traps. Breakfast is served…

  • Baltimore Street Grill

    Western Maryland

    At lunchtime, everyone at the bar seems to know one other at this narrow and cozy neighborhood spot that serves up good pub fare, including burgers,…

  • LP Steamers

    Baltimore

    LP is the best in Baltimore’s seafood stakes: working class, teasing smiles and the freshest crabs on the southside. Stop by on your way back from Fort…

  • 49 West

    Maryland

    This comfy, art-filled coffeehouse is a good spot for coffee and light bites (sandwiches, soups, salads) during the day and heartier bistro fare by night,…

  • Harris Crab House

    Eastern Shore

    Harris Crab House is highly regarded for its food and enormous wooden waterfront deck, even if it’s a bit of a tourist trap. It's located off Rte 50 in…

  • Dukem

    Baltimore

    Dukem is a standout among Baltimore's many Ethiopian places. Delicious mains, including spicy chicken, lamb and vegetarian dishes, all sopped up with…

  • EW Beck's

    Maryland

    In the middle of Sykesville's historic district, Beck's feels like a traditional pub, with wooden furnishings, soused regulars and serviceable pub grub…

  • Queen City Creamery & Deli

    Western Maryland

    This retro soda fountain is like a 1940s time warp, with creamy shakes and homemade frozen custard, thick sandwiches and belly-filling breakfasts.

  • Vaccaro's Pastry

    Baltimore

    Open for more than 60 years, Vaccaro's serves some of the best desserts and coffee in town. The cannolis are legendary.

  • Cambridge Farmers Market

    Eastern Shore

    Whatcha need? Peaches, blackberries, tomatoes, okra, kale, mushrooms, eggs, beef, pork – it's all here and more.

  • Farmers Market

    Eastern Shore

    Stop by on Fridays for produce, seafood, flowers and baked goods.

  • Southside Deli

    Eastern Shore

    The Southside encapsulates the area's odd regional culinary predilections: a deli in a small, seemingly Southern town that serves one of the best Italian…

  • Rams Head Tavern

    Maryland

    Serves pub fare and refreshing microbrews in an attractive exposed-brick and oak-paneled setting. Live acoustic music most nights. Attached to Rams Head…