The Best American in Baltimore

Willy's Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.4 (937) • $$

"I Willy Like ItWilly's Kitchen has been bringing housemade, locally-sourced/produced ingredients and goods to this little suburb of Baltimore for over twenty years now. We were only in the Baltimore area for a short while and knew that we couldn't pass up getting some fresh Chesapeake Bay Crab--even if it was for breakfast!The Good:*Fairly large menu with a nice variety for anyone and everyone. *Supporting your local area when dining here as most of the main ingredients are sourced locally--even the bison!*We both enjoyed our crabby breakfasts: the Crab Explosion Omelet and Chesapeake Crab Cake Benedict. They were both full of crab with perfectly cooked eggs. *Great prices as Crab-filled dishes like this would fetch twice the price back home in The Bay. *Cozy location with pleasant and understated décor. The Meh:*Coffee was decent. Nothing spectacular but your run-of-the-mill diner cup o' Joe.The Ugly:*Service was a little gruff, but that's almost to be expected in this part of the country, as "Charm City" isn't exactly a fitting moniker. TLDR: Tasty home-cooked grub with a side of sass."

Parkway Deli & Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.2 (938) • $$

"I had lunch at Parkway Deli yesterday, and as always, it was a fantastic experience! I've eaten here many times, but this is my first time posting a review. I ordered the Pastrami Delight sandwich, and it truly lived up to its name. The pastrami was bursting with flavor, with just the right amount of crispy charred bits. The cheese was perfectly melted, and the coleslaw added the perfect crunch to every bite. I'd add a pic, but I was so hungry I didn't stop to take one!I paired it with goodies from the famous pickle bar--dill pickles, sauerkraut, and banana peppers--which made the meal even better. My server was friendly and attentive, and my food arrived quickly, which I really appreciated. On my way out, I couldn't resist picking up a tub of whitefish and a tub of chopped liver to snack on later--both were absolutely delicious.If you're ever in Silver Spring or nearby, Parkway Deli is a must-visit. The food, service, and atmosphere are consistently top-notch. You won't be disappointed!"

Granny's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.3 (836) • $$

"Found out about Granny's through a video that Slice & Rice filmed, reviewing multiple items on the menu. And then drove down from Philly because my husband was convinced! The power of influencers :) A big FYI: NO DINE-IN! They don't have a timeline on when the dining area will reopen either. I asked, as of March 2024. Wings: Ordered the peach bourbon wingettes and lemon pepper wingettes. The sauce on the peach bourbon wingettes is very good! Worth a try! The wings are larger than what you'd get at Buffalo Wild Wings or a restaurant like that. The one thing about no dine-in for these wings is that they aren't 100% crispy by the time you eat them, sadly. They were still fairly crispy after a 30 minute car ride though! Sides: ordered collard greens and creamy grits. You gotta eat the grits fairly quickly or they'll get a weird texture. I thought they were fine without adding any butter but accordingly to my husband, my taste buds are bland. Farm raised catfish: if you minus the two sides' costs that are included in the total price, the price is comparable. It was well fried and fairly sized for what it was worth. Bigger than what you'd get at a Cracker Barrel! Customer service: great! Very friendly! I appreciated how they put foil down in the plastic take-out containers."

Ben's Next Door

★★★★☆ 3.6 (994) • $$

"Started off Sunday Funday with brunch here @3. Got seated 20 mins early.We sat in the middle section of the restaurant.Our table was wobbly but an employee came thru and helped to remedy the situationI got the Blackened Salmon Fillet & Eggs $25.95: Fresh pan-seared salmon, filleted daily, two eggs any style, home friesThis entree meal was delicious, filling and tastyFriend got the Organic stone-ground, 3 cheese grits, in a saffron white wine broth with Blackened Salmon$25.95. He said this was great. AND The GRITS were soooo good! I wish I got grits on the side :)We also opted for the Bottomless Mimosas, $30.00 each. For each flavor, the mimosas came in a carafe. The OJ and Peach flavor were the best to meA Live DJ started playing around 4p which was a lot of fun. Music was also playing before the DJ - good music!Glad we ended up coming here to brunch!"

Wicked Sisters

★★★★☆ 4 (775) • $$

"Went here Monday for my wife's birthday. Food was great, atmosphere was great, the surprise of a killer special was awesome, but what blew me away most was the service.Often when I go out in the city I feel like restaurant staff are super busy and don't have the time/energy to stay on top of stuff like keeping water filled, and seeing if we need sauces or more drinks, or little stuff like that. No so here, perfect level of service without hovering, and it was friendly at that.On top of everything, I realized when I got home that I had done the math wrong and miscalculated the after-tip total on my bill. While that was entirely my bad, and I would have understood them just rolling with the higher number, they just fixed my mistake. I know this is a little thing, but a $10 mistake is the kind of thing I loose sleep over.Also, to be clear, the food and atmosphere were great too, can't wait to go back!"

Max's Taphouse

★★★★☆ 4 (699) • $$

"Max's is an old faithful of mine! I have been here countless times for nights out and to watch Raven's games. The food is decent bar food and they have a huge selection of beer, alongside cocktails and wine. They also offer karaoke on Friday night's which is a lot of fun as well. This is a good spot to hang with friends and family, and it's good for a large group!"

The Grill At Quarterfield Station

★★★★☆ 4.2 (597) • $$

"As we've come to expect we were greeted warmly and seated in short order, soon after Abagail came to the table and took our drink and appetizer order. Over the course of our dinner, she checked on us regularly and kept our drinks full asking if we would like coffee or dessert when the time came.We started with the Crab Dip, which was plentiful and arrived piping hot, sadly the amount of salt in the dip overshadowed the delicate taste of the crab and cheese. The pretzels sticks weren't impressive either, it was nice that they weren't salted but the dough was heavy and lacked flavor. The rolls and corn bread were quite nice. The rolls had a nice crust and were soft on the inside, we enjoyed them with the butter that came with them. I was pleased with the corn bread, it had a wonderful consistency, and a subtle corn flavor, the corn bread was warmed leaving the cut edges lightly toasted.My wife ordered Fish & Chips with a Small Garden Salad. The fish was well cooked, flaked easily and coated with a light beer batter.I went with the Mahi Reuben, it was a nicely done Reuben with the traditional corned beef swapped for Mahi, the Gruyere was a pleasant addition and worth repeating. As a side I choose onion rings which were a subtle ring of onion coated with a delicate beer batter. Abagail suggested the horseradish dip and I thought I'd give it a try, if you like a good strong horseradish this dip is for you. I ended up, despite the full flavor, setting the dip aside as the burn was too much."

Highlands

★★★★☆ 4.1 (571) • $$

"Flew in to DC on a red eye from Fresno this morning. First time back in 18 years, after living here for 37 years. I met a friend for a late lunch here. It was freaking delicious. I had the Chicken and Waffles with a side of Cheesy Grits, and he had Eggs Benedict with Salmon. This place alone would make me move back."

Founders Tavern & Grill

★★★★☆ 4 (582) • $$

"I have been to Founders a few times now and have enjoyed the service, food, and drinks here!Out on errands and need to fuel up, this is a go to for sure as service is prompt and friendly without compromise to the quality of the food. I can't get enough of the spring chicken sandwich. Oh, and the fries here... liken the replica of Thrasher's in OC, no?! And the drinks?! I've not had one that wasn't strong!Glad this is an option whenever I'm in the area and a halfway point for friends and I. Lunch or dinner, Founders is fantastic!"

The Local Fry

★★★★☆ 4.3 (491) • $$

"Their bulgogi banh mi is really great! This shopping center is small but Friday has some live music in the courtyard often with local vendors setting up stands. Family and dog friendly when outside! Lots of garage parking and outdoor seating"

Brewer's Alley

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (761) • $$

"Brewer's Alley is indeed a fun venue, Frederick's own first of its kind brewery. If you enjoy craft beer and chill vibes, this is a great option!I did happen to grab an online reservation on a busy Saturday night. At check-in, there was no wait and immediately seated at the main dining hall. Large and small groups, Brewer's can accommodate. Be sure to ask about their weekly specials and seasonal brews! Check out their Growlers Program for take-home options. Inquire about their food truck too!The Bravarian pretzel with IPA cheese and (+)crab dip was yummy! I also had a seasonal IPA, and it was a great pair. I ordered the pastrami Ruben with sweet potato fries, and while the fries were hot and crisp, I did not care for the Ruben. The marbled rye was cold and didn't taste fresh. The pastrami was limp and thin with maybe 3 slivers, a nibble of sauerkraut and squirt of the Thousand Island dressing, I only took 4 bites. Meh. I love a hefty pastrami Ruben piled high when I can, and this one didn't make the mark for me unfortunately...Our server Leah was wonderful! Friendly attentive and quick, we appreciate her! She did have two other large parties yet managed to balance the room in every waypossible.Street parking is limited, but the Church Street parking garage (right at Market Street) is located just a few steps behind the restaurant. Be sure to safe keep the ticket and pay before you return to your car. The payment kiosk is located right at the entrance.Definitely want to revisit again and head up to the rooftop!"

Preserve

★★★★☆ 4.3 (471) • $$

"I had lunch at Preserve last week when I was in Annapolis for some meetings. I'd had the restaurant on my list for a while, but thought it wasn't open for lunch for some reason! When I realized, I had been wrong about that, I walked over as fast I could in that snowy weather! I was quickly welcomed to the restaurant and sat at the bar (my preference when I'm enjoying a meal alone). The restaurant was comfortable, cozy, and warm - perfect on a winter day. It's not a large restaurant (they do have some outside seating in nice weather), but it wasn't busy when I arrived for lunch on a weekday (definitely could have been the weather, though)! The service was also great. I enjoyed a glass of wine from their list of wines by the glass (a more interesting selection than the average restaurant for sure), their pierogis (they were gruyere and mushroom on the day I visited), and their Harvest salad. I'd eat that Harvest salad any day of the week. It still kind of blows my mind when restaurants put croutons on a salad when breadcrumbs are just infinitely better on a salad (the breadcrumbs spread around the salad so that you get texture with every bite) and that plus the dressing plus the great goat cheese?! Loved. That. Salad. Their menu seems to change up a lot (the menu on their website is not the same as the one I ordered from last week), which means there is often something new to try. And their menu is interesting and creative. They're not phoning it in by any means. I had heard Preserve was good. That's why it was on my to try list! But it really lived up to my expectations. I'm sure I'll be back for that salad again in no time."

Jasper's

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (737) • $$

"Nostalgia! Came here for dinner with my better half and things look the same! I used to come to Jaspers many moons ago, 25 years to be exact! Yup, telling my age! Food is okay. Neighborhood bar/grill vibe! Pours at the bar are FANTASTIC, hence the 4 stars! I had one drink and I was DONE. One and done here so do the math on that, score! Crab egg rolls are on the menu....they are good.I had the salmon and shrimp, it was decent. Overall, fair! 3 stars for food! Service, 5 stars! Everyone was nice! 5 stars for the bar.... Overall 4 stars from this old frequent customer."

Two Rivers Steak & Fish House

★★★★☆ 4.2 (452) • $$

"The garlic butter rolls are addictively delectable. Be forewarned. Actually I have never eaten anything that was not delicious at Two Rivers from steak to crab cake, salads dessert, it's ALL good. The staff is amazing as well. I have some dietary restrictions and the kitchen staff always goes the extra mile. We visit often and like to bring friends there."

Nailah's kitchen

★★★★★ 4.5 (387) • $$$

"Nailah's has never been a miss for me. Authentic SeneGambian food, that is seasoned to perfection, hot pepper(optional), and onion sauce that you can put on everything! We had to call a few times, and leave a message on Yelp to make sure the dining room was open. Once we confirmed that both the dining room and carry-out were open, we headed straight there. The owners and staff are very welcoming and friendly. The restaurant is very clean, and pleasantly decorated. The food is excellent! I would only increase the meat portion on one or two of their chicken dishes for the cost.I almost always get the mechoui (lamb shank), seasoned rice, plantain, and a bottle of bissap. The food is delicious, beautifully presented, and always worth the trip!"

Jake's Grill

★★★★★ 4.6 (328) • $

"OK Jake's might be coming for Chap's. Stopped here for lunch on my way to a winery so I can have some bbq with my pinot and I was so glad my homegirl thought to do this!I got a whole rack of ribs, 2 sausages, and pit beef sandwich, mac and chees, chips and a drink and just barely cracked $40.sausages came with peppers and onions and throw on some tiger sauce I was in heave.Got the ribs with sauce on the side so i could see what they were hitting on and whew chile so good and tender I never ended up using the sauce. Pit beef was nice and mac and cheese was perfectly cheesy.this place is small so during colder months you might be taking your order to enjoy at home but everyone is there is super friendly, I left with carnations and a smile. Def stop into this place on your way to a winery because you'll be the fav when you bring for real food and everyone else brought charcuterie"

Jailbreak Foodworks

★★★★☆ 4.2 (384) • $$

"We have been wanting to try Jailbreak for quite some time! We found ourselves in on a Saturday afternoon during college football season! There were TVs everywhere and we sat ourselves at a high top table to eat! We viewed the menu and both decided to get the jailbreak cheeseburger and we added fries to share!! We even received some information regarding the dry aged processed from one of the owners! We did skip the craft beer as neither one of us are beer drinkers!But let me just say...that burger was phenomenal! It was seasoned very well and cooked to perfection!! We also ordered sodas out of the cooler! Everything was very delicious. Slightly unique is that they have an ordering area so you don't really have servers! However, people come by and buss the tables and are very nice! Loved Jailbreak! Will go back!"

Blue Sunday Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.7 (490) • $$$

"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Blue Sunday, and I can confidently say it's a gem worth visiting! I appreciate them being able to sit a party of 12 without prior notice. The food is absolutely delicious, with every dish bursting with flavor and prepared to perfection. From appetizers to dessert, everything was thoughtfully crafted and tasted amazing.What truly sets Blue Sunday apart, though, is the incredible customer service. Big shout out to my waiter Gavrielle. The staff was attentive, welcoming, and went above and beyond to make sure our experience was flawless. Whether it was helping us navigate the menu or checking in to ensure everything was to our liking, their kindness and professionalism truly stood out.If you're looking for a place with exceptional food and top-notch service, Blue Sunday is the spot. Highly recommended!#EatGoodAndBeHappy"

The Prime Street Grille

★★★★☆ 3.9 (439) • $$$

"Wifey and I did Valentines Day and boy was it a home run! We had reservations and arrived 30 minutes early and was instructed to take a seat for being early. At first, I was a little perplexed, however got over it quickly and jumped into dining mode. Once seated, we were greeted by Autumn, and she was made our dining experience perfect! The ambiance was perfect and her on point checking on use was commendable. The food was excellent. I highly recommend this establishment for whatever dining needs you have and don't sleep on the lamb chops because that might be the best thing on the menu (had them on several occasions and wanted to change up this time)"

Federal House

★★★★☆ 3.5 (539) • $$

"It's a touristy area. Service is okay. Beers are cold. Oyster poboy is okay. The salmon salad with the green goddess dressing is great. The kids cheeseburger is dismal with cold fries ($$extra). Good place to chill outside and people watch."

Of Love & Regret

★★★★☆ 4.2 (364) • $$$

"When we got here we noticed the parking was weird but $1 an hour on the street. The menu is really diverse! From burgers to vegetarian dishes. The service was prompt and friendly and our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu. The ambiance is cozy and it feels like you've gone back in time. The music is amazing. I will be back. The food and drinks were so good!"

Broadway Diner

★★★★☆ 3.7 (463) • $$

"Came here for breakfast before leaving the area. It's a typical diner with diner food. I think we got here at a good time, before the church let out. We were immediately seated. I got the French toast with bacon, eggs and home fries. The home fries were good I added a little salt to it. Wasn't too bland. My friend ordered the pancakes, they were so fluffy and good. I enjoyed his pancakes more than my French toast. lol! I'll come back again. Service was fast and great!"

Oohh's and Aahh's

★★★★☆ 3.8 (431) • $$

"We made a reservation for 10 and it became 12 and they made it work and happen!!! I thought it would be an issue getting the food out but it worked...service was ok...it was a lot and they forgot a few things and it was just ok.I was worried as I made this reservation and it was far from where we were staying near the convention center...but it was worth traveling for according to my friends that came with. The only thing that was kind of strange to me was that the food came in plastic to go containers...even if you ate in the restaurant.Across 12 ppl, they ordered a wide variety of things and I didn't hear one complaint...so that is a good thing. I didn't go around and take pictures, and I should have...missed opportunity.I don't know that I would come back here but it was what the people wanted on this day!"

Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (443) • $$

"While visiting family in the DMV, we decided on an impromptu lunch at Pappas in Glen Burnie. It was 2 pm when I arrived, and the restaurant was packed. The large bar area was filled to capacity, and the dining room was also packed. I arrived before the rest of my party of 7. The hostess was friendly and accommodating. She managed to get us a booth where all 7 of us were able to squeeze in at so we didn't have to wait long. There is a 20% gratuity automatically added to your bill for parties of 6 or more. Also, they don't allow split checks for large parties. This info is posted when you enter the restaurant on the website, written in the menu, and they even place a notice on the table, so you can't say you didn't know. Don't worry because they give 5 star service. Our waitress was amicable and attentive. In spite of the restaurant being busy, our drinks and food came fast. I ordered the single crab cake platter with a side salad and veggies. The 8oz Jumbo Lump Crab Cake was delicious, very little filling, and flavorful, definitely on my list of top 5 in Maryland. Prices are reasonable, and portions are fair. Customer service was stellar from every aspect. This restaurant is definitely on my list of places to visit when I'm in town moving forward. If you are looking for a great experience with amazing food, look no further."

Ketch 22

★★★★☆ 4 (372) • $$

"I use the term "Catch 22" all the time so when I saw this restaurant use that play on words we had to try it out!Sitting smack on the water in North Beach, what a cool chill vibe on a warm Sunday afternoon. Just 35min from the crib, Ketch 22 was well worth the drive.The menu is pretty standard for waterfront restaurants in Maryland so we both chose the jumbo lump crab cakes. They were delicious.. All meat and very little filler. The bacon topped deviled eggs were just as delicious.Service was outstanding and the patrons were super friendly.I'm re-discovering North Beach/Chesapeake Beach. Eventhough I loved everything about this place, I have to try other restaurants before I come back which is the proverbial "Ketch 22"..lol"

Oscar's Ale House

★★★★☆ 4.2 (337) • $$

"Super impressed by Oscar's Ale house. Came here after my nieces graduation to get some food after a long ceremony. Had their burger of the day special however I can't remember what it was called but nonetheless it was very delicious. Cooked the way I wanted it, medium rare with the pink center. Fries were very good, nice and home cut. And the service was very good. This place had a very country, very saloon like feel. Highly recommend this Oscars Ale house for great food."

Pickles Pub

★★★★☆ 3.6 (453) • $$

"Great spot for bar food! All of it came out exactly as ordered. It was a slow Saturday afternoon so it was not really crowded and service was quick."

Corner Stable - Cockeysville

★★★★☆ 3.6 (452) • $$

"Well I've been in here multiple times and the food is so good great staff. I would highly recommend them to anyone"

Copper Canyon Grill - Arundel Mills

★★★★☆ 4.3 (316) • $$$

"4 hours layover at BWI, I texted my bestie while in flight and she scooped me from the airport and we headed here for some cocktails and convo.I immediately got Houston's vibes and after I got the menu and saw spinach dip I was sold as the Chicago spinach dip is a Houston's signature dish initiated at the Chicago location (my hometown) Rush street location (miss that location so much once they closed :-( )We had the dip to start and we had the perfect margarita and when I say it was amazing I mean it. Our server was so attentive and very informative.My friend had a salad with salmon and I ordered the crab cake sandwich as it's important to have crab while in MD as it's the best crab in the US.Overall this is a must do any time of day for lunch or dinner."

Dock Street Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 4 (365) • $$

"After an evening of wine tasting we were in the mood for pizza! Lol Unfortunately it was late and most places were closing but Dock Street showed extended hours and pizza was on the menu so we took a chance and ventured over here. In the heart of Marylands capital, the are reminded me of Old Town Alexandria Virginia, just not as busy and again it was a Wednesday evening...We sat down and was greeted by the bar tender with a smile. The music selection wasn't our cup of tea lol but the curly fries were seasoned well and piping hot! The pizza was ok...thin crust pepperoni pizza that brought us back to life. We shared one personal size pizza and it was just enough for us...Now would would we come back, probably not...but it served its purpose. Alls well and ends well. Happy Yelping!"

Riptide By The Bay

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (568) • $$

"Horrible on soooooo many levels.We're black. Stood at the bar for 5 mins without so much as a hello with the bartender stand 4 feet away . They chit chatted off and on with white ppl at the car tho. Finally a hostess manifested after 5 mins and we had to verbally greet her to get her acknowledge us and tell her we had a reservation.Overpriced. Wasn't serving their brunch menu, DURING brunch times but it's still up on their website.We got two different menus so I couldn't even read about some items on the menu that my friend had. Had no idea until they were ordering things that I didn't have on mine. Ordered the blackened chicken sandwich. It tasted like it had been frozen before they started cooking it. The middle was soooooo tough. Did they take it off the bill, even after it was brought to the manager? NO Asked for fries with my sandwich. Didn't come. Asked for the fries again- took ten more minutes after asking both the waitress and the food runner. No ketchup offered- had to get up and go get it Inside from the bar.My friend ordered crabs and we waited AN HOUR FIR CRABS. There was a few ppl at the bar and 4 tables total outside and somehow my friend couldn't get their crabs. Then they had to find a crab cracker- COULDN'T FIND ONE! Waters were empty for 20 mins. Had to walk to the bar to get water. They NEVER came to refill waters, not once.They tried to pacify us w shots. Shots took 10 mins!Had to ask for the bill twice."

Glenwood's - Owings Mills

★★★★☆ 4.1 (341) • $$

"Large venue, with a moderate upscale vibe. Casual attire is perfectly fine, but the decor, dim lighting, & music playing (jazz & piano music) all combine to give you a slightly more upscale vibe. It's in a shopping complex, so plenty of parking. Fast & friendly service, our server Andy was phenomenal. He really has a way of selling the dishes & drinks that draws you in. We had Uptown Old Fashioned, Peartini, Fiesta Egg Rolls, Iron Skilled Cornbread, Rotisserie Chicken Salad, BBQ Ribs, Rattlesnake Pasta, & Crab Cake Sandwich. Everything was very good. The All-Stars were the Ribs & the Egg Rolls. Definitely worth a stop. Grades:Rotisserie Chicken Salad: ABBQ Ribs: A+Rattlesnake Pasta: B+Crab Cake Sandwich: A-Fiesta Egg Rolls: A+Iron Skilled Cornbread: BPeartini: AUptown Old Fashioned: A"

Grump's Cafe - Crofton

★★★★☆ 3.7 (408) • $$

"Best Breakfast in Crofton. Get the Biscuits and Gravy!!! Friendly service and food is great."

MGM Roast Beef

★★★★☆ 4.2 (315) • $$

"My coworkers have been talking about this place .so I had a half of day and on my way home I stopped by and ordered the open face Thanksgiving dinner and the open face brisket dinner..and OMG they were both delicious. I think the open face Thanksgiving beat the brisket. But the brisket came in a close 2nd ..a very close 2nd.."

The Owl Bar

★★★★☆ 3.5 (453) • $$

"This is in the Belvedere Venue - used to be a hotel, now an event space and condos. The ambiance of The Owl Bar is worth the visit. Happily our brunch was also very good, as were the cocktails and the server was very friendly!! The beignets were worth the calories!!"