Baltimore may be known for its Ravens and Orioles, but its blue crabs are up there, too. Indeed, Charm City has a storied culinary tradition. Its location right on the Patapsco River, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay, gives it access to the Mid-Atlantic’s rich seafood bounty, including those famous crabs. No trip here would be complete without a feast of the sweet, succulent crustacean, steamed and encrusted with a generous dusting of spice, especially Old Bay!
Diners in Baltimore have the good fortune of benefiting from a burgeoning foodie culture, buoyed by TV fame (Food Network’s Duff Goldman anyone?) and local talent. Hometown heroes like Spike Gjerde and Cindy Wolf rack up accolades, including James Beard recognition. (Gjerde won top toque in the region in 2015, with Wolf earning a spot on the short list.) Zagat even named Baltimore number two in its Top 17 Food Cities 2015 list, behind Pittsburgh and above New York City and San Francisco.
The city’s funky free spirit adds flavor, too, with decadent fudge-topped berger cookies, a breakfast spot famous for stoking childhood nostalgia and even a shop dedicated to Bmore’s own Natty Boh beer. Feast on Baltimore’s foodie scene with these top spots.