50 Best American Restaurants in Baltimore

“Marta manages to be both lively and cozy simultaneously in a rowhouse that previously housed Salt (one of my all time favorite upscale restaurants) We went for a friend's birthday, and all 3 courses were delicious, beautifully presented, inventive, and not the same old menu that you find everywhere. Very sweet wait staff was super attentive, educated about the food and wine and made great suggestions. Our original wait staff had an emergency and had to leave in the middle of service, but seamlessly another wait person stepped in to covered us. Kudos to the front of house team for handling with such skill and ease. But the food was definitely the star of the show. For me, the standout was the tuna cannoli. I'm not even sure I can do justice to this deliciousness with a crunchy outer "cannoli" shell with a slight hint of sweet surrounding a creamy center of tuna crudi with little dots of avocado cream. And all was covered with a pistachio "dust." The spicy meatballs were delectable nestled in a cloud of creamy spicy ricotta. And the Duck and Foie Gras Panzotti (little triangle ravioli) was creamy, delicious and the perfect combination of delicate tastes. And the Tiramisu Affogato ended the dinner on a delicious note! And for two people with drinks it was really pretty a good deal for the quality if the food, service and location. We will be back! Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5“

“I will definitely be back !!! The food was amazing, the old fashioned to die for, however our server Maddie is absolutely phenomenal !!!!! Highly recommend you go and should request her as well 🥰“

“I love the 50's music that plays and the really nice photos on the walls. Be prepared to experience a completely different way of flavors. The menu is diverse and very interesting. This was our first time there and we have decided to make it our place to go after a DR. visit nearby. There is parking on the street as well as behind the building. We were unaware of the parking behind the building so I thought a heads up to others was needed. The menu online is the same as the actual menu. The difference is the online menu printing is extremely small. We were thoroughly impressed with Ms Shirley's Cafe. It is well worth the trip!!!!“

“I cannot say enough good things about our experience at Ampersea! From the moment we walked in we felt welcome. Joey was absolutely fantastic - setting us up at a table with an amazing view and checking on us multiple times during our visit. He offered to take our coats after we were seated and then offered to take pictures of us when we were on our way out. Ampersea has definitely been the most positive experience we have had during our trip. I can honestly say that Joey is the sole reason we cannot wait to come back to enjoy a meal and a drink (or 2, or 3 haha) once the weather is nicer! If I could give more than 5 stars, I would!“

“I dream about the honey sriracha cauliflower wings. Love Maggie’s!“

“Fine dining in Baltimore at its best. Loved the atmosphere, the staff and the food was divine. I’ll be back!!!“

“Excellent“

“We had an incredible experience. The service was fast, the staff were welcoming, the food was delicious. Looking forward to try more items on the menu soon!“

“After an amazing game at Camden Yards the night before, we went to Miss Shirley’s Cafe for breakfast, which came highly recommended and I can absolutely see why! Our breakfast really hit the spot, and the service was excellent, especially our server, who was so kind and attentive. The atmosphere was fun, yet upscale casual and such great energy from everyone enjoying their food. It was the perfect place to grab a delicious breakfast, mimosa and soak in the atmosphere after the game. They also offer outside seating with a beautiful view of the harbor. Definitely a spot I’d recommend and would happily visit again!“

“Tae the bartender was super accommodating! She is so sweet and her drinks matches her energy … LIT“

“I happened to drive by and see people sitting outside eating. It looked like a great place to stop. I went by myself. I was able to find free parking right outside the restaurant. The menu I was looking at was mostly breakfast and brunch. The price range was about $15 on up. I got a gingerale and their house wings as well as fries. Everything was good.. My bill was $21. The waitress was very attentive and nice and gave recommendations. I would recommend checking this place out. It had a nice atmosphere.“

“My husband and I stopped in as we went for a walk in our neighbor and were throughly impressed by the food. Everything was fresh and hot. The grits are making its way back to my thighs lol but totally worth it ! Everyone was extremely welcoming“

“Such a cute little spot in Baltimore. Vibe is rustic and fun - the place has a lot of spirit. Food was delicious, we just wish the crab dip had more chunks of crab! Beer and cocktails were amazing, and the service was amazing. we even bought a cup to take home :) We will definitely be back!!!“

“I've been coming to Golden West for two decades but this morning was the first time I came with my kids (4 years and 20 months). They had high chairs, coloring pages, and our server put our kids' order in first so they could have their pancakes quickly. No one made a big deal out of us wandering around a bit with our 20 month old. And the food was delicious! Chef's kiss to the Christmas style breakfast burrito with vegan chorizo and the peaches and creme macha latte! So often with little kids it feels like you have to choose between kid-friendly and really good food. Thanks so much Golden West for doing both!“

“Stopped here for dinner with my husband while in the city. We had the crab dip egg rolls as an appetizer. My husband had the cheesesteak woth fries and I had the southwest chicken wrap with a side salad. My husband had a house margarita and I had the Kracken crush. Food and drinks were good. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was pleasant. We sat outside and the weather was perfect. The only compliant I had was the table wasn't level so our drinks kept sliding down the slope.“

“Really lovely service and food. Michele was a delight, and all the other staff.

One star lost because we ordered one BLT between us, and they charged a $2 surcharge to split plates, when we had never said anything about splitting plates, we’d just ordered one sandwich as one of us wasn’t hungry. We thought it was cute they served it on two plates. Think the $2 was for extra chips, which were thrown away.

We questioned it with them and they kept it on the bill. Unfortunate bad taste at the end of a lovely experience“

“I eat here every time I visit the area.“

“I had fried chicken and French fries, and it was exactly how I like it. It was well done and well-seasoned. Actually, it was the best and had it twice in a row. He listened to what I wanted, and he made it happened.“

“Topside offers a fantastic rooftop setting with stunning city views. The food was excellent overall; the chicken and waffles were a standout, offering a wonderful balance of flavors. My husband enjoyed his quiche, though he felt the crustless vegetable dish could have been cooked a little longer. Despite that minor note, we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I also brought home a bacon jalapeño scone, which made for a delightful afternoon treat. I highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for a great dining experience.“

“premiere dining experience with delicious food, cocktails, and a very welcoming and knowledgeable staff!! Will definitely be back!“

“Great service, nice portions, and Everything was 10 outta 10. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Highly recommended 👌🏾“

“Friendly staff and yummy food plus tacos“

“The rotisserie chicken and potatoes were absolutely incredible—perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The beet and red coleslaw was tasty, though a touch more acidity would have made it even better.

Sitting out in the courtyard with the cool, refreshing breeze made for a truly wonderful dining experience. It's the perfect spot to hang out with a big group of friends. The staff were also super friendly!

P.S. check out the restroom! It feels like stepping down into a medieval underground dungeon/cellar, which was really cool.“

“We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Citron Baltimore while celebrating a friend’s birthday! The owner, Charles, and his wife were incredibly nice and friendly, making us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. Their hospitality truly set the tone for a memorable evening. The food was nothing short of amazing—every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The atmosphere was incredible, with a perfect blend of elegance and warmth that made the celebration extra special. Highly recommend this gem of a spot—can’t wait to come back!“

“My husband and I stopped by for a drink, and ordered the cream of crab soup, gf fried shrimp, and the honey maple brussel sprouts. Everything was delicious! Special thanks to the bartender, Lee, who was very attentive!“

“Oh boy, let me tell you about the pre-game magic we experienced at Johnny's! With a high school state championship soccer game at Loyola on our agenda, my friend, her daughter, and I were on the hunt for the perfect spot to fuel up before the excitement. And boy, did we hit the jackpot with Johnny's! Walking into Johnny's was like finding a hidden gem in a treasure map. The cozy vibes wrapped around us like a warm blanket on a chilly Sunday—it was just what we needed! We settled ourselves at the bar, eager for some drinks and snacks, and that’s where the real fun began. Our bartender was nothing short of a beverage maestro! I ordered a cortado that was so perfectly crafted I nearly swooned. Seriously, it should have been on the cover of a coffee magazine! And let me tell you about their wine list—it’s like a unique art piece. I picked a Pinot Noir to accompany my house-made Old Bay chips, and it was such a delightful pairing that I felt like a sophisticated sommelier for a moment. Now, my bourbon-loving friend was over the moon to discover that Johnny's stocked his all-time favorite brand, FEW. After indulging in wine and coffee that could make any day brighter, we just had to cap off our relaxed Sunday with a round of bourbon. Because what’s a pre-game without a little celebratory sip, right? My friend and her daughter were enjoying their vanilla latte and mocha to the fullest—let’s just say the smiles on their faces were positively radiant! And the cookies? Oh my goodness! The gingerbread and peanut butter cookies were instant crowd-pleasers. I’m pretty sure I’d fight a bear for another bite! Now, here’s the kicker: my friend might live in sunny Florida, but I’m ready to brave the Washington Beltway traffic any time just to return to Johnny's. If they nail snacks and drinks this well before a soccer game, I can't even imagine what kind of culinary genius they have up their sleeves! So, Johnny's, you’ve stolen my heart (and my taste buds)—I’m already counting down the days until my next visit!“

“Buffalo arancini spring salad w egg lemon curd dessert“

“absolutely everything food is delicious👌🏼 drinks fron bar are the best❤ service excelent. beatifull place🤩“

“It’s the local Dawgs bar. What more needs to be said?“

“My wife and I are working on visiting all 30 MLB stadiums, and one thing I’ve learned is that the whole point of traveling is to experience something you can’t get back home. If every restaurant serves the same food and drinks as everywhere else, why leave home? That’s why I think every restaurant should have a few signature dishes and cocktails that define the place.

That was really my only disappointment here. When I asked what the house specialties were, our waiter simply said, “Everything’s good.” He was a fun guy and did recommend a great local beer, but I’d love to see Pickles Pub highlight its must-try items for first-time visitors.

Thankfully, we found one on our own. My wife ordered the Old Bay fries, which were good, but the butter and Old Bay wings were absolutely phenomenal. I’m a huge wing fan—my parents owned a popular wing restaurant for over 20 years, and I even owned a wing business myself—so I always judge a place by its wings. I’d never had wings with butter and Old Bay before, and they were outstanding. They were exactly the kind of unique local experience we travel for.

The atmosphere before an Orioles game is fantastic—it’s one big baseball party and a great way to kick off a visit to Camden Yards. We even tried the Pickleback shot, which was a fun experience.

If you’re heading to an Orioles game, I definitely recommend stopping at Pickles Pub. Just make sure you order the butter and Old Bay wings!“

“I just wanted to say what an awesome experience Barracudas and Billy provided for my family. We held a surprise 90th birthday party for my Mom there on Saturday and it was perfect. The food was delicious as usual and the service was phenomenal. Abby did a great job taking care of us. Big shout out to the kitchen staff and everyone else who assisted in making my Mom feel loved and appreciated. I live 2 hours from the restaurant, but I make it a point to stop in almost everytime for food and drinks. Everyone has their own opinion concerning the restaurant and staff. In 10 years I have never had a bad experience here or seen anything out of the ordinary reacting to the staff or ownership. I have seen intoxicated patrons but that's it. Do yourself a favor and stop in for a meal or a drink. You won't be disappointed.“

“Amazing food and decor! Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. We had the opportunity to visit with the owner, she was absolutely one of the coolest people! We also purchased some art right off the wall!“

“Brunch was delicious and the sculpture garden was lovely.“

“I love the food Mom, and Poppa are amazing!!!“

“Definitely a great atmosphere nice to see something like this in my old neighborhood. Eric and Chad were phenomenal. Me and my girlfriend definitely enjoyed ourselves. I felt like I hit a time machine and went back to the 90s down fells point. It definitely gave me that type of vibe. 💯💯🫡“

“Spent the weekend in Baltimore, had dinner here Both nights! Amazing food, extremely friendly staff, clean, welcoming environment! Will definitely be back!“

“We were visiting from out of town and ran across this restaurant. The food is so unique and made with the freshest of ingredients! Staff was friendly and service was fast. Recommend highly.“

“The food and the service is great. The hamburgers are phenomenal. So is the felafel.“

“I had the cheese steak combo which was absolutely delicious and came with a huge side of crisp fries. Prices were super affordable. Customer service was amazing - you can easily tell how much the staff cares about their customers. There are a few stools and a counter for dining in. Will definitely visit again soon!“

“Everything about our experience at The Ruxton was exceptional. The food, cocktails, wine list, service-- everything. We really enjoyed it. Our server, Rosa, was both professional and fun, and all the other staff that we intereacted with were great.“

“Excellent delicious food. Exceptional service that would go above and beyond for their customers.“

“My daughter chose pies over a wedding cake for her reception. We ordered multiple flavors and they were such a hit with the guests. Everyone was excited to see the variety and enjoyed them immensely. This turned out to be such a success and I recommend others try pies in lieu of cake, and you cannot go wrong with Dangerously. 😋“

“This was a happy surprise! After waiting quite a while at another popular brunch spot nearby, we decided to try this one since they got us seated a lot sooner. Honestly, it turned out to be one of our best choices. We truly enjoyed the delicious food and refreshing drinks. It was a lovely Sunday morning with great coffee and a wonderful family brunch.“

“Great shrimp, fries and drinks. Lovely people“

“Had the crab cakes they were phenomenal very lump and perfectly made“

“Would come back if in the area!“

“is it a Spanish joint now?“

“My friend and I have been trying Pubs and eateries in the Baltimore area and this one popped up on Trip Advisor. We decided to give it a try and we are glad we did. This is a friendly neighborhood Pub and Grill that screams good food & service. The lady running the grill should be named a grill master with everything she makes. The burgers are at least ¾ of a pound of quality beef and made exactly the way you ask and the fries are freshly cut and prepared. I also had the Jerk Chicken strips, which were delicious (Not the quantity I expected for $12.00) but very good. I saw the wings come out for someone else and they looked good too. The young lady making drinks was exceptional with her knowledge of mixology. I am going to make it a point to bring my neighbor and her boyfriend here next time. I live on the North side of Baltimore city, but this is worth the drive.“

“We had the wonderful experience of having dinner last evening celebrating our son’s graduation! The food was outstanding! We had appetizers, drinks, NY Strip, dessert and cannot express how delicious everything was! The service was excellent! Brittani S. was awesome, personable and checked on us frequently making sure we had everything we needed! The atmosphere was great too! Definitely will go back again when visiting Baltimore! Thank you for a memorable evening!“

“Best place in that part of Baltimore . My parents met their to many years ago to count. I went to college near their 40 years ago,and every time I get a chance to go when in town it's a must stop. Awesome service and food“