50 Best American Restaurants in Baltimore

“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 🥰“

“This place was amazing we went 2 days in a row!!!
We were visiting Baltimore for an event and we're exploring some restaurants. For breakfast we chose Miss Shirleys and I can confidently say this is the best food I've had in a while, especially in breakfast category.
We had their chicken breast tenders and sweet waffles, fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, brisket, and eggs with sausage. Food was amazing !!!!! I highly recommend to anyone wanting to enjoy delicious food and great atmosphere!!!“

“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!“

“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 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“

“Food and service were both amazing at Topside. The staff were all friendly and accommodating. We were even brought a champagne toast on the house, and a non-alcoholic one for my wife (she had ordered an N/A drink earlier), which was a great gesture. I will definitely be back. The Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert special was a real highlight.“

“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!“

“This restaurant is a must! The restaurant popped up on my Google search for Baltimore. We drove down from Pa to check it out. The food was excellent and plentiful! Get there before you get too hungry because you can tell this place stays busy! Although it was busy, the service was great and food came out in a timely manner. Will be dining here any and everytime I get back to visit Baltimore‼“

“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“

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

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

“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!!!“

“Sneaky good gastropub. My party enjoyed everything we got. Started with Crab Corn Chowder which was high-end restaurant quality; robust amount of crab too. Feedback on dinners -- Classic Cheesesteak, Chicken Wrap, and Cuban (had pulled pork and pork roll, a true NJ flair) -- exceedingly positive. Then the Duck Fat Fried Donut Holes...OMG, one of the best desserts ever. Next afternoon I went back for a quick Natty Bo and guy next to me said he goes weekly for the Pit Turkey and the chef does a great job on the smoked meats. Will definitely make a regular stop when in town again. Prices fair, a good value, and no wait. Neighborhood location, so a locals-only sort of feel. Kudos to the chef!“

“For a brunch spot, it’s very quaint and nice inside, the food (I had the Elvis pancakes) were good, as well as the drinks. Only two drawbacks: It can get pricey (they charge $5 extra just for 3 slices of bacon if your meal doesn’t come with it, which is wild), and the diner’s demographics aren’t really diverse. Otherwise, it’s a nice spot with the biggest perk being all day brunch.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“Buffalo arancini spring salad w egg lemon curd dessert“

“Went here for the first time with my bestie from LA and I'm telling you this was the absolute best, most tender and meatiest crab cake that I've ever had in my entire life. The staff was so nice and attentive and the outside seating was just splendid. We upgraded to the fries and they were also excellent. 10/10!!!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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?“

“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.“

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

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

“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!“

“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!“

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

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

“Great shrimp, fries and drinks. Lovely people“

“Our 1st time eating here and we will be back! The food was delicious and very plentiful! Enough to take home for next nights dinner! Our server Irene was veery attentive and very pleasant to chat with, which is a huge plus IMO. Went home with dessert for later and totally enjoyed our meal. Thank You!“

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

“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.“

“First time ordering from here JIST 4-5 hours ago. I saw sooo many good reviews I had to try it. I ordered (delivery) their jerk chicken panini, and jerk chicken Rasta pasta. MAN… the pasta is sooo good!! The panini was also delicious, even though the panini pressed grilled bread had steamed inside its wrapper and lost its crispiness.. it was great. Wasn’t soggy just had lost its crunchiness where the grill marks are. I can’t wait to try their chicken pot pie and jerk chicken platter! I would’ve ordered those too.. but I don’t want to reheat anything and want to try it fresh. Will order those items next time! Thank you ❤️“

“My partner and I celebrated her birthday at Ruxton, and it was an incredible dining experience from beginning to end.

The atmosphere immediately stood out. Ruxton is elegant without feeling pretentious, and it’s the kind of restaurant that actually complements dressing up for the occasion. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want an upscale night out, the ambiance makes the experience feel worthwhile.

For dinner, I ordered the whole lobster, and I honestly underestimated what I was getting. The presentation alone was impressive—it was served on a board nearly the size of a large wooden cutting board. At around $200, it’s definitely a splurge, but after tasting it, I completely understood why. The lobster was cooked perfectly, incredibly fresh, and so good that I somehow managed to finish the entire thing.

We also ordered the Lemon Butter Prawns, and they deserve just as much recognition. The lemon butter sauce was rich, bright, and unlike anything I’ve had before. Easily some of the best prawns I’ve ever eaten. We shared a side of broccoli, which was good, but with everything else on the table, it simply wasn’t the star of the meal.

My partner ordered the Fried Lobster with mashed potatoes, and they absolutely nailed it. The lobster was fried perfectly—crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside without tasting greasy. That’s not an easy balance to achieve, but Ruxton pulled it off.

The cocktails were just as memorable. I ordered the Shake & Bake, which I’d describe as a tequila take on an Old Fashioned, and it ended up being one of my favorite drinks from our entire Baltimore food tour. My partner’s dirty martini was also well made.

The service was exceptional throughout the evening. Our team was attentive, professional, and consistently checked in without ever being intrusive. They helped make an already special evening feel even more memorable.

Ruxton absolutely lived up to the hype. While it’s perfect for celebrating special occasions, the quality of the food, drinks, service, and atmosphere has me looking forward to coming back just to explore more of the menu. This is easily one of Baltimore’s premier dining experiences.“

“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. 😋“

“Very delicious and super accommodating of Celiac/gluten free! They have gluten free toast I subbed for with the eggs benedict. The breakfast potatoes are also gluten free and they offered to cook mine in a separate pan. No gluten free pancakes or biscuits but other than that many things can be made GF. Staff was super kind!

Smaller restaurant so there was a wait but you can get on the list and they’ll text when your table is ready. I must say their coffee wasn’t great.“

“This place was fun! For it being right after a ball game, it was full but wasn't crazy. The bartenders had smiles and laughs as well as great service. And the food and drinks were delicious. Huge tvs to watch from wherever you are. We will definitely make this a regular stop when we are in the area!“

“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. 💯💯🫡“

“This is my favorite place to go in Baltimore. Aside from my house. I don't know what to point out as the deciding factor, but it just feels comfortable to me. The food is good, not great — I absolutely love the French Dip Cheesesteak. The wait staff and bartenders are always beyond friendly. We've done trivia nights and game days and quiet nights. My wife absolutely loves the dirty martini. Her favorite in the city. And it's a short walk from my home. I hope it's here for another 100 years.“

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

“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.“

“is it a Spanish joint now?“