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 🥰“

“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!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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‼“

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

“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“

“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!!!“

“Adorable and quirky cafe that is 100% worth all the hype, the long waits, and the hard-to-snag reservations. I visited Golden West Cafe on a Sunday afternoon with a moderately large group (7 people). We were originally hoping for a brunch reservation but could only snag a 3 PM slot -- a testament to how incredibly popular they are -- although we ended up being ready at 2 PM and called ahead to ask if they could seat us earlier. They, very graciously, were able to make space for us to come a tad earlier.

The food was absolutely incredible -- it was some combination of American comfort and Mexican / Latin American, with classic Mexican items like huevos ranchos, fish tacos, and enchiladas right next to traditional American brunch selections like chicken and waffles, hot cakes, and so forth. Their menu is also remarkably vegetarian / vegan-friendly, and it features their own house-made vegan chicken!

We decided to split a few items, including the zucchini brie hot cakes, fish tacos, and vegan hot honey chicken and waffles. All three were outstanding, but my favorite had to be the zucchini brie hot cakes. The cakes were remarkably soft and fluffy, and I loved the bit of sweetness from the zucchini (and maple syrup, of course), and the extra hit of rich creaminess and savoriness from the brie. It was the perfect sweet and savory combo, and it was easily one of the biggest surprises of the meal.

The rest of the items were also delicious, although not quite as wowing.The fish tacos were well-fried and flavorful, and I was quite impressed by how crispy and thin their accompanying fries were. I really enjoyed the flavor of the hot honey vegan chicken and waffles, but I was, admittedly, a little bit thrown off by the texture of both. It's very possible that the waffle had just gotten a bit soggy because I ate this dish last and it wasn't quite at its peak freshness. Either way, I really enjoyed my time here, and it's 100% worth I try. I can't wait to make my way back to Hampden to sample the rest of their menu!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“I really cannot express my gratitude enough for the Kooper’s Team!

I’m from the Baltimore area, currently living in Chicago. Thursday July 9th I landed in Baltimore for my wedding celebration. I get off the plane to a message that my caterer needed to cancel due to some completely unexpected circumstances. Things happen, people are more important than parties. But now I have a party on Saturday for 60 people and no food.

I emailed Kooper’s and Rachel got back to me within minutes. She informed me due to the location that their food truck would be the best route however the team was scheduled to be off that Saturday and she just needed to make sure it was a possibility. Within less than ten minutes she confirmed it was a go.

Saturday came and Martis was at the venue WELL before our scheduled time. He and Kayla were INCREDIBLE and all of our guests were so happy with the food. They had something for everyone, including veggie burgers. Everything about this experience exceeded expectations and we are so grateful for the Kooper’s team.“

“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!“

“Buffalo arancini spring salad w egg lemon curd dessert“

“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?“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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. 😋“

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

“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.“

“Would come back if 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. 💯💯🫡“

“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.“

“Great little local down to earth restaurant. The food was superbly prepared with attention to detail. The ingredients were very fresh and cooked to perfection.
The welcoming atmosphere makes it feel like home. We look forward to coming back every few weeks and definitely are interested in coming your way the special dinner events.“

“Stopped by monday evening after work, for a bite and a drink after a long weekend. And kyle was my bartender! Great service first time i have ever been asked what temperature i like my cheesesteak! Bar was pretty busy and kyle handled the bar very well !! Cheesesteak came out with a full newyork strip on top couldn’t believe what i was seeing the entire bar was shocked! Food was great as well as the atmosphere! I recommend trying this place open late as well“