Visiting Baltimore for a week

[tipitina]

Hey fellow hounds. I'll be staying just outside downtown Baltimore for about a week. I'll have a car so please feel free to make any recs outside the city. I got most of my ideas from Diners, Dives and Drive-ins because I like the restaurants that they choose for Minneapolis. I like places that have some history or make a couple of things really well and want to share it with others. I don't like food that's been fussed with too much. Any other ethnic recs welcome.

This is what I have on the list so far:

grace garden chinese - Odenten
chap's pit beef baltimore - 5801 Pulaski Highway
Dipasquales - go during the week for lasagna
G & A Restaurant - 3802 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore for sliders and coney dogs
crab - Stoney Creek Inn 20 min outside Baltimore
blue moon cafe - I'm not sure about this one
Faidley's crab cake in Lexington market
Piedigrotta Italian Bakery and Pastry
Attman's Deli
Dangerously Delicious Pies
Bonaparte Breads.

I'll be there the first week in December. thanks!

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Dangerously Delicious Pies
1036 Light St, Baltimore, MD

Bonaparte Breads
8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD

G & A Restaurant
3802 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

Stoney Creek Inn
8238 Ft Smallwood Rd, Baltimore, MD 21226

[sfafard]

Tapas Teatro go during the week try anything on the menu and take your sangria next door to the movie theater to catch a flick!

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Tapas Teatro Cafe
1711 N Charles St Ste A, Baltimore, MD 21201

[tipitina]

thanks sfafard, that sounds like fun!
i'm on my way to baltimore, but the flight is late. I might have to start my crab cake tasting at G and M since it's so close to the airport. what about lower's crab and fish market. i'll be staying out that way. I happened upon it when I was looking on google maps. also binkert's meat products looks good too. I love leberkase and it's tough to come by in minnesota

[jck]

While G & M crabcakes are definitely not my favorite, if I was really hungry and it was late...I would do it in an instant. Sit at the bar and enjoy. Just be sure to get one of the better varieties of cakes while you are here. My personal favorite is at the Prime Rib restaurant and is usually served naked as an appetizer. Your original list actually looks pretty good but an addition of the Prime Rib would go nicely. You can take Dangerously Delicious Pies off the list....not very good at all! One note about pit beef....you can get it many places around town and since it is always the same cut, cooked the same way, and with same sides.....you do not have to go far out of your way to get some. Just ask the locals when you arrive and from any given location, chances are you will be pointed to one less than 10 minutes away...Binkert's is really good! I love their crunchy homemade hot dogs....oh my. They have different types of meats and sausages that are hard to find elsewhere.

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Dangerously Delicious Pies
1036 Light St, Baltimore, MD

Prime Rib
2020 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006

G & M
804 N Hammonds Ferry Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

[tipitina]

DDPies is off the list. i read too many posts about less than flaky crusts and high prices.

[ClevelandDave]

I'm sure others have more experience with Dangerously Delicious Pies, but I have enjoyed them-- both the savory and sweet. They aren't cheap, but they aren't terribly expensive compared with comparable pies in my experience...

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Dangerously Delicious Pies
1036 Light St, Baltimore, MD

[JonParker]

Binkert's is great. I really would avoid G&M though. Seriously, I'd go to Mickey D's first.

[Chowtimore]

Well, I guess if you're set on going to G&M, it's best to go there first.

You'll get the worst out of the way early and enjoy the rest of what the city has to offer.

I don't love crab cakes, but G&M was the first I had after moving to Baltimore and after all the hype about it being the "best", "world famous", etc., it made me think I hated them.

[tipitina]

I am happy to report that I did not go to G&M even though I was very hungry after the flight and it was very close. I quickly checked in at the motel and then drove to Binkert's and loaded up on cold cuts - gelbwurst, bierwurst, leberkase, tyrol and head cheese, rye bread and mustard. The woman who helped me was from Germany and she was great. You guys are lucky to have a place like that! next stop was Breezy Point to sample both lump and backfin crab cakes. They were perfectly broiled with slightly crusty bottoms, golden brown on top and heated well through. I liked both of them but the backfin was mushier and saltier than the backfin. I also picked up some German beer to go with the cold cuts for a late night snack. life is good!

tomorrow night is crab either at Bills or Schultz's when the boyfriend gets here

[melpy]

I love Tapas Teatro. Only been twice, service and quality were a little better the first time but we were also able to sit partially outside then which was nice.

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Tapas Teatro Cafe
1711 N Charles St Ste A, Baltimore, MD 21201

[baltimorejim]

While I reluctantly ever recommend a restaurant crabcake and invariably insist that YOU make the best one- meaning make it at home and pan fry it, I will say that I had a pretty good one at The Dizz at the Grandview a few weeks ago. One of my complaints is that crabcakes are rarely cooked through so that they have a center that is very close to the mix you start with when you pat the cake. At the Dizz on the night in question I complimented Elaine on the crab cake and she mentioned that they use a mini sizzler ? pan which gives the surface of the cake a more pan fried texture and, if it is cooked for the correct lenght of time, is done. As I am sure has been mentioned everyone also recommends Faidley's backfin lump cake at the Lexington Market.

The Grandview Dizz also gives you a spectacular view of the city while you dine along with one of Baltimore's classic hostesses (How can you not love Elaine?)

I tried the lasagna at Dipasqule's the other day and can say I have enjoyed many other things there more. (Ital coldcut, meatball sub...) Great Baltimore/ Highlandtown atmosphere. Looks like you are getting much good advice.

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The Dizz
300 W 30th St, Baltimore, MD 21211

Lexington Market
400 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201

[tipitina]

last night we went to Schultz's in Essex and had a great time. The service was warm and friendly. our waitress said it was like cheers there - lots of regulars. We were the only folks having crabs that night, but they were all good - no black lungs or papery shells. Their prices seemed very reasonable too. Have any of you all had sour beef and dumplings? they make it there from scratch but none of the servers had tried it. is it a baltimore thing?

[tipitina]

today we made it down to Odenton to eat at Grace Garden. I am in love! We had the fish noodles and pork belly with chilies and rice powder. Amazing. We are going back tomorrow and pre-ordered the phoenix chicken. I plan on going back monday and tuesday night. if any hounds want to join me to order more dishes, please let me know!

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Grace Garden
1690 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD

[crowsonguy]

Sour beef and dumplings is an old fashioned Baltimore German dish, well worth trying.
I like Schultze's too; though Bill's Terrace Inn sometimes has better crabs, Schultz's has a more interesting seasoning mix

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Bill's Terrace Inn
200 Eastern Blvd, Essex, MD 21221

[tipitina]

i promise this is my last post! we really fell in love with baltimore. overall, i was impressed how much folks care about what they are creating in the restaurants that we tried. the only disappointment was piedigrotto. the selection looked fabulous but the pastries that we ordered seemed to be slightly stale. we tried both a lobster tail and a chocolate/almond pastry. the owner was very charming however.

I was able on my last day to hit three places on the way to BWI. G and A for a coney dog and coney burger. The owner Andy was energetic and took the time to see how i liked my food. it was hard not to order their scrapple, since i can’t get that at home. i walked from there to hoehn’s for a marshmallow donut. very nice. a little sweeter what i like, but it was so fun to eat and it tasted really fresh. from there i picked up a corned beef sandwich at Attman’s to eat later at the airport. the service there was perfunctory but it totally fit with the feel of the place. the corned beef was delicious! tapas theatro and brewer’s art were wonderful recs too.

we did eat at chap’s pit beef and we thought it was great. we ordered them medium rare and it was cooked perfectly with lovely flavors of smoke and char. i added only some salt and horseradish to really taste the beef. I went back to Grace Garden and tried the phoenix purse, snow pea tips and garlic, tofu hak-ka tofu and the seafood in xo sauce. also, very good esp. the phoenix purse.

A couple last questions. have folks eaten at mr. rain’s fun house in the visionary art museum? i was already too full to eat there and just had a coffee, but the menu looked promising. i also ran across a philipino grocery store on 8019 philadelphia rd. in Rosedale that serves food at lunch time. i went too late on tuesday to try anything, but i was curious if any of you had eaten there?

thanks again for all the great advice.

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Grace Garden
1690 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD

[JonParker]

Thanks for your detailed reports. Can I say how refreshing it is to have someone like you posting here, who obviously cared enough to do some research ahead of time, look for the places that people who live here love, listen to suggestions, and post back with your impressions? You are absolutely the kind of poster that makes Chowhound worthwhile. Please, come back anytime.

[Hue]

I second Mr. Parker's sentiments, thanks for all the posts and please return!!

[hill food]

yes, there's a whole thread on, I think, Site Talk regarding people on all the regional boards who request suggestions and never let the posters know if nothing else, what's still good or what's gone South.

so yes, good form tipitina.

[ronandaim]

How about some donuts?

I'm very fond of the marshmallow donuts at Hoehn's in Highlandtown with Fenwicks in Parkville as a close 2nd. I don't think Hoehn's gets the love it deserves! You could easily pair it up with your trip to Dipasquales (which I highly recommend) or G&A.

http://hoehnsbakery.com/

[baltoellen]

Just wanted to say that Hoehn's is a truly inspired idea.

[tipitina]

marshmallow donuts sound way good. i've never had them before. thanks for mentioning dipasquales. between dipasquales and mastellone's, which do you prefer ? ( I think they are owned by the same people.)

[ronandaim]

Dipasquales though I've never had the lasagna. We go there for Italian cold cuts. Actually I live just up the street from Mastellone's, but I much prefer Dipasquales. I had a bad Mastellone's experience once. Plus I don't think there is any place to sit and eat there. Also Dipasquales has a larger menu.

[lawhound]

Second Dispasquales over Mastellone's, which is not what it once was. Don't forget Trinacria, though.

[Hal Laurent]

DiPasquale's bought Mastellone's quite a few years ago.

[lawhound]

Correct, but I am referring to DiPasquale's on Gough Street near Patterson Park -- it is way better than the old Mastellone's location on Harford Road.

[melpy]

I think for sure you should try and make it to either Gunnings or G & M for a broiled crabcake (forget the fried!).

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Gunning's Seafood Restaurant
7304 Parkway Dr Ste A, Hanover, MD 21076

G & M
804 N Hammonds Ferry Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

[ronandaim]

Never been to Gunnings, but I'd vote against G&M. Honestly, I don't have a favorite crab cake place right now, but I think Prime Rib or Crush have much better versions. Koko's gets a lot of love, but I think their crab cakes can be a bit gummy. I think size is the issue; I'd rather have 2 smaller ones then one super large one.

Sadly, both of my go-to crab cake places have since closed: Angelina's and Hank's Hudson Street Saloon. Angelina's crab cake was heaven and Hank's was a hole-in-the-wall and I haven't a clue what ingredients where in that crab cake, but I couldn't have cared less.

Can anyone comment on Breezy Point Seafood? I saw something in the City Paper about their crab cake.

[baltoellen]

We've been going to Breezy Point for well over five years. Yes, their crab cake is as good as advertised, incredible really. And, the place has transformed over the years from a tiny seafood carry-out, to a place with tables and indirect lighting.

[tipitina]

thanks baltoellen! of all the choices to make, the crab cake decision is the most difficult for me! for every positive review of a place, there seems to be an equally negative one. i cannot figure out totally what the criteria is for a really good crab cake except - good flavor, not too much filler and not undercooked in the center. i have never had so much help researching food for any destination as baltimore. thanks again everyone!

[baltoellen]

You know, tipitina, you don't need to limit your food tour to just one crabcake! Have one at Faidley's and then one, another day, at Breezy Point. That way you can compare & contrast. BTW, I'd also advise you to avoid G&M.

[melpy]

I agree Gunnings is the way to go. I haven't been to G & M in years but I know that was a fall back for us 15 years ago.

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G & M
804 N Hammonds Ferry Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

[Kelbell]

I'm originally from MN and still get back there from time to time, so here are my recs for what I don't find there.

1. Blue crabs- Mr. Bill's.
2. Lexington Market- crab cakes. My bf enjoys the fried lake trout sandwich.
3. Greek food- Daveinmd and i are partial to Samos. We tend to make a meal of the octopus or calamari, Greek salad, gyro, and spreads. Their lamb chops are also amazing. I haven't been to Zorba's in awhile, so I'll leave that to baltoellen.
4. Grace Garden- absolutely.
5. The Brewer's Art.
6. Tortilleria Sinoloa- tacos and taco chips.

I've never seen pit beef in MN, so if you do have time, I like the pit beef at the farmer's market under the JFX (Interstate 83). I haven't been to Chaps in over a year.

While I've had good brunch at the Blue Moon Cafe, the best brunch I've had was at Woodberry Kitchen. Daveinmd had an amazing eggs benedict, and I think my mom had something with crab. I actually prefer the Woodberry Kitchen for the brunch rather than dinner. My dinners there have tended to be on the oversalted or underseasoned side.

Happy eating!

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Brewer's Art
1106 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201

Zorba's
4710 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

Lexington Market
400 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201

Blue Moon Cafe
1621 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231

Grace Garden
1690 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD

Woodberry Kitchen
2010 Clipper Park Rd # 126, Baltimore, MD

[tipitina]

thanks kelbell. i'm very excited to try the fish noodles at grace garden.
looking at woodberry kitchen's website made me aware of other "nicer" places to check out in baltimore for one splurge meal. chameleon cafe looked interesting as well as charleston restaurant. i assume matrick's is closed. it looked like a one of a kind sort of place.

[conradical]

I went to Chameleon a couple of years ago and had a good meal ( I'm a slow cooked braised meat kind of guy to give you a taste reference point ) but thought it was a bit overpriced for the entire experience. It's in a coverted home which can be charming but I was there early on a summer evening and found it to be hot (the wait staff looked hot, too) - perhaps not a problem in December. Funny you should mention Charleston. The night after I went to Petit Louis the first time (I posted about it earlier) I went to Charleston. After getting each French term on the menu condescendingly translated to me and essentially being told what to order I called Petit Louis, pleaded my case and was seated there 30 minutes later.

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Petit Louis
4800 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210

[JonParker]

You know they're owned by the same people, right? That said, I didn't find the service at Charleston the slightest bit condescending, and I doubt that Tony Foreman would tolerate that for a second if he saw it.

[masha]

I am too am surprised that you found the service at Charleston condescending. I've only dined there once (no longer live in Balto) but the one time I did it was with my elderly mother who does not often go to places like Charleston. What I recall most about the meal, along with excellent food, was how warm the servers were and how kind they were to my mother, unlike some other fine-dining establishments where the service has been condescending.

[kukubura]

Another "nicer" place to consider is Tersiguel's. It's a French family-run restaurant in an old house in Ellicott City, just outside Baltimore. The owner is a delight and they are surprisingly creative without leaving the realm of classic food. Had the opportunity to do the 8 or 9 course chef's menu a few months ago and it was awesome. Although one of the cooler things is that they have their own produce gardens but at this time of year that might not be as big of a component on the menu as it was when we were there.

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Tersiguel's
8293 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD 21043

[kukubura]

I don't know if you've had any experience with African cuisines but right in the heart of Bmore is a fine Ethioian restaurant called Dukem. DC is full of great Ethiopian restaurants, and we used to have more, but Dukem is a terrific introduction to an amazing cuisine.

If you're a little more adventurous in your location picks you could also try Nigerian food at Peju's Kitchen in Woodlawn. It's off-the-beaten-path but it's really good:
http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/balt...
Not too far if you're driving.

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Peju's Kitchen
1724 Woodlawn Dr Ste 18, Gwynn Oak, MD 21207

[kukubura]

One more and then I'll stop: If you're looking for brunch there's a fun one at Hull Street Blues Cafe. It's a real neighborhood place in Locust Point, on the south side of the harbor in a formerly industry heavy area (think Domino sugar, etc...) It's an all you can eat buffet plus all you can eat waffles, pancakes and french toast cooked to order and just brought to the table. Nice bloody marys. A great place for visitors, I think. Plus I like walking around the neighborhood, even though so much of it has been built up into gross condos now.

(The all you can eat brunch at Darker Than BLue on Greenmount is really good too, btw. But it's byob.)

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Hull Street Blues Cafe
1222 Hull St, Baltimore, MD 21230

[baltoellen]

Have you been hiding this Nigerian place from your fellow Baltimore 'hounds?! ;-) It looks really interesting. Any thoughts on what to have there?

[kukubura]

Oh no, did I just ruin a secret favorite!? ;) I really liked the fish dishes a lot and, yes the moin moin was awesome. The egusi and efo sauces were great. The ogbono was a bit slimy in texture for me although the taste was cool. But I wouldn't want a big plate of that. And ya gotta love fufu.

edit: oops the link above wasn't directl to the article about Pejus: http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/baltimore/the-nigerian-connection/Content?oid=1303595

Urbanite's food writing has been really useful lately. There was also a recent article about an Indo-Chinese restaurant in Columbia ( http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/baltimore/shubh-diwali/Content?oid=1323098 ) and of course the JFX farmers market fish guy (my favorite guy: http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/balt... )

[tipitina]

thanks kukubura. I love moin moin. there was a west african restaurant here in st. paul called Dupsey's. I tried to make it at home, but it didn't turn out as good. i am excited to eat it again!

[hill food]

oh Attman's. be sure to let them know it's your first time and you might get a sample of the pastrami or corned beef. and check out what photos you find inside and around of what the neighborhood used to be like.

It's a fascinating city.

[hopeinmee]

I tend to take out of town guests to Chiapparelli's for the salad and brunch at Ms. Shirley's at the inner harbor. They all have seemed happy with their meals.

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Chiapparelli's
237 S High St, Baltimore, MD 21202

[ClevelandDave]

To the degree you "must" do anything, you must go to Woodberry Kitchen! Top food, interesting atmosphere, good deal, in some respects unique as a place and as a place to eat.

www.woodberrykitchen.com

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Woodberry Kitchen
2010 Clipper Park Road, #126, Baltimore, MD 21211

[tipitina]

Woodberry looks amazing. it will be a lovely balance to the other places.

[melpy]

Be sure to get a reservation. I tried to go but haven't made it yet. No longer live in the area.

[tremom]

For a great sandwich in an unprepossessing place, try Trinacria. The small Italian grocery store is lovely and the sandwiches are amazing. There isn't a great place to sit; more of a pick up the food and go.

You could also consider the Helmand if you are interested in ethic food. Try the pumpkin.

[kukubura]

Trinacria: Another great suggestion. Could easily be paired with a trip to Lexington Market. LM is worth a visit (unless you can't handle an "urban" environment) but it's hit and miss for me these days. Strolling up to Trinacria and checking out how cool it is (and maybe getting some snacks to take with you) would round out the experience, I think.

Helmand has slipped for me. Plus it's so packed that it's actually a pretty unpleasant dining experience.

Has no one mentioned the Brewer's Art?!?! Solid, sometimes terrific food, plus many unique house-brewed beers in an amazing space.

The Owl Bar is a place I like to take visitors. The food is good (not necessarily overly creawtive, but solid) but the room is amazing. A true piece of Baltimore beauty.

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Brewer's Art
1106 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201

Lexington Market
400 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201

[conradical]

The Brewer's Art then over to the Owl Bar for drinks and atmosphere is a good new school/old school Baltimore paring. This is getting into a different vibe than Chaps and LP Steamers but while we're in this direction Petit Louis must be mentioned. PL is one of the few great fine dining meets TLC service experiences I've ever had. I've been going there every time I visit Balmer for 5+ years and it never disappoints.

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Brewer's Art
1106 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201

Petit Louis
4800 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210

[tipitina]

thanks for the Brewer's Art idea. my beau will be joining me for a few days and he loves good beer and solid old school cocktails.

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Brewer's Art
1106 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201

[kukubura]

Brewer's Art really is about the beer. Down Charles st is another fine place that is about the cocktails: B&O American Brasserie in the Hotel Monaco. The bar chef there has won national awards for his drinks...

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Brewer's Art
1106 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201

[tipitina]

how has helmand slipped? the menu looks fantastic and I would risk it if it is only sporadically off. it's disappointing when a restaurant doesn't maintain its standards.

[kukubura]

Haven't been frequently enough to make a definitive statement but I felt they were resting on their laurels the last few times as far as food goes and thought that they were definitely not managing their tables well (had reservations both of the last two times but still spent a half hour to an hour in the overcrowded bar area with no one to take a drink order waiting to sit.)

[poached]

I love the Helmand and it is a great place to go- but the menu (I'm pretty sure) has never changed, reservations are pretty much irrelevant (but still make them) and service can be aloof, rushed or both. That said the menu is excellent- the baby pumpkin is a must and the aushak is my personal favorite, if it ain't broke don't fix it I guess. Don't go there starving because you might have a wait if you have more than 2 people (2 tops rarely wait). They are all about turnover in this busy place (plus they cater to the time restricted theater crowd) so my advice is take your time and take control of the experience order at your pace not theirs. It really is a unique wonderful place. If you care more about great food than memorable service the above shouldn't sway you away from there.

[kukubura]

Not at all trying to sway anyone away from this staple but I will say that one of our longest and most unpleasant waits was for a mere two person party.

[poached]

that sucks! I too wish they would get their service up to snuff but I feel it's a bit of a lost cause- they do fine questionable service and all

[tipitina]

thanks for the tip. if we go, we'll try to hit it early. the menu looks so interesting.

[lawhound]

Another great Jewish deli is the Edmart, in Pikesville on Reisterstown Road. Great brisket, corned beef and pastrami, though Attman's is a little better on this score. And better fish than Attman's. Just a couple of tables in the back to eat at, though.

[JonParker]

I like your list mostly. I'm not a huge pit beef guy, but most people here prefer Pioneer Pit Beef to Chaps. Listen to hon on the crabs -- I have been for years and she knows her stuff.

Grace Garden, Faidley's, Attman's and Piedigrotta are the absolute don't miss spots on your list. At Attman's get the pastrami (my fave) or corned beef. Faidley's does a great crab cake bu their fish sandwich is as good or better. Be sure to get a coddie or two.

I'd swap Dangerously Delicious Pies for a return trip to Piedigrotta's -- there's way more there than you can eat in one visit and DDP is just ok -- I don't like their crusts at all.

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Dangerously Delicious Pies
1036 Light St, Baltimore, MD

Grace Garden
1690 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD

[juandymondo]

I have two for you to try.
1.Holy Frijoles in Hamden great fish tacos
908 W. 36th Street
21211
Andy Nelsons BBQ everything is good. Fridays special BBQ catfish and BBQ rice
11007 York Road
21030
good luck

[Jeserf]

I had a great chili releno at holy frijoles. They also have an excellent taco salad.

[lawhound]

A note of dissent on Holy Frijoles. I like them fine, but would not put them in the top 5 Mexican places in Baltimore (Blue Agave, Tortielleria Sinaloa, etc). And if I were picking a list of interesting Baltimore places per the OP's guidelines, I suspect HF would not be in the top 20.

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Holy Frijoles
908 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211

[hon]

I agree, I live in the 'hood and find their food from OK to mediocre, nothing special. The $3 margaritas on Saturday afternoons at the bar are very special though!

[kukubura]

Errr... Blue Agave is truly awful. Holy Frijoles is better any day of the week, even if it's not a CH destination. (I used to love HF in college but consider it cheesy junky fun now, but rarely go.)

Tortilleria Sinaoloa, however, is magnificent and more than worthy of a visit from an out-of-towner. A great suggestion.

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Blue Agave Restaurant
1032 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

Holy Frijoles
908 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211

[momnivore]

I agree that Andy Nelson's is good but I think Big Bad Wolf (5713 Harford Road) is even better for BBQ. And if you're heading in that direction, might I also recommend Clementine's?

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Big Bad Wolf's House of Barbeque
5713 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214

[Jeserf]

I love Blue Moon. I haven't been in a long time, but it was always excellent when I went. I think Pitango gelato is also something worth trying. They have delicious hot chocolate.

Definitely hit the JFX farmers market if you can.

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Blue Moon Cafe
1621 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231

[crowsonguy]

If you want pit beef and don't go to Chaps, there are delicious, smoky and tender pit beef sandwiches at the Sunday market under the JFX, just follow your nose. Dangerously Delicious Pies are also on sale there; and if you calorie count is running low, freshly made mini donutsat the market would fit into your food tour

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Dangerously Delicious Pies
1036 Light St, Baltimore, MD

[Roland Parker]

I fall in the camp that finds Lexington Market unappealing if only because I find the food not worth the trip. Faidleys is the exception but it occupies a semi-autonomous niche of its own within the market. The crabcakes are tasty but they are not representative of the traditional Maryland crabcakes. Altogether, if you enjoy "low brow" food you will probably enjoy Lexington Market.

I doubt you're missing any special Baltimore institution based on your comprehensive list, which is a bit on the high calorie side, so you may want to walk instead of drive! Blue Moon is a standard "artsy" diner which did serve excellent pancakes but it's been years and years since I ate there.

For crab and steamed shrimp you may want to consider LP Steamers on Fort Avenue in Baltimore, across the harbor from Fell's Point. The place still retains much of a ye olde working class Baltimore atmosphere and their coconut cake is one of the best I've ever had.

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Lexington Market
400 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201

Blue Moon Cafe
1621 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231

[hon]

Some of the worst crabs I have had in recent years has been at LP Steamers, can't recommend that place at all and Stoney Creek is just OK. Had great crabs a couple of weeks ago at "Ships Cafe" in Catonsville.

828 Frederick Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
[phone]

[baltoellen]

I agree that LP Steamers has a great location, a great view of the Domino's sugar sign from the deck, nice people working there, but truly awful crabs.

[tipitina]

I can appreciate a good view of the Domino's sugar sign! Too bad about the crab.

[poached]

RP- What about Faidley's crab crakes do you think are not traditional? IMO (and this is a highly shared opinion of Baltimoreans) they are quintessential crabcakes- the standard that most others fail to live up to. But you must get the jumbo lump. Additionally they have excellent sides- especially the mac and cheese and cucumber salad .
I've been going to this market since I was born and I'll admit I may get overly sentimental and defensive about the place but I take every out of towner there and it is always loved. It is one of the few places where all of Baltimore comes together- from the down trodden to the power brokers and everyone in between sharing for a moment in a common B-more love of amazing seafood. The other highlights of the market can be found in other posts but personally- I get roasted peanuts from the peanut shoppe and a couple of Berger cookies from the Berger stall.

If you want good crabs and you don't mind traveling a short distance out of the city- I recommend Costa's or Bill's Terrance Inn- they both have great crabs all year long. In the city and in the fall winter I recommend Canton Dockside or Bo Brooks. If it is nice out I love the crab eating experience on the deck at Nick's Fish House.

I totally second baltoellen's rec of Matthew's Pizza- it is a special family place that will cause you to have dreams about their pizza- it's thick pie with lots of cheese. Zorba's is great greek but I'm personally more drawn to Samos- their spinach pie is out of sight.

Blue Moon is superb but go during the week it is too popular and small to handle the demand on the weekends- the wait gets absurd. Also in Fell's point I reccomend grabbing a drink and some mussel's at Bertha's in the bar, especially when they have a blue band,it is a great experience. Grab some gelato at Pitango afterward.

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Zorba's
4710 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

Blue Moon Cafe
1621 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231

Bo Brooks Restaurant
2701 Boston St, Baltimore, MD 21201

Canton Dockside
3301 Boston St, Baltimore, MD 21224

[conradical]

Good advice about going to the Blue Moon on a weekday. Their Cap'n Crunch french toast is surprizingly good. Bertha's is a good suggestion, too, and an off hours rainy day lunch of their fish chowder and draft beers at the bar is hard to beat Baltimore ambience.

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Blue Moon Cafe
1621 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231

[Roland Parker]

Every time I've had Faidley's crabcakes, which has always been the lump meat version, it's had a marked tomato paste flavor which must form part of the batter. Maryland crabcakes traditionally consisted only of crabmeat and seasoning held together by a beaten egg and perhaps a smidgeon of mayonnaise and sometimes rolled in breadcrumbs before being fried. I've never had anything that tasted like Faidley's crabcakes elsewhere. It may be excellent but I still wouldn't call it a Maryland style crabcake.

Then again, food is subject to very personal opinions. Matthews is popular but I have never cared for their pizza, finding the crust too thick with too much cheese and the sauce too sweet. It's fine as comfort food go, but I would never call it a great pizza.

[baltoellen]

I think you're off to a great start.

I would eat more than just crab cakes at Lexington Market. Do a search of this board for other options, and be prepared to read reviews of the there's nothing at all chow-worthy about the place, it's scary, and why oh why would anyone go there ilk.

I used to be one of the few defenders of Chap's on this board, but recently had a truly lousy sandwich there (ok, it was right before closing), and am rethinking ever recommending it again.

I'm not familiar with Stoney Creek for crabs. A favorite on this board is Mr Bill's in Essex.

I wouldn't miss the Greek food in Baltimore, specifically Zorba's, for the amazing lamb chops and great grilled fish. (Also, do a search.) I'd also see if I could fit in Matthew's pizza, which is a bit of a local institution.

If you're here on a Sunday, plan to have your breakfast at the JFX Farmers' Market. One of the very best things about living here!

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Zorba's
4710 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

Lexington Market
400 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201