Do you love food? If so, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we explore exactly where a foodie should eat, drink, and shop for local delicacies in the great city of Baltimore, famous for crab cakes and being the set for The Wire.
Eating In Baltimore
For foodies, Baltimore is a cool place to visit. Not only does it have a rich history, but it is also intertwined with its culinary delights. From seafood to breweries and bakeries, there’s something for everyone in the great Harbor City.
If it’s crab cakes you’re after, you’ll find many establishments selling them around the town. Top of the locals’ favorite list is Lexington Market, the home of Faidley’s Seafood. This haunt has been serving fresh and delicious seafood since 1886 and offers jumbo crab cakes that local people love. Order them with fried or broiled, or get them with coleslaw and fries.
You should also try pit beef, another Baltimore classic. Here, chefs prepare thinly-sliced roast beef over charcoal and serve it with horseradish sauce – based on a traditional Old World recipe, developed over several decades.
Drinking In Baltimore
Baltimore is also an excellent place to find great drinks, thanks to its many pubs and breweries, and the influence of European settlers. Perhaps the most famous example is The Brewer’s Art, which opened in 1996 in a historic townhouse. The owners make various beers, including IPAs and Belgian-style ales. They also serve drinks with classic dishes, including duck confit and mussels (another popular local delicacy).
If you prefer wine to beer, then it’s well worth visiting The Wine Source. This shop and bar offer various curated wines from around the world, selling cheeses, charcuterie bread, and gourmet items. You can pair these with wines to see what goes with what.
Staying In Baltimore
Where you stay in Baltimore is also a critical consideration on any food trip to the city. The ROOST Baltimore Extended Stay Hotel is one example of several places to stay close to the Locust Point area but that also have access to the city center and South Baltimore via S Hanover Street.
Shopping In Baltimore
Finally, you can also shop in Baltimore as a way to explore the local flavors. Many travelers visit some of the farmers’ markets and specialty shops that sell fresh and artisanal products.
The most famous area is the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar, which is open every Sunday from April to December under the Jones Falls Expressway. Here you can find various cheeses, baked goods, vegetables, meats, flowers, and crafts to take with you on the next stage of your journey.
You can also do some fun shopping in Wockenfuss Candies, one of the city’s most famous confectionary stores. Here, you can stock up on sticks of rock, candy canes, and pretty much any other all-American treat you can think of.
Are you planning on visiting Baltimore in the near future? Be sure to check out the recommended haunts in this article for foodie inspiration.