Unique Eats of Baltimore

Created in the Chesapeake Bay area in Maryland, Old Bay is something that you’ll find in every Baltimore restaurant. Whether you use Old Bay on shrimp or crab, or add it to french fries, salads or potato chips, this blend of herbs and spices is sure to add some flavor to whatever you’re eating.

Drink like a Baltimore local and ask for a National Bohemian beer, affectionately known as “Natty Boh.” A great place to enjoy a Natty Boh would be Nacho Mama’s in Canton, the home of the first Natty Boh on tap.

For many travelers, a good cup of coffee is a must! If you’re one of them, keep an eye out for one of the many Zeke’s Coffee locations.  Founder Thomas Rhodes has taken this delicious small-batch roasted bean from a table at the Baltimore Farmer’s Market, to retail coffee shops in Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Washington. You can also still purchase the coffee at the 32nd Street Farmer’s Market every Saturday or head to the shop at 4607 Hartford Road.

Have a sweet tooth? Baltimore’s Berger cookie is a shortbread cookie topped with a layer of thick chocolate fudge icing. Brought to their East Baltimore Bakery from Germany in 1835, George and Henry Berger’s recipe has received several awards, and their cookies have become a staple of the Baltimore Culture. You can find the cookies at grocery stores around Maryland and then order them online when you get home. 

Another way to enjoy the famous sweet is to visit the The Charmery in Hampden. A local family-owned ice cream shop, they serve a Berger cookies and cream that’s a big hit with the locals.

Abbey Burger Bistro is the place to go if you’re in the mood for a good burger or trying something new. At Abbey Burger, you can pick from a menu of their unique appetizers (we recommend the waffle fry nachos) salads, and house specialities.

Our personal pick would be the "build your own burger" option, which gives patrons the option to choose their type of bun, meat (or vegetarian substitute,) and plenty of toppings and sauces to make the burger of your dreams.

Miss Shirley’s was once a small 42-seat cafe in Baltimore that has since grown into three destinations in Roland Park, Annapolis, and the Inner Harbor. Popular with locals and travelers alike, the upscale casual eatery’s menu is chock full of breakfast and lunch options along with morning cocktails.

Everyone in the Charles Village-area of Baltimore can point you in the direction of the Paper Moon Diner. This kitsch-filled eatery features walls completely covered with toys, dolls, miscellaneous artwork, pez dispensers, stickers… the list goes on. The menu is filled with just as much variety as the walls, ranging from classic breakfast options to comfort foods, delicious milkshakes (try the Caramel & Sea Salt), sandwiches, salads, quesadillas and more.