18 Best Restaurants in Maryland, USA

In what was once a hardware store, this casual eatery has one interior wall of exposed brick and another of exposed plaster; both are used to hang art for sale by local artists. Daily specials are chalked on a blackboard and include a large cheese-and-pâté plate, flatbread pizzas, deli sandwiches, espresso, waffles, soups, and salads.

Deli sandwiches (many named after local politicians), burgers, subs, crab cakes, and milkshakes are the fare at this very busy counter-and-booth institution. Baltimoreans Ruth and Chick Levitt purchased the building, built in 1899, in 1965. Their son Ted and his wife, Beth, continue the business today. Don't plan on placing an order at 8:30 am on a weekday or 9:30 am on a weekend—that's when the place stops to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Daily Grind is the neighborhood spot for coffee and Wi-Fi.

A comfortable spot for a chai latte or espresso creation, Dooby's serves artisanal sandwiches, pastries, and they offer a full dinner menu as well.

With its glow-in-the-dark green and yellow exterior colors, the Jetty strives for an aura of the tropics among its very laid-back crowd. Popular with area residents and visitors alike, its large, partially covered outdoor seating area juts out over the waters of Kent Narrows—hence its name. It's a prime spot to watch boat traffic, both commercial and leisure, traversing under a drawbridge between the Chester River and the Eastern Bay. Drinks are strong and most of the food is bad for your health, but it's fun and (relatively) family-friendly. There are periodic karaoke nights and occasional live music on weekends.

is the richest ice cream around. It is made from Kilby's herd of Holstein cows on a dairy located in nearby Rising Sun, which is why the motto is "from cow to cone in two days." Flavors include Holstein Cream, Cow Dough, and Chocotopia. Located in the historic district on the canal, it is open daily from 11:30 am to 9 pm.

Scrumptious burgers abound at Kooper's—be they made with Angus or Wagyu beef, bison, lamb or even black beans. It's a popular Thames Street watering hole and restaurant.

Lexington Market is in a slightly sketchy area, but a trip there for Faidley's crab cakes is definitely worth it.

One of the few restaurants in the city with a rooftop, this establishment co-owned by Annapolis mayor Gavin Buckley takes full advantage of its lovely perch and features live music most evenings. The menu satisfies global palates in a town otherwise known for Old Bay and crab cakes, bringing in a bit of Australian flair from the mayor's homeland.

Modest Neptune's claims of preparing "the world's best mussels" rings true with many, making the trip to this tiny town just north of Chesapeake Beach worthwhile. Attached to the small bar, a glass-enclosed dining room with a brick floor is a friendly, informal spot to dig in to its signature dish—it's also a great place for nice views. Also on the menu are seafood pastas, burgers, and cuts of Angus beef. Don't let the "divey" atmosphere dissuade you; order the mussels (sold by the pound) and enjoy. This is the best restaurant (and there are few choices) in town.

With great vegetarian food, cocktails, and doors that stay open until 2 am every day but Sunday, it's no surprise that students love the One World Cafe. In summer, take advantage of the café's sidewalk seating.

The ceilings and walls of this funky, colorful diner are plastered with toys and other interesting objects. People come at all hours (it's open 7 am–midnight every day except Tuesday, and until 2 am on the weekend) for the overstuffed omelets, big stacks of pancakes, burgers, nachos, sandwiches and... bacon milkshakes (a must-try). Stop by at midnight on a Friday or Saturday night to nosh on sweet potato fries with hipsters and students from nearby Johns Hopkins University. The servers have a diner attitude—they don't always seem too interested in serving, and the food might take a while—but the place is always lively and entertaining.

Piedigrotta Bakery is ground zero for tiramisu. Owner/pastry chef Carminantonio Iannaccone is credited with inventing the dessert in Italy, and he brought it with him to Baltimore, making residents forever grateful. You will be, too, after one bite of his spongy confection, made with ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, espresso, and Marsala. Piedigrotta also serves sandwiches, pizza, and fresh loaves of Italian breads—all baked in-house.

This traditional English-style pub serves better-than-usual tavern fare, as well as more than 100 beers—30 on tap—including five Fordham beers and others from around the world. Brunch is served on Sunday, and nationally known folk, rock, jazz, country, and bluegrass artists perform most nights.

Trinacria Foods is an authentic Italian grocery store a few blocks from Lexington Market that sells meat, cheese, fresh-baked bread, pastries, and wine. There's no better sandwich in the area.

Espresso, gelato, cannolis, and other delicious Italian pastries can be found at Vaccaro's, as well as sandwiches and light fare.

Whole Foods has tables and chairs inside and out for eating sandwiches, sushi, and salads.