Charm City has had a lot of trendy restaurants pop up in recent years. If you’re looking for more of a classic dining experience, then check out the following spots. These mom & pop restaurants in Baltimore are both scrumptious and cozy.

  1. Harbor Que BBQ & Catering

Yelp / John F. If it’s meat you crave, then it’s meat you’ll get at Harbor Que. This Federal Hill spot isn’t fancy, but that’s not what you come for anyway. The wings, bbq, and pulled pork are to die for.

Address: 1125 S Charles St Baltimore, MD 21230

  1. Byblos

Yelp / Abeer Y.

Yelp / Roy T. This Lebanese spot is full of flavor. Although this cozy spot doesn’t serve alcohol, they allow you to BYOB.

Address: 1033 Light St Baltimore, MD 21230

  1. Rita’s Place

Yelp / VA T

Yelp / Nia L. The breakfast here includes classic items that are made to perfection. Just look at those grits! The service is said to always be friendly and the prices are affordable.

Address: 2324 N Charles St Baltimore, MD 21218

  1. Samos

Yelp / Deborah G.

Yelp / Dylan O. The food at this Greektown restaurant is incredible. Whether you’re craving something as simple as a gyro or prefer something more exotic like octopus, Samos has got you (and your taste buds) covered.

Address: 600 Oldham St Baltimore, MD 21224

  1. Cafe Gia

Yelp / Alex V.

Yelp / Andrea H. This family-run business serves authentic and delicious Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is also colorful and charming, making for a dining experience to remember.

Address: 410 S High St Baltimore, MD 21202

  1. Sip & Bite Restaurant

Yelp / Matt D.

Yelp / Tyeisha H. This eatery has a diner-atmosphere and it’s been around for decades. You can expect classic American dishes as well as local cuisine, like the pictured fried crab cake sandwich.

Address: 2200 Boston St Baltimore, MD 21231

  1. Mom Ward’s Sub Shop

Yelp / Rob S.

Yelp / Sol W. This nearby no-frills restaurant in Brooklyn has everything you need for the perfect hangover breakfast or greasy lunch. Dining here is like taking a step back in time.

Address: 5910 Ritchie Hwy Brooklyn, MD 21225

  1. G & A Restaurant

Yelp / Fox E.

Yelp / Anne A. This place has all the heavy foods you could ask for, slathered in every sauce, gravy, and oil. They even have classic Coney dogs. Be sure to order them ‘all the way!’

Address: 3802 Eastern Ave Baltimore, MD 21224

  1. New Wyman Park Restaurant

Yelp / Danielle R.

Yelp / Kyralynn1989 If breakfast is calling your name, head to this establishment that is both mouthwatering and affordable. The cream chipped beef is pretty perfect.

Address: 138 W 25th St Baltimore, MD 21218

  1. Thai Restaurant

Yelp / Chris H.

Yelp / Xinting Y. Many believe that this unassuming spot has the best Thai food in the city. There is only one way to find out! Try anything on the menu and you will not be disappointed.

Address: 3316 Greenmount Ave Baltimore, MD 21218

  1. Dellis’ Restaurant Bar & Grill

Yelp / Mack K.

Yelp / Jen W. This Rosedale eatery has been around for a while, satisfying locals for years. Their crab cakes are a favorite, as well as their sandwiches, such as the pictured Reuben.

Address: 8776 Philadelphia Rd Rosedale, MD 21237

  1. Kibby’s Restaurant & Lounge

Yelp / A. C.

Yelp / A.C. People go crazy for the shrimp salad here that’s said to be perfectly seasoned and creamy. Pair it with a crab cake and you have a perfectly light yet filling dinner.

Address: 3450 Wilkens Ave Baltimore, MD 21229

  1. Garden American Eatery

Yelp / Simon L.

Yelp / Mee L. This hidden gem has diner food that’s always fresh and always delicious. Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this tasty place has it all.

Address: 1501 Light St Baltimore, MD 21230

What are your favorite mom & pop restaurants in Baltimore? For our Baltimore dining bucket list, click here! Happy eating. 🙂

Yelp / John F.

If it’s meat you crave, then it’s meat you’ll get at Harbor Que. This Federal Hill spot isn’t fancy, but that’s not what you come for anyway. The wings, bbq, and pulled pork are to die for.

Address: 1125 S Charles St Baltimore, MD 21230

Yelp / Abeer Y.

Yelp / Roy T.

This Lebanese spot is full of flavor. Although this cozy spot doesn’t serve alcohol, they allow you to BYOB.

Address: 1033 Light St Baltimore, MD 21230

Yelp / VA T

Yelp / Nia L.

The breakfast here includes classic items that are made to perfection. Just look at those grits! The service is said to always be friendly and the prices are affordable.

Address: 2324 N Charles St Baltimore, MD 21218

Yelp / Deborah G.

Yelp / Dylan O.

The food at this Greektown restaurant is incredible. Whether you’re craving something as simple as a gyro or prefer something more exotic like octopus, Samos has got you (and your taste buds) covered.

Address: 600 Oldham St Baltimore, MD 21224

Yelp / Alex V.

Yelp / Andrea H.

This family-run business serves authentic and delicious Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is also colorful and charming, making for a dining experience to remember.

Address: 410 S High St Baltimore, MD 21202

Yelp / Matt D.

Yelp / Tyeisha H.

This eatery has a diner-atmosphere and it’s been around for decades. You can expect classic American dishes as well as local cuisine, like the pictured fried crab cake sandwich.

Address: 2200 Boston St Baltimore, MD 21231

Yelp / Rob S.

Yelp / Sol W.

This nearby no-frills restaurant in Brooklyn has everything you need for the perfect hangover breakfast or greasy lunch. Dining here is like taking a step back in time.

Address: 5910 Ritchie Hwy Brooklyn, MD 21225

Yelp / Fox E.

Yelp / Anne A.

This place has all the heavy foods you could ask for, slathered in every sauce, gravy, and oil. They even have classic Coney dogs. Be sure to order them ‘all the way!’

Address: 3802 Eastern Ave Baltimore, MD 21224

Yelp / Danielle R.

Yelp / Kyralynn1989

If breakfast is calling your name, head to this establishment that is both mouthwatering and affordable. The cream chipped beef is pretty perfect.

Address: 138 W 25th St Baltimore, MD 21218

Yelp / Chris H.

Yelp / Xinting Y.

Many believe that this unassuming spot has the best Thai food in the city. There is only one way to find out! Try anything on the menu and you will not be disappointed.

Address: 3316 Greenmount Ave Baltimore, MD 21218

Yelp / Mack K.

Yelp / Jen W.

This Rosedale eatery has been around for a while, satisfying locals for years. Their crab cakes are a favorite, as well as their sandwiches, such as the pictured Reuben.

Address: 8776 Philadelphia Rd Rosedale, MD 21237

Yelp / A. C.

Yelp / A.C.

People go crazy for the shrimp salad here that’s said to be perfectly seasoned and creamy. Pair it with a crab cake and you have a perfectly light yet filling dinner.

Address: 3450 Wilkens Ave Baltimore, MD 21229

Yelp / Simon L.

Yelp / Mee L.

This hidden gem has diner food that’s always fresh and always delicious. Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this tasty place has it all.

Address: 1501 Light St Baltimore, MD 21230

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.