Visiting downtown Baltimore or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know the heart of the city by browsing its most popular local eateries, from a breakfast and brunch spot to a Peruvian restaurant.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit downtown, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood hot spots. Read on for the results.
1. Maiwand Grill
Topping the list is Afghan restaurant Maiwand Grill. Located at 324 W. Baltimore St., it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 324 reviews on Yelp. It has a second location in Burtonsville.
Its specialties are kebabs, served with pita, rice and salad; and curries, like the green pea and potato, or the chickpea curry. Traditional sides include aushak, a ravioli filled with scallions, served with garlic yogurt, topped with mint and ground beef sauce.
2. Faidley Seafood
Next up is Faidley Seafood, which offers seafood and more in Lexington Market, at 203 N. Paca St. It's been in business since 1886, providing fresh and prepared fish and shellfish to generations of fans.
Diners in this counter-service space are especially taken with the award-winning jumbo lump crab cakes. Other noteworthy menu items include the soups (Maryland crab, lobster bisque), fish (haddock, catfish) and seafood options like sheared scallops and fried clam strips. With four stars out of 977 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
3. Saturday Morning Cafe
Breakfast and brunch spot Saturday Morning Cafe is another top choice. There's a Southern bent to the offerings, from the chicken and waffles to the loaded grits. A revolving sandwich menu has included a chicken breast fried in sweet tea batter, as well as a crab cake, each served on a toasted brioche roll.
Breakfast is served all day along with the house-branded artisan coffee. Yelpers give the cafe, located at 111 Water St., four stars out of 930 reviews.
4. Puerto 511
Next up, Peruvian spot Puerto 511 is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 275 Yelp reviews. Ceviche opens up the menu, then gives way to appetizers like tamales and marinated veal heart skewers. Entrees include the Peruvian-style stir-fried beef tenderloin and lamb chops in a mint crust. Alcohol is BYOB, and reservations are recommended. Head over to 102 W. Clay St. to see for yourself.
5. Jack and Zach's Food
Then there's Jack and Zach's Food, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 232 reviews on Yelp. Much of the food, like the veggie patties and the sausages, is made in house and is sourced from local providers. You'll find eggs and pancakes for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch. It's a cozy space, with all seating at the counter. You can find the New American spot at 333 N. Charles St.
