The Great Debate: Maryland’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
In the small town of Frederick, about 50 miles northwest of Baltimore, Maryland’s barbecue scene comes alive at Family BBQ. This local favorite is nestled near the historic downtown district, where the rustic charm of brick buildings and cobblestone streets blends seamlessly with the smoky aroma wafting from their pit. Family BBQ specializes in Maryland-style pit beef, a tradition deeply rooted in the region that sets it apart from the typical southern sweet or vinegar-based barbecue. The beef is cooked over an open flame to a medium rare, then shaved thin and served atop fresh white bread with horseradish sauce. Visiting during a sunny afternoon in spring or fall is ideal, as you can enjoy open-air seating downtown while savoring the bold, smoky flavors that capture the heart of Maryland’s blue-collar barbecue heritage.
Travel about 30 minutes southeast of Annapolis, and you’ll find yourself in the charming town of Severna Park, home to The Pizza Shop. This unassuming spot boasts a loyal following thanks to its commitment to New York-style pizza, crafted with a Maryland twist. The dough is hand-tossed daily, but what truly sets The Pizza Shop apart is its use of fresh, locally sourced Maryland crab meat as a unique topping option, blending two regional favorites into one. The neighborhood’s family-friendly atmosphere and a cozy dining room filled with sports memorabilia make it an inviting place to linger over a pie. For the best experience, visit on a crisp fall evening when the nearby Chesapeake Bay breeze adds to the welcoming, down-home vibe.
If your travels take you about 45 minutes south of Baltimore, look no further than the town of Solomons on the Patuxent River, a renowned destination for seafood lovers. At the heart of this community lies The Ruddy Duck, an inviting waterfront restaurant famous for its blue crab specialties. Its crab cakes, made from jumbo lump crab meat with minimal fillers, embody the essence of Maryland’s seafood traditions. What distinguishes this spot is not only the food but also the panoramic views of the river and the Solomons Island Marina, where boats gently bob against the backdrop of serene waters. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when outdoor dining under the open sky and balmy evenings enhance the experience of savoring fresh seafood just steps from the water’s edge.
Heading west to Oakland in Garrett County, roughly three hours from Baltimore, you’ll discover a different kind of barbecue experience at the Garrett County BBQ Festival, held annually near Deep Creek Lake. Even if you miss the event, local spots like The Crooked Creek offer smoked ribs and pulled pork that reflect the Appalachian influence on Maryland’s barbecue style. The setting here is mountainous and lush, making it a perfect pairing for hearty, smoky food after exploring the nearby Herrington Manor State Park trails. These trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, weave through dense forest and past placid lakes, providing a fresh mountain air palate cleanser between bites. Autumn’s vibrant foliage frames the landscape, delivering a feast for both eyes and taste buds.
Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood, standing just south of the Inner Harbor, pulses with pizza energy at places like Joe Squared. This lively spot is celebrated for its thin crust pizzas baked in wood-fired ovens. What makes Joe Squared exceptional is its creative toppings that incorporate local Maryland ingredients, such as Old Bay-seasoned chicken or Maryland-style sausage, blending the city’s urban grit with a culinary nod to state flavors. The vibrant atmosphere of Federal Hill, with its historic brick warehouses and panoramic views of the Baltimore skyline, enhances the dining experience. Evening visits during the warmer months allow diners to enjoy the bustling outdoor patios and soak in the energetic city vibe.
For a seafood experience that feels truly authentic, venture to the fishing village of St. Michaels on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, about an hour east of Annapolis. At the renowned restaurant, The Crab Claw, the focus is on fresh, locally caught Chesapeake Bay blue crabs served steamed with Old Bay seasoning, a Maryland staple. The Crab Claw’s location near the harbor gives diners a chance to watch working watermen unloading their catch, connecting patrons directly with the source of their meal. Spring and summer are the best seasons here, as the crab harvest is at its peak, and the waterfront setting comes alive with boaters and festivals celebrating the bay’s rich maritime culture.
Lastly, in the college town of College Park, about 10 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., a local favorite for pizza is the iconic Brooklyn Pizza. This spot offers a classic East Coast pizza experience, but what sets it apart is its proximity to the University of Maryland, which infuses the restaurant with a lively student crowd and a casual, welcoming vibe. Visitors can enjoy slices that balance a crisp, chewy crust with flavorful sauce and generous toppings, reflecting the melting pot of cultures in this suburban hub. Daytime visits during the fall or spring semesters provide a chance to soak up the youthful energy and perhaps pair your pizza with a walk through the nearby University of Maryland Arboretum, blending culinary and natural delights in one outing.
From the smoky pits of Frederick to the crab shacks lining the Eastern Shore, Maryland offers a rich culinary tapestry woven into its diverse landscapes. Whether you lean toward the tender, smoky allure of pit beef, the doughy comfort of pizza with a local twist, or the briny sweetness of fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood, the state invites you to taste its history, culture, and geography one bite at a time. Each destination carries a story and a flavor all its own, making any food pilgrimage here as memorable as the meals themselves.