Should you care about Baltimore’s barbecue scene? It depends on whether you’re willing to hunt down that perfect smoky brisket that melts like butter or settle for something that tastes like yesterday’s campfire. While the city’s barbecue joints aren’t as plentiful as in Texas, it’s still thrilling to discover a spot where the ribs fall off the bone. Our updated list has all the details you’ll need on sauces, styles, and smoky perfection.
Charms Market & Deli
$ | (443) 449-5187 | WEBSITE
Charms Market & Deli may be tucked away in an unassuming strip mall in Baltimore, but with its spotless interior and staff who greet you with genuine smiles and “coming right up” as you order each slice, it’s got the vibe of a welcoming neighborhood hub (even on a busy Friday afternoon at 3pm). Grab a massive 18-inch pizza for just five bucks, share some crispy empanadas or golden fries, and let the stress of your errand run melt away.
Wings Town
$ | (410) 558-0484 | WEBSITE
One of the best barbecue spots in town has a separate breakfast and lunch menu for early birds, which features their home fries, cabbage, mac and cheese, and lake trout. Just note that you need to arrive before 11 a.m. to get the marked-down prices.
STEAKN’BONE
$$ | (443) 401-2288 | WEBSITE
Steak n Bone is ideal for those seeking a lively spot to unwind after work or catch up with friends. It’s a smaller barbecue restaurant that serves high-quality meats, and they have a combo for two offering four meats and two sides at great value compared to ordering a la carte. The atmosphere is youthful and energetic, with clean, well-lit interiors that make it a place you’d happily return to.
Service is superb, with staff like Kevin ensuring everything runs smoothly, and the banchan selection—featuring radish kimchi, japchae, and cucumbers—adds a fresh, flavorful touch to the meal. Overall, it’s a fantastic experience that delivers on both quality and vibe.
Chaps Pit Beef Baltimore
$ | (410) 483-2379 | WEBSITE
There aren’t a ton of Baltimore barbecue spots that make service a priority. Chaps Pit Beef Baltimore is an exception—check out their menu for pit beef sandwiches, pork ribs, pit turkey, French Dip sandwiches, and more.
Butch’s Bistro
$$ | (667) 354-2328 | WEBSITE
Butch’s Bistro is the barbecue sibling to Baltimore’s best steakhouses, and often our go-to spot to satisfy a craving before a fancy dinner reservation. But we wouldn’t mind spending an entire evening at this American barbecue gem in the neighborhood, indulging in the “Ain’t No Half Steppin'” burger and perfectly cooked, hot dishes.
Heritage Smokehouse
$$ | (443) 438-7593 | WEBSITE
Heritage Smokehouse is a solid spot for a relaxed meal, especially if you’re splitting their fantastic fall-off-the-bone ribs (which pair perfectly with their creative cocktails). And if you’re really enjoying yourself, a quick bite can easily become a full dinner with options like tender brisket and standout kielbasa.
Home BBQ & Fish
$ | (410) 675-3216 | WEBSITE
There’s fantastic grilled fish at this BBQ spot, which gets busy during peak hours. Grab a sea-trout sub with onions and hot sauce, add a steak & shrimp roll, and there’s your lunch.
Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar
$$ | (443) 948-5590 | WEBSITE
The chocolate whiskey drink at Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar is excellent. We’re also big fans of the food on the regular menu, from tender brisket to the in-house made BBQ and hot sauce.
The Reserve Restaurant & Carryout
$$ | (410) 298-2021 | WEBSITE
You’ll find a welcoming, low-key vibe at this Baltimore spot dedicated to elevated diner classics. And while the food comes first here, the service is a close second, including the friendly owner Phil who makes it a true food experience. The “taste of everything” brunch lets you sample all the items for $45, or choose three favorites for $25—both options delivering hot, very tasty dishes like fried chicken, shrimp & grits, and buttered cabbage.
The atmosphere is clean and well decorated, with pleasant music and comfortable seating that adds to the relaxed feel. Servers like Ms Rikki, Natalie, and Brittany are kind, attentive, and pleasant, ensuring your meal feels special from start to finish.
Be-One
$$ | (410) 244-5600 | WEBSITE
The Deal: $27 All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ, unlimited banchan, soup, rice, fried chicken, $8 plum soju, $6 draft beers, $12 soju cocktails, discounted appetizers
JD’s House of Bacon, Inc.
Make sure to try the apple bourbon hot sauce crafted by JD’s resident bacon master—a title we’ve coveted more than once. And even though this is a serious barbecue spot, the chocolate-dipped bacon is not to be overlooked.
MISSION BBQ
$ | (443) 955-6807 | WEBSITE
Use this welcoming barbecue joint as a place for a family dinner alongside generous portions and terrific smoked meats. And if everyone’s still hungry, order more food (like the delicious brisket). If the kids are especially well-behaved, treat them to a free dessert.
Super Fried Chicken
$ | (410) 539-4924 | WEBSITE
This Lexington Market stall shares the same owners and staff who have kept the quality consistent over the years. That consistency includes their plump, juicy chicken breast for $8 (which is a steal for such generous portions). Grab one along with some of the best fried rice before the weekend crowds line up.
Meet & Feast Restaurant
$$ | (443) 348-7376 | WEBSITE
Sure, it’s called ‘Butter Chicken Masala’ instead of ‘Barbeque,’ but semantics don’t matter when you’re dealing with the best Pakistani cuisine in Baltimore—especially when the rich curries are bursting with authentic flavor. Just note that this cozy spot gets tremendously welcoming.
Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbeque
$ | (410) 444-6422 | WEBSITE
The thought of this beloved barbecue joint’s $8 hand-cut fries with sweet honey BBQ sauce is enough to pull us through the door for lunch, followed by one of the best pork ribs in town for $16. Pair those with a side of mac and cheese to sweeten the deal.
The Gift
$ | (443) 449-6360 | WEBSITE
The Deal: $8 Fish Sandwich, $10 Shrimp Platter, $9 Mac and Cheese, $7 Sweet Potatoes, $11 Shrimp Chicken, $12 Cheesesteak, $5 Sides of Yams and Collards, 10% Off Takeout Orders Over $30, Discounted Family Meals
Kong (Pocha)
$$ | (410) 801-8963 | WEBSITE
When telling your friends about this spot, make sure they don’t think you’re just suggesting some random late-night joint. The standout dishes include the Korean fried chicken and the bibimbap, and the Soju comes in multiple fun flavors.
Everest Spice Bar And Grill
$ | (443) 627-8127 | WEBSITE
The “biryani-hour” at Fells Point’s cozy little spot is all about flavor. And if you want to indulge and still feel like you got a steal, get an order of the beloved chicken biryani knocked down from $18 to $12.
Seven4Eight Restaurant & Lounge
$$ | (443) 316-8536 | WEBSITE
While the honey stuffed salmon comes in a small portion, you can easily make a meal out of the tasty sides—generous helpings of creamy mac and cheese and perfectly seasoned collard greens. It’s pricier than takeout barbecue and twice as satisfying.