Tucked between the university campus and the suburban sprawl, Towson’s barbecue scene is a smoky haven worth planning a pilgrimage for—especially if you’re craving ribs that require extra napkins or celebrating with friends who appreciate a proper pulled pork platter.
Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbeque
$ | (410) 444-6422 | WEBSITE
Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbeque, a barbecue joint serving Towson for years, was a tough act to follow. Fortunately, it stayed true to the down-home spirit of classic BBQ, offering an expansive menu of smoky staples in its quaint, unchanged space. On weekend evenings, folks line up to eat the signature Big Bad Wolf sandwich or fall-off-the-bone pork ribs at a wooden table up front, or on a cozy booth in the back. Keep in mind, the parking situation nearby can be awkward.
Butch’s Bistro
$$ | (667) 354-2328 | WEBSITE
This cozy barbecue spot feels like a classic neighborhood joint. Guests settle into sturdy wooden booths, under rustic beams that evoke Southern smokehouse charm while still being completely inviting. You can grab a burger at the counter, but the $25 prix fixe is the only format available in the main dining area.
Choosing between the “Ain’t No Half Steppin'” burger and other smoky specialties doesn’t feel as complicated when you know—just from watching the attentive staff—that it’s all going to be delicious.
The Gift
$ | (443) 449-6360 | WEBSITE
This Towson barbecue spot is a reminder that waiting in line for great food doesn’t need to be a frustration. It can be an anticipation—especially when it leads to perfectly seasoned fish sandwiches or comforting macaroni and cheese. Open for years, The Gift is still a very good choice for a satisfying everyday meal. Definitely try the sweet potatoes.
Super Fried Chicken
$ | (410) 539-4924 | WEBSITE
Super Fried Chicken works for everything. Lunch, dinner, takeout—the stall does it all, and has room for every single craving or quick meal. The busy space, with its efficient counters and trays of golden chicken, feels like it fell out of a classic Baltimore market, and the B’more style dishes are both straightforward and very satisfying.
Get some wings, some fried rice, or a plump chicken breast, or swing by during off-hours if you want to avoid the line but still try the best fried chicken in the market.
Mr. Fries Man
$ | (410) 773-0440 | WEBSITE
Mr. Fries Man looks like something out of a fast-food fever dream, and has a devoted following among those who have strong feelings toward loaded fries. The compact space is filled with the sizzle of the fryer, the aroma of garlic and lemon, and the cheerful efficiency of staff like Kamya, and the indulgent seafood-topped fries are better than you’d expect from a place with no seating.
You’re going to consume a lot of crispy potatoes here—with your lemon garlic crab and shrimp, honey garlic steak, and lemon pepper shrimp and crabmeat—and, ideally, you’ll dunk them in that spicy mango habanero sauce.
Charcoal Deli
$ | (410) 666-3730 | WEBSITE
If you want to celebrate a special occasion at a place where you don’t have to worry about sullying a pristine tablecloth, head to Charcoal Deli. From the family that has run this local favorite for over twenty years, this restaurant serves delicious food at reasonable prices in a space with simple outdoor seating.
Your meal might begin with a perfect bite of pit beef dipped in insane BBQ sauce, possibly followed by ribs served with boardwalk fries, a hot open face roast beef sandwich, or old bay chicken caesar salad. The homemade blondies are also not to be missed.
Everest Spice Bar And Grill
$ | (443) 627-8127 | WEBSITE
After they mastered the art of authentic Nepalese cuisine in a bustling market setting, the team behind Everest Spice Bar And Grill apparently thought, ‘Let’s keep it simple, but with soul.’ Like its beloved classics, this spot offers a casual meal, which costs around $18 per person and comes with naan, a mango lassi, and two types of perfectly spiced, flavorful dishes.
It can be tricky to find a quiet moment at one of the tables in the dining area tucked inside Broadway Market, but there’s a modest bar and a few casual seats for takeout orders. The waits are minimal, but memorable.
Jong Kak
$$ | (410) 837-5231 | WEBSITE
Jong Kak’s charcoal BBQ area in the back is where you can grill your own meats for about $25 per person. If you want an interactive dining experience that feels like a lively Korean cookout, that’s where you should sit. But we prefer the more relaxed main dining area up front, where you can eat some excellent fried chicken appetizers or a top-notch bibimbap. If you need a last-minute spot to feed some hungry friends, stop by and get a few seats at a table.
STEAKN’BONE
$$ | (443) 401-2288 | WEBSITE
The barbecue scene in Towson has evolved with new spots popping up, but this Canton favorite, from the same team behind other local gems, still feels vibrant and current. Plan on about $45 per person, and make sure to try the marinated short ribs and the seasoned rib eye with their signature sauces. The compact space with warm lighting at each table works perfectly for catching up with friends, especially if you’re in the mood for some Korean banchan.
It’s easier to get a table these days, but the combo for two with four meats and two sides remains as flavorful and satisfying as ever.
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
$$ | (410) 826-8888 | WEBSITE
Still crowded, even on a Tuesday night. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, a hybrid of Korean barbecue and hot pot, remains packed to the gills, and there’s a reason for that. The quality of the beef short ribs is fantastic, and the $32 all-you-can-eat, while not the cheapest, is a great deal for what you get. Called the “dual experience,” the meal comes with garlic chicken, salad bar with crab legs, your choice of broth, and more.
In the context of a bright, bustling space with tablet ordering stations, it makes for a fun night out. Especially with a server who has a full sleeve of tattoos making sure your grill stays hot.
Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar
$$ | (443) 948-5590 | WEBSITE
Dinner at this warm, whiskey-scented barbecue joint is like settling into a favorite leather armchair—if that armchair happened to serve exceptional brisket. All that atmosphere, plus a lively bar and chill vibe with great music, makes Blue Pit a solid choice for a special-feeling casual meal. Make sure you order the flavorful, tender brisket with the in-house made BBQ sauce and the great mac n cheese.
Wings Town
$ | (410) 558-0484 | WEBSITE
From the owner who’s been serving the community for years, Wings Town is a hole-in-the-wall spot that uses everything at its disposal to place you in authentic comfort food territory. It’s a satisfying trick, and it works. The portions are generous, the walls are simple but welcoming, and the hearty food is inspired by classic soul food traditions. If you can’t snag a booth, stop by around lunch to grab a counter seat, then try a plate of BBQ ribs with yams and collard greens.
Pair it with a sweet tea the color of amber, and finish with some home fries.