A burger joint in a historic firehouse. A classic diner’s secret smash patty. A Hampden gastropub’s double-stacked masterpiece. Baltimore’s burger scene is sizzling with more creativity, flavor, and juicy options than ever before. From the chefs behind The Food Market, Sally O’s, and Clavel, here are the 20 must-try spots. Start planning your patty pilgrimage with our definitive 2025 guide.
McDonald’s
$ | (410) 889-2416 | WEBSITE
McDonald’s calls itself a burger restaurant, but that’s not a label to be taken lightly. If anything, it’s a reliable staple. Operating year-round, the Baltimore location is delivering exactly what you’d expect. The service includes friendly staff like manager Rose, and the menu revolves around hot food deals and popular drinks. During the day, you’ll find the 10-piece deal for $6, and anytime you can stop by for salty fries and a caramel frappe.
The place has easy parking, is kid-friendly, and wheelchair accessible, though there’s room for improvement in keeping those fries consistently fresh and hot.
Shake Shack
$ | (646) 747-7200 | WEBSITE
As someone who’s visited dozens of stadium eateries across the country, I had tempered expectations for Shake Shack at M&T Stadium. In addition to their signature double shack burgers, fries, and chocolate shakes, the efficient counter-service spot also serves up satisfying hot dogs and cold beers. The modern industrial space keeps things moving quickly, with staff taking orders promptly and meals arriving hot and tasty.
While the total cost of around $65 with tax and tip delivers a noticeable sting, the overall experience proves reliably good. They even accept cash payments, a welcome throwback in today’s digital world.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken&deli / Fells Point
$ | (443) 835-3663 | WEBSITE
Krispy Krunchy Chicken & Deli is serving up some of Baltimore’s best fried chicken in Fells Point. Located in a well-lit, neat corner market, it’s a to-go-only spot with street parking where you’ll find polite and kind attendants. The chicken thighs, chicken tenders, and fries are popular choices, reminiscent of Popeye’s but less greasy, while the chicken and rice is incredible and made fresh right in front of you. Their biscuits take you back to childhood—flaky and super yummy with honey butter.
Many items are affordable and delicious, like the tuna salad and crispy, flavorful chicken tenders, though the convenience store side lacks labeled prices, which can lead to unexpected costs. While some items like the mac n cheese were underwhelming, the excellent customer service and well-seasoned fries make it worth a visit.
Shake Shack Canton
$ | (410) 449-2981 | WEBSITE
First, they opened a burger joint with an impressive menu and a destination-worthy dining experience with lots of quality options. Now, the people behind Shake Shack are taking on chicken. Located in Canton, Shake Shack Canton will serve American-influenced chicken sandwiches in a well-organized space with ample seating, bright lighting, and modern furnishings.
Abbey Burger Fells Point
$$ | (410) 522-1428 | WEBSITE
The team behind Abbey Burger Fells Point, one of Baltimore’s most popular burger joints for several years now, has created a lively spot right in the heart of Fells Point. Like its original location, this cozy place offers tasty burgers and sliders, with a menu of classic options, build-your-own creations, and vegetarian choices. Former visitors to the space might miss what was there before, although hopefully this makes Abbey Burger slightly easier to get into during busy game nights.
BOZ’S Burger Bistro
$ | (410) 889-1718 | WEBSITE
Popular Baltimore burger spot BOZ’S Burger Bistro, home of the juiciest turkey burger in all of Maryland, is a standout choice. The bistro also offers classic American cheeseburgers, with an emphasis on well-cooked patties, flavorful toppings, and hand-cut fries. The restaurant has a selection of affordable burgers, which is very convenient right now. The double cheese burger is a great value, priced under $9, and sides like Old Bay fries are also delicious and well-seasoned.
With many parking options available in the neighborhood, including metered spots and free residential permit zones, it’s easy to get to the restaurant. Overall, BOZ’S Burger Bistro is a great choice for anyone craving a casual meal.
Burger King
$ | (410) 687-6018 | WEBSITE
If you can’t make it to Chick-Fil-A, you can get a taste of their chicken quality at this 24-hour drive-thru location. In addition to the popular Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps and their signature service, Burger King offers quick meals, friendly staff, and convenient parking with shorter wait times than nearby fast-food spots.
The Point In Fells
$$ | (410) 327-7264 | WEBSITE
The team behind The Point In Fells has a new spot in Baltimore’s Fells Point, inspired by the city’s vibrant waterfront dining scene. The focus is on classic American pub fare with a Chesapeake twist, and dishes like the crab dip, Richard-style wings—a mix of Old Bay, brown sugar, and buffalo sauce—and their signature burgers all coming off the grill in the lively open kitchen.
Expect more of a lively harborfront bar vibe, with a solid cocktail program featuring classics like the Orange Crush, than a quiet dinner destination. The atmosphere is welcoming and perfect for celebrations, with both indoor and outdoor seating offering lovely views of the Harbor. Service is exceptional, with friendly staff like bartender Tj and server Deja providing great recommendations.
While parking can be tricky on weekends, the overall experience—with fun events like karaoke nights—delivers on vibe, service, and quality, making it a highly recommended spot in Fells.
Smaltimore
$ | (410) 522-1421 | WEBSITE
Smaltimore, the welcoming Baltimore pub with a Liverpool twist, is becoming a local favorite. They already have a reputation for their must-try brunch pancakes and in-house mozzarella sticks, and now they’re known for their unique sushi burrito and Smaltimore Bowl. Soon, you’ll be able to grab some delicious crab tots before heading out for a chill evening.
Nash & Smashed
$ | (410) 774-6606 | WEBSITE
Nash & Smashed is bringing its acclaimed Halal Smashburgers and standout Nashville sauce to a clean, comfortable brick-and-mortar location on Baltimore’s N. Charles Street. In addition to crispy, flavorful burgers and chicken like the praised Honey Nashville Chicken and Double Smashed Mushroom Burger, they also offer delicious fries and a fast casual experience with kiosk ordering and counter pickup.
The restaurant stays open later than many spots, perfect for a satisfying meal after a night out, with friendly service and incredibly affordable prices.
Shake Shack Inner Harbor
$ | (443) 973-3630 | WEBSITE
Shake Shack Inner Harbor is one of our favorite spots for classic burgers in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The team’s signature offerings, like the mushroom burger, have received positive feedback for being very good and hot. The burgers are known to be quite greasy but absolutely delicious, delivering high-quality comfort food at an affordable price.
It’s clear what exactly the experience will be like, but during the restaurant’s peak hours, customers should be prepared for crowds and a self-ordering system that can be slow and confusing for new visitors. The staff remains efficient even when the place is packed, making the experience often worth it despite the occasional wait.
Abbey Burger Mt. Washington
$$ | (443) 449-5799 | WEBSITE
Abbey Burger Mt. Washington is known for their excellent burgers with options like the build-your-own creation and popular picks such as the Whiskey Jam Burger, but one of their standout items actually comes from the bison.
The bison burger is taking the spotlight alongside their variety of craft beers, where they serve flavorful meals involving things like tomato basil soup made fresh by the host, and sweet potato fries lightly seasoned with cinnamon and sugar that you’re encouraged to enjoy in their bright, open environment. The staff is friendly and attentive, providing great service that enhances the overall visit in this clean, welcoming atmosphere.
The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille
$$ | (410) 691-9802 | WEBSITE
When it comes to The Greene Turtle, there’s a lot to unpack. Here’s the lowdown: It’s a decent spot for travelers before a flight. The menu is limited, but the egg and cheese sandwich, salad, and chili are fresh and tasty. The servers are few, but they’re quick and pleasant. Despite being short-staffed, the waitstaff is friendly and attentive. The service has a personal touch, with staff handling multiple tasks efficiently.
The venue, however, is a chaotic mess, with the dining room blocked off and unclear communication. The food and drinks are well-received, and the bartender is polite and prompt. Get the idea?
TGI Fridays
$$ | (410) 728-0394 | WEBSITE
TGI Fridays is holding down the fort in Baltimore, and the restaurant’s staff, including Tanazia, Joy, Ebony, and John, keep the experience running smoothly. Its vibe, a mix of indoor, outdoor, and bar seating, offers a nice setup for any occasion. Expect classic favorites similar to what you would have craved on a casual night out, like mozzarella sticks, perfectly made steak with broccoli and mashed potatoes, and chicken dishes finished with that popular whiskey sauce.
The weekly activities, such as line dancing, add a fun twist, while the background music and attentive service—quick to fix issues or offer a complimentary dessert if needed—make it a great spot for a meal with friends or family, encouraging many to return.
David and Dad’s Cafe
$ | (410) 547-0550 | WEBSITE
Baltimore’s historic buildings often house hidden gems these days. In addition to established favorites around town, the city also has a welcoming spot from the father-son team behind David and Dad’s Cafe. They’ve created a breakfast and lunch destination with a modern vibe to match the charming atmosphere. It has dishes like breakfast burritos, the Charles Street Special pastrami sandwich, and sweet, fluffy pancakes.
Hard Rock Cafe
$$ | (410) 347-7625 | WEBSITE
We already have classic burger joints in every neighborhood, and now we’re getting elevated comfort food. At the Hard Rock Cafe, a lively spot from the well-known chain, they offer a mixed menu with some standout items. The plant-based burger is described as incredible and flavorful, while other dishes like the salmon over ramen salad can be extremely salty and inedible. The prices are on the higher side, which is typical for a place like this.
Although service can vary, with some slow service and incorrect orders, many guests have praised servers like Eric and Steven for their friendly and warm attitudes, making the dining experience more enjoyable in the energetic, fun, and welcoming atmosphere. Overall, the food was enjoyable despite some service mishaps, and it may be worth trying another location for potentially better service.
Wiley Gunters
$$ | (410) 637-3699 | WEBSITE
It’s not hard to find a burger joint in this city, where there are plenty of spots serving patties and fries. But there aren’t many places that focus entirely on the craft, with a rotating list of beers from tiny, rare breweries. Wiley Gunters, a popular spot for sports fans, will spotlight the experience, with a menu of dishes like wings, tuna nachos, and sliders.
(Hand-cut fries and crushes will also be available.) The atmosphere is fun and lively, with warm, welcoming staff making it a great place to relax with friends or unwind after work. With its excellent food and drinks, it’s a spot that will keep customers coming back for more.
Alonso’s
$ | (410) 235-3433 | WEBSITE
From the team behind Alonso’s, this cozy local bar/restaurant serves up classic comfort food with a warm, welcoming vibe. They’re open for lunch and dinner, so you can grab a juicy burger at noon, a cold beer on tap in the afternoon, and perfectly cooked salmon or ribs in the evening. The friendly staff ensures every visit feels like coming home, whether you’re a regular or just passing through.
Spirits West
$ | (410) 945-1011 | WEBSITE
After starting as a neighborhood bar for game nights, Spirits West has become a beloved spot for lunch and community gatherings in Baltimore. Their operation offers a friendly setting with attentive staff who clearly care about the space. Offerings include the famous Godfather Italian hoagie on Wednesdays, made with fresh ingredients, and chicken tenders that are huge, tender, and crispy. The cream of crab soup is piled high with crab meat, and the fries are so good you’ll want to order more.
The front dining room could use some attention, but the middle room is more inviting, with parking available on the side street most weekdays. Overall, it’s a welcoming place with good food and a community atmosphere.
Southside Burger Bar
$ | (443) 388-8321 | WEBSITE
The team behind Southside Burger Bar is serving up some of Baltimore’s best burgers inside Crosstreet Market. Like their smash burgers, the experience delivers flavor explosions at affordable prices, this time in the form of juicy classics, customizable chicken cheesesteaks, and perfectly seasoned fries. The quick service and attention to detail make this a favorite spot for lunch, with friendly staff, cheap beer, and delicious food creating one of the top spots for a burger and bier.