Damascus is one of those Maryland towns where your overriding association might be rolling hills, quiet streets, and a big old drive to find decent food. That last part may be true if you stick to the chain strip—you certainly have a wide choice of places that microwave your meal—but there are also lots of great, good-value ones too, if you know where to look.
Little Far East II
$ | (301) 253-8600 | WEBSITE
Little Far East II is a compact, welcoming Chinese-American spot where cheerful staffers dart between orders, swapping empty containers for steaming plates of sha cha steak—sizzling with crisp vegetables and tender beef. Regulars line up at the counter, digging into shredded pork—savory and satisfying with its perfect balance of sauce and meat—and catching up on neighborhood news while sharing an order of Mongolian lamb.
Though the quick service makes for an easy solo dinner, we love grabbing our Friday night treat here with a couple friends and claiming one of the cozy window tables.
McDonald’s
$ | (301) 253-4777 | WEBSITE
Given our love of quick meals and trips through the drive-thru lane, our favourite feature is mobile ordering. Placing your order ahead is exactly what you can do at this fast-food spot tucked in Damascus, which makes this place perfect for an affordable family dinner where you can still get reliably tasty food.
But even without all that, it also serves consistently warm burgers, fresh breakfast sandwiches, and crispy fries that yes, you absolutely should enjoy with that familiar home-cooked smell.
Red Rooster
$ | (301) 253-4081 | WEBSITE
Red Rooster is a compelling reason to pull off the Damascus roadside. There isn’t much seating inside the no-frills shack, but the sturdy takeout boxes mean grabbing it to go is a perfectly viable choice. And it’s worth it for some of the best fried chicken in Maryland. The pressure-cooked chicken is crispy but moist, and the execution is straightforward and perfectly done—our go-to is the 8-piece family meal.
Ledo Pizza
$ | (301) 482-0700 | WEBSITE
Ledo Pizza is unapologetically family-friendly. Big parking lot, big pepperoni pizzas, big kid energy. This pizza spot is busy with families coloring crowns at all the tables and the more-is-more menu. Some of the items are hit and miss, so our go-to is the classic pepperoni pizza for four. But the accessible entrance and handicap parking spots are a not-so-subtle hint that you’re not really here for fine dining—it’s a neighborhood pizza joint, after all.
Just make sure you don’t leave without trying the steak and cheese sub.
New York J & P Pizza
$ | (301) 253-1600 | WEBSITE
Tucked into a bustling shopping center with lighting that makes every slice look 20% more tempting, J & P Pizza is undeniably cozy. People would come here for family dinners or casual lunches even if the crust was soggy, but fortunately the New York style pizza is excellent. Shrimp and crab fondue with creamy richness and chicken Romano with perfect baking start every meal off strongly.
And mains—classic pizza with sauce reminiscent of marinara and real crust that folds in the cheese, and chicken cacciatore with rich flavors—do a good job of maintaining that high.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
$ | (240) 668-3260 | WEBSITE
This reliable Mexican grill offers a clean and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff always ready to assist. The quick service keeps things moving even during busy lunch rushes, and the online ordering system makes customization a breeze. The burrito bowl is our go-to choice and the generous portions of fresh ingredients make every visit satisfying. In the daytime, the tidy dining area has bright, efficient lighting, so grab a window seat and enjoy a consistently good meal.
Quincy’s Uptown Bar and Grill
$ | (240) 308-7244 | WEBSITE
Quincy’s Uptown Bar and Grill is one of those neighborhood spots you want all your friends to find you at. Ideally while watching the big game with your crew and drinking just the right number of cold beers. Hint: enough that you get a little too invested in the final score, not so many that you try to high-five the entire bar staff.
Don’t write this place off as just another sports pub though—the bar food is excellent, the service is friendly and attentive, and if it’s on the menu, ordering the fried chicken sandwich is a must if you’re rolling solo or with the whole gang.
Dunkin’
$ | (301) 391-6100 | WEBSITE
This morning spot prides itself on reliable comfort that could seem mundane if the quick-service coffee wasn’t so consistently satisfying. The space has a bright fluorescent glow and it’s hard not to feel awake from the very first sip of that familiar hot brew. Flavors at Dunkin’ don’t surprise you—they arrive like an old friend with a craving for sugar and caffeine. The move is to grab some breakfast sandwiches at the efficient counter, and go for a classic donut or a breakfast wrap on the run.
Just try not to think about the drive-thru line.
Tom & Ray’s Family Restaurant
$ | (240) 509-3300 | WEBSITE
More welcoming than your typical diner—with ample parking in a convenient strip mall location—Tom & Ray’s in Damascus serves some of the best all-day breakfast in Maryland. Things like French toast and corned beef hash with eggs are reliably delicious, and you should get involved in their dessert menu. The milkshakes are creamy and the pies are one sweet treat we endorse.
Under the friendly leadership of staff like Cindy and Bernie, there’s a big, bright, family-friendly atmosphere throughout, with flexible seating that accommodates large groups and ensures everyone gets fed quickly.
Starbucks
$ | (202) 525-0853 | WEBSITE
This coffee chain feels ready to be featured on a cozy morning show, and the sunlit corner is full of regulars sipping oat milk chai lattes. Beyond the bustling counter, Starbucks has a drink menu that stays reliably consistent and is full of comforting classics: the smooth vanilla latte comes topped with whipped creme and delivers moments of pure coffee bliss.
This is Damascus, so convenience is paired with warmth, like the friendly barista Kylie who crafts delicious grande double shots with cold foam. It’s a service that’s worth a return visit alone.
Ricoton
$ | (240) 974-5941 | WEBSITE
Ricoton at the gas station is a local institution where the salsa-stained counter can bring back all kinds of memories. The compact menu is legendary for good reason. It ranges from the familiar (shrimp tacos, say) to the hearty (carnitas quesadillas with onions and green peppers), so don’t be surprised that it can easily add up to fast-casual prices. That said, it’s worth it for a quick meal centered around those well-made tacos.
Maggi’s Pizza and Subs
$ | (301) 253-4620 | WEBSITE
At this Damascus pizza joint, bright lighting and checkered tablecloths welcome you like an old friend. There’s a trophy for award-winning pizza by the counter, families fill the cozy, friendly room, admiring gorgeous pepperoni pies with their unbelievable taste, and digging into the popular Italian buffalo chicken sub. If you’re only getting one thing, it should be the make-your-own pizza with its perfect crust and generous toppings.
Jimmie Cone
$ | (301) 253-2003 | WEBSITE
Lots of places serve our beloved summer treat of ice cream, but that doesn’t mean they get it right. Jimmie Cone is one of Damascus’s legendary ice cream shops that does. The dairy-free options are so creamy they rival the real thing, the shakes are thick and smooth, and the sundaes are generous—as they should be—rather than skimpy. A classic.