Where would you take out-of-town visitors to eat in Baltimore? (Linthicum: 2015, live in)

[BaltimoreNewb]

I'm getting a slew of out-of-town guests over the next couple weeks, and looking for good options for dinner spots in Baltimore. (Sticking in or right close to the city - I live in Hampden.)

Nothing too fancy or expensive (like over $20/entree)... but quality, memorable spots that maybe are unique to Baltimore.

Any suggestions of tried-and-true favorites?

[ktaadin]

In Hampden in that price range, I enjoy the Golden West Cafe. Helmand in Mt Vernon isn't as expensive as it looks from the outside, and not many people have tried Afghan food before (also very tasty).

Other places to consider, depending on what you're looking for:

Papermoon Diner
Sweet27
Johnny Rad's Pizza
Jack's Bistro has some cheaper entrees

[mpheels]

It's a little over your range, but Parts and Labor is great, especially if you're willing to share dishes or there is an opportunity for a splurge meal. They have a few plated meals, but most things are served a la carte, and they fully support/encourage sharing.

[Alex1484]

Nacho Mama's is pretty unique to Baltimore. Its mexican type food with a baltimore flair to it. The wait times can be a bit long and parking can be challenging as well but its definitely a unique place.

[tcave360]

This is outside of Baltimore, but check out G&M Restaurant & Lounge in Linthicum Heights in Anne Arundel County less than 6 minutes outside Bmore I think (I believe the MTA Light Rail goes to Linthicum Heights). If you like seafood, I strongly recommend the Cream of Crab soup with saltine crackers!!! If you've ever had Cheez Itz white cheddar-flavor crackers before, it tastes very similar to that but richer! Your taste buds may be in for an orgasm, I kid you not! Their lump crab cakes are one of the largest in Maryland and a very delicious with absolutely no filler, so don't worry about encountering a half-ass cake from them. You can dress casually as well, don't let some of the formal dressing in the main dining room fool you. I've noticed that most of the people in formal dressing in the dining room where mainly state and federal politicians/gov't associates and people who were doing something for a special occasion. Btw, G&M got a pretty cool bar area too. You can enter from the front or the back, watch your step if you'll be leaving from the back entrance though lol. The restaurant operates a drive-thru for pickup too, so you also have the option of carryout Bon Appétit!

[picardlx]

Lexington Market.

[james777]

There are specials on some Baltimore attractions this coming weekend. Maybe your out of town guests would like to see some of these.

Dollar or Less Days return to Baltimore Dec. 5-6 - Baltimore Sun

[redd1skng]

Abbeys Burger Bistro.

Best burger in Baltimore. Across from Cross Street Market in the heart of Federal Hill.

[ktaadin]

Originally Posted by redd1skng

Abbeys Burger Bistro.

Best burger in Baltimore. Across from Cross Street Market in the heart of Federal Hill.

I second Abbey Burger Bistro as well. Lots of different kinds of meats, several options for vegetarian patties, tons of veggies/toppings etc. Also a very good bottled and draft beer selection. Can be crowded though, so best if you go at a little bit of an off-hour if you want a more relaxed, quieter meal.

[designer_genes]

In the Hampden area, I second Golden West. That place is fantastic, affordable, and has a huge menu that will probably please almost anyone.

For something a little more fancy (it was under $20/plate for brunch when I went, but it might be slightly over that for dinner), I highly recommend The Food Market. That place is amazing. One of the best plates of food I've ever had in this city.

Another place on the fancier side is City Cafe in Mount Vernon. That place is top notch and would definitely impress someone from out of town. You can't go wrong no matter what you order there.

Someone also mentioned Abbey Burger and I would echo that sentiment. Delicious burgers.

A couple of good low key tavern/pub options. Red Star in Fells Point. Excellent burgers (not quite as good as Abbey Burger, but the best I've had in the city for a place that doesn't strictly specialize in burgers), good beer selection, really nice atmosphere, very affordable. Smaltimore in Canton. Again, fantastic atmosphere and really friendly staff. Huge beer selection and the beer works on a stock market system (meaning the price changes depending on how many people have ordered that beer recently), so that's a cool thing that makes the place unique. They do typical pub fare and they do it well, but they also have a great sushi selection, which is unique for a tavern-type place.