Where to eat in Baltimore?

July 10, 2009 8:45 PM

Where to eat in Baltimore?

We're heading to Baltimore for a few days and would like some dining recommendations. Of course, there are constraints:

1. Toddler-friendly. I don't mean a restaurant that specifically caters to kids, but just one where we will be comfortable with a toddler and infant in tow.

2. Not too far (on foot or by car) from the Inner Harbor. Although we're staying in the Inner Harbor, we don't mind driving to get to dinner, but we just don't want to go so far that it turns into a big excursion (see part 1 about young children).

3. Not a chain restaurant. This is why I suspect we have to leave the Inner Harbor.

This previous question has some good leads. Both The Helmand and Ze Mean Bean match our tastes, assuming they're kid-friendly.

What do you recommend?

posted by ellenaim to food & drink (14 comments total)

http://www.urbanspoon.com/t/31/4/Baltimore/Kid-friendly-restaurants
posted by Crotalus at 9:01 PM on July 10

I really liked Blue Moon Cafe when I was in Fells Point, especially for breakfast.
posted by substars at 9:53 PM on July 10

Never been to the Helmand with my preschooler, but it's not at all stuffy and I'd bring him there if I still lived in Baltimore. My kid, 3, loves big enclosed food halls like Lexington Market; maybe yours would too, and you could get some Faidley's crab cakes.
posted by escabeche at 10:24 PM on July 10

I'll second Blue Moon Cafe, though it's been a while since I've been there. I'll also second Lexington Market. I used to *love* going there as a kid. We go around all of the stalls and then pick out what we wanted to eat. Most of the food there is good.
posted by Librarygeek at 10:28 PM on July 10

Obrycki's. A great seafood restaurant.

I wasn't a fan of crab going in, but we still ordered a dozen because that's what you do in Baltimore - eat crab.

Anyways, they dumped them onto the table, gave us a our little hammers, our bibs, and a quick tutorial on the proper way to eat them, and we had a great meal.

Also, try to get some soft shell crab, if it's still in season - no hammer needed.

Although not in the Inner Harbour, it's still close and worth it.
posted by toftflin at 10:59 PM on July 10

John Steven Ltd has some good seafood. Although Yelp says it's not kid-friendly, if you sit outside you should be fine after about a 15-foot walk through the bar.

Although not as good as the one in Ocean City, Philip's Seafood is a good buffet. Obviously they have seafood too.

You would probably be safe with just about any restaurant in Little Italy, although the only one I remember going to for sure is Da Mimmo
(and the excellent Vaccaro's if you're looking for dessert.)
posted by N2O1138 at 12:13 AM on July 11

Just realized, Philip's is technically a chain, but I've only ever seen the two of them I mentioned.

Also, I'm not sure, but I think I've been to the Blue Moon Cafe, and (if it's the place I'm thinking of) it was good.
posted by N2O1138 at 12:16 AM on July 11

I'll second Obrycki's in Fells Point (love it), and some I haven't eaten at but which have been recommended near the Inner Horrible: Bo Brooks Crab House in Canton (along the water; kids' menu), some family-style restaurants in Little Italy (including Velleggia's), and Mother's Federal Hill Grille in Federal Hill, where, apparently, "Sunday brunch is filled with Federal Hill tots, who probably prefer the dreamy ice cream to the crab and shrimp omelets."

You could also take the light rail from downtown to Mt. Washington, where there's a good crepe place (Crepe du Jour) and some other other restaurants within the same block: The Mt Washington Tavern, a cavernous and traditional Baltimore spot that I'd think would be easy with kids, and Ethel and Ramones, with its New Orleans flavours (not esp. kid-friendly, though ... not even that adult friendly, but the food is good!)

And if you really want a fun Baltimore place, you could go further afield to Hampden, to Cafe Hon. Very kid (and hipster!) friendly. (And kids eat free on Tuesdays!)
posted by mmw at 9:35 AM on July 11

Also, I think of the Helmand as pretty sedate, not a kids' place, but maybe it's changed since I last ate there. Blue Moon Cafe in Fells Point is a good breakfast place. When I've gone, though, I've had to wait a while for a table.
posted by mmw at 9:37 AM on July 11

Attman's Deli has the best corned beef I have ever eaten, anywhere. It's on Lombard Street, about a 5 minute walk from the Inner Harbor area.
posted by charlesv at 11:50 AM on July 11

My vote is for Golden West. You'd have to drive (about 4 miles) but it is great for kids and Hampden is a good place to walk around. The food tends toward southwestern while Cafe Hon (just across the street) is more basic American.

I like Blue Moon Cafe but the wait can be long and the tables are sort of crammed together so it might be awkward if you have a stroller.

Little Italy is also a great neighborhood to walk around and is within walking distance of the Inner Harbor. For kid friendly I would go with Amicci's, one of the more reasonable Italian restaurants. Vaccaro's is an absolute must if you enjoy dessert at all. Pick up a cannoli and walk around Fell's Point.
posted by betsybetsy at 11:54 AM on July 11

If walking beyond the inner harbor area, especially if you'll be returning after dark - please be careful. Ask your concierge whether you need to worry about the route you'll be taking.
posted by lakeroon at 9:09 PM on July 11

Frank & Nic's West End Grille is pretty tasty.

Della Notte is good italian food, but not sure how toddler friendly, haven't been there since I've had a toddler
posted by jrishel at 5:32 PM on July 12

Just a post-visit follow up. These were all great suggestions, and I only wish we had had the time to try them. Travelling with two small kids forced us to pick the most convenient places to eat. After the Port Discovery Museum we had lunch across the way at Mex. It was mediocre. After the Aquarium we stopped at La Tasca in the Inner Harbor and had some fantastic tapas and sangria (the little ones had passed out during the short walk there and slept through most of the meal). I will keep your suggestions in mind for future visits. Thanks.
posted by ellenaim at 3:41 PM on July 19