Top 25 Maryland Culinary Experiences For Foodies

The Maryland food scene ranges from amazing seafood restaurants, both fancy and plain, to tasty craft breweries and world-class bakeries. While the state's eateries are renowned for serving up blue crab and oysters, you can also find eclectic food trucks, unique food festivals and family-owned farms. So, foodies have a range of options, says the state tourism office, which has pulled together a list of 25 Maryland culinary experiences that you must try.

Options range from new celebrity chef bistros to historic Baltimore venues and favorite Eastern Shore hangouts. Here's the rundown of Maryland's 25 standout food destinations:

Table 21 at Volt, Frederick

Celebrity chef and James Beard Award Finalist Bryan Voltaggio’s Volt restaurant in Frederick is a fine dining experience beyond any other. You need to reserve this exclusive table eight months in advance. Indulge in a 21-course tasting menu and sit inside the kitchen to watch world-class chefs prepare your seasonal, specially-curated meal.

Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival, Timonium

This event offers all-you-can-sample beer and bourbon, plus barbecue on sale from food vendors at the Maryland State Fairgrounds Cow Palace.

Old Stein Inn, Edgewater

German cooking is the star at this inn which has been featured on Food Network’s “The Best Of” show. Enjoy brats in the beer garden or freshly baked pretzels with bier cheese in the dining room.

Gypsy Queen Café, Baltimore

The Gypsy Queen Café food truck roams Baltimore offering bacon-topped mac ‘n cheese served in a waffle cone and sliders topped with bacon relish.

Savage River Lodge, Frostburg

Sign up to be “Chef for a Day” and learn culinary basics, tips and tricks from the lodge’s chef. Cook a four-course meal, take home recipes to try later, and receive a personalized chef’s coat as a memento.

45th Street Taphouse, Ocean City

From 36 specialty beers on tap, along with pretzels served with Guinness mustard and “Natty Boh” cheese, this Ocean City restaurant stands out among the venues on the Coastal Highway.

Charm City Food Tours, Baltimore

See Baltimore's landmarks while sampling food staples at one of four food tours showcasing Baltimore’s eclectic neighborhoods. The group also offers tours of two popular food markets, featuring favorites such as Berger cookies and Faidley’s crab cakes.

The Kitchen Studio Cooking School, Frederick

Classes offered at this school have themes like Date Night: Bacon, Sushi 101, Cupcakes, Soups & Stews, and Thanksgiving Sides.

The Elephant on North Charles, Baltimore

The Elephant is located in what was originally an elegant residence in the 1850s, and was in the 19702 renovated for use as a restaurant. The Elephant offers a globally inspired menu. Dine in the Salon or visit the Bar on the First Floor, or repair directly to the European Bar with Fresh Oysters on the Second Level.

J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake, Crisfield

This annual event held in July at Somers Cove Marina features an all-you-can-eat menu of locally-grown and sourced crabs, fish, clams, corn on the cob and sweet potato fries.

Drummer’s Café, Berlin

Located in the Atlantic Hotel, this restaurant has been serving the community for more than 100 years. The cozy setting features velvet Victorian sofas, crystal chandeliers and an open fireplace. Indulge in baked brie and a spiked “Arnold Palmer.”

Richardson Farms, White Marsh

This family farm serves up home-grown produce, baked goods and local meats, plus freshly made ice cream and cheese, and ethically-raised poultry.

Liquid Assets, Ocean City

This high-end restaurant is also a specialty liquor store. Your meal could combine Tangier Island oysters stuffed with spinach, anisette liqueur and Gruyère cheese.

Chapel’s Country Creamery, Easton

Take a cheese-making class and tour the aging room, then sample cheeses or have a catered lunch. If you really want the full experience, you can milk the cows.

Two If By Sea, Tilghman

This diner and cafe known for its breakfast features owner Chef Henry and his passion for fresh baking with the freshest ingredients.

Growler’s Restaurant, Gaithersburg

Montgomery County’s first brewpub pairs craft beers with pub creations like breakfast pizza topped with chorizo and a burrito stuffed with house-smoked, beer-braised pork.

St. Mary’s County Crab Festival, Leonardtown

Maryland's famous crabs take center stage at this day-long feast held at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. There are steamed crabs, crab cakes, crab soups, and soft crabs.

Antietam Brewery & Benny’s Pub, Hagerstown

This pub located along Antietam Creek near the historic Antietam Battlefield has an extensive menu which includes a fishtail BLT with basil mayo.

Boordy Vineyards, Hydes

The vineyard in Baltimore County has guided wine tastings, tours of the historic barn, food truck vendors and Shakespearean performances.

Charleston Restaurant, Baltimore

Foodies love the prix fixe tasting menu here. Choose between three and six course meals created by James Beard Award nominee Chef Cindy Wolf.

Reynold’s Tavern, Annapolis

In the heart of downtown Annapolis you can indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea or have a drink in the basement’s 1747 Pub.

Farm to Chef Maryland, Baltimore

Held at the American Visionary Art Museum, this culinary competition pairs 30 chefs with 30 local farms to create dishes for over 300 attendees. Proceeds support Days of Taste, a Baltimore program educating elementary school children on the importance of farm-to-table cuisine.

FireFly Farms Creamery & Market, Accident

This award-winning Garrett County creamery curates seasonal tastings and pairings of homemade cheeses with beer or wine, along with charcuterie and breads.

Jimmy Cantler’s Riverside Inn, Annapolis

For a true Maryland crab-filled meal, try this waterfront restaurant in Maryland’s capital, complete with paper-covered tables and wooden mallets. Order crabs and a couple of pitchers of beer, and you’ve got an authentic Maryland dining experience like no other.

Taste Frederick Food Tours, Frederick

On weekends from March through November, you can take a three-hour walking (and eating) tour of Market Street's local restaurants and specialty food shop while learning about the town’s history and architecture.

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