Where to Eat Near Port of Baltimore
The best restaurants near Port of Baltimore for the night before your cruise. Every pick is vetted by real cruisers — with parking notes, what to order, and pro tips.
15 picks from real cruiser reviews
Miss Shirley's Cafe
4.5Baltimore's favorite brunch spot — oversized plates, creative twists, and a kids' menu that actually tries
Order: The Chesapeake Eggs Benedict with crab cake is the signature. Coconut cream stuffed French toast for the sweet tooth. Kids love the silver dollar pancakes and chicken tenders.
Pro tip: Popular on weekends — put your name in early or arrive by 9am. The portions are huge, so consider sharing. Multiple locations in Baltimore; the Inner Harbor one is most convenient.
Phillips Seafood
4Inner Harbor institution — reliable seafood with waterfront views and a kids' menu kids actually eat
Order: Crab cakes and cream of crab soup for the adults. Kids menu has fish and chips, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders. The all-you-can-eat crab buffet is a splurge worth considering.
Pro tip: Yes, it's touristy — but it's also consistent, kid-friendly, and right on the water. Request a window seat for harbor views. Good option when you need reliable and fast before boarding.
Nick's Fish House
4.3Casual waterfront crab house with a huge outdoor deck — kids can run while you eat
Order: Crab cakes, fried shrimp basket, and chicken tenders for the kids. Steamed crabs are a fun hands-on experience for the whole family. Crab dip is a crowd-pleaser.
Pro tip: Super close to the cruise terminal. The giant outdoor deck gives kids room to move around. Casual atmosphere means nobody cares about noise. Live music on weekends makes it festive.
Matthew's Pizza
4.5Baltimore's oldest pizzeria since 1943 — square crab pizza is a local legend
Order: The crab pizza is the famous one — square slices topped with crab meat and Old Bay. Classic cheese and pepperoni are great for kids. Pasta dishes available too.
Pro tip: Been here since 1943 — this is old Baltimore. The crab pizza is a must-try even if your kids just want cheese. Cash and cards accepted. Takeout is fast if you're short on time.
Chaps Pit Beef
4.6Baltimore's signature pit beef sandwich — a roadside legend since the 80s
Order: The pit beef sandwich is the only thing to order — charcoal-grilled, sliced thin, piled on a Kaiser roll with tiger sauce and raw onion. Get the half-and-half (pit beef and turkey).
Pro tip: Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It's a roadside shack with outdoor picnic tables — not fancy, but unforgettable. The line moves fast. A Baltimore bucket-list item.
The Food Market
4.5Creative comfort food in Hampden — brunch is the star and portions are family-sized
Order: Brunch standouts: the French toast flight lets everyone try different flavors. Fried chicken and waffles is excellent. Kids love the mac and cheese and sliders.
Pro tip: Only worth the drive if you have extra time — Hampden is a fun, quirky neighborhood to walk around. Weekend brunch is packed, so arrive early or go on a weekday.
Abbey Burger Bistro
4.4Build-your-own gourmet burgers in Fell's Point — 20+ proteins including bison, duck, and classic beef
Order: Build your own burger from 20+ protein options and dozens of toppings. The classic beef burger with crab dip topping is peak Baltimore. Truffle fries are addictive.
Pro tip: Kids love picking their own burger toppings. The menu is fun and interactive. Good craft beer selection for the adults. Portions are generous.
Rusty Scupper
4.3Inner Harbor classic with panoramic water views — reliable seafood and a Sunday brunch buffet
Order: The Sunday brunch buffet is legendary — carving station, seafood, omelets, desserts. Dinner menu has solid crab cakes and prime rib. The view is the real star.
Pro tip: The parking alone makes this a winner with families. Panoramic views of Inner Harbor from every table. Brunch buffet means kids can pick exactly what they want — no ordering stress.
Thames Street Oyster House
4.5The crab cake that put Fell's Point back on the map — James Beard-nominated and worth every bite
Order: The jumbo lump crab cake is the move — barely any filler, all crab. Raw bar is excellent if you want to start with oysters. The lobster roll is a close second.
Pro tip: Walk-ins only, no reservations. Lunch is your best bet for shorter waits. Sit at the bar for the fastest seating and a front-row view of the oyster shuckers.
LP Steamers
4.5No-frills crab house on the waterfront — steamed crabs with Old Bay the way Baltimore does it
Order: Steamed blue crabs by the dozen, coated in Old Bay. Crab soup is thick and rich. Get the garlic shrimp as a starter. Bring your own mallet skills.
Pro tip: This is Locust Point, same neighborhood as the cruise terminal. BYOB — they don't serve alcohol, but you can bring your own beer and wine. Cash only for crabs. Paper-covered tables, mallets, and a pile of shells — the real Baltimore experience.
The Rec Pier Chop House
4.5Upscale chop house inside the Sagamore Pendry — waterfront elegance in Fell's Point
Order: Dry-aged steaks and seasonal Maryland seafood. The crab imperial is outstanding. Weekend brunch is worth building your morning around.
Pro tip: Make a reservation, especially for weekend brunch. The waterfront patio is spectacular on a nice day. Even if you're not eating, the Pendry's lobby bar is worth a quick cocktail.
Ampersea
4.5Modern Maryland cuisine with panoramic harbor views at the Harbor Point waterfront
Order: Menu changes seasonally but leans heavy on Chesapeake Bay seafood. The raw bar is always solid. Cocktail program is creative and strong.
Pro tip: Request patio seating for the best views of the harbor and Fell's Point skyline. Great for a special pre-cruise dinner the night before.
The Black Olive
4.5Greek fish tavern in a Fell's Point row house — whole grilled fish flown in daily
Order: Pick your whole fish from the daily display — they grill it simply with olive oil and lemon. Grilled octopus appetizer is excellent. Greek salad is textbook.
Pro tip: Reservations strongly recommended — this is a special occasion spot. The upstairs dining room has the most atmosphere. They bake their own bread daily.
Attman's Delicatessen
4.6Baltimore's legendary deli since 1915 — corned beef piled high on Corned Beef Row
Order: The corned beef sandwich is iconic — hand-cut, piled absurdly high on rye. The Reuben is equally legendary. Matzo ball soup if you need something warm.
Pro tip: They've been here since 1915 on what locals call Corned Beef Row. Come hungry — the sandwiches are enormous. Line moves fast even when it looks long. Cash and cards accepted.
Blue Moon Cafe
4.5Fell's Point breakfast legend — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for the Captain Crunch French toast
Order: Captain Crunch French toast is the signature — crusted in cereal, topped with whipped cream. Homemade pop tarts are cult favorites. Classic eggs and bacon are solid too.
Pro tip: Tiny spot, so expect a wait on weekends. Worth it for the food. Open early — get there by 8am for the shortest wait. Cash only.
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