The Best Cheap Eats in Baltimore

From the eclectic neighborhoods to the storied history to the arts and culture, there’s more to Baltimore than you might expect! There’s a lot to love about Charm City, including the world-famous Inner Harbor, the renowned museums and attractions, a beloved local music scene and the gorgeous rowhouses and other architectural treasures. The city also has a sizzling dining scene! There is a variety of cuisines and atmosphere here and from fast food to haute cuisine, there’s something for every pallet and budget. If you’re looking for a great meal at a price that won’t be hard on your wallet, check out our Tastemaker List of the best cheap eats Baltimore has to offer.

The OpenTable Team

20 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	Jazz + Soju, Black Eyed Suzie's, Costas Inn…
Price Range:	$$ - $$
Cuisines:	Korean, American, Seafood…
Neighborhoods:	Locust Point, Bel Air, Downtown…

Jazz + Soju

$$$$

Korean

Locust Point

4.5

27 reviews

Jazz+Soju, located in the Locust Point neighborhood, is a top choice for cheap eats Baltimore style. The restaurant offers an elegant and unique dining experience at reasonable prices - and you can relax to the sounds of soothing jazz music while you dine! They have a wide variety of soju-martinis and signature drinks to pair with your meal of Korean-American fusion. They are famous for their Korean Fried Chicken, fried twice in soybean oil to create a light, super crispy crust and juicy meat without the grease. They also have a full menu of Udon and Ramen noodles!

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Black Eyed Suzie's

$$$$

American

Bel Air

4.2

259 reviews

Black Eyes Suzie’s is a popular Seafood and Barbecue restaurant located in Bel Air, a suburb just outside of Baltimore proper. They offer delicious food, great service and a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for hanging out with a big group of friends or family. The restaurant is sprawling so you never have trouble finding a seat and they also have a private event space and a casual rooftop bar. You can enjoy live music while you nosh on cheap Maryland-inspired food - and make sure to check out their extra long happy hours!

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Costas Inn

$$$$

Seafood

Downtown

4.6

266 reviews

Costas Inn, located on North Point Blvd right in the heart of Downtown, is one of the best places in Baltimore for affordable, delicious seafood, shellfish, and steaks. They offer Steamed Crabs, a Baltimore specialty, all-year-round! Just call ahead to ask about availability. They fly in crabs daily to make sure they are fresh and delectable. They also have award-winning crab cakes and made-to-order entrees. On Wednesdays, they host live jazz music and on weekends you can hear live classic rock. It’s a great locale for kicking back and enjoying great music, great food and great company.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Kelsey's Restaurant, Irish Pub, Banquet Room

$$$$

Irish

Ellicott City

4.5

460 reviews

Kelsey’s Restaurant is a great choice for some of the best cheap eats Baltimore has to offer. It’s a family-owned and operated restaurant located in Ellicott City, just off Baltimore National Pike. Specializing in Irish hospitality, they aim to provide excellent food, impeccable service and tasty beverages in a pub-style environment. They have a great kids menu so little ones can eat well too. Be sure to check out their daily happy hour, which features cheap appetizers, wine, drinks and beer!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

State Fare

$$$$

American

Catonsville

4.3

760 reviews

State Fare is a new gastropub in Catonsville that serves up delicious cheap eats. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner with a focus on traditional pub fare and comfort food. Breakfast options include bananas Foster French toast, among a host of other classic dishes. Lunch and dinner feature items like the MD club, which comes with shrimp salad, crab cake, lettuce, tomato and bacon. Or try one of their awesome Build Your Own Burgers! All their plates and beverages are very affordably priced.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Light House Bistro

$$$$

American

Annapolis

4.7

350 reviews

The Light House Bistro is a social enterprise created by The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center. It gives people with employment barriers the chance to learn while developing a resume and earning a good wage. And it’s also one of the best casual dining spots in Baltimore for great cheap seafood! Come in and dine here to try the made-from-scratch dishes like crabcake with fried green tomatoes, Pappardelle with shrimp, shallots and bacon and more - all at affordable prices.

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Steelefish Grille

$$$$

American

Bel Air

4.4

531 reviews

Located on Boulton Street in Bel Air, Steelefish Grille is a Sea-minded restaurant with a wide selection of fresh seafood. They feature an extensive menu of cheap eats so you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune. Appetizers here include their sweet coconut shrimp, crabby fries, fried green tomatoes and tuna tataki. And regulars swear by their Steamer Pots! Choose from the Alaskan, Maryland Shrimp, Prince Edward Island Mussels, Lobster or the Steelefish Steamer Pot, which combines pretty much everything into one.

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Glyndon Grill

$$$$

Contemporary American

Glyndon

4.7

1193 reviews

Opened by the same owners of Barrett’s Grill at the Hunt Valley Towne Centre, Glyndon Grill is a casually elegant contemporary American restaurant. It operates with a different menu than Barrett’s but also focuses on in-house, made-from-scratch dishes at totally affordable prices. Stop in for one of their “Burger and Beer Bash” nights when an assortment of burgers costs just $8 or less and several brews cost only $3 a can. The regular menu also has great prices on items like escargot-style shrimp and bacon-wrapped scallops.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Rams Head Tavern - Annapolis

$$$$

American

Annapolis

4.1

1600 reviews

For fantastic cheap eats and great drinks, head to Rams Head Tavern! Nestled in the heart of Historic Savage Mill is Rams Head’s largest restaurant location. They feature an award-winning menu of creative tavern fare and a lively, boisterous atmosphere that locals love. Their outstanding happy hour offers a legendary beer selection and they have a lineup of awesome live music 7 nights a week! Take a seat in one of the cozy dining rooms, the historic pub or out on the beautiful patio and indulge in their great food specials.

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Mutiny Pirate Bar & Island Grille Elkridge

$$$$

American

Elkridge

4.4

364 reviews

If you’re looking for a break from the humdrum of everyday life, come check out Mutiny Pirate Bar and Island Grille in Elkridge! It’s a perfect place to go to do what pirates do: escape the norm, enjoy what you love and be free. They pride themselves on their excellent service and boisterous atmosphere as well as the cheap food. Chefs create the dishes from scratch and the menu includes highlights like the Cuban Reuben, the Jamaican Pulled Pork Sandwich and the Swabbie, a sandwich made with slow-braised pot roast.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

16 ON THE PARK

$$$$

Gastro Pub

Charles Village

3.8

131 reviews

16 On The Park, located on Wolfe Street in Charles Village, is a casual dining spot for affordable eats. It’s a rooftop bar and grille with sweeping views of the Johns Hopkins campuses and the gorgeous Baltimore skyline. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of locally-sourced cocktails, plenty of different local beers and a curated and seasonally-focused wine list. Highlights on the menu include Fish Tacos, Eager Park Sliders, and Jumbo Chicken Wings.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Corner Stable - Cockeysville

$$$$

American

Hunt Valley

4.5

1265 reviews

The Corner Stable, located on York Road in the Hunt Valley neighborhood, is a true Cockeysville landmark. The restaurant is a family-friendly and locally-owned and operated establishment specializing in American cuisine and Barbecue. Diners can indulge in the reasonably-priced dishes and the warm, at-home atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a family dinner, big night out or an intimate evening. Be sure to try their fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs from Denmark and the half-pound colossal lump crab cakes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Owl Bar

$$$$

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Mt. Vernon

4.2

349 reviews

The Owl Bar, located in the historic Belvedere Hotel, boasts 100+ years of serving Baltimore’s finest diners and bar-goers. The interior features an original hardwood bar, brick pizza oven, and stained glass and is a magical place to stop into for a drink and a casual meal. Anytime is a great tie to visit and enjoy the surroundings and delicious menu, but they also feature an outstanding happy hour with especially great deals on small bites. Try the Owl Bar Wings, the Bacon Basket or the Potato Skins - filling snacks for under $6 each!

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Mama's on the Half Shell

$$$$

Seafood

Canton

4.6

278 reviews

Mama’s on the Half Shell is a classic Baltimore Style Seafood House located on O’Donnell Street in the Canton neighborhood. The restaurant is a Modern Day - Old School establishment that locals call a rite of passage for residents of Baltimore. Diners can enjoy the cozy atmosphere adorned with genuine Chesapeake Bay Memorabilia and pictures and artifacts from the Maryland shores. Great for an inexpensive business meeting or date night - especially if you come during happy hour. They offer great specials on oysters, mussels, shrimp and cocktails, beer and wine!

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Lib's Grill - Perry Hall

$$$$

American

Perry Hall

4.6

1160 reviews

Lib’s Grill - Perry Hall is a lovely neighborhood destination for great steaks and grilled meats, specialty sandwiches and flatbreads, and seafood dishes. Located on Honeygo Center Drive, in the Perry Hall neighborhood, the aptly named restaurant has a spacious bar area with cozy seating and a great selection of craft and domestic beers as well as fine wines. The dining area is upscale but relaxed and menu prices are entirely reasonable. Try an item from the snacks menu, like Deviled Eggs, Asian Fried Brussels Sprouts or Pretzel Beer and Cheese.

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Uncle's Hawaiian Grindz

$$$$

Hawaiian

Bel Air

4.5

486 reviews

Uncle’s Hawaiian Grindz, located on Belair Road in the Bel Air suburb of Baltimore, is a full-service casual dining restaurant with great cheap eats. They feature authentic Hawaiian cuisine served with the aloha spirit! The restaurants gets the bulk of ingredients from local farms and make pretty much everything in-house here. Come grab a seat in the festive dining room, at the lively bar or outdoors to dine in the fresh air. The menu features a variety of Poke bowls, served raw or rare-seared, a smattering of salads and BBQ Chicken, just to name a few.

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Cured Tap & Table

$$$$

American

Columbia

4.5

1185 reviews

Cured Tap and Table is a fun new restaurant in Columbia, Maryland that conjures up fond memories of the neighborhood corner bar. Locals love the relaxing atmosphere created here, a mix of friends, drinks and classic comfort foods. They serve exceptional craft beers, creative cocktails, and delicious American Comfort Food. Notable menu items that make for a tasty bargain are the Strawberry Fennel Salad, their variety of awesome burgers and sandwiches and many of their snacks and shared plates.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Vineyard Wine Bar

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Havre De Grace

4.8

909 reviews

Located among the antique shops, art galleries, bed and breakfasts, and marinas of Havre de Grace, The Vineyard Wine Bar is a perfect place to stop for a glass of wine, a light lunch or a cozy dinner. They serve totally affordable food featuring cuisine from all over the world and wines with many unique grape varietals. Try something from the exciting array of tapas dishes, including healthy salads, flatbreads, artisanal cheese and more.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Pratt Street Ale House

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.1

233 reviews

The Pratt Street Ale House offers a great happy hour with cheap eats and is an awesome nightlife spot! Crowds gather here at night to watch a game on TV, nosh on hearty snacks and enjoy beer from their very own brewery! It’s one of Baltimore's longest-running brewpubs. Whether you’re looking for a delicious burger, pizza or shared plates, Pratt Street Ale House has something for everyone. They also have a private party room where you can host an event with cheap eats for all your guests!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ida B's Table

$$$$

Southern

Downtown

4.5

836 reviews

Ida B’s Table is a modern soul food restaurant that has some of the best cheap eats Baltimore has to offer. The starter plates are a good deal and fill you up for just a few bucks! Try the Crispy Curry Wings, Octopus Po’boy Sliders, Southern Sushi or the Herb and Soul Rolls. The cheese and meat boards and the vegetable boards are great options too. And don’t forget to take advantage of the awesome drink specials! It’s one of the best places to get real soul food in Baltimore.

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