The Most Fun Restaurants in Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland remains true to its working-class roots with ties to a nautical past but also boasts impressive entrepreneurial ventures, arts, and phenomenal food! The prime waterfront location means you can check out the Disney-fied Inner Harbor, cobblestone streets of portside Fells Point or the shores of Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key wrote the national anthem. Stroll through the quirky neighborhoods to see historic row homes, visit museums like the BMA, Walters Art Museum and the American Visionary Arts Museum and check out the array of farmers’ markets. If you’re looking for a lively spot for good eats, check out our Tastemaker 20 List of the most fun restaurants in Baltimore. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Book a table at one tonight!

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated January 14, 2020

Restaurants:	The Smokehouse Restaurant at Antrim 1844, Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Mutiny Pirate Bar & Island Grille Elkridge…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Contemporary French / American, Gastro Pub, American…
Neighborhoods:	Taneytown, Elkridge…

The Smokehouse Restaurant at Antrim 1844

$$$$

Contemporary French / American

Taneytown

4.9

506 reviews

Antrim’s 1844 Smokehouse Restaurant has a legacy as a culinary destination with exquisite ingredient-driven cuisine. The menu highlights the finest and freshest ingredients through a sophisticated interpretation of Contemporary American cuisine and delights casual diners and gourmands alike. Located in a restored antebellum mansion, the restaurant is a top choice for celebrating big occasions and having fun! They feature an ever-changing menu with items like smoked asparagus soup with duck confit, lobster medallions in scallop mousse and deliciously decadent desserts.

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

Guinness Open Gate Brewery

$$$$

Gastro Pub

Elkridge

4.5

1063 reviews

This restaurant is part of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in the Baltimore Suburbs. Located on the site of the historic Calvery distillery, it is the first Guinness brewery to open in the United States! The restaurant features an incredible menu of Gastro Pub and American food. Some of the delicious menu items include an Irish Eggs Benedict made with Guinness brown bread, corned beef, poached eggs, Bearnaise and a side of roasted fingerling potatoes, Irish style potato pancakes and cinnamon rolls made with Bulleit Bourbon!

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

Mutiny Pirate Bar & Island Grille Elkridge

$$$$

American

Elkridge

4.5

372 reviews

Locals consider Mutiny Pirate Bar and Island Grille one of the most fun restaurants in Baltimore! They have amazing scratch food created by trained chefs and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Their appetizers include dishes like Crispy Cannonballs, a local favorite, featuring ship-made, creamy fried Mac’n’Cheese bites served with Chipotle Ranch for dipping. They also offer Jumbo Chicken Wings, Tuna Tacos, Crab Cake Sandwiches and more. It’s the kind of place where you can cut loose, be yourself and forget about all the stuff that keeps you from having fun.

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

Backfin Blues

$$$$

Contemporary American

Port Deposit

4.7

925 reviews

Backfin Blues Bar and Grill offers the freshest, most succulent seafood, juicy Black Angus Steaks and Prime Rib, cold beer, specialty martinis and after-dinner drinks - and they are all hand-crafted and made-to-order for your enjoyment! Located in the Port Deposit neighborhood, it’s a perfect destination spot for when you are ready to kick back and relax after work. It’s an upscale dining restaurant in a casual atmosphere and the award-winning menu features items like South African Lobster Tails, Filet Au Poivre and Scallops Au Gratin Florentine.

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

The Vineyard Wine Bar

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Havre De Grace

4.8

944 reviews

Located amidst the charming art galleries, boutique hotels, antique shops and marinas of Havre de Grace, The Vineyard Wine Bar is a convenient stop for a glass of wine, light lunch or a fun and rewarding dinner. The menu shows off flavors from around the world with a super interesting selection of wines and an exciting array of tapas, light and healthy salads, Flatbread, fresh pate, artisanal cheeses and more! They also have a retail shop on the premises so if you find a bottle of wine that you love you can pick up an extra bottle to take home.

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

Bacco Italian and Wine Bar

$$$$

Italian

Bel Air

4.5

985 reviews

Bacco Italian and Wine Bar offers a delightfully relaxed atmosphere for dining and locals consider it one of the most fun restaurants in Baltimore. They feature a top-rated wine list and a full menu of irresistible Italian food in a stylish, yet casual dining room. They also have an expansive bar and a self-serve wine system where guests can sample a variety of wines. Owners Gennaro and Ivano gained their culinary skills in Naples, Italy and use creative-yet-classic preparation and craftsmanship to make a great Italian meal and overall experience that leaves you happy and content.

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

Xenia Greek Kouzina

$$$$

Mediterranean

Columbia

4.6

1389 reviews

For one of the most fun restaurants in Baltimore and delicious seafood to top it off, head to Xenia Greek Kouzina! Nestled in sprawling Columbia, Maryland, just outside of Baltimore proper, Xenia seeks to celebrate the flavors of the Mediterranean in an elegant dining destination paired with unparalleled service. They have an expansive menu of seafood delights and a full host of Mediterranean favorites. Choose from items like Grilled Haloumi, Grilled Calamari, Spanakopita, Summer Vegetable Pasta, Slow Braised Ground Lamb, Half Roasted Chicken and Creekstone Farms Ribeye Steak.

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

Creole de Graw

$$$$

Creole

Havre De Grace

4.6

578 reviews

Creole de Graw offers new French and Creole fusion along with New American and French dishes, and locals think it is one of the most fun restaurants in Baltimore! It has a super casual atmosphere and dining experience and also offers a range of wine and beers that pair well with the dishes. Choose from the range of seafood, vegan and meat-based dishes and don’t forget to leave room for their amazing desserts, like the Key Lime Pie. Standout menu items include crab mac and cheese and classic Jambalaya.

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

Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant

$$$$

French

Ellicott City

4.9

2168 reviews

Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant offers a wide range of French and French-Canadian delights. It is the place to go for an impressive dish that you probably can’t find elsewhere in the region! Try the presentation of Brittany fish soup poured table-side - it features fish puree over saffron aioli and Swiss cheese. Combining fish and cheese is a perfect example of how this restaurant takes great risks with its flavor pairings and ensures that they are delicious. They also serve up a wonderful breakfast menu.

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

18th & 21st

$$$$

Speakeasy

Columbia

4.8

1200 reviews

18th and 21st, located in Columbia’s Merriweather District, is the sister restaurant to Cured, which it shares a building with. It is a modern supper club that brings something fresh and classic to the area. The food and cocktails here reflect the feel of prohibition supper clubs and emulate the style of that era. Expect beautiful presentation, careful crafting and perfect pairings to keep your night on beat. The dining experience offers live music and super sophisticated fun so come expecting to have the night of your life!

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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Magdalena

$$$$

Bistro

Mt. Vernon

4.6

1047 reviews

Magdalena is a fine-dining den inside the Ivy Hotel on Biddle Street. The restaurant features several dining areas, including the Garden Room overlooking The Ivy’s picturesque courtyard. The space is both informal and elegant and the cross-cultural menu boasts fine local ingredients and changes with the seasons and the inspiration of the chef. They also feature an extensive and award-winning wine list with various appellations to complement your culinary experience. And fans of whiskey will have a ball with their Curated Whiskey Collection!

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

Jimmy's Famous Seafood

$$$$

Seafood

East Baltimore

4.6

2722 reviews

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, located on Holabird Avenue Downtown, is a casual, elegant seafood and steak restaurant. Open since 1974, it is one of the most beloved local spots for delicious food and a warm, intimate vibe. They serve award-winning seafood and steamed hard-shell crabs as well as various tastes from all over the world! Try dishes like the barbecued baby back ribs, grilled lamb chops and oyster stew. Diners love the casual, fun lounge and laid-back atmosphere of the beautiful dining room.

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 Most Fun Restaurants