EatMoreBeMore’s Favorite Comfort Food Restaurants

New year, new you? Not so fast. The past few years have been a bit awkward for all of us. So, I thought I’d better start this one off with pure comfort. Comfort food, that is. Here are some of my favorite places in Baltimore to warm your heart and fill your stomach.

Have your phone ready when The Outpost’s Tin Can Nachos arrive at your table. As the name suggests, these nachos arrive in a large can layered with house-fried flour tortilla chips, pinto beans, pickled jalapenos, tomatoes, house-ground chorizo, cheese, sour cream, scallions, and cilantro, and they are poured onto your plate upon arrival.

You can recognize Sally O’s by the bright and colorful mural that’s painted on its exterior (a perfect backdrop for those food photos, by the way). But what’s even more Instagram-worthy are the dishes ranging from lobster risotto to burgers. If you’re looking for some serious late-night dining, you’re in luck. The kitchen is open until midnight Monday through Saturday and even offers a “date night night” package served with a 32-ounce ribeye, truffle fries, green beans, and a bottle of sparkling rose wine.

The Food Market, Baltimore’s quintessential comfort food restaurant, is at the top of my list for anyone asking for a restaurant recommendation. I like to call the menu “elevated comfort food,” but really it’s just all your favorite dishes on steroids, from a 1-pound crab cake and foot-long mozzarella sticks, to spaghetti with crab meatballs and a ” try them all.” ” for dessert with their Heath bar crispbread pudding. In fact, it is impossible to leave there hungry.

No matter what you order here, make sure it comes on a Dough Boy Fresh pretzel roll. Personally, I think all sandwiches should come in one. But, of course, you’ll have to settle for the lamb cheesesteak with white truffle, which is, in my humble opinion, the best cheesesteak in town. If you’re not in the mood for something that decadent, you can always rely on their delicious classic crab bisque served in a Dough Boy Fresh pretzel bowl.

Recently reopened after a tragic fire, Barracudas has the tagline “Jeet Yet?” — read in a Bawlmer accent — you see that on bumper stickers and T-shirts around town. If you’ve never been, head over to this popular Locust Point bar and live like a South Baltimore local. I always start with the land and sea nachos and one of their special crushes as I peruse the menu for my main course selections.

Water for Chocolate is home to my favorite shrimp and grits in town, but you really can’t go wrong if you order anything from the menu. Fortunately, they have expanded their dining room in recent years, so you may have a chance to get a table. But even if you have to wait, it’s worth it. In the meantime, you can enjoy a beer at the Ministry of Brewing conveniently located across the street.

Of Love & Regret (or OLAR, as it’s affectionately called) has a little bit of everything for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood to gobble down “exploding” burgers and sip creative cocktails, or to keep it light with vegetarian shareable platters and seasonal salads, there’s something here for you. Also, you can choose between drag brunch and doggie brunch on the weekends.

It should come as no surprise that Blue Moon Too made it onto this list. While he might feel a little uncomfortable ordering owner Sarah Simington’s Glory Hole Of Love French Toast, that feeling quickly goes away once he gets a taste of it. The ingredients? Sliced ​​glazed donuts dipped in a special “flan” cream, roasted in butter, filled with whipped cream and sliced ​​strawberries, and garnished with house-made chocolate covered strawberries.

Chris Franzoni is a Baltimore native, resident, foodie, and “Dining-in-Head” of @EatMoreBeMorewhich began seven years ago with two goals: to make its way across the city and to shine a positive light on Baltimore’s restaurant and hospitality scene.