Hubs and I hit up Pete's after visiting the 32nd Street Farmer's Market last Saturday. Now, as a Baltimore native (and former resident of Waverly itself), I have been well aware of Pete's for what amounts to my entire life. But - I'd never been here before, which I can now say is a crying shame. Even if you end up NOT liking the food here, you have to come, even if only to scratch it off your Baltimore bucket list. This is a B'more institution, folks. It's been perched on the corner of Greenmount and 32nd forever - at least for 40 years, because I remember it being there when I was only yay-high. Be prepared when you come - this is Blue Moon-level seating. You'll stand against a wall for 20 minutes and stare jealously at everyone sitting at the counter enjoying their food. It is what it is. At least you get to wait in a nice, warm space and take in all of the posters on the walls, including the snarky ones right above the grills. It's a Baltimore thing. I would definitely NOT recommend taking more than two at a time here. Unless you want to be seated separately. There was one poor party of four that was skipped over six times because they couldn't get seats together for all of them at once. So, yeah. A single or at the most, a couple - no more. They don't have "fancy" breakfast dishes here. No Captain Crunch toast, no eggs with hollandaise and potatoes, no Miss Shirley's 24 dollar waffles. Not here, uh-uh. It's as basic as you're going to get - pancakes, home fries, eggs with cheese. If you're expecting more than good old-fashioned solid American breakfast that you could probably whip up in your own kitchen, you're in the wrong joint. Hubs and I both ordered Western omelettes (the Saturday special) - nothing more than eggs with tomatoes, onions, peppers and cheese, but boy was it good after being in the cold for hours. It came with a side of home fries (you can substitute grits if you want) and toast with butter and jelly - like I said, standard. Coffee is hot, plentiful and comes in little mugs with "PETE'S" written in Old English on the side. Very no-nonsense. The waitresses are crusty. "NEXT TWO!" And they'll yell it right in front of you, too. It's Baltimore at its finest. They won't exactly rush you out, but don't linger too long, either. That line never goes away, after all. You're there to eat and go, simple as that. Prices are about right for a place like this. It's not dirt DIRT cheap, but it's not at all unreasonable. We got out of there for about 20 bucks or so (if you can read the scrawl on the ticket, that is, heh). Pete's is Pete's. It's a Baltimore thing. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Don't wait decades to come like I did. read more

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I visited Baltimore in mid-to-late April and a friend and I had brunch at Pete's Grille (conveniently located just a couple blocks away from where she used to live and a couple blocks away from an excellent Farmer's Market). Though it's quite busy and popular on the weekends, the staff is very efficient at serving food and clearing up places at the counter (it's counter style seating) so that people filter in and out relatively quickly. We both ordered the chicken n waffles and enjoyed it a lot. I was a bit disappointed that it was chicken strips on the waffles (instead of big pieces of chicken, as I'm used to), but I still really enjoyed it and the syrup was delicious, even with the chicken! I would definitely visit Pete's Grille again if I found myself in that neighborhood in the future, and I highly recommend it as an excellent Baltimore brunch place. read more

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A local classic serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week with daily specials. It's best to have cash as using credit will cost you a dollar for the transaction. They have counter seating only so, you may have to wait but the portions and cost are worth it. read more

who needs an IHOP in this area when you have pete's grille! such a great breakfast / brunch place! been here multiple times pros: the FOOD. the cheap price! hot cakes (pancakes) are so soft and fluffy REALLY GOOD. french toast is good. last time i had the english muffin sandwich with egg and sausage inside. the sausage was pretty darn good. I've tried the burger there too which was great. home fries.. yum. cons: restaurant is tiny, so it's really bad if you have a large group (almost impossible if you have more than 4). also it's CASH ONLY! don't forget your cash. but i love this place. on saturday mornings, the farmer's market is also really close by so you can stop by there after or before breakfast / brunch. read more

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BEST BREAKFAST IN BALTIMORE. None of that fancy shit - classic American breakfast. However, you can go international with the Belgian waffles... Fast, friendly service. CASH ONLY. Open Sundays. Lunch options look good too! $22 for pictured meal... read more

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I'm disappointed that I didn't try this place sooner, and expect this to become a regular breakfast spot. It's just a counter, so it's best not to come with a group - the max number of people sitting together seemed to be three. It's classic diner fair, and my veggie omelet with home fries was great. The cheese and toast are optional, which is fine with me because I didn't want to add either. The veggies were onion, pepper, mushroom, and tomatoes; while the mushrooms seemed cooked, the peppers and onions were on the crunchy side, and the tomatoes were fresh - this is fine by me, but I know some people prefer all the veg cooked. The home fries were red potatoes with onion - soft, not crispy, and skins on - and they were perfectly cooked and seasoned. If you don't like home fries, you can get grits and toast with your egg dishes. They have solid diner coffee, and they keep it coming, even sending you home with a to-go cup full. They keep hot sauce out on the table, which I appreciate - most places just have ketchup with hot sauce on request. Service is prompt and friendly. We went on a Saturday around 9:30 and waited only five minutes for a seat. This is cash only, so be prepared for that. Can't wait to head back! read more

Pete's Grille - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Pretty Standard bar style diner. Had pancakes, eggs, bacon and potatoes. Everything was pretty good. The service was really good. Fast and prompt and no mess ups. Just what I love. Someone next to me had a western omelette that looked pretty good too. I would like to return for lunch. They close pretty early (1 pm). And cash only. So be prepared. read more

Pete's grille is something of a hidden gem because driving past it, it looks like every other place on the block BUT it is NOT. The food is delicious, the service is top notch, the employees are kind and actually listen to you. The times I've been I have been completely satisfied and coming from me that's a lot to say. So check it out whenever you get a chance it's definitely worth the experience. read more

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Good old fashioned American breakfast food! The place is tiny, there's only bar seating for like 16 people, and the line extends out through the whole restaurant.. but it was so worth it! Got here at 11:30 on a Sunday morning, got a spot for two at 11:50. The biscuits in sausage gravy were endorphin inducing. There's plenty of parking in the neighborhood, so no worries on that front. I live a few minutes away, and am coming back for more. read more

Pete's Grille - Biscuits in sausage gravy and seasoned home fries. 3 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Classic, casual diner where service is FAST. There is almost no seating, as the entire restaurant is bar seating. There is very little room to walk, so this might not be the easiest choice for people with mobility issues. If you come at an odd hour or can deal with crowds, you'll find a basic breakfast that gets the job done for a reasonable price. I had the chicken and waffles, and they were exactly what I was expecting--fried chicken pieces over a waffle, without the frills. read more

I'm not sure of the customer service or the looks of the actual restaurant because I ordered through doordash. I ordered breakfast sandwiches. One sausage egg & cheese on white bread for my friend & one ham egg & cheese on an English muffin for myself. My friend enjoyed the sandwich. Mine was good too! I had zero complaints. I will do another review once I try something else on the menu, & whenever I am able to check out the establishment. read more

its true great breakfast. classic place. diverse customers. and next door to great bookstore

They serve a perfect breakfast if you ask me! Home fries made with red potatoes, scrapple just right, good scrambled eggs and rye toast with a big cup of orange juice with no ice :) . Prepared well and quick. One of my favorite breakfast spots in Baltimore. read more

Pete's Grille - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Sooooo...i got the chicken and waffles with a side of the home fries, which were amazing. The reason I'm giving it 3 stars is for customer service. This is the first restaurant I've ever been to that wouldn't give out plastic silverware or give me a cup of hot water to sanitize my silverware. Whenever i asked for these items, the lady was really nasty with me which turned me completely off. Other than the horrible attitude from the waitress, everything else was cool. read more

Pete's Grille - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Anytime I come to Pete's grill I get really excited because of their chocolate chip Belgian waffle. It's one of my favorite things to order from there along with the potatoes eggs and sausage. Their menu is very simple and the amount of food you get is worth the price. I'm finally happy that they now accept debit cards as a payment option. I'll be back read more

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Poor Service!! Waitress with red hair and long blue fingernails was very rude and told us we could not order a cup of hot water or ask for plastic utensils because the health department did not allow it. It was a lie. I will spend my hard earned money elsewhere. DO BETTER!!! read more

Let me tell you something, the old waitress with the tattoos, blonde hair and nose ring needs to adjust her attitude. My 2 aunts were waiting 7 minutes for my mom & I inside and when I walked in I caught the tail end of a conversation about how my aunts need to get up because it's 3 seats but it's 4 of us. My aunt immediately stands and the waitresses said there's a seat at the window. My aunt asked would we be able to bring the chair over and the waitress said no but you can't sit here. We stood around for about 5 minutes to wait for seats but she kept running her nasty mouth to another waitress and I told my family we can go. I don't want her dirty bad juju fingers touching my food with all of that nasty attitude and negative energy. There's a certain way to speak to people and that wasn't it. read more

Pete's Grille is a staple in East Baltimore. I love the atmosphere. The food needs some TLC and the presentation needs some work. The French toast is supposed to fluffy and thick but instead it's flat and pressed flatter than a pancake. The eggs are just the best eggs I've ever had. This is a neighborhood spot. I'm happy every time I go. So I know to get what I know they do best. read more

Went on a Sunday around noon. Packed, like a good diner would be. The place was buzzin. I had a turkey sausage and 2 egg sandwich, western omelette w/ homefries, chocolate chip pancakes, shared between me and a friend. Check out their specials each day. On Sundays, they have choc chip pancakes (6.00), western omelette (7.25) The chocolate chip pancake was very good. Almost too much chocolate. But it was pretty big. Definitely would struggle on my own to eat it all by myself, and that's saying alot. It's a nice fluffy consistency. The omelette was good and the homefries were decent. Homefries could've used more crust, but it was still great. Overall good seasoning, flavorful. I also tried some biscuits and sausage gravy. Thick, gravy over a soft moist biscuit ...nothing ridiculously amazing, but still decent. In these parts of baltimore, this is a classic quick, diner feel with great food. The food is really well done. On any day, Try to avoid the lunch rush. read more

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It's soo Good. Small spot just a bar but the food is soo good! He cooks right in front of you. Don't get all dressed up just go when your ready for some good breakfast. Get the potatoes for sure and the pancakes are excellent!!! read more

Good food but so tiny and terrible for groups!!! There is only bar seating a the bar is so small. I went here once with a group of 6 people and we had to sit dispersed in 3 groups of 2. I went here once with one other person and it was much better. The food is good but not amazing. Pretty classic breakfast & lunch diner food. read more

Pete's Grille - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Great food but you're better off ordering from Ubereats or Postmates because you probably aren't going to get a seat there no matter what time of day you go. Ensure you try the French Toast if you want a melt in your mouth treat! read more

I was in Baltimore for just 24 hours and needed a place for a quick and tasty breakfast. Pete's was perfect. It's nothing fancy -- no tables, just a long counter with stools, facing the grill. Our two (bleached?) blonde waitresses of a certain age were the ideal mix of efficient and gruff, refilling water and coffee quickly. I got a short stack of blueberry pancakes and turkey sausage; my son got the breakfast special of pancakes, eggs, and bacon plus a side of home fries (he's a growing boy!). The pancakes were fantastic: fluffy, light, and filled with blueberries. The turkey sausage was juicy and savoury as well. I was a little disappointed by the home fries -- although they were delicious, they weren't very crispy. But that's a minor gripe. Although Pete's is around the corner from the weekly farmer's market, the neighbourhood it's in seems a bit down-at-heels. Don't be alarmed! Even at 7am on a Monday Pete's was bustling with local folks, from cops to security guards to a lady from down the block. The staff seemed to know all of them, and clearly Pete's is a place that saves its love for its regulars. That's ok with me, though: the food more than makes up for it. read more

Ugh I ordered 37 minutes ago over the phone when they said "ten minutes" and I'm leaving now empty-handed to get back into my Uber and on to my next stop. The lady tried to charge me $13+ for something she told me was $11.40 over the phone. Then they tried to take my card before preparing the food, without letting me know it hadn't even been started yet. Too many things wrong with this situation. Everybody packed inside like sardines with no breathing room. You can't pick up food from inside, not out of the convenience, but because their is simply no room for anyone not sitting in a chair at the counter. Seems expensive... $11.40 for a two egg veggie omelet and a side of turkey sausage. Plus they charge an extra dollar if you use your card. The service I received does not reflect the pricing. I added an extra star to my one-star experience because the sign on the door asks to please respect the people who decided to show up for work, the labor shortage Yada Yada... read more

I've ordered through doordash or Uber multiple times. The food is always amazing. First time going in the store for dine-in down the service was terrible. I went January 8th on my birthday. The server took our order then disappeared then not even halfway through our meal she gave us the check didn't say anything and left again. I was confused at first because I wanted to get more food but decided against it and just paid the bill. I overheard the server asking two other employees did we leave a tip. The person who took my check whispered yes. Then the server who disappeared reappeared asked did we need a takeaway container trying to be polite towards the end. I'm assuming it was because we're two young black adults along with the stereotype that black people don't tip. I'm a server myself so I always tip even before I worked in the service industry. Need to treat people kindly because nobody is obligated to tip you especially when the service you receive is POOR! But I know that tips are divided throughout the staff and that wouldn't be right not to leave something for everyone else's hard work. I was pondering on making this review because I honestly didn't care but I want them to know that I heard them (young white woman serving, older white woman, and young white woman with tattoos didn't catch their names) talking about us. But yeah the food was good always is but I won't eat or buy anything from here again. :) read more

I've been ordering takeout from Pete's for years but lately the service has been slipping. Over the past year I have had several orders with multiple missing items. Which doesn't make sense since I pretty much order the same things consistently. Today I ordered 2 meals with extra bacon and orange juice for both. The bacon was missing for one of the meals and so was the OJ. Needless to say I am highly disappointed. Hopefully someone reads this and improves on the quality of service.... read more

Great spot to hit for breakfast on an early Saturday morning before going to complete errands, or hitting the farmers market right around the corner. However, get there early, or be ready to stand and wait for a seat at the counter. The pancakes are a hit and so are the milkshakes. During the week, if you're able to grab a seat, they have some good sandwich and entree selections. The salisbury steak platter is really good. The gravy that comes with it is yummy - and do yourself a favor and get the mashed potatoes and green beans. Service is quick and watching the cooks handle orders with speed is amazing. read more

Went here on a rainy day just at 11 on Saturday for brunch. Since I hadn't checked any reviews before coming, I was a little surprised by the counter-style. The diner was full, but our wait wasn't too long (around 10 minutes). People don't stay too long after they've finished eating. The vibe is friendly, but very pragmatic - the servers pull you up, and are friendly, but brisk. It was quite nice to see the chefs cook the food on the grill in front of you. We ordered the Western omelette (tomato, green peppers, and onion, with cheese), which was served with grits, and toast, and the blueberry waffle, with a side of scrambled egg. Your perfect comfort brunch - the best breakfast I've had in a while. The omelette and waffle were by far my favourite. The omelette was fresh, and the portion size just perfect. The waffle was fluffy and moist, and dosed with a generous portion of blueberries. Make sure to bring cash, as they don't accept credit! read more

I'm not a diner person but on my solitary visit at some ungodly hour, the service was unforgettably lovely and warm. I don't think I've felt this strongly about the staff anywhere I've ever been in my entire life. Tipping highly here is not just your obligation but obligatory whether or not you care for the food [it's really cheap]. It's made with great care and served with unparalleled respect and kindness. read more

Cozy. Traditional. Diner. This place is popular for a reason. Staff are very friendly. The workflow of the line cooks in conjunction with the servers is impeccable. Orders are promptly taken, food is promptly cooked, belly is promptly filled. Depending on the time of day that you go, you may or may not hit a long line of folks waiting to be seated, as the restaurant is simply one long bar for seating. The line does move quick though due to the aforementioned process. And with the food served, it's worth the wait. Blueberry pancakes are a must. Omelettes are plentiful in size and tastiness. And the coffee just feels right. Oh, and stop by the ATM before heading here, cash only. It's places like this that make me happy to live in Baltimore. read more

I don't usually go nuts over breakfast but I don't know if it was my extreme hunger, my extreme hangover or the 20 minutes of watching food be made and served to other people while we waited for a seat, but this was the most delicious breakfast I've had in a while. I pretty much wanted everything on the menu but decided on the french toast with a side of home fries and bacon. I hadn't had french toast in a loooong time and this french toast was very good. The bacon was my favorite kind... salty, greasy, thin, and crispy. And while I only made it through about 1/4 of the home fries, they were pretty awesome as well. Service wasn't the most friendly I've ever experienced, but it was quick and cordial. It's cash only, but also pretty cheap so you don't need to have a ton of cash on you. My only regret is that a guy who came in after us ordered a coffee milkshake and a milkshake at breakfast didn't even cross my mind. Probably wouldn't have mixed well with all the grease and syrup soooo maybe for the best. I don't often find myself in this area but wouldn't hesitate to come back. read more

Pete's Grille - Best bacon ever! The home fries and French toast were delicious as well - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Amazing Grille! If you're ever in the area go here! I was VERY skeptical about visiting the restaurant but after getting inside I was ok. It was very clean. And I mean VERY CLEAN! The grille, countertops, every area where food was prepared was clean, which I appreciated. The food was great. I ordered a burger without the bread and it was one of the most amazing burgers I ever had. It had the char-grilled taste which I love and I can't wait to go back to visit and eat there again. Service was great and the cook was very friendly as well :) read more

Haiku: Michael Phelps comes here and eats the home fries. Like him, Pete's gets a medal. read more

I ordered a breakfast platter with a side of extra scrambled eggs/bacon and bacon cheeseburger. The side of eggs was just ONE egg hard and half cooked. No extra bacon, soggy toast and half cooked bacon. The bacon cheeseburger had no cheese ( I put cheese on it) half cooked bacon and RAW(see pictures) and barely room temp!!! No excuse for this kind of laziness read more

Pete's Grille - Bacon Cheeseburger - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Just so you know (and just in case he's reading this) before the record breaking number of medals earned, I was a Michael Phelp's groupie. Although I can swim like a rock, I always checked for Michael and his achievements in the water out of hometown pride. So it's no coincidence that every time I come to Pete's Grille, I put on my best daytime cougar wear and keep my eyes peeled in case those lanky arms and legs should come though the diner doors, as he's been known to do so much in the past. At the risk of calling it cramped, I'll just say Pete's is a rather small establishment (with room for about 18 at the counter and maybe an additional 10 in the rest of the diner) great for a quick breakfast with great customer service. The ladies are all so very pleasant and range in ages and style, from tatted up to clutching pearls. Can't say I have favorites here because it's pretty hard to mess up standard, non-fancy breakfast food save for omelets but eggs are the devil and I don't partake in such nasty eating so I can't help ya in that department. I haven't eaten any of the lunch food here because you take your time with lunch and Pete's (with its limited space) doesn't strike me as that type of establishment. Dining out for breakfast is more of a get-it then hit-it type of event and considering that Pete's closes at 1p everyday, it's safe to say they second that emotion. A few of my greatest Saturdays have started with a quick meal at Pete's then stopping past the 32nd Street Farmers market before going home to recharge and pat my fat stomach for a few before beginning my main Saturday plans. Unfortunately, I haven't had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Phelps YET but just as the wave haired Jesse Jackson said, I keep hope alive that one day I'll see the wave making Olympian and, who knows, we might even share some pancakes =) read more

This is a cute, small, home-y little neighborhood diner. There is only a long row of seats at the "bar" though, so it can make seating a bit difficult. I would NOT recommend coming here with a large group because you have to all sit a row and you'll never get seats unless you split up. But besides all that, the food was really good. My omelette was delicious and the portions were huge! The servers were very friendly and it's very easy to get their attention because you're sitting right in front of them. Apparently there's a really nice farmer's market a block away sometimes, although sadly it was raining that day. Next time! read more

I did it! Finally! After four years of trying to walk the three blocks that would take me to this cash-only nook of the neighborhood, I've officially done it! The atmosphere is teeny tiny neighborhood diner, super casual, and you can tell there are regulars. The early bird and Facebook specials (acquirable through getting up at the crack of dawn or liking their Facebook page respectively) are so worth it. This is the type of place where it's all about bang for buck. Simple food made in satisfying quantities and served with a smile. Don't expect huge variety or upscale ingredients, that's not what this place is about. It's about the type of bacon and egg, pancakes and syrup breakfasts that you can smell from your bedroom and drag yourself out of bed for. Yum. Wake up. Go to Petes. Go back to be to enjoy the food coma. read more

Pete's Grill has a homey, diner feel. The workers are very friendly, although service can be pretty slow when it's crowded. I would definitely recommend coming on a weekday morning if you can to avoid the crowd on weekends. Its menu doesn't feature fusion dishes and the counter can seat maybe 15 people, but I can sum it all up in 5 words: chocolate chip pancakes & home fries. (Does that count as 6?) Pricing is reasonable and portions are large. A solid brunch place worth coming back to again and again! P.S. This is apparently Michael Phelps' favorite burnch place! ;) read more

My husband and I have been coming to Pete's for more than six years. It is your classic "sit around a counter on stools" experience. Due to the setup, if the stools are taken, you have to wait in a line against the wall behind the stools - or time your visit well (first thing in the morning on weekends is best). Even if you have to wait, the stools turn over very quickly. I always order the chocolate chip pancakes. They are fluffy, huge, chocolate chip pillows of deliciousness. If you have a sweet tooth, these need to be on your plate. Eggs, french toast, breakfast sandwiches - really everything is great. What you will get: great value for your money, delicious food, fast service (unless there is a huge line), a great overall experience. What you should NOT expect: high end, fancy-schmancy dining - you go here to fill your tummy with amazing food, not a fine dining experience; also don't plan to sit for a long time when you're done eating - the folks behind you want to eat (and the servers deserve tips from the next folks to sit in your chairs); this is NOT a great place to go with a large group of friends - unless you go first thing in the morning. Enjoy! read more

Fav breakfast spot of B-more hometown legend, Michael Phelps, and is among the best breakfast places around. A long counter set with stools elbow to elbow and friendly smiles (as well as a line) greet you as you enter this local Baltimore favorite. The joint is FILLED with local sports memories and makes you feel like you just stepped back in time with all the friendly faces and decor on the wall. If you do go, don't show up with a large group of people. The place is counter stools only and seats open as they come up so you'll A) wait forever and B) have everyone in the place mad at you b/c it takes forever to seat you. The menu includes favs such as grits, scrapple, breakfast sandwiches (try it on the kaiser bun), breakfast potatoes, pancakes (with fruit too), and homemade waffles (if you sit near the waffle machine be prepared to be sprayed by the cook with nonstick spray). On Sundays they also serve cream chipped beef which is FANTASTIC if not totally unhealthy for you. The food is great, just don't go there if you are on a diet or eat healthy (note- this is where Michael consumes his now legendary breakfast meals after practice each day). They serve breakfast the entire time they are open- YAH!! but beware- they close at 2pm! The service is great (and totally Baltimore, Hon) and the turnover in seats is pretty fast so if you go and the line is long, the wait usually is shorter than you think it will be. So if you decide to pop in do me a favor, don't go on Sunday mornings; that's when I go and the line is already too long :) read more