Came here for a celebratory family dinner while visiting Baltimore for the first time, and we knew…read morewe had to try seafood since Maryland is famous for its blue crabs. We ordered the small raw seafood tower, the steamed seafood platter, and the lobster pasta from the large plates section. We are a family of four with a pretty big appetite, and it ended up being the perfect amount of food for us. Everything was delicious and incredibly fresh. The raw tower came with cocktail sauce, mignonette, horseradish, and lemon slices, and the steamed platter was served with melted butter and nicely seasoned spices. There was also hot sauce and Old Bay seasoning on the table so you could customize everything to your taste. Once the seafood arrived we got fully busy with our hands and all the tools provided, which honestly made the whole experience even more fun. I genuinely cannot pick a favorite because we enjoyed every single thing we ordered. I also tried the Orange Crush, which I learned is a Maryland vodka drink made with freshly crushed fruit juice. That drink was dangerous because it tasted just like orange juice, but the vodka definitely sneaks up on you. Since we were celebrating, dessert was on the house, which was such a thoughtful touch. We shared the cast iron baked cookie with salted caramel ice cream and it was the perfect ending to the meal. The cookie was crispy around the edges, soft and moist in the middle, and the slight saltiness from the ice cream paired so well with it. Our server, Lylah, was wonderful and made sure we always had everything we needed throughout the meal. This ended up being such a memorable dinner for our family. Highly recommend The Choptank for seafood, celebrations, and a fun dining experience in Baltimore.

The food was good but the service was terrible. We sat down for a late lunch on a Sunday at 2 PM…read more It took over two hours to get our entrees and the place was not even a quarter full. The waitress made a bunch of mistakes that she never apologized for like not bringing a bottle of wine we ordered until an hour after we sat down, accidentally ordering an additional seafood platter and not removing it from the check, not including fries with a dish that came with them, then charging us extra for them when we asked her to please bring them. In total lunch took over 3 hours when it should have been half that at most. Good help is hard to find these days it seems.

My favorite restaurant in Baltimore. The food and service ALWAYS shine. The ambience is tight,…read morequaint, but a little noisy. I lived in Boston previously and Thames's lobster roll is BETTER than any I had there. It's my default order, but explore their specials when they catch my eye. I can also recommend thier scallops and fish. Their crab cakes are great as well; however, I reccomend getting other items here and crab cakes elsewhere if you're making multiple food stops in Bmore as there are equally good crab cakes at other places (Pappas, Faidleys, Nick's, Coco's etc.) but not equally good other dishes. I'm not an oyster guy, but they also have the best raw bar in town, and they have an in house dedicated pastry chef who makes desserts which are to die for if you save room.

Such an amazing experience! My close friend and I went for an impromptu Friday afternoon meal and…read moredrinks. They have a wonderful variety of oysters (local, from CT, MA and Newfoundland). It was a cozy location and although they were busy they quickly got us seated! The staff was prompt at filling our drinks and getting us more tasty eats. We ended up getting two trays of oysters (went well with our gin martinis), and the crab soup with short rib. So enjoyable and really warmed our bellies. I will definitely return to try their crab cake (the gentleman next us ordered it) enticing me to come back.

Enjoyed a wonderful seafood dinner last night with a group of friends, the food was amazing…read more The Service received from Christian was spot on, top notch, very nice, polished, and attentive. It made our night out standing. Looking forward to returning very soon and requesting Christians Section.

Sad to have give such a low score because the jumbo crab cake was very good, however I can not get…read morepast the fact that they charged me a gratuity charge (I think it was 15%) because I asked for a to go box to take home my leftovers and did it in a sneaky way without any upfront disclosure. So it cost me $10-15 to for a plastic takeout container. Had I not looked at the customer copy of the bill I would have not only not known but I would have tipped based on the total which already included the additional gratuity charge (which was not disclosed on the merchant copy). This is so unnecessary and ruined what would have been a good experience. They said it was a "sharing charge" which I have experienced and applies when u have another diner with you and u decide to split an entree. Had they disclosed I would at least had the option to finish the meal. The saying "stepping over dollars to pick up pennies " seems to apply as this left such a bad taste I doubt I will return despite the fact the crab cake was delicious and the loaded baked potato was average (hardly loaded) Beware of the hidden gratuity for take home leftovers!!! Update to above: I did follow up with Angie this morning and she was very kind and offered to credit back my card for the extra gratuity. She also explained that I was misled about the "sharing charge" but they do automatically add 15% gratuity regardless of party size or quality of service. So I would give 4 stars for the food quality and 1 star for the way in which they present and charge gratuity. Tipping should remain at the discretion of the diner based on service and food quality otherwise just get rid of tipping and raise your prices

Stopped into Penny Black with a friend during a work trip and instantly loved the vibe. It was…read morefreezing, windy, and right on the water so we both ordered the hot rum cider, which was exactly what we needed. Cozy, warming, and delicious. Two ciders ran us about $20, which felt reasonable for the setting and quality. We stopped in twice because we really wanted to try the bacon-wrapped goat cheese jalapeño poppers. The first time we weren't hungry enough, so we made a point to come back later and I'm glad we did. They were excellent. Not a huge portion, but it's an appetizer and felt appropriate. They were rich and well balanced, definitely a fork-and-knife situation, and worth the ~$14. The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal here. Tons of dark wood, historic character, and that old-Baltimore charm that makes you feel like the place has stories. It's warm and inviting. Perfect stop for drinks and a snack, especially on a cold day by the water. I'd absolutely go back if only for another hot rum cider and those poppers again.

I think the vibe is more bar than restaurant, but their food is just incredible! I almost always…read moreorder from the specials menu, never disappoints. Really cute place with lots of old charm. Plus, their cocktails are wonderful. Side note: it does get pretty hot inside sometimes..

Since the reviews aren't great I didn't have high hopes. The beer selection was pretty lame and the…read moreGuinness came out in a plastic cup so I was really not expecting much. I but the food was great! Between us we got a chicken sandwich topped with crab imperial which my husband loved, crab cakes which were meaty and delicious. The kids got a burger that they loved and fried shrimp which was not greasy and big and my daughter loved that. I also got an orange crush to drink and it was so good! We sat outside on a nice day and it really turned itself around. The food took a while to come out is my only complaint and with kids it got a bit iffy. They got my sons burger wrong and the fix had him eating way after everyone else. They comped a drink so that was nice but like I said the kids were melting down at that point.

Baltimore City Restaurant week, I love you!…read more I picked this restaurant for Winter Restaurant Week Lunch and I was very happy I did. Overall I had a very very good visit. I walked in and I was greeted immediately by Kelsey. I was informed I could sit where ever I wanted to sit and on which ever level floor I chose to and they would find me and take care of me. They did just that. I chose to sit on the 2nd level because it was a little warmer up there and I was able to have time to myself to catch up on my Yelp. I was given menus immediately although I already knew what I wanted. I ordered immediately and was informed that I made great selections and great selections indeed. I ordered their Firecracker Shrimp appetizer and B.A.L.T. Sandwich as my entree. The appetizer was plated lovely! It was so tasty and good. The B.A.L.T. is where we ran into some problems, but before I get to that let me finish out the greatness. The French Fries that I received with my sandwich was so good that I stop eating my Shrimp Appetizer because I had to eat each and every one of those curly seasoned fries. They were so so so good! They didn't even need ketchup! Now, this B.A.L.T. Sandwich was so sad I think I saw it crying on my plate. I got 1 scrawny piece of bacon for each half. They gave me the entire head of lettuce and I opted not to get the avocado and mayo but 1 miserable piece of bacon on each half... heartbreaking. For that reason this place gets a 4. Only reason I didn't give them a 3 is because the young lady that assisted (Kelsey) was fantastic! She was so sweet and kind. She came at the right time all the time and each time she needs to see me she had to run upstairs to check on little old me and appeared to have no problem with it. I would definitely eat there again but no way in hell would I order that B.A.L.T. sandwich. Ultimately worth a visit Yelpers !!

If you are looking for the definitive, quintessential Baltimore seafood experience, look no further…read morethan Mama's on the Half Shell. Anchoring the southeast corner of Canton Square, this neighborhood institution perfectly captures the grit, warmth, and culinary soul of Charm City. The Heart of Canton Ever since they opened their doors back in 2003, Mama's has been a cornerstone of the Canton neighborhood. Canton is historically a blue-collar, industrial waterfront community that has beautifully transformed into a vibrant, modern hub while fiercely holding onto its roots. Mama's fits right into that narrative. The interior feels like a step back into a classic, timeless Maryland seafood house--complete with dark wood accents, nostalgic local sports memorabilia, and an unpretentious, welcoming energy that makes you feel like family the second you walk through the door. Belly Up to the Raw Bar The literal centerpiece of the experience is the legendary raw bar. It is consistently pristine, deeply stocked, and manned by shuckers who treat their craft like an art form. Whether you're leaning toward sweet, plump Virginia oysters or briny, crisp North Atlantic varieties, everything is shucked flawlessly to preserve the liquor. Paired with fresh topneck clams and a hit of house-made cocktail sauce, it is arguably the best place in the city to start a meal. Standout Menu Highlights Beer Mussels: While you can get standard steamed mussels, the Beer Mussels are a revelation. They are sautéed with smoky, spicy andouille sausage, plump jumbo shrimp, red onions, and fresh tomatoes, all swimming in a rich, deeply savory tomato-beer broth. Grab an extra side of bread, because you will want to drink every last drop of that liquid. The Rockfish: You can't talk classic Maryland seafood without mentioning our state fish, the rockfish (striped bass). Mama's treats it with the respect it deserves. It is beautifully prepared--lean, flaky, and sweet--often featured as a fresh chef's special, blackened or pan-seared, and sometimes decadently topped with rich crab imperial. Whether you are dropping in for a casual happy hour after a day near the water, celebrating a milestone, or showing an out-of-towner what "real Baltimore seafood" actually means, Mama's on the Half Shell remains undefeated. It is a brilliant blend of nostalgic charm and exceptional execution.

Truly a beautiful day of fun in the sun. I ventured out to Mama's on the Half Shell to celebrate…read moreoyster week and I was totally satisfied with the results. The Rockefeller oysters were the best I have had yet... the spinach and cheese stuffing was absolutely delicious. The gorgeous weather played a major role in how electric the atmosphere was, and the outside patio was jubilant and filled with patrons. Now for me the raw oyster tower selection pushed my experience over the top. The oysters were fresh and chilled to perfection. And for the record, the menu is filled with a lot more tasty dishes than just oysters... so I encourage you on the next nice day ( over the spring & summer ) to stop by Mama's on the Half Shell for an experience that won't disappoint.

Several different friends have wanted to check this place out so I've been here a few times lately…read more It's super dim inside but there's a lovely patio out back. The food, drinks, and staff here are solid. This last visit, my friend and I just ordered cocktails at the bar which were good. It was pretty lively inside and the mood setting was great for our night cap. During previous visits, I've gotten their Duck Confit Sliders and Bond Street Burger. The happy hour specials are quite good and staff are courteous. A fun little neighborhood bar!

Love one eyed mikes! I liked the dark ambiance and their Old Fashioned is perfection! The bartender…read morewe had was the nicest lady ever.

It's a nice neighborhood bar and restaurant with very local vibes. The decor is pretty interesting…read morewhich would remind uou if a birthday party celebration. Staff is friendly and food is decent. We were here on our way back from DC and got seated immediately outside which had nice view of the ocean. They have dog menu which is was grit for our pup. The food and drinks came out promptly, a bit slow but it was a busy day for them. The views are nice from outside. Inside ambiance was very casual. Staff is friendly. Overall good neighborhood place if you are in the area.

Made a reservation for Mother's Day fun brunch, through Resy, and wished I picked another spot…read moreinstead, here is why: 1. Walked in at our reservation time and no one there to check us in. 2. Finally someone came back and cannot find our reservation, I should her my text messages and email to ensure we have a reservation. 3. Sat us downstairs by a high table, and that table was nasty, with sticky drink spills and marks all over, we had to clean it ourself. 4. Because we waited for 20+ minutes no server even came over to greed us...finally we waived someone down and he said he can take our order. 5. We ordered a French toast, seafood omelet, crab cake Benedict, biscuits and gravy & drinks. Drinks came out fairly fast, but we waited forever for the food. 6. I personally was not a big fan of any of the mix drinks there, way tooooo sweet. 7. After the food finally came, they are ok, not bad. 8. Then we decided to order some additional food to take with, ugh.... So regret, cause we waited for almost 30min for the takeouts. 9. Additionally, they ask us to put a credit card down to open a tab as soon as our order was taken, and charge 20% gratuity automatically , but claimed they only charge this to big parties....REALY ? There were 4 people in our party, I never heard of party of 4 was considered a large party. 10. Atmosphere, dive bar vibe, loud not in a good way, uncomfortable dining seatings. Based on our experience from this time, I have to say, sorry, we won't be returning to this place. I do not recommend this place.

We stopped by Kooper's Tavern during our Baltimore getaway while trying to beat the heat, and it…read moreended up being one of our favorite casual stops of the trip. The vibe was cozy, relaxed, and full of personality especially all the dog artwork on the walls (don't tell my cats ). Our waitress, Sadie, was incredibly kind and helpful from the moment we sat down. She highly recommended the truffle fries with the aioli sauce, and WOW!!! she absolutely knew what she was talking about. Those fries were honestly the standout of the meal. The smell alone was amazing when they hit the table -- perfectly crispy with truffle seasoning and Parmesan cheese, and the citrus Parmesan aioli really took them over the top. We ordered the fried chicken sandwich and the Sully Smash Burger with bacon added, cooked perfectly medium. The chicken sandwich was perfectly crispy, hot, juicy, and flavorful. Everything came out fresh and satisfying without feeling overly heavy. Great food, friendly service, cozy atmosphere, and definitely somewhere we'd return to next time we're in Fells Point. And we found parking nearby so we didn't have to walk far!

I visited Kooper's Tavern a few days ago because I was craving a burger…read more I ended up ordering a smash burger, a beer (their signature lager), and Old Bay chips. The beer was great--definitely a highlight. The burger, however, wasn't smashed at all and felt pretty basic, aside from their secret sauce, which added some flavor. The chips were good as well. Overall, I'd return for the views, location, and reasonable prices--but I wouldn't order that burger again.

Very fresh and affordable seafood. Fast service. Located in the center of the market. Inside is…read morenice and open and the food was delicious. They have everything from oysters to shrimp. Raw and cooked seafood available as well as sides and Agua frescoes. I got the fish tacos for only $10. They were well seasoned and came with pico, salsa verde, and chopped lettuce. Definitely going back!

A short walk from the Saturday Farmers Market​ is Sal & Sons Seafood in the Broadway Market. It…read moreisn't a big building so you can't miss it. Order at the register, and wait for your check # to be called. We shared the Maryland crab cake sandwich platter $18.95 and fried oyster sandwich $12.95 off the regular menu​, on brioche with lettuce onion and tomato. For the side of the platter we got vegetables, for the drink we had our pick of the bottled drinks in the fridge. The vegetable portion was impressive - plenty to share for two! The sandwiches were satisfactory. The portions good for the price.