This food was phenomenal but a huge part of what made the overall experience great was my server CJ. She gave the best recommendations: blue crab mac, French onion oysters, and a million more dishes throughout the night. She was attentive, kind and made our drinks PERFECT. Couldn't have had the best first meal experience in Maryland!!!!!! read more

My husband made surprise reservations to celebrate Valentine's Day and we came to True Chesapeake for the first time. I absolutely loved it, from the prompt service to the ambience to the local, delicious food, we had such a lovely dinner. I came for oysters and I got them. First we had a dozen raw oysters from the True Chesapeake farm, which were so fresh and flavorful. My favorite hands down was the Chunky Dunker oyster, gigantic and meaty. Then we had broiled oysters, you know, for some variety! They were fantastic. Dinner was fabulous, I had the scallops and my husband had the fish. We ate every single bite, and all but licked the plates clean. To finish, we had dessert cocktails - the Grasshopper tastes like an Andes mint - and we happily headed home with full bellies. I can't wait to come back and try more of the local seafood on offer! read more

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Great meal at great restaurant and I look forward to coming back soon to try some other food here. A couple reasons for this not being a five-star review, first of all somewhere along the way our server left and another server took her place and we're not sure why but once the other server took over which luckily was right before dessert things slowed down to a snail's pace. It took forever for us to get our desserts and then the same to get our check. Not really sure why our server disappeared halfway through the meal, but she did. Secondly, I ordered a catfish sandwich which was delicious but I ordered it with no tartar sauce and our server said that that's the way she put it down but the kitchen didn't prepare it that way they prepared it with tartar sauce slathered all over the sandwich which I promptly sent back. Not being a big oyster fan, I did get a couple of raw oysters and actually really enjoyed them and will be back to have more in the future. My mom had the snakehead which was very delicious but also a very small portion for the amount that we paid. The website indicated that for those who are gluten-free, like my mom, the menu had stars on them but the menu that we had did not nor was there a menu with stars indicating what is or could be made gluten free. The ambiance of the restaurant was really nice. We chose to eat outside because it wasn't too hot and we could sit under cover and enjoy the beautiful June weather. It was nice inside but it didn't look to be a very large area inside and could have been very noisy with the high ceilings. Not sure willl try in the future and report at that time. There are many things on the menu that I want to try so I will definitely be back. If you love oysters come here and they won't disappoint. I definitely recommend giving this place a try. Aside from the two issues that I experienced, they were minor in the scheme of things and I will definitely be back. read more

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Woah! I was blown away. This restaurant is the greatest I've been to lately in Baltimore. I walked in and I was immediately happy to be there. The bar and restaurant are beautiful. The apps were incredible. I absolutely loved the beet salad, steak tartare and the handmade spaghetti with clams. You can't go wrong with the brisket meal or their sides - whether it's the grilled chicken or the CAULIFLOWER. GET IT! The oysters were hyper local. Good but not the greatest as I prefer more northern. They have a great selection of oysters locally available so everyone could find one they'd like. I preferred one of them but they didn't identify which was which. read more

have gone here before for a Yelp event. Came for a birthday celebration this time and the happy hour did not disappoint!!! The service was top notch and they honor happy hour Tuesdays til Friday 5-7 pm at the bar and high top tables. I love that they own oyster farm, are local to Maryland, n very fresh. I also got the catfish sandwich; catfish isn't my favorite; but this sammy was on point!! Last but not least their happy hour is a killer deal at $6 old fashioned n Margs. Already itching to go again. This spot truly is a gem and worth every penny. Management is also friendly and welcoming. read more

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I had my first average experience at True. I'm a big fan of the happy hour drink prices, love the top notch food and great service. We went this past Saturday and sat on the patio for the first time. Pat our bartender was fantastic, our server was helpful even though she was quite busy. I was disappointed with the food. I've had the snakehead fish before and it was fantastic. This presentation fell flat. I had to use a knife to cut the fish and the leak puree didn't work for me. The Caesar salad was okay. The Skinny Dippers hit the spot on the positives. The dessert was the worst carrot cake I've had. It was more like carrot bread, very dry. They were busy on Preakness Saturday. Maybe that was the issue. I'll probably stick with drinks, apps and oysters next time. read more

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This is a superior Happy Hour. It runs from 5-7 Tuesday-Sunday and has actual great deals on drinks and snacks. $6 cocktails, $2 oysters, & several $4 bar bites. The daiquiris were sweet, tart, and perfectly chilled and the oysters were cleaned properly (no stray shells in your teeth at this bar). It's a little off the beaten path, in an old mill on the far side of Hampden under 83, but it has dedicated parking, tons of ambience, and great service. We popped in for a cocktail and oysters before a dinner reservation and were delighted with the experience. It is worth the trip. read more

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I have been here for a couple Yelp events which were great but came to dine with a friend for the first time. We were greeted upon entering and seated for our dinner. The inside is rustic farmhouse with high beam ceilings. It was wine Wednesday which meant half off bottles of their wine selection. We chose a Tempranillo which was a nice bold red and not too dry. We shared the Blue Crab and Bone Marrow Dip and Mushroom Tart small plates along with the Tomato Butter Poached Snakehead entree. The mushroom tart was very good but erred a little more on the tart side. We enjoyed the crab and bone marrow dip but wished there was a bit more of the dip. The snakehead tasted more fishy and was ok. Service was friendly. Our least favorite was the snakehead but otherwise, service, food, and wine were quite good. read more

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A good experience. Nice ambience. We had reservations and were seated immediately (some still make you wait). We got a nice corner spot. There were lots of patrons on a Friday evening, but we still got good service. Our waitress and assistant were very attentive. The food--nice flavor. The menu is a bit limited. We would have appreciated a few more items to choose from or maybe an additional soup. Of course the focus here is oysters, and they've got them very fresh! We don't eat them, but we saw them go from display case to table and people looked very satisfied. We got a salad which was crisp and simple, bar chips and steaks, which we loved. They were cooked right, and the temp was the same throughout. Came with potato puree, which was not plentiful but a nice accent with the gravy/sauce. The spicy Brussels were also good. We got the reverse apple pastry. It was okay-appears huge, but there was not enough filling and we were fighting over it. We also got french press decaf coffee, which was hot and strong. Prices were a little more than we thought we would pay, but it seemed they are farm to table, and we did enjoy what we got. We will return, as we liked the scene here, and the Maryland vibe! read more

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I'm so confused with the 4 and 5 star ratings. Food was mediocre and underwhelming. We met friends and were excited for a great experience and dinner out. Oysters were nothing special, server had poor knowledge to describe the selection. Mussels in white wine garlic tasted watery and were basic at best. Crab cake was cold, not from sitting, hadn't been broiled to temp, it was sent back. Drinks were good. The biggest problem I had is the name "True Chesapeake" when they don't even use Old Bay seasoning....they use JO spice. Appalling for a "True Marylander". "Fake Chesapeake" is my rebranded name for this place. Over priced and underwhelming. We will not return. read more

I finally made it back here for brunch !! Plenty of free outdoor parking. Many seating options from indoor to outdoor. I knew once we had our Yelpie Awards here in December 2024, that I would return, and today turned out to be the day. Open seating in 1st dining area, bright, large, inviting bar area. Beautiful windows and décor. I was greeted by Lily after taking a seat at the bar. She was cordial. Professional. She was able to answer my food and beverages. Collectively I ordered the following. Blue Catfish Sandwich: Very fresh. Not too flavorful. Great consistency. Crunchy batter. Potato Wedges: A lil overcooked. Good, simple flavor. Empeacee: Amazingly concocted, very attractive, and delicious. Overall, I'd visit again. I think I'm gonna try their HH or dinner next time. Keep up the great work True Chesapeake!! read more

True Chesapeake - Blue Catfish Sandwich, Empeacee, and watching Sinner vs Alcaraz Roland Garros Finals. - Seafood Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Came here for restaurant week and was very pleasantly surprised since often restaurant week is disappointing. But we liked the options and added oysters Rockefeller, and so glad I did because theirs are extra delicious. Three of us shared but doubled up on spaghetti with clams, snakehead, and peanut butter chocolate pot de creme. Got one wine pairing and the wines were really good too. Service was polite and attentive and atmosphere loud but classy. The one little snafu was the snakehead came on top of mussels which wasn't on the menu, and the server didn't ask about allergies. Husbands has a bad intolerance so we got a plate, put the fish on it, and hoped for the best. We shall be back even when it's not restaurant week! read more

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The location is in an old Mill and is decorated very creatively with an open air vibe that I appreciate, especially when you consider how awesome their happy hour is. If you'd like oysters, this is a must. The bartenders and service are attentive and parking is easy. read more

Went for Happy Hour and it did not disappoint! The raw Oysters was my favorite with all the toppings! Wasn't a fan of the roasted oysters. I also had a catfish sandwich and medium well Burger, more fried pickles on my burger please lol!!! The drinks were so good! I had an margarita, gin martini, and green tea shots. The bartender was so friendly and interact with everyone. It's so beautiful inside! I would love to have a dinner party there. Will be back very soon and definitely in the summer read more

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Will be back. I was initially disappointed that the blue cheese infused vodka was not available for a dirty martini, got over it quickly with a very yummy whiskey sour. Our server was a very nice younger woman & we were impressed by her attentiveness & timing of plates. She/the kitchen also halved the portions on two plates for my husband and I to share which we loved. Everything we had was absolutely delicious. The French onion oysters & blue crab bone marrow dip are standouts imo. Not pictured is a plate of fresh raw oysters that didn't last long enough for a photo, served with apple mignonette - I LOVED it but my husband wasn't fond. read more

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We came here for a friends birthday party. Er came during happy hour. It was busy but the service was great. We were able to order and receive our food quickly. We tired the roasted oysters and they huge and delicious. For only $2 an oyster, I thought it was great price. We also tired the blue crab mac n cheese. We were surprised because it didn't actually have any crab in it, But the flavor was great. read more

True Chesapeake - menu - Seafood Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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İ love the atmosphere! And the most important thing is they growing oysters in the their own factory! I am glad my friends brought us to the place. We came here for having oysters and drink before the dinner. I only didn't like the bread! It's like plastic! I prefer mor gourmet bread. It's more get match for this place... I really enjoyed it! Next time we will come here for dinner. Service was also very good! read more

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Came here during restaurant week and had a very lovely dinner. The star of the show was the spaghetti w clams (AMAZING, would come back just for this). The snakehead was great as well but a little too oily/buttery for my taste. A pretty large selection of oysters to mix and match with ($3 ish each) and they were fresh and tasty. I love the vibe of the restaurant so much, I love that it's a bit secluded with a classy rustic feel. Our server was also so friendly, as was all of the rest of the staff who checked in with us during our meal. Also found out they have happy hour with $2 oysters, I def plan on returning. read more

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We had a nice meal here. The oysters were delicious and not overly priced at about $3 per. Their mignonnette was very good. The crab cake sandwich, kids Mac and cheese, and kids burger were also good. The snakehead (which is a fish) was tasty but could have used a bit more flavor. The boiled shrimp were good but again lacked some flavor. The service was a bit slow, the water was warm, and the burger was initially undercooked and took a while to redo so some things to improve on but we'll come back. read more

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This was my third time here and I always have a good experience. The oysters are my favorites. I got the crab cake sandwich and I'd say that was a solid 4/5 it was missing something. read more

True Chesapeake - Seafood Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Once again, fellow Yelpers led us to a great place! The happy hour was perfect! Great old fashioned for only $6! We also had a dozen of the house oysters raised on their own farm, having been harvested only two days prior. Don't miss out on the roasted oysters! Baked with Parmesan and old bay! Perfect! We then moved to our table for dinner. We had the bone marrow and crab with toasted bread. Wow! We also shared a bowl of the oyster stew which had crispy onions on top. Again, delicious and decadent. My wife had the snakehead fish which was meaty and was like a steak! The sauce was on point. Lastly, I had a soft crab sandwich which was fresh and juicy with a garden-fresh slice of tomato. The perfect meal and the vibe inside was perfect the whole time! read more

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One star for the roasted oysters and the initial drink This is long, sorry ahead of time. I've attended several Yelp Elite events at True Chesapeake and had been looking forward to returning for HH. I especially love their roasted oysters & told so many friends & coworkers about them, along with the overall vibe of the place. When I found out their oysters come from the same creek where my family owns land, it felt personal. That connection made it feel even more special After waiting so long, I finally had the chance to go back. Unfortunately, it was on a very difficult day. I had just received heartbreaking news from the vet that my doggie baby was nearing the end of his life. With everything going on, I was really looking forward to happy hour at True Chesapeake as a way to lift my spirits. It was less than a 10-minute drive from the vet, and I was determined to make it before happy hour ended. Parking was a little tricky, but I eventually found a spot. A manager kindly held the door open for me, and I thought things were off to a good start as I sashayed on in. I was eventually given a regular menu and had to ask about the HH specials. The only food item on the happy hour menu was the $2 oysters, either roasted or raw, along with a few select cocktails like old fashioneds, daiquiris, and margaritas which all had their own dedicated section in the binder. Already having had such a rough day, I decided on no alcohol so I didn't get more depressed, but as I flipped through their full cocktail menu, one drink caught my eye. The El Diablo which included ginger syrup, crème de cassis (I quickly googled and found out it was a french liqueur made from blackcurrants) and reposado. Now these are ingredients I love. I ended up ordering that and half a dozen of roasted oysters. I let the bartender know I was going to the restroom so my drink could be made in my presence. However, when I returned, my drink was already sitting on the bar. I debated on asking for another since I feel completely safe drinking it but chalked it to the game. . . . The oysters arrived quickly and were absolutely delicious! I didn't remember exactly how they taste it I just knew that they were phenomenal and again, the same. The cheese was perfectly browned, the oysters were juicy and flavorful, and I made sure to enjoy every last drop. I even had friendly conversations with the people sitting next to me about them. Everything about the food was exactly what I had hoped for. Still hungry, I ordered another round of both the oysters and the El Diablo. This time, a different bartender made my drink, and it tasted noticeably different--lighter, almost like it was made with ginger ale instead of syrup. I asked about it and was told that it was me the same way although I visually got to tell it wasn't the same and the garnishments for different as well. I again chalked it and sipped while enjoying the oysters. When I asked for my check, I was shocked to see it was over $60. The cocktails hadn't been given happy hour pricing. I mentioned it to the bartender, and she explained that the El Diablo wasn't part of the happy hour menu. I was surprised, especially since I had asked for the happy hour offerings at the start and assumed the drink I picked was included. She said she would talk to her manager to have a discounted and walked off. A manager I recognized from a past event came over and I explained the confusion and was immediately dismissed. She offered no understanding or acknowledgment and told me it was my fault for ordering something that wasn't on the happy hour menu. Her tone felt condescending and cold, and I was left speechless. I wasn't arguing over the price since I accepted that I made a mistake. What I didn't expect was to be treated so dismissively. After she said her speil, my mouth hung open and the only thing I could reply was the bartender said that you could discount it for me. She stated she would go ask her manager and quickly returned stating that the pricing was clearly listed and there was nothing they could do. I didn't ask to speak with whom she'd spoken with, if she indeed did, because I was informed Patrick wasn't there when I inquired earlier after not seeing him and I wasn't familiar with the other manager although I had seen him before. She asked if there was something else she could help me with, and I simply said, "I guess not" and quickly paid. I walked to my car feeling hurt and embarrassed, with literal tears running down my face. I had been looking forward to this moment for so long. I needed comfort, and instead I felt dismissed and disrespected. True Chesapeake had been one of my favorite spots. I was genuinely excited to return and share the experience again but after how I was treated, I no longer feel comfortable recommending them. The oysters are still fantastic, but no meal is worth being made to feel like that. read more

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True Chesapeake is always gonna give good vibes and good food. The bartenders are the best and always attentive. One of the best espresso martinis I've ever had!! I will also be back for the apple pie read more

My favorite place for happy hour and oysters, I love their oysters and how fresh they are. The drinks are super delicious. Lots of parking because they have their own lot. read more

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My first time at True Chesapeake was at a Yelp event, I knew I had to return because it was so awesome. My friend and I stopped in for happy hour and it didn't disappoint per usual. This is my 5th visit and I've had not one complaint. Drinks & oysters are always top tier read more

True Chesapeake - Old fashioned - Seafood Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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True Chesapeake is one of my favorite places to get snakehead dishes! They also vary up the recipes quite a bit. I believe some places call it Chesapeake Channa now, but if you haven't had this invasive fish, you should give it a go. It's steaky and mild and True Chesapeake always does a great job with it whether it's poached in butter or swimming in a Thai curry sauce. Some of my other favorite dishes are the mushroom tart, bone marrow dip, and catfish. The restaurant also has an excellent cocktail program, and delicious oysters that they farm themselves. They are one of a few " true blue" crab restaurants or you can get genuine Chesapeake blue crab. I'd also like to give a special shout out that they are very accommodating with large groups. Our server was unbelievably gracious (and accurate) in splitting the checks for a large party, which is a real rarity. Blending fabulous dishes with excellent service and a genuinely thoughtful approach to sustainable ingredients is a real win for Baltimore. Absolutely love this place! read more

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This was stop # 3 on our Woodberry food tour, so we were pretty stuffed by the time we got here. I'll definitely have to come back to have a full dinner! GLOWS: -The crab cake sandwich was really good. I don't believe it was lump crab meat, but flavor and texture was superb -The wedge fries!!! My favorite! -The ambience was very nice. Dimly lit and perfect for a date night, but still casual enough for a drop in. -Service was effective and friendly GROWS: -The blueberry cobbler dessert was weird. It had whole blueberries inside and the crust was very hard on top, instead of soft. It wasn't a horrible flavor (just more tart than I would prefer), it just could have had better execution. -The mushroom tart was beautiful, but I was not a fan of the flavor combination. I was expecting a warm and savory vibe, but it was very tangy and I did not enjoy it. read more

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The food was mediocre at Best. The oysters were OK. The roasted oysters were a disappointment. The beef tartar was disgusting and almost prepared, like tuna, fish, with filler. The drinks were pretty good. All in all, save the drinks, Definitely not worth the price. The service is quite good. The ambience was stellar and I really liked the environment. Might return for drinks only or maybe a few raw oysters but nothing else. read more

True Chesapeake again for the win! Saturday happy hour (5-7PM) did not disappoint. $6 cocktails- Daiquiris, Martinis, and Old Fashioneds - and $2 oysters. Service was prompt and friendly. Parking is free and plentiful. It gets a little busy so get there early. read more

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I've been to True Chesapeake before, but usually during an event, such as with the Pratt Contemporaries, so this past Saturday, 8/31, was my first time at True Chesapeake just for me. However, on previous occasions, I noticed the lovely interior of this venue. I love how it's dimly lit and has a nice rustic sailor vibe. I sat at the bar and took advantage of the happy hour menu. I ordered some $2 oysters (both broiled and raw), plus a really good cider. For my main, I went with the steak, medium rare. All the food was exceptionally good, IMO, well seasoned and decent portion sizes, and I couldn't argue the presentation. As a bonus, sitting at the bar, all the staff working there were super helpful and provided input for me to make my best food decisions. They were personable and made the evening infinitely more enjoyable. Highly recommend and I shall return. read more

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My first time at true Chesapeake was phenomenal. The bar service was top tier. The oysters are actually opened right in front of the restaurant fresh. The bartenders were amazing the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The food was extremely creative and fresh, the ice cream was full of flavor & creamy and held its shape. The old fashioned was good I asked for a little more syrup. I prefer my old fashions on a sweeter side. The figgy small was everything I thought it was and was on my list to try. The bartender Sherri was very accommodating and bubbly. This is my new go to hot spot. I was not disappointed at all. read more

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Lovely establishment lovely views outside .... Brought my mom and daughter they both loved it. They do offer a kids menu. My 7 year old even went as far to say this is the cleanest restaurant bathroom I've ever seen lol .... Our service was fast and attentive working the room. Saw Patrick the owner when we were leaving he's very friendly and talk to my mom about old clipper mill ..... we got both options of crab cakes I would suggest the lump crab cake the other one had more filler I needed cocktail sauce but everything was good even that. My daughter at her entire burger patty she never eats an entire anything. Oysters fresh and shucked to order. Same as the roasted oysters. read more

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This was my 2nd time here. I was excited to try some oysters again. So I started off with the Huckleberries.. They were fresh & delicious.. Then I had the Roasted Oysters & also very good.. I then had the fried oysters & these are delicious .. The Blue Crab Mac & Cheese was amazing.. I got dessert which was The Baltimore " Boom" Pudding.. It was good but too much chocolate for me. The restaurant was clean.. I sat at the bar & service was amazing.. Bartenders were very knowledgeable about the oysters. I had 2 glasses of Moscato read more

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$15.00 oyster stew had only three little oysters in a knife-deep creamy sauce. $17.00 Blue crab & bone marrow dip had very little dip and a lot of bread. $29 crab cake sandwich and $18 fish sandwich were worse than in a sandwich shop. read more

Amazing. We arrived later than we had planned and they got us seated quickly. Our waitress was slammed because it was a full house and we were concerned about missing our next event. However, when she came by and we explained the conundrum, she assured us that the timing would work out. My cocktail was amazing, we devoured the charbroiled oysters, and all of our meal. The oysters are the best I have ever had. I will drive across town to have them again. This place is truly 10/10. The ambiance manages to be elevated yet, chill at the same time. I felt great in my little black dress but could also wear jeans and grab a seat at the bar or back patio. We were in and out in less than an hour and we didn't feel like our food flavor nor presentation suffered. Additionally, they did not have to accommodate us when we were running late so it speaks volumes to the type of customer service they provide. We were grateful. They have such a collaborative, coordinated staff. Definitely stop by and hear the happy hour is great too. read more

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Grilled Oysters please! Omg these have to be the best oysters I've ever had ... caught these guys the Canton Waterfront one Thursday night and my goodness. Both my husband and I were amazed at how good the oysters were, especially to be at a festival. Worth every penny. Looking forward to visiting the restaurant again just for the grilled oysters . Yum. read more

Beautiful restaurant on the river. The inside is sleek but comfortable and the staff is both friendly and attentive. There is a good bit of free parking which is nice as well. I would highly recommend the happy hour for the $2 oysters (don't sleep on the broiled ones, they are great to mix in with the raw ones) and $5-6 drinks, including a very nice martini. I have also tried the crab and marrow dip which was quite tasty but there was more bread than dip. read more

I don't think you can beat True Chesapeake for happy hour! Great food & prices, beautiful bar, and PARKING?! What more could you ask for? I've been a few times to True Chesapeake for happy hours. I'm not sure that I would go any other time because I am a sucker for good deals, haha. They have $6 select cocktails and $2 oysters. My husband is a big oyster fan so we always get a couple dozen raw oyster and a few roasted oysters as well. I've tried a selection of their menu food - oyster Caesar, oyster stew, their burger. Everything is solid! Service at the bar is always great and they are happy to answer questions and provide recommendations. 10/10! read more

True Chesapeake - Clam dip and oysters - Seafood Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

What a wonderful experience. Enjoyed several different types of fresh oysters, and the softshell crab sandwich was perhaps one of the best I've ever had, and I've had many. Light, crispy, and oh so flavorful. We ate early so the dining room was still light (bar was packed for happy hour - inexpensive oysters and wine. The owner and oyster farmer Patrick, stopped by to say hi and offered a wonderful Maryland rose to complement our meal. I was quite impressed as I had not heard much about MD wines, but this one was the perfect wine to go with the oysters and appetizers. I was also very pleased to see a wonderful Finger Lakes wine from Ravines on the white list. Overall, an impressive display of food and wines. The highlight of our trip to Baltimore. read more

Came for restaurant week - 3 courses. Mill repurposing is a big turn on so the ambiance is sick. Look at the oyster I had watching over me. Wish I had explored more of the place Apps - Chesapeake Caesar & Hand cut spaghetti, I loved my spaghetti so juicy and clams are great Entree - mushroom risotto on acorn squash bowl - super savory and the whole thing was edible so that was great. GF had the Snakehead in a curry which was MAGICAL that was a good curry for sure Dessert - Pumpkin cake & Apple Galette, the cake was nice and crumby but the galette took you on a nice hot, crunchy trip. We like that one read more

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