When I’m looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat I crave a different experience. No chains, no predictability, but an experience that cannot be replicated. With the M3 Festival around the corner and me being local I wanted to recommend unique restaurants in the area that are worth a trip because they’re unlike any other. I’m going to be focusing on restaurants within 20 miles of the festival area, Columbia.
Paper Moon Diner, Baltimore
As if the outside of this Diner wasn't eclectic enough, wait til you go inside and eat alongside mannequins, doll parts, and action figures!
Mutiny Pirate Bar & Island Grille, Glen Burnie
Argh! This restaurant is the perfect place to bring your mateys and devour a burger with rum. “At sunrise we'll all dance the hempen jig, So raise up your pint of rum and take a swig; The curse of Captain Morgan has led us to this fate, So have no fear, and don't look back, the afterlife awaits!” [Bonus points if you actually get the lyric reference]
Nacho Mama’s, Canton
From the outside, Nacho Mama's may not appear special. Take a step inside however and try their famous margarita straight out of a hub cap! Yes. Really.
Crabtowne, Glen Burnie
While I may be a poor excuse for a Marylander and not eat seafood myself I can still tell where to go for good seafood! Crabtowne has a regular restaurant situated inside, and a whole other room full of vintage arcade games. Steamed crabs and Pac Man? YAAASSS!
G&M, Linthicum
Speaking of seafood, in the mood for a crabcake? Best crabcakes in MD, and probably the entire country, are found here. Not even 10 minutes from the airport if you’re flying in/out.
Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia
This is actually within walking distance of Merriweather Post Pavilion, which is where the M3 Festival is taking place. Dinner and a show? Nobody does it better than Toby's.
*At the time of this post they are putting on productions of Beauty & The Beast, so if you’re heading to MD early or staying past the festival I highly recommend it.
Homeslyce, Columbia + Baltimore
I have two words for you. Pizza. Boat. That’s right you can get what they call a Pizza Boat here. I mean it’s essentially just an open calzone but the best part about this place is you can grab a beer. Not very many places in MD where you can get pizza AND drink. I’ve had many a great night at the SoBo location.
*The one in Columbia is 10 minutes from Merriweather Post Pavilion so I highly recommend this if you’re meeting up with friends outside of the festival for a bite.
Rocket to Venus, Baltimore
A favorite of John Waters and mine! Rocket to Venus is another kitschy place off the beaten path. If you’re in the city and want to get away from the tourist areas such as the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill and Fells Point then this is the place to go. Hands down the best grilled cheese and tomato bisque you’ll find in Baltimore.
Runner Ups:
Cheeburger Cheeburger, Columbia
While I know this is a chain hear me out! This place has a 50’s Diner vibe, you get to drink out of mason jars, and if you have children with you they’ll have a blast. The children can receive their meals in cardboard classic cars so this is a great place if M3 is a family outing for you.
Greene Turtle, Columbia + Hanover + Baltimore + more
Greene Turtle is a Maryland based chain with an Applebee's vibe but way better food. I didn't want to include a chain larger than 5 locations on the list but definitely a great runner up.
Hard Rock Cafe, Baltimore
If you've never been to a Hard Rock Cafe I suggest you go because while you're dining you're surrounded by music memorabilia which is different from location to location. It's also very theme appropriate if you're coming in town to rock out! \m/
Phillips Seafood, Baltimore
This isn't a large chain but this is a tourist magnet, for good reason though. I wanted to put more decently priced and unique picks in the main list but if you have the money and want an upscale seafood experience in the heart of Baltimore this is it!
