Hey Nomsters! Looking for delish to-go options in Baltimore? We asked some of our favorite Charm City foodies to share their recommendations with you guys. With everything going on in the world, it’s more important than ever for us to support our community so if you have the means, please consider indulging in takeout and delivery! Let’s do everything we can to help our local food scene make it though this difficult time.
1. @dinewellbmore: Verde
There are few things more important to me (especially now) than supporting small businesses, especially when those businesses are in my neighborhood. Luckily for me, one of my favorite pizza spots, Verde, happens to fall into that category.
I’ve long been a fan of their wood fired Neapolitan style pizzas which are just as good (if not better) than the ones I had in Naples this past summer (just saying). With that said, I’m here to offer you my recommendations. For you meat lovers out there, I suggest getting your hands on the Bambino with tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, sausage and hot soppressata or the Pistachio e Salsiccia with homemade mozzarella, fresh pistachio pesto, sausage and pecorino romano.
If you’re vegetarian, check out the Tartufo with mozzarella, truffle cream, mushrooms and parmigiano reggiano. Are you vegan or GF? Fear not, Verde has plenty of options for you too. If you’re looking to add variety to your pizza night, I would start out with their burrata and meatballs and maybe even throw in a calzone.
Verde is a hop, skip and a jump away from me which makes me very, very happy, but for those of you who aren’t able to walk to the pizza of your dreams, they offer delivery via grub hub, ubereats and postmates so show them a little love and grab a pie. You’ll be glad that you did. That’s a promise. They’re open everyday from noon-8:30PM; call 410-522-1000 to place your order or visit them online at verdepizza.com.
2. @food_conniesseur: Golden West Cafe
During the past few weeks, it has been interesting to watch some of the communities favorite dine-in restaurants suddenly transform themselves into take-out and delivery services. A Hampden staple, Golden West, has been no exception.
Utilizing their take-out window as well as toast take-out delivery app, golden west has been able to serve a wide variety of delicious vegan and non vegan classic menu items to their customers. The English muffin breakfast sandwich, burgers, pumpkin curry soup, and several other appetizers are favorites of many that continue to be available daily.
Golden West continues to value their small business partnerships, which has allowed them to continue to serve a variety of desserts, coffee, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages and more. They have also created a pantry to help supply basic goods to those in need throughout the community, with help from their vendors.
Even during this difficult time, it’s places like this that are keeping the community up and on its feet, they are working hard every day to bring their customers the food they love, and then some. From breakfast to dessert to happy hour cocktails and even pantry supplies, makes Golden West your one stop shop for all of your needs. Like they say themselves, there is something for everyone!
Their full menu is still available for purchase from their coffee window, and they’re open from 10AM-6PM daily. Delivery is available for those located 3 miles within the restaurant, and they’re offering contactless pickup. Call 410-889-8891 to place your order!
3. @jzeats: Hersh’s
One thing that makes quarantine and stay-at-home life a little easier? PIZZA. But isn’t pizza always the answer? Not just any pizza though, Hersh’s pizza has been my go-to carryout during quarantine for a few reasons: it’s delicious, the owners and staff are great humans who I want to support endlessly, and I know they are working hard to provide a safe environment that we can feel good about ordering from. Pro tip: get the Cacio E Pepe and a bottle of wine (10% off all bottles) and call it a date night!
Hersh’s is open for carry-out Wednesday through Sunday from 4-8PM. Orders and payment are accepted only via telephone at 443-438-4948, and gift certificates are now available.
4. @baltimorefoodscene: Thai Street
One of my ultimate favorite take out spots is Thai Street in the Fells Point Market. I rotate between three dishes and sometimes I cave and get them all. The Kao Soi is unreal, the Drunken Noodles are always a pleaser and you can’t go wrong with the traditional Pad Thai. They’re open 7 days a week from 11AM-10PM. Order for pickup at thaistreetbaltimore.com or get delivery via Uber, Doordash or Grubhub.
5. @eatmorebaltimore: Ananda
Ananda is my go to when I’m in the mood for amazing dishes, balanced flavors, great service, and an overall top notch dining experience – and their take out game is no different. From the naan and chutneys to the dharamshala duck and classic chicken tikka masala – you can literally do no wrong when ordering. The best part is you don’t even need to leave your car! Call 301-725-4800 to place your order.
6. @baltimoresbestfoods: The Outpost American Tavern
The famous tin can nachos from Outpost may literally be my favorite dish from any restaurant in Baltimore, and they’re just as good in takeout form! The chips are so flaky and crispy and they must actually be magic because they don’t get soggy at all in the container, which is why I can’t help myself from eating the entire thing when the delivery arrives.
Their house wings are amazing as well and I order them for takeout all the time. Nachos and wings- a perfect combo! They’re open from 5-10PM, and they accept payment via phone at 443-388-9113 and offer delivery through Grubhub and Postmates.
7. @charmcitytable: Koco’s Pub
Koco’s Pub is my pick for one of the best takeout/delivery options in Baltimore because the crab cakes alone will make you a customer for life. Their full menu is available for curbside pickup complete with domestic and craft beer options. I am a fan of most of their appetizers, but my go to is the Half & Half Crab Soup (half Mom’s Crab Soup, half Cream of Crab soup).
For the entree, the recommend the 11 oz. broiled crab cake, of course! One bite and you will see why Koco’s is always a part of the conversation when talking best carb cakes in Baltimore. They’re open Wednesday through Saturday from 11AM-8PM; call 410-426-3519 or 410-624-5044 for curbside pickup.
8. @liketheteaeats: The Food Market
My routine during quarantine has been for every 2-3 dinners that I cook, I grab carryout from one of my favorite spots, and that includes, of course, The Food Market. Their menu has been changing almost daily, but I can always expect to see some of my favorite dishes including the Amish Soft Pretzels, Roasted Beef Short Ribs, and Buffalo Pickles.
Chef Chad and the team have also been throwing in some surprises with the occasional dinner special (last week there was a $20 crab cake). As rough as quarantine/social distancing has been on everyone – there’s something comforting about still being able to enjoy my favorite meals.
Curbside pickup’s available Sunday through Thursday from 4-8PM and Friday & Saturday from 4-9PM. Call 410-366-0606 to place an order half an hour before you’d like to pick up your food. You can also order online via toast takeout!
9. @baltbite: Cocina Luchadoras
I know I have been talking about this place a lot more recently, but it’s for a good reason! Cocina Luchadoras has a lot of different things to offer, so it’s always an adventure when I stop by. On top of that, they have one of the best kitchen crew in the city. Always smiling with their service and good food, which is really needed in these tricky times.
From tacos, tortas (Mexican Sandwiches) and their breakfast options served all day, Cocina Luchadoras has something for your palette. Open from Tuesday-Friday from 11AM-7PM, Saturday from 9AM-8PM and Sunday from 9AM-4PM. Call 410-732-4000 to place your order or visit them online at Orderspoon.
10. @arlisappetite: The Urban Oyster
The Urban Oyster in McHenry Row has officially been open for 12 months! The restaurant started as a grilled oyster stand at the Farmers Market and has grown into a casual dining seafood restaurant in South Baltimore. They offer curbside pickup and delivery options with Grubhub, Doordash and Uber Eats.
Their full menu is available for delivery and takeout with favorites such as the Chargrilled Oysters, Shrimp Tacos, Salmon Burger and the Caesar Salad topped with seafood. They even make sure your food is packaged properly, keeping the nacho cheese for the seafood nachos in a separate container to avoid saggy chips. They also rotate special menu items on the weekends such as crawfish, whole lobster and fried fish. Check them out the next time you’re craving seafood!
11. @thanksalatke: Joe Benny’s
Quarantine takeout is all about comfort for the soul, so look no further than the Little Italy mainstay Joe Benny’s. They’re still slingin’ focaccia pizzas from the meatball window, but this time those ‘za’s are half-baked so you can enjoy from the comfort of your home after 10 minutes in a 400-degree oven.
No order is complete without the Best Balls on the Block, but their best seller – the Bocce Focaccia – is also topped with those meatballs along with homemade sausage, crispy pepperoni, and salami. Another favorite is The Comott-O’s Magic, which includes JB’s homemade Italian sausage along with sautéed peppers and onions.
Why not order both along with those aforementioned meatballs and some sangria to go? Joe Benny’s is open for curbside pickup Thursday through Saturday from 5-8PM. Call 443-835-4866 to place your order!
12. @charmcityfoodadventures: Ribaldi’s Pizza & Subs
Pizza has always been one of America’s most popular take out food and it is no surprise that our essential pizzarias are working extra hard to keep the pizza supply lines open during the Great Quarantine of 2020.
Baltimore is awash in pizza chains and artisan pizza shops, but where can one find that super elusive New York style slice? Ribaldi’s. They’re an unpretentious corner pizza shop in Hampden that serves up a simple menu of pizzas, subs and pasta. Nine times out of ten, I keep it simple and go for a cheese or pepperoni Neapolitan pizza. This is about the closest thing I’ve found locally to a New York slice. It’s delicious!
However, if you are about that carb life, you can order a thick crust Sicilian pie. If you’re the saucy type give the margherita a try. When I’m feeling particularly glutinous, I add a side of wings smothered in Garibaldi sauce to my order. Warning: the calzones are the size of a morbidly obese baby!
The next time you are craving a quintessential New York slice pull Ribaldi’s up in your favorite app! Ribaldi’s is available for pick up and delivery via Uber Eats, Grub Hub, and Postmates.
13. @bmorefood: Spice And Dice
The Pineapple Fried Rice and Chicken Pad Thai from Spice And Dice, located in Towson, may possibly be two of my favorite dishes EVER! I was so happy to see that they were available on Uber Eats for delivery to Canton.
They definitely don’t skimp with portion sizes making it a true value meal. Pro tip: order your food Medium Spicy, you’ll thank me later. They’re open for curbside service Sunday-Thursday 11-9PM and Friday-Saturday 11-9:30, and they’re currently offering 15% off online orders.
14. @onthemoveforfood: Dutch Courage Gin Bar
Okay. Hear me out– I know some of you may be hungry and looking for food take-out options, but have you thought about where you’re gonna get that delicious cocktail to pair with your yummy take-out/delivery? (See example of Hilo Poké with two slapping drinks) Dutch Courage had their official opening not long before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic began, but it definitely left a mark in my memory and on my tastebuds.
Even in the world of limited-menus and no-contact, their cocktail selection is IMPRESSIVE. My fave is their mezcal-based “Nina Fresa”, with that bright grapefruit flavor and sexy smokey undertones. If you’re looking for ways to win your Zoom happy hours, check out their “Travel Bags for Two” which include all the garnish you need to dress up your favorite glass at home.
They don’t only do cocktails by the way. They’ve started offering some alcohol-free options and also carry bar food/snacks which vary by day. Also. They have started orders for some beautiful cedar herb boxes for all you adventuring home-cooks!
So roll up Charles to Old Goucher and stop by Dutch Courage when you’re picking up your take-out. Pick up a delicious cocktail and support your local bar while also supporting your favorite restaurant!
15. @avocontrolallie: Di Pasquale’s
If you’re looking for the next place to order takeout from, or the next small business to support during this hard time, look no further. Di Pasquale’s is an amazing local marketplace and Italian deli, fully stocked with classic Italian dishes and pantry staples. Their meatball sub is made with a half loaf of their incredibly fresh Italian bread and comes stuffed to the brim with meatballs. It can easily feed two people.
Should you choose to have it delivered through Grubhub, Postmates, or Seamless, it arrives still crispy and hot at your door. Their lasagna is also delicious and very cheesy! Now is a perfect time to support local businesses and Di Pasquale’s is one of my favorites! They’re open Monday-Saturday from 9-4PM until things are resolved, and they open an hour earlier for senior citizens and people who are high risk.
Alright Nomsters, we hope you enjoyed today’s latest. A huge, HUGE thanks to our foodie friends for contributing today. Make sure to give them all a follow to feed your feed on the daily. For more on the Baltimore food scene, make sure to check out our MD tab and peep the following guides: 10 Must Try Dishes in Maryland, Where To Get the Best Seafood in Baltimore, and Where To Get The Best Crab Cakes in Baltimore, Also, for those of you interested, we also compiled a list of fundraising efforts to help local restaurants across the US.
