Presented by: 

Thanks so much for voting in our 2025 Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll! Our Readers’ Poll launched in January as a way for readers to weigh in on their favorite people and places in the local dining scene. Now, the results are in!

Browse readers’ top picks in the list below, and be sure to check out our editorial Best Restaurants winners from the April 2025 issue, here.

If your business has been selected by Baltimoreans as a Best Restaurant Readers’ Poll winner or finalist share your recognition online with these social media assets: Winners Badge | Finalists Badge.

What makes the Charm City dining scene one of the best in the nation? Every year, our team of food reviewers eat their way through Baltimore to find out, and they deliver their results in our annual March Best Restaurants issue.But we know that our readers have their own ideas about what makes our food and beverage landscape great—so we created the Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll to honor their picks.From your top brunch spot to your favorite cocktail program, we asked you to share your go-to places to grab a bite (or sip) in Baltimore—and you did not disappoint. Here are a few stats on this year’s poll:

• 32,000 votes submitted
• 31 categories
• 93 winners and finalists

Thanks to each and every reader who took the time to rally behind Charm City’s best eateries. Now, without further ado, here are your picks.

Best African Cuisine
Winner: Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant
Finalists: Mama Koko’s, Mera Kitchen Collective

Best Asian Fusion
Winner: Ekiben
Finalists: Azumi, Ramen Utsuke

Best Bartender
Winner: Francisco Garduno, Taco Love Grill
Finalists: Chuck Calloway, Michael’s Cafe; Kyle Bellone, Mucho Gusto

Best Brunch
Winner: Michael’s Cafe
Finalists: Easy Like Sunday, Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles

Best Chef
Winner: Antonio Herrera, Mucho Gusto
Finalists: Santos Zeleya, Michael’s Cafe; Tristan Baker, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

Best Chesapeake Fare
Winner: Conrad’s Crabs & Seafood Market
Finalists: Koco’s Pub, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood

Best Chinese Cuisine
Winner: NiHao
Finalists: Joey Chiu’s Greenspring Inn, Peter Chang Baltimore

Best Cocktail Program
Winner: Taco Love Grill
Finalist: The Bluebird Cocktail Room, Dutch Courage

Best Comfort Food
Winner: G&A Restaurant
Finalist: Birria Love, Sally O’s

Best Desserts
Winner: Vaccarro’s Italian Pastry Shop
Finalist: Cafe Dear Leon, Gunther & Co.

Best Food Truck
Winner: Bruiser’s Grill by Chef George Allen
Finalist: La Miguelena, Fuzzies Burgers

Best French Cuisine
Winner: Petit Louis Bistro
Finalist: Le Comptoir du Vin, Marie Louise Bistro

Best Indian Cuisine
Winner: Peerce’s
Finalists: The Ambassador Dining Room, Harbor Tandoor

Best Interior Design
Winner: Cece’s Roland Park
Finalists: Easy Like Sunday, The Bluebird Cocktail Room

Best Italian Cuisine
Winner: Frank’s Pizza & Pasta
Finalist: La Scala, Vinny’s Italian Cafe

Best Korean Cuisine
Winner: KOHO Korean BBQ House
Finalist: Luk Fu, Jong Kak

Best Mediterranean Cuisine
Winner: Samos Restaurant
Finalist: The Black Olive, Costiera

Best Mexican Cuisine
Winner: Taco Love Grill
Finalist: Clavel, Soluna Cocina + Tequila Bar

Best Middle Eastern Cuisine
Winner: The Helmand
Finalists: Ammoora, Villagio Cafe

Best New Restaurant
Winner: The Urban Oyster
Finalists: Cece’s Roland Park, Easy Like Sunday Locust Point

Best Non-Alcoholic Drink Program
Winner: Clavel
Finalists: Gunther & Co., True Chesapeake Oyster Co.

Best Outdoor Dining
Winner: Cece’s Roland Park
Finalists: Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen, The Valley Inn

Best Pizza Place
Winner: Frank’s Pizza & Pasta
Finalists: Matthew’s Pizza, Verde

Best Romantic Restaurant
Winner: Charleston
Finalists: Gunther & Co., The Milton Inn

Best Bar or Restaurant with Live Music
Winner: Cat’s Eye Pub
Finalists: Conrad’s Crabs, Ryleigh’s Oyster

Best Server
Winner: Daniela Davies, Mucho Gusto
Finalists: Donnie Frisbee, The Capital Grille; Kathy Vasquez, Birria Love

Best South American Cuisine
Winner: La Barrita
Finalists: Alma Cocina Latina, Puerto 511

Best Steakhouse
Winner: The Capital Grille
Finalists: La Barrita, The Prime Rib

Best Thai Cuisine
Winner: Bodhi Corner
Finalists: Thai Street, Spice and Dice Thai Kitchen

Best Vegan/Vegetarian Cuisine
Winner: Ekiben
Finalists: Golden West Cafe, Land of Kush

Best Wine Program
Winner: Charleston
Finalists: La Cuchara, Cinghiale

Presented by: 

*All entries are reader-generated and monitored periodically by editors for errors or misspellings. 

*If you don’t see your organization listed, please still use the write in slot as the votes will be counted. It will appear within 24 business hours.

Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll 2025

Organizations, businesses, and more: save the images below to use on Facebook and Instagram to promote your nomination!

Top Doctors is one of our most highly anticipated annual features when we find the best of the best among the region’s physicians. Nominations are open now until June 9, 2025.

This is a peer-to-peer nomination. We need you, our area medical professionals, to refer us to physicians in various specialties to whom you would send a member of your own family for treatment.

Doctors, nominate your peers by filling out the form below. Nominations close on June 9, 2025. Please note that only complete entries will be considered. To nominate more than one physician, refresh the page after each submission.

How to fill out this form:

• Please provide all required information. Only complete entries will be considered.
• The form will ask if your nominee is a Pediatric Specialist. Answer yes or no. A specialty box will appear with either answer. You may select your nominees specialty from the list, or select OTHER.
  • Selecting OTHER will generate a dialogue box in which you can fill in a specialty.
• To nominate more than one doctor, select “yes” when asked if you wish to make more nominations. A new form will open. You can nominate up to 10 colleagues at a time. To nominate more than 10 people, submit your nominations then refresh the page to re-engage with a new form.
• Each person can make a maximum of 20 nominations.
• A physician may nominate themself or a colleague once. Duplicate submissions will not be counted.
• If you need to leave and return to the form later, select “Save and Continue” at the bottom of the form. You’ll receive a unique link to your form at the stage it was saved. You will have the option to email yourself a link to the form to return to it later.

We are only collecting this in case we need to contact you regarding Top Doctors nominations.
We will not save or use your information for any other purposes.

Presented by: 

But we know that our readers have their own ideas about what makes our food and beverage landscape great—so we created the Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll to honor their picks.

From your top brunch spot to your favorite cocktail program, we want to know your go-to places to grab a bite (or sip) in Baltimore. Show some love to your favorites by nominating them in our annual Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll.

Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll 2025

*Please excuse any misspellings. These are write-in nominations and Baltimore will do its best to update any incorrect information.

Sponsored by: 

Charm City’s Cutest Pet Has Been Crowned!

Between September 2-9, Baltimoreans entered more than 300 playful pups, feathered friends, coy cats, and other animal companions into the competition—but only one has been named Charm City’s cutest.

Which pet did Baltimoreans collectively fawn over? Find out below.

Auto Dealer

Winner: Jones Junction
Finalists: BMW Towson & MileOne/Heritage (tie); Bill Kidd’s Toyota

Auto Repair

Winner: Paintless Dent Doctor
Finalists: Nick Of Time Automotive; Tim’s Automotive

Car Wash/Detailing

Winner: Canton Car Wash
Finalists: Flagship Carwash; Wash Works

Tire Shop

Winner: Firestone Timonium
Finalists: Costco; Paintless Dent Doctor

Explore more of our Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll winners, here.

Bathroom Remodeling

Winner: Smithouse Design + Build
Finalists: Bearded Builders; Warrior Plumbing

Cleaning Services

Winner: Dave’s Cleaning Consultants
Finalists: MJ Baltimore Cleaning Services; T&IL Cleaning Services

Electrician

Winner: Clinton Electric Company
Finalists: Common Ground Electrical; Idlewylde Electric

Flooring

Winner: Jason Brown Wood Floors
Finalists: Chesapeake Tile & Marble; Hunt Valley Tile and Stone

Landscaping

Winner: Maxalea, Inc.
Finalists: Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping Co.; Design With Nature, LLC

Home Appliance Store

Winner: Bray & Scarff
Finalists: Landers Appliance; Ace Hardware

Home Decor Shop

Winner: Su Casa
Finalists: In Watermelon Sugar; Antiques Exchange Interiors

Home Improvement Contractor

Winner: Smithouse Design + Build
Finalists: Clarksville Construction Services, Inc.; Bearded Builders

HVAC

Winner: Maryland Heating and Air
Finalists: Anchor Mechanical; Len The Plumber Heating & Air

Interior Designer

Winner: Curated Home Design
Finalists: Smithouse Design + Build; Luua Design Studio

Kitchen Remodeling

Winner: Charleene Doverspike
Finalists: That Kitchen Place; Smithouse Design + Build

Painter

Winner: Malcolm Stoll
Finalists: Sheldon & Sons; Painter Girl

Plumber

Winner: Unlimited Plumbing
Finalists: Warrior Plumbing; Saffer Plumbing

Roofer

Winner: Park Heights Roofing
Finalists: Roland Slate; Badger Contracting

Tech Repair

Winner: Byte Right Support
Finalists: The Computer Doctors; Micro Center, Parkville

Explore more of our Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll winners, here.

Barber Shop

Winner: Signal Barbershop
Finalists: Headlines Hair Salon; Clipper City Barber Company

Boutique Fitness Studio

Winner: Dr. Baltimore Big House Fitness
Finalists: Pilates House; The Mine

Cannabis Dispensary

Winner: Curio/Far & Dotter
Finalists: Chesacanna; Liberty Cannabis

Spa

Winner: Numa Aesthetics
Finalists: Skin Works By Tiffany; Melted Wax & Skin Co.

Fitness Instructor

Winner: Jeff Cain
Finalists: Marisa Kleinschmidt; Justin Inman

Gym

Winner: Brick Bodies
Finalists: Coppermine; Orangetheory, White Marsh

Nail Salon

Winner: Parlor 701
Finalists: Wicked Nails; About Faces Salon & Spa

Hair Salon

Winner: Inspire Salon
Finalists: Hues on Hanover; Vibe and Co. Salon

Yoga Studio

Winner: Aluma Yoga
Finalists: Pilates House; The Mine

Lash Bar

Winner: Hudson Lash Studio
Finalists: Lash and Glow Studio; Melted Wax & Skin Co

Brows/Threading

Winner: Jamaya Moore
Finalists: ELV8 Brows & Beauty; Aesthetics By Julie

Hair Stylist

Winner: Jimy Kosamakos
Finalists: Joe Yeung, Baltimore Salon; Sarah Gast, Scene North Salon

Fitness Trainer

Winner: Jeff Cain, Brick Bodies
Finalists: Chris Smith, Lifebridge Health & Fitness; Justin Inman, Dr. Baltimore Big House Fitness

Pickleball Courts

Winner: Coppermine
Finalists: Baltimore Pickleball Club, Timonium; Merritt Clubs, Canton

Wellness Shop

Winner: LifeMed
Finalists: Harp Vision; SoBotanical

Pilates Studio

Winner: Pilates House
Finalists: Towne Barre; The Mine

Explore more of our Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll winners, here.

Bicycle Shop

Winner: Baltimore Bicycle Works
Finalists: Joe’s Bicycle Shop; Trek Bikes

Black-Owned Business

Winner: Blacksauce Kitchen
Finalists: The Urban Oyster; The Ivy Hotel

Thrift Store

Winner: Second Chance
Finalists: Sass Resale Boutique; Get Shredded Vintage

Florist

Winner: Flowers & Fancies
Finalists: Radebaugh Florist; The Flower Cart

Furniture Store

Winner: Two Bolts Studios
Finalists: Su Casa; Second Chance

Gift Shop

Winner: Mount Royal Soaps
Finalists: Found Studio | Shop; In Watermelon Sugar

Jeweler

Winner: Smyth Jewelers
Finalists: The Parisian Flea; Lisy Custom Jewelers

Local Men’s Clothing Store

Winner: Christopher Schafer Clothier
Finalists: Hunting Ground; Fells Point Surf Co.

Plant Shop

Winner: B Willow
Finalists: Valley View Farms; Cultivated Creations

Shoe Store

Winner: Charm City Run
Finalists: Van Dyke and Bacon; Holabird Sports

Kids’ Clothing

Winner: Wee Chic
Finalists: The Pied Piper; Tried But True

Toy Store

Winner: Shenanigans Toy Shop
Finalists: Collectors Corner; Dreamers & Make-Believers

Local Women’s Clothing Store

Winner: Butler Corner Clothing
Finalists: Brightside; Monkee’s of Baltimore

Book Store

Winner: Greedy Reads
Finalists: The Ivy Bookshop; Atomic Books

Record Store

Winner: The Sound Garden
Finalists: Stardust Records; Celebrated Summer Records

Antique Shop

Winner: The Turnover Shop
Finalists: Wishbone Reserve; The Bowery of Antiques & Collectibles

Explore more of our Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll winners, here.

Bagel

Winner: THB Bagelry & Deli
Finalists: Uber Bagel; Bagel Works

Bakery

Winner: Cafe Dear Leon
Finalists: Ovenbird Bakery; Cake By Jason

Bar

Winner: Das Bierhalle
Finalists: The Bluebird Cocktail Room; Dutch Courage

Barbecue

Winner: Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar
Finalists: Andy Nelson; Chaps Pit Beef

Burger

Winner: Fuzzies Burgers
Finalists: Abbey Burger Bistro; Clark Burger

Brewery

Winner: Peabody Heights Brewery
Finalists: Union Craft Brewing; Independent Brewing Company

Brunch

Winner: Miss Shirleys
Finalists: Blue Moon Cafe; Bunny’s Buckets and Bubbles

Candy Shop

Winner: Wockenfuss Candies
Finalists: Rheb’s Homemade Candies; Jinji Chocolate

Coffee Shop

Winner: Morning Mugs Coffee
Finalists: Zeke’s Coffee; Artifact Coffee

Crab House

Winner: Conrad’s Seafood Restaurant
Finalists: Nick’s Fish House; Mr. Bill’s Terrace Inn

Crab Cakes

Winner: G&M Seafood
Finalists: Koco’s Pub; Pappas

Deli

Winner: DiPasquale’s
Finalists: Attman’s Delicatessen; Trinacria Foods Italian Deli

Diner

Winner: Papermoon Diner
Finalists: EC Diner; Golden West Cafe

Donut

Winner: Diablo Doughnuts
Finalists: Woodlea Bakery; Fenwick Bakery

Distillery

Winner: Sagamore Spirit Distillery
Finalists: Baltimore Spirits Company; Old Line Spirits

Dive Bar

Winner: Melanie’s at Griffith’s Tavern
Finalists: Cat’s Eye Pub; Mount Royal Tavern

Farmers Market

Winner: Baltimore Farmers Market (JFX)
Finalists: 32nd Street Farmers Market; Fells Point Farmers Market

Fine Dining

Winner: Charleston
Finalists: La Cuchara; The Prime Rib

Food Hall

Winner: R House
Finalists: Belvedere Square Market; Cross Street Market

Food Stall or Pop-Up

Winner: BRD
Finalists: Fuzzies Burgers; Glizzy’s Wagyu Dogs

Fried Chicken

Winner: Ekiben
Finalists: Royal Farms; Bunny Buckets & Bubbles

Grocery Store

Winner: Eddie’s of Roland Park
Finalists: MOM’s Organic Market; Graul’s

Happy Hour

Winner: Tagliata
Finalists: La Cuchara; Das Bierhalle

Kid’s Menu

Winner: Miss Shirleys
Finalists: Double T Diner; Frazier’s on the Avenue

Ice Cream

Winner: Taharka Brothers Ice Cream
Finalists: Bmore Licks; The Charmery

Juice Bar

Winner: Pure Raw Juice
Finalists: Corner Juice Bar; Liquid Earth

Liquor Store/Spirits Shop

Winner: The Wine Source
Finalists: Total Wine & More; Lighthouse Canton

Late-Night Spot

Winner: Das Bierhalle
Finalists: Ottobar; Cat’s Eye Pub

Mac and Cheese

Winner: Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar
Finalists: Mission BBQ; Bunny’s Buckets and Bubbles

Pizza

Winner: Frank’s Pizza and Pasta
Finalists: Pizza John’s; Angeli’s Pizzeria

Pub Food

Winner: 29th Street Tavern
Finalists: Nepenthe Brewing Co.; Das Bierhalle

Sandwich

Winner: DiPasquale’s
Finalists: Atwater’s; Attman’s Delicatessen & Ekiben (tie)

Snowball

Winner: Ice Queens Snowball Shop
Finalists: Kona Ice; Quality Snowballs

Sushi

Winner: Yama Sushi
Finalists: Shoyou Sushi; Azumi

Taco

Winner: Clavel
Finalists: Papi’s; Taco Love Grill

Vegan or Vegetarian Dishes

Winner: Golden West Cafe
Finalists: Ekiben; Chihuahua Brothers

Winery

Winner: Boordy Vineyards
Finalists: Old Westminster Winery; The Wine Collective

Explore more of our Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll winners, here.

Animal Hospital

Winner: Belvedere Veterinary Center
Finalists: Falls Road Animal Hospital; HomeVets MD

Dog Park

Winner: Bark Social
Finalists: Patterson Park Dog Park; Paw Point

Dog Walker

Winner: Luv My Pet
Finalists: Dogs of Charm City; Sit Just Got Real

Pet Boarding

Winner: Woofotel
Finalists: Wilde Acres; Camp Bow Wow Towson

Pet-Friendly Venue

Winner: Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar
Finalists: Peabody Heights Brewery; Checkerspot Brewing Company

Pet Groomer

Winner: Snazzy Jazzy Pet Salon
Finalists: Sarah Martin; Hair off the Dog Grooming Salon & Spa

Pet Shop

Winner: Howl
Finalists: Baron’s K-9 Market; Pet Depot

Veterinarian

Winner: Brendan Moulder, Belvidere Veterinary Center
Finalists: Dr. Carey Zumpano; Dr. Kris Covert

Explore more of our Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll winners, here.

Local Author

Winner: Jennifer Vido
Finalists: Miranda Mittleman; Laura Lippman

Local Visual Artist

Winner: Kenneth Clemons
Finalists: Joyce J. Scott; Juliet Ames

Local Band

Winner: 5Spot
Finalists: The Kelly Bell Band; The 2000 Watts

Concert Series

Winner: WTMD First Thursdays
Finalists: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Lurman Woodland Theater

Exhibit

Winner: If You Build It, They Will Come, American Visionary Art Museum
Finalists: Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams, Baltimore Museum of Art; The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad, B&O Railroad Museum

Live Theater Venue

Winner: Hippodrome Theater at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
Finalists: Everyman Theater; Baltimore Center Stage

Movie Theater

Winner: The Charles Theatre
Finalists: The Senator Theatre; Bengies Drive-In Theatre

Music Venue

Winner: Ottobar
Finalists: Merriweather Post Pavilion; CFG Bank Arena

Museum

Winner: American Visionary Art Museum
Finalists: The Baltimore Museum of Art; The Walters Art Museum

Local Musician

Winner: Anthony Frijia
Finalists: Jason Butcher; Cris Jacobs & Caleb Stine (tie)

Local Poet

Winner: Kondwani Fidel
Finalists: Sylvia Jones; Maggie D. Brace & Lady Brion (tie)

Tattoo Artist

Winner: Chris Dominick
Finalists: AJ Jensen; Dakota Monroe

Gallery

Winner: Current Space
Finalists: Creative Alliance; Night Owl Gallery

Dance Party

Winner: The Royal Blue
Finalists: Ultra Naté’s Deep Sugar; Save Your Soul

Trivia Night

Winner: Theme Trivia With Lizzie Dove
Finalists: Charm City Trivia; Greg’s Shitty Trivia

Karaoke Bar

Winner: Walt’s Inn
Finalists: Ottobar; Charm City Karaoke

Explore more of our Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll winners, here.

Presented by:

Every year, our editors work hard to survey the local scene and deliver the annual Best of Baltimore feature. But we know that readers also have their own thoughts on what reigns supreme in the city, so we created the Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll to honor their picks.

Over four weeks, you told us which people, places, and things—ranging from Best Bagel to Best Roofer—make our area special.

With hundreds of thousands of votes submitted, this was one of our most successful Readers’ Polls to date.

A few quick stats:
• 144,264 votes submitted
• 124 categories
• 392 winners and finalists

Thanks to each and every reader who took the time to rally behind Charm City’s best.

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of our annual “Best of Baltimore” edition—on newsstands now. Or subscribe now to make sure you never miss an issue!

Now, without further ado, here are the results.

ARTS & CULTURE

AUTOMOTIVE

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

FOOD & DRINK

HOME & LIVING 

PETS

SHOPPING

SPORTS & MEDIA

Columnist

Winner: Dan Rodricks
Finalists: Spencer Schultz; Mike Preston

Oriole

Winner: Gunnar Henderson
Finalists: Adley Rutschman; Cedric Mullins

Local Podcast

Winner: The Thought Shower With Intern John and Shelby Sos
Finalists: The Exit 52 Podcast; Bad Guys and Bourbon

Local Photographer

Winner: Olesha Haskett
Finalists: Rachel Carey; Kianna Wilson

Radio Personality

Winner: Shelby Sos
Finalists: Brett Hollander; Alex Cortright

Radio Station

Winner: Z104.3 WZFT
Finalists: 89.7 WTMD; 88.1 WYPR

Raven

Winner: Justin Tucker
Finalists: Lamar Jackson; Kyle Hamilton

Reporter

Winner: Justin Fenton
Finalists: Kristy Breslin; Jenyne Donaldson

TV Personality

Winner: Kristy Breslin
Finalists: Kevin Brown; Jason Newton

Instagram Account

Winner: @baltimorebanner
Finalists: @bmorefood; @thebaltimorefoodie

Sports Media Personality

Winner: Torrey Smith
Finalists: Gerry Sandusky; Kevin Brown

TikTok Account

Winner: @baltimorebanner
Finalists: @baltimoreravens; @rileycouture7

Explore more of our Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll winners, here.

Sponsored by: 

Our Cutest Pet Contest opens September 2!

ISO: Charm City’s cutest pet. Enter your playful pup, feathered friend, coy cat, or other animal companion into the competition September 2-9

Then, from September 9-13, Charm City will vote to determine who deserves the crown! The winner of the Cutest Pet Contest will be featured in our November issue, on newsstands October 25.

This promotion has ended.

Sponsored by: 

Which Baltimore area crab house reigns supreme? Over six weeks, you decided.

Beginning May 27, more than 60 local spots went head-to-head in this bracket-style competition. Each week, readers picked ‘em until one remained.

Without further ado, here are the results.

Presented by: 

Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll 2024

Organizations, businesses, and more: save the images below to use on Facebook and Instagram to promote your nomination!

Presented by: 

Thanks so much for voting in our 2024 Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll! Our Readers’ Poll launched in January as a way for readers to weigh in on their favorite people and places in the local dining scene. Now, the results are in!

Browse readers’ top picks in the list below, and be sure to check out our editorial Best Restaurants winners from the March 2024 issue, here.

If your business has been selected by Baltimoreans as a Best Restaurant Readers’ Poll winner or finalist share your recognition online with these social media assets: Winners Badge | Finalists Badge.

What makes the Charm City dining scene one of the best in the nation? Every year, our team of food reviewers eat their way through Baltimore to find out, and they deliver their results in our annual March Best Restaurants issue.But we know that our readers have their own ideas about what makes our food and beverage landscape great—so we created the Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll to honor their picks.From your top brunch spot to your favorite cocktail program, we asked you to share your go-to places to grab a bite (or sip) in Baltimore—and you did not disappoint. Here are a few stats on this year’s poll:

• 36,000 votes submitted
• 35 categories
• 110 winners and finalists

Thanks to each and every reader who took the time to rally behind Charm City’s best eateries. Now, without further ado, here are your picks.

African Cuisine
Winner: Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant
Finalists: Nailah’s Kitchen, Tabor Ethiopian Restaurant

Bartender
Winner: Antonio, Taco Love Grill
Finalists: Haley Fisher, The Local; Ali Eshman, Smaltimore

Brunch
Winner: Bunny’s, Buckets & Bubbles
Finalists: Miss Shirley’s, Silver Queen Cafe

Chef
Winner: Zack Trabbold, The Local
Finalists: Cory Pastor, Locals Only; Ryan Scalfari, Cafe Campli

Chesapeake Fare
Winner: Thames Street Oyster House
Finalists: Koco’s Pub, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood

Chinese Cuisine
Winner: NiHao
Finalists: Chopstix Gourmet, Joey Chiu’s Greenspring Inn

Cocktail Program
Winner: Mucho Gusto
Finalists: Dutch Courage, Kenwood Tavern

Comfort Food
Winner: Ekiben
Finalists: Pizza John’s, Patterson Public House

Dessert/Pastry Program
Winner: Cafe Dear Leon
Finalists: Vaccaro’s, Maillard Pastries

Fast-Casual Restaurant
Winner: Ekiben
Finalists: Desantis Pizza Grill and Bar, Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar

Food Truck
Winner: Top Nach
Finalists: La Migueleña Food Truck, Fuzzies Burgers

French Cuisine
Winner: Petit Louis Bistro
Finalists: Duck Duck Goose, Le Comptoir du Vin

Gluten-Free Cuisine
Winner: Verde
Finalists: Bunny’s, Buckets & Bubbles, Sweet 27 Bakery and Restaurant

Indian Cuisine
Winner: Peerce’s
Finalists: The Ambassador Dining Room, Darbar Indian Restaurant

Interior
Winner: Birria Love
Finalists: Gunther & Co., Ammoora 

Italian Cuisine
Winner: Cafe Campli
Finalists: Frank’s Pizza and Pasta, Di Pasquale’s

Japanese Cuisine
Winner: Azumi
Finalists: Shoyou Sushi, Sushi Hana

Korean Cuisine
Winner: Jong Kak
Finalists: Honey Pig, Kong (Pocha)

Mediterranean Cuisine*
Winner: La Cuchara
Finalists: Cafe Campli, Samos

Mexian Cuisine
Winner: Taco Love Grill
Finalists: Clavel, Mucho Gusto 

Middle Eastern Cuisine
Winner: The Helmand
Finalists: Mera Kitchen Collective, Ammoora 

New Restaurant
Winner: Bunny’s, Buckets & Bubbles
Finalists: Locals Only, Birria Love 

Non-Alcoholic Drink Program
Winner: Dutch Courage
Finalists: The Bluebird Cocktail Room, Gunther & Co. 

Outdoor Dining
Winner: Nick’s Fish House
Finalists: Gunther & Co., Patterson Public House 

Pizza
Winner: Frank’s Pizza and Pasta
Finalists: Pizza Johns, Locals Only

Prix-Fixe
Winner: Charleston
Finalists: Cinghiale, Petit Louis Bistro

Raw Bar
Winner: Thames Street Oyster House
Finalists: Dylan’s Oyster Cellar, True Chesapeake Oyster Co.

Romantic Restaurant
Winner: The Bluebird Cocktail Room
Finalists: The Prime Rib, Little Donna’s

Restaurant with Live Music
Winner: Keystone Korner
Finalists: The Admiral’s Cup, Fallston Barrel House

Server
Winner: Eli Wright, THB Bagelry + Deli
Finalists: Jackie Poetzel, The Local; Alli Tran, Bunny’s, Buckets & Bubbles 

South American
Winner: Alma Cocina Latina
Finalists: El Trovador Mercado Lati, La Barrita

Steakhouse
Winner: The Prime Rib
Finalists: The Capital Grille, La Barrita

Thai Cuisine
Winner: Bodhi Corner
Finalists: The Dara, Charming Elephant

Vegan/Vegetarian
Winner: Golden West Cafe
Finalists: The Land of Kush, Johnny Rad’s

Wine Program
Winner: La Cuchara
Finalists: Charleston, Cinghiale and Spirits of Mt. Vernon (tie)

*Editor’s Note: Readers overwhelmingly voted La Cuchara the winner for Best Mediterranean Cuisine. Its food is inspired by the Basque region, which isn’t on the Mediterranean, but combines the flavors of France and Spain—parts of which both border the Mediterranean.

Top Doctors is one of our most highly anticipated annual features when we find the best of the best among the region’s physicians. Nominations are open now until June 3, 2024.

This is a peer-to-peer nomination. We need you, our area medical professionals, to refer us to physicians in various specialties to whom you would send a member of your own family for treatment.

Doctors, nominate your peers by filling out the form below. Nominations close on June 3, 2024. Please note that only complete entries will be considered. To nominate more than one physician, refresh the page after each submission.

How to fill out this form:

• Please provide all required information. Only complete entries will be considered.
• If the hospital/practice location or specialty you require is not listed in the dropdown menus provided, please select “OTHER” at the end of the dropdown list. This will automatically generate a dialogue box you can fill in. The specialty dropdown will appear once you specify whether the doctor practices Pediatric Medicine.
• To nominate more than one doctor, select “yes” when asked if you wish to make more nominations. A new form will open. You can nominate up to 10 colleagues at a time. To nominate more than 10 people, submit your nominations then refresh the page to re-engage with a new form.
• To see the list of specialty drop downs first click yes or no to the “Is this a pediatric specialty” question. The appropriate drop down menu will appear.
• Each person can make a maximum of 20 nominations.
• A physician may nominate themself or a colleague once. Duplicate submissions will not be counted.
• If you need to leave and return to the form later, select “Save and Continue” at the bottom of the form. You’ll receive a unique link to your form at the stage it was saved. You will have the option to email yourself a link to the form to return to it later.

We are only collecting this in case we need to contact you regarding Top Doctors nominations.
We will not save or use your information for any other purposes.

Sponsored by: 

It wouldn’t be summer without a visit to a Charm City snowball stand for one of the area’s icy, refreshing sweet treats—but which is the best of the best? Readers decided.

In this bracket-style contest, regional stands went head-to-head to earn the top spot as the winner of our inaugural Snowball Fight.

Many thanks to all who joined the battle and voted for their favorite shop.

Presented by: 

What makes the Charm City dining scene one of the best in the nation? Every year, our team of food reviewers eat their way through Baltimore to find out, and they deliver their results in our annual Best Restaurants issue (on newsstands February 23, 2024).

But we know that our readers have their own ideas about what makes our food and beverage landscape great—so we created the Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll to honor their picks.

From your top brunch spot to your favorite cocktail program, we want to know your go-to places to grab a bite (or sip) in Baltimore. Show some love to your favorites by nominating them in our annual Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll.

Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll 2024

*Please excuse any misspellings. These are write-in nominations and Baltimore will do its best to update any incorrect information.

Columnist

Winner: Dan Rodricks
Finalists: Justin Fenton; Alanah Nichole Davis

Oriole

Winner: Adley Rutschman
Finalists: Cedric Mullins; Ryan Mountcastle

Local Podcast

Winner: The Thought Shower
Finalists: Really Riley Podcast; No Pix After Dark

Local Photographer

Winner: Rachel Carey Photography
Finalists: EEG Photography; Kaitlin Newman

Radio Personality

Winner: Jeff St. Pierre
Finalists: Tom Hall; Jessica Dutra

Radio Station

Winner: 88.1 WYPR
Finalists: 89.7 WTMD; 93.1 WPOC

Raven

Winner: Justin Tucker
Finalists: Lamar Jackson; Ed Reed

Reporter

Winner: Scott Maucione
Finalists: Jayne Miller; Pamela Wood

TV Personality

Winner: Denise Koch
Finalists: Stan Stovall; Mary Bubala

Instagram Account

Winner: @baltimorefoodscene
Finalists: @salvagearc; @historichomesofbaltimore

Sports Media Personality

Winner: Gerry Sandusky
Finalists: Alejandro Danois; Jim Palmer

Explore more of our Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll winners, here.

Bicycle Shop

Winner: Baltimore Bicycle Works
Finalists: Joe’s Bike Shop; Trek Bicycle

Black-Owned Business

Winner: Blacksauce Kitchen
Finalists: Pandora’s Box Boutique; Cloudy Donut Co.

Consignment Store

Winner: Sass Resale Boutique
Finalists: Get Shredded Vintage; Milk & Ice Vintage

Florist

Winner: Local Color Flowers
Finalists: Radebaugh Florist and Greenhouses; Janda Florist

Furniture Store

Winner: Second Chance
Finalists: Su Casa Furniture; The Sourceress Vintage Furniture

Gift Shop

Winner: Found Studio
Finalists: Chosen; Baltimore Museum of Art Gift Shop

Jeweler

Winner: Smyth Jewelers
Finalists: Lakein’s Jewelers of Hamilton; Parisian Flea

Men’s Clothing

Winner: John’s Men’s Clothing
Finalists: Different Regard; Fells Point Surf Co., Christopher Schafer Clothier (tie)

Plant Shop

Winner: B. Willow
Finalists: Valley View Farms; Fells Point Cultivated Creations

Pop-Up Market

Winner: Made in Baltimore
Finalists: Makers of Maryland; Ottobar Punk Rock Flea Market

Shoe Store

Winner: Charm City Run
Finalists: Ma Petite Shoe; Vu Skateboard Shop

Kids’ Clothing

Winner: Wee Chic Boutique
Finalists: Poppyseed Kids; The Pied Piper

Toy Store

Winner: Shananigans Toy Shop
Finalists: Third Eye Comics; Wee Chic

Women’s Clothing

Winner: Butler Corner Clothing and Gifts
Finalists: Brightside Boutique; Hunting Ground, Official Haute Mess (tie)

Book Store

Winner: Charm City Books
Finalists: Greedy Reads; The Ivy Bookshop

Record Store

Winner: The Sound Garden
Finalists: Celebrated Summer Records; Normal’s Books & Records

Antique Shop

Winner: Second Chance Inc.
Finalists: Wishbone Reserve; The Turnover Shop