You’ve spent the week pretending to care about spreadsheets and meetings. Now it’s Friday, and you deserve something that actually matters: smoky, sticky, glorious barbeque that doesn’t require a reservation six months out. Here are Baltimore’s essential spots for brisket, ribs, and pulled pork worth getting your hands dirty for.
Kong (Pocha)
$$ | (410) 801-8963 | WEBSITE
Like most Korean spots in the city, Kong Pocha’s bright lights, K-pop playlist, and bustling atmosphere make you feel like you just walked into a Seoul night market. But unlike those restaurants, grabbing a seat at this popular Mount Vernon spot requires patience, which is essential because the energy is part of the experience when the night is young. From Korean fried chicken to bibimbap and soju, you have plenty of $12-$18 options.
You can even make a satisfying meal of fried chicken, spicy pork, and a drink for just $35—and then brainstorm all the ways to use the extra appetite you worked up, because a full order of bulgogi cup bop is normally $16.
Charms Market & Deli
$ | (443) 449-5187 | WEBSITE
This clean and welcoming market is one of our favorite quick-bite spots in Baltimore, but there’s also a separate, well-stocked deli section that’s great for just grabbing essentials and treats. There, you can get $3 12-inch pizzas and share fresh items like empanadas and chicken subs.
Be-One
$$ | (410) 244-5600 | WEBSITE
Be-One’s flavorful marinated meats and delicious banchan make it one of our favorite Korean restaurants in Baltimore. And with their all you can eat option, you can enjoy unlimited barbecue for just $27. Add a $6 beer or $8 glass of plum soju, and you have an unbeatable meal. Or you can just come for the warm atmosphere while watching the friendly staff help cook meats at your table.
Everest Spice Bar And Grill
$ | (443) 627-8127 | WEBSITE
Not only does this Nepalese-inspired Fells Point spot have the best biryani we’ve encountered in Baltimore, but it’s also a gem for authentic flavors. The compact counter-service restaurant has a quiet bar area, friendly staff from Kathmandu, and makes mango lassi that isn’t too sweet.
Along with favorites like chicken dumplings and the aforementioned biryani (often ordered over a hundred times), the menu has flavorful dishes like chili chicken and Chicken Korma, all prepared with the perfect level of spice. The owners are kind and accommodating, often providing extra hot sauce or answering questions about the menu, making it a welcoming spot for both first-time and returning customers.
Located inside Broadway Market, it’s a convenient option for takeout or casual dining, with other excellent choices like Somosa Chat and Gulab Jamun rounding out the experience.
Super Fried Chicken
$ | (410) 539-4924 | WEBSITE
If we’re talking solely about logistics, fried chicken is the perfect comfort food. Luckily, not only is the fried chicken at Lexington Market’s Super Fried Chicken good, but they also have fantastic value where you can order classics like plump chicken breast, crispy wings, or tender gizzard—all for less than $8. Bring your friends, order a bunch of food, and also make sure to get a $12 container (or two) of their delicious fried rice to share.
STEAKN’BONE
$$ | (443) 401-2288 | WEBSITE
Steak n Bone is always a good time, whether you’re hanging out in the small, lively space or enjoying their youthful atmosphere. And though this Canton spot has the energetic buzz of a popular barbecue joint, their meats and excellent Korean-inspired offerings are significantly better than your typical neighborhood smokehouse.
It’s great for a casual dinner, but if you want to catch up with friends earlier or swing by for a post-work unwind, their combo for two offers great value with four meats and two sides like marinated short ribs and seasoned rib eye alongside delicious banchan including radish kimchi and japchae.
Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar
$$ | (443) 948-5590 | WEBSITE
With its warm, inviting atmosphere, chill vibe, and delicious whiskey selection, Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar is one of our favorite barbecue spots in Baltimore. But we also like coming to this lively, music-filled bar for their happy hour, when select cocktails and whiskeys are discounted. And since this deal lasts until 7pm, your designated driver won’t have to rush through downtown traffic in order to make it in time.
JD’s House of Bacon, Inc.
This Baltimore barbecue spot has one of the best bacon selections in the city. It’s welcoming, fast, and even has cute decor where you can enjoy dishes from JD’s bacon-focused menu like the maple bacon skewer for a sweet treat. But we recommend trying their regular bacon skewer for a fantastic experience. When you’re savoring bratwurst, tasting hot sauce, and enjoying perfect bacon, sitting in this friendly atmosphere feels even better.
Heritage Smokehouse
$$ | (443) 438-7593 | WEBSITE
Heritage Smokehouse is a cozy BBQ spot in Baltimore from the folks behind some of the area’s best smokehouses. The food is classic barbecue with creative touches, with dishes like fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender brisket, and standout kielbasa that all showcase their smoking technique. They also have a cocktail menu that includes $12 smoked old fashioneds, bourbon lemonades, and whiskey sours.
Come here for meats and a drink when you’re craving authentic barbecue, or if you’re in the mood for a welcoming, laid-back kind of meal.
Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbeque
$ | (410) 444-6422 | WEBSITE
Given the proliferation of trendy BBQ joints a few blocks south on Pratt, it would be easy to write off Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbeque. This quaint restaurant in Baltimore does have ribs and sandwiches, but the food is exceptional, and you can enjoy a family meal in a place that won’t require shouting over blaring music. Sure, the parking situation nearby might be a little awkward, and the dry cornbread might be a little too crumbly for some.
But the pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, the signature ‘Big Bad Wolf’ sandwich is mouth-watering, and there’s also a ton of sides like hand-cut fries with Sweet Honey BBQ sauce and candied yams if you decide to stick around for a full feast.
The Reserve Restaurant & Carryout
$$ | (410) 298-2021 | WEBSITE
From the outside, The Reserve looks like a simple carryout spot with a line-up your favorite barbecue joint would envy. But the takeout counter is just one part of this great all-day diner, brunch spot, and elevated comfort food restaurant. Head to the dining room for brunch, where you can share the “taste of everything” plate for $45 or pick three items for $25, like shrimp & grits or fried chicken with buttered cabbage.
Next time you’re in Baltimore with a group that’s all tapped out from making hard decisions at work, The Reserve is a good slashie solution to any brunch indecisiveness.
