EatMoreBeMore’s Beltway Series: Northeast Loop of 695 (York Road to Eastern Avenue)
It’s time to loosen up those buckles for the second round of the Beltway Series, this time covering the northeast loop of I-695. From pit beef sandwiches served in a gentlemen’s club parking lot to classic German cuisine, these are just a few of the most delectable bites you will find on your travels around Baltimore.
Warning: Although listed by exit number for maximum fuel efficiency, you may still wanna fill up that tank to carry the extra weight of leftovers you’ll be taking home.
Mex on the Run (Exit 29)
6318 Sherwood Road, Baltimore
We all owe Jimmy Longoria, chef and owner of Mex on the Run, a debt of gratitude for doing the Lord’s work and introducing to Baltimore “LA Style” birria tacos — corn tortillas filled with braised beef and cheese, dipped in a savory consommé, then pan fried and served with a side of even more consommé for your own dipping pleasure. It’s one of the tastiest bites in town, and after my first visit, I almost couldn’t believe such deliciousness could come out of a truck. If you’re up for a challenge, order the El Chapo Burrito, a 14-inch flour tortilla stuffed with al pastor, carnitas, chorizo, Mexican red rice, pinto beans, Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, and diced onions.
Das Bierhalle (Exit 31)
9527 Harford Road, Parkville
It’s always Oktoberfest at Das Bierhalle, where you can enjoy authentic German cuisine from bratwurst to knackwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut and more. I always start with a 1-liter stein of beer to get my arm workout for the day and move on to the giant pretzel, which comes with a choice of dipping sauces (they have over 35). Das Bierhalle also offers their unique Baltimore brand of sausage — you guessed it, Old Bay-flavored — which I highly recommend. Prost!
Pauly’s NY Pizza and Ice Cream (Exit 31)
9400 Harford Road A, Parkville
Sometimes simple is best — and it doesn’t really get much better than pizza and ice cream. But even if you’re not in the mood for this tempting duo, Pauly’s has a little something for everyone, including overstuffed subs, wraps, salads, pasta dishes and even breakfast. But there’s one thing that you absolutely must order when you visit — the White Crab Pizza made with crab, ricotta, mozzarella and Old Bay. Pro-tip: Have your phone ready, because it makes for an epic cheese pull.
Lib’s Grill (Exit 32)
5009 Honeygo Center Drive, # 101, Perry Hall
A sibling to the area’s well-known Liberatore’s restaurants, Lib’s Grill offers a more casual environment with what I like to call “elevated comfort food” (think: lobster mac-n-cheese and BBQ bacon fried chicken sandwiches). But a must-try dish I recently discovered — and one that was recently brought back due to popular demand — is the Sinking Crab Cakes. Picture it: a large bowl of classic cream of crab, five mini crab cakes, Old Bay oil and scallions.
Ravage Deli (Exit 32)
9636 Belair Road, Nottingham
The term “deli” is a little misleading when it comes to Ravage’s offerings — perhaps “sub shop on steroids” would be more appropriate, since the options for ordering are regular, large and extra-large. While they serve a range of sandwiches from classic to creative, the Philly cheesesteak is one of my favorites south of the City of Brotherly Love. And as the name suggests, I’m pretty sure there are some embarrassing photos of me ravaging the menu.
Pastore’s of Rosedale (Exit 35)
8442 Philadelphia Road, Baltimore
I’m sure you’ve heard about this local favorite, but if not, it’s time you made it out to Pastore’s. Perhaps known best for their Italian cold cut known as the “Pastore,” you can actually order a selection of their sandwiches on a half loaf of Italian bread. If you haven’t reached carb overload by then, be sure to grab a box of their Italian cookies on the way out. (P.S. For those already in the holiday spirit, they’ve already launched their famous Thanksgiving sandwich!)
Bully Boss Burger (Exit 36)
6036 A Rossville Blvd., Essex
When I see the option for extra meat and extra cheese, I take it — even if it means a severe case of the sweats after. While I stuck with the classics on my last visit, the variety of burger toppings is quite impressive, with options stretching from shrimp and pineapple to cheesesteak and roast beef, with vegetarian options, too!
Chaps Pit Beef (Exit 38)
5801 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore
Located in the parking lot of a gentlemen’s club (yup, you read that right), Chap’s has been serving nationally renowned pit beef that’s been enjoyed by the likes of Anthony Bourdain, featured on The Food Network and Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” and raved about in The Washington Post and The New York Times (to name just a few). If you’re feeling voracious, order the off-menu “Baltimore Bad Boy Club” — bacon, pit beef, smoked ham, mac-n-cheese, BBQ sauce, lettuce, mayo, tomato.
Mr. Bill’s Terrace Inn (Exit 38)
200 Eastern Blvd., Essex
Even though Baltimore is known for its steamed crabs, there are less than a handful of spots I trust to prepare my crab feasts. On that list is Mr. Bill’s Terrace Inn, a Baltimore staple since 1954. While the restaurant didn’t start serving crabs until 1989, the owners have since developed their very own patented crab seasoning that I literally put on everything. But I wouldn’t just stop there — be sure to add a side of their crab corn (steamed corn topped with cream of crab and jumbo lump) to whatever you’re ordering.
Dave’s Smoke and Tacos
Traveling
While this food trailer often makes its way around the beltway (new schedule coming soon), you can often find this smoke show posted up at Poole Island Brewing Company. Dave Magdeburger specializes in smoked meats and uniquely crafted tacos, but he may be best known for his “chubbies” — over-the-top burritos stuffed with fillings like wings, waffle fries, beer cheese, and crispy jalapeños.
Chris Franzoni is a Baltimore native, resident, food fanatic, and “Eater-in-Chief” of @EatMoreBeMore, which he started seven years ago with two goals – eating his way through the city and shining a positive light on the Baltimore restaurant and hospitality scene.
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