EatMoreBeMore’s favorite comfort food restaurants

New year, new you? Not so fast. The last few years have been a little uncomfortable for all of us. So, I thought it would be best to start this one with pure comfort. Comfort food, that is. Here are a few of my favorite spots in Baltimore to warm your heart and fill your stomach.

The Outpost

1032 Riverside Ave.

Have your phone ready when the Tin Can Nachos from The Outpost hit your table. As the name suggests, these nachos arrive in a large tin can layered with house-fried flour tortilla chips, pinto beans, pickled jalapeños, tomatoes, house-ground chorizo, queso, sour cream, scallions and cilantro — and are poured onto your plate upon arrival.

Sally O’s

3531 Gough St.

You may recognize Sally O’s from the bright and colorful mural that’s painted on its exterior (a perfect backdrop for those food photos, by the way). But what’s even more Instagram-worthy are dishes that range from lobster risotto to smash burgers. If you’re looking for some serious late-night eats, you’re in luck. The kitchen is open until midnight Monday through Saturday and even offers a “late night date night” package served with a 32-ounce ribeye, truffle fries, green beans and a bottle of sparkling rosé.

The Food Market

1017 West 36th St.

The quintessential Baltimore comfort food eatery, The Food Market is top on my list for anyone asking for a restaurant recommendation. I like to call the menu “elevated comfort food,” but it’s really just all of your favorite dishes on steroids, from a 1-pound crab cake and foot-long mozzarella sticks, to spaghetti with crab meatballs and a “try ‘em all” option for dessert featuring their Heath bar crunch bread pudding. It’s actually impossible to leave there hungry.

Riverside Taphouse

1542 Light St.

No matter what you order here, make sure it comes on a Dough Boy Fresh pretzel roll. I personally think every sandwich should come on one. But, since they don’t, you’ll have to settle for the white truffle lamb cheesesteak, which, in my humble opinion, is the best cheesesteak in the city. If you’re not in the mood for something that decadent, you can always depend on their delicious classic crab chowder served in a Dough Boy Fresh pretzel bowl.

Barracudas

1230 East Fort Ave.

Recently reopened after a tragic fire, Barracudas has the slogan “Jeet Yet?” — read in a Bawlmer accent — that’s seen on bumper stickers and T-shirts around town. If you’ve never been, make your way over to this popular Locust Point bar and live like a South Baltimore local. I always start with the surf and turf nachos and one of their specialty crushes while perusing the menu for my entrée selections.

Water for Chocolate

1841 East Lombard St.

Water for Chocolate is the home of my favorite shrimp and grits in the city, but you really can’t go wrong ordering anything off the menu. Thankfully, they’ve expanded their dining room in the last few years, so you may actually stand a chance of getting a table. But even if you have to wait, it’s well worth it. In the meantime, you can grab a beer at the Ministry of Brewing conveniently located across the street.

Of Love & Regret

1028 South Conkling St.

Of Love & Regret (or OLAR as it’s lovingly called) has a little bit of everything for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood to devour “banging” burgers and imbibe creative cocktails, or to keep it light with vegetarian shareables and seasonal salads, there is something here for you. Plus, you can choose between drag brunch and doggie brunch on the weekends.

Blue Moon Too

1024 Light St.

It should come as no surprise that Blue Moon Too made it to this list. While you may feel slightly uncomfortable ordering owner Sarah Simington’s Glory Hole Of Love French Toast, that feeling quickly disappears once you try it. The ingredients? Sliced glazed doughnuts dipped in a special “custard” cream, grilled in butter, filled with whipped cream and sliced strawberries, and garnished with house-made chocolate-covered strawberries.

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.

Chris Franzoni

chris@eatmorebaltimore.com

Chris Franzoni contributes content about local food and dining to The Baltimore Banner.

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