Hampden is one of Baltimore’s most vibrant and quirky neighborhoods, known for its independent shops, colorful rowhomes, and the famous “Avenue” along 36th Street. Located in North Baltimore near the Johns Hopkins campus and the Rotunda, the neighborhood has become one of the city’s most exciting dining destinations.
The food scene in Hampden ranges from bakeries and ice cream shops to oyster bars, cocktail lounges, and creative restaurants. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, grabbing a drink with friends, or exploring the neighborhood’s restaurants after shopping along The Avenue, there are plenty of great places to eat.
Below are some of my favorite restaurants and food spots in Hampden Baltimore.
Best Restaurants in Hampden Baltimore
If you’re exploring the neighborhood, these are a few standout places to start.
- Best seafood restaurant: Dylan’s Oyster Cellar – A lively restaurant known for oysters, crab cakes, and Maryland seafood.
- Best ice cream shop: The Charmery – A beloved Baltimore ice cream shop known for creative small-batch flavors.
- Best Cocktail Bar: The Bluebird – A literary themed cocktail bar with excellent drinks in a cozy setting.
Hampden Restaurants
The Charmery
Cuisine: Ice Cream
A beloved Baltimore ice cream shop serving creative, small-batch flavors made with local ingredients. They have two locations in Hampden, one on the Avenue and one in Union Collective.
What to order:
– Ice Cream
Dylan’s Oyster Cellar
Cuisine: Seafood
A popular seafood restaurant known for fresh oysters, crab cakes, and classic Maryland seafood dishes.
What to order:
– Cheeseburger
– Oysters
– Coddies
Luigi’s Italian Deli
Cuisine: Deli / Sandwiches
A neighborhood deli serving Italian sandwiches right on the avenue.
What to order:
– Padrino
The Food Market
Cuisine: American
A Hampden staple offering creative takes on American cuisine, craft cocktails, and a lively dining atmosphere.
What to order:
– French Onion Rings
– Heath Bar Bread Pudding
– Salt and Pepper Tuna
The Dutchess
Cuisine: English/Chamorro
An English style tavern with Chamorro influences on the menu
What to order:
– Lumpia
– Tuna Poke
– Shrimp & Corn Patties
Quality Snowballs
Cuisine: Dessert
A classic Baltimore snowball stand serving shaved ice treats topped with syrups, marshmallow Fluff, and condensed milk.
What to order:
– Snowballs
Golden West Café
Cuisine: Southwestern / American
A longtime Hampden favorite serving Southwestern-inspired comfort food, brunch, and vegetarian-friendly dishes.
What to order:
– Buffalo Cauliflower
– Breakfast Quesadilla
– Frito Pie
Hampden Yards
Cuisine: Beer Garden
A beer and cocktail garden with plenty of outdoor seating and some bar bites.
What to order:
– Beer & Cocktails
Bluebird Cocktail Room
Cuisine: Cocktail Bar
A cozy literary themed cocktail bar known for expertly crafted drinks and an intimate atmosphere.
What to order:
– Cheeseburger
– Cocktails
Birroteca
Cuisine: Italian
An Italian restaurant known for wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and a strong selection of Italian wines and beers.
What to order:
– Florentine Pizza
– Brussels Sprouts
Nepenthe Brewing Co.
Cuisine: Brewery / American
A brewpub serving craft beers alongside burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food.
What to order:
– Garage Fries
– Burgers
– Wings
The Local Fry
Cuisine: French Fries / Korean Inspired
A casual restaurant specializing in loaded fries topped with Korean-inspired flavors and creative ingredients.
What to order:
– Bahn Mi
– Loaded Fries
Good Neighbor
Cuisine: Café
A neighborhood café and bakery serving coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and light lunch options. They also sell a handful of homewares and pantry items.
What to order:
– Japanese Iced Coffee
– Toasts
La Cuchara
Cuisine: Spanish / Basque
A Basque-inspired restaurant known for wood-fired cooking, Spanish wines, and shareable plates highlighting seasonal ingredients.
What to order:
– Jamon Croquettes
– Empanadas
– Wood Grilled Tuna
Waverly Brewing Company
Cuisine: Brewery / Craft Beer
A neighborhood brewery serving a rotating selection of craft beers in a relaxed taproom with a spacious outdoor patio.
What to order:
– Beer
Artifact Coffee
Cuisine: Coffee / Café
A popular café serving specialty coffee, breakfast, and seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
What to order:
– Coffee
– Breakfast Sandwich
– Baked Goods
Tavern at Woodberry Kitchen
Cuisine: American / Farm-to-Table
An acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant from Chef Spike Gjerde focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients, seasonal cooking, and regional flavors.
Vent Coffee Roasters
Cuisine: Coffee / Café
A specialty coffee roaster and café serving expertly brewed espresso drinks and single-origin coffees in a modern, minimalist space.
What to order:
– Coffee
Union Craft Brewing
Cuisine: Brewery / Craft Beer
One of Baltimore’s largest breweries, known for a wide range of craft beers including IPAs, lagers, and seasonal releases served in a spacious taproom.
What to order:
– Beer
Catalog Coffee
Cuisine: Coffee/Cafe
Cozy cafe for breakfast and lunch sandwiches, plus coffee, tea, and Wi-Fi.
What to order:
– Coffee
– Classic Catalog Breakfast Sandwich
– Pastries
Ekiben
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
A beloved Baltimore restaurant known for Asian-fusion street food like steamed bao buns and rice bowls. The famous Neighborhood Bird features Taiwanese curry-fried chicken with pickles, herbs, and sambal mayo. Also located in Riverside and Fells Point.
What to order:
– Taiwanese Fried Chicken
– Mapo Tofu
– Tempura Broccoli
Bodhi Corner
Cuisine: Thai
A locally owned Southeast Asian restaurant serving Thai classics including curries, noodles, and rice plates. Bodhi has a second location in Federal Hill.
What to order:
– Curry Puff
– Coconut Shrimp
– Drunken Noodles
Ovenbird Bakery
Cuisine: Cafe/Bakery
Pastry shop and cafe serving a plethora of breads and coffee in a relaxed space to hang out. Also with locations in Highlandtown and Little Italy.
What to order:
– Zaatar Bagel
– Coffee
– Pastries
Restaurants Along The Avenue
Many of Hampden’s best restaurants are located along 36th Street, known locally as “The Avenue.” This stretch of shops, bars, and restaurants is one of Baltimore’s most popular places to explore for food, drinks, and shopping.
More Baltimore Restaurant Guides
Looking for more places to eat in Baltimore? Check out my Baltimore restaurant guide, where I organize restaurants by neighborhood including Bolton Hill, Remington, Federal Hill, Riverside, and more.
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Map of the restaurants featured in this guide: