Highlandtown and Patterson Park have one of the most diverse food scenes in Baltimore. Located in Southeast Baltimore just east of Canton, these neighborhoods are packed with taco spots, bakeries, pizza institutions, and cozy neighborhood restaurants. The area reflects Baltimore’s strong Latino community and longtime local businesses, creating a food scene where you can grab street tacos, empanadas, pizza, or a great breakfast sandwich all within a few blocks.
Whether you’re walking around Patterson Park, exploring Eastern Avenue, or stopping in after a park visit, there are plenty of great places to eat nearby.
Below are some of my favorite restaurants and food spots in Highlandtown and Patterson Park Baltimore.
Best Restaurants in Highlandtown & Patterson Park
If you’re exploring the neighborhood, these are a few standout spots worth checking out.
- Best taco spot: Taqueria El Sabor del Parque – A beloved corner taco shop serving authentic street-style tacos.
- Best pizza: Forno – Tucked into the back of the former DiPasquales deli, this building has been serving some of the city’s best Italian food for over 100 years.
- Best neighborhood restaurant: Sally O’s – A creative comfort food restaurant with excellent cocktails.
- Best empanadas: Franchesca’s Empanadas Cafe – A local favorite serving handmade empanadas and Latin comfort food.
- Best dessert stop: Bmore Licks – A Baltimore ice cream shop famous for huge scoops and dozens of flavors.
Highlandtown & Patterson Park Restaurants
Forno
Cuisine: Italian/Pizza
A hidden pizza speakeasy tucked inside the former DiPasquale’s market space in Highlandtown.
What to order:
– Arancini
– Sausage and Fennel Pizza
Snake Hill
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
A cozy neighborhood restaurant known for their sausages. They offer at least 15 different types.
What to order:
– Sausage
– Hush Puppies
Mystic Burrito
Cuisine: Mexican / Burritos
A casual neighborhood spot serving west coast inspired burritos and tacos.
What to order:
– Burrito
– Quesadilla
Taqueria El Sabor del Parque
Cuisine: Mexican / Tacos
A beloved taco stand known for authentic street-style tacos, fresh tortillas, and classic Mexican flavors.
What to order:
– Tacos
High Grounds Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee / Breakfast
A neighborhood café serving coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries near Patterson Park.
What to order:
– Coffee
Matthew’s Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
A true Baltimore institution. One of the most iconic pizza restaurants in the city and possibly the oldest. Known for its signature deep dish pies and old-school neighborhood atmosphere.
What to order:
– The Both Cheese Pie
– Buffalo Chicken Pie
Franchesca’s Empanadas Cafe
Cuisine: Latin / Empanadas
A local favorite serving handmade empanadas and Latin comfort food in a casual café setting.
What to order:
– Apple Pie Empanada
– Buffalo Chicken Empanada
– Cheese Empanada
Sally O’s
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
A neighborhood restaurant known for creative comfort food, seasonal dishes, and strong cocktails.
What to order:
– Smashburger
– Mac n Cheese
– Steak Frites
Bmore Licks
Cuisine: Ice Cream
A Baltimore ice cream institution known for huge portions, dozens of flavors, and a constant line of locals on warm nights.
What to order:
– Ice Cream (dozens of soft serve & hard ice cream flavors)
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 Hampden and Little Italy.
What to order:
– Zaatar Bagel
– Coffee
– Pastries
Restaurants Near Patterson Park
Many of these restaurants sit just steps from Patterson Park, one of Baltimore’s largest and most popular green spaces. After walking through the park or climbing the Pagoda for city views, it’s easy to stop nearby for tacos, pizza, coffee, or ice cream.
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 Canton, Fells Point, Upper Fells Point, Hampden, Federal Hill, and more.
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