So many restaurants in Maryland; so little time. If you’re looking for an eatery that’s off the beaten path but well worth the search, you’ll want to check out this list. These hidden gem restaurants in Maryland are perfect whether you’re traveling or if you prefer not to eat at chain locales. What they lack in notoriety, they make up for with delicious cuisine. And what’s better than great food?

Editor’s Note – A few of the restaurants on our list have recently closed. These are noted, but please enjoy a visit to the other hidden gem restaurants on the list!

1. 1978 N.Y. Pizza, Pasadena
Ben Henry/Google Local
4315 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122, USA
Yelp / Joe K.
Sandwiched in a shopping strip, it's easy to pass by 1978 N.Y. Pizza. However, it's worth visiting for their pizza, which is slathered with toppings galore and is oh-so tasty. Be sure to check out the sandwiches and desserts, too. This is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Maryland for pizza.
2. Chuck's Wagon BBQ, Bowie (Permanently Closed)
Yelp / Jennifer K.
Yelp / Richard S.
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Chuck's Wagon BBQ is permanently closed

This hidden gem restaurant in Maryland offers hearty portions of meat, including BBQ, brisket, and pulled chicken. Their sides are also delectable, making it a must visit next time you get struck with a barbecue craving.
3. Park-n-Dine, Hancock (Permanently Closed)
Yelp / David B.
Yelp / Shae S.
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Park-n-Dine is permanently closed

This place markets themselves as having 'homemade food for travelers.' They've been serving locals and folks passing through for over 65 years. Pictured here is their crab stuffed shrimp. Doesn't it look oh-so-good?
4. Mamie's Cafe With Love, Aberdeen
Joan Mercado/Google Local
Mamie's Cafe, 939 Beards Hill Rd, Aberdeen, MD 21001, USA
Yelp / Mike S.
The interior of this Maryland gem is decorated with charming vintage decor. The food ain't too shabby either. Pictured here is the heavenly pot roast. Check out the entire lunch and dinner menus for Mamie's Cafe With Love. It's one of the most charming little-known restaurants in Maryland.
5. Marie's Diner, La Plata
Yelp / Jeffrey W.
Yelp / Troy B.
This spot may not seem like much from the outside, but the meals here receive rave reviews for their large portions and perfect flavors. If you're a breakfast fan, this spot is top notch. What's more, if you love homemade food, you're sure to love Marie's Diner. Visit the official website for Marie's Diner.

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6. Mrs. K's Restaurant, Upper Marlboro
Yelp / Monique J.
Mrs. K's Restaurant, 5909 Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, USA
Yelp / Gen S.
This place may be a hole-in-the-wall type of spot but it's certainly well known among locals. Dubbing themselves 'the best kept secret in Maryland,' Mrs. K's knows how to please customers and taste buds.
7. Grove Market, Bishopville
Yelp / Dave C.
12402 St Martins Neck Rd, Bishopville, MD 21813, USA
Yelp / Dave C.
This little place is known for their mouthwatering seafood. So flavorful and so worth the visit. Definitely try the scallops and crab, two of the most popular dishes. Be sure to call ahead for reservations to ensure a table at the quaint and little-known restaurant in Maryland.
8. The Woodstock Inn, Woodstock
Yelp / Josh S.
Woodstock Inn, 1415 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
Trip Advisor / lisam0518
Head to the Woodstock Inn for a casual meal paired with live music. With a 'biker bar' atmosphere, this gem is hidden in a wooded area but keeps folks coming back again and again. Find the full menu for Woodstock Inn.
9. Romas Carryout, Phoenix (Permanently closed)
Google Maps
Yelp / A.C.
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Romas Carryout is permanently closed

What this neighborhood eatery lacks in looks, it makes up for with taste. People go absolutely crazy for their chicken cheesesteak (pictured above).
10. Las Delicias, Annapolis
Yelp / Ruben Z.
626 Admiral Dr, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
Yelp / Blair T.
This cozy place has Salvadorian dishes, including seafood. Be sure to save room for dessert because their sweets are unbeatable. Follow the Facebook page of Las Delicias Restaurant.

Have you been to any of these little-known, hidden gem restaurants in Maryland? Any you would add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to also check out these mom-and-pop restaurants in Maryland.

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More to Explore

Hidden Gem Restaurants In Maryland

Beth Price-Williams | August 01, 2020

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Maryland?

Some of the best hidden gem restaurants in Maryland include the following:

  • For some of the best steak around, look no further than Bullock's Country Meats & Farm Market. While it may be in the middle of nowhere in Westminster, it’s certainly worth the drive. The hidden gem serves such favorites as roast beef, chopped sirloin, and T-bone steak. You can’t go wrong if you’re a steak lover.
  • Rube’s Crab Shack, in Emmitsburg, is one of the best local restaurants in Maryland. Dig into a hearty helping of steamed crabs, shrimp po’boys, or crab legs.

 

Where can I find the best burgers in Maryland?

Find some of the best burgers in Maryland at the following places:

  • Wags Restaurant in Frederick where you'll find the deliciously daunting choice of which of more than a dozen different burgers from which to order. Choose from such scrumptious options as the Philly burger or the Blue burger, and be sure to save room for a hearty helping of Wags’ famous fries.
  • Naughty Dogs Restaurant Pub and Grill in Bel Air, serves some of the best burgers and hot dogs in Maryland, making it a must-visit spot for tried and true carnivores.

 

What are the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Maryland?

The best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Maryland include:

  • K Bar in Cumberland is a dive bar that serves some of the best cheeseburgers in Maryland. Make sure you order it with a helping of fries.
  • Mom-n-Pop’s Restaurant in Hurlock is known for its seafood and hand-cut steaks, making it a must-visit if you’re craving seafood or steak.

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