With nice-sized finger-licking meaty wings (try the Chesapeake flavored batch for something a little different) and pretzel bread appetizers, who has room for an entree? But, you won't wanna leave without trying some of the barbecue options. This Canton favorite serves up great brisket, ribs, smoky tender pulled pork, and a nice selection of sauces to drench on your meats if you so choose. Macaroni wedges are a hit and worth a try. An extensive beer collection will keep your mouth well-watered while the large portions keep your belly full. A casual laid back atmosphere, JD's attracts sports fans and people who love sitting at the bar to grub, chat, and enjoy a cold one.
Local Expert tip: Call them for the happy-hour times and specials.
If you find yourself in Baltimore checking out an Orioles game and you happen to have a craving for barbecue, don't worry, you won't have to leave the stadium to get some. Boog's Barbeque is conveniently located in Camden Yards and fulfilling taste buds outside the standard fare of hot dogs and french fries. Choose between piled high sandwiches of pit turkey, pit beef, pork, a slew of sauces, condiments and sides to go along with the game. Whether you get a platter or a sandwich, you won't walk away hungry with their generous portions of meat and above-average ball park sandwiches.
Local Expert tip: The platters are good-sized portions and may be best-suited for sharing.
One of the many things that's unique to Baltimore is pit beef. And one of the few places that does it well, along with other meats, is Chaps Pit Beef. Located in an eyebrow raising strip mall on Pulaski highway, this little dive is all character. They also have great barbecue and carnivorous sandwiches filled with anywhere between one and four meats like the Richman, stuffed with turkey, beef, corned beef and sausage. Featured on television shows like No Reservations, Man Vs. Food, Diner's Drive-Ins and Dives, and Best Thing I Ever Ate, Chaps isn't short on notoriety or fans. With lines outside the door and a local following (as well as those intrigued by its television accolades), Chaps delivers on beef, turkey, ribs, and any other meat it can bring to smokehouse perfection. You'll probably smell it before you see it but let your tastebuds be the judge of whether Chaps is worthy of its praises.
Local Expert tip: The double meat sandwich is a great value at only $1 extra but with twice as much meat as a single. The Tiger sauce and fries with gravy are worth giving a try.
This Columbia location of The Corner Stable is a little closer to the downtown Baltimore area than the Cockeysville location, and a little more refined and upbeat. And though the ambiance and scenery differ between the two, the ribs and crab cakes are just as good at both locations. You can get dry rubbed ribs here or order them wet, whatever your fancy. Combinations like Fried Chicken & Ribs combo or the Showstopper (ribs and crab cake) don't disappoint. Reasonable prices, a healthy variety, and large portions keep customers coming back consistently. Fresh brewed sweet tea and a large serving of fries nicely balance any barbecue meal you decide to order at the Corner Stable.
Local Expert tip: Order the ribs dry with sauce on the side.
Andy Nelson's is about a twenty minute drive from downtown Baltimore and delivers on that quick fix for something different, other than crab cakes. Just look for the pink pig on the building and you know you're at the right spot. Though the place is small, the portions are large and the barbecue flavor even bigger. With several choices of sauces to choose from, you can't miss on your barbecue preference whether it be Carolina vinegar or something more sweet and spicy. Dry rub or wet ribs, brisket sandwiches or pulled pork, turkey sandwiches, and chicken wings cooked right on the grill - there's plenty of ways to get your 'cue on at Andy Nelson's.
Local Expert tip: Come here for the meats - sides can be hit or miss.
A restaurant in a small yellow shack with a name like Big Bad Wolf must be cooking up something good and flavorful to have as loyal of a following as it does. Many will tell you that the Big Bad wolf sandwich is that signature "something." This brisket, pulled pork and bacon sandwich, topped with your choice of sauces ranging from the traditional barbecue flavors to the more creative, has people getting in touch with their inner carnivore. And if pork or beef aren't your meats of choice, the Eastern shore chicken will keep you happy with its Old Bay seasoning and tender meat. A side of a generous portion of boardwalk-style fries will add the appropriate carb accompaniment to your meal and have you hoping that no one huffs and puffs to blow this house down.
Local Expert tip: Order ahead and enjoy your meal as take out - parking is as limited as dine-in space.