Where to Eat near Port of Baltimore

Oversized plates, creative twists and a kids' menu that actually tries, at one of the city's busiest brunch spots.

Order: The Chesapeake Eggs Benedict with crab cake is the signature. Coconut cream stuffed French toast for the sweet tooth. Kids love the silver dollar pancakes and chicken tenders.

Pro tip: It gets popular on weekends, so put your name in early or come first thing. Portions are huge, so consider sharing. There are several locations in Baltimore; the Inner Harbor one is most convenient.

An Inner Harbor institution with reliable seafood, waterfront views and a kids' menu kids actually eat.

Order: Crab cakes and cream of crab soup for the adults. Kids menu has fish and chips, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders. The all-you-can-eat crab buffet is a splurge worth considering.

Pro tip: Yes, it's touristy — but it's also consistent, kid-friendly, and right on the water. Request a window seat for harbor views. Good option when you need reliable and fast before boarding.

A casual waterfront crab house with a huge outdoor deck, so kids can run while you eat.

Order: Crab cakes, fried shrimp basket, and chicken tenders for the kids. Steamed crabs are a fun hands-on experience for the whole family. Crab dip is a crowd-pleaser.

Pro tip: Super close to the cruise terminal. The giant outdoor deck gives kids room to move around. Casual atmosphere means nobody cares about noise. Live music on weekends makes it festive.

Baltimore's oldest pizzeria since 1943 — square crab pizza is a local legend

Order: The crab pizza is the famous one — square slices topped with crab meat and Old Bay. Classic cheese and pepperoni are great for kids. Pasta dishes available too.

Pro tip: Been here since 1943 — this is old Baltimore. The crab pizza is a must-try even if your kids just want cheese. Cash and cards accepted. Takeout is fast if you're short on time.

Baltimore's signature pit beef sandwich, from a roadside stand that has been there since the 80s.

Order: The pit beef sandwich is the only thing to order — charcoal-grilled, sliced thin, piled on a Kaiser roll with tiger sauce and raw onion. Get the half-and-half (pit beef and turkey).

Pro tip: Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It's a roadside shack with outdoor picnic tables — not fancy, and worth the stop. The line moves fast. A Baltimore bucket-list item.

Creative comfort food in Hampden, where brunch is the star and portions are family-sized.

Order: Brunch standouts: the French toast flight lets everyone try different flavors. Fried chicken and waffles is excellent. Kids love the mac and cheese and sliders.

Pro tip: Only worth the drive if you have extra time — Hampden is a fun, quirky neighborhood to walk around. Weekend brunch is packed, so arrive early or go on a weekday.

Build-your-own gourmet burgers in Fell's Point — 20+ proteins including bison, duck, and classic beef

Order: Build your own burger from 20+ protein options and dozens of toppings. The classic beef burger with crab dip topping is peak Baltimore. Truffle fries are addictive.

Pro tip: Kids love picking their own burger toppings. The menu is fun and interactive. Good craft beer selection for the adults. Portions are generous.

An Inner Harbor classic with panoramic water views, reliable seafood and a Sunday brunch buffet.

Order: The Sunday brunch buffet is legendary — carving station, seafood, omelets, desserts. Dinner menu has solid crab cakes and prime rib. The view is the real star.

Pro tip: The parking alone makes this a winner with families. Panoramic views of Inner Harbor from every table. Brunch buffet means kids can pick exactly what they want — no ordering stress.

The James Beard-nominated crab cake that put Fell's Point back on the map.

Order: Order the jumbo lump crab cake: barely any filler, all crab. The raw bar is excellent if you want to start with oysters, and the lobster roll runs a close second.

Pro tip: Walk-ins only, no reservations. Lunch is your best bet for shorter waits. Sit at the bar for the fastest seating and a front-row view of the oyster shuckers.

A no-frills waterfront crab house doing steamed crabs with Old Bay the way Baltimore does it.

Order: Steamed blue crabs by the dozen, coated in Old Bay. Crab soup is thick and rich. Get the garlic shrimp as a starter. Bring your own mallet skills.

Pro tip: This is Locust Point, the same neighborhood as the cruise terminal. It's BYOB: they don't serve alcohol, but you can bring your own beer and wine. Expect paper-covered tables, mallets and a pile of shells.

Upscale chop house inside the Sagamore Pendry — waterfront elegance in Fell's Point

Order: Dry-aged steaks and seasonal Maryland seafood. The crab imperial is outstanding. Weekend brunch is worth building your morning around.

Pro tip: Make a reservation, especially for weekend brunch. The waterfront patio is spectacular on a nice day. Even if you're not eating, the Pendry's lobby bar is worth a quick cocktail.

Modern Maryland cuisine with panoramic harbor views at the Harbor Point waterfront

Order: Menu changes seasonally but leans heavy on Chesapeake Bay seafood. The raw bar is always solid. Cocktail program is creative and strong.

Pro tip: Request patio seating for the best views of the harbor and Fell's Point skyline. Great for a special pre-cruise dinner the night before.

A Greek fish tavern in a Fell's Point row house, with whole grilled fish flown in daily.

Order: Pick your whole fish from the daily display — they grill it simply with olive oil and lemon. Grilled octopus appetizer is excellent. Greek salad is textbook.

Pro tip: Reservations strongly recommended — this is a special occasion spot. The upstairs dining room has the most atmosphere. They bake their own bread daily.

Corned beef piled high on Corned Beef Row, from a deli that opened in 1915.

Order: The corned beef sandwich is hand-cut and piled absurdly high on rye. The Reuben is equally legendary. Matzo ball soup if you need something warm.

Pro tip: They've been here since 1915 on what locals call Corned Beef Row. Come hungry — the sandwiches are enormous. Line moves fast even when it looks long. Cash and cards accepted.

A Fell's Point breakfast institution, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for its Captain Crunch French toast.

Order: Captain Crunch French toast is the signature — crusted in cereal, topped with whipped cream. Homemade pop tarts are cult favorites. Classic eggs and bacon are solid too.

Pro tip: Tiny spot, so expect a wait on weekends. It's worth it for the food, and going first thing in the morning gets you the shortest wait.