Ekiben
Taiwanese Bao Buns & Rice Bowls — James Beard Semifinalist
Started as a food cart at the Fells Point Farmers Market in 2014 and earned a James Beard semifinalist nod. The Neighborhood Bird — Taiwanese curry fried chicken thigh with spicy sambal mayo and pickles on a pillowy steamed bao bun — landed on Travel & Leisure's best sandwich in Maryland list. Praised by Vogue, Bon Appétit, and the James Beard Foundation. Two rice bowls (tofu, chicken, or ancho chile pork) run around $20 for two. Three Baltimore locations: Fells Point, Hampden, Locust Point.
Blue Moon Cafe
Playful Diner Breakfast — Fell's Point & Federal Hill
Baltimore's beloved celestial diner in Fell's Point and Federal Hill — funky art, weekend lines, and famous French toast (Cap'n Crunch, crab dip). The everyday move is cheaper: a two-egg breakfast with pancakes or French toast is $8.95 and omelets start at $7.95, so two people each get a full diner breakfast for around $18. No reservations; it moves fast.
Blacksauce Kitchen
Smoked Fried Chicken Biscuits — Remington · Thu & Sat Only
Chef Damian Mosley's tiny Remington storefront open only Thursdays and Saturdays — an intentional scarcity that makes each visit feel earned. Legendary biscuits (Saturdays only), smoked fried chicken with spicy honey, brisket smashburger, smoked crab and grits. Baltimore Magazine says "you can't call yourself a Baltimorean if you haven't opened wide for a fried chicken biscuit with spicy honey from Blacksauce Kitchen." Also at the 32nd Street Farmers Market. Two breakfast sandwiches = around $14–18.
EMPA511
Peruvian Empanadas at $5.95 Each — Downtown
Baltimore Beat's exact verdict: "full meal for $15 to $20." Seven flavors of empanadas baked with slightly sweet Peruvian dough and bold home-style fillings — lomo saltado (beef stir-fry with fries and sweet plantain), spiced chicken thigh, vegetariana. Add a chicha morada ($4, cold Peruvian purple corn drink with cinnamon and pineapple) and an alfajor cookie ($2.25) for dessert. Two people eating two empanadas each with drinks and a shared dessert = a complete, excellent meal well under $20. Zero waste: biodegradable dishware throughout.
The Helmand
Afghan Cuisine — Mount Vernon Institution
Mount Vernon's legendary Afghan restaurant. On a budget the move is the dumplings as a plate — aushak (leek ravioli on minted yogurt) or mantwo (beef pastry) are $7.95 each, plus the famous kaddo borwani (sweet pan-fried pumpkin). Two people each get a dumpling plate for about $16. One of Baltimore's most-loved kitchens.
Matthew's Pizzeria
Baltimore's Best Pizza — Highlandtown
Baltimore's first pizzeria (1943) and a Highlandtown classic — Baltimore Magazine's top-rated pie. The pizzas are enormous; a large runs about $18–20 and genuinely feeds two, so split a pie (crab if you're feeling Baltimore) for around $20. Add shaky cheese and garlic powder at the counter.
DiPasquale's
Italian Deli & Meatball Subs — Highlandtown
A Highlandtown Italian marketplace and deli since 1914. The famous meatball sub comes on a half-loaf of DiPasquale's own rustic bread — big enough that two can split one (with chips or a side) for well under $20. Fresh mozzarella, imported goods, and sesame rolls worth the trip.
Trinacria Italian Deli
Cheap Italian Subs — about $5
A Seton Hill Italian deli and grocery since 1908, legendary for some of the cheapest subs in Baltimore — a cold-cut or Italian sub runs around $5, on bread baked in-house. Two people each grab a sub for around $10. Cash-friendly; weekday and Saturday daytime only.
Pupuseria Mama Tana
Pupusas — $3.25 each
A Greektown Salvadoran spot griddling pupusas to order — revuelta, chicharrón con queso, bean and cheese — at $3.25 each with curtido and salsa. Two people each get three for around $20. The loaded Pupusa Loca is $6.49 if you're hungry.
Diner Latino
Late-Night Pupusas & Baleadas
A Highlandtown Salvadoran-Honduran diner open into the small hours (3am on weekends). Pupusas run about $2.50, plus baleadas and tacos, so two people each eat their own plates for well under $20. One of the best late-night cheap eats in the city.
Samos
Greek Gyro — $5.50
A Greektown institution since 1977 (BYOB) beloved for its gyro — seasoned meat, tzatziki, tomato, and onion in warm pita — at $5.50. Two gyros run about $11, each their own; skip the bigger sit-down platters to stay in budget.
Zaatar Mediterranean
Falafel Sandwich — $9.50
A Federal Hill Mediterranean spot (BYOB) where the falafel sandwich — tahini, hummus, pickles, tomato, and lettuce — is $9.50. Two come in around $19, each their own. The shawarma sandwiches run a few dollars more if you splurge.
Sunny Carry Out
Chinese Carryout Combos
A Pigtown Chinese carryout with crispy wings and hearty combos — most items run $2.44–$9.90, and a combo with egg roll and fried rice is about $11. Two people each grab a smaller combo for around $20. Quick, cheap, and filling.
💡 Baltimore Pro Tip: Highlandtown is Baltimore's best double-header neighborhood — Matthew's Pizzeria and DiPasquale's are within easy walking distance of each other, making it a natural Italian-American food crawl. Over in Remington, Blacksauce Kitchen serves only Thursdays and Saturdays — its Saturday biscuits are a must-do, so check their Instagram the week of your visit for the menu and arrive early, because they sell out.
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Buffalo Wild Wings
Pick 6 — Meal for Two from $19.99
The Pick 6 lets two people build a shared meal — choose six items across wings, tenders, and sides — starting around $19.99. A reliable two-for-$20 play at any BWW. Dine-in or takeout; pricing varies slightly by market.
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