2024 Baltimore Food Scene Review: Biggest Bites and Highlights
As we reflect on the culinary journey of Baltimore in 2024, one thing is clear – the city’s food scene has been nothing short of a whirlwind of flavors, innovations, closures, and celebrations. From new openings to heartbreaking goodbyes, this year has been a rollercoaster ride for the local food industry. Let’s delve into the biggest bites and highlights that shaped Baltimore’s gastronomic landscape this past year.
Openings & Reopenings
The year kicked off with a bang as Baltimore saw a flurry of exciting new openings across the city. From the Harbor East hotspot The Ruxton by Atlas Restaurant Group to the quaint Italian gem Costiera, the dining scene was abuzz with fresh faces and flavors. Hampden welcomed The Urban Oyster, Catalog Coffee, and the much-anticipated Foreman Wolf establishment, The Duchess, while Charles Village saw the arrival of Dear Charles in the new hotel, The Study at Johns Hopkins.
In the realm of reopenings, Rye Street Tavern made a triumphant comeback under new ownership, breathing new life into the Baltimore Peninsula dining landscape. With a slew of new additions and reinventions, Baltimore’s culinary scene was abuzz with energy and excitement.
Moving & Shaking
Existing establishments didn’t shy away from making bold moves and renovations in 2024. Fells Point’s Sacré Sucré and Doppio Pasticceria found new homes, while The Corner Pantry and Silver Queen Café underwent transformative expansions. Key Brewing and Monument City Brewing joined forces, and The Local Fry embarked on an expansion journey with franchise partners.
Big Birthdays
The year was rife with celebration as Baltimore’s culinary stalwarts marked significant milestones. From Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles’ Cluck & Shuck Birthday Bash to Nepenthe Brewing Company’s 5th anniversary, the city’s dining scene was alive with festivity. Notable anniversaries included Dylan’s Oyster Cellar and Papi’s Tacos turning ten, Ananda and Azumi hitting the decade mark, and Michael’s in Timonium celebrating 40 years in business. Eddie’s grocery store marked a remarkable 80 years of service, while longstanding events like Gertrude’s Krautfest and Max’s Taphouse’s Belgian Beer Fest reached impressive milestones.
Closings & Tough News
Despite the highs, the year also saw its fair share of farewells as beloved Baltimore establishments bid adieu. From JBGB’s in Remington to Thai Restaurant in Waverly, the city mourned the loss of iconic dining spots. Ejji Ramen, Café Poupon, and Birds of a Feather were among the casualties, while Blair’s on Hudson, Duck, Duck Goose, Osteria Pirata, and Anchor Tavern closed their doors amidst a challenging economic climate. The closures of The Arthouse, Noona’s, Sizka Restaurant, and Mamma Lucia’s marked the end of an era for these beloved establishments.
In the spirit of remembrance, Baltimore honored the legacies of Chef Roland Jeannier, Qayum Karzai, and Michael Clarke, paying tribute to their invaluable contributions to the local culinary landscape.
As the year drew to a close, the city braced for the impending closures of Mother’s in Federal Hill and Nacho Mama’s in Canton and Towson, bidding farewell to cherished community landmarks. The year may have been filled with ups and downs, but the resilience and spirit of Baltimore’s food community shone through in the face of adversity.
