Baltimore's Best: A Culinary Celebration of the Region's Finest
The Baltimore Sun's readers have spoken, and the results are in. From wedding venues to pediatricians, the region's best have been recognized for their outstanding service and customer satisfaction over the past year. This comprehensive poll covers more than 700 winners across nearly 200 categories, showcasing the diverse array of businesses and individuals that make Baltimore and its surrounding areas a vibrant and thriving community.
Discover the Flavors that Captivate the Heart of Baltimore
Taco Love Grill: Authentic Mexican Cuisine with a Family Twist
Taco Love Grill, with locations in Baltimore's Cross Street Market and White Marsh, has been voted the region's Best Latin and Taco establishment. Owned by Jimena and Gelmin Portillo, this Mexican eatery is a labor of love, rooted in family recipes and a passion for authentic flavors.The Portillos, both graduates of the University of Baltimore with backgrounds in accounting, were on a mission to find a restaurant that could replicate the delicious dishes Jimena enjoyed during her childhood in Jalisco, Mexico. When their search proved fruitless, they decided to take matters into their own hands and open Taco Love Grill in 2011.At the heart of Taco Love Grill's success is the commitment to using family recipes that have been passed down through generations. From the marinade to the tortillas, every element is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a level of authenticity that is often hard to come by. The menu features classic Mexican staples like tacos and burritos, as well as unique offerings like tortas, a Mexican sandwich made with breaded chicken or steak, and the popular beef birria, a dish that requires the use of around 25 ingredients and extensive preparation.The birria's overwhelming popularity has even led the Portillos to open a dedicated Birria Love restaurant in Parkville, offering a diverse array of birria-based dishes, including fries, ramen, and pizza. This expansion speaks to the Portillos' unwavering commitment to providing their community with the flavors they crave."Baltimore is our home and Baltimore County is where we decided to grow roots," Gelmin Portillo said. "We're happy to put our grain of salt into making the community better."
Ekiben: Elevating Asian Cuisine with a Unique Twist
Ekiben, a beloved Asian eatery, has earned the title of Baltimore's Best in the Asian cuisine category. This establishment has captivated the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike with its innovative approach to traditional Asian flavors.Ekiben's menu is a testament to the culinary creativity of its founders, who have seamlessly blended classic Asian dishes with modern culinary techniques and local ingredients. From the signature Tofu Bun to the mouthwatering Chicken Katsu, each dish is a masterful fusion of flavors that transport diners on a delightful gastronomic journey.What sets Ekiben apart is its unwavering dedication to quality and authenticity. The team sources the freshest produce and highest-quality proteins, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of the region's bountiful resources. This commitment to excellence has earned Ekiben a loyal following, with customers raving about the restaurant's ability to elevate familiar Asian favorites into something truly extraordinary.Beyond the exceptional food, Ekiben's inviting atmosphere and friendly service contribute to its status as a beloved community hub. Whether you're craving a quick lunch or an indulgent dinner, this Asian gem is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate and your heart.
In the realm of baked goods, Flavor Cupcakery & Bake Shop has emerged as the clear winner, earning the title of Baltimore's Best Bakery. This artisanal establishment has captured the hearts and taste buds of the region with its meticulously crafted cupcakes, cakes, and other sweet treats.What sets Flavor Cupcakery apart is its unwavering dedication to using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients. From the rich, creamy frosting to the moist, flavorful cakes, every element is carefully selected and prepared with the utmost attention to detail. The result is a lineup of baked goods that not only look stunning but also deliver an unparalleled sensory experience.Beyond their exceptional taste, Flavor Cupcakery's offerings are also renowned for their versatility. Whether you're in the mood for a classic vanilla cupcake or a decadent chocolate creation, the bakery's menu caters to a wide range of preferences. Additionally, the team's expertise in gluten-free and vegan baking ensures that everyone can indulge in the sweetness without compromising their dietary needs.The bakery's commitment to excellence extends beyond the products themselves. The inviting ambiance of the Flavor Cupcakery storefront, coupled with the friendly and knowledgeable staff, creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to linger and savor every bite.As the region's Best Bakery, Flavor Cupcakery & Bake Shop has firmly cemented its place as a beloved destination for those seeking a truly exceptional sweet experience.
Mission BBQ: Honoring American Traditions with Mouthwatering Barbecue
In the realm of savory delights, Mission BBQ has emerged as the clear winner, earning the title of Baltimore's Best Barbecue establishment. This patriotic eatery has captured the hearts and taste buds of the region with its unwavering commitment to honoring American traditions and serving up mouthwatering barbecue.At the heart of Mission BBQ's success is its dedication to using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients and time-honored cooking methods. From the perfectly seasoned meats to the tantalizing sauces, every element is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a level of authenticity that is often hard to come by in the world of barbecue.What sets Mission BBQ apart is its ability to seamlessly blend its patriotic ethos with its culinary excellence. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere, complete with American flags and memorabilia, creates a sense of pride and nostalgia that resonates with diners. This commitment to honoring the country's rich history and traditions is further reflected in the menu, which features classic barbecue staples like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, all prepared with the utmost care and expertise.Beyond the exceptional food, Mission BBQ's dedication to community engagement and charitable initiatives has earned it a special place in the hearts of Baltimore residents. The restaurant's unwavering support for local organizations and its efforts to give back to those in need have solidified its status as a beloved community hub.As the region's Best Barbecue establishment, Mission BBQ has firmly cemented its place as a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly exceptional and patriotic dining experience.
Covalent Spirits: Crafting Innovative Cocktails with a Sustainable Twist
In the realm of libations, Covalent Spirits has emerged as the clear winner, earning the title of Baltimore's Best Distillery and Cocktail establishment. This innovative distillery has captivated the region with its commitment to crafting exceptional spirits and cocktails while prioritizing sustainability and environmental consciousness.At the heart of Covalent Spirits' success is its dedication to using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients and employing cutting-edge distillation techniques. From the smooth, complex flavors of their award-winning gins to the bold, distinctive notes of their whiskeys, every sip is a testament to the team's unwavering attention to detail and their passion for the art of distillation.What sets Covalent Spirits apart is its innovative approach to cocktail creation. The distillery's talented mixologists have developed a menu of signature drinks that seamlessly blend classic flavors with unexpected twists, resulting in a truly unique and memorable drinking experience. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing gin and tonic or a bold, spirit-forward Old Fashioned, Covalent Spirits has something to delight every palate.Beyond the exceptional drinks, Covalent Spirits' commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is truly commendable. The distillery has implemented a range of eco-friendly practices, from using renewable energy sources to repurposing waste products, ensuring that every step of the production process is as sustainable as possible.As the region's Best Distillery and Cocktail establishment, Covalent Spirits has firmly cemented its place as a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly exceptional and conscientious drinking experience.
Zeke's Coffee: Brewing Up a Storm with Exceptional Quality and Community Engagement
In the realm of coffee, Zeke's Coffee has emerged as the clear winner, earning the title of Baltimore's Best Coffee establishment. This locally-owned roastery has captivated the region with its commitment to sourcing the finest beans, roasting them to perfection, and delivering an unparalleled coffee experience.At the heart of Zeke's Coffee's success is its unwavering dedication to quality. The team carefully selects their beans from the world's premier growing regions, ensuring that each cup is a celebration of the unique flavors and aromas that these regions have to offer. The roasting process is meticulously controlled, allowing the team to coax out the most nuanced and complex notes from the beans.What sets Zeke's Coffee apart is its commitment to community engagement and sustainability. The roastery has forged strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, supporting the growth and development of the Baltimore community. Additionally, Zeke's has implemented a range of eco-friendly practices, from sourcing fair-trade and organic beans to using energy-efficient equipment, ensuring that every sip is not only delicious but also environmentally responsible.Beyond the exceptional coffee, Zeke's Coffee has also earned a reputation for its exceptional culinary offerings. The in-house chef, Joe Robinson, has crafted a menu of delectable breakfast and lunch items that perfectly complement the roastery's signature brews. From the flavorful breakfast sandwiches to the hearty soups and salads, every dish is a testament to the team's culinary expertise and commitment to using the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients.As the region's Best Coffee establishment, Zeke's Coffee has firmly cemented its place as a beloved community hub and a must-visit destination for coffee enthusiasts and foodies alike.
