Baltimore is better known for crab cakes and pit beef, but its burger scene has picked up speed, led by a wave of bars and small kitchens serving thin, crispy smash burgers. Many of the best burgers in the city come from neighborhood bars rather than dedicated burger shops, so it helps to think in terms of neighborhoods when you plan a crawl.

The east side is the busiest area. Canton, Highlandtown and Brewers Hill sit next to each other, and Fells Point is just west along the water. Station North and Mount Vernon, north of downtown, mix bars and restaurants with the city's arts district, and Hampden, farther north, is a walkable stretch of shops and cafés along 36th Street. Every spot below appears on the cards above, and you can find more cities in our restaurant directory.

Best burgers in Baltimore by style

Smash burgers

Smash burgers are the heart of the current scene. The Royal Blue in Station North is a neighborhood bar with a double smash burger topped with sticky onions, bacon, American cheese and house RB sauce. In Highlandtown, Sally O's builds its Highlandtown Smashburger from a short rib, brisket and chuck blend. Canton has two good options: Wanna Smash, where every signature burger is a double wagyu patty on a potato bun, and 7th Street Burger, the New York chain with a short menu of burgers and fries. In Fells Point, Fuzzies Burgers serves from a trailer in a bar courtyard on Thames Street, using a dry-aged beef blend. For more around the country, see our best smash burgers page.

Bar and classic burgers

Chuck's Trading Post in Hampden serves a double Black Angus burger with caramelized onions and a smoked garlic-onion aioli, and runs a weekly burger night. Knotty Pine in Brewers Hill goes big with loaded double-patty burgers served with Old Bay chips. Our best classic burgers page has more burgers in this vein.

Gourmet and build-your-own

Bar Dalí in Mount Vernon is a tapas bar whose Dalí Burger arrives as three short rib sliders with Manchego, which makes it ideal for sharing. The Abbey Burger Bistro, with locations in Fells Point and Federal Hill, has one of the longest burger menus in town, from a Baltimore Burger to lamb and shrimp patties, plus a build-your-own option. Browse our best gourmet burgers page for more chef-driven picks.

Local burger traditions

Baltimore does not have a single signature burger style, but local flavors show up in small ways. Old Bay, the seasoning that goes on everything from crabs to fries here, turns up on the chips served with Knotty Pine's burgers, and the Abbey's menu includes a burger named for the city. Martin's potato rolls, a Mid-Atlantic favorite, are the bun of choice at several smash burger spots on this list.

The smash burger boom has also brought more variety in beef. Sally O's uses a short rib, brisket and chuck blend, Fuzzies uses a dry-aged Prime Black Angus blend, and Wanna Smash uses wagyu. If you want to understand how these styles differ, our smash burger vs. regular burger guide breaks it down, and our guide to American burger styles covers the bigger picture.

Tips for visiting

Group stops by area. Canton, Highlandtown and Brewers Hill are close together, so you can visit Wanna Smash, 7th Street Burger, Sally O's and Knotty Pine in one outing.
Pair Fells Point with Canton. Fuzzies Burgers and the Abbey's Fells Point location are a short ride from Canton's spots.
Expect bar settings. Many of the best burgers here come from bars, so some spots keep evening hours and may have age rules at night. Check before you bring kids.
Check hours before you go. Small kitchens and trailers can change schedules, and some open only in the evening.
Cooking at home? Our burger temperature and doneness guide covers the USDA-recommended 160°F for ground beef.

Browse by style

Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best smash burgers in Baltimore.

FAQ

What is the best burger in Baltimore?

It depends on what you like. For a modern smash burger, The Royal Blue, Sally O's and Wanna Smash are strong choices. For something more loaded, try Knotty Pine or Chuck's Trading Post, and for a shareable, chef-driven option, go to Bar Dalí.

Where can I find a cheap burger in Baltimore?

Wanna Smash and 7th Street Burger in Canton are casual counters that keep the menu simple. Chuck's Trading Post's Wednesday burger night is another good-value option.

Where should I eat a burger in Fells Point?

Fuzzies Burgers serves from its trailer in a courtyard on Thames Street, and The Abbey Burger Bistro has a location on South Broadway. Both are close to the waterfront.

Are there plant-based burgers in Baltimore?

Yes. Sally O's and 7th Street Burger both offer Impossible versions, Wanna Smash has a veggie smash, and the Abbey has homemade veggie and Beyond burgers on its menu.