The off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in Maryland That Is Worth the Day Trip

When I visit a new town, one of the first things I search for is the "best barbecue in," and I usually find a great hidden gem. We're in a golden era of old-school smokehouse cooking, with most states having pitmasters that combine traditional craft meat cookery with modern flavors, and the best barbecue joints are often as humble as their roots. That seems to be the case for Kloby's Smokehouse in Laurel, a truly great off-the-beaten-path restaurant in Maryland. Located in a busy strip mall on the very outskirts of the Baltimore metro area, it's easy to pass it up in the car. But if you do, you'll likely be passing up on some of the best smoked meats in the region. Kloby's Smokehouse not only does all the classics right, but has a few unique twists on its menu that truly make this Maryland restaurant worth the drive from anywhere in the state.

Kloby's Smokehouse may appear to be just another storefront in a strip mall at first glance, but inside, this barbecue restaurant boasts a unique vibe that makes it the perfect choice for a night out. The bar here is particularly impressive, featuring a stunning array of spirits and beers to suit almost any drinker's taste, and is known especially for its extensive list of new and rare whiskeys. If you're a whiskey aficionado, Kloby's is a must-visit destination.

But there's one thing on everyone's mind when they go to a barbecue spot: How are the meats? The extensive menu features six smoked meats: sausage, chicken thigh, turkey breast, pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked ham, as well as pork and beef ribs, and slow-roasted chicken. There are even whole smoked wings served with your choice of Kloby's signature BBQ sauces, including a spicy honey habanero, a tangy and sweet Carolina mustard, and a classically-Maryland Old Bay, among several other options.

That's just scratching the surface, though. Those barbecue flavors work their way into massive specialty burgers and other sandwiches, and the large menu features inspiration from around the barbecue world, ranging from New Orleans po'boys to Tex-Mex barbecue flautas. Southern-style dinners are available as well, including Nashville-style hot chicken.

Have you visited Kloby's Smokehouse in Laurel for one of the best food day trips in Maryland? If not, tell a friend about this article and jump in the car for a visit to this off-the-beaten-path restaurant in Maryland! You can view the full menu on the Kloby's Smokehouse website and follow this BBQ joint's Facebook page for updates. While in Laurel, be sure to visit Dinosaur Park, one of the most unique parks in the state of Maryland. If you're stopping here in the middle of a long road trip, the Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia/Laurel is one of the best places to stay in the area. I always choose this hotel chain when I travel, thanks to the spacious suites with ample room for families, and the amazing complimentary breakfast buffet every morning.

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