10 Unassuming Restaurants in Maryland To Add to Your Dining Bucket List

While there are plenty of well-known restaurants in the Old Line State, sometimes the best food is found in the most unsuspecting places. These 10 unassuming restaurants in Maryland will surprise your taste buds in the best way possible.

From crab shacks to local diners and craft barbecue, these spots are serving up the best of what Maryland has to offer, with a side of cozy, small-town atmosphere.

1. Sean Bolan's Irish Pub, Bel Air

If you're a lover of meat, then you'll drool over the hearty dishes at this unassuming pub. People love the food at Sean Bolan's Irish Pub, and it's not hard to see why. Choose from classic bar fare, such as tater tots, buffalo wings, and soft-baked pretzels, or opt for more festive menu items like fried green tomatoes, Irish rolls (corned beef and cabbage in a wonton crisp), and fish and chips.

The pub's open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Address: 12 S Main St., Bel Air, MD 21014

2. Rube's Crab Shack, Emmitsburg

From the outside, Rube's Crab Shack almost looks like a motel, but once you walk through the doors, you'll be blown away by the flavorful dishes, friendly small-town vibe, and top-tier seafood. Most people come for the steamed crabs and all-you-can-eat seafood, but there are plenty of other delicious options, like fried clams, oysters, crab cakes, and even ribeye steak.

The spot's closed on Mondays, but is open Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Address: 17308 N Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727

3. Blue Moon Cafe, Baltimore

Okay, this might not be the most unassuming pick on the list, but when you think of a cafe, you might imagine subdued colors, soft lighting, and minimalist design. Not here at Blue Moon Cafe. Both locations in Baltimore have an array of delicious brunch options that people line up for, including their decadent French Toast, waffles, and eggs Benedict.

The cafe's open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Address: 1621 Aliceanna St., Baltimore, MD 21231

4. Ann's Dari Creme, Glen Burnie

Just one look at Ann's Dari-Creme and you might think it only sells ice cream. But the iconic hot dog joint has been around for 75 years, and is known for serving up delicious offerings like burgers, sub sandwiches, salty fries, and their famous deep-fried and footlong hot dogs.

The iconic spot is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Address: 7918 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie, MD 21061

5. Village Inn, Parsonsburg

This quaint little spot may seem like a house—or an inn, as the name suggests—but it's home to some pretty delicious sandwiches, like the stacked crab club, and a mouth-watering Sunday brunch menu, complete with biscuits and gravy, loaded omelets with hashbrowns, and $5 mimosas and bloody Marys.

Village Inn is open Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Address: 32263 Old Ocean City Rd., Parsonsburg, MD 21849

6. Cookie's Kitchen, Pasadena

If you're looking for an atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family, Cookie's Kitchen in Pasadena is the place to be. Stop in for breakfast favorites like fluffy waffles, savory omelets, and eggs Benedict. Or, indulge in some Southern comforts like country fried steak, country ham and green beans, or perfectly marbled chipped beef.

The restaurant is open Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Address: 4108 Mountain Rd., Pasadena, MD 21122

7. Kloby's Smokehouse, Laurel

What better way to end a long week than at a local BBQ spot? Kloby's Smokehouse is an off-the-beaten-path type of restaurant, with all the best and most popular bar food and drinks. Pair one of their many top-of-the-line whiskey varieties with a classic BBQ platter—brisket, pulled pork, beans, coleslaw, you name it—and one of 10 signature smoky sauces.

The smokehouse is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Address: 7500 Montpelier Rd., Laurel, MD 20723

8. Pip's Dock Street Dogs, Annapolis

Okay, Pip's is already somewhat of an iconic spot, but to the untrained eye, it might just seem like any old hot dog joint. But since its opening in 2006, Pip's Dock Street Dogs has earned its place as an Annapolis (and Maryland) staple. Stop by for classic Nathan's all-beef hot dogs, cheesesteaks, fries, freshly made 1/4 pound burgers, and of course, super-fun and friendly staff.

While Pip's is closed on Mondays, you can drop in on Tuesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Address: 118 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

9. Skipper's Pier, Deale

Skipper's Pier is the epitome of unassuming but amazing. Located at the end of the peninsula in southern Maryland, the restaurant boasts fresh and delicious seafood by Chef Charles Warner and team. Pull up by car or boat (the restaurant has its own dock) and enjoy a refreshing cocktail, buttery oysters and shrimp, or a fried grouper or shrimp po' boy sandwich.

Stop by Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Address: 6158 Drum Point Rd., Deale, MD 20751

10. Nick's Diner, Wheaton

For the last 40 years, Nick's Diner has served up the old-school diner food in its cozy corner location. Drop by for a classic breakfast platter (scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and homefries), or grab a stacked sub sandwich and hot chili for lunch. Nick's even caters: choose from family-style dinners or platters for your next event.

The diner's closed on Tuesdays, but open the rest of the week: Monday to Saturday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Address: 11199 Veirs Mill Rd., Wheaton, MD 20902

Have you dined at any of these unassuming restaurants in Maryland? What would you add to the list? You may add one of these 12 neighborhood restaurants in Maryland, or discover more for yourself using Only In Your State's itinerary planner, perfect for planning your next trip.