FOOD AND DRINK Taste Maryland Specialties Soul-Comforting Food Across the state, restaurant owners honor their heritage by blending traditional family recipes with fresh, local ingredients and modern twists. Savor down-home cooking Maryland style in soul food, Caribbean fare, barbecue and more. Sweet-Potato Soufflé In Waldorf , Lefty’s Barbecue Unlimited is a go-to for comfort food. This beloved, family-run spot serves up homestyle recipes with local roots, from tender signature ribs rubbed in a special spice blend to hearty sides like sweet-potato soufflé and chicken-seasoned green beans. Northeast of Baltimore in Parkville you’ll find Southern Blues , a culinary haven that has delighted diners for more than 25 years. Enjoy the menu of soul-food staples with contemporary flair, including blackened catfish, smothered fried pork chops and earthy collard greens. Save room for dessert — you won’t want to miss peach cobbler, coconut cake, banana pudding and other sweets. An array of palates and preferences can dig in at Motherland Kitchen , a restaurant in Frederick that prioritizes sourcing local produce from trusted farms. The authentic recipes have been passed down through generations, resulting in mouthwatering Afro-Caribbean dishes with Southern soul-food influences. It’s also a favorite among vegans for its bold, plant-based plates like cabbage and pumpkin-seed stew or jollof rice. In North East , Forge Southern Comfort puts an innovative and refined spin on classics like shrimp and grits with charred corn, chicken and waffles, and house-smoked brisket. Its farm-to-table approach also supports local agriculture, with most products coming from area farms and businesses. Equally popular for dine-in, carryout or catering, Soul Sista’s Restaurant & Lounge in Salisbury brings unforgettable tastes to the table with the likes of spicy oxtail stew, sweet yams, and chicken and dumplings, all seasoned with lots of love. Fresh ingredients and Southern traditions served in a homey atmosphere warm the soul with every bite. GettyImages/kourafas5 VISITMARYLAND.ORG 19
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2026 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 19
