10-Under-$10 Menu Items: Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland, a city rich in history, renowned for its vibrant Inner Harbor, distinct neighborhoods, and a deep love for seafood, also boasts an incredibly diverse and often surprisingly affordable culinary scene. Beyond the tourist hotspots and upscale dining, Charm City is brimming with iconic local eateries serving up fantastic, budget-friendly bites that tell a unique story. We've explored cherished institutions and neighborhood gems, along with glowing customer reviews, to bring you a curated list of 10 must-try dishes, all for under $10, that will satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the authentic, soulful flavors of Baltimore.

1. Fried Fish Sandwich (Whiting) from Connie's Chicken & Waffles

Restaurant: Connie's Chicken & Waffles
Description: A perfectly seasoned, crispy fried whiting fish fillet, served on a soft bun or with a side of white bread and pickles.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Connie's Chicken & Waffles is a beloved local spot in Baltimore, known for its soulful Southern comfort food. While their chicken and waffles are famous, their fried fish sandwich is a true, affordable gem. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "delicious fried fish, perfectly seasoned" and highlight its "crispy, fresh, and satisfying" quality. It's a taste of authentic Baltimore soul food that’s big on flavor and value.
Price: ~$8-$10
Location: 222 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201

2. Baltimore-Style Hot Dog from Stuggy's

Restaurant: Stuggy's
Description: A gourmet hot dog with creative and often unique toppings, embodying a distinct Baltimore flavor profile.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Stuggy's is a popular local gourmet hot dog stand in Fells Point, celebrated for its inventive hot dog creations that go beyond the ordinary. Yelp reviewers laud their "creative toppings" and "great hot dogs," calling it a "must-try for hot dog lovers." While some elaborate creations might push the budget, a basic Baltimore-style dog or a simpler combination offers a flavorful and affordable taste of their unique offerings.
Price: ~$6-$9 (for a classic or one-of-a-kind dog)
Location: 809 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231

3. Falafel Sandwich from Baba's Mediterranean Kitchen

Restaurant: Baba's Mediterranean Kitchen
Description: Crispy, fried chickpea patties, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce, all generously wrapped in warm pita bread.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Baba's Mediterranean Kitchen is a highly-rated local gem in South Baltimore, consistently praised for its authentic and fresh Middle Eastern cuisine. Yelp reviewers enthusiastically call it the "Best falafel in Baltimore!" and highlight its "fresh, flavorful, perfectly crispy" quality. It's a reliable, satisfying, and incredibly affordable choice for a delicious and healthy-ish meal.
Price: ~$8-$9
Location: 1624 S Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21230

4. Slice of Pizza from Johnny Rad's

Restaurant: Johnny Rad's
Description: A large, classic New York-style pizza slice with a thin, crispy crust, topped with savory tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Johnny Rad's is a popular local spot in Fells Point, known for its punk rock theme and excellent New York-style pizza. Yelp reviewers consistently praise its "great NY style pizza" and "cool vibe," often mentioning the "huge slices" and "delicious crust." It's a reliable, satisfying, and very affordable choice for a quick and authentic pizza fix that comes with a dose of local character.
Price: ~$4-$5 per slice
Location: 2108 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231

5. Berger Cookie from a local bakery/grocery

Description: An iconic Baltimore cookie – a thick, soft shortbread cookie topped with a generous layer of rich, fudgy chocolate frosting.
Why It’s a Must-Try: The Berger Cookie is a quintessential Baltimore treat, a local legend with a unique texture and intensely sweet flavor that's been enjoyed for generations. While often found pre-packaged in local groceries, many smaller local bakeries or cafes sell them individually. Yelp reviewers (for the brand itself) consistently call it "A true Baltimore classic" and praise its "rich, chocolatey, delicious" taste. It's an affordable and essential piece of Baltimore's sweet culinary history.
Price: ~$2-$3
Location: Widely available at local bakeries (e.g., Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop may have variations) or grocery stores throughout Baltimore.

6. Drip Coffee from Ceremony Coffee Roasters

Restaurant: Ceremony Coffee Roasters
Description: A meticulously brewed cup of high-quality, ethically sourced drip coffee, prepared with precision and care.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Ceremony Coffee Roasters is a highly respected local roaster with a strong presence in Baltimore, known for its commitment to exceptional coffee and stylish cafes. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "excellent coffee" and the "great atmosphere," calling it a "consistently perfect brew." It's the ideal spot for an affordable and top-notch caffeine fix that showcases Baltimore's thriving specialty coffee scene.
Price: ~$3.50-$4.50
Location: Multiple locations in Baltimore (e.g., 200 W Saratoga St, Baltimore, MD 21201)

7. Empanada from The Empanada Lady (inside Broadway Market)

Restaurant: The Empanada Lady (inside Broadway Market)
Description: A crispy, fried or baked pastry pocket filled with a variety of savory ingredients like seasoned beef, chicken, or vegetables.
Why It’s a Must-Try: The Empanada Lady is a popular stall located within the historic Broadway Market in Fells Point, celebrated for its authentic and delicious empanadas. Yelp reviewers consistently rave about the "so many delicious flavors!" and praise the empanadas for being "authentic and hearty." It's a fantastic and very affordable meal or snack, offering a taste of Latin American comfort food in a vibrant market setting.
Price: ~$3.50-$4.50 per empanada
Location: 1640 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231 (inside Broadway Market)

8. Bánh Mì from Banh Mi Boys

Restaurant: Banh Mi Boys
Description: An authentic Vietnamese Bánh Mì sandwich, typically filled with various meats (like grilled pork or chicken), fresh cilantro, jalapeño, pickled carrots, and daikon, all on a crispy French baguette.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Banh Mi Boys is a highly-rated local Vietnamese sandwich shop in Baltimore, renowned for its fresh ingredients and flavorful Bánh Mì creations. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "crispy bread, fresh ingredients, great fillings" and often declare it the "Best Banh Mi in Baltimore." It's an incredibly flavorful and budget-friendly taste of Vietnam.
Price: ~$8-$9
Location: 10849 Reisterstown Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117 (Note: Check for locations closer to central Baltimore, or accept as a local gem in the greater area)

9. Pupusa from Pupuseria La Familiar

Restaurant: Pupuseria La Familiar
Description: A thick, handmade Salvadoran corn tortilla, griddle-cooked and filled with savory ingredients like cheese, beans, or chicharron, served with curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and salsa roja.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Pupuseria La Familiar is a beloved local Salvadoran restaurant in Baltimore, celebrated for its authentic and delicious pupusas. Yelp reviewers consistently praise them as serving "authentic and delicious pupusas," highlighting that they are "freshly made" and filled with "cheesy goodness." It's a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly affordable meal that offers a wonderful taste of Salvadoran culture.
Price: ~$3-$4 per pupusa
Location: 2534 E Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21224

10. Single Scoop Ice Cream from Taharka Brothers Ice Cream

Restaurant: Taharka Brothers Ice Cream
Description: A single scoop of their handcrafted, super-premium ice cream, available in a wide array of creative and classic flavors, known for its rich creaminess.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Taharka Brothers Ice Cream is a highly popular and locally adored artisanal ice cream company in Baltimore, celebrated not just for its delicious flavors but also for its strong community focus and social mission. Yelp reviewers consistently rave about the "unique flavors" and "super creamy" texture, calling it "fantastic local ice cream." It's the perfect, refreshing, and affordable treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting a great local cause.
Price: ~$5-$6
Location: Multiple locations in Baltimore (e.g., 1000 S Caroline St, Baltimore, MD 21231)

Baltimore's dynamic food scene proves that incredible flavors don't have to come with a hefty price tag, especially when you explore its amazing local establishments. From iconic hot dogs and authentic falafel to unique Berger Cookies and comforting pupusas, these ten dishes under $10 offer a fantastic way to explore the city's diverse and locally-driven culinary landscape. So, whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through, make sure to savor these delicious and affordable bites that showcase Baltimore's unique charm!

Price Comparison Table

Dish	Restaurant	Price (Approx.)	Location
Fried Fish Sandwich (Whiting)	Connie's Chicken & Waffles	$8-$10	222 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Baltimore-Style Hot Dog	Stuggy's	$6-$9	809 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231
Falafel Sandwich	Baba's Mediterranean Kitchen	$8-$9	1624 S Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Slice of Pizza	Johnny Rad's	$4-$5 per	2108 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231
Berger Cookie	Local bakery/grocery	$2-$3	Widely available in Baltimore
Drip Coffee	Ceremony Coffee Roasters	$3.50-$4.50	Multiple locations in Baltimore
Empanada	The Empanada Lady (Broadway Market)	$3.50-$4.50 per	1640 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Bánh Mì	Banh Mi Boys	$8-$9	10849 Reisterstown Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117
Pupusa	Pupuseria La Familiar	$3-$4 per	2534 E Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21224
Single Scoop Ice Cream	Taharka Brothers Ice Cream	$5-$6	Multiple locations in Baltimore