Whether you’re planning a special night out or simply craving a memorable meal, a great restaurant can elevate an evening so completely that you’ll be dreaming of your next visit. Here are 15 spots in Hampstead that deliver exactly that experience.
Beijing Palace Restaurant
$ | (410) 374-2328 | WEBSITE
We get excited just thinking about the quality of Beijing Palace’s steaming hot chicken lo mein, crispy shrimp fried rice, and bouncy wonton soup. It’s the first place we recommend for Chinese food in Hampstead, even if there’s a wait on weekends. The spacious dining room opens at 11am every day and could fit several family gatherings at once.
Bring a group on a Saturday and you’ll see kids pretending to be chefs while watching sushi being made, overhear local chatter over lunch, and pop General Tso’s chicken covered in golden strips of batter that make each piece look like a little treasure.
Outlaw BBQ Smokehouse
$ | (443) 507-5995 | WEBSITE
If barbecue for you means tender brisket that falls apart at the touch and wings coated in that signature Old Bay kick, you should make your way to Hampstead’s Outlaw BBQ Smokehouse. The beloved smokehouse is typically bustling, but you always have the option to grab your brisket cheesesteak or pulled pork fries to go (all while making your neighbors jealous).
Hong kong garden
$ | (443) 639-2271 | WEBSITE
Don’t choose between classic and contemporary at Hong Kong Garden in Hampstead. The crispy crab Rangoon with its creamy filling and perfectly fried shrimp egg rolls are just as worthwhile as the tangy orange chicken or the ever-so-slightly spicy General Tso’s chicken. You might not be able to navigate the online ordering system without a hiccup, but it’s a great place to change up your takeout routine.
Or come by for dinner when they serve specials like amazing Hot & Sour Soup and Crab Wontons, all delivered with speedy, attentive service by the friendly lady who even packages leftovers for convenience.
Ledo Pizza
$ | (443) 508-5500 | WEBSITE
Driving through Hampstead can be tempting, and you’ll likely spot at least a dozen different places that make you want to stop for dinner. But at Ledo Pizza, once you see the perfectly browned pizzas coming out of the oven, there’s no way you’re leaving without a slice. That’s a good thing, though, because the Sweet Baby Q chicken pizza is the best thing on the menu. The chicken is tender, the barbecue sauce is tangy, and the crispy crust holds everything together nicely if you’re taking it home.
The old bay wings are another standout—spicy and perfectly cooked, they’re worth ordering every time. And whether you’re dining in the clean, bright space or grabbing takeout, the friendly staff makes sure your meal is ready fast and exactly right.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (443) 291-7140 | WEBSITE
Jersey Mike’s Subs in Hampstead is one of the best places to grab lunch in Maryland. This sub shop serves everything from classic Italian subs to the ‘sub in a tub’ option for those with dietary restrictions, and they do it with consistently high quality. The staff is friendly and efficient, ensuring quick service even during busy hours.
On weekdays, you’ll likely spend just a few minutes waiting for your order, so come during the lunch rush when you’re supposed to be ‘running errands’ to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
County Line…AKA The 20 1/2 Mile House
$ | (443) 291-6012 | WEBSITE
County Line…AKA The 20 1/2 Mile House in Hampstead has regulars doing double duty. They need one of the crispy, perfectly seasoned wings—considered the best in town—with a cold local brew for game day, and swing back for a shrimp burrito or excellent chicken taco for a late lunch. There’s a dartboard inside and a nice outdoor space for warmer months, with plenty of parking and wheelchair access, so grab a seat and plan to settle in for the afternoon.
The Snowbar
$ | WEBSITE
We often crave a sweet treat that feels like a celebration in a cup. If you understand, make your way to The Snowbar. They serve classics like mango, pistachio, and Root Beer snowballs that you can top with generous marshmallow fluff. But it’s their signature creations that really showcase The Snowbar’s playful, inventive spirit. The Smores snowball is our favorite of the bunch.
It blends chocolate ice, graham cracker bits, marshmallow swirl, and a dusting of cocoa powder, all in a snowball base of your choice. Each spoonful is creamy, crunchy, and has everything that makes a campfire s’more so delightful—but much cooler.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (410) 374-1666 | WEBSITE
This Hampstead pizza joint specializes in reliably good pies—including a very satisfying pepperoni version with just the right crisp and melty mozzarella. And there’s something about ordering one after a long day or on a night when you promised yourself you’d cook that makes it hit the spot. Grab a soda or a side of garlic sauce to round it out, as well as cheesy breadsticks that will make you glad you skipped the stove.
Simmons Homemade Ice Cream Str
$ | (410) 374-2310 | WEBSITE
This vintage ice cream shop offers a nostalgic menu that blends classic homemade flavors with genuine fruit-filled authenticity. Savor the real peach chunks in their creamy peach ice cream, or enjoy the fresh raspberry swirls in their raspberry scoop. The generous tubs of rich chocolate ice cream are also worth trying if that’s more your style. Grab a cone in the afternoon and a treat so delightfully old-school that you’ll feel transported back in time.
Ruhlman Brewery Retail Store
$$ | (410) 259-4166 | WEBSITE
You know what they say: Jack of all trades, master of none. But somehow, Ruhlman Brewery Retail Store on its beautiful acreage offers red ales, milk stouts, and one of the best imperial stouts—and it’s all good. The peaceful brewery won’t rush you out, which makes Ruhlman just as useful for a relaxing afternoon sampling beers at picnic tables as it does for a casual round of disc golf on a sunny weekend. If you’re really just getting one thing, make it the imperial stout.
But don’t take that as a sign to shy away from the rest of the selection, especially when you can mix and match a 6-pack to take home.
Illiano’s J&P Restaurant
$ | (410) 239-2515 | WEBSITE
This old-school Italian-American spot in Hampstead is where regulars have been gathering for over 15 years to share plates of cheese pizza and veal parmigiana under the glow of sports TVs. The space is cozy, the atmosphere is relaxed, and families line up on weekend evenings for a table. You’ll always be just a few feet away from a stranger enjoying a plate of salmon and veggies, but Illiano’s J&P is worth the wait.
The tossed salad is the freshest you’ll have all week, and the pasta dishes are climbing our list of all-time comfort food necessities.
Subway
$ | (443) 508-2515 | WEBSITE
Hampstead didn’t have much in the way of fresh, reliable subs. And that was disappointing for us. Then Subway arrived, serving consistently great sandwiches with outstanding service. Our favorite option is the veggie-loaded sub with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, fresh peppers, and quality meats. Order one of those and add extra toppings. That’s called a satisfying lunch break.
Bertucco’s Bakery
$ | (410) 374-2500 | WEBSITE
In a world of bakeries, Bertucco’s Bakery has cakes, cookies, and pies that truly shine. Park your sweet tooth at the counter and dive into a moist, flavorful rainbow cake, decadent Boston Cream birthday cake, or a dangerously delicious slice of pie.
The special occasion creations are no afterthought either (and every request is accommodated with patience), so settle into the cozy family-owned atmosphere with a custom cake and enjoy some of the best celebratory treats in Hampstead for any occasion.
Genova’s To Go
$ | (410) 239-4100 | WEBSITE
Genova’s To Go is the weekday lunch MVP. The Hampstead spot has everything from homemade bread (baked fresh daily) to pizza so good that you’ll want to make this your official work-week go-to. Grab a standout meatball parm sub, crispy pizza with garlic sauce, or a decent pasta dinner, and pick up your order from their nice-looking counter. It’s an easygoing place to bring the family with the kids menu, but also works if you just want a fast and tasty solo meal on the go.
Steamin Mad Crabs, LLC.
$$$ | (410) 374-2722 | WEBSITE
You’ll need both hands to crack Steamin Mad Crabs’ jumbo-sized steamed crabs, and the laid-back atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings or hanging out with friends while sipping on cold beers (and forgetting all your worries). We always get the crab deviled eggs as well as the rich crab soup, which is made with fresh Maryland blue crab and then topped with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning with a side of buttery crackers on the table.