Top Restaurants In Hagerstown, Maryland
Over in western Maryland, the charming city of Hagerstown has a rich history, and an exciting and eclectic dining scene too. Foodies will find everything from authentic Bavarian fare that harks back to the city’s German founder to contemporary American cuisine. We list the top ten restaurants to try.
1. Schmankerl Stube
Restaurant, German
2. Thai Zap
Restaurant, Thai
Since setting up shop in downtown Hagerstown two years ago, Thai Zap has quickly established itself as one of the town’s best loved restaurants for its mix of authentic traditional and modern Thai dishes. There’s plenty of familiar dishes like chicken satay and pad Thai, and fans of fiery food will love the spicy seafood choo chee curry with shrimp, scallop, squid and salmon, as well as Thai Zap’s signature noodles with eggs, napa cabbage, bell peppers, scallions and celery in homemade sukiyaki sauce. And what better way to cool your taste buds after that spicy food than with a Thai snow cone? Choose from exotic flavors like lychee, rambutan and jackfruit.
3. Hempen Hill BBQ
Bar, American
Mouthwatering barbecue meets live music and craft beers at Hempen Hill BBQ, a popular, laid-back restaurant opened in 2005 by husband and wife duo Kathy and Jay Reeder. Plenty of barbecue classics feature on Hempen Hill’s menu: from Texas beef brisket and baby back ribs to pulled pork and slow-smoked chicken; but there are burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads to choose from as well. Curiously, for a barbecue joint, Hempen Hill also has great vegetarian options and non-meat eaters can choose from dishes such as vegan ‘chicken’ tenders, roasted veggie burger, or smoked tofu with rice noodles and spicy Thai peanut sauce.
4. 28 South
Restaurant, American, Fusion
Headed by executive chef E. Jay Zuspan, 28 South is a contemporary American restaurant serving creative plates crafted from locally sourced ingredients in a stylish, historic building in the heart of downtown Hagerstown. Begin with tempting appetizers such as blue crab wontons and pan-fried chicken livers with demi-glace, caramelized onions and bacon, followed by entrées that include agave-glazed sea scallops and boar bolognese. Artisan pizzas and burgers are served too, alongside craft beers and a concise, but impressive wine list.
5. House of Kobe
Restaurant, Japanese
6. Rik’s Café
Cafe, American
7. Dolce Pizza
Restaurant, Italian, European
It’s one of those ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ places, but diners who take the time to discover Dolce Pizza are rarely disappointed. The restaurant may well be known for its delicious pizzas, but it also has one of the most varied menus in town. Guests won’t want to miss out on other popular Italian dishes like pasta, subs and stromboli. A number of Eastern European dishes also feature on the menu, from stuffed cabbage to tochitura Moldoveneasca (pork, liver and sausage in tomato sauce served with polenta and egg). Better yet, free homemade doughnuts are served at every table after meals.
8. Schula’s Grill & Crab House
Restaurant, American, Seafood
Undoubtedly one of Hagerstown’s best loved restaurants, Schula’s Grill & Crab House is a laid-back restaurant and a seafood lover’s paradise with dishes that include freshly shucked and steamed clams, fish tacos and deep-fried oysters. More carnivore-friendly fare includes a juicy, half-pound cheeseburger or prime rib steak and cheese sandwich. Don’t leave without trying Schula’s award-winning colossal crab cake, made with 100 percent jumbo lump crab meat.
9. Mango Grill
Restaurant, Indian, Thai
For authentic Indian cuisine in Hagerstown, look no further than Mango Grill. Inspired by Goan and Maghlai cuisine, the restaurant’s extensive menu features dishes like fiery chicken vindaloo, nargisi keema mutter (minced lamb cooked with green peas, onion, tomato and fresh Indian herbs and spices) or tandoori shrimp. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians: from paneer tikka masala to the mildly spicy, vegan-friendly vegetable jalfrezi. Mango Grill also serves a small number of Thai dishes, drunken noodles and green Thai chicken curry included, and offers a daily lunch buffet.
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