Heading to the Baltimore Area? Check Out These Top 6 Restaurants

If you've never been to Baltimore, you might not know that it's more than just comfort food and seafood. Baltimore is exploding with Latin flavors that'll set your soul on fire. Check out six restaurants you don't want to miss the next time you're in the area.

1. El Salto

El Salto is located on Ritchie Highway in Baltimore and offers up a blend of Mexican and Southwestern flavors. From fajitas and burritos to enchiladas and tacos, El Salto serves up all of your favorite Mexican classics. But they're more than just your average Mexican eatery. With an air of sophistication and great service, you'll come back to El Salto again and again. El Salto is also vegetarian friendly and has a wide selection of alcohol. Visitors enjoy the authentic Mexican cuisine almost as much as they love the affordability of the place.

2. Alma Cocina Latina

An exciting blend of Latin-inspired dishes, Alma is one place you don't want to miss, especially if you're vegetarian. A flavor-filled burst of spicy flavors awaits, particularly with dishes like the sumac-rubbed duck with spicy blueberry sauce and crispy couscous and the corn esquites with yellow corn, cojita cheese, chili lime powder, and spicy aioli. While indoor dining is currently suspended, you'll still be able to enjoy the delectable flavors this place can whip up. Just head on over to their side door entrance on East Lanvale Street.

3. Ernesto's Fine Mexican Food

Nestled in Ellicott City, Ernesto's Fine Mexican Food is a vegetarian-friendly, Mexican restaurant that delights the taste buds. Offering up soups, salads, tacos, and nachos, Ernesto's is a convenient spot to take a break from whatever you're doing and have a cold beer with some chips and salsa (or guac if that suits your fancy). Whatever you've got a taste for, you should have no problem finding it here. Locals enjoy the outdoor seating and the excellent service whether they're out with the family or grabbing a bite with a few friends.  

4. Taqueria El Sabor Latino Del Parqu

Located on Eastern Avenue, Taqueria El Sabor Latino Del Parque is a treat for the Latin-cuisine lover. From dishes like the chicken and carne Asada and cactus to the guacamole, chips and tacos, you've got a full menu of best-loved Latin flavors. If you want authentic Mexican food, you won't be disappointed at this charming little hole-in-the-wall. Great presentation and service coupled with just the right amount of spice make Taqueria a spot you can't miss on your next trip to Baltimore.

5. Puerto 511

A blend of Peruvian and Latin food, Puerto 511 is located on Clay Street and offers an array of superb-tasting dishes, such as the cassava fritters stuffed with ribeye, raisin, bojita olive and salsa Criolla with rocoto sauce and the Ceviche Classico (fresh fish in classic Leche de Tigre, rocoto cream sweet potato, red onion, Cancha, and Andean corn). Follow up with a delicious confection for desserts like the alfajores (two hand-made Peruvian cookies with dulce de leche and powdered sugar) or quinoa flan (algarrobina flan, pisco Italia, and cappuccino water).

6. Clavel

If you want Mexican street food served up with an air of ambiance you won't get at any food truck or sidewalk cafe, you want to go to Clavel. Located on West 23rd Street, Clavel's dishes are just as aesthetically pleasing as they are delicious. Just ask the locals. One of the top restaurants in Baltimore among the locals and the tourists, Clavel offers traditional dishes like burritos, quesadillas, tortas, soups, and salsa. When it's open to the public, diners enjoy the string lights and open seating that offers plenty of sunlight. What's more, if you want to take out, they have taco kits you can use for your own little at-home taco bar.

Now that you know just what Baltimore has to offer, you can start exploring and tasting your favorite dishes just like the locals. What Latin restaurants are you planning on trying when you make your next trip to Charm City? Let us know in the comments.