4 Must-Try Spots for Baltimore-Style BBQ
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I take my pit beef very seriously. That smoky, charred, thin-sliced beef piled high on a bun with horseradish? Absolute perfection.
These are my current favorite pit beef sandwiches in Maryland, and if you haven’t tried all four yet, consider this your sign. And PLEASE comment below with your go-to. I’m always looking for new spots to check out! (And yes… Bayside Bull is already on my list).
A Little Background…
Pit beef is a true Maryland specialty, born in Baltimore and beloved across the region. Unlike traditional Southern BBQ, pit beef is grilled hot and fast over charcoal, sliced super thin, and served rare to well-done based on preference. Each spot has its own personality which makes “ranking” them impossible IMO. So instead, here are four places I personally love and recommend.
1️⃣ Jake’s Grill (Cockeysville)
Jake’s is a Baltimore County classic – a small roadside spot with a loyal following and consistently great pit beef. The sandwiches are hefty, and the smoky flavor is chef’s kiss. This spot feels nostalgic in the best way, and they even give ladies a free flower at checkout.
📍 11950 Falls Rd, Cockeysville, MD
⏰ Mon–Fri 10:30–4 PM, Sat–Sun 10:30–5 PM
2️⃣ Pioneer Pit Beef (Catonsville)
Ask any Baltimore local where to get pit beef and Pioneer will come up instantly. It’s one of the OGs , a no-frills stand that delivers elite sandwiches. The sandwich is bold, smoky, and generously portioned, and there’s almost always a line so you KNOW the food’s good. Remember to get an order of fresh cut fries as well.
📍 N Rolling Rd & Johnnycake Rd, Catonsville, MD
⏰ Mon–Sat 11–5 PM
3️⃣ The Canopy (Ellicott City)
The Canopy is one of the most reliable places to get pit beef in HoCo IMO. If you’re in Ellicott City and looking to satisfy your craving, definitely make sure to stop by. They’re a carryout spot but they have seating right next door as well.
📍 9319 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD
⏰ 10:30–9 PM daily
4️⃣ Expressway Pit Beef (Odenton)
Expressway has that classic roadside feel. Their sandwiches tend to be nice and tall, and the meat has a satisfying chew without being tough. They also make great pit turkey and pit ham, but pit beef is the star. If you’re in Anne Arundel County – or driving through – this place is a must.
📍 8388 Piney Orchard Pkwy, Odenton, MD
⏰ Tue–Thu 11–8 PM, Fri–Sat 11–9 PM, Sun 11–6 PM
Why You’ll Love These Spots
Maryland pit beef truly stands in a category of its own, and each of these spots brings something different to the table. They’re fast, affordable, and perfect for a casual lunch or a weekend treat. Try all four and let me know your favorite…and tell me where else I should go next. You all always give the best recs, and I’m definitely taking notes for future pit beef adventures.
If you want to see where Bayside Bull landed after I finally checked it off the list, I’ve got a full review of Bayside Bull in Edgewater covering the pit beef, pit ham, tiger sauce, and kaiser rolls, and for a different kind of BBQ fix, Copper Canyon Grill at Arundel Mills does fall-off-the-bone ribs with big portions.
For more on yum Maryland eats, click here!