Great Place... Valet parking was awesome as I was running late. Would give it 5 stars but the only drawback was that it gets a bit loud. Recommend highly.
(4)
Matthew L.
Another fine nuevo amercan restaurant with hipster undertones in Baltimore. Joking aside, the place is really good. The decor is beautiful, with a large community table as a great centering point. The menu is creative takes on american comfort food. We tried the lobster mac and cheese, pretzel and cheese, chicken and bison burger. Having lived in Wisconsin, I have a soft spot for cheese. The sauce is highly addictive and I suspect may have been laced with crack. Actually, that would explain a lot. It is a bit pricey, and crowded, so reservations are a must.
(4)
J. M.
I'm bumping this to a fourth star because my experience was positive enough. If you're the occasional diner at pricey places, then there are better options than this. If you're less than occasional, than this is a suitable place for dinner for a date/with a friend because the food is solid, the service is reasonable and the atmosphere passingly bourgie. Not sure I'll go back but I won't be opposed to a second trip. The menu has a lot of delectable options and I liked everything we tried.
(4)
Christopher H.
Food was outstanding! Very noisy, at 6pm on a Monday, dinning room 1/4 full. Atmosphere- noisy. Would I go back for the food? Hell yeah!
(5)
Alex S.
I've been several times now, and find some things to be excellent and others to be just OK, so I'm averaging out the rating to 4 stars. The really enjoyable: Amish Soft Pretzels Buffalo Pickles Hot Nuts Cream of Crab Soup - flavor and texture were incredible, but a few pieces of cartilage and shell were in mine (hoping it was just an off night) Spicy, Creamy, Garlicky, Herby, Cheesy, Winey Shrimp - just delicious, could not sop up enough sauce with the bread. Griddled Lamb Porterhouses Beef Short Ribs The mediocre: Little Tuna Burger Babies - my bun was charred, and the flavor of the tomato was so strong it overpowered the tuna. Ginger mayo was a side garnish, but should have been slathered over the tuna in abundance. Crispy Lobster Fingers - the one time I ordered this the lobster was a bit rubbery. Salt and Pepper Tuna - just okay, nothing amazing and the fish quality wasn't great. Crab Cake - just didn't blow me away. Definitely a fun atmosphere, and I would go again and again - and just make my food choices wisely.
(4)
Jackie P.
Great food! Excellent spirits! The Food Market gets very busy, so reservations are highly advised. Due to the busyness, this isn't the best place for conversation over dinner because the noise level can get pretty high.
(4)
Erin C.
For us, The Food Market fit squarely into the "Meh. I've experienced better" caption for the two star rating. If the prices were more reasonable or if there were more vegetarian entree possibilities, it might have been upgraded to the three star "A-ok." We had the soft pretzels with cheese sauce to start, and while quite tasty, it was hard to ignore that they were essentially bread sticks dipped in what tasted like jarred queso sauce (though we know it was homemade). Now don't get me wrong, we love us some queso sauce in a jar, but this is something we don't have to wrangle with a reservation to enjoy. The walnut pesto pasta was good. Not amazing--a bit tough, and the parmesan broth was not evident as parmesan broth. It came off more as the dish being accidentally watery. As my husband put it, "something you could've made just as good or better at home, don't you think?" The atmosphere is really wonderful at The Food Market, and maybe the food is a better experience for omnivores. For us it was just okay. Especially with a bill that came to $90 (including tip) for a shared appetizer with two beers, and an entree each with a cocktail each, I think this is one we'll just check off our list as, "well, we tried it."
(2)
Allie P.
Food Market is delicious, well-priced and located in the cute neighborhood of Hampden. I ordered the steak frites and I was in heaven. Parking is tough in the neighborhood, but I believe they valet.
(5)
Al E.
Was really excited to try The Food Market. Our friends who live in Hampden were amazed at how the space has been transformed from the Hampden Market, a mostly-empty place to buy dog food, Dinty Moore stew and slurpies, into a welcoming restaurant. Showed up a little before 11 a.m. and scored a sunny table for 4 overlooking The Avenue. Friend said we were really lucky to sit up there as the noise further back in the restaurant makes it hard to hear. In sum, it lacks balance. My gf and a friend had their version of a dark and stormy - so overpowered with rum that couldn't taste the ginger beer and other ingredients. My mimosa was a huge glass rimmed with sugar (?). Fine, but I like a delicate champagne or wine glass for my oj and sparkling. They gave us a small dish of donut holes which were meh -- not warm and bland. I had the crab benedict - I had been looking forward to the hollandaise based on reviews here but I could barely taste it. The flavors were very mellow. The accompanying tiny cubes of potatoes were too salty. Gf had the lobster roll. Too much salt and not enough flavor and creaminess. I loved the fries, but she was not impressed. Our friends shared the silver dollar pancakes and club sandwich. Friend was annoyed that 2 things have become synonymous with "nice" restaurants - huge plates and powdered sugar. Our brunch featured both (powdered sugar on the pancakes - why?). The serving sizes were fine but placed on the huge plates, they just looked silly. Friendly service.
(3)
Ali B.
One of the worst $60 dinners I have ever had. Overpriced and overhyped. The food was salty, small-portioned and just tasteless other than an over powering taste of sodium chloride. The house beer was nothing to rave about either, more like watered down piss.
(2)
Sarah H.
I'm a huge fan of Chef Chad Gauss from his days at the City Cafe, so when I had occasion to visit his new place this evening, I jumped at the chance. First pro of the evening: this place has complimentary valet, so even though Hampden parking is often difficult, that shouldn't deter you from visiting. (I happened to find a space out front, though, so it wasn't an issue for me either way--and meters stop at 6 pm on weeknights.) Upon entering the restaurant, I recognized a few familiar faces from City Cafe days, and all the staff was very friendly and welcoming. The inside is very clean and simply designed with dark wood tables and half bench, half metal chair seating. I didn't find the seating to be particularly comfortable, and the space--which was FULL of diners at nearly 8 pm on a Tuesday evening--did not feel very roomy. Even when the dining room began to thin, it still feels a bit cramped to me. One additional item of note: they have a couple of 'family style'/communal tables where multiple couples or groups sit together. Seems like a cool idea, but my bff and I were seated at a nearby two-top. Oh, and I should mention that this is not the place I'd bring children or a first date. It's VERY loud, to the point of needing to shout in order to be heard by your dinner companion. It seems to appeal to the 20-something Hampden crowd, and I'm sure that the late-night bar menu is well received. Another pro: the service was great, very attentive and accommodating. We placed our orders, both starting with wedge salads. The wedges came and although there was plenty of creamy blue cheese and dressing, along with chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, and bacon, part of my iceberg was a bit brown (and so was my friend's). For entrees, my friend got two small plates, both off the 'temporary' menu. The fried tomato 'BLT' was a piece of thick bacon/pork belly atop a fried red tomato with watercress and a huckleberry 'jam' that wasn't very sweet. The tomato was underseasoned and the jam needed a bit of sugar to balance the flavors. Her second plate, a Mexican 'pizza,' was actually a tuna and avocado stack with some bits of tortilla in it. It, too, was quite underseasoned and bland. For my entree, I chose the bison steak, which was accompanied by a tomato 'tart' (VERY flat puff pastry topped with roasted tomato and some parmesan cheese) and shredded potato (think hash browns). The dish was surrounded by a lovely, rich homemade steak sauce that tied things together well. The seasoning on each item was perfect, and my first bite of steak, ordered medium rare, was delicious. But then I cut into the thicker end and discovered that my steak had gone far beyond rare to pretty much raw. I called the waitress over and asked her to have them refire it a bit and warm up the middle. She was very apologetic and whisked away the meat to be fixed. Once Chef Chad realized what had happened, he came immediately to the table to apologize and told me he was sending out a cup of their gazpacho with crab while I waited. I appreciated the gesture, as well as his earlier visit to the table in which he thanked me for finding him at his new place and told me he appreciated seeing me. Really, he's a great guy. When the steak returned, it was perfect, and I enjoyed the rest of my meal immensely. (The gazpacho, by the way, was fresh, flavorful, and filled with chunks of cucumber, pepper, and tomato, along with some tasty spices--not to mention the generous amount of crab, considering the small size of the cup in which it arrived.) We passed on dessert (too full!), but I noticed that Chad's signature heath bar bread pudding is offered as a choice (which, alone, is worth a visit). The total bill before tip was $70--pretty expected for 2 beers, a soft drink, two salads, and the equivalent of two full-priced entrees. Overall, I would give Chad Gauss's first solo effort 3 out of 5 stars (with the bff ringing in at a 2.5 because of her food). Some elements of the menu clearly need some work, and this may be due to new recipes, new kitchen staff, or just the working out of kinks that happens when you start something up. With all the other well-loved restaurants in Hampden and Mount Washington, though, I hope he can get everything straight soon. Whatever the case, business is apparently booming, and I truly hope he's successful. And hey, if Hampden doesn't work out, downtown Baltimore/Mt. Vernon will always welcome him back!
(3)
Tori L.
We took our son there for his birthday -- the food, service and ambience are first rate. Can't beat the free valet parking.
(5)
Faith P.
OMFG bestest new restaurant in town! FanfrigginTASTIC brunch- I wanted like 10 things but went with the chicken and biscuits as suggested by my lovely bartender lady...it was no joke out of this world. Hot sauce, BBQ sauce, fried chicken that belongs in the south somewhere, cute little mini biscuits, poached eggs, cheese "wiz" I'm getting bloated talking about it!!! The bloody marys were strong and spicy, clearly a house made blend I love the open kitchen concept!
(5)
Keith M.
I honestly don't have a single complaint about the service or food. They were all superb. But at the prices they charge you would expect nothing less. Great for special occasions.
(5)
Thom R.
Pros: Excellent service. I mean excellent. Prompt, helpful, cheerful,great. Cons:Extremely loud. My food (crabcakes) was not cooked very well (bottom burned, remainder underdone and my wife found her dinner to be underwhelming (veggie mess plate was just a pesto dish decomposed into different little piles). Summary: Ok, and a welcome addition to the neighborhood, but does not live up to the hype.
(3)
Jenna F.
This place was alright. Totally average, nothing super original or flashy, but that's not always a bad thing. There were some sure fire highs and some inexcusable lows, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say this place has potential to be good. Not great, i don't see that, but in time, when they realize they're a gastro pub and not a new american bistro, they'll be good and solid. It's a beautiful space. Minimal, pinterest worthy decor-- lots of bench seating (with plenty of butt exit/entry room between tables i might add), warm woods, cool metal seating-- pretty tear drop water glasses. It was noisy, that I grant you, but not as noisy as places like the Hamilton Tavern by any account. It was bustling and lively. It felt like the place to be but wasn't even a little bit stuffy or full of itself and that's why it gets the 3 stars rather than the 2 the food probably deserves. The table started off with some fresh raspberry vodka tonics (which seemed great-- i was yin tonifying so i refrained. winkey face) an order of sweet potato fries and some $3 popcorn. I had a bit of a Vincent Vega moment looking at $3 popcorn, but, it was pretty effin tasty popcorn-- seasoned with a light spritzing of truffle oil and an herbed parmesan. I like all of those words. The sweet potato fries were TASTY. Thick, crinkle cut, double fried... maybe even a little cornmeal coating? paired with a sriracha creme fresh. We devoured them. I'm still thinking about them. But then the entrees. Sigh. I ordered the scallops because Top Chef and hells kitchen have taught me that scallops are the new egg when it comes to evaluating a chef, hehe, but mainly because it sounded delicious: SCALLOPS roasted tomato risotto, spinach, cream chipped bacon | 25. Yeeeeep. The scallops were cooked really well. Super nice crust, delicate, melt in your mouth texture, but salted with a HEAVY hand, which when paired with the cream chipped bacon, had me reaching steadily for my tear drop water glass. Spinach was watery and under seasoned-- limp and lifeless on my plate-- but considerably better than the tomato risotto mess beneath. Ick. Bad risotto. just BAD. It was a mushy, sticky, undercooked mess. I couldn't even eat it. And looking around the room, no one else was eating it either. The flavor was the right note though-- maybe just a plain old tomato rice would have been better. My watermelon and tomato salad was everything I wanted it to be. Perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes, very tender and sweet watermelon, just enough creamy tangy goat cheese, nice sprinkling of micro-greens on top. It was overal a well dressed, well-rounded salad. It's nothing I don't make at home, but I was in the mood for it and it didn't disappoint. The chickpea burger that my friend Jess got was good. It was no Golden West black bean burger, but it was yummy and filling and i liked that they served it with tomato and mozzarella. that's never the wrong thing to serve. Plus the fries were good. They make a good fry. For real. Overall verdict: It's alright. I can see why people like it-- it's doing a lot right-- looks nice, pleasant, attentive wait staff, good selection. The food, while not inexpensive isn't over priced. There are a lot of price points at which you could have a good dining experience. But the truth is, the only thing I ate that was really all that memorable, was the sweet potato fries, and how often are you going out for those? It's worth checking out. Grab a few friends and head over for cocktails and appetizers-- but skip the entrees. Your money would be better spend on 2 or 3 small plates than one big one at this place. You feel me?
(3)
Dave A.
Fun menu in a nice space, albeit on the loud side.
(3)
Ada G.
This is my new very favorite restaurant!!!!! I only want to eat here over and over again! You need reservations for weekends - the place is packed! If you don't like loud restaurants, don't go here! This place is super loud! I loved it! The cocktail menu is fantastic - I tried the rosemary drop and the blackberry cocktail called Gin Na Say Pa. They were so yummy! The rosemary drop is my new fave. Cocktails run between $10 - 13, which is a little steep, but the food prices are reasonable. We started with the pretzels with beer fondue and the red caesar salad. Both were so so good! The caesar salad dressing is house made and not overly creamy. The pretzels were nice and doughy inside with a great buttery crunchy crust. The cheese fondue was so delish! For entrees, we had the lamb steak and the bison steak. My husband likes his meat rare, and they did a great job. The bison was served with a medly of mushrooms that were to die for! He was moaning with every bite (sorry - TMI!). The lamb was served with french fries covered in dill and feta cheese. They were so yummy! There was also a side dish of warm tomatoes with a nice light vinaigrette. The portions were so big that I couldn't finish my food! Of course, we still had room for dessert! We tried the strawberry creme brulee - it was delish with a perfectly crunchy golden top. I was also impressed with the service. The waitress was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and had favorites to recommend. She kind of hurried the meal, so next time, I will ask for extra time between courses, but otherwise, service was perfect. I would even bring our child with us to this place - it's casual enough for her, and there are some options under $10 that she could enjoy. If you have toddlers that like plain jane food only, I would not bring them here. I did not see a kids menu on the main menu. The menu had so many awesome options! I can't wait to go back and try it all! My husband and I agreed that this is our hands down most favorite meal in Baltimore to date. There are a handful of other places we love a lot, but this place takes the cake!
(5)
Jean S.
Went for restaurant week. Their food was delicious (one of the best new American in Baltimore) and ambience was great. Their duck confit was fabulous as well as the beef wagyu chil.
(5)
Wade E.
My wife and I had dinner here and it was amazing. The pretzel appetizer was really good. We also shared a big portion of mussels and they were great and the broth was so flavorful. I can't remember exactly what else we ate because it was a while ago but I do remember I had a steak and it was delicious. We are definitely planning on going back.
(4)
Grant F.
We've heard a lot about The Food Market and gave it a try. We enjoyed the atmosphere and service. We had the scallops and trout for our entrees. The scallops with risotto was excellent. Trout can be a difficult dish to get right and it was not very good. Perhaps just a wrong choice by us. Our appetizer, calamari was also very good. Most of the diners around us seemed to be enjoying their meals. I do feel this place is a little over priced. We will go back though. There are other entrees that look good, especially the lamb and Ahi tuna.
(3)
Anna K.
Overall I had a really decent experience at The Food Market. The food was good and the service was really speedy but I have trouble getting over the cacophony of the dining room. It was SO hard to hear my dining partner and I felt like I had to yell when I spoke - not the best for date night. We started with a round of cocktails. Mike had the bellini manhattan (A++) which was a really delicious and refined drink. I ordered the Gin Na Say Pa (F) and it tasted like...gin...and at times...basil. It was poor so I didn't drink much of it and swapped it out for a glass of their white blend instead (A++). I never expect servers to not charge me for a drink I ordered but didn't enjoy but it's always very nice when they remove a bad item from the bill. Thanks for that!! For apps we shared the buffalo pickles (A+) and the duck confit potato skins (B). I loved the flavor and texture of the pickles, truly delicious. The potato skins weren't as elevated as I was hoping. Everything about the dish was FINE but there was nothing that made it special. We also had the endive salad (A) and the gazpacho (A+). Both were clearly thought out dishes with a lot of flavor and texture. I'd highly recommend both. Though that stupid commercial where the woman says (ahn-deev) for endive has continuously effed up my ability to pronounce endive. GG. Hopefully the waitress didn't make too much fun of me. For our entrees I had the scallops over roasted tomato risotto and topped with cream chipped bacon (A) and Mike enjoyed the veal loin with vegetables and lobster potato (A). These were hearty dishes - the meats were cooked to perfection and the sauces were well thought out and delicious! The lobster potato was wonderful, the dish could've used more squash blossom though. Unfortunately my risotto was undercooked - I can't for the life of me make a perfectly cooked risotto but I expect to get a creamy risotto when I go out. Then we shared the peach cobbler which I thought was very nice but not memorable. I was served coffee but it wasn't as warm as it should've been. We would have liked to see a desert wine menu - hopefully they'll make one up as the restaurant gets older.
(4)
Louisa E.
This place was super busy on the Tuesday evening when I went. Even so, we were sat quickly after a brief wait at the bar. The meal was wonderful. The sea bass was hands down the best I have ever had. We ordered it because the woman next to us did and we could smell how amazing it was. When ours came the women next to us in turn asked us what it was and then ended up ordering it! It was insanely good! For dessert we had the Heath bar bread pudding which is exactly as good as it sounds with a wonderful fresh sauce on the plate to brighten the whole dish up a bit. Overall a wonderful meal. Our server was super nice too. He brought me a taste of the wine I ordered because I didn't want anything too sweet even though I told him it wasn't necessary. Fast service and fun staff.
(5)
Brenda S.
May 26,2013. this is my opinion only. I ordered the army breakfast. The grits were cold, the bacon burnt, the potatoes tasted like sugar, which is bad for diabetics. You only get one piece of toast. If you want a second piece, you have to pay for it. Everywhere else gives two. The first time I went there, was a good experience. Not today. I could not finish my $14.58 breakfast because nothing was right. The only thing good about todays experience was the coffee. it was great. Oh and no strawberry jelly, only yucky grape. I was greatly upset and chances are wont go back for breakfast. My name is Brenda Lee Spicer 3738 Falls Rd. Baltimore, Md. 21211 410-499-4188
(2)
Sam S.
Thank Gawd this place opened up. I have been dying for Chad Gauss of City Cafe to open his new place. They have the same signature Heath Bar Bread Pudding. It is pretty much to die for, I am not a dessert person, but I need that, every time I go. The location is great, street parking is fairly easy. Inside the decor is nice and modern, lighting great and the seating is comfortable. At the bar I had a vanilla Ice, it was a crushed ice and vanilla drink, absolutely delish. The BF had The pimlico playboy, it too was super tasty. The dinner menu has something for everyone, from sweet potato fries to lobster the night I went. To start we had the calamari, to be honest, this was nothing to write home about. I had the salmon with julianned squash and a potato pancake, the boy had scallops and roasted potatoes. DELISH. To finish I totally had to have the bread pudding, don't judge me bro. I may get it again tonight. Drinks and bread pudding, a well rounded dinner. Ok, I am pretty much in love with this place.
(4)
David L.
The place is always packed with people. If you don't like long waits (especially on weekends), make sure you make reservations. The food here is fantastic and the service is very good. I had the fried lobster the first time I was here (dinner). On my second visit, I ordered the SOS (dinner). And for my third visit, I tried the Fried chicken and biscuit (brunch). All of which were delicious. The menu changes up every so often to keep things new (fantastic idea). Definitely worth checking out!
(4)
Laura B.
As others have said, food is really excellent. Everything we got, from the hot nut and mini lamb chop starters to my bronzini and my husband's dripping with butter lobster roll was really top notch. Great service too. Only one real complaint, has been mentioned by others - really loud in there. Especially since it appears this place is regularly packed, investment in some sound absorbing tiles would really make this place perfect. One other piece of advice - think twice before you valet park. It's a free service which is nice but we ended up standing outside with 15 other people waiting for 15 minutes for the guys to get the cars. There's plenty of parking in hampden, so next time we won't be lazy and will avoid the valet.
(5)
Ellen E.
I have always been a fan of The Food Market. It's a comfortable spot and the food is always good and creative. Went there yesterday and had a nice meal but I feel the need to comment on our waiter. He was not very attentive and this was annoying since they weren't overly busy. We had to flag him down to get drink refills (one of my pet peeves) twice and then we were never served bread with our meal. We had to ask for that and when he did bring it, there was no dipping oil with it. I have usually had great service here in the past but our waiter made this trip a bit underwhelming.
(4)
Larissa P.
Check out the review on The Food Market's brunch! baltimorebrunchblog.blog…
(4)
Susan W.
I'll admit that I expected a lot given what I've heard about this place, and I was disappointed. My husband and I went on a Saturday night for my birthday and had an 8:30 reservation. We arrived 10-15 minutes early and had to wait for our table. OK, no problem, we were early. But then we saw several other parties of two who came in after us, seated before us. The hostess swore that they had checked in before us, but we watched them walk in the door after we did, so I'm not sure how that could have been possible. All in all, we ended up waiting about 25 minutes for our table, which is not OK when you have a reservation. The food was pretty bland. We started with the duck confit potato skin, and the spicy garlicky whatever shrimp. The duck was pretty decent, but a sort of strange combination of flavors. The shrimp was just bland. We didn't finish either. My husband ordered the rack of lamb, and I had the steak frites. He needed to salt the lamb, but said the couscous was very good. My steak was cooked well, but even so was a little tough. It just wasn't a great piece of meat. The frites were the best part, though not very hot and a little limp. For dessert, we had the heath bar bread pudding, which we agreed was the best thing we'd ordered. It was very decadent. We were also pleasantly surprised by some very reasonably priced bottles of wine on the menu. I did receive a generic card from the restaurant since we were celebrating my birthday, which was a nice touch. I was a little surprised that our dessert didn't come out with a candle on it, since most restaurants seem to do that. It wasn't a big deal, but something I noticed, and I just figured they don't do that there....until I saw a dessert going to another table with a candle in it. Other than that oversight, our server was pretty good, if not a bit harried and stretched thin amongst many tables. We've only been in Baltimore for a year, so we're still exploring and trying new places. We've had better and won't be rushing back to Food Market.
(3)
Fraeda L.
An excellent dining choice , but be prepared for a very noisy meal. Started with fried pickles and soft pretzel with cheese sauce. Both were outstanding. Lobster Mac and cheese was a side dish, but so delicious I had it as a main course . Sea bass was also good. Save room for dessert. The health bar bread pudding was so good - served warm. Our waitress was so patient, answered all our questions and did not rush us along. Other than the noise, this place is a gem,
(4)
Amy G.
Amazing find in Hampden. The menu is divided into appetizers, small plates and entrees. There is a variety of food - lots of seafood which is a plus in my book. I had the caesar salad and the grilled tuna entree. The presentation on the plates was great. The service was wonderful too. Highly recommend.
(5)
Linda P.
This restaurant was fabulous! My friend and I went for brunch the other day and I ordered the egg white crab omelet and my friend ordered the flat iron steak frites with truffle fries, which were delicious. The serving size wasn't huge but it was enough to fill us up and still have some room for ice cream after. The service was excellent where I never had to ask to refill my water glass and the host was very friendly. I am planning to return and try their dinner menu.
(5)
Kara W.
The focus here is toward approachable, serious comfort food, so I just had to experience it for myself. We went here for dinner at 7pm on a Saturday. We ended up sitting at the bar after overhearing the hostess tell a couple that the wait was an hour and a half. Yikes! Luckily, the bar stools appear more comfortable than the regular chairs which do not have full backs. The full menu was also available at the bar, and the bartenders were more attentive than I am accustomed to- definitely at the top of their game. What I ordered and what I thought of it: Amish soft pretzels with beer cheese fondue- tasted and looked more like yeasty breadsticks than pretzels Risotto crusted mozzarella- probably the fanciest mozzarella stick that I have ever had. Very tasty, it was a single round patty of breaded fresh mozzarella. I intended to share this with my partner, but I got greedy. Summer salad- mixed greens with watermelon, watermelon radish, toy box tomatoes, micro basil, and local goat cheese lightly tossed in balsamic vinaigrette- light and refreshing. Double bison burger with cheese. tomato, lettuce, and braised onions- ordered this medium rare. the patties were a tad smaller than expected- not a bad thing considering there were two of them. It was so juicy and succulent. The onions were the sweetest that I have ever tasted. Heathbar bread pudding served with house whipped cream and condensed milk caramel- I ordered this hot and that's how it came out. This was the highlight of the meal. The portion was sizable and they didn't skimp on the candy or the sauce. I also ordered a scoop of vanilla Taharka Bros ice cream. The ice cream was outstanding and creamy, even though the scoop was tiny. If I had to guess, I would say that it was 1.5 ounces- definitely smaller than the small 2.5 ounce scoop served at most ice cream shoppes. Strawberry Quick Creme Brulee served with dried strawberry sugar served with a piece of biscotti- nice. We will definitely be back. I already have my eye on a few more morsels that I would like to try, except for dessert. I'm sticking with the bread pudding. We've got a good thing going, and I don;' want to mess that up.
(4)
Dan F.
Went on a Saturday night for my wife's birthday. The place was full of people and energy; trendy spot. Menu was eclectic, definitely not your run-of-the-mill restaurant in terms of food. But what we had was very good, from appetizers to dessert. Would probably go back, and would want to go back with a group of friends. Make reservations well in advance.
(4)
Patapsco M.
Had the best meal I've eaten in a very long time. Every single thing was great. Had Hot Nuts, salt and pepper tuna, lamb kebabs, calamari, steak, and scallops between the group of us. Every single thing was great. The service was perfect too, our waitress was great. Despite the acoustic tiles, it's still very loud inside. Not so loud you can't talk between people at the table, but much more loud than anywhere else I've ever eaten. Don't let that stop you though, this place is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. A++ will be back!
(5)
Gabrielle C.
I went here for my sister's 30th birthday and had a great experience! Right away, I liked the looks of this place. The atmosphere was casual, yet elegant, with cool, contemporary decor that included a blue brick wall and stainless steel tables in the front. Think American diner layout, but much more aesthetically pleasing when it comes down to the details; i.e.: no tacky photos on the walls and not nearly as shiny. Also, who can resist an open kitchen? I love the confident and comfortable vibe of this place. On to the meal. First off, the drinks were inventive and delicious. I stuck with the Gin Na Say Pas for the evening, which had a lovely berry taste, infused with basil so that it wasn't too sweet. The bread and butter left something to be desired (waxy butter, chewy bread), but everything else that hit my tastebuds was spectacular! I am a vegetarian, so when I go out with friends, I don't usually expect to find the best veggie options, but this place has some definite contenders for the best vegetarian fare I've ever had. The tomato and haloumi salad was delicate yet flavorful, and the chickpea burger was simply delicious. Dessert, Nick's Dirt Cup, was a little weird, and a little too sweet for me, but a very cute concept that everyone else at the table devoured with relish. Our server was a little over eager at first, but ultimately gave us very good service, even remembering to bring out my friend's pinot noir with her salmon. The only negative I can think of that may deter people is that it is pretty loud in there, but that's how you know that everyone is having a good time. I will definitely be back to sample more of the drinks and small plates!
(4)
Elizabeth D.
Very tasty, but came a bit short of blowing me away. The highlights were the appetizer of Amish pretzels with cheese fondue and the desserts (ice cream sandwich and Heath bar bread pudding), both of which knocked my socks off. "The Chicken" and the steak (of the steak frites) were good. The French Tease cocktail was not as bright or zesty as I was hoping, and the frites were almost inedibly salty. I'd go back and focus on the smaller plates instead of the portioned entrees.
(4)
Zak S.
Reservation for Brunch on Valentines day. Service was great, but the food was nothing to write home about. They start you off with small fired doughnut bites, which are tasty. We tired the French toast dippers on the waiters recommendation. They were deep fired and lack any discernible taste. Came with a nice maple cream cheese, but any redeeming qualities it had were lost on the french toast sticks. Girlfriends ordered Big ole Sammich. The sandwich is a bout 8-10" tall and impossible to eat. It had about a half inch of red onion slice on it which took over the entire flavor profile.If you ate it as it was served, tasted nothing but onion. We were both starving,so she broke it down and we ate most of it - minus the onion.I had the Turkey Sausage Tacos. The texture was basically mush and lacked any distinct flavor. Everything just melded together and came across like finely ground mealy meat product. We also tried the Amish Soft pretzels which were salty, but mildly enjoyable. Maybe it's better for dinner. I won't be going back. Oh! and strangely, the water was not working in the mens bathroom. Good luck washing your hands... When I told the waiter, he was polite, seemed aware of the issue and told me to try the ladies room.
(2)
Kippy P.
Thought it was time to write an update after eating dinner a bunch of times at The Food Market and brunch several times as well. I haven't gotten a single thing that I didn't love and we even ate here two nights in a row. It's just that good! The menu has changed a few times which is nice because it allows you to always have a number of things to pick from that you have never had before and there are some amazing new items for the fall. I absolutely love the Apple Cider Stud- it just screams fall and it is so yummy! I love just getting a bunch of things and sharing them. I highly recommend- well everything but off the new menu here's what I love- The hot nuts (cashews, macadamia, pecans and almonds in duck fat with a kick- yes please), Buffalo pickles, Cracker Fried Oysters (a must), Brown Sugar Pork Belly, Duck Confit Potato skins (absolutely amazing). For the big meals- the scallops, chicken, shrimp and grits and bison are amazing! Don't forget dessert- the pumpkin cannolis are awesome and the bread pudding is to die for. As for brunch- you cannot go wrong. The chicken and biscuits and french toast are my favorites and seriously amazing! There's a reason why they rarely have reservations before 9PM!
(5)
Ryan A.
Really cool cocktails on the drink list and a bartender that knew what she was doing outside of the list also. Had a great sandwich and drink for a quick lunch.
(5)
Anne K.
Delicious food, amazing drinks. Vegetarian dishes are very limited, but sooooo amazingly delicious.
(5)
Jason P.
The food was different and delicious. The service (Naomi) was excellent. The environment is modern, open, and very loud
(4)
Amanda I.
Very impressed with food and service. We came on a Wednesday and it was fully booked. My only complaint is the noise level was pretty loud and hard to hear even across the table. We got the grapefruit sangria, a recommendation from the host which was very good. The amish hot pretzels were fantastic. I got the fried chicken with cole slaw and watermelon jelly and it was perfectly cooked. My boyfriend got the crab cake which was very good and had a lot of lumps, not much filler. Free valet service was also a plus.
(5)
Dakota R.
I went here for the first time for my friends birthday, it was on a Wednesday night and we had made reservations for 745pm. We arrived at 730 and checked in, there was no where to sit or wait other than the bar area which was already super crowded. We watched waitresses and waiters struggle to get through the crowd to tables. After asking the host multiple times when our table will be ready finally at 830 we were seated; almost an hour after our reservation time. Had to wear our jackets the entire time we were there because we were sat at a table against the front window and near the door. However our waitress was awesome and the food was great.
(2)
Jane S.
Ive been to The Food Market twice, the first time, my boyfriend got sick and the second time I got so sick that my mom forced me to go to the hospital. The food was good, but the 6 hours following the meal were not.
(1)
Stephanie H.
Excellent food and beautiful atmosphere! Our service was very good as well. We decided to try a few of the small plates, a little plate, and a large plate. We ordered the risotto crusted mozzarella and the buffalo pickles upon suggestion from other Yelp users and our server. Both were very good. I tend to think that mozzarella is a little overrated, or too mild most of the time, but this mozzarella was creamy and a little salty - delicious. The buffalo pickles were as promised. We then ordered the pork tacos and the bread and butter encrusted sea bass. My husband liked the tacos so much that he ordered a second plate of them! They're nothing short of awesome. The side of guac was even great and I'm not a guac eater. The bread and butter encrusted sea bass came with spaghetti squash, which I love to see on a menu, and mashed potatoes. I would have liked to have seen a green veggie, just for the sake of a balanced presentation, but the fish was the best fish I have ever had. Simply delicious, melted in my mouth. We had no complaints. Did not have dessert as we simply didn't have room, but the dessert list looked inspired. Make sure to definitely make a reservation. We went on a Thursday around 6 with a 6:15 reservation and were seated immediately, but by the time we left there was not a seat in the house. It is very noisy here and I probably wouldn't take kids - it's just not that kind of place, although we did see a few there. Highly recommend, great experience!
(5)
Ben S.
We have been to this fabulous restaurant about 10 times. The first exposure was a private party before the Food Market officially opened. Very impressive! Next was a large birthday party of about 30 people given by the same family who happen to be related to Chad, the Chef. It was a super party and a great spread. We loved the fried Buffalo pickles. Since then all our trips have been for Brunch (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). I wish we could comment on how delicious all the items on he menu are, but we are hooked on the two dishes we had the first time and are so pleased we cannot bring ourselves to branch out. Maybe some day. In addition to the food and mixed drinks being so scrumptious the service is first class, friendly, knowledgeable and above all very professional. Just like the two dishes we are hooked on the two waiters we have had most of the time and are very fond of are Rebecca and Andrew. The first two Sundays we were there we had Rebecca and the second time she recognized us. I said to my wife "shall we have the same thing we had last time?" Rebecca even remember what we had the week before! Just for fun we put Andrew to the test after two visits with him as our waiter - he also remembered! They both must have bigger and better hard drives than my desktop. The Chef and his partner Elan are usually present and greet people in a very welcoming manner that makes you realize how dedicated they are to providing the best dining experience for their customers. Needless to say we will be back on a regular basis. I am not going to divulge our favorite brunch dishes, I am fearful that if everyone gets hooked on these same two the menus will soon be narrowed down to those two and we will be deprived of a choice on the off chance that we eventually would like to try something different. Great place with super atmosphere and filled with trendy young people (except us). Keep up the good work Chad and Elan. Just please put the Buffalo pickles on the brunch menu. I know you have the fried pickle po'boy, but how about as a first course?
(5)
Bj S.
I loved everything about this place. Free valet upon arrival. Very nice hostess, who took our coats and had us seated promptly at our reserved time. We sat towards the back, close to the kitchen and we didn't have any problems hearing each other. We loved the open kitchen, actually. The food? Forget about it. We started with the Spiced Sliced Tuna...perfect. She had the crab cake (a real crab cake) with the lobster mac & cheese... phenomenal. I had the seared Mahi-Mahi....amazing. Then, we had the buffalo pickles and the only bad thing is there were like six of them. The Amish Pretzels were fantastic as well. In all honesty, it was the best dinner I had ever had. I've tried and I seriously couldn't think of any way to make the food better. Thanks Chad. My new favorite restaurant.
(5)
Amber H.
This place is great! We had a reservation for Friday night and were immediately seated. Our server was nice, friendly and prompt. We ordered 4 apps in lieu of entrees. They were excellent. We had the pretzel bites with an amazing cheese to dip them in. The tuna sliders were phenomenal. They were cooked perfectly med rare, with spicy sauce. We also had the garlic, herb, shrimp (great), and the bbq pork tacos. The meat was seasoned perfectly and they came with whipped avocado and the most perfect little tortilla shells. Come here if you are looking for a great spot, with nice, seasonal food, for a date night or just a quality dinner and drinks. Between two of us, the cost was $55, not including tip, for the four apps and 1 drink apiece.
(5)
Melody C.
As a lover of The Avenue, I decided on The Food Market for my birthday dinner with family. It was kinda the wrong atmosphere. Very, very loud, the tables are set up like a cafeteria and seating is very cramped. Maybe it was just a busy night but you almost had to yell to speak to someone across the table from you. The tables (at least the ones along the wall) were very short! Granted, I'm pretty tall but it was just not the right size. The food however, was excellent. I had the filet topped with a crab cake (fancy!) and it was great. Thoroughly enjoyed it all. Our table of 8 ordered things from all across the menu and everything was good. The waiter was friendly and quirky, but he never filled up our drinks! I think I had one cocktail during dinner and he never offered to get me another one. The restaurant was busy.. but that shouldn't even matter! Drinks should be full, and stay full. Pretty sure I wouldn't eat here again. The uncomfortableness isn't worth sitting there for dinner, even if the food is good. There are good steaks and crab cakes elsewhere in the city. Really my big problem was how the seating is set up and how loud it was. I do not suggest coming here on a weekend.
(3)
Fracesca T.
We were seated quickly, so we had thought the service would be good-wrong!! I ordered the Baltimore club WITHOUT bacon and my husband ordered the shrimp with grits. My sandwich came WITH bacon. By the time my sandwich arrived, my husband was finished eating!! The shrimp and grits were barely warm. The portions were VERY small. No offer of apology or attempt of appeasement was offered, even though we essentially each ate alone. We waited 15 minutes for dessert to arrive, causing one of us to leave to feed the parking meter. The Heath bar bread pudding was fair. VERY overpriced for what you get!
This is the restaurant Hampden has been waiting for! I absolutely loved our meal here. We had the pretzel bites with beer-cheese fondue, the chickpea burger and the shrimp and grits. They also had a good beer selection, which we took full advantage of. The food AND service was amazing. My only complaint was that the atmosphere was a bit loud (it was a Friday night), but it had great energy. I love that there are prices on the menu for everyone's budget. You can get something fancy and expensive or something fancy and...cheap :) It was so hard to choose what to order, so I cannot wait to go back to try more!
(4)
Michelle A.
Very neat industrial feel. The amish soft pretzels and duck leg scrapple were delicious. Avoid the beard house app wagyu beef, it was cold and overly smokey with muddled flavors (no discernible horseradish or chimichurri flavor). Also had the adjective shrimp with torn bread and the steak frites, both were excellently prepared and well seasoned. The service was great, they gave us extra pretzels for the cheese sauce!
(4)
Dennis K.
Phenomenal !!!! The owners really took their time in crafting an amazing menu. We have been there over a dozen times for dinner and have been so impressed that we used them to cater an event last week which we couldn't be happier with. Great bar, interesting cocktails , sweet Willie cocktail will keep you coming back.
(5)
Robert L.
My wife and I had been looking to try this place for awhile now, and we finally went the other night. The atmosphere was great, but the food and service was only ok. The real winner dishes were the little plates. The steak was a cheap cut of meat and was tough, but priced as an expensive cut. The spinach side was under seasoned, but the buffalo fried pickles and pretzels were fantastic. Overall, I had a nice time, but I won't be rushing back.
(3)
Kate B.
I have been to The Food Market several times since it opened and I have really enjoyed each visit, with the exception of the most recent time. The drinks are creative, the atmosphere is inviting, and the food is delicious. However, when dining there with my sister last Saturday night, the timing of the food left room for improvement. Notably, our appetizers were served within five minutes of ordering and, unfortunately, our entrees were served quickly thereafter while we were no more than half-way through our appetizers. In all, our Saturday evening dinner (9:30 reservation) was essentially over in a half-an-hour. We stayed at the table and chatted over drinks for another half-an-hour. It was a bit disappointing.
(4)
Joe L.
We when for Baltimore restaurant week and the food was amazing! We was a half hour early for our reservation but was seated right away with a crowded restaurant. The food was good from the appetizers to the desserts. I will be back!
(5)
Faisal M.
Excellent. Lobster fingers are crazy good - you will not want to share it and the appetizer portion is a great size. Very friendly and always accommodating even without a reservation. We had a group of 8 show up on Saturday night and they somehow made room for us within 30 minutes - and it was packed. A regular favourite.
(4)
Jim E.
Great restaurant! Had a great table right on the avenue, nice vibe. Wonderful menu - I had the root-beer marinated pork with grits and roasted turnips. Excellent! My wife had scallops over risotto which were equally good. Service was top notch, good beer selections and some very creative cocktails- looking forward to going back and trying the Baltimore club or other items on the menu.
(5)
Kevin W.
The food here was really quite fantastic. I had the lamb kebab, which combined minty-ness with spiciness in a flavor combination I've never tasted before. The decor of the restaurant is quite chic, combining an industrial feel with a lot of natural wood for a welcoming feel. There is complimentary valet, which is cool if you need it, although it's not necessary. There were a couple issues I had, however. First, the Hostess told us there would be a 30 minute wait, which ended up much closer to a 50 minute wait. I highly suggest getting reservations if you plan on eating here. And while our server was quite friendly and nice, it took over 5 minutes to be greeted, and she wasn't terribly quick with refills. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this place, and will definitely be back.
(4)
john f.
this place is awesome. Love the decor, the food was great, and the staff was great. They just opened. but they seem to have their act together right off the bat. Welcomed addition to the Avenue!
(5)
Bryan B.
This place is a foodie's dream! It started with our great server, Ken, who helped us make the best choices. We had super cocktails - French Tease, North Easter, Silk Road - yum. Appetizers not to miss are the buffalo pickles, Amish pretzels and fried oysters. Best entree is the Shrimp Dinner but also loved the scallops, burger and Baltimore club sandwich. Dessert is worth the calories. sweet potato pie and bread pudding to die for. Valet parking, they take reservations and even our 8 year old picky eater loved it. We will be back and highly recommend!
(5)
Stevo P.
The stars above represent an overall review of The Food Market Drinks - 1/5 stars. First off, if you are charging me $10 a drink they better include top shelf liquor. NOT STOLI VODKA, TRIPLE SEC, OR BUFFALO TRACE. We had the rosemary drop and metrojito. Both these "craft cocktails" could have been made by any random person off the street. These were the worst $10 cocktails I have ever had. The bartender was very nice about metrojito being too sweet and replaced it with a Pimlico playboy which was tolerable. I would strongly advise not ordering the cocktails here. Food - 3/5 stars. We had the baby tuna burgers which were excellent. The sauces were both sweet and spicy. Calamari was okay, breaded well and not greasy, but nothing special. The lobster mac n cheese was again moderate. Noodles were over cooked and the sauce was nothing to write home about. There was a fair amount of lobster however given the price ($6). The sauteed spinach was delicious with garlic and oil (but this is not a terribly difficult dish to make). Service: 4/5 See above - bartender switched the drink without question and were very courteous. They could be better about their ability to make drinks however ... Bottom line - Drinks are terrible, food was decent (though limited sampling) and the service was good.
(2)
B B.
I stumbled onto this restaurant from all the great reviews for dinner during restaurant week. Let me start by saying my view on restaurant week. I think it should be an opportunity for people to sample the full menu for the set price or a selection there of. While the menu items available on the right of the menu (rw choices) compared to the ones on the left (regular menu items) seemed as different as night in day. For example RW offerings for seafood were a cod or crab claw appetizer, salmon or shrimp entree. So when I look at the regular menu I see ahi tuna, scallops, lump crabmeat, etc. Now keep in mind most (not all) restaurants that have a special menu for RW have it on opentable or posted on their website. So to my surpise I had in my mind what I wanted until I got to the restaurant and realized of you can choose from this and not that. Needless to say our food was okay. Nothing spectacular. There were a few items from the regular menu that I had wanted to try but from the looks of today's visit we will not be returning. The bread was good. The crab claw appetizer was okay. The cod taco appetizer was so bland! The guacamole was more like a puree. The salmon was ok (can you mess up salmon?!). The potato latke was cold. The squash and zucchini mix was great. The Shrimp was okay, not at all spicy like the waitress stated. The rice was bland. The greens were good. The whipped cheesecake was good. The peach tart.....really can you call a half of peach placed in a pastry shell with whipped cream and makers mark ice cream a tart?! The peach was bland and not sweet at all. This place was a total miss. Could have save half our money and went to 13.5% wine bar instead. Pros: Large entree portions, nice menu, nice drinks, location Cons: Noise (we got there early), location (there is no competition because there is nothing in the areat to compare it to= definitely would not stand upto woodberry kitchen or jackie's in silver spring),
(2)
Stephanie C.
What a treat.... My husband and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary here and I've been talking about it ever since! I'd done some research a few weeks prior and was a bit disappointed that the menu on their website wasn't current (I ONLY came here for the fried lobster!!) but when we ordered our drinks, appetizers and entree, all was forgiven. While we were waiting to be seated we ordered drinks from the bar (gin & tonic and vodka & cranberry) and the bartender was generous. Once we were seated, I should mention that although we had reservations and still had to wait 30 minutes :(, we noticed the beautifully plated Lil' Lamb Porterhouses at the table next to us and had to have it. GREAT CHOICE and a pleasing start to our scrumptious ending of Spaghetti & Crab Meatballs and the Crab Cake. The sherry fra diavolo generously mixed in with the spaghetti had just enough heat for me to still enjoy and the crab cake was lump.com no fillers! We ended the night with the most amazing heath bar bread budding and pleasant conversation with two couples next to us who'd been married for over 20 years and graciously shared some good advice. The Food Market is my new favorite place....
(5)
Kaitlyn G.
Today The Food Market Posted this on their Facebook: "Hello Everyone!! Hot off the press.... Today we will be finishing the install of our beautiful, and highly effective, acoustical panels! For any of you who have dined with us over the past two evenings, and noticed a change in the noise level, thanks for the feedback! We are very excited about the completion of the project, and cannot wait to make your dining experience at The Food Market even more enjoyable! See you all very soon! - Your friends up at The Food Market." so...LOUDNESS SHOULD NO LONGER BE AN ISSUE :-) Now that we don't have to talk about how loud the restaurant is (was), let's talk about the food. The menu is perfect! There is definitely something for everyone, in every portion size you could possibly desire. Want a small plate? They have it. Want a full blown dinner? They have that too. Something in between? Done. The cocktail list is amazing as well. I didn't bother reading the wine list because I was so interested in the cocktails. Last time I went I shared the calamari, which was perfectly cooked, and a huge portion. We ordered it mainly because another table had, and it smelled so good. My date had steak, which was thoroughly enjoyable, good portion size... not expensive steak house caliber, but that's not what our expectations were anyway. I ordered the sea scallops, which utterly blew my mind. The plate was roughly $25, which I found accurate for the portion, there were 5-6 large sea scallops. For the same price elsewhere, you would probably get 4-5, even 3. They were served on top of a delicious risotto, which I was skeptical about initially because it was reddish, and assumably made with red pepper (I hate red pepper...) but it definitely paired perfectly with the scallops. The only thing we ordered that I wouldn't order again was the lobster mac-n-cheese. There wasn't much lobster meat or even lobster flavor to it, and I didn't find it creamy enough. I was disappointed that I was too full to try dessert! Another perk I want to add, they serve brunch FRI-SUN! I was also happy to hear the kitchen is open until 11pm. Out of all of the "New-American" restaurants in Hampden, this one is the best. The menu is solid, the service is great, and it's always busy which definitely says something! The only reason why it gets a 4 instead of a 5 is because the price makes it so I can't dine there more than twice a month. I live a 5 minute walk away and would love to be able to eat here more! A pre-fix menu option could be nice, or some kind of special...maybe a local resident discount? ;-)
(4)
Jamie G.
I so love this place. I am not hating on Bmore but when I am here I feel as if i could be in NYC or Los Angeles. The food is great, whatever you order and it has an ambiance that is not like any Bmore joint Ive been too. The only down side is now every yuppy in the county who normally wouldnt go to hampden cause they thinks its all white trash is flocking here in droves.........
(4)
Alyson P.
I'm not sure where some of these people ate that gave this place poor reviews, but I have been the TFM 3 times now and continue to be blown away! The first time was this summer for dinner....huge, well prepared portions and delicious! The second time was got drinks and snacks...again....absolutely amazing! The third time was this past Saturday with my sister and her boyfriend for restaurant week. Free valet right out front and a pleasant hostess. We had reservations, but our table was not yet ready, so we went to the bar for a drink. Prompt service at the bar and in a few minutes our table was ready. Eagerly greeted by our waiter who explained the menu to us and gave us waters (which were continually refilled without our asking throughout the evening). We all ordered different items from restaurant week. For apps we ordered the potato soup, shrimp and mushroom dip and the chicken poppers. Soup was good, shrimp and mushroom dish was simply amazing...we asked the waiter for more bread to dip in the sauce. The poppers were fried to perfection and not a bit greasy, but I would have liked for pickle flavoring. For meals, we ordered the lamb, duck and pot roast. All were large portions, beautifully presented and tasted wonderfully! I absolutely loved my pot roast which fell apart with ease, was not fatty and was such a large portion that I am having to leftovers for lunch today:) For dessert, we ordered 2 of the bread puddings which were so large that we could not finish them and the berries which was a large plate overflowing with fresh berries. The wine we ordered was also wonderful. I enjoy the minimalist decor and the dried flowers on the table. All in all, love this place and will continue to come back!
(5)
A. C.
(12/16/2012) Stopped in for brunch before hitting the Avenue for some holiday shopping. Bloody Marys were stiff, I tried the "Danish" Bloody, made with horseradish and caraway-infused vodka. You must be a fan of caraway to enjoy this; I don't know what I was thinking, I hate caraway, but sucked it down anyway, the horseradish sear killed a few taste buds on the way down. Being a sucker for hollandaise, got the Crab Benedict (whole wheat english muffins, poached eggs, hollandaise); 3 oz. crab cakes were very lumpy, sweet meat, lightly seasoned to highlight the sweet meat, bound with a little mayo, very little filler, some fresh minced parsley; hollandaise was light, thick, eggy and lemony, only downside was there was not enough of it; eggs were not runny enough for my liking, more like a soft-boiled yolk (I like it to bust out and ooze all over like Mt. Vesuvius). My dining companion's December Benedict (filet, crab cake, poached egg, hollandaise) was the same but with one cake on one muffin and a small 3 oz. filet on the other, looked like a small portion, but hit the spot. Side of pork sausage was heavily seasoned, very lean, two thin overbrowned pucks (too long in the deep-fryer). Breakfast potatoes were crispy deep-fried cubes seasoned like a bag of BBQ potato chips, definitely some sweetness, looked like granulated sugar sprinkled on them, a touch of heat from some cayenne. Place was bustling, pace was somewhat slow (out of the kitchen), interior is shiny, industrial, modern. Brunch menu is mostly the basics, fancified up a little, with a little twist here and there, but not too far out to be creative. Have always liked Chad Gauss' food from when he was at City Cafe, hope this one sticks, def want to try the dinner menu.
(4)
Sean E.
i'm usually not a fan of much talked about expensive restaurants and The Food Market is no exception. i will start on a positive note... a group of friends and i went to the Food Market last night and were immediately impressed by the large Monday night crowd. we made reservations (fortunately) for 7:15pm and were immediately seated as soon as we walked in at a quaint little window table looking out onto the ever evolving hampden avenue. the wait staff were quick and knowledgeable and brought out tasty bread with honey butter along with our ordered appetizers (hot nuts, buffalo pickles, and blue kernel popcorn) with lightning speed. the hot nuts and popcorn were very tasty! although i didn't, the rest of the group really liked the buffalo pickles. unfortunately, the great experience stopped at the appetizers... i ordered the wild halibut with brown basmati rice, sauteed spinach and "melon bubbles." my entree was absolutely devoid of flavor or taste. i ate maybe 1/3rd of the dish and packed the rest to go so that i could feed it to my dog. the price tag for this expensive entree for Zuri (my dog) was $30. oh and the melon bubbles were nothing more that melon flavored foam which i'm still trying to figure out how that added to the meal. in my opinion, it didn't even add to the presentation. my friends thought their food was okay, but nothing special and also desired more flavor. the fried entrees were tasty (french fries, calamari, and tomato), but there wasn't anything special that you wouldn't be able to do at home without the culinary training. conclusion: if you're in the mood for an expensive experience at a chic and trendy restaurant in an up and coming neighborhood (and prefer bland American bistro style food), then the Food Market is the place for YOU! otherwise, you're money will be better spent at Woodberry Kitchen or you could even save some money by going to numerous other tasty restaurants in the area (GoldenWest Cafe is very close by)!
(3)
Bob S.
Excellent food and excellent service. But, a bit overpriced for what they were serving. And, way overcrowded for the quality of restaurant. In any other city, it's a high-end restaurant that has a few loyal patrons. Here in Baltimore, they do not take reservations, and it's an hour wait on a Saturday night. I guess y dining experience wasn't helped by being seated between a 10 top of loud, drunk people (on one side) and the kitchen (on the other side). At least we weren't seated by the restrooms. I would go back, but not on a weekend night. There are too many good restaurants to have to wait that long.
(4)
David W.
Good place. Still working out the kinks. For example, once recently we were seated and then not acknowledged for 15 minutes. The food has some missteps too - like the head-on shrimp in the shrimp and grits - impossible to deal with shrimp so covered in sauce and grits. But hopefully they'll get this all squared away - so I can add a star or two.
(2)
Marcia S.
We had the opportunity to have dinner at the Food Market this past week and it absolutely lived up to our expectations. We shared the potato skin with duck breast and, though pretty rich, is was a delicious start to our meal. The wild rockfish was superb, as was the accompanying lobster potato cake...WOW! The shrimp with grits was really good, though not in comparison to some of Charleston's restaurants, but great for Baltimore. We again shared dessert....the heath bar bread pudding which was the perfect finish to a wonderful dinner. Ken was our server and he couldn't have been better, from making us feel very welcome to checking in often enough to make sure we were enjoying our meal but not overly so. I look forward to many more meals at the Food Market.
(5)
Tanja P.
Bartender was friendly and made excellent recommendations for apps. Get the fried oysters!
(5)
Elie R.
I just wish it wasn't so hard to get a seat here without a reservation-- We have eaten at the bar 3 times and took our parents here for a real reservation once-- Beautifully done place, fabulous food, great ambience. Awesome handmade cocktails. Virgin cocktails too which is a nice touch. Menu was created with love. Maybe not the best for vegetarians, but there are options. The artwork is amazing--I found out the artist is Joel Cohen, and he created the work just for this restaurant.
(5)
Marie J.
Love the Food Market. I've eaten here 4 - 5 times and never been disappointed. Each dish I've had has been well designed and tasty. Service has been good. I may occasionally dream about the beer cheese and soft pretzels. But I'm a sucker for cheese and bread. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Be aware, this is not the place you want to go for an intimate conversation. Although they have made improvements since they opened, it's still a bit loud with tables that are close to each other. But the food is totally worth the noise. Did I mention the absurdly well flavored food?
(5)
Dave D.
Okay food, okay service, nice atmosphere. Everyone enjoyed their food but this resaurant seems to be aspiring to a culinary goal that they just aren't achieving. For these prices, try 13.5 Winebar just down the street.
(3)
Grace Y.
Best brunch in town! If you can get a seat anywhere in the place, DO IT!
(5)
Jesse G.
The Food Market is one of the best restaurants I've ever been too. There is not one thing on the menu that would disappoint. The buffalo pickles were incredible. Fried pickles are somewhat of a common dish, but the spin on this with buffalo mix makes this one of the best dishes on the menu. The crab cake was huge, not overly cakey and was excellent. The scallops are amazing. Cooked to perfection with the perfect seasoning this dish was my tables favorite. My table also enjoyed the lamb dish and steak frites, both nothing short then spectacular. The waiter/waitress staff was great as well as the rest of the staff. Coming up from DC in tons of traffic, on a snowy day had us over 2 hours late for a reservation, the hostess I spoke to on the phone was understanding and accomodating. AND IT WAS FRIDAY NIGHT! Compliments to Chad Gauss for delivering superb dishes and Elan Kotz for opening a gem in Baltimore.
(5)
C M.
New favorite. Attentive service, nice dining area, and the chef came over to say hi. It turned out my date knew him, but I saw him paying this same attention to other tables as well. Duck confit potato skins are too large to be a "real" potato skin but it doesn't matter because they are delicious. I want to watch a video to learn how they got the potato like that. I actually said to the chef "this thing is a f*&%ing revelation!" (real smooth, haha) Steak frites was an unadventurous choice but it was a great rendition. For desserts, I ordered the cheesecake and my date ordered the heath bar bread pudding. The dessert menu has a picture of the chef's kid on it, which was cute. There is no note that the cheesecake is deconstructed, but it was still great. Cheesecake part was whipped, lemony and not heavy at all, the graham part appeared house-made, and it was covered in blueberries. I stole some bites of the heath bread pudding and it tastes exactly as you would imagine- rich, spongey, salty sweet. Would absolutely go back, planning to already.
(4)
Tracy B.
Loved this place! The Buffalo Pickles are delicious! The steak of the Steak Frites is also good, but the frites are definitely too salty....I couldn't really eat them. Really cool spot with a great menu, will definitely return!
(5)
Gerald G.
Food market is always good. We have been there now 5-6 times and each experience was pleasant. This is our go to place for dinner meetings.
(5)
Nancy O.
Small plate winey shrimp is fantastic as is the atmosphere. Great place. We had drinks and small plates at the bar. Would have given 5 stars if the bartender would have been a little more friendly.
(4)
Dan S.
Came here for brunch and am not a fan, despite the nice setting, the food and service were subpar. The whole phony baloney hiptster place - with cool sounding food ("Pat Lafrieda burger, "house" donuts, "vegan" and "gluten free") poorly executed a big turnoff. From the way the hostess checked her phone messages before seating us and then sat us right on top of another table despite most tables being empty, from her asking loudly of the many staff hanging around if they wanted a table. Things got worse from there. We sat right next to the kitchen so we got to see our orders sitting there for a long time, just sitting, I asked a watier who was standing around if he could bring it but he said they were making the potatoes. The potatoes and the food came - little tiny bits of fried chopped potatoes - with sugar on them - and other foods, my partner had the breakfast croissant which had almost too much bacon on it (he liked it). I had the breakfast cobb salad - which said it was eggs, bacon, peppers, potatoes and lettuce w/ ranch dressing, sounded interesting. Well, it was a plain tossed salad with one halved undercooked soft boiled egg on the side and some weird roasted red peppers thrown in. I told the waiter I didn't like and he kindly offered another dish - this time it was the tacos with turkey sausage - after 20 minutes little unattractive spheres of soft burrito shell came on a plate, each round shell had some grossly red, disgustingly spicy room temperature crumbly sausage, some shredded cheese, some salsa and some egg (luckily this was scrambled and cooked!) Tables remained unbussed, staff people stood over our food as it waited from the kitchen, others stood around checking their phones, then cleaning the area with their towel, then checking their phone, then putting garnish on the food with their bare hands (use tongs people!) Ewwww! For a well decorated place that is also well situated on the "block" the service and food were subpar. If this was chopped, this food would be chopped. But it's Baltimore with few options, so people think it is good.
(2)
Aileen P.
Had the steak frites. Steak was good, but fries not too flavorful and kind of dry. Small portions. Friendly service.
(3)
Dina B.
We've been fans of Chef Chad Gauss for a while now, and we were sad when he left the City Cafe, one of our go-to places. But, we are delighted that he took a sad shell of a shop in Hampden and turned it into a chic restaurant with terrific food. The place was packed on a Sunday night, but we were seated right away, and the waitress was friendly and made helpful suggestions about how to navigate the menu. The menu is designed as little, small, big, and everything in between. I think we wanted to try each and every item in the little plates section. We settled on old bay chips and pretzels with fondue. I knew I would be eating off of everyone's plates, so I had a Greek salad and the salt and pepper tuna, which was a perfect size and so fresh. My husband ordered the chicken and biscuit and the spaghetti and crab meatballs; both excellent. We also tried the bread pudding and dirt cup (it needed more gummy worms) for dessert. The menu had too many choices, so we already made our next reservation to go back. We did have a glitch but didn't hold it against the place-- as soon as our appetizers came, our entrees came as well. We sent the dishes back, the waitress took full responsibility, and the manager apologized. We were not concerned because the dishes came out perfect. The restaurant is also very loud. We really had trouble hearing ourselves, but it quieted down after the restaurant started to clear out. I envy all those folks in Hampden who are close to such great restaurants, including the Food Market.
(4)
Patrick H.
Amazing, Creative food...Bartenders are awesome especially Andy and Valerie...Favorites have to be either of the shrimp dishes with the deliscious sauces.Get the Bread pudding but add honey graham ice cream!! I've eaten all over Baltimore and this is def in my top 5
(5)
Matt M.
Nice atmosphere, was energetic for Sunday brunch. French toast yummy.
(4)
Carol M.
Read the reviews and they weren't wrong! This place has some great food! Went this evening for dinner. So many choices.....we ended up with Risotto crusted mozzarella, tuna burgers, cracker fried oysters, pork tacos and that really long named spicy shrimp. Nothing sucked!! As a matter of fact, it was all very good! The mozzarella was a nice start. A crispy big egg shaped (like those Easter ones) creation with a little red sauce on the side. After a little salt and pepper, it was hard to stop eating it!! Promised the hubby half, so, a deal's a deal. Little tuna burgers. Yep, I thought they would be too bready for just tuna. NOT!! So delicious. Would say this was the best of our dishes. The garnishes with the burger just brought it all together. Spicy, ....juicy.....ok, I don't remember all the adjectives, but the shrimp dish was excellent. oh yeah, but, the torn bread is soaked in all the goodness, so, now you have to use a knife and fork to eat it. (either cut it smaller or put it on the side) It's a bit messy because the bread is so dense for cutting. Hubby loved the pork tacos. I got a tiny taste of the bbq pork. Well done. Service was good. Ladies weren't brimming with personality but, they were right time with our drinks and needs. BTW we sat at the bar. Nothing on the website mentions a bar. Hate tables!! Just saying. Glad there was a bar and they could accommodate us. We are looking forward to going back to try all the other options on the menu!!
(4)
Catherine S.
Went with a group of friends for a birthday dinner; we made a reservation since it was Sunday and there were 8 of us, and we had a great table right in the window. (Definitely make a reservation; as we got up to leave there were many people standing around waiting for tables!) We had: burrata with tomatoes (simple and fresh, very good), fried mozzarella (also very good), hot nuts (fun for sharing and very tasty), the calamari (kind of meh; was expecting more heat based on the menu description, and didn't get much lemon flavor either), and the table favorite- buffalo pickles. If you're with more than 4 people, get two orders because they are addictive! The special that night was a grilled branzino, which was fantastic. I love branzino but sometimes don't feel like doing the dissection necessary to really enjoy it, so luckily this was two fillets grilled perfectly. It came with mashed potatoes that everyone at the table kept stealing bites of, they were that good. Those that ordered the steak frites had their steaks quite overdone pretty much across the board, which was disappointing. The sauce and fries were both good, though. The buffalo steak fared a little better and was nicely cooked. The salmon was nicely cooked as well, and had a very flavorful herb oil with it. Lamb meatballs were pretty tasty if just a touch dry. Overall it was a good experience, the service was decent (server made a few mistakes, forgot some things) and the food was worth the price without being overly fussy. I'd definitely recommend it.
(4)
Sarah J.
If I could, I would make love to this restaurant.....over and over again. BY FAR the yummiest restaurant I've ever eaten at in Baltimore. The popcorn is a MUST!!!
(5)
Mati K.
I have been to The Food market several times and enjoyed my meal there every time very much. My last visit was surprisingly much better. The restaurant used to be quite noisy in the past and apparently they just spent a lot of money and installed acoustical panels everywhere that brought the noise level down a lot. This is now my most favorite restaurant in Baltimore, you have to try it!
(5)
Robin M.
Great space and good food spoiled by being so VERY VERY LOUD. You really can't hear yourself speak in this place; what were the archtitects thinking. Noise levels around the illegal level, well into 100dB when I was there.
(4)
Joy Leah S.
Had dinner at The Food Market this past Wednesday. Overall, it was a good experience, but there were a few things I wasn't pleased with. The first and biggest issue was the noise, wow. It was so loud in there that I couldn't have a conversation with my friend, sitting directly across from me, without shouting. Something needs to be addressed there, perhaps acoustic tiles of some sort? Second thing was the feeling of being hovered over. The staff seems to all congregate in a back hall and lean at entrance to it, which puts them right up next to patrons who are trying to enjoy dinner. Very uncomfortable. Lastly, my meal was less than stellar. I had the Pork Schnitzel. It was overcooked and dry. Actually had difficulty cutting through it with the knife provided, so I gave up halfway through the first piece. Thankfully, my companions dinner (Bison Steak) was very tasty and we ended up splitting it. Was done perfectly and would order it again in a heart beat. I am a bit disappointed that management seemed to be walking about through our whole experience, yet never stopped once at our table to see how things were, but stopped at everyone around us. Having said that, our server was wonderful. Very attentive and quick to get us what we needed. Food service was fast and drinks from the bar were great. Would recommend the restaurant, but perhaps sitting up front by the bar where it's slightly quieter. Hard to compete with all the tables and the open kitchen. Staff is friendly and accommodating.
(4)
A D.
I've now been to the Food Market twice. It's become one of my favorite restaurants in the Baltimore area. The food is simply awesome and I've appreciated the managers taking an interest in checking in on us to make sure we are happy. The crab cakes are incredible (and huge). Can't go wrong with the burgers (beef or bison) and the salads are really good, too. The only criticism that I would have is that it's a little loud in there, especially when the bar is packed. But it adds to the atmosphere.
(5)
Kelly M.
The neighborhood has been abuzz with talk of The Food Market and I finally made it there last night. We had a reservation but arrived very late, the staff was forgiving and did there best to try and accommodate us but eventually I told them to just go ahead and give our resi to someone else while we waited for our entire party to arrive. When we were finally ready they asked us if we wanted to sit at the "community table" - I didn't know they had one! We were totally game and it turned out to be a great call. The large wooden table is right in front of the open kitchen so we could see all the action and was large enough that we never felt like we were on top of other people and it was nice to strike up some random conversations. I would definitely sit there again. Now let's get down to business, the food: AHmazing! The menu is inventive and creative and well thought out and totally lacking in pretension. You can order off the "Little" "Small" "Big" "In Between" and "Everything After". Fun! We ordered the Buffalo Pickles which were so awesome and addictive. Crunchy, savory, with nice heat from the hot sauce and creaminess from the gorgonzola. The amish pretzels with the fondue were also really good but not as mind-blowing as the pickles. We also ordered the cracker fried oysters which were cooked to perfection and super tasty. The salt & pepper tuna was also perfectly seared and served with fresh greens and marinated cucumbers to give a nice fresh accent. Lastly, we ordered the famous lobster fingers with fries. They were also really good, but the one caveat I have is the breading seemed a little heavier than it needed to be. However the lobster was perfectly tender and the honey mustard dipping sauce was really good too. And how often do you notice honey mustard? We also ordered some drinks. I tried the Hampden Hurricane and the Gin Ne Say Pa. The hurricane was not for me. I thought it would be fruitier than it was, but seeing as I've never had a hurricane before I'm not sure I'm the right judge. The Gin drink was much more to my liking with muddled blackberries and basil leaves. Light, fruity, refreshing, perfect. All in all we ended up spending about $100 for two people, 2 drinks each and tons of great food. All in all a really great deal. I will be back soon and often! Oh, and they have free valet parking :)
(5)
Tiffani M.
I went to The Food Market on Friday with 3 friends, it was packed!! We made reservations and were seated promptly. Our waitress was really patient, gave great recommendations, and always had a smile on her face. We ordered the buffalo pickles, cracker fried oysters, and the loaded fries...everything was delicious!! The buffalo pickles were excellent, crispy, tangy, with a kick. They served us warm bread and butter..can I say, I feel in love with the creamy sweet butter!!! I ordered the Fried chicken box (it was ok, you can't really mess up fried chicken breast chunks), my friends ordered the Calamari (fried well and served with some sort of sweet pepper syrup), the Wild Salmon (looked delish, tasted great) and the Scallops (which I didn't taste, but got raving reviews. We also ordered the Strawberry Basil Snowball and that was tasty. I had the Heathbar bread pudding, which was Divine!! I love bread pudding, but find that most are a little too wet, this was right in the middle of firm but moist. Overall....I will definitely be going back.
(4)
Darcy P.
been there a few times and what strikes me ALWAYS is how loud it is. like crazy loud. as in can't talk to yourself, let alone someone else loud. I know it's on purpose and I certainly am not a quiet kid, but this place is SO loud. it's always crowded and while I don't dislike it, I feel like it's crowded because it's the place to be, not because it's awesome. I know people will disagree. the drinks are good and pricey. i've had several of the food dishes, but all tended to be on the greasy side (some by design, like the fried chicken, but others, just not well executed). i wanted to love it. I (embarrassingly) love fried chicken. but it just wasn't that great. just greasy. honestly, royal farms is better (though they do have excellent fried chicken!). i was excited. but now I tend to walk on by. go ahead and try though. people tend to love it...just not me.
The food was very good and offered a large variety. Prices were fair considering quality and quantity. One disappointment was the noise level. It was extremely hard to have a conversation with your guests. We were lucky to be seated somewhat to the back of the restaurant, but I couldn't have imagined what the noise level was close to the kitchen area. Hopefully they will do something about that soon because we would like to go back and bring friends, but we would also like to be able to have a conversation with them!
(4)
Phil L.
good food, awesome owners! worth checking out!
(4)
Siddharth M.
I went there for lunch by myself. I had heard a lot about the place and wanted to check it out. Because it was just me, I was given the option of having a table or sitting on the bar. I chose the bar. The bartenders were polite and helpful. When I asked my server to suggest seafood specials, he gave some good suggestions on the menu instead of just the expensive ones. I decide to have Shrimp and Grits. My biggest concern coming in was that the quantity would not match the price. I had no doubt that the food would be top notch and it did not let me down. The sauce on the grits and the shrimp was very good and spicy to lend taste to the usually tasteless grits. Shrimp was also well cooked. The quantity was also big enough for me to have a very filling meal (and I have a large appetite). I'll come by again to try other things on the menu.
(4)
Hank M.
I enjoyed brunch here, but recently I had curried chick peas for dinner, and they were awful. It is also very noisy.
(2)
Dirty T.
Atmosphere: nice, though loud. I enjoy restaurants that are this level of "fancy". Nice, but not too fancy/stuffy Service: five stars. Great waiter. Extremely fast kitchen and bar Food: Pretzels w/ beer fondue: salty and delish Tuna meatballs: over-seasoned. Did nothing for me Brown sugar pork belly: decent. Not the best pork belly I've ever had, but not bad. The brown sugar was fine, but the dish lacked excitement/depth Fried oysters: fantastic. Cooked perfectly. The breading was not heavy or greasy. tasty oysters Brussels sprout salad: much to my surprise, this was my favorite dish. Cooked perfectly. Flavored all worked really well together. I'd go back for this alone.
(4)
Tracy D.
So disappointed. First off the red wines were very oxidized. They had obviously been opened a long time ago. I considered saying something, but it seemed like an obvious thing? Not sure. The bartender recommended the lobster roll, said his Boston friend approved. The lobster was old and the bread was stale. I regret not mentioning any of this stuff to the wait staff, but it's hard to call out every aspect of the meal. I won't be going back. Service was great and prompt. That was only redeeming thing. Maybe it was better a while ago and has only recently gone down hill? A waste of money.
(2)
Jo W.
Busy place. Reminded me of restaurants in bigger cities - lots of hustle and bustle but the food was well worth it. Lobster roll was excellent!
(4)
Nathan V.
This was the first restaurant we tried in Hampden when we were looking to move here. I wish I could remember the waiter's name because he was great. We had a full meal of appetizers, drinks, dinner, and dessert and do not have one complaint. The seared tuna appetizers was perfectly cooked! Everything from start to finish was great. They have community tables in some parts of the restaurant which made us feel like we were back in Chicago. They might not be for everyone but I think it adds to the ambiance. This was a great experience and I will add an update when we return.
(5)
Devonshire B.
I am a bit irked that I wasted $40+ on this place (for my meal only). Well, a little more than 'a bit irked'. We were promptly seated at our reservation time, which was great. But that was the best thing about this place. First off, the decor is sparse. I love the white washed walls and the minimalistic approach, but that's only one wall. The other wall was built with some sort of sliding matte sheet metal. It almost looked like it should have had chalk writing on it. The chairs were very cheap looking. Almost like you'd find them outside at a bland cafe. The thing that was most off-putting was the table centerpiece. It was a little jar a quarter filled with water. In that jar were 2 dried thistle flowers and a group of what looked like tumbleweed buds. I'm not really sure. I mean...if this was a western-styled eatery, it'd be perfect. But I felt like they chose this piece because it lacked the necessity of attention. It looked dead already, so no need to keep it fresh! But I didn't come here for the decor. I came here for the menu (Restaurant Week). Aaaaaaand I was disappointed. Majorly. It began with cold spongy Italian bread and oil. Not horrible, but when it was filled up again, the bread was luke warm. Was it supposed to be cold or hot?! It was just confusing. The first course ('some') consisted of a watery sweet cayenne broth with shrimp, mushrooms and 3 small pieces of floating torn bread. It was really odd. I didn't expect it to be sweet, and it wasn't horrible, but I was put off by the fact that I was tasting something really unexpected. If it had been a pleasant surprise, sure! But it was weird tasting. The shrimp were cooked well, but they were unseasoned and lacked mmph. My S.O. ordered the chicken poppers. They barely tasted of pickles, which is why we ordered them. The breading was just breading and the chicken was just chicken. Nothing special. Quite honestly, I find Chic-fil-a to be more appetizing. Our next course ('more') was the worst part. I got the Dan plate. My S.O. got the duck breast. Both dishes were mildly warm (and took forever to come out). My mushroom risotto had some insane funky smell/flavour. It made me queasy- so much, that I couldn't even finish eating it. I have no idea what was in it and what could have caused such a reaction in my stomach. Maybe it was the huge chunks of fennel? The over powering garlic? I rarely have issues with these things, but good lord. I couldn't do it. The pork belly was ok, but everything on that plate was satiated with that off putting smell and taste. The duck breast was ok. A little on the boring side and the parsnip(?) mash wasn't complimentary. It really was not a good meal. I was very disappointed and didn't enjoy feeling queasy. After waiting a long time for the server to realize we had finished, we ordered our dessert ('please'). I had the cinnamon crunch warm rice pudding and my S.O. had the health bar bread pudding. Both were extremely dry and left much room for improvement. My rice was almost al dente and had no spices or flavour save the 3 measly crumbles of cinnamon toast crunch cereal on top. The bread pudding was huge! And burned. Ugh, ugh, ugh, so annoyed that I had to pay for this! I will not be coming back here again and I do not suggest you give it a try.
(1)
daniel c.
great food! but they literally pack you in the restaurant and cant hear yourself or your date. but worth it
(5)
Alvin G.
I began to loose faith in the nightlife quality of food until I ran into this place with a few friends. Very chic place to eat, I can definitely see this place being the "it place" to go to in order to show off to some friends but not be too nervous about not knowing what you're ordering off the menu. From scallops to hamburger, lobster nuggets to pan seared filets this menu has everything you want. Everytime I go, it's an awesome experience, free valet parking, great waiting staff, you can see the chef prepare your meal, and the drink menu is awesome. First date or anniversary, this place is a must attend in Baltimore City
(4)
Trang P.
WOW WOW WOW! Finally, a restaurant where every single thing you order is amazing! We went for brunch and ordered the french toast dippers, jammin' good sandwich, and smokey bowl. For drinks, we had a coffee and iced coffee- both superb. Trust me, coffee can be messed up. We were practically licking the crumbs from the french toast plate. The jammin' good sandwich came on house made ciabatta bread which was so freakin' good. Seriously, the BEST breakfast sandwich ever. All dishes were perfectly executed. Our server was excellent, almost as if she had mind-reading powers. She was always on point. Now, we just have to keep coming back to try everything on the menu. YES, it is that sort of place.
(5)
M F.
I've been to The Food Market three times for dinner, and it was really good every time! I've tried some of the following menu staples that did not disappoint: amish soft pretzels, risotto crusted mozzarella, garlic shrimp, sea bass, scallops and steak frites. The only item that was NOT very good and I would not order again was the risotto crusted mozzarella. It was average and rather bland. The drink I always order is The Nico. Very light and refreshing, though a little on the pricey side. In general the menu is a bit pricey for the portion sizes. No single item on the menu is large enough to be ordered in and of itself. An appetizer or two for the table is a must if you want to leave feeling remotely full. The atmosphere and ambiance are nice and upbeat. It is always loud and energetic!
(4)
Logan G.
i love this place. i would come here for the bread alone. i do find their food inconsistent at times, but that crab cake soup is mind blowingly good. it's always perfect with huge lumps of crab. the service is great... these servers care if you like your food or not. one time we got the mussels and they were terrible, barely touched them and the waitress didn't charge us for them. that's service! i hate the way the seating is arranged in this place. even if you're at a private table you're still knocking elbows with the person at the table next to you. my suggestion is to sit a the community table. way more room.
(4)
Reed B.
Really good drinks at the bar, good/interesting food, a bit pricey, but overall a fun place to take a date. The customer base tends to be a little more "posh" than the typical hipster Hampden crowd (perhaps due to the valet parking out front) but it's still located right in the middle of The Avenue, so you still get local rustic/boutique feeling of it's surroundings.
(4)
Vitaly O.
trendy place. food is good. I will go back again.
(5)
Lalz A.
Very unique venue. Offers fresh food and ingredients. Very delicious! Lovely place for brunch with friends on sundays! Check out my blog post for more details and pictures: adayinthelalz.blogspot.c…
(5)
Deborah G.
We had a lovely dinner in which the entrees were the best part of the meal. The three of us ordered two salads from the menu but neither were very interesting. However, the main courses of small and large crab cakes and the one salmon dish were excellent. The desserts, a coffee cake with ice cream was tasty but not worth the calories. The bread pudding was so sweet that we needed a dose of insulin to level out the sugar that was ingested by the three of us. The meal was not inexpensive so the kitchen needs to pay more attention to the quality of the salads and the level of sugary ingredients in the food. Our service was excellent as the food was served hot or cold as it should be. The valet parking on a Saturday night in busy Hampden was a nice service. I actually liked the space and the ambiance of the restaurant but a little more attention to detail could raise this to a 5. I gave a four to the entrees as they were delicious.
(4)
Michele C.
Went for a birthday lunch, service was nice. Food was ok, based on reviews I was looking for something amazing but it fell short of my amazing expectations. I do enjoy the area where the restaurant is located. Had a lovely time walking down Main Street.
(3)
Jarrod F.
Finally a restaurant in Hamden worthy of its stature where both pretentious hipsters and normal people can dine together in holy matrimony.. Whether your a struggling musician who only wears jeans that suck the fat out of your thighs, or your just looking for something a bit eclectic and different from the norm of modern American cuisine... the market delivers the food you want to eat. Now the atmosphere of this place is a bit cold and hollow. The chairs are perhaps my biggest peeve. I literally had a hard time sitting for an hour. I felt like my tailbone was going to break by the end of the night and be used for saturdays marrow soup special. Anyways onto the food we actually ate... The crab soup with heapings of cream was dangerously delicious.. The shrimp app with the 7 names was the highlight of the evening as well as the Baltimore po boy!!! I'm not a sandwich man but that was awesomeness on a plate, straight up. So 10lbs later I can safely say I'm looking forward to a return trip to the market. Only this time I'm bringing a seat cushion and wearing spandex.
(4)
Alexandria Z.
Was excited to try this place after seeing a lot of good reviews but was not impressed by the brunch. Paid an unreasonable amount of $$ for an omelette I could've made better at home. I did enjoy the atmosphere and decor, though, and the slices of pound cake they brought out at the start. May go back for dinner and reevaluate.
Overall a very good dinner place. The crispy lobster fingers tasted just like the pictures look...yummy and deep fried. The Amish soft pretzels on the other hand taste much better than they look. They are hot, salty on the outside and have a dipping sauce that complements them well. The little crabcake tasted good, but I hold high standards for Baltimore, and so it falls in the average range. They are nothing close to my favorite at Faidley's. The lobster mac and cheese that came with the crab cake was actually really good though and totally saved the entree. The shrimp dinner was a cajun style meal that was pretty creamy and heavy. I would rather not have to pick through the shrimp tails. I also wish it was a bit spicier, but overall it had a nice flavor.
(4)
Emily T.
The Food Market - I will be back. Made reservations here on NYE to celebrate my anniversary with the SO. It was our first time. From walking in and getting our coats checked until the moment we left, the staff was super attentive and everyone in general was very friendly. I feel weird saying that really added to how we loved the place, as that should pretty much be standard, but yeah it isn't. Our waitress, Lily, was adorable and knowledgeable. Plates came out in a timely, orderly manner. The boy ordered more meat centered plates, trying a few "small" plates like the pork belly (his favorite taste of the night) and oysters. We shared the lobster fingers which were delicate and sweet. I ordered the chilean sea bass. Man oh man was I pleased. It was a perfect piece of fish sitting on the most delicious mashed/whipped potatoes I think I've ever had. It was like buttery velvet. The fish melted in my mouth. The fennel added a needed crunch. Just, wow. Ended the dinner with another glass of wine and a shared bread pudding. Simple, but something new with the Heath aspect. We dug it. The manager asked us how our night went, we told him it was excellent and to keep up the good work. We saw him on the floor all night, making sure things were going smoothly all around. Literally have no complaints except for about 45 seconds after we received our entrees we did not have silverware, and I was probably drooling. I can't wait to go back, again for dinner but also for brunch!
(5)
Ashley E.
Oh my goodness, like my favorite restaurant in baltimore. Their brunch is fantastic, the homade wheat bread with a littke strawberry preserve and a french tease cocktail is all a person needs on the weekend. Oh and their cakecakes, shrimp, and lobstermac are favorites of mine. Oh I gotta go back soooooon!!!
(5)
Lily B.
I can't believe we never came here until a couple of weeks ago when we happened to be in the area. It looked Chelsea hip, but the food was even better. We had four small plates: spicy shrimp, street taco, salt and pepper tuna, and lamb. They were all excellent but the most memorable were shrimp. We asked for more bread to soak up the sauce. The tuna was very delicate and the taste wasn't very strong so we wished we had it first. We had a strawberry light dessert which was a perfect ending. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Tracy H.
We went there for dinner tonight. There were 7 of us. We each got something different and it was all excellent. The only "complaint" I have is that it is a little noisy so it is a little hard to hear people at your table talk. Other than that the service was awesome. We would defiantly go back again. I would recommend this restaurant. :)
(5)
Sue P.
Went to dinner for my bday on tues and it was amazing! The good was fantastic and attentive staff! Definitely going to return .. Yummm
(5)
Ria S.
No response when I emailed and messaged them. Got terribly sick and they should of emailed back with at least an apology. Never again.
(1)
Michelle W.
The food here is amazing, whether you're coming for brunch or dinner. Soo delicious it's always hard to choose. I come here just about once a week and I am always full and happy :)
(5)
Patrick C.
This place is fantastic. Great welcoming atmosphere and really friendly and helpful waiter. The beets and lobster fingers were outstanding, and I had the rack of lamb which was perfect. Absolutely lives up to the hype.
(5)
Kojo B.
Food market i just dont know, this will be my second update on this place. Personally, i think their brunch menu is way overpriced, sometime during the summer they offered 50% of the entire bill for brunch, that was a fantastic deal. Went there a couple of times and took advantage of that promotion. I have had their steak frites a couple of times but today the fries were kinda burnt too crispy, and the steak was extremely small. It leads me scratching my head sometimes when i get here.
(3)
Libby F.
Amish Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese is the perfect comfort food. Lobster Roll brings a tear to this New England girl's eye. Always a hit, never a miss.
(5)
Jane V.
So I was visiting my sister over the weekend and typically she uses that as an excuse to check out new restaurants in the Baltimore area so we decided to come here for brunch on Sunday. I think we just beat the crowd and got seated right away. We split the Amish pretzels and I ended up getting the fried chicken and biscuits. Everything we had was SOOO GOOD. I admit, I liked the chicken better here than Miss Shirleys... Anyway, highly recommended. I'll have to suggest this place again when I come down and visit another time =)
(5)
Jen M.
Slight update for our review. We are now big fans of this place (as long as we can sit at the bar). We had hit or miss service at the tables, but the bar service has always been fantastic. We've gone through quite a bit of the menu at this point, and have loved every dish. The cocktails are also reliably tasty and balanced. It's even surprisingly reasonably priced. If you have not eaten here, you must! Seriously, you won't regret it. They also offer valet service for those who don't want to search for parking in Hampden. It's become one of our favorite restaurants. Just make reservations or get there early!
(4)
Brian Y.
The lunch prices are pretty reasonable. Yeah for dinner it's special occasions and restaurant week only for my budget, but a frequent lunch spot since I work in the area. Definitely go here, splurge, you earned it!
(5)
Tyler T.
Went Sunday night for Valentine's Day and the food was amazing as usual.. Had no idea it was restaurant week but a 3 course meal here for only 30 is an amazing deal.. Got the bacon wrapped shrimp wrapped scallops and they were great.. Only came with 4 but it was very filling.. Also for dessert we got the Heath bar bread pudding and the peanut butter pie.. Both were on point!!
(5)
Angela C.
Had a fantastic time while visiting in Baltimore. The food and drinks were amazing - my husband is a picky eater and he even said everything sounded great. The pretzels and shrimp appetizers were both great - for dinner we had sea bass and the pasta with crab meatballs. Thanks to our server for recommending! Service was very friendly and overall had a great experience. Will definitely visit again
(5)
Jane D.
I was excited to test out The Food Market but booooy if I had known what I was getting into I would never have come. The food was ok, not great, but the drinks were almost un-drinkable, and the service was out of control. The hostess (maybe she was even a manager) in particular, when alerted her to a problem was incredibly rude to me and my guest. She made it seem like we were to blame and was annoyed that we had mentioned anything negative. I will never go back. If I want to have somebody judge me, I'll go have dinner at my mother's house. At least there the drinks are strong!
(1)
Michele P.
It was awesome! We had an open table reservation and we were seated right away. Our server was Rebecca and she greeted us minutes after being seated. The cocktails were amazing. I ordered a gin martini dirty and my girlfriend ordered the Pimlico Playboys which she said was so good. We started off with the brown sugar pork belly which was to die for!! We also had the salt and pepper tuna, lamb porterhouses and street tacos....all amazing. The good salsa on the tacos really was so good!! We took Rebecca's recommendations for the lobster fingers and short rib for our main course and we were so grateful. They were amazing dishes. We finished off dinner with the the apple spring roll and the blondie which had a marshmallow garnish that was to die for! The prices were wonderful for such a great meal. Our server was attentive at all the right times but left us to enjoy the company! It was our first time here and we can't wait to come back!
(5)
Christopher S.
Average experience. Pricey for small portions and better options on same street. Alchemy much better option for same price, but better portions, menu and quality
(3)
Catherine P.
MAJOR HEALTH CODE VIOLATION!! If I could give zero stars I would. We went for brunch the other day. Our blood mary's took over 20 minutes to arrive and didn't taste terribly good. But I can excuse slow service especially in a new restaurant. What I cannot excuse was this. My plate arrived at the table with the egg almost falling off and onto the table. The busboy who delivered it then tried to USE HIS HANDS TO LIFT THE EGG BACK ONTO THE TOAST. While I stared at him horrified he then said "my hands are clean." as though that was going to excuse him manhandling my food. We had to ask to have him fry me a new egg since I didn't want the one his hands had literally been all over. After we let our waitress know, she was incredibly apologetic and handled the situation well, but the hostess came over and, glaring at me, told me she heard about what had happened and his hands were clean as though somehow I was unreasonable for not wanting somebody to literally MANHANDLE my food. She was incredibly rude and unapologetic, almost irritated I had even said anything in the first place when that's disgusting by anyone's standards. I will never be going back here.
(1)
Matthew H.
A friend and I went to the Food Market for lunch the other weekend and I have to say that at least what I got wasn't all that great. I have to say though that the Shrimp n Grits app is great and I really enjoyed that. I ended up getting the Lobster Roll and I guess maybe I have spoiled myself with really great ones in Boston but the one at Food Market was pretty poor. It was pretty small for a lobster roll and the meat was pretty salty and had a taste like it had been frozen for quite some time. My friend loved his dish so he would have a different opinion on the experience than me I am sure. I want to like the Food Market so I am going to try it again but now I know that I should stay away from the Lobster Roll. Also we ordered some cocktails that involved muddling fruit, usually when you get those kinds of cocktails at places that serve them the bartender will strain the drink so that you don't have huge chunks of fruit in your drink. It makes it almost impossible to drink it like that. It would be nice if the bartenders would strain the cocktail because I would have drank more of them. That is a relatively nit-picky thing though. Also the service wasn't great and I was going to just let this go but after reading a few more reviews this seems to be a theme. I worked in the industry for almost 10 years as a waiter and then as a bartender, so I sympathize with and know how it is to work in a restaurant. The bartender we had seemed to be more worried about impressing himself than giving us good service.
(3)
Rebecca G.
We're late to the Food Market party - it's been open and popular for a while, close to the house, but... it just hadn't happened yet. We finally made it there for brunch. I have a feeling that our opinion of the meal won't be popular - but we do plan to go back and try dinner there, and give it another chance. His plate: Pat LaFreida burger - diced bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, sesame bun Watermelon Crush - kiwi syrup, fresh lemonade, watermelon puree; ordered w/vodka added Her plate: Heath Bar pancakes - warm maple syrup, side of bacon House-infused Jalapeño Vodka Bloody Mary Our drinks arrived quickly, and while I loved my bloody Mary, we couldn't really distinguish any alcohol in the Watermelon Crush - though it was certainly on the check later. We enjoyed sitting near the kitchen, except when we watched D's fries sit for five minutes before his burger was done. They tasted great, so we would've been better off not knowing, but still - timing is everything! My pancakes looked a little odd when they arrived - two were very pale, one was nicely browned. I started eating and enjoyed the flavor, but not the texture - squishy and practically raw. I tried eating the one that looked done and found that it was burned, with an acrid taste. Unfortunately, our waitress didn't come to check on us for quite a while, so I couldn't really do anything about it. I ate most of the pancakes anyway - thinking they weren't that underdone. I stopped when my stomach started feeling sick, leaving about half of my food - not cool at all. D commented that it sounded like the chef just really didn't want to make pancakes. If that's the case, leave them off the menu! I'm sure it's difficult to cook heath bar pieces inside pancakes, so perhaps they should use a food processor to make the toffee pieces smaller so they'll interfere with cooking less, or make it a kind of topping instead of filling. Also, why note on the menu that they're served with warm maple syrup when it comes in a small jar, cold? In all, probably the worst pancakes I've had in Baltimore. D didn't like his burger, either - he found it underseasoned and a little dry, plus structurally unsound. It definitely wasn't the worst we've had, but it doesn't even compare to the flavor of Artifact/Woodberry's wonderfully seasoned, always perfectly cooked burger. The fries were delicious, though - and the dinner menu always sounds good... A week after we ate there, they were voted best brunch in Baltimore, and the pancakes that I hated got a shout-out in the review, so... maybe we're wrong, maybe we were there on an off day, who knows. We'll give it another shot.
(3)
Crystal S.
Amazing! Went for brunch twice now. Great atmosphere, wonderful food. Try the shrimp and grits!
(5)
Robin R.
Amazing place for brunch! Excellent food and cocktails! Next time I will try a specialty bloody mary....when I ordered a 'bloody mary' , the one that I received lacked flavor....then I saw the specialty menu once seated. Those sounded incredible! Would definitely recommend the pork belly benedict and the smokey bowl. Service was great too. Attentive and friendly. Definitely make a reservation....we had a 115pm, arrived to a packed waiting area and bar. Waited 15 minutes, which was understandable and well worth it. Check it out!
(5)
Jen Y.
I give this place four star because is extremely loud, but the food is great...sea bass is my favorite dish here. The waiters is attentive and friendly.
(4)
Chrissy A.
So incredibly disappointed. I've been here twice before this evening and it was phenomenal. It's not exactly one of a kind but has a very good menu, especially if you have numerous food allergies. My mom, SO and I went out for her birthday and were promptly seated at the group table with another lovely couple. I ordered the pork belly and petite greens and she ordered The Chicken as we waited for our other guest. He arrived roughly 40 minutes later and our food was still not out. When it finally arrived, I cut into the pork belly wondering why it looked so strange and was so difficult to slice. Well, as it turns out it was raw and completely frozen on the inside. Not just a slight chill, but rock solid, frozen as an ice cube in the middle. I realized this after a bite, which was rather unfortunate. I realize in an incredibly busy restaurant this stuff happens, so I sent it back and decided on another menu item. I would have still given this five stars, regardless of this incident if I'd heard a single word of regret from any of the staff. Instead, I received no apology what so ever from our server or the kitchen. I had to wait 20 more minutes to get another menu and order a new dish, while the other 2 in my party had received theirs. Our server was incredibly rude and inattentive. I hate hearing this as much as I hate to say it but I work in the service industry as well and I would absolutely lose my job if I did this. Our server came over 2 other times in a period of 2 and a half hours and only because we called her over. After my new dish finally came out and everyone's plates had been more than finished for 30 minutes, she had not acknowledged us, despite our pleas otherwise. I decided to go ask for the manager so we could at least get desert menus and I could explain the situation. He gave me a brief apology, walked over to our table, said nothing else and left. This is absolutely disgusting service. I cannot stress this enough. It's very much a shame because I love eating here but I honestly cannot see myself going back because of this. Serving an ill prepared dish is excusable, awful service after making what could've been a grave error is not. All I asked for was for an acknowledgement of some sort and received nothing.
(1)
Robert W.
I haven't been back since my initial review and decided it was time to give it another chance. I was pleasantly surprised. Upon entering, it's still really loud and you feel like you're in a club. It could have been the group of drunk girls in the corner or just poor acoustics others have complained about. We were seated about 10 minutes after our 845 reservation and noticed the noise level was much better in the dining room. Service was very good. Polite, attentive without being over bearing. The pork belly, foie were excellent. My gf had the scallops which were properly cooked and the sauteed spinach risotto sides were good. I had the Pat Lafreida burger. Finally a place aside from Maggies Farm that can actually cook a burger to temperature. The meat was juicy but wished it was dry aged. The fries, crinkle cut were crisp and salty, only wished they gave more! Shared the heath bar bread pudding and the blueberry soda float with snicker-doodle cookies. I liked the idea, but I'd prefer root beer and the delicious cookies. So happy we came back, and we will return.
(5)
Jody s.
Fabulous restaurant! Our new favorite in Bmore! We ordered a number of small plates to share- pretzels, nuts, crab dip, beets carpaccio and they were all unique and delicious. Then for main courses two of us ordered the stuffed acorn squash, short ribs, and pork tacos- we loved each one! The acorn squash was stuffed with spaghetti squash, nuts, dried cherries and raisins and topped with brown sugar and butter. Desserts were apple tart and cookie dough logs- yummy! Everything about the restaurant was great- beer and wine list extensive, mocktails were creative and cocktails even more so. Service from our waitress Jenny was great and she was adorable and clearly loved the restaurant! We will be back here!
(5)
Kelly B.
The place was amazing! I loved the food especially the seared tuna with tzatziki sauce. The signature cocktails were very tasty too. My favorite part was the small and little plate options, my friends and I ordered about 10 things and shared everything. This allowed to try so much without breaking our bank. Can't wait to go back
(5)
Joseph V.
I was thoroughly impressed by my first Food Market experience. I had high expectations for this place as it's been on my to-try list for the past two years. Three factors had me concerned going into dinner: 1) birthday dinner reservation 2) party of 6 3) restaurant week. I typically dread restaurant week because these businesses are inundated with the influx of new patrons and the ambience tends to feel tense and chaotic. Sometimes the food quality suffers as a result of the volume of customers. The Food Market held their ground well. When I arrived, my table had been clearly demarcated with "reserved" placards. The host was most accommodating, offering to seat us even though we were early and our party was was incomplete. The presentation was superb, nice place settings with two bottles of wine on the table. The wait staff was on point. They were quick to replenish water, attentive to our needs, and exuded a confident brand of Baltimore professionalism. Though I didn't meet him, my party conveyed that the GM was also friendly and abundantly helpful. As for the food: it was delicious. I was happy to see so much seafood on the menu. I opted for the lobster roll because I'm not typically exposed to the classic sandwich during my routine. The mussels were well seasoned, the pretzel starter was delightful and the braised shortrib was terrific. Props to the Food Market for making my birthday a special night to remember. My restaurant loyalty is usually reserved for the spots that are capable of producing good experiences consistently and I'm glad to add Food Market to the list. Excellent food, good atmosphere, and stellar customer service - a winning combo.
(5)
Rose B.
The Food Market is my new favorite restaurant! Everything I had was outstanding but below were my absolute favorites that I would have to get again. Pretzels- I can't stop dreaming about their handmade pretzels with their spicy beery cheese sauce. Mussels Cocktails- Great specialty drinks! The service and staff were wonderful. After going here there is no question to me why their is typically a long wait on a weekend. Make a reservation! Do it now!
(5)
Jeffrey G.
Great neighborhood restaurant with an eclectic farm to table menu. Staff is very attentive. Crowd at bar friendly.
(5)
Marshall L.
I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to try The Food Market. I think it's a given that a lot of places will experience some growing pains and stumbles when they first open, but The Food Market seems to have established itself and knows its identity now. They know what they're doing, and they're very good at it. First and foremost, the food and drinks were phenomenal. Amongst our group, the three of us had three different drinks, and two different entrees. Everything was incredible. This was the best lobster roll I've ever had. Every other lobster roll I have from this point on will be judged against The Food Market's. The cocktails are also inventive and delicious. Based off what I had, I'll want to go back and try every last thing on the menu. Here's the real kicker...my meal was so good that I barely noticed the group fairly close to us that felt compelled to bring two crying and screaming infants to a restaurant that they clearly have no place being at. But on that note, seriously parents...you made the choice to have kids...please try to demonstrate a modicum of respect for other people who are paying relatively high prices (for the neighborhood) by acknowledging that there are some places where it's inappropriate to bring infants and small children. The service was also great. Very attentive, very friendly. Absolutely no complaints. I also really like the ambience. It's relaxed and classy at the same time. Perfect balance for folks who want a great dining experience, but don't want to feel suffocated by the room. This place is quickly becoming a Baltimore institution. It hits all the right high notes without taking itself too seriously. I look forward to many future visits!
(5)
Gary T.
Food was great, service was quick, and it was all is expect of a $$$ restaurant, including the prices. Please remove the $$ rating.
(4)
Nick C.
They're doing a ton of things right at this place...price to quality is perfect, and environment is incredibly energetic and a great date place. Keep up the good work
(5)
Skip C.
Excellent food, great service, including the valet guys, friendly, honest staff. I will return.
(5)
Jason T.
Clean, crisp, industrial atmosphere on The Avenue in Hampden. The waiter was perfectly attentive, and their menu offerings each seemed to be chosen with care. I went with a ravioli duo (believe one was mushroom, the other squash). Out. of. this. world. Really, really good. Combine that with an adequate beer selection and it was a lovely evening. I've given gift cards to friends and relatives, and would definitely do so again. It's a great mid-range place, and definitely my go-to when I want to treat someone to an excellent meal in the neighborhood without springing for Woodberry Kitchen. I'd give 4.5 stars, because I'm not sure it's "as good as it gets," but it's close enough to round up. Overall a great experience.
(5)
Hillary H.
First time at any place in Hampden. Our party of two was seated promptly at our 8:30 reservation time. We had arrived early and ordered drinks at the bar; I a Market Sling, husband a Natty Boh. Market Sling had different tastes each time I sipped (whisky, then orange, cherry). It was better than I expected! We started with the pork belly which was well prepared - crispy outside, melty inside. I ordered the Ducking Cool with roasted brussels sprouts and whipped parsnips. The parsnips were very light; I loved them. The textural differences between those, the duck (well seared, juicy and tender inside), and the roasted sprouts made my mouth happy. I tasted my husband's boar meatloaf. It was well seasoned, wasn't gamey, yet had depth and substance. I finished with the heath bar bread pudding. The serving was so massive I had to take some home. I'm totally OK with that because it has a great balance of sweet and bread and I will have it for breakfast tomorrow (treat yo self!). Husband had the chocolate cake. I thought it was dry and pretty standard. I would like to go back on a weeknight when there may not be so many people there who are trying so darn hard to be trendy. Perhaps a very early reservation would alleviate that, too. But we are new to the area and it was my birthday so we didn't know any better. We just went for the food. Next time we would probably go as a group, too. It's pretty loud. I loved the big communal table and would love to sit there and meet new people. I also want to try pretty much all the small plates. I considered getting a couple for my meal but am a sucker for duck. Next time! Our waitress, Wendi, was awesome. Totally down to earth, helpful and attentive.
(4)
Will W.
Probably the best brunch in Baltimore. A hop, skip and a jump from where I live, so it's super convenient. Great hangover food from crabcake and pulled pork benedicts to heath bar pancakes. Their bloodys with house made jalapeño vodka is a fantastic meal in itself. The lobster roll sandwich is the go-to lunch item. Only been here for dinner once, so the jury's still out on that. Don't hate fun and check this place out.
(4)
Douglas D.
Very much enjoyed my second visit as much as my first. Food is superb and the service is very good. Each time which I have visited this establishment was for breakfast. My friends have also enjoyed an excellent dinner here as well. The food not only tastes very good but it arrives pleasing to the eyes as well. Breakfast cocktails were also very good.
(5)
Lauren M.
The place has a pretty unique food and drink menu with friendly service and free valet parking. The serving sizes are a bit small based off the price but they are honest about the sizing. The tables are pretty close to each other and I'm not sure it would be great for a large group due to the small nature of the restaurant but all of the food was good and I will definitely go back to try some other menu options.
(4)
anthony m.
Food was eclectic and tasty, atmosphere was fun and laid back, the overall experience is worth the $.
(4)
Cyndi K C.
We went here on a late wed night around 10ish...(our original choice was the 13.5% wine bar but that was closed due to an impromptu renovation apparently) and boy are we glad we did! There was no one there to seat us (minus 1 star) so after several minutes of waiting we sat at the bar but that turned out to be lovely. There was only 1 seated table and several couples at the bar. I really like the vibe of the place. The bartender was so nice and attentive without being pushy. We had the tasty crabbie ginger beer and some wine, the lobster roll, softshell crab and the buffalo, all of which came fast and were super tasty. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Nicole S.
This is a hippie dippy place but I doubt the hippies can afford to eat here. This is definitely a $$$ place (Not $$) The atmosphere is very modern and trendy and the people that work there are way cooler than me. But the crowd that was dining there was an older crowd (40s and over mostly) My boyfriend and I went on a Friday night and in my late 20s I felt like the youngest one there. But as usual you get what you pay for. The food was very good. The service was fast although our server was a little querky she was nice. They give you complimentary bread and olive oil to start. There menu is categorized into "Little" "Small" and "Big" plates (forgive me if the terminology is not exact) We got the fried lobster fingers as an appetizer and the portion was just big enough for two people and that was categorized as a "Small" plate. I got the special of the night the Wagyu steak, which was cooked perfectly to order and the meat itself was delicious. The only critique I have about this entree is that it came with a thin aisan type sauce and the sauce, although good, was so strong that it covered the great flavor of the steak- less is more in this case I think. It came with a side of rice that was served in a little chinese take out box- nice touch. We also had dessert and I can't remember the exact name but it was pudding with a white milk cake and strawberries I think it was called the stawberry trifle- it was very rich and tasty. Overall very good- a bit pricy but I think we would come here again.
(4)
Jess H.
The atmosphere and style of this place was pleasing to the eye upon entering the main room. The service was divine and very accommodating. The beet Rachel/Reuben was the BEST vegetarian sandwich I've had in months. It was delicious!! Rye bread, beets cut really thin, coleslaw, thousand island dressing, and Swiss cheese. The blackberry shaken ice tea put starbucks to shame. I will definitely be back soon!
(5)
Heidi F.
Came here on a date night for restaurant week and was delighted with this place! I ended up ordering off the regular menu and my date got the restaurant week menu. I ordered the amish pretzels and beer cheese, fantastic! The pretzel was soft and cheese creamy packed with flavor. Next up was the super scallops with zucchini risotto, roasted tomato and bacon soubise. This dish was incredible and had a lot of depth. The scallops were cooked perfectly not to mention huge! For dessert we shared the heath bar bread pudding and it was ok but not our favorite. I could go on and on about how good this place is, can't wait to try it again! (FREE valet parking too)
(4)
David C.
Food: good, but overrated & over-priced (lost a star for value) Service: good, friendly Handheld Salads Tasty, but nothing special. A good combination of flavors that were well balanced, but it was not better than a home cook could prepare. It was a bit difficult to eat (bib lettuce would make a better wrap than iceberg, which cracks and falls apart). The presentation was lame-just three pieces of lettuce with diced watermelon and tomato with gorgonzola spooned inside. The bacon crumbles were sprinkled on the plate as a decoration, but they really should have been in the wraps. Bison Steak This came as slices and not a whole steak. The steak had a nice char, but inconsistent seasoning and doneness. The first pieces I had were cooked a perfect medium rare and well seasoned. The rest was rare and under seasoned. The bison was a bit tough and chewy for my liking. The sauce was very good, the crispy potatoes pretty good, and the creamed corn very good-whole kernels of fresh corn with a spicy paprika cream sauce that was not too heavy. The portion was modest for $28 and much smaller than their Steak Frites I spied at the next table. My wife had the local heirloom tomatoes and soft shell crabs. The tomatoes dish did a good job of featuring the great heirlooms that are in season. It's a simple, but underwhelming dish. The soft shell crabs were pretty good. The batter was a bit thick, but they were well cooked. They weren't seasoned very much, but the sauces were very good. The Taharka Brothers lemon basil sorbet was a nice way to finish the meal and it was a very generous portion that is good for sharing. The space is hip and trendy, wide open and pretty noisy when busy. I really appreciate the free valet parking as parking in Hampden can be a challenge. We'll go back, but with adjusted expectations.
(3)
Travis D.
Overpriced, pretentious, awkward. If Hampden in 2013 was a restaurant, it would be the Food Market. The server we had reminded me of a real estate agent at an open house- wary of (working class) looky loos, vaguely pushy, and Minnesota Nice. The atmosphere is, naturally, evocative of a trendy Manhattan eatery circa 2005. Dark, lots of chrome, the whole nine. You might recognize the look from the recent rebranding Ruby Tuesday underwent to appear "more current". The menu is broken down into plate size, and of course an actual adult meal will set you back no less than 25 dollars. The server was so "kind" as to explain to me that the "little" plates did not constitute entrees. How could I have ever guessed? Most of the items on the menu include some silly foam or emulsion, once more reminding me how terrible the food trends of the mid 2000s were. I want to eat my food, not "experience" it. I had the short rib which, in fairness, was well prepared. It was also plated in an almost comically ornate fashion. It may have taken longer to plate the meat than it took to cook it. Cocktails are hilariously overpriced and served in tiny little wine flutes. Naturally. No reason to stop in here, better to simply pitch some quarters down a storm drain and dream of a simple quality meal at a fair price.
(2)
Camille B.
I cannot say enough great things about The Food Market. I've been for brunch, dinner, girls night, restaurant week, and even Mother's Day. It NEVER disappoints. Th staff is incredibly friendly, the menu is creative and perfectly prepared, and the drink menu is simply exquisite. You can easily run your bill up here, but it's worth every penny. But make sure you get at least a drink or two and an appetizer to round out your visit. One of my absolute favorites in Baltimore.
(5)
Stephanie R.
Overall I would rate this a 3.5 Fun atmosphere. Food smelled great. Our food arrived quickly. Variety of choices on the menu. We just weren't as happy with the taste of our food. Don't get me wrong the food was satisfying. Just wasn't as savory and flavorful as the descriptions made us believe think they'd be. I ordered a Moroccan Lamb Wrap and my boyfriend ordered the Pat something burger. Wrap was better than the burger. The burger had a nice smokey flavor but was medium rare not medium and you couldn't taste the onions, cheese additional ingredients. We'd potentially go back, especially if we lived closer to the area. The appetizers that were ordered next to us smelled good.
(3)
Christopher W.
Love this place!! Gives off a farm to table environment that caters very well to groups with no reservations, if you can manage to find seating =) The tables along the side of the restaurant are for reservations (minus bar area) and the long farm table in the middle are for those without reservations (or so I have heard). Due to it being one table you should be friendly and courteous with your neighbors as it is a community table. Ok, so to the drinks. The drinks are actually really well made, not the best, but really tasty. The food... Appetizers were surprisingly fantastic (the pretzels with the cheese dip was excellent along with the tomato salad). Definitely the highlight of my night. Would come back for a drink and appetizer. The main course was average, if not, a little disappointing, especially after having super appetizers that just raised the bar.
(4)
Trenae H.
Iv'e been to The Food Market a few times and the food is good. One of my favs is the Amish soft pretzels with beer cheese fondue. Yummmyyy! The pan roasted pop corn with grated cheese and truffle oil is delightful too..Its light but has a good flavor...I wish they sold this at the movie theaters...Lol. For the main course I always get the crab cake with lobster mac & cheese and green beans. Its great but the mac & cheese could be seasoned more. You can choose between a little or big crab cake. Its a great atmosphere and always busy. If you are looking for a quiet place to dine..this is not it. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They have gluten free options which are a plus. The location is in Hampden which I love the area. Several boutique shops and bars!
(4)
Max P.
Went for Sunday brunch and it was awesome! The service was great, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was great! I had the Papa Johntay, which was amazing. The flatbread was crispy and the it was the perfect amount of sriracha so it wasn't too spicy. My girlfriend's mom ordered an egg white omelet, which came out yellow. She brought it to the attention of the waiter who brought it back. A few minutes later, the chef came out to explain that the egg whites are dyed yellow, but are in fact egg whites (just a note for everyone who orders egg whites). They offered to make her a fresh omelette from real egg whites. Highly Highly recommend for brunch!
(5)
Leslie W.
I make a point of eating at The Food Market every time I'm in Baltimore, it's that good. Consistent quality in the food & drink menus keep people coming back to this swanky spot in Hamden. The one thing that can be a tough sell is the price - it is expensive. This most recent meal, which consisted of one cocktail, a shared appetizer, and an entree, set me back around $50. Not a budget friendly choice, but a delicious one. I started out with the Lil' Lemon Buster ($11) at the bar while we waited for our table. Very tart at first, from the fresh lemon, followed by a kick punch from the tequila. This drink means business! Thankfully, we had the homemade focaccia with olive oil to help soak up the powerful spirits. Other Yelpers will back me up, the fried pickle appetizer ($7) is amazing! I've had friends get double orders of these instead of an entree. They are that good. We shared the pickles and debated what to have for the main event. I also love their hot pretzels with cheese fondue for a shared app. I decided on the little (you can also chose "big") crab cake ($26 or $35). When in Maryland ... The single patty was full of meat with just a little binder. Yum! The Asian style green beans on the side were phenomenal. However, the other side - lobster mac & cheese - was underwhelming. Huge pieces of crustacean are terrific, but the cheese sauce was not as full bodied as I'd hoped and the noodles were a tad limp. Treat yourself to this restaurant and you won't be disappointed. I only wish that my bank account and proximity permitted me more than my annual pilgrimage.
(4)
Ericka S.
Because the owner of The Food Market reached out to me about my review, this is on hold while we figure out who was responsible for messing up my wonderful experience. Thanks Chad. I appreciate it.
(5)
Dale B.
Not to be a buzzkill... I thought this place was good, but definitely doesn't live up to the hype. It's your typical fusion cuisine that you can find all over the area. I think this restaurant was probably a hot spot when it opened, but at this point it's riding off of its reputation, rather striving to innovate and really please customers. I honestly don't remember much about what I ordered because it was frankly pretty forgettable. The cocktail was refreshing and alright, but certainly not worth the $14 I paid for it. I think after spending a little over the $100 mark, we left still a little hungry. If you've never had new-age fusion food before, then you'll likely be impressed. However, if you've lived here for a while and been around the block as far as restaurants go, you'll find this place to be pretty average.
I've been to this place twice and I really like it. My experience was consistent, but better the second time. Things I Liked: - The food is always creative and flavorful. The effort is apparent and successful. I enjoyed a braised beef plate that was both plentiful and easy to enjoy. They have a one page menu, but there are a multitude of options for all tastes. - Appetizers are fun! We tried some sort of beer inspired cheese dip with pretzel dough. Gone in 60 seconds. - DRANKS! Full bar, capable of anything. We tested them. They passed. Drink without fear. - Ambience is intense! This isn't a place to host a business meeting. This is where you go with friends to be loud and merry. The background noise during a full dinner service will consume a table of whisperers. - Valet parking! Yes, it's in the heart of Hampden. But just pull up to the curb and they'll hook you up. Easy money. Things I Didn't Like: - You need reservations in advance, otherwise you might have to park it at the bar for a few. - Chairs are cheap. I'm an athlete. I feel like their about to collapse when I shift around in them. Overall, I cooooooould justify a 5-Star rating. But the food is great, not AMAZING. Great is better than good. I'm not sure how you make the leap though. I'm no chef, just an amateur blogger/reviewer.
I'm happy to say that my second visit to The Food Market was excellent, and I did in fact go on a bad day the first time. Our waitress, Rebecca, was great and provided awesome service. The food was delicious, and so were the cocktails. We took my mom here for Mother's Day and she loved it. I'm so glad we gave The Food Market another shot!
(4)
Aurora A.
4/2/15- Long on my list of must trys, I finally found myself making a reservation for the Food Market when a friend suggested it as the destination for dinner. Ok, this place blew my mind! I actually ended up coming back 2 more times in the the next couple weeks during brunch and spending HOURS sitting at their bar. But those experiences are for another time. On this, my maiden voyage into the Food Market revelry, I was initially just shocked by how incredibly down to earth and unassuming a place that LOOKS as nice as this place is. I had to come straight from work, so I was in hospital scrubs, for goodness sakes. I was definitely on the verge of embarrassment, but, no one batted an eye. not the hosts, not my waiter, not my fellow patrons. No one cared. at all. So once I was done getting over myself, I ordered a drink. I wanted something tasty, not too fruity, or sweet and I got the French Tease. the champagne in the ingredient list, sold me on this drink...and it was the only drink i got b/c it was everything I wanted. If anything, it was maybe bit heavy on the acid side, but all in all, well balance, packed a punch, fun but not overly girly. just right. Moving on to food, we just ordered a bunch of what we didn't know would be amazingly awesome choice. I got a "salad" that I still DREAM About. Roasted, charred in places brussel sprouts, with raw red onions for crispy acridness, with crunch salty meaty bacon, with panko flakes i think all sitting on a remoulade-like but with more of a kick sauce. did i mention that i DREAM about this dish. it is just the perfect combo of flavors, textures, smells, AWESOMENESS. I can't say anything else I had topped this dish, BUT none disappointed either. We also delved into the beauty of some fresh raw oysters simply accompanied with cocktail sauce and lemon. fresh buttery cold ocean-goodness. Then we went back into the vegetable realm with a wonderful cauliflower carrot number atop a "buffalo-feta spread"...crunchy mild cauliflower emboldened but the buffalo cheese sauce, and sweet carrot piece covered in that awesome panko crumblyness (again this is a guess). And finally, for some protein, rare seared ahi tuna with thin-cut marinated cucumbers, some sort of creamy shmear all atop olive oil....perfectly cooked, crusty edges with salt and pepper to add some tang to the fish. proteinatious niceness. Ok, so I didn't have room for anything close to dessert but I can't imagine this place does anything poorly. On my subsequent visits for brunch, i delved deeper into the drink menu (maybe a bit too deeply), trying some wonderfully well prepared spicy jalapeño margaritas, the bubbly good time of their spanish kir, and the Costello. The food market has my heart but to indulge there too often would lead to monetarily bankrupt situation....so moderation is what I must preach now that I know about this gold mine.
(4)
Hurnan V.
Came here for dinner on a Friday evening and I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe, the setting, the decor, and of course, the food. The service was very friendly, attentive, and fast, despite how busy the evening was. There is plenty of street metered parking. We got the street tacos as appetizers, and shared a wild boar rack and pan roasted mussels that came with grilled bread. The street tacos were savory and served with a side of whipped avocado, but the meat was unfortunately a bit too dry for me. The salsa was delicious and zesty though! The wild boar rack was very filling, tender, and served with a creamy, tangy pastrami spice. Definitely a wonderful dining experience, and I hope to be back soon! Tip: call in advance for a reservation!
(5)
Christina H.
It's rare that my husband and I get a night out with friends, but we did and this is the place our friends chose and I am so glad we were able to make it! The food is amazing and the service is great. Complimentary valet service is a plus since finding a parking spot near the restaurant is difficult. We used Open Table to make a reservation for 6:30 pm on Saturday night. Our friends arrived first and they were seated and enjoying drinks when we arrived a few minutes later. The waiter saw us come in and came right over and took our drink order. The menu is pretty extensive and everything looks so good. It took awhile to narrow down our selections, but we managed to choose a few appetizers and entrees. Anything labeled with a "..." after the title could be made gluten free, which was great for us since someone in our group has GF intolerance. Too bad for her, she couldn't enjoy the amazing bread they brought around to all of the tables! We had seared salt & pepper tuna, pan roasted popcorn and fried mussels for our appetizers and we all shared. Everything was really good, but I especially loved the truffle oil on the popcorn! For my main meal, I chose the griddled lamb porterhouses and my husband chose the crab cake. Both were absolutely amazing. Our friends chose the Dijon Crusted Rack of Lamb and Beef Short Rib. I got to try those as well and....wait for it...also amazing! We have been talking about The Food Market nonstop since our visit and we can't wait to go back! The reviews on here rave that the brunch is better than dinner, so now we HAVE to try it!
(5)
Nicholas F.
This place is truly remarkable. What a fresh and inviting space, and they boast such wonderful, attentive service. Everything on the menu sounds good, with no throw-away options. My favorites so far: the lobster roll, avocado toast, and fried pickles. The bread pudding was fantastic as well. I really can't recommend this place enough, and I may consider this in my top few for brunch picks. The bloody Mary's were also well done. Highly recommend.
(5)
Kateri R.
Tonight was my first time here as a surprise and I must say not only was I surprised but I left satisfied! I ordered the Super Scallops which were delicious. The entree came with Zucchini and bacon risotto and the cutest roasted cherry tomatoes! The best part is they're open late so if your getting off the late shift you can stop by for an excellent meal! Hands down the best meal I've had this late at night
(5)
Angie B.
Tremendous breakfast, did not disappoint our weekend visitor accustomed to New York brunch. Twice now I have ordered the Smokey Bowl: delicious eggs Benedict atop crisp English muffins drizzled with Gouda, alongside banging bacon strips and perfect potatoes. The Crab Benedict was essentially two crab cakes atop English muffins, also a treat. We adored the buffalo fried pickles with Gorgonzola dipping sauce. We didn't imbibe but the morning cocktail menu looks fun and interesting. We made a reservation. Parking is almost always easy in Hampden, especially in the morning.
(5)
Sarah S.
This is hands down my FAVORITE place to eat! Everyone is so knowledgeable of the food and everything that I've had has been amazing! I do however caution anyone that orders anything with crab cakes in it that I've heard complaints of shells being in the meat numerous times. For a gluten free person though, it doesn't get much better than this!
(5)
Amy L.
Came here for Saturday brunch with the bf after a nice stroll along the Avenue. The decor looked modern (with an exposed kitchen and beautiful high ceilings) and the menu promising, so we decided to give it a try. And we're glad we did! We were served pound cake as a complimentary starter. This is different from your typical bread basket, I guess. The bf loved it, but I thought it tasted a bit too much like Entenmann's :/ He order the blackened chicken fold (basically a naan wrap), which he liked a lot. And I ordered the avocado toast off their "Funchies" menu. It was a ciabatta bread topped with whipped goat cheese, smoked salmon, and a poached egg nestled in half an avocado. It was a beautiful plate and a tasty one too! The ensemble was light and refreshing (perfect portion if you don't want to be completely stuffed!). It's always a bit difficult to attack (i.e, eat) a layered plate, but this one was slightly more challenging, mostly because the bread on the bottom was a bit tough. All in all, I'd definitely come back again, specifically to try out their dinner menu!
(4)
Caitlin C.
We LOVE The Food Market. Whether it's for brunch or dinner, this has become our favorite place in the city. I feel like I need to update my review based on two more amazing experiences. 1) BRUNCH. This place has the same awesome vibe on weekend mornings. Hip, bluesy music is playing and the kitchen is slinging delicious dishes like huge and creamy monte cristo sandwiches and pulled pork and poached egg bowls. They serve a delicious complimentary crumb cake as soon as you sit down, and I could've just eaten that the entire time. For liquid libations, enjoy delicious quality coffee or a unique cocktail like a pilsner Bloody Mary. 2) RESTAURANT WEEK. Some places do not do RW well. Portions are small, the place is packed, servers are surly, and the value sucks. Not so for the Market. Portions are huge (as usual) and for the price of the entree, you get an amazing appetizer and dessert. I had the most delicious brown butter, lobster, and parsnip bisque as my appetizer, an AMAZINGLY umami wild boar and veal meatloaf served with tangy tomato sauce and creamy Parmesan whipped potatoes, and this rich, sweet and salty peanut butter pie for dessert. Mr. B had some very creative and delicious fried chicken lettuce wraps, a peanut butter and jelly themed duck dish with all parts of the duck (including deep fried fois gras!), and their classic Heath bar bread pudding. We both left full, the service was stellar, and we got a great deal which is what Restaurant Week should be all about! The free valet continues to be a perk too, especially on a cold night.
(5)
Faiza H.
Great place! You must try the lobster mac & cheese, one of the best I've ever had. Came here for restaurant week, and was not disappointed. It can get crowded at night, so make sure you make a reservation!
(5)
Sheryl M.
Vibrant, energetic atmosphere with thoughtful food and an affordable wine menu! Be warned, the acoustics here suck, so if it's busy, it's LOUD, but the food and energy make up for it! The tomato salad with a whipped goat cheese was complimented by delicate greens and a treat!. Surprised we didn't get an oyster fork with our oysters (?) but they were flavorful. The lamb porterhouses (small plate) was cooked to perfection. While people seemed to LOVE the cheesy, spicy ,garlickly, something shrimp with torn bread I thought it has way too much going on. Best part of the night...bottle of Prisoner wine for $65. Score!!!!
(4)
Abigail R.
Oh Hampden, you have so so many great places to eat. Food Market is usually quite solid. I like to go there with a few folks and get a bunch of plates to share, but that's actually how I prefer all my dining. What I like about their menu is the things are divided by size. I was there for happy hour; it was kind of early, so food came out quickly. I started with a muddled cocktail - don't worry - these bartenders are set up to easily muddle things. The Strotter is slightly bitter for me as designed - the green tea infused Hendricks adds a unique medicinal taste, but meshes easily with the blackberries and mint. I sub out the tonic for regular soda, but some even prefer sprite. We shared the roasted cauliflower & fresh carrots served atop a buffalo-feta spread. I love this. The carrots were crisp and colorful - some purple, some yellow, and the classic orange. The tender roasted cauliflower and the buffalo feta spread combined for classic chicken wing flavors without the meat or as many of the calories. The peppery greens gave a nice cut to the richness of the thick feta spread. We also had the delicious "Beets by Chad". Chad Gauss combines sweet, tender red beets with tart crisp pears and a few orange slices. The whole mix is tossed in a pomegranate vinaigrette and topped with some greens, feta cheese and crunchy pistachio. This is a great dish. I like how the Food Market offers a fair number of vegetarian dishes, and the size is perfect for sharing. Lastly, I shared the mussels. These are pan roasted with leeks and a champagne cream sauce. Traditionally, these come with bacon, but we opted out of that. The grilled bread is definitely not enough to soak up that yummy champagne cream sauce. Luckily, we got a little extra. Visited May 2015
(3)
Yishin S.
This place is overpriced for some ordinary food that they charge much more money and want you to think they are fancier. It is a big dissapointment. We waited for our food for close to an hour, and my dish was just plain. So plain I didn't even bother to bring home the left-over. My friends' dishes are not impressive either, it is just overall a bad experience.
(2)
Amy R.
I love this place. I can't believe that I haven't reviewed it before, since I have been here numerous times! I love that there is always something new to try, but that there are always a few standbys. My favorite stand by are the amish pretzels with cheese sauce. The cheese sauce is awesome. The new dish that I tried this time was the soft shell special. The soft shells were battered and fried and served on a bed of grits with green tomato relish. They were good, the batter was a bit salty. The grits were AMAZING. We finished off with the blondie. It was prepared slightly differently than the last time I had it- this time it had a store bought cup of vanilla ice cream on the side. I found that a bit odd, especially since the Charmery is just up the street. (I think that is what was with it the last time..) But it didn't really matter, ice cream is not needed with the dessert. It is great without it. As always, our service was great and no one seemed to mind that a bunch of us were standing at the bar to watch the Preakness.
(5)
Alexis J.
I am a huge fan of this place. Yes, it's a tad expensive, but the food is delicious. The first time I came here, I sat at the bar to enjoy dessert and a drink. I had the Heath Bar bread pudding and a watermelon crush. The bread pudding was absolutely delightful and perfectly sweet, while the crush left a bit to be desired (not enough alcohol in it for me). The second time, I came to Sunday Brunch. I had a mimosa, the french toast dippers and The Baltimore Club. The maple cream chz glaze that accompanies the french toast sticks is phenomenal. I could've had a tub of that! The Baltimore Club was fresh and simple. I liked it a lot, I just wished the fries had more of a dynamic. I added sauteed onions to mine, b/c they were just plain crinkle cuts. It would be great if they came with parmesan garlic seasoning or the like. I'll certainly be back to try their dinner offerings!
(4)
Diana C.
I've been here for almost every meal of the day and they are absolutely fabulous. They have great apps: Amisha pretzels and the Buffalo pickles are my faves! If you happen to be there for brunch try the Salmon Avocado Toast as well, although you may risk not being hungry when your meal arrives. Their drinks are pretty good, with some specialty cocktails or twists on the classics. I highly recommend the Chicken and biscuits for for brunch and Lobster Mac and Cheese. Occasionally, their service can be somewhat slow and even when you have a reservation, they are sometimes slow to seat, but this is probably a testament to being as busy as they are. Overall, you'll have a great experience.
(4)
Tanika M.
I absolutely love this place! My friend takes me here almost every time I visit him in Baltimore. Every time for the decor, open concept to kitchen, lighting and extensive menu. We love the Cream of Crab Soup! It is a must have! We've enjoyed everything from crab cakes, scallops, seabass, and short ribs. All delicious! This is an innovative place as well. The last time we came here they had a communal table. The purpose is for strangers to sit together at a big table and strike conversation. Unfortunately, that did not happen in our experience. In fact, others who joined tried to sit at the edges or within a couple seats of us. There is seriously something wrong when people can't even sit next to each other in this country, but that is not any fault of the restaurant. I recommend doing reservations for this restaurant. It is very popular and highly recommended. You don't want to miss out on this experience.
(5)
Angela Z.
I came here for Restaurant Week with a friend so we were able to sample a lot of different items on the menu. The decor is bright without being overwhelming, with a lot of really cool art on the walls. There's complimentary valet service in front of the restaurant, which was nice. For appetizers, the salmon meatballs were great. I'd highly recommend the zoodles and noodles for the entree - it was extremely flavorful and had bits of chewy garlic bread scattered throughout. For dessert we split the Heath bar bread pudding (be warned, it is very dense and rich but worth every bite) and the chocolate trifle. Since we came for RW ($30 for dinner deal) I imagine it must be even more expensive regularly, so I will probably only come here for special occasions.
(5)
Aaron Z.
A coworker and I went here for dinner on a Wednesday night and the place was packed. From the outside it blends in with the shops around it but the inside has a very nice new age trendy feel to it. There was complimentary valet service parked our car for us (looks to be mostly street parking otherwise). Being a little bit early for our reservations we sat at the bar and had a couple of beers. There was a small variety and they were reasonably priced. For appetizers we ordered the hot nuts, buffalo pickles, and soft pretzels. All were a VERY pleasant surprise! The hot nuts were sweet and tasted like they had brown sugar mixed in. The buffalo pickles were a little spicy and crispy fried. I'm not a huge fan of soft pretzels with beer cheese but I drenched my soft pretzel in it this time. Really some fantastic appetizers! For dinner I had the bison steak and my coworker had the duck. He found the duck fantastic and for only having bison a handful of times I thought this was pretty fantastic. The meat melted in your mouth and the mashed potatoes and mushrooms that came with it complimented it nicely. It was just the right amount of food too! As a dessert, I would HIGHLY recommend the flour-less brownie. It came with fresh fruit, marshmallow, caramel and chocolate dressing, and rich blocks of ice cream. That was a great way to top off the meal so don't miss it! Would love to make it back here one day when I'm in town.
(4)
Rachael T.
Wow, I wish I hadn't waited so long to go to this place! I admit, I am often too lazy to get up to Hampden, but I finally made it up here for brunch/lunch. We started out with the french toast dippers -- the dipping sauce is to die for! My dining partner had the Moroccan Lamb Salad and I had the Blackened Chicken Fold. The salad was pretty average, but the chicken fold (basically a sandwich in folded naan) was really good. A LOT of chicken. The french toast dippers stole the show though. We saved the dipping sauce to eat as a little dessert after the meal (the dippers would actually serve well as a dessert rather than an app). The restaurant was busy but we didn't have to wait for a table. I would definitely go back, as there were a lot of things on the menu that sounded great.
(5)
Lauren B.
MUST TRY!! Service and food is spectacular!!!! Ambiance is wonderful. Coffee was replenished without being asked. Waiter was extremely friendly and professional. We tried several dishes and Everything was delicious and perfectly prepared.
(5)
Jordan H.
Happened upon this place later in the evening, after hopping neighborhoods. The food was fantastic - esp. the buffalo pickles and half-baked blondie. The drinks were also great, and the service was excellent. Highly recommend.
(5)
Rachel L.
Brunch is easily my favorite meal, Chef's and restauranteurs come up with creative menu options to satisfy your breakfast and lunch cravings. In Hampden, one of my favorite restaurants for an upscale meal is The Food Market, I've been there numerous times for dinner but never for brunch. That all changed last week when me and a few friends headed over to Hampden to check out what amazing brunch specialties Chef Chad Gauss has been cooking up. The meal started with some complimentary bread, normally I don't ever think to include or photograph this for my reviews, but this load was so light and fluffy with swirls of chocolate mixed in which really got my friends excited for the meal. The menu was split up into 'funchies' 'brunchies' and 'lunchies' and we decided to order a few things and share with the whole table because everything looked amazing. We started off with the Amish Soft Pretzels that came with beer cheese fondue for dipping. The pretzels were soft and fluffy like pretzels should be. But the beer cheese fondue really stole the show. The fondue was made with pepper jack cheese and had a wonderful spiciness to it. When the pretzels were finished, we saved the extra sauce to dip our fries into. It was that good! We also decided to share the House Made Pop Tart. The flavor of the day was S'mores and it came with a nice glass of milk. The pop tart was a little too sweet for me but my friends loved it. It reminded us of our childhood and it was so fun to eat a pop tart that didn't come out of a box. The French Toast Dippers also caught our eyes. The french toast sticks were tempura fried and served with a maple cream cheese fondue. Personally I don't like cream cheese icing so I stayed away from that, but my friends loved it and the french toast sticks were awesome. I've never had tempura fried french toast before and I don't know if french toast will ever be the same for me. Under the 'brunchies' section of the menu, we decided to opt for something a little bit lighter, the Huevos Quesadilla. This was good, but the least exciting part of the meal. The quesadilla was stuffed with egg whites, mozzarella, jalapeño and guacamole. Unless you added the guacamole, the dish was a little bland. It could have used a little bit of salsa or veggies for added flavor. Lastly, we decided to try the 'Pastramied' Beet Rachel from the 'lunchies' menu. This was a vegetarian sandwich with thinly sliced beets, cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing. While I probably would have preferred this with roast beef instead of beets, it was still very good and a clever way to turn a traditional sandwich into something vegetarian friendly without losing too much. The sandwich came with a side of Fries and they were amazing. They were served skin on for additional flavor, and they were super thin, crispy and flavorful (and delicious when dipped in the beer cheese fondue.) If you're looking to up your brunch game, The Food Market in Hampden has some delightfully clever options that are sure to satisfy your palette. From my dinner review -- In April, I went to the Food Market for brunch and I loved it. The Food Market is located right off the avenue in Hampden and they serve upscale comfort food. A friend and I were recently celebrating some exciting news and went to The Food Market for dinner. The Food Market is one of the restaurants with a City Dining Card so we were excited to use it. After looking over the menu, we decided to share the Amish Soft Pretzels which I loved when I visited for brunch. They came with beer cheese fondue for dipping. The pretzels were soft and fluffy like pretzels should be. But the beer cheese fondue was awesome, it was made with pepper jack cheese and had a wonderful spiciness to it. We also decided to share the Pan Roasted Pop Corn. It was topped with basil, grated cheese and truffle oil. The popcorn was good, but I wish the topping was more evenly spread throughout the dish. For our main course, my friend ordered the Steak Frites. She chose the roseda sirloin cut which came with 3 onion butter, truffle parmesan fries, all the local veggies, w 36 st steak sauce. The steak was delicious and PACKED with flavor! The Truffle Parmesan Fries that came with the dish were also delicious. They were thin, crispy and had an amazing flavor to them. For my main course, I ordered the Chargrilled Lamb Rack. It came with whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus, and avenue 1 sauce. The lamb was delicious but I wasn't a huge fan of the sauce, it was too tomato-y. The portion was also huge and the mashed potatoes were nice and creamy. The food at The Food Market is easily some of the best in Baltimore and a perfect place to celebrate any special occasion.
(5)
Steve H.
Brunch was not a great experience on a Saturday 9/5/2015. Perhaps reservations would have made it a better experience. Wait was supposedly 30 minutes for 3, waited 45 minutes to then be told another 15 for separate table. Once seated, basic food, grilled cheese and yogurt was another 45 minute wait. Not recommended if you have things to do, 1 1/2 hours for average brunch was underwhelming.
(2)
Jason F.
I stopped by here a couple of Wednesdays ago with my coworker for dinner. We had made reservations earlier in the day and arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes prior to the reservation time. At that point our table was still not ready for us and so we had the option to either head over to the bar and wait there or probably head outside and wait there since there really wasn't any space to wait. We ended up choosing the bar option and sat down for a bit before we were eventually called over to our table for dinner. The inside of The Food Market is very modern and I love that they have an open kitchen in the back. On this evening my coworker and I decided to split a number of different appetizers: amish soft pretzels, buffalo pickles and lastly the hot nuts. The amish soft pretzels came with fondue beer cheese, the buffalo pickles were fried pickle chips covered with gorgonzola and hot sauce while the hot nuts were cooked in duck fat and then topped with rosemary, brown sugar, cayenne and sea salt. Out of the three appetizers my favorite was the hot nuts which were freaking fantastic! I loved that they were warm and the herbs, especially the rosemary, really gave them a great flavor. The other two appetizers were also really good and I would have been happy to have ordered any of them if I was only choosing one. The amish pretzels were nice and soft on the inside and the beer fondue cheese was really tasty. The pickle chips had a nice saltiness to them and I loved the combination of gorgonzola and hot sauce over the top. Then for my entree I ended up ordering the duck -n-berry which was a duck breast that came with spaetzle, corn pudding, blackberries and pecans. Whenever I was asked how I would like the duck breast cooked I replied that I would like it how the chefs recommends. Sadly it was either cooked very poorly or the chef likes his duck almost raw. It was at the point where I was having a hard time cutting and chewing it. The rest of the entree was ok but overall it was a giant letdown from the delicious appetizers. I finished off the evening by ordering a cup of decaf coffee after dinner. It came out piping hot and while decent, it wasn't memorable. The bottom line for me is that I would head back here again in the future. Heck, I would come back here again just to have those hot nuts again! Hopefully the next time I pick a better entree so that I could have a better overall experience.
(4)
Spandana M.
Although The Food Market is popular for its brunch, I actually came here for the first time for dinner. First off, I think the best way to describe this place is an "upscale, casual restaurant." The staff were very friendly and attentive. All of the food on the menu was pretty unique, and it all sounded good! I tried the lobster fingers and the lobster mac & cheese which were both delicious! The lobster fingers is from the small plate menu, so it wasn't a lot of food, but it was fine since I also had some mac & cheese. Will definitely come back for brunch! :)
(5)
Michael M.
Each time I come here I'm mad that they don't have an item I ordered last time that was my new favorite but then it hits me...every time I leave with a new favorite! Buffalo pickles...soft pretzel sticks with beer cheese...Baltimore club (a house staple)...the avocado sticks..the list will go on and on! The service is always with a smile AND a thank you and the creations are seasonal and fresh and unique. This is my favorite spot in Baltimore hands down. If you are needing something new come here for brunch, lunch or dinner!!
(5)
Traci R.
Went here for a Friday night dinner! It's a great idea to get a reservation here because the bar seems to be packed usually. We didn't have a res so we got seated at the community table. A big table that seats 14 and you sit with strangers. Community tables can be hit or miss but ours was a hit. I'd definitely go back here and try more of the food. FOOD: My friend ordered the rack of lamb and was disappointed. She ordered it medium and it was well done and the "rack" was pretty small. I had the steak frites. It was good. I got the ribeye option but it really didn't seem like a ribeye and the sauce seemed like it was trying to hide the fact that the steak itself wasn't that impressive. BUT, yet and still, the dish was good!! The truffle fries were delicious! And I swapped the asparagus for the soy brussel sprouts, and they were awesome as well. But the surprising winner?? The barbeque sauce lol I got it to go with the truffle fries and it was delicious!! COCKTAILS: I ordered the Dr. Jerry, which is a fancy rum and coke. It was meh. I know it says 'splash of coke', but they should've splashed a little more because it wasn't fizzy enough. My friend had the mojito and she felt it was a bit too sweet. DECOR: It's a cool place. Very rustic. They have a free coat check which is clutch for winter.
(3)
Chih Chao C.
Today I ordered the steak frites, I love the flavor. Even I don't like the asparagus, I still ate them all due the sauce. I will come back next time.
(4)
Annabelle L.
A great place for brunch! I've heard great things about this place and after looking at their tasty menu online, I finally came here Sunday morning for brunch. We had a reservation and were seated quickly. The interior is beautiful and rustic, with high ceilings and fun art on the walls. The food was delicious! We had some complimentary coffee cake as we looked at the menu which had real coffee grounds in the crumble, yum! The bf and I shared a smokey bowl and the fried chicken and biscuits. Both were very hearty and savory. I particularly loved the gouda cheese of the smokey bowl, and the biscuits were worthy of the South! The only thing I would improve on is the size of the fried chicken and biscuits which were a bit on the smaller size, but otherwise, yum! Definitely come for brunch!!
(4)
Nikeita P.
OMG where has this place been all my life? I had the Crab Cake single dinner and it was absolutely delicious!!! Unfortunately, I stuffed myself with the complimentary bread that was served to us prior to my meal (I was starving) so I was unable to finish it all. My husband got the Bison burger which he said was delicious as well. While this place is a little pricy, the quality of food and service definitely makes up for the price tag. Our waitress gave us a sample of the Long Trail wheat beer which hit the spot perfectly. If your in the Hampden area and looking for a wonderful eat, don't skip past this place. Also, they offered complimentary valet parking on the Friday evening we visited so don't forget to use the service and tip the valets!
(5)
Sarah G.
Came on a Friday night around 7 when I had a friend in town, and my friend who arrived first snagged a table (well, a corner of the mega table) for three of us with no problems! Awesome start to the night. To drink, we tried three of their specialties: the Pimlico Playboy, I had a French Tease, and finally an Earl Collins. Each were in the $8-11 ballpark range and well made. We got a bunch of small plates to share and ordered them all at once. We had the Amish soft pretzels with the beer cheese fondue, the duck fat nuts (which I have to say I liked better once they got cold! But that is just me), the Salt and Pepper Tuna, a Boring Caesar Salad, and two orders of the Street Tacos. We ate the Street Tacos last, and Natalie says, "hmm these must be good, because we all just got real quiet" until we were done with them. I didn't mean to eat one of Natalie's three tacos, but they were just so awesome. It was the perfect amount of food for 3 people who had a long night ahead of them (lots of catching up to do with old friends) and I want to say our bill was around $90ish-100 with tip. Pretty reasonable. They had lots of good looking plates. It is a bit loud and even though you are sitting right by your neighbors, it is loud enough that you don't really talk to them that much unless you are saying, "oh man, what did you order? how is it?" I will be back. They have a valet but I took the Woodberry light rail down. Easy Breezy.
(4)
Pat M.
Two visits now, the first for a five star brunch, the second for a three star dinner. That leaves easy math to end up with an average four star rating! During our dinner we had: Tuna meatballs (daily special): 10 bucks. My gal liked them well enough, but I just found them to be just your basic tuna shaped into a ball with nondescript breaking. Soft pretzels: seven clams. More like baked breadsticks with some salt on them, served with a pretty tasty cheese for dipping. Lobster mac and cheese: Ten dollars. I liked the taste, but the itsy-bitsy, teeny-weenie pieces of lobster were very few and far between. And yes, I did make sure my partner didn't snitch them all! Duck confit wings: 13 smackers. Delicious, though the lady thought they were a little too sweet. But there were three of them. That's $4.3333333 per wing. That translates to roughly $116.88 per duck(ling)! Okay, maybe my math is a TAD off! Street tacos: 10 Georges. Star of the show. The pork was nice and moist, and it was tasty overall, though not real spicy. Price versus quality winner! Finally, the beer. I'd rate the selection as just decent, and I suppose they are more of a wine and cocktail sort of place. Yes, they have craft beer, and that's a very good thing. But the selection, even from bottles, is fairly pedestrian and nothing special. Bottom line...I'll be back for brunch again some day!
(4)
Tanvi S.
My most favorite place in the world. I am slowly making my way through the entire menu and have not been disappointed even once. I recommend calling ahead to make a reservation as this is a very popular restaurant. Amish pretzels are to die for, and so the mussels, calamari carbonara, duck parts, friend green tomatoes. Do not leave without trying the bread pudding. Every single brunch dish is fantastic - I have tasted almost all of them!
(5)
Katherine H.
I stopped in here randomly for brunch this past Saturday and got a table quickly. The service was pretty good and I really liked the coffee cake they set out for us while we waited. I'd definitely recommend their iced coffee for a weekend treat/caffeine jolt...it was just the right balance of chocolate-y to coffee. The crab cake sandwich was okay, but I've had much better crabcakes in Baltimore...plus the bread was overly toasted on the outside to the point that it was falling apart as I bit into it. My boyfriend seemed pretty pleased with the pork belly benedict, but the portion seemed a little small to me and again, not the best pork belly I've had. I would be willing to give this place another shot because I've heard generally good things, but really the two dishes we had were just average...I'd definitely order something else next time.
(3)
Le B.
This place is everything. My other half wasn't thrilled about the lamb prep citing next doors lamb chops are better. I said look here grinch the food here is outstanding. Our waiter was on point from the moment we sat down. He explained the specials to us but as a disclaimer said "I know you may not want it but". Funny guy. Enjoying this blondie brb
(5)
Kendra W.
Loved. I don't know how this place slipped under my radar. They've been open for approx two years now and I just learned of them today. Great service. Great ambiance and even greater food. I enjoyed 3 courses. As an appetizer I had the cream of crab soup and was pleased to find they don't short change on the crab. The soup is thick, rich and comforting. For the main course I ordered the oyster carbonara (must try). The carbonara sauce should be bottled and sold. This soulful (yes, soulful) sauce is the true star of this dish. I strongly recommend dragging your oysters through this savory sauce. Instead of behaving I decided to "window shop" the dessert menu and quickly decided to kiss my days' workout goodbye after seeing the bread pudding. I love bread pudding and feel compelled to try it whenever I find it on a restaurants' menu. By far this is my favorite. Even if you don't have room for dessert, indulge. Order it to go if need be, but try the damn bread pudding! Four words: Heath bar bread pudding *drops mic.
(5)
Shanai B.
I love this restaurant!! The modern classy atmosphere matches it heavenly flavor. The lobster fingers, porterhouse lamb, cheesy garlicky shrimp torn bread are a few off my favorites. The service is spectacular and is worth the dollars spent in Hamden!!
(5)
Josh B.
This place is as good as the reviews on here are saying. No wait on a busy Sunday. Food and service were very good. We got the breakfast flatbread and French toast. The flatbread came with an amazing hot sauce. The French toast had Nutella on the side. It's priced reasonably and the atmosphere is very nice and relaxing. I'm disappointed that I kept putting off coming here. Definitely a must!
(5)
Michael M.
First of all, I think this place should be 3-4 $, not 2. It's not cheap but I do think it's a bargain when you consider how much you get for what you pay. I've enjoyed 2 dates at Food Market, which is located on the Avenue in Hampden, a nice place for drinks after a date. The menu changes some, so my recommendations may no longer hold, but the Tuna sushi plate was INCREDIBLE -- having been to some of the better sushi places in NYC, I was blown away. I had the wild boar last time and it was also fantastic. Drinks are good and not too expensive. Great spot for a date. A bit loud but not an issue for me -- feels a lot like Manhattan. The place is always full and vibrant. Definitely worth a visit.
(5)
Kristina K.
Let me begin by saying how I have never particularly liked Hampden. After years of living in Baltimore, this is one neighborhood I tended to avoid as, aside from the Wine Source, there was nothing in it for me. This all changed last weekend when we discovered the Food Market for brunch. This place is amazing! We got seated rather quickly and served complimentary coffee cake, which was incredibly rich, complex, and tasty. For our drink order, I had several types and regions of bubbly to choose from (plus a full bar menu) and my lovely dining companion chose a coconut screwdriver that was heavenly. While options for lunch and brunch were plentiful, we both had pulled pork eggs benedict: this was easily the best rendition of EB that I ever had. Flavor wise, eggs and pork were spot-on and the side of potatoes was crisp and perfectly seasoned. The only minor if/but is the lack of hot beverage diversity but this is a glitch I can totally live with.
(5)
Steve R.
Even on a Tuesday night, it's busy in Hampden, but I'll suffer the crowd at the bar for the Pat LaFrieda Burger: lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon, with an alternate side of broccoli (instead of crinkle fries). The upbeat, tag-team bartenders kept me abreast of the specials (i.e., happy hour $2 off spirits from 5 to 8 p.m.), as I sat at the bar--mine a Charles & Charles Cabernet/Syrah blend, not too dry. Couldn't help topping it off with the Coconut Island (choc pot de creme with coconut anglaise and mini 'nilla wafers). So good. A Hampden delight!
(5)
Ray S.
Hot spot for doing a casual brunch or having late night cocktails. A bit pricy for the value but the ambience is urban cool with a young vibe. Make sure to try the buffalo burger and pair it a Robert Frost cocktail.... Devine!!
(4)
Sophie A.
Cute, chic space in Hampden with pleasant bartenders and delicious food. Between us we had the popcorn app, caesar salad, shrimp starter and chicken entree. Everything was lovely. That said, the prices are high for Balti. Besides that, I have no complaints.
Nice atmosphere good service but not fresh ingredients, not enough vegetarian entrees. I have started with basil popcorn (saggy but somehow edible), continued with beet salad (a little plain topped with pistachios that are not crunchy at all, if you don't keep them fresh why bother using them???) and finished with the tomato spaghetti entree (tomato sauce tasted like out of can, even though the texture of pasta was pretty al dente , sliced heirloom tomatoes were not fresh). According to my friends who have ordered meat entrees, it was a pretty good meal. The cocktail with rosemary was made of sour mix and sugar - don't order that one. Another one is caramel apple based- tastes like caramel vodka and syrup mixed, not bad but way too sweet to enjoy for me. My first experience as a quick bar snack and drink last summer was way better than this Sunday night full meal somehow.
(2)
Lisa B.
Expensive and noisy. My son has been wanting to go since they opened so last night we had date night. They rushed us through so fast we were out of there in 60 minutes and $70 lighter. It was incredibly noisy and we were packed in between two tables so close we could have a conversation with them. I had the ahi tuna, four very small pieces thay equalled 8 bites of food. The muscles were ok with a white sauce and leaks but the portion was pretty small. My son three small tacos and left hungry. We each had two sodas and no alcoholic beverages and the bill was very high. Never again! This place is extremely over rated!
(1)
Emily L.
The Food Market is the place to see and be seen in trendy Hampden. When we were there, on a very ordinary Tuesday, we saw a B-list actor enjoying dinner with his family (no, I will NOT say who; I have a little dignity!) Hipster culture is alive and well here, but the staff is laid-back enough not to pressure you to conform; I was wearing ordinary non-skinny jeans and one of our friends was in gym clothes, and we all felt totally at ease. The atmosphere is a little industrial for my taste, but they manage to keep it on the warm side of funky. The food was all top-quality, and the price tags matched it. After initially despairing, because we really wanted to order the entire menu, we made some decisions and tried a variety of small plates: seared salt-and-pepper tuna with avocado tzatziki, grilled lamb tenderloin medallions, crisply fried oysters, caramelized brussels sprouts, shredded pork tacos with salsa. Everything was perfectly prepared and plated with pizzazz. The portions were on the small side, however, so in the future I would definitely order some of their cheaper snacks (popcorn, pretzels, etc.) beforehand, and maybe our bill wouldn't be quite so high. Drinks, likewise, were wonderful: craft cocktails alternated with microbrews and a lone hard cider. Hmm, wonder if that also might have contributed to the bill? I will definitely be back -- probably for brunch, after seeing some of those photos! Ouch. In a good way.
(4)
Molly C.
My mother and I were in Baltimore recently and wanted to try a local, healthy restaurant. We could not have picked a better spot than The Food Market. The atmosphere was laid back but upscale, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was absolutely amazing. I had a breakfast sandwich, and my mom had an omelette. We both got coffee (I highly recommend the iced mocha). We were both completely blown away by how delicious every bite was. We decided afterward that it may have actually been our favorite brunch together. After our meal, I accidentally left my favorite denim jacket sitting on the booth. I didn't realize this until we were already at the airport for our flight back home. I called The Food Market in a panic. They took down my address and mailed me my jacket completely free of charge! Long story short, this restaurant exceeded my expectations in many ways. Definitely do not miss out on this treat.
(5)
Dave S.
We've been here 3-4 times, always for dinner, and we've never been disappointed. The valet parking is invaluable since it's located in the heart of Hampden. We've worked our way around the menu pretty well at this point and everything has been on point. Their bartender is competent and the service has been timely and friendly. If you're in the mood, there's a communal table at which you can strike up a conversation with fellow diners. Well worth the trip.
(4)
Teree H.
We came here for Easter brunch. I had the crab cake eggs Benedict and it was perfection. My mom enjoyed the beet salad and garlicky shrimp and the French toast dippers tasted like little pieces of churro heaven. I loved the laid back but classy vibe of the restaurant and didn't mind the noise at all. We even sat at the communal table and it wasn't a problem. I don't get up to baltimore often but I will definitely be back soon.
(5)
Jamie B.
Not as pretentious as I anticipated. Sat at the bar due to an hour wait for a table. Was able to get in pretty quickly! The bartender a bearded young fellow was extremely helpful and knew his stuff. He made me and my guest feel very welcomed. They were very busy and I never had an empty glass, or a dirty plate in front of me for too long. Another young man behind the bar was very attentive and friendly as well, he brought us something's by just over hearing our quiet conversation w out us even asking. Good was great. I won't elaborate but was NOT disappointed on the food one but. I want to go back to try more dishes and the amazing hot milk cake dessert was by far the best dish. (I have a sweet tooth) the basil set told all the flavors. It inspired me to try and make my own. Thanks Food Market Maybe ill come back when it's a little less crowded, that's just me though, I'm pretty boring:)
(4)
Ryan S.
The food was amazing, the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous!!! We had the seared tuna, lobster fritters, buffalo pickles, and shrimp dinner.... Everything was delicious. We ended the night with healthbar pudding which was also amazing!!! The seared tuna was so amazing that after desert I had to order the seared tuna again!!!! I would highly recommend this place and I will be back again!!!
(5)
Patti N.
Super friendly bartending staff on a very busy Saturday night for that I would give it six stars. the only complaint, which if I could give it .5 I would,is the sound which I understand they are working on and should have something improved in the very near future. I look forward to returning. A hopping bar.
(5)
Andrew F.
The Food Market is s crowded, lively restaurant in Hamden with tasteful ambiance and friendly and accommodating staff. We came for Brunch, and I immediately felt at home. The complimentary coffee cake was a surprise. Cold and dense, it wasn't particularly appetizing, but it still tasted great and felt good after being in the sun. The Baltimore Club is a multilayered dish accompanied by perfectly cooked fries. The sandwich was not as exciting as previously imagined, but the shrimp salad and crab cake were quite good. The best parts were the shrimp salad and the bacon in my opinion. Not fantastic, but a solid dish. Could be a little cheaper though. The Salt and Pepper Tuna is a melange of crunchy cucumber, wonderfully spiced tuna, and textures that go well together. Delicious, and leaves a pleasant peppery aftertaste in the mouth. Overall, a good place to eat, although the food wasn't too special.
(4)
Jordan V.
The Food Market is a hot spot in Hampden! I went for my father's 49th birthday and the experience was great. My family ordered the cream of crab soup and edamame for starters and we were not disappointed. The service was exceptional and the bread sticks were delicious. We came on a busy Friday night and received free valet parking and quick seating. The atmosphere was very lively and modern. However, the main entrees were not nearly as good as the starters. The dessert that we tried, heath bar bread pudding, was very tasty and sweet. This place is a definite repeat and I would recommend this place to all my friends at Hopkins.
(5)
Meredith S.
My husband and I were not terribly impressed with our first visit to the Food Market. We felt it didn't quite meet the expectations we had for it based on all the hype. We came back for a second try and left very satisfied. We ordered the asparagus salad and the cauliflower & carrot starter. Both were exceptional. On our first visit the small plates really outshone the entrees. This time the main dishes were the stars. We ordered the duck & berry with spatzle and the chicken with truffle ravioli, peas, fiddle heads and a delicious sauce. Chicken breast is usually a gamble and we don't order it much but this dish was fantastic -- I could eat the truffle ravioli all day, every day. The duck was perfectly cooked and the dish was well composed and interesting. Our only let down was dessert. We ordered the 1/2 baked brownie (which was great) but was served with a small carton of "spoon inside" Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Really? If you're not going to make your own ice cream at least take it out of the carton and pretend it wasn't an afterthought. Maybe there's a joke here that I'm missing... Our second visit made up for our sour first impressions and we will likely be back again.
(4)
Lachaun V.
We went to The Food Market for the last day of Restaurant week. We sat at the large community table. Very comfortable. The bread and olive oil brought out was absolutely delicious. The service was prompt and friendly. Portions were perfect and the food was prepared to perfection.
(5)
Lindsay R.
This food is just ok and really not worth the price in my opinion. Hostess wouldn't let us make a reservation over the phone for brunch because "there was no wait" then once we arrived there was a 30 min wait.... For a half empty restaurant. They actually made us wait over the 30 min as we watched the empty tables so we settled for eating at the bar. At least the bartender was nice and made a good mimosa :/
(3)
Trevor B.
I have to say I was a little let down after all the hype I'd read/heard about this place. Overall, I'd say our meal was good, but not the great I'd expect from a $100+ meal for two. Truffle-covered popcorn was a novel idea and worth trying for $3, but I wouldn't consider buying it again - at the end of the day, it was just popcorn with some additional saltiness. The calamari appetizer was well-portioned (pretty large plateful) and perfectly fried - really tender, with a nice amount of tentacles which is always a plus in my book. The pork belly app was also perfectly cooked and packed with flavor (as it should be), but a little on the skimpy side for a $10+ dish. My spaghetti with crab meatballs entree was tasty (sauce reminded me of the square pizza slices I used to get as a kid with just thesauce and no cheese) and I appreciated the heat that was incorporated into it, but I also felt short-changed by the amount of crab meatballs (4 small balls) actually included in this $24+ dish. Our other entree, the Friggin' pork schnitzels, was nothing to write home about. While service from the bussing/water perspective was more than adequate, our server basically disappeared for much of the night, and it took about 15 minutes after we were finished to finally get the check. I may give this place another shot for brunch or something, but it might be hard to justify considering all the other great places in the area putting out great food (e.g., Woodberry, Birrotecca, etc.).
(3)
Eric F.
To sum it up . . . .WOW. Food, service, atmosphere. One of the best restaurants in recent memory. Service was spotless. Not overbearing; friendly and unobtrusive. And the food is just incredible. One of the best crabcakes I have had in my lifetime and while I seldom save room for dessert, this place is well worth the extra hours at the gym. The bread pudding literally melts in your mouth. If the owners know what is good for them they will never let their chef leave. Wow again just for emphasis.
(5)
Miss T.
NIce place in Hampden which of course means the vibe is right for this place. We celebrated my husband's birthday here back in September and on my reservation I had let them know and they wrote out a nice birthday card for him and had it at our table. Amazing and made him feel special :) The food was great and the service was excellent , defientitly a good place for a celebratory dinner or just for drinks and appetizers. For us two drinks, appetizer and two entrees we came out to a little over $100.00 so for us that will stay in the celebratory column til after graduation :)
(4)
Rachel S.
Finally made it to what I'd heard renowned as one of the best culinary destinations in Charm City, and ended up being slightly underwhelmed. Don't misunderstand me, this place is good, and several dishes were quite tasty, it just didn't jibe with the glowing reviews and reputation that preceded my experience. A group of girls friends and I headed over to The Food Market for summer Restaurant Week, and started off with some delicious cocktails at their bar. I love that they switch up their cocktail menu every couple weeks, but keep their "Original Crew" available throughout the seasons. I had a delicious tangy concoction with muddled blackberries, gin, topped with a bit of champagne for a tongue-tickling fizzy finish. A couple of the girls followed suit, while the others went for dirty martinis and the "Sweet Willi": muddled strawberries and fresh basil, lemon vodka, lime juice and simple syrup. Perfect refreshing fruitiness balanced by the basil; it screamed summertime. After being seated, we started with several orders of the Crispy Curry Oysters and Ian's Tomatoes. The oysters: delicious, tender oysters in a light flaky batter, subtly flavored with curry, over an arugula salad drizzled with mustard butter. YUM. These were probably my favorite dish of the night. The tomatoes: a slight spin on Caprese salad, with burrata cheese (creamier than the original version; think a cross between brie and mozzarella), fresh, juicy tomatoes, basil aoili, balsamic. Tasty, but nothing to write home about. For entrees, our table ended up with the Baby Back Boar Ribs, the Rockfish, and the Shrimp Dinner. The ribs received a shockingly high review from my friend, who usually steers clear of that type of dish. She generously shared the ranch fries, and they were quite tasty. The Rockfish was well executed, fairly yummy, but not sensational. The shrimp consisted of a bed of cheddar grits topped with shrimp, andouille sausage, and peppers simmered in a tomato-based sauce. There were dollops of a cajun thyme cream, but to be honest, the tomato sauce was both overseasoned, and overportioned. It overwhelmed the grits and delicate flavor of the shrimp. I would have preferred about half as much sauce, which would've allowed the other ingredients to shine. Dessert: we tried the Peach Crumble, Heath Bar Bread Pudding, and Chocolate Ice Cream Cake. The crumble was topped with a cognac ice cream that had such a strong liquor content, it functioned as a distraction from the main content, similar to the sauce in the shrimp dish. The ice cream cake was rather bland, but palatable. However, the bread pudding was simply DIVINE. I would return for this dessert alone. Mother of God, this dish is for real. Light, fluffy bread pudding with toffee and chocolate bits melted throughout, topped with gooey caramel. Talk about your generous portions! The five of us dug in and could barely finish it. This leviathan competes with the Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding at Ale Mary's (and for those of you who've tried the latter, you know what a serious statement that is). I'm dancing on the line of calling this Heath Bar version the best bread pudding I've ever had... Overall, a solid experience, but in no way knock-your-socks off. I'll come back and give them a second try for a full, non-Restaurant Week dinner. Maybe there's room for a bump on their rating.
(3)
Kimberley R.
Food was delicious but overly expensive for the amount you get, in my opinion. I also didn't like the loud, cafeteria-like atmosphere of the place. I could barely hear what my friend was saying when he was sitting right next to me, due to the noise from surrounding parties. Be prepared to sit in very close proximity to strangers as you eat your meal. My friend and I were seated at a large table of probably 12 or 14 people, none of whom we knew. I don't mind meeting new people but when I'm just trying to have a nice dinner with a friend I'd prefer a bit more privacy and a quieter atmosphere. I don't want to go out for an expensive dinner and feel like I'm sitting in a middle school cafeteria. If I wanted that type of environment I'd go to the Golden Corral and eat all the fried chicken I can for $12.99, thank you.
(3)
Michelle Y.
I love love love the food market! They have the best waitstaff (Jermaine is the best!) and the food is to die for! The spicy, cheesey, herby, creamy, winey, garlicky shrimp with torn bread is hands-down, THE best thing I ever ate. I dipped everything in that sauce. Soo goood. The crispy lobster fingers are delicious! The truffle fries --- Oh-My-Gooodnesss!! The surf and surf was amazing! Everything is just too good. I recommend ordering a bunch of small plates and sharing with your date. Their serving sizes are similar to tapas. I can't wait to go back! P.s. Free valet during dinner!
(5)
Kay L.
Love this place. Great food. Great atmosphere. Great service.
I forgot to write a review after I went to this place, but I do remember it was very good. The quality of food and service was fantastic. I got the Super Scallops and my friend got the Steak Frites. Very tasty. I would definitely come back again!
(5)
Madelynn G.
We went for dinner on Friday night. It was very crowded so I recommend making a reservation. I have walked past the Food Market several times and never expected it to be so nice on the inside. This place is perfect whether you want to share several small plates or opt for the larger entrees and the food is amazing. There are even vegetarian options, I had Fried Green Tomatoes and an outstanding chickpea and vegetable curry. The service is friendly and professional. I think the tables are a little too close together for my liking, I got a front row seat to every conversation the table beside us was having. I would like to return for brunch, because I have heard good things about their brunch menu too.
(4)
Owen R.
Ambitious & Confident These are the adjectives I'd use to describe my reaction to a first visit to the Food Market. First: lets check some boxes: artisanal cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menu, curated (but small) wine list, exuberant vibe (big room, hard surfaces). The menu was in my opinion, exceptionally large with both small plates, interesting salads options and a thoughtful spectrum of entrees. The kitchen nailed the short ribs and pork tacos, missed the target (slightly) on the salt & pepper tuna (need to source better tuna). Unchopped salad and skiiny Greek salad were exactly as advertised. Curious to try on the next visit: risotto encrusted mozzarella and a brown sugar pork belly So the menu is large and the kitchen seems at ease with its scale. The pricing/portion/quality ratio (always elusive) has been tamed and the Food Market warrants more than a couple of visits to sample its wares. A note on table tending: our server Brittany was exceptional - a great tableside rap (that may not be teachable), solid F & B knowledge, and the sixth sense of meal timing that is truly rare.
(4)
Roy E.
This place is good. Almost very good. I bring my parents here when they visit and they really love it. I just think it could be a lot better. It feels a little generic. I don't think anyone would be disappointed in their meal here, I just don't think it's all that yelp makes it out to be.
(3)
Jeff K.
I've been to the Food Market only once... THE PROS Very clean. Pretty good service. Delicious food. Wide drink menu THE CONS Small portions that are a bit overpriced. Parking can be a pain. The waiting area is small and fills up with bar patrons. The menu could offer more variety. Overall the experience was ok..I'd probably only return for a special occasion.
Okay, I'd heard that the acoustics were a nightmare and that's a big turn-off for me. If I wanted to scream at my husband, I'd stay home. (JK) But even during restaurant week it wasn't TOO bad. And the food really was good. Price-wise, well, it was restaurant week as I said, so not really a fair time to day. Perhaps a wee bit pricey, but far from outrageous. The pickles (which I didn't realize were fried--or maybe I just lied to myself) were definitely fresh and a cut above what you might expect from run-of-the-mill batter-dipped dills. The griddled lamb porterhouses were petite little (yes, redundant. Thanks, vocabucop) chops, well prepared and with a delicately fruity sauce. Long and short of it? We'll be back for sure to explore more of the creative menu.
(4)
Troy M.
SOOOOO GOOOD! Truly one of the best meals we've ever eaten! I highly recommend ordering a bunch of littles and smalls and sharing. The Amish pretzels, shrimp and tacos were all incredible!
(5)
Anne-Margaret O.
The food is INCREDIBLE!!!! We moved to Baltimore about a year ago and have been searching the city for a great place to enjoy great food over and over again. Finally, we found our restaurant!! When we arrived on a Saturday evening, the restaurant was full for the evening - we were able to grab two seats at the bar and enjoy the full menu. The wait staff were friendly, helpful, great! The food from the Chopped Salad, to the Lamb Meatballs, the Heathbar Bread Pudding was out of this world. The decor makes this a great neighborhood restaurant with a splash of sophistication. We will be back again and again!!!!
(5)
Tiana W.
Food Market is actually open for brunch during the week! Brunch may be even better than dinner. Had a great time. Friendly service as usual.
(4)
Na L.
Went for brunch on val's day and it was booked. We were able to squeeze ourselves in at the bar and had a lovely time. Super friendly staff, great bloody marys, and great ambience w a view of the kitchen. I found the brunch menu to be more creative than your usual eggs Benedict w ham or bacon. Two thumbs up!
(5)
Grant E.
This was probably the best meal I've eaten in my life. The dinner went perfectly and every aspect of the restaurant was flawless. To begin, the restaurant interior is really sleek; tables and chairs are simple and the colors are sharp and bold. I would have loved to see this place back in the day when it was an actual 'Food Market!' If you have read other reviews, you may have seen noticed that many complain about the noise level. To be honest, it was pretty loud, but not loud enough to be obnoxious. I could talk to my family without any trouble. But hey, the place is pretty small yet filled with people, so one should expect a good deal of noise anyways. As for the meal, our server gave us some focaccia bread&oil to start while we waited for our appetizers; the bread was pretty damn good. For a starter, I ordered the pretzels with beer/cheese fondue - boy did I make a good choice! The pretzels were fluffy and much better than your typical soft pretzel, and the fondue was out of this world. It had somewhat of a spicy cheese flavor with a hint of beer, which paired perfectly with the pretzels and the focaccia bread. Once I devoured that, the entrees came. I ordered the the duck breast, which was served with mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, and a sweet cherry sauce. This meal had to have been the best thing I had eaten all year. The meat was cooked perfectly, was juicy and flavorful, and matched well with the sauce; there were even cherries on top of the cuts of duck! The brussel sprouts were a bit odd and unexpected - considering they seemed burnt - but they tasted fine to me. And then there were the mash potatoes; they were sweet and ridiculously creamy - it was fantastic. If you've read my previous reviews, you should know that I had to get dessert. After analyzing pictures and other reviews prior to coming to The Food Market, I opted for the Heath Bar bread pudding. The portion was MASSIVE; if my phone camera did not suck, I would show you - just scroll through the other pictures, there should be a good one of the bread pudding. The bread itself was moist, and the caramel sauce and whipped cream only complimented it. You can not go wrong with The Food Market. Everything, from the food to the service, was on point. The food was top notch and professional, and the restaurant had a great atmosphere. The menu was unique and different - in a good way - and was full of great options. The portions were reasonable regarding the prices, and I definitely left with a full stomach. Anyways...come here. You will not regret it, or forget it. Trust me.
(5)
Sam K.
If I could pitch a tent and live here and just live on nothing but their food. I would be the happiest person on Earth. I mean it, read my reviews, I am a very strict and hard critic to please. But this place came out revving on all 8 cylinders. My fave place to go to is Golden West, but this night, just wasn't feeling it. Decided to try something else. My boyfriend really wanted to try Cafe Hon since he saw it on Kitchen Nightmares. I was like, Uh NO. Everything we had here at The Food Market was excellent. The staff was kind and very accommodating. Yes, I like my substitutions LOL. I have tried every restaurant on that block....Every one was good. (Except for the one directly next door to the left) but this one is excellent. A Rare 5 Stars from me :-) Bravo!
(5)
Sara E.
This place just surpassed Clementine as my favorite. The service is much better (seriously, the service has gotten borderline rude and condescending ) and the food is amazing. My husband and I split several small plates, and all were perfect. Don't skip the Amish pretzels because they seem kind of mundane next to the rest of the menu: the cheese sauce is incredible. If you are a fan of buffalo flavor ( I am), the buffalo pickles are not to be missed. I'm a huge fan of tuna and the tuna with tzatziki sauce is the best I've had. They've managed to get the outside so crispy while maintaining a rare center. Desserts are not my thing, but the Heath bread pudding made my eyes roll back in my head. Oh, and free valet parking cannot be beat! My only complaint is the damn shared benches. Birroteca has this problem, too. When someone at the next table shifts, you can feel it. I hate this, but I'm willing to overlook it for the amazing food!
(5)
Ashley L.
I live in Hampden, so I love that Food Market is so hyped and gets so much attention, but there's a reason I've only been here once. There is definitely nothing wrong with the food or the drinks, and the atmosphere is fun and vibrant, but we weren't blown away. We had the pretzel appetizer, the salmon, and the crab cakes. Again, really good! But maybe not worth the hype, and maybe not worth the price. As a side note, though, I'm kind of a picky kid about where we sit, and since we walked in without a reservation we were seated at the big table in the middle of the room that is reserved for... nonreservations. I kind of felt like we were being put in the corner.
(3)
Tatyana M.
I wanted to try this restaurant for a long time and now that I did I must say that it's VERY surprising this place has such a high rating and popularity. We ordered from summer RW menu and added Buffalo Pickles app to it. All together 7 dishes. From all of it the highlight of the dinner was bread with olive oil service (which was not great but at least was good). The rest of the food varied from mediocre to bland to tasteless to inedible. The steak entree was raw (in stead of medium rare), dry and boring; the catfish entree was not salted at all, the rice pudding dessert was not sweetened at all, the Salmon "meatballs" app had kind of "bazaar" flavor of mixing fish and watermelon together which I am sure the chef intended to be a new discovery in taste but in reality was just unpleasant combination of flavors. So in short the food was awful. The service was good except of the hostess which gave us a table right next to the Ladies Room door having half of the tables available. The ambiance was rustic and very noisy, and the value was bad considering quality of the experience (even with RW deal). Needless to say we are not coming back and can not recommend it to anyone who is familiar with REAL gourmet food.
(2)
Joseph K.
Ultimately, Chef Gauss and The Food Market do jazzed up classy comfort food very well. And of equal importance, they buy ingredients when available from local farms such as richfield farms and Gunpowder Bison. 1) I've had Brunch here, and the food is solid. A good mix of comfort foods, Baltimore classics (crabcakes), and classy foods. I tried the chicken and biscuits, pulled pork benedict, and lobster roll. All were well seasoned. Nothing was overcooked, textures were great. Good curst on the chicken, good tender chicken and pork, good microgreen bitterness to counteract the saltiness, good flaky biscuits, perfectly poached eggs, and good hot sauces accompanying each dish. 2) The plating and decor are great. The design of the place is very simple, organized and modern. The plating: simple, modern, not over the top, focused on the food. Great place for a chill brunch, a nice dinner, a date, chill with friends, nice bar outing in hampden. I'm a cheap fatty. But i'm not letting this bias affect my review, though IMO it's a little pricey considering the quantity. Quality is very high though. 5 stars reserved for a restaurant that blows my mind. While this didn't blow my mind, it is a very solid business, and I will be back.
(4)
Asiah G.
I went here on a Sunday afternoon with my fam because I'd been stalking this place on Yelp and had read great things about it! Upon check-in she told me it would be a 30-40 min and they would call me when the table was ready.. At the top of 30-somethin min my fam was about ready to roll , but thankfully they called just in time! Not too long of a wait if you're not starving, and besides the surrounding area is worth a walk around; boutiques, restaurants, etc. When we finally made it in we were quickly seated.. The space felt a little cramped at first with our party of five but soon I relaxed into the atmosphere .. Our waiter was really nice and good-lookin so that was a plus.. And everything that came out was delicious! I had their bison burger and it was so fresh. I also love the crinkle cut fries and everybody at the table really enjoyed their meal. Service was great too, so we'll definitely be back.
(5)
Connor S.
Came for lunch on a Saturday. It was very busy and very loud... but we got seated right away with no reservations - so that was great. As I said...super loud and the tables are all kind of smooshed together. That part I didn't enjoy, as I could hear my neighbors conversation perfectly clear without trying at all. I ordered the ruben wrap....and it was outstanding! My wife ordered a burger and she was very pleased as well. We both agreed that we would return again. Looking forward to it!!
(5)
Ryan D.
Chad Gauss has created a perfect little spot for a great date night. With an ever-evolving menu, I've never been bored with the selection. The wait staff is really great, and they've suggested some awesome drink/entree pairings that I've always been pleased with. As basic as it may be, I can't visit without starting with the Amish Pretzels with Cheese. They just get it right! I can't speak highly enough of this place for a great date night. The size of the restaurant alone makes it a little tough for giant groups to get seated, so I'd keep your party to 4 or less. I'm headed there on Friday for my anniversary, and I know I'll have a wonderful meal.
(5)
Brendan C.
The Pickles were too spicey. Popcorn 3 dollars, should be free but I haven't checked the market price for a teaspoon of pesto sauce lately. No Wifi. Service was pleasant. The fried lobster was meh, not a lot for what you pay. Generally the prices are all a bit overpriced. 23 dollars for Chicken with rice? I expected to get a naked waitress for that, not a Hipster chef to put foreign tasteless herbs on the broccoli. I guess your paying for atmosphere. I'm sure I will feel much better once I get back with the rednecks in the countryside
(3)
Gauri W.
This place used to be my favorite but I think it's decreased over time. The lamb porterhouses rock though, as does the cheesy garlicky winey shrimp. I've had the shrimp dinner and that's amazing also. Brunch is just average though.
(4)
Dawn W.
Went one time with my husband. It was very crowded at the time, but we ate at the bar. The menu was great, and most of the items could be prepared gluten free. I had tacos for lunch, delicious!
(4)
Brett W.
The Food Market is a great place. While the menu is short, there is something for everyone and it is all delicious! If it is a weekend evening you better have a reservation! There is a full bar, and if you like Guinness make sure you realize they only have Guinness Blondie. I ordered the lobster mac n cheese which was out of this world. So creamy and it actually had large chunks of lobster. I also got the double bison burger, which was delicious, know whether or not you like bison before ordering it though, my friend was almost going to get it but ended up trying mine first and she didn't like it. My friend got the rack of lamb and he said it was good but he didn't know to order it rare/medium rare and he got medium well and said it was tough. This place is slightly pricey but worth it!
(4)
Shipra K.
Have come here a few times now. Twice for dinner and once for brunch. I've gotten the spicy, creamy shrimp dish both times for dinner and highly recommend it. Brunch wasn't as great in my opinion but still good. Nice atmosphere, not too loud or crowded. No complaints about service. Try to make a reservation in advance if possible.
(5)
Kayla C.
My husband and I are big foodies. We came here for dinner one night a few months ago and it was awesome! We ordered a bunch of small plates and appetizers to get a taste of everything! The other person with us ordered the steak and for a 30 dollar steak she said it wasn't really worth it. Everything else we had was amazing though! You must try the pork belly and Amish pretzels. They have specialty cocktails and a great wine and beer selection as well with local craft brews. The only huge disappointment is the desserts. The ice cream they serve is Haagen Daz in a Haagen Daz carton. This is disappointing because my expectations were much higher for desserts, with competition like Woodberry Kitchen who make their own ice cream. Overall, we will definitely go back!
(4)
Anthea C.
First of all love this new addition to Hampden. Fits in well with the Hampden crowd with a bit of a Brooklyn twist. Spacious dining area, great bar, nice open front windows. My roommate and I got the truffle oil popcorn and risotto encrusted mozzarella balls for appetizers and then split the Baltimore club for an entree. The popcorn was good, very interesting flavor. The mozzarella balls were delicious and the Baltimore club had crab and shrimp...yum! Our server was very attentive and helpful and we used the free valet service! All in all a great time and good food.
(4)
Samantha L.
We went for brunch and it was pretty tasty. They started us with what tasted like lemon pound cake and it was yummy. The breakfast tacos and Jam, fried egg, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes sandwich were both good. We also had some Amish pretzels with cheese that we enjoyed. I had some iced coffee that they made well. No complaints. We will likely try their dinner too.
(4)
Bernie C.
Yay! I came for dinner! Deliciousness. Deliciousness everywhere. Here's what we ordered: Pan Roasted Popcorn ($3 and you know what? worth it.) Amish Soft Pretzel with beer cheese fondue dip ($7 not, my favourite, but that's not saying much cause everything was yummy) Spicy, Cheesey, Herby, Creamy, Winey, Garlicky Shrimp ($13 this was my favourite thing, maybe one of the top things I've ever eaten, there are hunks of bread in the sauce and it's the most amazing thing ever. It's creamy shrimpy deliciousness, I wish they made it in entree form) Duck Parts ($27 Perfectly cooked. The duck leg was amazing. The duck breast was pretty good. the applesauce a lil sweet, but the jalapeno cheddar potato puree was amazeballs.) Chargrilled Lamb Rack ($32 again, perfectly cooked. I love lamb and this was absolutely delicious, solid portion size, even for me, a girl who really likes her meat. Whoever is making the sides and purees for all these dishes is seriously on point, cause the beet gravy and whipped cauliflower were pretty perfect) Lil Lemon Gable ($11, a little bit on the small side for the drink, but maybe I have a drinking problem. Nevertheless delicious, I love lemon and ginger, those things should probably be in everything) The atmosphere is so nice for a little group or a date, it's gorgeous and open and is somehow cozy without being small. Two thumbs, licked clean of sauces, up! (I eat like an animal. How is one supposed to get all the lamb off the rack without picking it up?)
(5)
Justin Juhwan S.
I prefer brunch to dinner. It's a bit pricey for dinner and wasn't quite satisfacotry but bruch is totally worth it.
(4)
Erika S.
We met a friend for brunch and loved the atmosphere. Decent price for drinks and food portions great. Can't wait to go back! Plus you can walk off the food (or buzz) in all the nearby shops.
(5)
Allison L.
Loved this place! We came for my birthday dinner last week and everything was delicious! I had the Nico (vodka, amaretto, champagne, muddled strawberries) and have been trying to recreate it all week. We started with their bread and the Amish pretzel sticks, both of which were butter/oil filled and awesome. I got the big crab cake with lobster mac and cheese and broccoli. The crab was very good, not my favorite in Baltimore but definitely good. The lobster mac and cheese was also good, but could've been creamier. My husband got the crab stuffed soft shell crab special, which was kinda small for the price but he enjoyed it. We finished the night with the half baked blondie, which was more like a quarter baked, which just made it better. Valet parking is free, which makes this an excellent Hampden option.
(4)
Landy L.
Both food and cocktails were well thought out and delicious. Service was professional and efficient. We sat in the middle of the dining room so was a little cramped but that's the only negative.
(5)
Erica O.
One of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore. I went this past Saturday with 3 of my friends. We started off with some great martinis, shared the Amish soft pretzels, and the brussel sprouts. Perfect to split amongst 4 people, while leaving room for an entree. I went with the crab cake that comes with lobster mac-n-cheese and broccoli. Hands down one of the best crab cakes in baltimore and I've had my fair share of crab cakes. The lobster mac n cheese is fantastic as well...plenty of lobster and not too heavy with the cheese. We skipped on dessert but I've had the heath bar bread pudding before and it's amazing. It's quite lively on a weekend night so if you're looking for a quiet intimate dinner, this is not the place. Our server was very friendly and attentive. Def would recommend for small groups.
(5)
Rebecca R.
I was excited to go to brunch on a Sunday morning with my apartment-mates, and we wanted to try somewhere new. The food Market is in a great location in Hampden, and was industrially cute-- large covered lights, metal tables, beautiful wooden bar, and painted white brick walls. We made a reservation on OpenTable and were seated at our proper time. Our server was hard to read: she was nice and attentive to our water glasses and responded immediately to our slight food mix up but was kind of stand-offish the whole time. I ordered the berry sandwich and it was delicious- I would have never thought grape jelly and tomatoes, onions, egg, and bacon would go together, but it did. Our drinks also came in very large glasses, so the $8 was justified. Only criticism is it was a little pricy. I don't mind splurging on food (I believe that food splurges are the best splurges) but $80 for three smallish plates and three large mimosas is a little ridiculous. I probably won't be back here anytime soon for that reason. Go knowing it is expensive, and you should have a decent time.
(3)
Andi T.
The Food Market has great ambiance, lovely staff, a super nice owner, and GREAT food! So happy our host recommended it to us!
(5)
M K.
Food market is a solid choice for brunch. It's probably my favorite in hampden. The restaurant has an urban NYC vibe to it. Service is pretty solid. Can't go wrong with most things on the menu.
(4)
Brandy C.
I will start this review by first saying that the only reason this isn't a five-star review is because of the somewhat emo servers. None of them seemed too friendly; c'mon, would a smile kill ya? As a note, the host was very nice. On to the food, which was interesting and delicious. I ordered the pretzels and beer cheese as an app. O.M.G. These were so dang good!!! I mean wow. I ordered the burger and it was yummy as well. My boyfriend had the fish tacos and really enjoyed them. His dad liked The Soup. I absolutely loved the Lil Lemon Gable cocktail: limoncello, tequila, and crabbies ginger beer. Yum!!! This place is really interesting and I loved the modern industrial design. We will definitely come back to this great restaurant in an uber cute neighborhood.
(4)
Amanda W.
We stopped in for a late night Sunday dinner. My boyfriend and I were stuck in 'rain traffic' - where everyone forgets how to drive because it's raining- and we showed up around 930. We were a little worried that we would get shunned for showing up pretty late on a Sunday (I think they stop seating at 11 but it's not nice to be the last table). But when we arrived, the hosts were very enthusiastic, which allayed some of our worries. Our server was AMAZING. I wish I could remember her name. (She had really stylish glasses- I think they were prada or chanel). My boyfriend and I know what it's like to wait on the last table, especially on a Sunday, but she did not seem exasperated or annoyed at all. Because this was our first time, we had a lot of questions and she answered all of them with informative responses and even gave us some suggestions on what she likes. What we ate: Cheesy garlicy winey shrimp dip: the dip is a little looser than I though it would be but still tasty. It was almost like a cheesy soup with a few shrimp floating around. The bread it's served with is great. Pork belly: nicely caramelized, not too fatty. My boyfriend said he wished they threw it in the fryer for a second so that it had crispier edges. Ahi tuna appetizer: Definitely the worst dish of the night. The fish quality was terrible- very sinewy, chewy, and fishy. They served it with some tahini cucumber sauce. I was hoping for something more refreshing. Lobster bites: Meh. Lobster has such a succulent sweet meat and covering that up with batter and frying it just masks everything that makes lobster worth spending money on. I found myself peeling off the batter, dipping that in the sauce and eating the lobster separately. Duck potato skins: Delicious. Tender duck. Crispy potato skin. Fixings. Spot on. Scallop entree: This one was my favorite! There were 5 scallops that were perfectly seared so that the middle was still soft but the outsides were seared. The side was my dream come true: Spaghetti squash mixed with butternut squash risotto: really sweet, hearty and great texture. There was also a bacon soubise that added some smoky flavor to cut the sweet risotto. YUM! Brussel sprout side: This was my boyfriend's favorite and he actually mimicked the recipe and made them at home. Now we are hooked to brussels! The brussels were roasted and tossed with bacon and some sort of sweet balsamic or maple glaze. Strawberry tiramisu: I wouldn't get this again. Very underwhelming and didn't have the textures and coffee flavor that a great tiramisu has. I know I know it's a "strawberry" tiramisu but the texture was very dry. And the "powder" that was sprinkled over top made me cough EVERY TIME I took a bite- like I was inhaling dust. It also made my boyfriend cough and I'm not sure why. Overall: Everything was delicious but VERY RICH and savory. It might have been our choices that led to this but at the end of the meal, all I wanted was some citrus or sorbet to cut all the butter. We will definitely come back and hopefully we get the same server. She was great. Super friendly and nice. Also, we were out of there before two other tables so we didn't end up being the last table after all!
(4)
Jill B.
So my buddy took me to Friday brunch there, and I was overwhelmed! I took photos and noted each bit of our meal. It took everything I had to not devour each item as it was presented. My buddy said we should just order one of everything but despite the artisanal plating of each course, we were both stuffed silly by the end. We ordered: Buffalo chips, (Free) cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing, Crab Benedict And Croque Madame. The buffalo chips made me reconsider my lifelong loathing of fried pickles.
(5)
Pearl K.
This place is adorable, from the decor to the menus and the cheerful servers. I came here with the boyfriend on a pretty busy night. The tables are placed fairly close to each other so we were a little packed in there with the other diners, but it made for a nice and intimate evening. Our server was amazingly sweet and patient; my phone was on its last legs of battery life and she was gracious enough to plug it in behind the bar while I tamped down my cell phone separation anxiety. She was even more understanding when I asked for it back 5 minutes later while my boyfriend chuckled off to the side. I ordered the sea scallops and the boyfriend ordered crab cakes. So yummy! The bacon soubise mixed with the risotto in my dish so well and had me scraping at the juices. His crab cakes were pretty standard. The plate sizes were the only thing I had a problem with; I came to the Food Market hungry and left with a slightly unhappy hunger pang still rumbling in my belly. Overall, a very nice restaurant to come to for a date night!
(4)
Bethany P.
I have heard so many great things about The Food Market so we were really excited to go and see what everyone has been talking about. It was a rainy Wednesday evening and there was a pretty good crowd. The service was fantastic but the food was good - nothing too memorable. While it was good - I don't think it was good enough that we will be back regularly.
(4)
Seth K.
One of the best meals we've had in Baltimore! We went for a Sunday afternoon brunch with our two young kids for a special occasion. The menu was creative and varied; when every single menu item sounds delicious, they usually are. The monte cristo was appropriately cheesy and grilled perfectly, with a well-seasoned, salty mornay sauce. The pork belly eggs benedict were done just right, and served with delicious chunks of grilled pork belly over soft english muffins. The French toast dippers were sugary, fried goodness with a sweet creamy maple fondue. The easy bake breakfast came with a massive pancake. The parfait was a little light on yogurt and heavy on granola, but the berries were fresh and tart. Our server was fantastic; very engaging and handled the kids well. We would definitely go back!
(5)
Holly C.
Perfection. Heavenly. Best meal in recent memory. We had: Brussel sprouts salad Spicy pickle chips Filet with asparagus and parmesan & truffle fries Panko crusted sea bass with whipped cauliflower Heathbar bread pudding.. We walked in (2 people) at 9pm on New Year's Eve. The restaurant was busy but we got seated immediately. The ambiance was spot-on and the service was impeccable. If I'm ever back in Baltimore, The Food Market will be top of my list.
(5)
Kathleen S.
The best dinner! !!! Wild boar with charred cabbage and a potato flapjack! !! Get the side of cauliflower! !!! Simply the best
(5)
Yueqi G.
Came for lunch on Sunday. Ordered Moroccan Lamb Salad. A lot of lamb meatballs! I couldn't finish the bowl... like the flavor but a little bit too savory and the olive is pretty strong. Definitely need some sweet finish in my mouth (remember to take a lollipop from the front desk)
(4)
Sarah L.
I came here for Sunday brunch while visiting Baltimore for the weekend. I must say, brunch at The Food Market was a great send off from Charm City. While we did have to wait for almost 45 minutes (which allowed us to explore the Avenue and grab a great cup of coffee at Spro), the experience more than made up for the wait. The service here was great! Our waiter, Jermaine, was a pleasure who truly seemed to love what he does and the people he meets. While he was a jokester from start to finish, he was also very knowledgeable about the menu, giving all sorts of great suggestions to us and the surrounding tables. For starters, we were served complimentary sweet potato fries. They were clearly out for my heart from the get go. For our meals, I ordered the shrimp and grits and my boyfriend ordered the crabs Benedict. The food was delicious, but very, very rich! So rich that I couldn't finish mine. Luckily I had a nice Mimosa to wash it all down. If you're coming here on Hangover Sunday, they have plenty of options for Bloody's and Mimosa's if you need some hair of the dog. The atmosphere was alright. The space is well designed and fashionable, but they really pack 'em in here. And it is bustling, so be prepared to have your chair bumped by people passing by and to elbow people whenever you stand up. They could also benefit from having a multi-stalled bathroom. There was a line for the ladies room almost the entire time I was here. So, all in all, any tourists that are looking for a great place to brunch, this place is definitely worth the drive from the Inner Harbor, any Baltimore natives, what are you waiting for? Go there this weekend.
(4)
Aaron B.
Probably the best fried oysters I have ever had in my life and I search for and love oysters raw, grilled, or fried. It's hard to find a good fried oyster that isn't too greasy or over fried. The crab dip was also outstanding! My wife is a Bmore native and it very critical of any traditional crab dish and was quite pleased with their recipe.
(5)
Lin Z.
Trying to decide between 2 and 3 stars. . . I think it's a solid 2.5. Took my family to Sunday brunch here. Loved the atmosphere and energy, although the room is pretty loud so not the greatest for conversation with more than the person directly next or across from you. Also loved the fresh mini donut holes they give you to nibble on -- YUM. But ... I ordered the chicken and biscuit and was pretty disappointed. The presentation was nice looking -- the chicken sat atop cute mini split biscuits and poached eggs (perfectly poached)-- but the overall taste was just ok. The chicken was 2 heavily breaded, over cooked fried pieces of boneless chicken -- it wasn't my idea of fried chicken at all. The biscuits were nothing special. When I ordered this I was thinking it would be like this amazing chicken & waffles dish I had at Friedman's Lunch in NYC --- sadly this paled, paled, paled in comparison. It did come with a small cheesy potato gratin in its own oven baked dish --- those were delicious. They have good variety -- my brother got a veggie dish loaded with edamame, fresh corn and other stuff that looked pretty good. Hubbby got the butternut squash egg white omelet; our kids got the pulled pork benedict and some other yummy looking food --- I didn't try theirs, but there were no complaints.
(3)
Virginia B.
It's all in the name! Dinner here was great! The pretzel fondue was delicious. Great cocktails. The pork tacos were seasoned perfectly. Can't wait to go back for more!
(5)
Kara T.
Lively atmosphere and packed at 8 pm Tuesday night. Males who work here all have beards. Translation : trendy farm to table with craft cocktails. The lobster fingers were glorified and expensive chicken fingers. My husband liked them but to me the fried breading had little flavor but overwhelmed the lobster, as did the mustard side. Not worth the hefty price tag. The duck parts were excellent. Perfectly cooked with excellent flavor and wonderful cherry side sauce. Double bison burger with Bleu cheese was good but not remarkable. Truffle fries were disappointing--too thin and crispy and not much truffle flavor. Would have worked better, at least texture wise, with the crinkle cut fries. The highlight of the meal was the custom Tito's vodka drink with bitters and basil. It was fabulous!
(4)
Kris L.
Alright people I've been back twice since my first review and it has been stupendous. Only have more positives to add from my prior review: -amazing cocktails! Try the blood orange caipirinha! -free valet parking -solid service every time -amazing shrimp and grits -AGAIN TRY THE HEATH BAR BREAD PUDDING! Stop reading this review and GO!
(5)
Donna H.
Not your Mama's Market! Great spacious place. Very laid back, friendly and attentive. we arrived there around 9:30 on a a Wednesday night and were promptly seated. Or waitress Jennifer was very friendly and made a couple of recommendation. We order Panco Brie with apples and bread. It went well with the wonderful Prosecco Champagne. We also had an order of Fried Lobster Fingers that were very good and I know they say everything is better fried but I think we will order the mac and lobster or lobster roll next time. Lobster is to delicate and scrumptious on its own so why hide that in batter and deep fry. Great place to go with friends have a couple of drinks and get a bite to eat.Visited May 2015
(5)
Zachary D.
Delicious, tasty, well presented, a little expensive, but really tasty
(4)
Michelle C.
Love this restaurant!!! Amazing location right on 36th in Hampden. Have been there twice now but this review is for the second time: Ordered: - lobster fingers YUM - crab dip YUM - amazing - short rib which was lovely but very heavy Others ordered the shrimp dinner and the steak fillet.
(5)
Allysa D.
Actually not really impressed with this place. Went here for dinner and everything was okay, but not great. However, I have heard that brunch is pretty good here - have yet to try that and not sure if we will.
(3)
suz h.
If you like reheated frozen french fries, this is the place for you. It's like a fancy version of a college cafeteria.
(2)
Nicole W.
Brunch review The good: -I love the decor here. I'd give it 5 stars for atmosphere. -Free pastry at brunch. This week was coffee cake. I've heard that other times it has been donuts or cinnamon rolls. -Tasty coffee! I love when coffee isn't an afterthought at a brunch spot. -The Heath bar pancakes were just as expected: small bites, nice and lightly sweet...basically perfect. At $5, I will be getting these every time. The...less good: I can't speak to their dinner fare, but it seemed like the brunch food didn't live up to the descriptions in the menu. -Turkey sausage tacos were served on soft corn tortillas (I was told flour, but that's ok). The meat tasted like Taco Bell...it wasn't my favorite. I guess I thought it would be more egg and less greasy-Mexican-fast-food. -Smokey bowl: I love potatoes au gratin, but there was nothing special happening in this dish. Guess I was expecting more of a gratuitous bowl of everything awesome about breakfast food and instead it was a plate with fried eggs sitting on top of an English muffin and a few slices of bacon on top if everything. Nothing seemed to mix here. Conclusion: I'd definitely come back and try the pancakes which looked great. W 36th street is so cute that I'd enjoy another brunch for the vibe of the restaurant and the surrounding stroll-able neighborhood!
(3)
Caitlin T.
I had an amazing brunch here last weekend while visiting Baltimore with a friend to watch some epic roller derby (I highly recommend). She ordered the crab benedict, I went big with the pulled pork benedict. We were concerned we weren't eating enough, so we added on an order of the pretzels with beer cheese. This ended up being a fantastic choice. Washed down with beer and cider respectively, my friend and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Service was friendly, and the ambiance is one of the exposed brick variety--my favorite. If I lived near Hampden, this would probably be one of my standard haunts for a gluttonous brunch.
(4)
Rose D.
Service was great, everyone was friendly and all of our food and drinks were wonderful. It's a little small, so I wouldn't go with a large party, but it was perfect for a party of 4. Drinks were very good. We had a Dr. Jerry, rum and coke, Cosmo and wine. All were made well. For apps, we tried the pretzels with cheese fondue and buffalo pickles. Cheese was amazing and so were the chips. Our server even offered us bread for the extra dip that was left. The short rib was tender and mashed potatoes were delicious. The Baltimore Club was huge and very, very good, as was the steak. We even tried the bread pudding and blondie for dessert. Not a note left. We will be back!
(5)
Arielle D.
I was super excited to eat at this place, because it was on the top 50 Baltimore restaurants list. The drinks were good but the food was horrible. It was the worst chicken and biscuits I've had in my life and the portions are bite sized for toddlers.The chicken and biscuits is a popular menu item, which says a lot about the clientele that praises mediocrity.
Maybe this is a gimme but everything we had was impressive. We went on a whim and weren't disappointed. They have a great overall drink selection, which includes some great beers of tap. Instead of ordering entrees we decided to order an appetizer and a few small plates. You have to get the pretzels with the cheese fondue. It will make you second guess why you have ever eaten a pretzel at a ball game/sporting event. We then ordered 3 apps; tuna, shrimp, and mussels. The tuna was cooked and seasoned perfectly with a delicious dill cream. The shrimp was swimming in a peppered cream sauce. Best of all were the mussels. The mussels were plentiful and sitting a broth that was worthy of a straw. To close we ordered the Heath bar bread pudding, which was so moist and lighter then any other bread pudding I've had. If I were rich I would eat there every day.
(5)
Kimberly D.
The waiter was fabulous, charming and nice and the drinks large and good. As for food, how can you screw up a bison burger and fries? The burger, ordered medium, was served cool and raw. The fries were hot, they have a timing issue in the kitchen, they let the burgers sit while they made more fries apparently. We also had a pretzel with yummy cheese. The place is pretty inside. To me, having eaten there twice already, imo there is no there there.
(3)
Riley K.
Tasty food. Quick, good service (at bar). Funky drink of the night, cold beer and good wine. Enjoyed: street tacos braised pork, onion salad, whipped avocado, good salsa | 10 griDDleD lamb porterhoUses espresso, pecan, apricots, limoncello | 14 salt & pepper tUna avocado tzatziki, marinated cucumber | 13 And some blonde brownie with ice cream awesomeness. Will be back. See photos.
(5)
Sean C.
Had the Coque Madame for brunch. Fantastic Bloody Mary. Tasteful decor, attentive staff. Thumbs up!
(4)
A J.
I had such high hopes. Friendly service and great ambiance (although be prepared to share a tight space with another couple; not the best choice if you're looking for something very intimate). The crusty bread and olive oil is.... ok. It would be better served warm instead of stone cold. The fried oysters and corn salad starter was to die for. Flavors were fresh and well-balanced; I hate fried oysters and I could've had ten plates. Delicious. Ian's Tomatoes was a great starter as well, nice and bright. I was looking forward to some craft cocktails but was put off by my first. Bourbon with peach puree and cranberry; the peach puree was more like a stringy mass of slime and the cranberry was nowhere to be found. Too much ice watered it down quickly. Entrees: my boyfriend enjoyed his boar ribs, but his "fries" were essentially tiny, over-cooked chips. I was sure my fried chicken would redeem the horrible cocktail experience, but it was, truly, the worst fried chicken I've ever had. Ever. I didn't even know fried chicken could taste bad. There was a TON of half-chewy, half-so-hard-it-hurt-my-teeth breading. Weird taste and horrible texture. No seasoning or flavor to speak of. :/ The blue cheese mashed potatoes, I thought for sure, would be pleasant. Nope. Just flat, saltless potatoes with an overwhelming single note of very blue cheese. No creaminess, no fluff, no butteryness. :/ Deserts were ok. The cognac ice cream was the star of the peach cobbler (the peaches needed just a touch of sugar and I prefer a crispier crisp, but hey) and Yia Yia's Smith Island Cake was a nice ending. Overall not the absolute worst, but the entrees really disappointed.
(2)
Sam B.
Don't order the cheesecake! Overall the meal and service was great! So why on earth would you spoil it with a very disappointing cheesecake!! Can someone answer this question? For $8 I expect a nice big piece of cheesecake, but all I got was a "drizzle" of cheesecake cream. Come'on Food Market, get it together! Take it OFF the menu or put a nice BIG slab of cheesecake on my plate! Like I said, great food overall but beware of the less and adequate cheesecake.
(4)
Kara F.
I'd been really looking forward to trying out the restaurant I'd heard so much about. I loved the industrial feel of the decor and the service was great. I found the food very overpriced though. I ordered a medium bison steak and it was almost cooked all the way and the small plates were REALLY small. It was definitely not the experience I was hoping for. At some point I might check out their brunch, but I most likely will not be back for dinner.
(3)
Norman F.
This review is for brunch. We made a reservation for a late brunch (1:30pm) on a Saturday and it was packed. That was a good sign. It's a bit noisy in, but the food was very good. We got the french toast dipper appetizer, which was very good. I got the smokey bowl, which didn't overfill me and was done perfectly. Service was very good and everyone was pleasant. Parking was a pain, but they have free valet for dinner.
(5)
Ashley D.
Okay the food is pretty amazing. Was here on Sunday and I am still thinking about my Monte Cristo sandwich. HOWEVER SERVICE NEEDS TO DO BETTER.... took 10 minutes for the bartender to acknowledge us then was only giving us water one at a time??? Afterwards took another 15 to put our orders in. By then a table had cleared and we were able to get a table.
(4)
Ryan Z.
After an unplanned evening in quirky Hampden, I'm so glad that I strolled into The Food Market. Without a reservation, I was seated at a communal table, but that ended up being great because people in Baltimore are pretty friendly, and I ended up striking up some great conversations. The regular tables are very close to one another, so I might end up requesting the communal table next time; I'd rather be encouraged to chat with my seatmates than awkwardly eavesdrop. Overall I was pretty impressed. The scallops were perfectly cooked, but the butternut squash risotto needed a tad more cream. My friends' ahi tuna was also perfectly raw-seared, and the wasabi-crusted peas added a nice crunch. The pricey raw oysters had a nice brine but were on the smaller size. Dessert was interesting. I had the lemon curd, and it was served as a schmear on a rectangular plate with some ice cream in the center. I just felt like it was missing something to offset the tartness of the lemon, like a little cake. But overall I was impressed by the menu which showed a lot of creativity and interesting combinations, so I would definitely come back. Service was great, and the gracious hostess set the right tone from the moment I entered the restaurant (it's amazing how a hostess can make or break a first impression).
(4)
Haneen H.
food tasted really good. Our waiter was very friendly and easy to talk to. We will be coming back for sure!
(5)
Megan C.
Love The Food Market for a laid back weekend brunch. Their Nutella French Toast is AMAZING! The vibe and decor of the restaurant really make the experience enjoyable!
(4)
Jerry C.
Let's just say I'm disappointed to hear their first experience the wife and two of her best friends had with The Food Market today. We were at Honfest enjoying the festivities and the girls went to the Food Market Food Truck and ordered 3 watermelon slushes at $7 each and after taking a sip they realized there was no alcohol in the drinks. So they asked the server, where's the alcohol? They pointed them to the restaurant and said they can get a shot for their drinks inside. So they went over and headed to the bar and told the bartender the truck said we can get shots here so the the bartender poured 3 shots for each of their drinks. The girls were all happy and drinking away and the bartender slide the bill over and it came to a whopping $27.00. Yes yelpers $27.00. In sticker shock they paid the bill and saw the same drink (including alcohol) displayed in the restaurant menu for $10.00. Yes yelpers $10.00. Per drink it came up to $16.00. So they began to leave the restaurant and in a snippy tone the bartender said you can't leave since I poured and the hostess snippily as well confirmed too. Now, let's put it perspective folks, we are at Honfest and liquor is everywhere around us! And charging $9 a shot, after your food truck sent them to you was wrong and bad customer service by your establishment. Food Market was on our bucket list of restaurants to dine but after this initial experience--it is a forgotten name other then a memory of snippy workers who must of been thinking today FML it's patrons of Honfest.
(1)
Jenny A.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore! I took relatives visiting here for brunch because I've always wanted to try it and I'm so glad we did. I'm a big fan of mimosas, so I had to try theirs for brunch. Finally a hefty mimosa that isn't served in a tiny champagne glass! It was a great drink with a beautiful sugary rim and strawberry garnish. My uncle had the bloody mary (also delicious) with an old bay salted rim. That day the dishes we tried were: - Salt & pepper tuna - turkey sausage tacos - fried chicken & biscuits - lil heathbar pancakes The salt and pepper tuna was just the perfect tasting of fresh textures and flavors from the thinly sliced seared tuna and the cucumbers. The turkey sausage tacos were not as dry as I thought they would be and we a nice portion of 3 tacos. Fluffy scrambled eggs but all in all could have a little more seasoning or spice? Not as memorable as the tuna! The fried chicken and biscuits were plated so creatively and I appreciated the humble take on chicken and biscuits. Usually this type of dish is so hard to finish because it's a huge portion and super fried/oily but these portion were fun stacked bites that could fit in your palm! Perfectly cooked chicken over a poached egg that popped gooey yolk goodness over a tasty fresh baked biscuit. The lil heathbar pancakes were really not-your-average pancake! Great for little kids to let them eat candy in moderation and in a slightly healthier way. The atmosphere of the food market just made me smile once I walked through the door. the dining area is so open and clean, with lots of natural light and breathing room. I love that you can see the kitchen from your seats too. The whole interior felt like you were away on vacation but enjoying a comfy meal at home at the same time. tldr; - amazingggg mimosas (+ you get so much more than a tiny champagne glass) - they have a nice full clean bar - get the salt & pepper tuna! - try the fried chicken and biscuits - super comforting and open atmosphere with lots of breathing room I can't wait to try dinner here next!
(5)
Jonathan P.
The food was fantastic. The ambiance was cool / trendy. Our waitress was super nice and helpful when we had questions about the menu. The bread that is given while you wait for your meal is probably the best bread I've ever had. I had the bison burger which was good and the fries that came with it were excellent. I highly recommend this place and we will definitely be back!
(5)
Christine K.
We were there for drinks, so can't say much about the food, but that the warm lobster roll really is warm and veryyyy mayo-y, but that's what makes it so good. Also, I never eat fries, but they make the crinkly ones on point. not too crispy, not too oily. i think they're baked. For dessert, try the bread pudding - it's more like a Heath bar cakey consistency, and one of the the yummiest, most effortlessly creative desserts I've had Everything on the menu sounds delicious. They're super unpretentious and describes the food as it is. "Boring caesar salad" and "unchopped salad" so you're not looking like a foo when that awkwardly hard to eat salad comes your way. The wine selection is not the greatest quality, but appropriate for the price. Didn't try the cocktails, but I hear they're pretty good. I love sitting at the bar, even for meals, and their bar is very "meal-friendly" and has purse hooks. YAY.
(4)
Lindsay S.
Ugh, the food market. How I love thee. So good. Honestly, I think their brunch is the best. I love any and all things breakfast food related so maybe that's me, but I've been for brunch and dinner and I much prefer their brunch. No matter what time of the day you eat there, you NEED to eat the pretzels and bier cheese. In the wise words of Guy Fieri, that bier cheese is "so good I could eat it off a flip flop." (Really though...only half kidding here). They have amazing Bloody Mary's. I've never been disappointed. My parents came to visit not that long ago and I took them here and my mom told me that my dad couldn't stop talking about brunch at the food market once they got home (aw parents can be so cute). I love it there. I will be back many more times!
(5)
Tina G.
I would have to agree with another reviewer on her comment of "If I could give this 6 stars I would." I only visited the bar last night, but I was not disappointed. It was the first time I have visited and the first time for my date as well. It was a night full of firsts! The staff was very friendly, attentive, and helpful. I don't think anything could have gone any better. My date only had a couple beers, but I had their 'Lil' Lemon Gable' cocktail which was very tasty and I was also able to try a 'Black Eyed Susan'- after over hearing the bar tenders talk about them, I had to ask what they were. They whipped me one up right away and I can't wait to order one next time I go back. Great location for a first, third, tenth, or fiftieth date. I highly recommend their bar and look forward to visiting again and trying something off their menu.
(5)
Ryan S.
Inventive brunch! I had the Pork Belly Benedict and devoured the entire thing. The place was packed, but cozy. Though, I do wish they had a larger space. I will definitely be back for dinner.
(4)
Daniel C.
I have never had a drunk bartender call me an asshole but I guess there's a first for everything. The food is great, the guy bartenders are fucking awesome but the female bartenders hate men. Please let me say again, the male bartenders are awesome. The food is awesome. I'm sorry your boyfriend dumped you, again, and your daddy didn't hug you enough.
(1)
Cj J.
I have to admit that all the food that EVENTUALLY came out was amazing! However, we waited so long for a waiter to first see us and even order that our one friend had to take hers to go. We had to ask the bus boy who was cleaning off the seats next to us to see where our waiter was.
(4)
Haben T.
Very, very good. If you're in D.C. and you want breakfast..this is the go to spot.
(5)
Axl R.
FOOD: Excellent. Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection. Even the popcorn was reasonably priced and tasty. The tuna app was perfectly seared. The lamb app was quite tender; my friend gave it an 8. She found her beet salad to be well marinated. I enjoyed my cauliflower side as well which was quite flavorful without being too spicy. Our drinks were also quite tasty. Even when our first drink was too strong, this was kindly rectified with a free drink. SERVICE: We sat at the bar early on a Sunday. This made our service much better since we were in direct visual contact with bartender. I have eaten there before during a "rush" time and the service was quite poorly attentive... I would have given the restaurant a 2 based on my past service experiences sitting at the tables. AMBIENCE: Lively. Good for families, couples, friends, locals, visitors... all comers. However, I much prefer going early when it is quiet. I am not a fan of crowds. RETURN: Definitely, only during off hours. RECOMMEND: Yes.
(5)
Kelly H.
One of my friends and I were looking for a good brunch. We saw that The Food Market had Nutella French Toast and mimosas, and we were sold. I wound up getting the Nutella French Toast that originally had caught my eye when I surfed the menu online. They topped the bread with hazelnut panko, which cut back on the sweetness a little bit. There were a few smears of Nutella, some confectioner's sugar, and sliced strawberries, but it wasn't over the top in terms of sweetness. I really enjoyed it! My friend got the Crab Benedict, which she said was also very good. We both got mimosas, and they were probably the best mimosas I've had in Baltimore--perfectly bubbly and tangy. My only complaint was that the Market Iced Coffee was a little bit strange--it was kind of watery with a weird flavor. Other than the iced coffee, our experience at The Food Market was positive. I can't wait to go back and try some items on the dinner menu and the extensive cocktail list!
(5)
Natalie K.
One of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore. Been here several times and everything is delicious! Great service and valet parking is available.
(5)
Wattage L.
Ate at the chefs table. Traveling extensively for work east coast to west coast, I dine out more then most, so it takes a lot to get me jazzed about food. I have to say, this meal was as good as it could get; fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection. Ahi tuna tartar was grade A, the Sea Bass was cooked to perfection, and the coconut cream desert was the perfect finish. Well done FM!
(5)
Nick J.
Went here last night for dinner after hearing good things, but was disappointed. Had the cream of crab soup and the braised short ribs. Soup was decent, but nothing to get excited about . The short ribs seemed as if they were reheated from a few days ago- good flavor, but very chewy. I was not a fan of this entree and chose to wrap it up. My father had the pork belly appetizer and the bronzini fish entree. He said he enjoyed both of his choices which is why I gave three stars instead of two.
(3)
Danielle P.
Tried the Food Market for the first time for brunch today. It was packed and the ambiance was fantastic - I love how they have the kitchen open in the back! I had the iced coffee (made with a bit of cream and chocolate syrup) and i enjoyed it - no need for sugar/sweetener when you stir up the syrup! They bring out a few small slices of crumb cake (in place of bread, I guess?) and they were delicious. I ordered the turkey sausage tacos and the food came out pretty quickly. The tacos had a little bit of spice to them (I'm not a spicy food eater) but they tasted delicious regardless. Portion size was perfect - I ate everything but didn't feel too stuffed. My other half got the lobster roll and enjoyed it. I tried his French fries and they were amazing! Not too greasy or over/undercooked :) Everything on the menu looked delicious! I'll definitely be back for the Nutella French toast :)
(4)
Renee B.
I was so excited to try The Food Market and wasn't disappointed. The vibe is very cool and the space is kind of loud, but not intolerable. We were a little close to the table next to us, but once I started taking pics of my food, they were so nice and offered to let me photograph theirs, as well. We were served fairly large portions and enjoyed all that we ate. I had delicious fish and a berry dessert that I loved, aside from the hard wafer. We'd be more apt to go back to The Food Market for drinks, but would definitely grab something to eat while we were there.
(4)
Zoe S.
It's an amazing place. The food is phenomenal. The service is great. It's a little pricey but definitely worth it. The Amish pretzels are to die for.
(5)
Josh G.
The Food Market has a nice atmosphere and a varied menu, not too many things that are especially adventurous, but what they do, they do well, and with a strong emphasis on presentation. The service is great, with attentive and friendly staff too. Some of the portion sizes could be a bit better, but it was alright and the prices are generally competitive. The drinks are good too, I happen to like the Lil' Lemon Gable. The tables are a bit close and it can get a bit crowded so I'd advise a reservation and perhaps a seat within general of the service counter but not next to it so you can take in everything. Overall, good food and drink and worth visiting.
(4)
Tiff J.
I went for brunch with a couple of friends. The food was excellent. The brunch items were so unique and different. And the portions were a great size !
(4)
Roni G.
Thank you YELP. I made reservations based on others reviews and scored a win! The atmosphere was lively, the service was prompt and friendly, and the food was delicious. The menu choices were creative and not overwhelming and when my friend requested an item off the menu the waiter didn't bat an eye and accommodated her. I can't wait to share this great find with others.
(5)
Ted S.
Actually, a 3.5 rating. Wish Yelp would let us choose 1/2 stars... I went recently on a nice weeknight at 7:30pm. Was dining alone and spur-of-moment with no reservation. Hostess was pleasant and helpful - told me I could sit at the bar right away or wait about 45 minutes for a table.I preferred a table but did not want to wait, so chose the bar. When I sat I noticed four 2-tops that were unoccupied. I assumed they were being held for 8pm reservations and thought nothing of it. I have to admit it did irk me a bit when all four tables stayed empty the entire two hours I sat at the bar. Having said that, the bar was quite comfortable, had plenty of room and the bartender seemed well-versed on menu options. He clearly had tried most items on the menu and was helpful as I chose my meal. The menu was a bit too "cutesy" for me (the chef's name is Gauss and the gazpacho is called "Gausspacho - classic gazpacho with a really cool name"), but the options looked interesting. I decided to forgo the "big" entrees and stick with the "little" and "small" plates (though I couldn't discern what criteria were used to place an item in one category or the other). The kitchen's greatest strength seemed to be its sauces. Each was the best part of every item I ordered. Pork belly has probably outlived its fad status, but I'm still a big fan. This one was perfect. Beautifully roasted, then coated with brown sugar and pan-fried until crisp. Simply served with some field greens, cherry tomatoes, chopped pecan and a touch of really good honey mustard dressing. On the bartender's recommendation I then ordered the grilled shrimp. The 4 good-sized shrimp were in a bit of spicy sauce (soy, wasabi, red pepper flakes) with "pineapple two ways" (grilled fresh pineapple chunks and some pineapple foam. I do wish that foam's 15 minutes of fame was over...). This was my favorite dish of the night, but might not be to everyone's taste. The primary flavor was "char", but I thought it worked well with both the shrimp and the pineapple. The small amount of marinade was worthy of plate-licking, with complex flavors and just the right amount of kick. My only complaint was that the shrimp were not cooked consistently. Two were perfect, two a bit overcooked and dry. Sticking with the bartender I ordered the salt and pepper tuna. Again, pretty much perfect. One of the nicest grades of tuna I've had recently, was lightly seared and served over an avocado tzatziki with marinated cucumbers. A very nice dish - highlighted again by the sauce. The bartender has now figured out that I'm here for the food and in no rush. He tells me I have to try the fried oysters (served with a bacon and egg emulsion with black hot sauce). The emulsion was interesting, but very, very subtle and seemed lost on this dish. The black hot sauce was amazing. It was buttery and smoky and hot and flavorful. I was told that it was just a mixture of browned butter and hot sauce, Not sure if those were the only two ingredients, but it was a perfect match for the oysters. There were probably 10 oysters on the plate and they were crisp with no signs of greasiness. I was really enjoying the dish - UNTIL I bit into a dime-sized piece of oyster shell. This should never happen in any restaurant (especially a "fine dining" one). A hint of apology from the server would have been appropriate, but he said nothing when I showed him the chunk of shell. It's summer in Baltimore, so I wanted to try the caprese salad with local tomatoes. However, I couldn't justify the $12 charge for it and passed. The bartender insisted I try the fresh peach cobbler. I should have stopped short. If it's an indicator of other desserts the pastry chef is the weak link in the restaurant. The few peaches had the texture of the ones you find in a supermarket can (and less flavor). The cobbler part was just a gloppy dough mess. The scoop of vanilla ice cream had no taste and the entire mess was topped with a heavy sprinkling of way-too-sweet streusel. In all, a very good meal, but a bit too inconsistent for the pricing. Great energy from the other diners who clearly were enjoying the space and the food.
(3)
Jen K.
The Food Market might be my favorite restaurant in Baltimore. I've been for both brunch and dinner, and the ambiance, food, and drink never disappoint! Items that can be made gluten-free are designated with an ". . ." on the menu, and there are a decent number of selections. I love the feel of this place...classy without being stuffy. A great restaurant to go with friends for a celebration, a date, or to take your parents when they're in town. Last visit I had the beef carpaccio and the scallops and cleaned my plate on both. Decaf coffee was a little bitter. If you like spice, get the Spanglish cocktail! Sorry this isn't a great review, but here are some other helpful tips: -Free supposedly extremely delicious munchkin donuts at brunch (*not* gluten free) -Free valet parking for Weekend dinner -Make a reservation...you'll need it!
(5)
Rico S.
This going to be quick because the Food Market is not that remarkable to me. The ambiance and service are wonderful; the food, is not. At our table the following items were ordered: Baltimore club, rosette steak frettes, duck (can't remember the actual name), and sea bass. Only the person who ordered the sea bass had rave reviews of their meal. Everyone else's was extraordinarily average. I'm not sure how the Food Market ranked #2 in Baltimore Magazine's "Best Restaurants", but let the record show that I will no longer consider the magazine a reliable source.
(3)
Lisa S.
It isn't often that everyone in my family likes their meal. That was definitely the case at The Food Market. I can only speak for the seafood, as we didn't order any meat, but all of our dishes were delicious! The food is interesting, but also very accessible for my not so adventurous family. This well priced restaurant offers friendly and attentive service. It's a great spot for a fun night out or for a special occasion. Tip: There's a communal table so be aware that you may be sat there, even with a reservation. The table in the back is also on top of the kitchen so I'd try to request a table closer to the front. You should also make a reservation a few weeks in advance, especially for prime time on a Friday or Saturday night.
(4)
Claire Z.
LOVE the food market. I've been here for dinner, brunch and drinks. The bartender always makes good drinks and is friendly. Food is always excellent, service is great -- you can always count on a solid good meal. The only downside is the Food Market is a bit pricey compared to other places in Baltimore -- but when I have something to celebrate I usually come here! The Food Market always delivers!
(5)
Ben M.
Food exceeded my expectations! This place makes my life more difficult with the volume of cars that they bring into our neighborhood. That being said, it's on my top 5 places for a nice $$ date with my wife. Many Baltimore eateries or not dependable with their quality control, but The Food Market is very consistent! I enjoy reading the menu every time.
(4)
Yuriy B.
This place won me over almost immediately. It's a vast, open space with a cool bar and open kitchen. It looks way smaller than it actually is. It's impressive how far back it goes. The drink list is fairly decent with about a handful of drafts, which is on the low side, sure but they were all impressive in my mind. I had an Irish coffee which was off the menu but they did it well. The food. This place is about the food. It's not cheap. I wish I knew that going in, but boy oh BOY is it worth it.The appetizers were all splendid from the salads we got for our big group to the salt & pepper tuna which was done so very right. Everything I sampled from the other guests was downright impressive. The crab cake was great, too but we're not from Baltimore so maybe that's why. I had a lobster roll with pretty low expectations because I havent had a great lobster roll in a while. This was a GREAT lobster roll. The lobster was fresh and tender, the roll they used was deliciously soft and the butter taste was very present. I really do wish I had more menu items to fully comment on, but next time I'm in Balitmore this joint is definitely on the agenda. *Talked so much about the food I didn't mention other things. Service was downright perfect. From the friendly hosts to the very attentive waitress. They know what they're doing here.
(5)
Eric N.
What an awesome addition to Hampden. This foody/eclectic spot is both kid friendly, as well as a great spot for a date. It is a spacious restaurant with casual dress. We have been here for brunch and diner. Both meals were very good. We have tried the eggs, pancakes, hamburgers, pork based dishes, and desert. They did not disappoint. It is moderately to higher priced, and the portions are fair. Highly recommended.
Best meal so far in Baltimore. Everything was great from beginning to end. It was packed and we had to wait for a table. We decided to wait at the bar and have a drink. I had the grapefruit sangria which I thought was excellent. We were starving and had a snack at the bar. Everything sounded so delicious it was difficult to decide. We chose the steak tacos because it came with 3 mini tacos and there were 3 of us! They were excellent. A great balance of flavors. We were practically licking the sauce off the plate. In terms of our entrees, we got the chicken, the scallops and the steak frites. One was better than the next. Not only were the main entrees excellent, but the sides were amazing as well. The butternut squash risotto was so flavorful and rich and complemented the scallops nicely. THe mashed potatoes with the chicken were well seasoned as well. We were so full, we passed on dessert, but will be back very soon! The service was excellent and very attentive.
(5)
Jennifer I.
Came here again w/ a slightly bigger party. Got the side of lobster mac&cheese cause it was so good from last night. The steak frites were a good choice, too. Steak was ordered medium and came out medium--perfect. The fries were nice and crispy and well-seasoned. The biggest perk was the asparagus--amazingly grilled with this smoky, slightly charred taste that was impressive. We were happier with our choice of beer today. And of course, got 2 orders of the buffalo fried pickles cause you can't go wrong with that. The brown sugar pork belly app was also good, altho a bit too fatty for our tastes. But the meat itself was very tender and the crust, delicious.
(5)
Dayna M.
Came in during a snow storm. I was impressed by how busy they were despite the 8+ inches of snow accumulation outside. I had the unchopped salad, the duck entree and the heath bar bread pudding. Everything was fantastic. Definitely order the duck! It was cooked perfectly. I'm a big fan of duck and this is definitely the best I've had in a long time. Service was also friendly and fast.
(5)
Jenny H.
I came here for brunch awhile ago and forgot to write a review but came recently for dinner and it was pretty good. The nuts in the beginning were freshly roasted and just sweet, yum! My steak frites were pretty ordinary. My steak was a bit tough although cooked well, and my fries tasted stale and semi-cold. My husband's pork schnitzel was also just OK, fried thin piece of pork with a side of some BBQ sauce-like shredded pork. The meatloaf (made of wild bison meat) was really moist although and really well flavored. The heath bar bread pudding just tasted like ordinary bread pudding to me, I couldn't tell how much heath was in the dessert. The ambience is really nice though, open kitchen, modern and clean.
(3)
Olivia B.
Came here for restaurant week last summer. It was, of course, very busy but the service was still great! The food was delicious! The restaurant has a very modern, minimalist style. I had the mussels to start, and the salmon with calamari as an entree. For dessert I had the strawberry ice cream dish. Everything was great, but the portions were a little on the small side, but maybe because that was due to the restaurant week menu.
(4)
Asheley W.
Finally got to The Food Market for brunch and it did not disappoint. I ordered the Spanglish cocktail to start and absolutely loved it. Tequila, jalapenos, Old Bay on the rim definitely gave my Sunday morning a spicy start. Their mimosas are also huge -- no dainty champagne glasses here. We shared the french toast dippers as an appetizers and enjoyed them. The tempura batter made it slightly different from what you normally have and the cream cheese dipping sauce was just sweet enough without being overwhelming. I ordered the smokey bowl at my waiter's suggestion but was pretty disappointed in it. The English muffins were not toasted enough and just kind of turned to bland mush underneath the over easy eggs. The gratin that came with it though was quite delicious. I would definitely order something else next time. My boyfriend ordered the fried chicken and biscuits and it was the clear standout dish of the day. The combination of fried chicken, runny eggs, and spicy wing sauce was awesome. And the cheesy potatoes were pretty delicious too. My only complaint is how packed it is. We opted out of sitting at the community table in the interest of being able to have a more intimate brunch but that didn't happen. Even at a private table, you're basically sitting elbow to elbow with your neighbor. I hate sitting on top of other people and that is definitely the case here. You can't help but overhear the people you're sitting next to, to the point you might even get distracted from your own conversation.
(4)
Cara W.
Ive been for brunch and dinner, everything is amazing!
(5)
Denise W.
Taco's are fun and I inhale them, Ryan is an excellent bartender.
(4)
Stanley W.
Wow... What a find... From the expertly crafted cocktails to the crazy menu, TFM has it all... Like the fact that we could share so many different items... Mussels in champagne, crazy right? Awesome! Sea bass-great, steak frites, lobster fingers... All great food... Will Definitely come back!
(5)
Olga S.
Beautiful clean design, very welcoming and aesthetically pleasing! The food is fantastic, went with a large group of people for brunch so we were able to try a lot of different things on the menu and everything was absolutely delicious. Especially loved the salt and pepper tuna, french toast dippers, crab benedict and pretty much everything on the menu!! Also, great cocktails, had some mimosas and a Robert Frost cocktail which was awesome and had lavender rosemary infused vodka! The staff was amazing, very attentive and helpful. All in all 5 stars well deserved! Great staff, atmosphere and food! Highly recommend it, I cannot wait to try the dinner!
(5)
Justin K.
We came to the Food Market for restaurant week. We thought that the food selection on the menu looked quite inviting. We went on a Monday night to try to beat out any crowds. We decided to take advantage of the complimentary valet as it is a pain in the arse to park up in Hamden. We also made a reservation to help with the situation. We arrived and were greeted by the hostesses and immediately seated. We perused both the restaurant week menu and the regular menu. I have to admit, the regular menu sounded really good as well and we did end up ordering something from there and I will get to that in a minute. The wine list was ok, nothing special. I was in the mood for a good red and I went with the only cab they had on hand and it was not that great. The beer list is pretty much nonexistent with virtually no good selections. Oh well, on to the food. So we all decided to go with the restaurant week menu, however I really wanted to try the crispy lobster fingers from the regular menu so I ordered that in addition to the cream of crab soup, fried shrimp and grits and the "peanut butter thang". To start we had freshly baked focaccia bread brought to our table and it was quite delicious. I will start with the cream of crab soup. This may have been one of the best crab soups I have ever had. It was absolutely amazing. It was rich and silky with the right amount of old bay and a ton of lump crab. I was absolutely floored by how good this was. Prepare the IV drip, my vein is ready to receive!! If the rest of the food was this good, I was in for a treat. Then we received the crispy lobster fingers with the truffle honey mustard. This was quite the disappointing dish. I will admit you get a lot of lobster here, but you get no taste of lobster. It is quite unfortunate at $18 a plate. The best part about eating lobster is that buttery taste and with this you get nothing. For all I know I could have been eating fried imitation crab. Next I got the fried shrimp and grits. The grits were good and the sauce that came with had a good taste to it but again the shrimp were nothing special and were like any other fried shrimp you could get at red lobster. The desert was another dish that was ok. It was whipped peanut butter with chocolate. Not much else I can say about it. My wife had the steak frites and the steak was pretty tasty but she said the horseradish fries had no horseradish to them. Overall it was an ok meal with a couple highlights. The service was great and the food came out pretty quickly. I just think I ordered the wrong things and need to come back again to dine just off of the regular menu.
(3)
Brian M.
It's obvious they take a lot of pride in their quality and presentation. The food and drinks are delicious. Most of the staff is friendly and accommodating while others don't look to be bothered. Great spot in Hampden which we'll surely visit again.
(5)
Aida M.
I fully enjoyed my dining experience at this restaurant. The decor was modern with a wall of exposed brick. The staff were pleasant, accommodating, and knowledgeable of the menu. I ordered my first lobster roll. Bread and lobster was flavor. It was overflowing with lobster meat and it wasn't rubbery. We had the soft pretzels as an appetizer. That was melt in your mouth goodness!!!! Lastly I ordered the bread pudding. It was moist and delicious. I would have liked more sauce but I didn't ask. I really enjoyed this restaurant.
(5)
Marina R.
This place is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. The Food Market is always busy, load, and full of life! You walk in there and get energized and excited to see what's on the menu today! The food is high quality, the service and phenomenally friendly and the staff know the dishes as if they have been in the menu for years! Some of my favor things here are the duck fries, the crab cakes, the Amish soft pretzel, and I can go on and on. Pretty much the entire menu is amazing. If you are planning on being in the area, make a reservation ahead of time because if you don't, they will be packed (unless if there is room at the bar, of course).
(5)
Eric B.
I just got home from a wonderful first date with a lovely young lady at the Food Market. I had been there before, and thankfully round two did not didn't disappoint. We started at the bar with craft beers and my favorite High West rye whiskey. We were seated in a lively intimate dining room and couldn't help but resist immediately ordering the "Rosemary & Duckfat Hot Nuts." She ordered the special - a massive and tasty pork shank and I went with an "extra rare" porterhouse version of the steak frites. The manager/owner Elon was present and made sure ever bit of the experience was special. I would definitely repeat, and recommend to anyone trying to leave a good first impression on that special someone give the Food Market a try! 5/5!!
(5)
Megan P.
This place is adorable. There is enough space for a leisurely meal We went for sunday brunch at 2pm and did not need a reservation. The food was fantastic and i love how they have turkey sausage :) yay. the food was fresh and they offer a lot of fresh juices. I spent $20 on brunch with a side and a juice.
(5)
Dan F.
I've been wanting to check The Food Market out for a while now because I've heard it was very good from a lot of people. The Food Market is a very trendy and modernized restaurant. The ambiance is relaxing and almost industrial looking The food was fantastic and so was the service. Highlights from the food: Amish Soft Pretzels are great for an appetizer. The Shrimp Platter which is shrimp, grits, and sausage in a Cajun cream sauce was very good. Large pieces of shrimp. Cream Of Crab was nice and rich with large pieces of Jumbo Lump crab in it. For dessert: must try is the Heath Bar Bread Pudding! It's fantastic! A bit pricey, so not the place you can go all if the time. However, I'll definitely be back every once in a while to visit
(4)
nikki l.
I've been here 5 times now, so I can solidly recommend this place. The food is awesooooome. The service is great! I always sit at the bar and the bartenders are so cool. PleaSe give it a try, I'd bet you won't regret it! My favorite bar/restaurant in Baltimore
(5)
Samantha G.
When I first moved to Hampden, the Food Market was a very sad space. Think half-empty shelves with lonely 2-packs of toilet paper and a lotto machine. Now, it's been redone as the newest most exciting addition to the growing trendy food scene in Hampden. The interior has an industrial feel to it, but the vibe is kept warm by the large paintings accenting the painted brick wall. The bar was hoppin' even at midnight on a Tuesday night. Bonus: their late-night menu- which goes from 10-2 has all of the faves from the normal menu (try the sweet potato crinkles with rooster mayo and the Amish pretzels with fondue). I would call my meal their haute cafeteria cuisine. See my pic of the Vegan Messtray which came in a metal segmented lunch tray for proof. I can't wait to try the lobster fingers and fries. The menu choices were fresh and innovative, with plenty of options of everyone- especially considering my dining companion is a strict vegan. Our waitress was a doll and super helpful about asking the chef about ingredients. I have two complaints: they don't do carry out (huh?) and our cocktail order (which was placed as soon as we sat down) took as long as our entree to arrive at our table. Just a few kinks to be easily worked out in the near future. They've only been open for a week, after all. I hope to update my review to 5 stars with my next visit.
(4)
Christina P.
The best restaurant we have found in Maryland since moving here 3 years ago. The people are wonderful, the food is excellent and unique, and for the quality, the price is reasonable. Love it!
(5)
Supriya M.
After several attempts at getting a table, we finally made it to the much-hyped Food Market and it mostly lived up to the expectations. The food was all very good but nothing was extraordinary. The drinks certainly sounded better on paper than they tasted. Here is the breakdown of what we got and how it rated: Mouthwateringly amazing! Little Tuna Burger Babies Cracker Fried Oysters Veggie Delight Heathbar Bread Pudding Kind of a Key Lime Pie Just ok - like we expected Risotto crusted mozzarella Mixed Beets Grilled Lamb Porterhouses Spicy, Creamy, Garlicky shrimp Baltimore Club Amish Pretzels Edamame Colorado Rack of Lamb Burger Overall, the desserts stole the show. One major con was that is was way too loud and our table of 7 could hardly hear each other. So if you want to have a quiet dinner, not the place for you.
(4)
Teresa S.
Maybe the best bite I've had in Baltimore, and that is saying something. Service was excellent, atmosphere lively and fun and the chef roamed the room, greeting his guests with a grin. These people have a passion for what they do and it SHOWS! Bravo.
(5)
Claire V.
Went for brunch on a Saturday, very relaxed vibe and delicious brunch cocktails. Especially the Bloody Mary! Great variety of dishes, before we even finished our food we were saying we needed to come back to try out everything else! I had the Smokey Bowl, eggs were perfect and runny, hollandaise was on point, and it had bacon. Can't complain. Only thing to warn about is that the website says free valet parking, but they really mean free valet parking during dinner service ONLY. I didn't catch that when making my reservation for brunch, but we found street parking nearby that was convenient and cheap, so no big deal.
(4)
Yu H.
Went there for brunch with my friend. The food is delicious and there are so many things we wanted to try. The waiting time will not be short so make a reservation would be better next time
(5)
Savitri B.
Excellent service. Great food. I highly recommend lobster fingers and mussels if you're a seafood lover! Also the shrimp and grits were spicy and delicious!
(4)
James N.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Baltimore. Everything about this place is great.
(5)
Jess G.
The food was AMAZING!!! The homemade bread to start was great. There were 3 of us and we all ordered an entree and shared them all. It;s nice that the menu changes too, so you have new things to look forward to. I felt like the waitress was overly attentive to the extent that she was rushing us out of there, which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars. I will be back, a new fav spot in BMore.
(4)
Elizabeth J.
I had heard so many great things about this restaurant and was so excited to finally go...and it didn't disappoint! We loved the food, service and the atmosphere was unique and very cool. It was hip and cozy all at the same time. We will definitely be going back again!
(5)
Rachel M.
I love this place! The food is incredible. I always have such a hard time deciding what to get. I've been for dinner and brunch and everything has been on par. At dinner I had the seared ahi tuna and the deep fried pickles which were a really fun take on pub food. The seafood here is really good too. My friends had the crab cake with lobster mac & cheese, the scallops and risotto. At brunch I had turkey tacos which were very filling and came with lots of crispy home fries that were out of this world. A little sweet a little salty. I shamelessly scraped my plate. Crab eggs bennie, lobster fingers and lobster roll were all hits. But the best thing on the menu is the truffle fries! The icing on the cake is the free valet parking and the face and friendly service. I can't rave enough about this place.
(5)
Matt R.
I had heard great things about this restaurant and took a chance with a visiting family member. Service was quick and knowledgeable for drink and food menu. Food was simply excellent, atmosphere also good,a little noisy. Someone planned the heck out of this place, from menu size, selection, drinks, beer selection, etc. That person could start planning a second restaurant and soon. I'd go again!
(4)
Kevin K.
Overall: Definitely aiming to excel but achieving it only 25% of the time. Otherwise "decent" at best. Noticeable effort, so hoping The Food Market climbs. _________________________________ Ambiance: 4/5. Larger, one room with exposed kitchen at back, industrial feel with brick, brass, blue lighting, and steel table tops. Lighting so dim it's hard to take pictures. Bit cramped at benches despite open spacious feel. The coat check is placed oddly too, right at the door where you wait for reservation/table.. it gets COLD. _________________________________ Service: 3/5. Odd mix. Valet and a coat check, but server rushes initial order then takes time preparing check after we note we're in a rush. _________________________________ Drinks: 2/5. Shorter craft beer and wine lists. We tried five cocktails. None blew me away, all seemed thin, simple, and hot. 1) French Tease- best cocktail, dry martini but effervescent with light citrus, balanced and ruthless. 2) Pig on the Porch - great blended rye character though maple doesn't add much in character 3) Earl Collins -Too little sweetness or citrus, mainly gin and rosemary dryness leaving for oppressing character. or texture. Bacon seems outlier as result, though it cuts hot sweetness of drink. 4) Pimlico Playboy - bourbon heavy and plain, light mint lightness helps elevate but overall uneventful. 5) Some cidery apple-sweet drink (name forgotten), caramel-heavy, way too much sugar even though loaded with ice. _________________________________ Food: 3/5. A menu that promises newness on old takes, but it works 25% of the time, and only when it's actually a new take. Complaining about portions is reads lame, and I hate getting stuffed, but these small plates were -small--three of us knocked off seven, no sweat. Yet we didn't even finish two of the plates. Plating is interesting, all and very white, all with light greens--accentuates impression of "small meals". Add more garnish or use smaller plates, please. 1) Salt and Pepper Tuna - ultra light, pickles and tzatziki sauce add great lightness, faint pepper--wanted more--whirlwind of flavors. The most delicate tuna dish I've had in the city, and alone makes me want to return. Plating was equally gorgeous, even "wild" with sprouts draped all over. 2) Lobster fingers - mustard is an awesome touch, but a muddled dish overall. The dish is decadent, and the texture crisp and juicy, but the lobster is somewhat lost with the heavy mustard and rich batter. Plating is bland, blob of mustard undearneath fingers. 3) Amish Soft Pretzels with beer fondue - really crisp, buttery, lightly salty beer cheese, almost nacho like, needs longer finish. Incredibly dull plating, the pretzel "sticks" and cup with cheese sauce. The End. 4) Cracker Fried Oysters - a bit crisp, oily, spice adds awesome lightness, oyster flavor somewhat lost, and overall a bit heavy. Probably the second best plating, colorful and well space on an appropriately sized plate, however again with the sprout garnish. 5) Brown Sugar Pork belly - coated with brown sugar, drying it out, and lightly tough but rich. Greens and tomato add minor lightness and sweetness but also slightly masking flavor of the meat, which is minimal. Needs more on the plate--light greens and cherry tomatoes do not hide the vast emptiness, and so the meal looks very small. 6) Buffalo Fried Pickles - great cheese sauce, not much buffalo, fried pickles otherwise, though light on oily factor, cheese adds levity. Plate garnished AGAIN with light sprouts, then mixture of orange and white sauce all over plate, kind of sickly looking. 7) Lil' Lamb Porterhouse - lightly chewy, dry, charred, balanced by light sweet limoncello dressing, bit too charred in finish but decent balance. One bite old, leathery, and rotten tasting, way over-aged. Others complained of this throughout the dish. Dull plating with only a few mandarins on the side.
(3)
Colleen A.
Visited for the first time last night and had a good experience. I made reservation on Open Table and mentioned it was our anniversary, so when we were seated, they presented us with a nice card for the occasion. Thought that was a really nice touch to start the evening. Table next to us was celebrating a birthday and it looked like they had a card to. Open concept kitchen all the way in the back, so every once in a while you could see huge flames from where you were sitting. Neat if you like that sort of thing. First things first -- the place is a decent size (much bigger than I would have thought for a place on the Avenue in Hampden). But, it's very industrial, modern and open inside. Because of that, it's extremely loud. We went on a Saturday night and it was busling, but still. I wasn't quite prepared for how loud it would be. If you don't like loud restaurants and/or want somewhere quiet for a meal, this is not the place for you! Considering how busy it was, the service was really good and our server was very nice and helpful. The menu has a great variety (apps, small plates, large plates) and a decent selection of desserts. Wine list isn't bad and they have some cool cocktails too. Food and presentation was creative. Tables are a little close together, which can be good or bad. I knew that going in, but again, if you don't like that, you might be put off by it if you go here. We live very close to it, so we'll definitely go back at some point. I can see what all the hype is about, especially for being situated in Hampden, where choices have been limited for so long. It's good to see they're doing so well. After dinner, we walked down to 13.5% Wine Bar (next block down on 36th) and had a glass of wine before ending our evening. Last but not least, they have Free Valet parking. If you've ever tried to park in Hampden, you know how golden this is!
(4)
Emily M.
I have eaten at the Food Market several times and I have never been disappointed. The food is impeccable- there is always something fresh on the menu and I enjoy their take on American comfort food. I typically start with the pretzels and cheese- although this seems like a pedantic dish to have on a high-end menu- they infuse beer into the cheese and serve it with homemade Amish pretzels straight from the oven. Their tuna appetizer is also phenomenal and everything from the brown sugar pork belly to the risotto crusted mozzarella is phenomenal. The dinner entrees are also wonderful- the portions are generous compared to similar restaurants that tend to serve small amounts of food on a large plate. Similar to the other restaurants in the area, their menu changes frequently but the quality stays consistent. The handcrafted cocktails are also very good. I tend to scoff at paying $13 for a martini, but 2 drinks at The Food Market are enough to make even the most seasoned drinker a little tipsy. I am also a huge fan of the industrial-modern motif of the restaurant- the restaurant does not need a lot of tchotchke on the wall or ornate fixtures around the restaurant. The minimalist style leaves the patron to focus on the most important aspect of the restaurant- the food. This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Hampden and every time I have visitors from out of town I take them to The Food Market. I know the food will be good, the price is somewhat reasonable (especially for brunch- I suggest the chicken and biscuits) and the service is always congenial.
(5)
Jackie H.
I have been hearing great things about The Food Market and finally had a chance to go and experience it for myself. We went on a Friday night we had a total of 5 people for dinner and drinks. It was busy at 7 pm but not ridiculous. We were seated (with reservations) in about ten minutes. So we got drinks at the bar and I got the Stumbling Palmer it was good but in need of a little more sweetness. Once we were seated we all ordered different appetizers. We got The Amish pretzels, Brown sugar pork belly, Grilled lamp porterhouses, and Spicy, creamy, garlicky, Herby, cheesy, winey, Shrimp. We all loved the apps we got. The Shrimp was cooked well and with all those lovely additions made for a clean appetizer plate. Our entrees were Jumbo Scallops, Porterhouse steak, Rainbow trout, Braised duck, & Sea bass. The portions were slightly smaller than expected on the seafood. The steak and duck were huge! But everyone loved their meal and left just full enough. All in all a great experience and I will return maybe for brunch to see how that is. So I would definitely recommend stopping in and trying The Food Market.
(4)
Jeffrey K.
Ouch! In a town where gastropubs and diners are in the DNA and sandwiches are usually excellent, this kitchen served me a $13 croque madame that featured a sliver of tasteless ham, an alleged brie sauce that tasted like the nearest brie was in the cooler over at Eddie's, and a scanty ration of meh! diced potatoes. The bread was neither grilled nor toasted, but it did have a four-leaf clover or somesuch on top, which I assume justifies the price. This was an embarrassingly poor selection and it's enough to insure I won't be back; Hampden itself is swimming in better eats and that's not even counting Parts & Labor and Woodberry Kitchen. TFM is clearly about style and branding and image, not substance. Every menu item has a series of extra and confusing ingredients, condiments, and twee touches. The basics aren't under control, either. When we arrived this morning around noon and were told we could sit at the communal table (we normally don't mind, the conversation can be fun, or at least in New York it is), the hostess conducted a long and needless lesson explaining what such a table is; folks, we aren't rookies, we know. But then again, we did see at least six vacant two-tops, so who knows what was going on. I can't read this joint, I really can't. We saw it the night before when we walked over to the 13.5% Wine Bar from Grano Pasta Bar and said, this looks interesting. Well, Baltimore, the looks are deceiving. I invite the owner(s) to stake out the Sip & Bite or Miss Shirley's to see how to run a high-volume casual restaurant and Shoo Fly how to do brunch. I would prefer to award TFM one star but my wife said her French toast was tasty, though from where I sat it looked more like art than food, And maybe they do a better job with cocktails and late-night bites. At this hour, though, indifferent service added to my dismay and so did a glass of the thinnest iced tea you could ever imagine, also barely cold because it was replete with all of two ice cubes. How about some good old sweet tea? Or maybe a can of Snapple, even? P.S.: Although I barely had what amounted to a snack, I didn't want a "dessert option," Instead I walked across 36th St. to Royal Farms for three wings and coffee. And, no, I'm not a glutton or some philistine AYCE sort. I have never been to Fogo de Chao. I merely climbed the hill up to Hampden from downtown on my bike and wanted something more satisfying.
(2)
S T.
We have been back several times since my first review and I'm glad to say that things have definitely improved (grant it going from 4 to 5 stars isn't a huge jump). The service and food have been spot on every time we've been back. We even brought some out of town friends. Food market is definitely not a cheap establishment but I think the quality of food commands the prices they charge. Everything we had was tasty from the pork belly to the rib eye steak. We've even made reservations for upcoming restaurant week (2/2014).
(5)
Sam V.
Came here for brunch. Table ordered salmon benedict, breakfast burrito and turkey sausage and egg tacos. Not impressed. Portions were tiny. Even if they are trying to be healthy, you are left starving.
(2)
Rebecca L.
It's a tad loud, but the food is great. The small plate with the cheese is to die for... and ending the meal with the toffee bread pudding is out of this world!
(5)
ChaCha C.
The Food Market in Hampden was a real letdown. At 10:30 on a Friday night, the restaurant was more than 50% empty, yet we were sat in the least desirable 2 top in the room. The service, while nice & appearing helpful, was awfully haphazard. I say the service "appeared to be helpful" because the server told us to order "tapas style as many items as possible," then pointed to a section of the menu and said "they are sized as appetizers for one or two." We determined this must have been a ploy to run up the total bill because we ordered two items from that section & were presented with two bigger than average sized dinner plates of food. The sheer volume of food was very unappetizing, though the food was passable. The fried calamari was very fresh tasting and lightly fried. The potato skins with duck confit, brie, and cherries ended up being much more potato than just skin. The amount of starch resulted in the overall taste of the dish to be "bland." The brie, while tasty, seemed to be the wrong choice for the same reason. We also had the buffalo pickles, which were fried pickles prepared as buffalo wings. These were very good, but I would never recommend this dish..... The cocktail I ordered was an $11 martini style drink that tasted like watered down lemon juice. Our entree was lamb chops with more potatoes and carrots. It was all cooked very nicely. My companion found the lamb too heavily spiced; I thought it was very peppery, but I liked it. We both found the chops hard to eat because the knife had a 3/4 inch rounded end & could not maneuver the bones. This meal came with a check totaling $83 and feeling like another failure in the long line of Baltimore restaurants trying to sell upscale moderate food & coming off feeling like a rip off. I am also confused by the compliments on the decor of this place...
(2)
Edward S.
Went for brunch with the wife, and a most excellent brunch it was. I had the shrimp and grits, and it was awesome. Just remember to ask for a spoon when you order it, your gonna want to get very last drop. My wife got the turkey sausage tacos. They were so good, she wouldn't let me have a taste. We will be taking every one we know here. Now go eat!
(5)
Michelle P.
So we decided to go to Food Market March 2013 ( this review is very late )for the first time in celebration of Temple university and LaSalle university making the March Madness....yes, I know. We sound like two crazy alums! We were more excited when we saw they served Philly beers, it was like they knew I was coming!! ;-) We sat at the community table which gives off bad vibes by the name...."Community Table" but it was awesome! We met people and talked about the food with them. I'm a social butterfly, so the more the merrier! -Risotto Crusted mozzarella tomato sauce This was delicious....a must have every visit! -Baltimore Club crab cake, shrimp salad, lettuce, tomato, bacon, My boyfriend ate this and it was great. I'm not a huge fan of the "Maryland" staple of shrimp n crab sammy. I didn't grow up here, so I would have skipped this one. -Duck in a cherry sauce with Brussels and cauliflower mash This was my fabulous meal. Also, it was another DEAR LORDDDD moment for me. Get this meal if they still offer it. Last time I checked, it wasn't available. :-(
(5)
Dan L.
Really great experience here. Was seated immediately on a Friday night at the community table. The focaccia bread was awesome, the Reuben toast was basic but tasty, and the shrimp dinner was phenomenal. I would recommend visiting here.
A brunch favorite by Baltimore locals. Much better than the overly hyped Miss Shirleys. Pulled pork Benedict and Smokey Bowl are the go-to entrees. Wait staff was very friendly and helpful.
(5)
Vickie K.
We went for restaurant week, The food had good portions however the service was extremely slow. The whole dinner was 3 hours, starting with us an hour to get the bread basket to start. In the group was an elderly grandmother and a pregnant mother! The good was good, but with this service, we won't be willing to make the extra drive.
(2)
Tunaidi A.
I've been wanting to come here for dinner for some time now, but never had the chance. Instead, I randomly decided to go to the Food Market for brunch one Saturday. I was not disappointed. Rather, this experience made me want to grab dinner here even more. Decor is nice. It's got that great rustic, Brooklyn feel that many places in Hampden now exude. I had to opportunity to try the Croque Madame and the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Both were fantastic. Relative to the quality of the food and ingredients, I'd say that prices at the Food Market are really quite reasonable. Service was pleasant and attentive and the place was surprisingly not too busy. Again, must try dinner next time...
(4)
Victoria K.
I went to the food market today for brunch after seeing it on several "best in baltimore' lists and unfortunately underwhelming doesn't even begin to describe it. I ordered a chicken sandwhich and my friend ordered a burger, which the waiter recommended. Both of our sandwiches were extremely dry and overcooked. We even noticed another customer struggling to cut through the chicken on his salad. I'm not sure if today was just a rough day in the kitchen but the food was both unappealing and unremarkable. After waiting for 40 minutes we were both starving and excited. When we were finally seated we waited another 30 minutes for the food. If we weren't so hungry we both would have sent our meals back. Pros: everyone working was friendly and it was a nice area. The music wasn't bad either. If you want a nice background for an instagram picture this might be a great place for you. Hopefully this was a uniquely poor experience but I know that I'm not interested in trying it again.
(2)
Mark N.
Very vibrant place. I love the energy. I went during restaurant week. The rockfish and bread pudding were awesome. The fried oysters a bit bland. My dining partner and I tried the fried pickles off the main menu which were superb. The pretzel fondue didn't excite me. I'd recommend that the food runner introduce the plates as he brings them out. I'll definitely return to order off the regular menu. Or possibly brunch or just drinks at the bar. A fun atmosphere.
(4)
Larissa J.
Super trendy and worth it! They have locally sourced foods that are fun and delicious. Hung over? Try their jalapeno infused Bloody Mary - yum!!! I like to share foods so I can try more things on the menu and that is my suggestion for you when you go there - there are just too many good things oh and did I mention they have breakfast shots???
(4)
Dominique F.
Expensive? Yes maybe (Thank God I didn't pay for my meal here) But otherwise: -Free valet -Great cocktails -Friendly staff -DELICIOUS food I wasn't too impressed with the creme brulee though, so go for the bread pudding dessert instead. Would definitely be back!
(4)
Timothy C.
I made it a special point to write and give a note to the owner, complimenting the chefs. What a splendid meal--and an unexpectedly pleasant experience for a visitor to Baltimore. Among other things, we had the amish pretzels, short ribs, scallops, and mussels. I've not been to many restaurants that can skillfully sear scallops, but they did it well. The ribs were well-seasoned. My girlfriend loved the mussels. They're served with a wonderful cream sauce (don't remember the sauce base). I don't remember what we got for dessert...but whatever it was, it was really good.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Joel R.
Great Place... Valet parking was awesome as I was running late. Would give it 5 stars but the only drawback was that it gets a bit loud. Recommend highly.
(4)Matthew L.
Another fine nuevo amercan restaurant with hipster undertones in Baltimore. Joking aside, the place is really good. The decor is beautiful, with a large community table as a great centering point. The menu is creative takes on american comfort food. We tried the lobster mac and cheese, pretzel and cheese, chicken and bison burger. Having lived in Wisconsin, I have a soft spot for cheese. The sauce is highly addictive and I suspect may have been laced with crack. Actually, that would explain a lot. It is a bit pricey, and crowded, so reservations are a must.
(4)J. M.
I'm bumping this to a fourth star because my experience was positive enough. If you're the occasional diner at pricey places, then there are better options than this. If you're less than occasional, than this is a suitable place for dinner for a date/with a friend because the food is solid, the service is reasonable and the atmosphere passingly bourgie. Not sure I'll go back but I won't be opposed to a second trip. The menu has a lot of delectable options and I liked everything we tried.
(4)Christopher H.
Food was outstanding! Very noisy, at 6pm on a Monday, dinning room 1/4 full. Atmosphere- noisy. Would I go back for the food? Hell yeah!
(5)Alex S.
I've been several times now, and find some things to be excellent and others to be just OK, so I'm averaging out the rating to 4 stars. The really enjoyable: Amish Soft Pretzels Buffalo Pickles Hot Nuts Cream of Crab Soup - flavor and texture were incredible, but a few pieces of cartilage and shell were in mine (hoping it was just an off night) Spicy, Creamy, Garlicky, Herby, Cheesy, Winey Shrimp - just delicious, could not sop up enough sauce with the bread. Griddled Lamb Porterhouses Beef Short Ribs The mediocre: Little Tuna Burger Babies - my bun was charred, and the flavor of the tomato was so strong it overpowered the tuna. Ginger mayo was a side garnish, but should have been slathered over the tuna in abundance. Crispy Lobster Fingers - the one time I ordered this the lobster was a bit rubbery. Salt and Pepper Tuna - just okay, nothing amazing and the fish quality wasn't great. Crab Cake - just didn't blow me away. Definitely a fun atmosphere, and I would go again and again - and just make my food choices wisely.
(4)Jackie P.
Great food! Excellent spirits! The Food Market gets very busy, so reservations are highly advised. Due to the busyness, this isn't the best place for conversation over dinner because the noise level can get pretty high.
(4)Erin C.
For us, The Food Market fit squarely into the "Meh. I've experienced better" caption for the two star rating. If the prices were more reasonable or if there were more vegetarian entree possibilities, it might have been upgraded to the three star "A-ok." We had the soft pretzels with cheese sauce to start, and while quite tasty, it was hard to ignore that they were essentially bread sticks dipped in what tasted like jarred queso sauce (though we know it was homemade). Now don't get me wrong, we love us some queso sauce in a jar, but this is something we don't have to wrangle with a reservation to enjoy. The walnut pesto pasta was good. Not amazing--a bit tough, and the parmesan broth was not evident as parmesan broth. It came off more as the dish being accidentally watery. As my husband put it, "something you could've made just as good or better at home, don't you think?" The atmosphere is really wonderful at The Food Market, and maybe the food is a better experience for omnivores. For us it was just okay. Especially with a bill that came to $90 (including tip) for a shared appetizer with two beers, and an entree each with a cocktail each, I think this is one we'll just check off our list as, "well, we tried it."
(2)Allie P.
Food Market is delicious, well-priced and located in the cute neighborhood of Hampden. I ordered the steak frites and I was in heaven. Parking is tough in the neighborhood, but I believe they valet.
(5)Al E.
Was really excited to try The Food Market. Our friends who live in Hampden were amazed at how the space has been transformed from the Hampden Market, a mostly-empty place to buy dog food, Dinty Moore stew and slurpies, into a welcoming restaurant. Showed up a little before 11 a.m. and scored a sunny table for 4 overlooking The Avenue. Friend said we were really lucky to sit up there as the noise further back in the restaurant makes it hard to hear. In sum, it lacks balance. My gf and a friend had their version of a dark and stormy - so overpowered with rum that couldn't taste the ginger beer and other ingredients. My mimosa was a huge glass rimmed with sugar (?). Fine, but I like a delicate champagne or wine glass for my oj and sparkling. They gave us a small dish of donut holes which were meh -- not warm and bland. I had the crab benedict - I had been looking forward to the hollandaise based on reviews here but I could barely taste it. The flavors were very mellow. The accompanying tiny cubes of potatoes were too salty. Gf had the lobster roll. Too much salt and not enough flavor and creaminess. I loved the fries, but she was not impressed. Our friends shared the silver dollar pancakes and club sandwich. Friend was annoyed that 2 things have become synonymous with "nice" restaurants - huge plates and powdered sugar. Our brunch featured both (powdered sugar on the pancakes - why?). The serving sizes were fine but placed on the huge plates, they just looked silly. Friendly service.
(3)Ali B.
One of the worst $60 dinners I have ever had. Overpriced and overhyped. The food was salty, small-portioned and just tasteless other than an over powering taste of sodium chloride. The house beer was nothing to rave about either, more like watered down piss.
(2)Sarah H.
I'm a huge fan of Chef Chad Gauss from his days at the City Cafe, so when I had occasion to visit his new place this evening, I jumped at the chance. First pro of the evening: this place has complimentary valet, so even though Hampden parking is often difficult, that shouldn't deter you from visiting. (I happened to find a space out front, though, so it wasn't an issue for me either way--and meters stop at 6 pm on weeknights.) Upon entering the restaurant, I recognized a few familiar faces from City Cafe days, and all the staff was very friendly and welcoming. The inside is very clean and simply designed with dark wood tables and half bench, half metal chair seating. I didn't find the seating to be particularly comfortable, and the space--which was FULL of diners at nearly 8 pm on a Tuesday evening--did not feel very roomy. Even when the dining room began to thin, it still feels a bit cramped to me. One additional item of note: they have a couple of 'family style'/communal tables where multiple couples or groups sit together. Seems like a cool idea, but my bff and I were seated at a nearby two-top. Oh, and I should mention that this is not the place I'd bring children or a first date. It's VERY loud, to the point of needing to shout in order to be heard by your dinner companion. It seems to appeal to the 20-something Hampden crowd, and I'm sure that the late-night bar menu is well received. Another pro: the service was great, very attentive and accommodating. We placed our orders, both starting with wedge salads. The wedges came and although there was plenty of creamy blue cheese and dressing, along with chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, and bacon, part of my iceberg was a bit brown (and so was my friend's). For entrees, my friend got two small plates, both off the 'temporary' menu. The fried tomato 'BLT' was a piece of thick bacon/pork belly atop a fried red tomato with watercress and a huckleberry 'jam' that wasn't very sweet. The tomato was underseasoned and the jam needed a bit of sugar to balance the flavors. Her second plate, a Mexican 'pizza,' was actually a tuna and avocado stack with some bits of tortilla in it. It, too, was quite underseasoned and bland. For my entree, I chose the bison steak, which was accompanied by a tomato 'tart' (VERY flat puff pastry topped with roasted tomato and some parmesan cheese) and shredded potato (think hash browns). The dish was surrounded by a lovely, rich homemade steak sauce that tied things together well. The seasoning on each item was perfect, and my first bite of steak, ordered medium rare, was delicious. But then I cut into the thicker end and discovered that my steak had gone far beyond rare to pretty much raw. I called the waitress over and asked her to have them refire it a bit and warm up the middle. She was very apologetic and whisked away the meat to be fixed. Once Chef Chad realized what had happened, he came immediately to the table to apologize and told me he was sending out a cup of their gazpacho with crab while I waited. I appreciated the gesture, as well as his earlier visit to the table in which he thanked me for finding him at his new place and told me he appreciated seeing me. Really, he's a great guy. When the steak returned, it was perfect, and I enjoyed the rest of my meal immensely. (The gazpacho, by the way, was fresh, flavorful, and filled with chunks of cucumber, pepper, and tomato, along with some tasty spices--not to mention the generous amount of crab, considering the small size of the cup in which it arrived.) We passed on dessert (too full!), but I noticed that Chad's signature heath bar bread pudding is offered as a choice (which, alone, is worth a visit). The total bill before tip was $70--pretty expected for 2 beers, a soft drink, two salads, and the equivalent of two full-priced entrees. Overall, I would give Chad Gauss's first solo effort 3 out of 5 stars (with the bff ringing in at a 2.5 because of her food). Some elements of the menu clearly need some work, and this may be due to new recipes, new kitchen staff, or just the working out of kinks that happens when you start something up. With all the other well-loved restaurants in Hampden and Mount Washington, though, I hope he can get everything straight soon. Whatever the case, business is apparently booming, and I truly hope he's successful. And hey, if Hampden doesn't work out, downtown Baltimore/Mt. Vernon will always welcome him back!
(3)Tori L.
We took our son there for his birthday -- the food, service and ambience are first rate. Can't beat the free valet parking.
(5)Faith P.
OMFG bestest new restaurant in town! FanfrigginTASTIC brunch- I wanted like 10 things but went with the chicken and biscuits as suggested by my lovely bartender lady...it was no joke out of this world. Hot sauce, BBQ sauce, fried chicken that belongs in the south somewhere, cute little mini biscuits, poached eggs, cheese "wiz" I'm getting bloated talking about it!!! The bloody marys were strong and spicy, clearly a house made blend I love the open kitchen concept!
(5)Keith M.
I honestly don't have a single complaint about the service or food. They were all superb. But at the prices they charge you would expect nothing less. Great for special occasions.
(5)Thom R.
Pros: Excellent service. I mean excellent. Prompt, helpful, cheerful,great. Cons:Extremely loud. My food (crabcakes) was not cooked very well (bottom burned, remainder underdone and my wife found her dinner to be underwhelming (veggie mess plate was just a pesto dish decomposed into different little piles). Summary: Ok, and a welcome addition to the neighborhood, but does not live up to the hype.
(3)Jenna F.
This place was alright. Totally average, nothing super original or flashy, but that's not always a bad thing. There were some sure fire highs and some inexcusable lows, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say this place has potential to be good. Not great, i don't see that, but in time, when they realize they're a gastro pub and not a new american bistro, they'll be good and solid. It's a beautiful space. Minimal, pinterest worthy decor-- lots of bench seating (with plenty of butt exit/entry room between tables i might add), warm woods, cool metal seating-- pretty tear drop water glasses. It was noisy, that I grant you, but not as noisy as places like the Hamilton Tavern by any account. It was bustling and lively. It felt like the place to be but wasn't even a little bit stuffy or full of itself and that's why it gets the 3 stars rather than the 2 the food probably deserves. The table started off with some fresh raspberry vodka tonics (which seemed great-- i was yin tonifying so i refrained. winkey face) an order of sweet potato fries and some $3 popcorn. I had a bit of a Vincent Vega moment looking at $3 popcorn, but, it was pretty effin tasty popcorn-- seasoned with a light spritzing of truffle oil and an herbed parmesan. I like all of those words. The sweet potato fries were TASTY. Thick, crinkle cut, double fried... maybe even a little cornmeal coating? paired with a sriracha creme fresh. We devoured them. I'm still thinking about them. But then the entrees. Sigh. I ordered the scallops because Top Chef and hells kitchen have taught me that scallops are the new egg when it comes to evaluating a chef, hehe, but mainly because it sounded delicious: SCALLOPS roasted tomato risotto, spinach, cream chipped bacon | 25. Yeeeeep. The scallops were cooked really well. Super nice crust, delicate, melt in your mouth texture, but salted with a HEAVY hand, which when paired with the cream chipped bacon, had me reaching steadily for my tear drop water glass. Spinach was watery and under seasoned-- limp and lifeless on my plate-- but considerably better than the tomato risotto mess beneath. Ick. Bad risotto. just BAD. It was a mushy, sticky, undercooked mess. I couldn't even eat it. And looking around the room, no one else was eating it either. The flavor was the right note though-- maybe just a plain old tomato rice would have been better. My watermelon and tomato salad was everything I wanted it to be. Perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes, very tender and sweet watermelon, just enough creamy tangy goat cheese, nice sprinkling of micro-greens on top. It was overal a well dressed, well-rounded salad. It's nothing I don't make at home, but I was in the mood for it and it didn't disappoint. The chickpea burger that my friend Jess got was good. It was no Golden West black bean burger, but it was yummy and filling and i liked that they served it with tomato and mozzarella. that's never the wrong thing to serve. Plus the fries were good. They make a good fry. For real. Overall verdict: It's alright. I can see why people like it-- it's doing a lot right-- looks nice, pleasant, attentive wait staff, good selection. The food, while not inexpensive isn't over priced. There are a lot of price points at which you could have a good dining experience. But the truth is, the only thing I ate that was really all that memorable, was the sweet potato fries, and how often are you going out for those? It's worth checking out. Grab a few friends and head over for cocktails and appetizers-- but skip the entrees. Your money would be better spend on 2 or 3 small plates than one big one at this place. You feel me?
(3)Dave A.
Fun menu in a nice space, albeit on the loud side.
(3)Ada G.
This is my new very favorite restaurant!!!!! I only want to eat here over and over again! You need reservations for weekends - the place is packed! If you don't like loud restaurants, don't go here! This place is super loud! I loved it! The cocktail menu is fantastic - I tried the rosemary drop and the blackberry cocktail called Gin Na Say Pa. They were so yummy! The rosemary drop is my new fave. Cocktails run between $10 - 13, which is a little steep, but the food prices are reasonable. We started with the pretzels with beer fondue and the red caesar salad. Both were so so good! The caesar salad dressing is house made and not overly creamy. The pretzels were nice and doughy inside with a great buttery crunchy crust. The cheese fondue was so delish! For entrees, we had the lamb steak and the bison steak. My husband likes his meat rare, and they did a great job. The bison was served with a medly of mushrooms that were to die for! He was moaning with every bite (sorry - TMI!). The lamb was served with french fries covered in dill and feta cheese. They were so yummy! There was also a side dish of warm tomatoes with a nice light vinaigrette. The portions were so big that I couldn't finish my food! Of course, we still had room for dessert! We tried the strawberry creme brulee - it was delish with a perfectly crunchy golden top. I was also impressed with the service. The waitress was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and had favorites to recommend. She kind of hurried the meal, so next time, I will ask for extra time between courses, but otherwise, service was perfect. I would even bring our child with us to this place - it's casual enough for her, and there are some options under $10 that she could enjoy. If you have toddlers that like plain jane food only, I would not bring them here. I did not see a kids menu on the main menu. The menu had so many awesome options! I can't wait to go back and try it all! My husband and I agreed that this is our hands down most favorite meal in Baltimore to date. There are a handful of other places we love a lot, but this place takes the cake!
(5)Jean S.
Went for restaurant week. Their food was delicious (one of the best new American in Baltimore) and ambience was great. Their duck confit was fabulous as well as the beef wagyu chil.
(5)Wade E.
My wife and I had dinner here and it was amazing. The pretzel appetizer was really good. We also shared a big portion of mussels and they were great and the broth was so flavorful. I can't remember exactly what else we ate because it was a while ago but I do remember I had a steak and it was delicious. We are definitely planning on going back.
(4)Grant F.
We've heard a lot about The Food Market and gave it a try. We enjoyed the atmosphere and service. We had the scallops and trout for our entrees. The scallops with risotto was excellent. Trout can be a difficult dish to get right and it was not very good. Perhaps just a wrong choice by us. Our appetizer, calamari was also very good. Most of the diners around us seemed to be enjoying their meals. I do feel this place is a little over priced. We will go back though. There are other entrees that look good, especially the lamb and Ahi tuna.
(3)Anna K.
Overall I had a really decent experience at The Food Market. The food was good and the service was really speedy but I have trouble getting over the cacophony of the dining room. It was SO hard to hear my dining partner and I felt like I had to yell when I spoke - not the best for date night. We started with a round of cocktails. Mike had the bellini manhattan (A++) which was a really delicious and refined drink. I ordered the Gin Na Say Pa (F) and it tasted like...gin...and at times...basil. It was poor so I didn't drink much of it and swapped it out for a glass of their white blend instead (A++). I never expect servers to not charge me for a drink I ordered but didn't enjoy but it's always very nice when they remove a bad item from the bill. Thanks for that!! For apps we shared the buffalo pickles (A+) and the duck confit potato skins (B). I loved the flavor and texture of the pickles, truly delicious. The potato skins weren't as elevated as I was hoping. Everything about the dish was FINE but there was nothing that made it special. We also had the endive salad (A) and the gazpacho (A+). Both were clearly thought out dishes with a lot of flavor and texture. I'd highly recommend both. Though that stupid commercial where the woman says (ahn-deev) for endive has continuously effed up my ability to pronounce endive. GG. Hopefully the waitress didn't make too much fun of me. For our entrees I had the scallops over roasted tomato risotto and topped with cream chipped bacon (A) and Mike enjoyed the veal loin with vegetables and lobster potato (A). These were hearty dishes - the meats were cooked to perfection and the sauces were well thought out and delicious! The lobster potato was wonderful, the dish could've used more squash blossom though. Unfortunately my risotto was undercooked - I can't for the life of me make a perfectly cooked risotto but I expect to get a creamy risotto when I go out. Then we shared the peach cobbler which I thought was very nice but not memorable. I was served coffee but it wasn't as warm as it should've been. We would have liked to see a desert wine menu - hopefully they'll make one up as the restaurant gets older.
(4)Louisa E.
This place was super busy on the Tuesday evening when I went. Even so, we were sat quickly after a brief wait at the bar. The meal was wonderful. The sea bass was hands down the best I have ever had. We ordered it because the woman next to us did and we could smell how amazing it was. When ours came the women next to us in turn asked us what it was and then ended up ordering it! It was insanely good! For dessert we had the Heath bar bread pudding which is exactly as good as it sounds with a wonderful fresh sauce on the plate to brighten the whole dish up a bit. Overall a wonderful meal. Our server was super nice too. He brought me a taste of the wine I ordered because I didn't want anything too sweet even though I told him it wasn't necessary. Fast service and fun staff.
(5)Brenda S.
May 26,2013. this is my opinion only. I ordered the army breakfast. The grits were cold, the bacon burnt, the potatoes tasted like sugar, which is bad for diabetics. You only get one piece of toast. If you want a second piece, you have to pay for it. Everywhere else gives two. The first time I went there, was a good experience. Not today. I could not finish my $14.58 breakfast because nothing was right. The only thing good about todays experience was the coffee. it was great. Oh and no strawberry jelly, only yucky grape. I was greatly upset and chances are wont go back for breakfast. My name is Brenda Lee Spicer 3738 Falls Rd. Baltimore, Md. 21211 410-499-4188
(2)Sam S.
Thank Gawd this place opened up. I have been dying for Chad Gauss of City Cafe to open his new place. They have the same signature Heath Bar Bread Pudding. It is pretty much to die for, I am not a dessert person, but I need that, every time I go. The location is great, street parking is fairly easy. Inside the decor is nice and modern, lighting great and the seating is comfortable. At the bar I had a vanilla Ice, it was a crushed ice and vanilla drink, absolutely delish. The BF had The pimlico playboy, it too was super tasty. The dinner menu has something for everyone, from sweet potato fries to lobster the night I went. To start we had the calamari, to be honest, this was nothing to write home about. I had the salmon with julianned squash and a potato pancake, the boy had scallops and roasted potatoes. DELISH. To finish I totally had to have the bread pudding, don't judge me bro. I may get it again tonight. Drinks and bread pudding, a well rounded dinner. Ok, I am pretty much in love with this place.
(4)David L.
The place is always packed with people. If you don't like long waits (especially on weekends), make sure you make reservations. The food here is fantastic and the service is very good. I had the fried lobster the first time I was here (dinner). On my second visit, I ordered the SOS (dinner). And for my third visit, I tried the Fried chicken and biscuit (brunch). All of which were delicious. The menu changes up every so often to keep things new (fantastic idea). Definitely worth checking out!
(4)Laura B.
As others have said, food is really excellent. Everything we got, from the hot nut and mini lamb chop starters to my bronzini and my husband's dripping with butter lobster roll was really top notch. Great service too. Only one real complaint, has been mentioned by others - really loud in there. Especially since it appears this place is regularly packed, investment in some sound absorbing tiles would really make this place perfect. One other piece of advice - think twice before you valet park. It's a free service which is nice but we ended up standing outside with 15 other people waiting for 15 minutes for the guys to get the cars. There's plenty of parking in hampden, so next time we won't be lazy and will avoid the valet.
(5)Ellen E.
I have always been a fan of The Food Market. It's a comfortable spot and the food is always good and creative. Went there yesterday and had a nice meal but I feel the need to comment on our waiter. He was not very attentive and this was annoying since they weren't overly busy. We had to flag him down to get drink refills (one of my pet peeves) twice and then we were never served bread with our meal. We had to ask for that and when he did bring it, there was no dipping oil with it. I have usually had great service here in the past but our waiter made this trip a bit underwhelming.
(4)Larissa P.
Check out the review on The Food Market's brunch! baltimorebrunchblog.blog…
(4)Susan W.
I'll admit that I expected a lot given what I've heard about this place, and I was disappointed. My husband and I went on a Saturday night for my birthday and had an 8:30 reservation. We arrived 10-15 minutes early and had to wait for our table. OK, no problem, we were early. But then we saw several other parties of two who came in after us, seated before us. The hostess swore that they had checked in before us, but we watched them walk in the door after we did, so I'm not sure how that could have been possible. All in all, we ended up waiting about 25 minutes for our table, which is not OK when you have a reservation. The food was pretty bland. We started with the duck confit potato skin, and the spicy garlicky whatever shrimp. The duck was pretty decent, but a sort of strange combination of flavors. The shrimp was just bland. We didn't finish either. My husband ordered the rack of lamb, and I had the steak frites. He needed to salt the lamb, but said the couscous was very good. My steak was cooked well, but even so was a little tough. It just wasn't a great piece of meat. The frites were the best part, though not very hot and a little limp. For dessert, we had the heath bar bread pudding, which we agreed was the best thing we'd ordered. It was very decadent. We were also pleasantly surprised by some very reasonably priced bottles of wine on the menu. I did receive a generic card from the restaurant since we were celebrating my birthday, which was a nice touch. I was a little surprised that our dessert didn't come out with a candle on it, since most restaurants seem to do that. It wasn't a big deal, but something I noticed, and I just figured they don't do that there....until I saw a dessert going to another table with a candle in it. Other than that oversight, our server was pretty good, if not a bit harried and stretched thin amongst many tables. We've only been in Baltimore for a year, so we're still exploring and trying new places. We've had better and won't be rushing back to Food Market.
(3)Fraeda L.
An excellent dining choice , but be prepared for a very noisy meal. Started with fried pickles and soft pretzel with cheese sauce. Both were outstanding. Lobster Mac and cheese was a side dish, but so delicious I had it as a main course . Sea bass was also good. Save room for dessert. The health bar bread pudding was so good - served warm. Our waitress was so patient, answered all our questions and did not rush us along. Other than the noise, this place is a gem,
(4)Amy G.
Amazing find in Hampden. The menu is divided into appetizers, small plates and entrees. There is a variety of food - lots of seafood which is a plus in my book. I had the caesar salad and the grilled tuna entree. The presentation on the plates was great. The service was wonderful too. Highly recommend.
(5)Linda P.
This restaurant was fabulous! My friend and I went for brunch the other day and I ordered the egg white crab omelet and my friend ordered the flat iron steak frites with truffle fries, which were delicious. The serving size wasn't huge but it was enough to fill us up and still have some room for ice cream after. The service was excellent where I never had to ask to refill my water glass and the host was very friendly. I am planning to return and try their dinner menu.
(5)Kara W.
The focus here is toward approachable, serious comfort food, so I just had to experience it for myself. We went here for dinner at 7pm on a Saturday. We ended up sitting at the bar after overhearing the hostess tell a couple that the wait was an hour and a half. Yikes! Luckily, the bar stools appear more comfortable than the regular chairs which do not have full backs. The full menu was also available at the bar, and the bartenders were more attentive than I am accustomed to- definitely at the top of their game. What I ordered and what I thought of it: Amish soft pretzels with beer cheese fondue- tasted and looked more like yeasty breadsticks than pretzels Risotto crusted mozzarella- probably the fanciest mozzarella stick that I have ever had. Very tasty, it was a single round patty of breaded fresh mozzarella. I intended to share this with my partner, but I got greedy. Summer salad- mixed greens with watermelon, watermelon radish, toy box tomatoes, micro basil, and local goat cheese lightly tossed in balsamic vinaigrette- light and refreshing. Double bison burger with cheese. tomato, lettuce, and braised onions- ordered this medium rare. the patties were a tad smaller than expected- not a bad thing considering there were two of them. It was so juicy and succulent. The onions were the sweetest that I have ever tasted. Heathbar bread pudding served with house whipped cream and condensed milk caramel- I ordered this hot and that's how it came out. This was the highlight of the meal. The portion was sizable and they didn't skimp on the candy or the sauce. I also ordered a scoop of vanilla Taharka Bros ice cream. The ice cream was outstanding and creamy, even though the scoop was tiny. If I had to guess, I would say that it was 1.5 ounces- definitely smaller than the small 2.5 ounce scoop served at most ice cream shoppes. Strawberry Quick Creme Brulee served with dried strawberry sugar served with a piece of biscotti- nice. We will definitely be back. I already have my eye on a few more morsels that I would like to try, except for dessert. I'm sticking with the bread pudding. We've got a good thing going, and I don;' want to mess that up.
(4)Dan F.
Went on a Saturday night for my wife's birthday. The place was full of people and energy; trendy spot. Menu was eclectic, definitely not your run-of-the-mill restaurant in terms of food. But what we had was very good, from appetizers to dessert. Would probably go back, and would want to go back with a group of friends. Make reservations well in advance.
(4)Patapsco M.
Had the best meal I've eaten in a very long time. Every single thing was great. Had Hot Nuts, salt and pepper tuna, lamb kebabs, calamari, steak, and scallops between the group of us. Every single thing was great. The service was perfect too, our waitress was great. Despite the acoustic tiles, it's still very loud inside. Not so loud you can't talk between people at the table, but much more loud than anywhere else I've ever eaten. Don't let that stop you though, this place is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. A++ will be back!
(5)Gabrielle C.
I went here for my sister's 30th birthday and had a great experience! Right away, I liked the looks of this place. The atmosphere was casual, yet elegant, with cool, contemporary decor that included a blue brick wall and stainless steel tables in the front. Think American diner layout, but much more aesthetically pleasing when it comes down to the details; i.e.: no tacky photos on the walls and not nearly as shiny. Also, who can resist an open kitchen? I love the confident and comfortable vibe of this place. On to the meal. First off, the drinks were inventive and delicious. I stuck with the Gin Na Say Pas for the evening, which had a lovely berry taste, infused with basil so that it wasn't too sweet. The bread and butter left something to be desired (waxy butter, chewy bread), but everything else that hit my tastebuds was spectacular! I am a vegetarian, so when I go out with friends, I don't usually expect to find the best veggie options, but this place has some definite contenders for the best vegetarian fare I've ever had. The tomato and haloumi salad was delicate yet flavorful, and the chickpea burger was simply delicious. Dessert, Nick's Dirt Cup, was a little weird, and a little too sweet for me, but a very cute concept that everyone else at the table devoured with relish. Our server was a little over eager at first, but ultimately gave us very good service, even remembering to bring out my friend's pinot noir with her salmon. The only negative I can think of that may deter people is that it is pretty loud in there, but that's how you know that everyone is having a good time. I will definitely be back to sample more of the drinks and small plates!
(4)Elizabeth D.
Very tasty, but came a bit short of blowing me away. The highlights were the appetizer of Amish pretzels with cheese fondue and the desserts (ice cream sandwich and Heath bar bread pudding), both of which knocked my socks off. "The Chicken" and the steak (of the steak frites) were good. The French Tease cocktail was not as bright or zesty as I was hoping, and the frites were almost inedibly salty. I'd go back and focus on the smaller plates instead of the portioned entrees.
(4)Zak S.
Reservation for Brunch on Valentines day. Service was great, but the food was nothing to write home about. They start you off with small fired doughnut bites, which are tasty. We tired the French toast dippers on the waiters recommendation. They were deep fired and lack any discernible taste. Came with a nice maple cream cheese, but any redeeming qualities it had were lost on the french toast sticks. Girlfriends ordered Big ole Sammich. The sandwich is a bout 8-10" tall and impossible to eat. It had about a half inch of red onion slice on it which took over the entire flavor profile.If you ate it as it was served, tasted nothing but onion. We were both starving,so she broke it down and we ate most of it - minus the onion.I had the Turkey Sausage Tacos. The texture was basically mush and lacked any distinct flavor. Everything just melded together and came across like finely ground mealy meat product. We also tried the Amish Soft pretzels which were salty, but mildly enjoyable. Maybe it's better for dinner. I won't be going back. Oh! and strangely, the water was not working in the mens bathroom. Good luck washing your hands... When I told the waiter, he was polite, seemed aware of the issue and told me to try the ladies room.
(2)Kippy P.
Thought it was time to write an update after eating dinner a bunch of times at The Food Market and brunch several times as well. I haven't gotten a single thing that I didn't love and we even ate here two nights in a row. It's just that good! The menu has changed a few times which is nice because it allows you to always have a number of things to pick from that you have never had before and there are some amazing new items for the fall. I absolutely love the Apple Cider Stud- it just screams fall and it is so yummy! I love just getting a bunch of things and sharing them. I highly recommend- well everything but off the new menu here's what I love- The hot nuts (cashews, macadamia, pecans and almonds in duck fat with a kick- yes please), Buffalo pickles, Cracker Fried Oysters (a must), Brown Sugar Pork Belly, Duck Confit Potato skins (absolutely amazing). For the big meals- the scallops, chicken, shrimp and grits and bison are amazing! Don't forget dessert- the pumpkin cannolis are awesome and the bread pudding is to die for. As for brunch- you cannot go wrong. The chicken and biscuits and french toast are my favorites and seriously amazing! There's a reason why they rarely have reservations before 9PM!
(5)Ryan A.
Really cool cocktails on the drink list and a bartender that knew what she was doing outside of the list also. Had a great sandwich and drink for a quick lunch.
(5)Anne K.
Delicious food, amazing drinks. Vegetarian dishes are very limited, but sooooo amazingly delicious.
(5)Jason P.
The food was different and delicious. The service (Naomi) was excellent. The environment is modern, open, and very loud
(4)Amanda I.
Very impressed with food and service. We came on a Wednesday and it was fully booked. My only complaint is the noise level was pretty loud and hard to hear even across the table. We got the grapefruit sangria, a recommendation from the host which was very good. The amish hot pretzels were fantastic. I got the fried chicken with cole slaw and watermelon jelly and it was perfectly cooked. My boyfriend got the crab cake which was very good and had a lot of lumps, not much filler. Free valet service was also a plus.
(5)Dakota R.
I went here for the first time for my friends birthday, it was on a Wednesday night and we had made reservations for 745pm. We arrived at 730 and checked in, there was no where to sit or wait other than the bar area which was already super crowded. We watched waitresses and waiters struggle to get through the crowd to tables. After asking the host multiple times when our table will be ready finally at 830 we were seated; almost an hour after our reservation time. Had to wear our jackets the entire time we were there because we were sat at a table against the front window and near the door. However our waitress was awesome and the food was great.
(2)Jane S.
Ive been to The Food Market twice, the first time, my boyfriend got sick and the second time I got so sick that my mom forced me to go to the hospital. The food was good, but the 6 hours following the meal were not.
(1)Stephanie H.
Excellent food and beautiful atmosphere! Our service was very good as well. We decided to try a few of the small plates, a little plate, and a large plate. We ordered the risotto crusted mozzarella and the buffalo pickles upon suggestion from other Yelp users and our server. Both were very good. I tend to think that mozzarella is a little overrated, or too mild most of the time, but this mozzarella was creamy and a little salty - delicious. The buffalo pickles were as promised. We then ordered the pork tacos and the bread and butter encrusted sea bass. My husband liked the tacos so much that he ordered a second plate of them! They're nothing short of awesome. The side of guac was even great and I'm not a guac eater. The bread and butter encrusted sea bass came with spaghetti squash, which I love to see on a menu, and mashed potatoes. I would have liked to have seen a green veggie, just for the sake of a balanced presentation, but the fish was the best fish I have ever had. Simply delicious, melted in my mouth. We had no complaints. Did not have dessert as we simply didn't have room, but the dessert list looked inspired. Make sure to definitely make a reservation. We went on a Thursday around 6 with a 6:15 reservation and were seated immediately, but by the time we left there was not a seat in the house. It is very noisy here and I probably wouldn't take kids - it's just not that kind of place, although we did see a few there. Highly recommend, great experience!
(5)Ben S.
We have been to this fabulous restaurant about 10 times. The first exposure was a private party before the Food Market officially opened. Very impressive! Next was a large birthday party of about 30 people given by the same family who happen to be related to Chad, the Chef. It was a super party and a great spread. We loved the fried Buffalo pickles. Since then all our trips have been for Brunch (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). I wish we could comment on how delicious all the items on he menu are, but we are hooked on the two dishes we had the first time and are so pleased we cannot bring ourselves to branch out. Maybe some day. In addition to the food and mixed drinks being so scrumptious the service is first class, friendly, knowledgeable and above all very professional. Just like the two dishes we are hooked on the two waiters we have had most of the time and are very fond of are Rebecca and Andrew. The first two Sundays we were there we had Rebecca and the second time she recognized us. I said to my wife "shall we have the same thing we had last time?" Rebecca even remember what we had the week before! Just for fun we put Andrew to the test after two visits with him as our waiter - he also remembered! They both must have bigger and better hard drives than my desktop. The Chef and his partner Elan are usually present and greet people in a very welcoming manner that makes you realize how dedicated they are to providing the best dining experience for their customers. Needless to say we will be back on a regular basis. I am not going to divulge our favorite brunch dishes, I am fearful that if everyone gets hooked on these same two the menus will soon be narrowed down to those two and we will be deprived of a choice on the off chance that we eventually would like to try something different. Great place with super atmosphere and filled with trendy young people (except us). Keep up the good work Chad and Elan. Just please put the Buffalo pickles on the brunch menu. I know you have the fried pickle po'boy, but how about as a first course?
(5)Bj S.
I loved everything about this place. Free valet upon arrival. Very nice hostess, who took our coats and had us seated promptly at our reserved time. We sat towards the back, close to the kitchen and we didn't have any problems hearing each other. We loved the open kitchen, actually. The food? Forget about it. We started with the Spiced Sliced Tuna...perfect. She had the crab cake (a real crab cake) with the lobster mac & cheese... phenomenal. I had the seared Mahi-Mahi....amazing. Then, we had the buffalo pickles and the only bad thing is there were like six of them. The Amish Pretzels were fantastic as well. In all honesty, it was the best dinner I had ever had. I've tried and I seriously couldn't think of any way to make the food better. Thanks Chad. My new favorite restaurant.
(5)Amber H.
This place is great! We had a reservation for Friday night and were immediately seated. Our server was nice, friendly and prompt. We ordered 4 apps in lieu of entrees. They were excellent. We had the pretzel bites with an amazing cheese to dip them in. The tuna sliders were phenomenal. They were cooked perfectly med rare, with spicy sauce. We also had the garlic, herb, shrimp (great), and the bbq pork tacos. The meat was seasoned perfectly and they came with whipped avocado and the most perfect little tortilla shells. Come here if you are looking for a great spot, with nice, seasonal food, for a date night or just a quality dinner and drinks. Between two of us, the cost was $55, not including tip, for the four apps and 1 drink apiece.
(5)Melody C.
As a lover of The Avenue, I decided on The Food Market for my birthday dinner with family. It was kinda the wrong atmosphere. Very, very loud, the tables are set up like a cafeteria and seating is very cramped. Maybe it was just a busy night but you almost had to yell to speak to someone across the table from you. The tables (at least the ones along the wall) were very short! Granted, I'm pretty tall but it was just not the right size. The food however, was excellent. I had the filet topped with a crab cake (fancy!) and it was great. Thoroughly enjoyed it all. Our table of 8 ordered things from all across the menu and everything was good. The waiter was friendly and quirky, but he never filled up our drinks! I think I had one cocktail during dinner and he never offered to get me another one. The restaurant was busy.. but that shouldn't even matter! Drinks should be full, and stay full. Pretty sure I wouldn't eat here again. The uncomfortableness isn't worth sitting there for dinner, even if the food is good. There are good steaks and crab cakes elsewhere in the city. Really my big problem was how the seating is set up and how loud it was. I do not suggest coming here on a weekend.
(3)Fracesca T.
We were seated quickly, so we had thought the service would be good-wrong!! I ordered the Baltimore club WITHOUT bacon and my husband ordered the shrimp with grits. My sandwich came WITH bacon. By the time my sandwich arrived, my husband was finished eating!! The shrimp and grits were barely warm. The portions were VERY small. No offer of apology or attempt of appeasement was offered, even though we essentially each ate alone. We waited 15 minutes for dessert to arrive, causing one of us to leave to feed the parking meter. The Heath bar bread pudding was fair. VERY overpriced for what you get!
(3)Cary B.
Since this is currently one of the, "Hottest restaurants in town, " reservations must be made about 6-weeks in advance for Saturday night dining. The complimentary valet parking is a welcome feature in this busy Hampden location. Unfortunately, we were immediately seated at the worst possible table--right near the entrance--with the front door opening and closing , the cold air rushing in and crowds hovering at our shoulders. To their credit, however, the staff cheerfully moved us to an interior table at our request. Many reviewers mentioned that they enjoyed a drink called ,"House Bubbles," which turned out to be champagne or perhaps an Americanized version of champagne. Service was decent, while the noise level is excessively loud. The décor and dress code are casual. and the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves. We had no complaints about the meat ,seafood and vegetables--all of which were pretty tasty. Yet, we weren't truly blown away. Even so, I would probably go back for a return visit were it not for the fact that I like to explore different places. As for the final tab, our party of two spent $51 per person (before tip) for two drinks, 2 appetizers, two entrees, one soft drink and one shared dessert. One final thought is that they do have a large community table, and if this isn't something you'd enjoy, let them know when you make your reservations.
(4)Audra H.
This is the restaurant Hampden has been waiting for! I absolutely loved our meal here. We had the pretzel bites with beer-cheese fondue, the chickpea burger and the shrimp and grits. They also had a good beer selection, which we took full advantage of. The food AND service was amazing. My only complaint was that the atmosphere was a bit loud (it was a Friday night), but it had great energy. I love that there are prices on the menu for everyone's budget. You can get something fancy and expensive or something fancy and...cheap :) It was so hard to choose what to order, so I cannot wait to go back to try more!
(4)Michelle A.
Very neat industrial feel. The amish soft pretzels and duck leg scrapple were delicious. Avoid the beard house app wagyu beef, it was cold and overly smokey with muddled flavors (no discernible horseradish or chimichurri flavor). Also had the adjective shrimp with torn bread and the steak frites, both were excellently prepared and well seasoned. The service was great, they gave us extra pretzels for the cheese sauce!
(4)Dennis K.
Phenomenal !!!! The owners really took their time in crafting an amazing menu. We have been there over a dozen times for dinner and have been so impressed that we used them to cater an event last week which we couldn't be happier with. Great bar, interesting cocktails , sweet Willie cocktail will keep you coming back.
(5)Robert L.
My wife and I had been looking to try this place for awhile now, and we finally went the other night. The atmosphere was great, but the food and service was only ok. The real winner dishes were the little plates. The steak was a cheap cut of meat and was tough, but priced as an expensive cut. The spinach side was under seasoned, but the buffalo fried pickles and pretzels were fantastic. Overall, I had a nice time, but I won't be rushing back.
(3)Kate B.
I have been to The Food Market several times since it opened and I have really enjoyed each visit, with the exception of the most recent time. The drinks are creative, the atmosphere is inviting, and the food is delicious. However, when dining there with my sister last Saturday night, the timing of the food left room for improvement. Notably, our appetizers were served within five minutes of ordering and, unfortunately, our entrees were served quickly thereafter while we were no more than half-way through our appetizers. In all, our Saturday evening dinner (9:30 reservation) was essentially over in a half-an-hour. We stayed at the table and chatted over drinks for another half-an-hour. It was a bit disappointing.
(4)Joe L.
We when for Baltimore restaurant week and the food was amazing! We was a half hour early for our reservation but was seated right away with a crowded restaurant. The food was good from the appetizers to the desserts. I will be back!
(5)Faisal M.
Excellent. Lobster fingers are crazy good - you will not want to share it and the appetizer portion is a great size. Very friendly and always accommodating even without a reservation. We had a group of 8 show up on Saturday night and they somehow made room for us within 30 minutes - and it was packed. A regular favourite.
(4)Jim E.
Great restaurant! Had a great table right on the avenue, nice vibe. Wonderful menu - I had the root-beer marinated pork with grits and roasted turnips. Excellent! My wife had scallops over risotto which were equally good. Service was top notch, good beer selections and some very creative cocktails- looking forward to going back and trying the Baltimore club or other items on the menu.
(5)Kevin W.
The food here was really quite fantastic. I had the lamb kebab, which combined minty-ness with spiciness in a flavor combination I've never tasted before. The decor of the restaurant is quite chic, combining an industrial feel with a lot of natural wood for a welcoming feel. There is complimentary valet, which is cool if you need it, although it's not necessary. There were a couple issues I had, however. First, the Hostess told us there would be a 30 minute wait, which ended up much closer to a 50 minute wait. I highly suggest getting reservations if you plan on eating here. And while our server was quite friendly and nice, it took over 5 minutes to be greeted, and she wasn't terribly quick with refills. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this place, and will definitely be back.
(4)john f.
this place is awesome. Love the decor, the food was great, and the staff was great. They just opened. but they seem to have their act together right off the bat. Welcomed addition to the Avenue!
(5)Bryan B.
This place is a foodie's dream! It started with our great server, Ken, who helped us make the best choices. We had super cocktails - French Tease, North Easter, Silk Road - yum. Appetizers not to miss are the buffalo pickles, Amish pretzels and fried oysters. Best entree is the Shrimp Dinner but also loved the scallops, burger and Baltimore club sandwich. Dessert is worth the calories. sweet potato pie and bread pudding to die for. Valet parking, they take reservations and even our 8 year old picky eater loved it. We will be back and highly recommend!
(5)Stevo P.
The stars above represent an overall review of The Food Market Drinks - 1/5 stars. First off, if you are charging me $10 a drink they better include top shelf liquor. NOT STOLI VODKA, TRIPLE SEC, OR BUFFALO TRACE. We had the rosemary drop and metrojito. Both these "craft cocktails" could have been made by any random person off the street. These were the worst $10 cocktails I have ever had. The bartender was very nice about metrojito being too sweet and replaced it with a Pimlico playboy which was tolerable. I would strongly advise not ordering the cocktails here. Food - 3/5 stars. We had the baby tuna burgers which were excellent. The sauces were both sweet and spicy. Calamari was okay, breaded well and not greasy, but nothing special. The lobster mac n cheese was again moderate. Noodles were over cooked and the sauce was nothing to write home about. There was a fair amount of lobster however given the price ($6). The sauteed spinach was delicious with garlic and oil (but this is not a terribly difficult dish to make). Service: 4/5 See above - bartender switched the drink without question and were very courteous. They could be better about their ability to make drinks however ... Bottom line - Drinks are terrible, food was decent (though limited sampling) and the service was good.
(2)B B.
I stumbled onto this restaurant from all the great reviews for dinner during restaurant week. Let me start by saying my view on restaurant week. I think it should be an opportunity for people to sample the full menu for the set price or a selection there of. While the menu items available on the right of the menu (rw choices) compared to the ones on the left (regular menu items) seemed as different as night in day. For example RW offerings for seafood were a cod or crab claw appetizer, salmon or shrimp entree. So when I look at the regular menu I see ahi tuna, scallops, lump crabmeat, etc. Now keep in mind most (not all) restaurants that have a special menu for RW have it on opentable or posted on their website. So to my surpise I had in my mind what I wanted until I got to the restaurant and realized of you can choose from this and not that. Needless to say our food was okay. Nothing spectacular. There were a few items from the regular menu that I had wanted to try but from the looks of today's visit we will not be returning. The bread was good. The crab claw appetizer was okay. The cod taco appetizer was so bland! The guacamole was more like a puree. The salmon was ok (can you mess up salmon?!). The potato latke was cold. The squash and zucchini mix was great. The Shrimp was okay, not at all spicy like the waitress stated. The rice was bland. The greens were good. The whipped cheesecake was good. The peach tart.....really can you call a half of peach placed in a pastry shell with whipped cream and makers mark ice cream a tart?! The peach was bland and not sweet at all. This place was a total miss. Could have save half our money and went to 13.5% wine bar instead. Pros: Large entree portions, nice menu, nice drinks, location Cons: Noise (we got there early), location (there is no competition because there is nothing in the areat to compare it to= definitely would not stand upto woodberry kitchen or jackie's in silver spring),
(2)Stephanie C.
What a treat.... My husband and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary here and I've been talking about it ever since! I'd done some research a few weeks prior and was a bit disappointed that the menu on their website wasn't current (I ONLY came here for the fried lobster!!) but when we ordered our drinks, appetizers and entree, all was forgiven. While we were waiting to be seated we ordered drinks from the bar (gin & tonic and vodka & cranberry) and the bartender was generous. Once we were seated, I should mention that although we had reservations and still had to wait 30 minutes :(, we noticed the beautifully plated Lil' Lamb Porterhouses at the table next to us and had to have it. GREAT CHOICE and a pleasing start to our scrumptious ending of Spaghetti & Crab Meatballs and the Crab Cake. The sherry fra diavolo generously mixed in with the spaghetti had just enough heat for me to still enjoy and the crab cake was lump.com no fillers! We ended the night with the most amazing heath bar bread budding and pleasant conversation with two couples next to us who'd been married for over 20 years and graciously shared some good advice. The Food Market is my new favorite place....
(5)Kaitlyn G.
Today The Food Market Posted this on their Facebook: "Hello Everyone!! Hot off the press.... Today we will be finishing the install of our beautiful, and highly effective, acoustical panels! For any of you who have dined with us over the past two evenings, and noticed a change in the noise level, thanks for the feedback! We are very excited about the completion of the project, and cannot wait to make your dining experience at The Food Market even more enjoyable! See you all very soon! - Your friends up at The Food Market." so...LOUDNESS SHOULD NO LONGER BE AN ISSUE :-) Now that we don't have to talk about how loud the restaurant is (was), let's talk about the food. The menu is perfect! There is definitely something for everyone, in every portion size you could possibly desire. Want a small plate? They have it. Want a full blown dinner? They have that too. Something in between? Done. The cocktail list is amazing as well. I didn't bother reading the wine list because I was so interested in the cocktails. Last time I went I shared the calamari, which was perfectly cooked, and a huge portion. We ordered it mainly because another table had, and it smelled so good. My date had steak, which was thoroughly enjoyable, good portion size... not expensive steak house caliber, but that's not what our expectations were anyway. I ordered the sea scallops, which utterly blew my mind. The plate was roughly $25, which I found accurate for the portion, there were 5-6 large sea scallops. For the same price elsewhere, you would probably get 4-5, even 3. They were served on top of a delicious risotto, which I was skeptical about initially because it was reddish, and assumably made with red pepper (I hate red pepper...) but it definitely paired perfectly with the scallops. The only thing we ordered that I wouldn't order again was the lobster mac-n-cheese. There wasn't much lobster meat or even lobster flavor to it, and I didn't find it creamy enough. I was disappointed that I was too full to try dessert! Another perk I want to add, they serve brunch FRI-SUN! I was also happy to hear the kitchen is open until 11pm. Out of all of the "New-American" restaurants in Hampden, this one is the best. The menu is solid, the service is great, and it's always busy which definitely says something! The only reason why it gets a 4 instead of a 5 is because the price makes it so I can't dine there more than twice a month. I live a 5 minute walk away and would love to be able to eat here more! A pre-fix menu option could be nice, or some kind of special...maybe a local resident discount? ;-)
(4)Jamie G.
I so love this place. I am not hating on Bmore but when I am here I feel as if i could be in NYC or Los Angeles. The food is great, whatever you order and it has an ambiance that is not like any Bmore joint Ive been too. The only down side is now every yuppy in the county who normally wouldnt go to hampden cause they thinks its all white trash is flocking here in droves.........
(4)Alyson P.
I'm not sure where some of these people ate that gave this place poor reviews, but I have been the TFM 3 times now and continue to be blown away! The first time was this summer for dinner....huge, well prepared portions and delicious! The second time was got drinks and snacks...again....absolutely amazing! The third time was this past Saturday with my sister and her boyfriend for restaurant week. Free valet right out front and a pleasant hostess. We had reservations, but our table was not yet ready, so we went to the bar for a drink. Prompt service at the bar and in a few minutes our table was ready. Eagerly greeted by our waiter who explained the menu to us and gave us waters (which were continually refilled without our asking throughout the evening). We all ordered different items from restaurant week. For apps we ordered the potato soup, shrimp and mushroom dip and the chicken poppers. Soup was good, shrimp and mushroom dish was simply amazing...we asked the waiter for more bread to dip in the sauce. The poppers were fried to perfection and not a bit greasy, but I would have liked for pickle flavoring. For meals, we ordered the lamb, duck and pot roast. All were large portions, beautifully presented and tasted wonderfully! I absolutely loved my pot roast which fell apart with ease, was not fatty and was such a large portion that I am having to leftovers for lunch today:) For dessert, we ordered 2 of the bread puddings which were so large that we could not finish them and the berries which was a large plate overflowing with fresh berries. The wine we ordered was also wonderful. I enjoy the minimalist decor and the dried flowers on the table. All in all, love this place and will continue to come back!
(5)A. C.
(12/16/2012) Stopped in for brunch before hitting the Avenue for some holiday shopping. Bloody Marys were stiff, I tried the "Danish" Bloody, made with horseradish and caraway-infused vodka. You must be a fan of caraway to enjoy this; I don't know what I was thinking, I hate caraway, but sucked it down anyway, the horseradish sear killed a few taste buds on the way down. Being a sucker for hollandaise, got the Crab Benedict (whole wheat english muffins, poached eggs, hollandaise); 3 oz. crab cakes were very lumpy, sweet meat, lightly seasoned to highlight the sweet meat, bound with a little mayo, very little filler, some fresh minced parsley; hollandaise was light, thick, eggy and lemony, only downside was there was not enough of it; eggs were not runny enough for my liking, more like a soft-boiled yolk (I like it to bust out and ooze all over like Mt. Vesuvius). My dining companion's December Benedict (filet, crab cake, poached egg, hollandaise) was the same but with one cake on one muffin and a small 3 oz. filet on the other, looked like a small portion, but hit the spot. Side of pork sausage was heavily seasoned, very lean, two thin overbrowned pucks (too long in the deep-fryer). Breakfast potatoes were crispy deep-fried cubes seasoned like a bag of BBQ potato chips, definitely some sweetness, looked like granulated sugar sprinkled on them, a touch of heat from some cayenne. Place was bustling, pace was somewhat slow (out of the kitchen), interior is shiny, industrial, modern. Brunch menu is mostly the basics, fancified up a little, with a little twist here and there, but not too far out to be creative. Have always liked Chad Gauss' food from when he was at City Cafe, hope this one sticks, def want to try the dinner menu.
(4)Sean E.
i'm usually not a fan of much talked about expensive restaurants and The Food Market is no exception. i will start on a positive note... a group of friends and i went to the Food Market last night and were immediately impressed by the large Monday night crowd. we made reservations (fortunately) for 7:15pm and were immediately seated as soon as we walked in at a quaint little window table looking out onto the ever evolving hampden avenue. the wait staff were quick and knowledgeable and brought out tasty bread with honey butter along with our ordered appetizers (hot nuts, buffalo pickles, and blue kernel popcorn) with lightning speed. the hot nuts and popcorn were very tasty! although i didn't, the rest of the group really liked the buffalo pickles. unfortunately, the great experience stopped at the appetizers... i ordered the wild halibut with brown basmati rice, sauteed spinach and "melon bubbles." my entree was absolutely devoid of flavor or taste. i ate maybe 1/3rd of the dish and packed the rest to go so that i could feed it to my dog. the price tag for this expensive entree for Zuri (my dog) was $30. oh and the melon bubbles were nothing more that melon flavored foam which i'm still trying to figure out how that added to the meal. in my opinion, it didn't even add to the presentation. my friends thought their food was okay, but nothing special and also desired more flavor. the fried entrees were tasty (french fries, calamari, and tomato), but there wasn't anything special that you wouldn't be able to do at home without the culinary training. conclusion: if you're in the mood for an expensive experience at a chic and trendy restaurant in an up and coming neighborhood (and prefer bland American bistro style food), then the Food Market is the place for YOU! otherwise, you're money will be better spent at Woodberry Kitchen or you could even save some money by going to numerous other tasty restaurants in the area (GoldenWest Cafe is very close by)!
(3)Bob S.
Excellent food and excellent service. But, a bit overpriced for what they were serving. And, way overcrowded for the quality of restaurant. In any other city, it's a high-end restaurant that has a few loyal patrons. Here in Baltimore, they do not take reservations, and it's an hour wait on a Saturday night. I guess y dining experience wasn't helped by being seated between a 10 top of loud, drunk people (on one side) and the kitchen (on the other side). At least we weren't seated by the restrooms. I would go back, but not on a weekend night. There are too many good restaurants to have to wait that long.
(4)David W.
Good place. Still working out the kinks. For example, once recently we were seated and then not acknowledged for 15 minutes. The food has some missteps too - like the head-on shrimp in the shrimp and grits - impossible to deal with shrimp so covered in sauce and grits. But hopefully they'll get this all squared away - so I can add a star or two.
(2)Marcia S.
We had the opportunity to have dinner at the Food Market this past week and it absolutely lived up to our expectations. We shared the potato skin with duck breast and, though pretty rich, is was a delicious start to our meal. The wild rockfish was superb, as was the accompanying lobster potato cake...WOW! The shrimp with grits was really good, though not in comparison to some of Charleston's restaurants, but great for Baltimore. We again shared dessert....the heath bar bread pudding which was the perfect finish to a wonderful dinner. Ken was our server and he couldn't have been better, from making us feel very welcome to checking in often enough to make sure we were enjoying our meal but not overly so. I look forward to many more meals at the Food Market.
(5)Tanja P.
Bartender was friendly and made excellent recommendations for apps. Get the fried oysters!
(5)Elie R.
I just wish it wasn't so hard to get a seat here without a reservation-- We have eaten at the bar 3 times and took our parents here for a real reservation once-- Beautifully done place, fabulous food, great ambience. Awesome handmade cocktails. Virgin cocktails too which is a nice touch. Menu was created with love. Maybe not the best for vegetarians, but there are options. The artwork is amazing--I found out the artist is Joel Cohen, and he created the work just for this restaurant.
(5)Marie J.
Love the Food Market. I've eaten here 4 - 5 times and never been disappointed. Each dish I've had has been well designed and tasty. Service has been good. I may occasionally dream about the beer cheese and soft pretzels. But I'm a sucker for cheese and bread. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Be aware, this is not the place you want to go for an intimate conversation. Although they have made improvements since they opened, it's still a bit loud with tables that are close to each other. But the food is totally worth the noise. Did I mention the absurdly well flavored food?
(5)Dave D.
Okay food, okay service, nice atmosphere. Everyone enjoyed their food but this resaurant seems to be aspiring to a culinary goal that they just aren't achieving. For these prices, try 13.5 Winebar just down the street.
(3)Grace Y.
Best brunch in town! If you can get a seat anywhere in the place, DO IT!
(5)Jesse G.
The Food Market is one of the best restaurants I've ever been too. There is not one thing on the menu that would disappoint. The buffalo pickles were incredible. Fried pickles are somewhat of a common dish, but the spin on this with buffalo mix makes this one of the best dishes on the menu. The crab cake was huge, not overly cakey and was excellent. The scallops are amazing. Cooked to perfection with the perfect seasoning this dish was my tables favorite. My table also enjoyed the lamb dish and steak frites, both nothing short then spectacular. The waiter/waitress staff was great as well as the rest of the staff. Coming up from DC in tons of traffic, on a snowy day had us over 2 hours late for a reservation, the hostess I spoke to on the phone was understanding and accomodating. AND IT WAS FRIDAY NIGHT! Compliments to Chad Gauss for delivering superb dishes and Elan Kotz for opening a gem in Baltimore.
(5)C M.
New favorite. Attentive service, nice dining area, and the chef came over to say hi. It turned out my date knew him, but I saw him paying this same attention to other tables as well. Duck confit potato skins are too large to be a "real" potato skin but it doesn't matter because they are delicious. I want to watch a video to learn how they got the potato like that. I actually said to the chef "this thing is a f*&%ing revelation!" (real smooth, haha) Steak frites was an unadventurous choice but it was a great rendition. For desserts, I ordered the cheesecake and my date ordered the heath bar bread pudding. The dessert menu has a picture of the chef's kid on it, which was cute. There is no note that the cheesecake is deconstructed, but it was still great. Cheesecake part was whipped, lemony and not heavy at all, the graham part appeared house-made, and it was covered in blueberries. I stole some bites of the heath bread pudding and it tastes exactly as you would imagine- rich, spongey, salty sweet. Would absolutely go back, planning to already.
(4)Tracy B.
Loved this place! The Buffalo Pickles are delicious! The steak of the Steak Frites is also good, but the frites are definitely too salty....I couldn't really eat them. Really cool spot with a great menu, will definitely return!
(5)Gerald G.
Food market is always good. We have been there now 5-6 times and each experience was pleasant. This is our go to place for dinner meetings.
(5)Nancy O.
Small plate winey shrimp is fantastic as is the atmosphere. Great place. We had drinks and small plates at the bar. Would have given 5 stars if the bartender would have been a little more friendly.
(4)Dan S.
Came here for brunch and am not a fan, despite the nice setting, the food and service were subpar. The whole phony baloney hiptster place - with cool sounding food ("Pat Lafrieda burger, "house" donuts, "vegan" and "gluten free") poorly executed a big turnoff. From the way the hostess checked her phone messages before seating us and then sat us right on top of another table despite most tables being empty, from her asking loudly of the many staff hanging around if they wanted a table. Things got worse from there. We sat right next to the kitchen so we got to see our orders sitting there for a long time, just sitting, I asked a watier who was standing around if he could bring it but he said they were making the potatoes. The potatoes and the food came - little tiny bits of fried chopped potatoes - with sugar on them - and other foods, my partner had the breakfast croissant which had almost too much bacon on it (he liked it). I had the breakfast cobb salad - which said it was eggs, bacon, peppers, potatoes and lettuce w/ ranch dressing, sounded interesting. Well, it was a plain tossed salad with one halved undercooked soft boiled egg on the side and some weird roasted red peppers thrown in. I told the waiter I didn't like and he kindly offered another dish - this time it was the tacos with turkey sausage - after 20 minutes little unattractive spheres of soft burrito shell came on a plate, each round shell had some grossly red, disgustingly spicy room temperature crumbly sausage, some shredded cheese, some salsa and some egg (luckily this was scrambled and cooked!) Tables remained unbussed, staff people stood over our food as it waited from the kitchen, others stood around checking their phones, then cleaning the area with their towel, then checking their phone, then putting garnish on the food with their bare hands (use tongs people!) Ewwww! For a well decorated place that is also well situated on the "block" the service and food were subpar. If this was chopped, this food would be chopped. But it's Baltimore with few options, so people think it is good.
(2)Aileen P.
Had the steak frites. Steak was good, but fries not too flavorful and kind of dry. Small portions. Friendly service.
(3)Dina B.
We've been fans of Chef Chad Gauss for a while now, and we were sad when he left the City Cafe, one of our go-to places. But, we are delighted that he took a sad shell of a shop in Hampden and turned it into a chic restaurant with terrific food. The place was packed on a Sunday night, but we were seated right away, and the waitress was friendly and made helpful suggestions about how to navigate the menu. The menu is designed as little, small, big, and everything in between. I think we wanted to try each and every item in the little plates section. We settled on old bay chips and pretzels with fondue. I knew I would be eating off of everyone's plates, so I had a Greek salad and the salt and pepper tuna, which was a perfect size and so fresh. My husband ordered the chicken and biscuit and the spaghetti and crab meatballs; both excellent. We also tried the bread pudding and dirt cup (it needed more gummy worms) for dessert. The menu had too many choices, so we already made our next reservation to go back. We did have a glitch but didn't hold it against the place-- as soon as our appetizers came, our entrees came as well. We sent the dishes back, the waitress took full responsibility, and the manager apologized. We were not concerned because the dishes came out perfect. The restaurant is also very loud. We really had trouble hearing ourselves, but it quieted down after the restaurant started to clear out. I envy all those folks in Hampden who are close to such great restaurants, including the Food Market.
(4)Patrick H.
Amazing, Creative food...Bartenders are awesome especially Andy and Valerie...Favorites have to be either of the shrimp dishes with the deliscious sauces.Get the Bread pudding but add honey graham ice cream!! I've eaten all over Baltimore and this is def in my top 5
(5)Matt M.
Nice atmosphere, was energetic for Sunday brunch. French toast yummy.
(4)Carol M.
Read the reviews and they weren't wrong! This place has some great food! Went this evening for dinner. So many choices.....we ended up with Risotto crusted mozzarella, tuna burgers, cracker fried oysters, pork tacos and that really long named spicy shrimp. Nothing sucked!! As a matter of fact, it was all very good! The mozzarella was a nice start. A crispy big egg shaped (like those Easter ones) creation with a little red sauce on the side. After a little salt and pepper, it was hard to stop eating it!! Promised the hubby half, so, a deal's a deal. Little tuna burgers. Yep, I thought they would be too bready for just tuna. NOT!! So delicious. Would say this was the best of our dishes. The garnishes with the burger just brought it all together. Spicy, ....juicy.....ok, I don't remember all the adjectives, but the shrimp dish was excellent. oh yeah, but, the torn bread is soaked in all the goodness, so, now you have to use a knife and fork to eat it. (either cut it smaller or put it on the side) It's a bit messy because the bread is so dense for cutting. Hubby loved the pork tacos. I got a tiny taste of the bbq pork. Well done. Service was good. Ladies weren't brimming with personality but, they were right time with our drinks and needs. BTW we sat at the bar. Nothing on the website mentions a bar. Hate tables!! Just saying. Glad there was a bar and they could accommodate us. We are looking forward to going back to try all the other options on the menu!!
(4)Catherine S.
Went with a group of friends for a birthday dinner; we made a reservation since it was Sunday and there were 8 of us, and we had a great table right in the window. (Definitely make a reservation; as we got up to leave there were many people standing around waiting for tables!) We had: burrata with tomatoes (simple and fresh, very good), fried mozzarella (also very good), hot nuts (fun for sharing and very tasty), the calamari (kind of meh; was expecting more heat based on the menu description, and didn't get much lemon flavor either), and the table favorite- buffalo pickles. If you're with more than 4 people, get two orders because they are addictive! The special that night was a grilled branzino, which was fantastic. I love branzino but sometimes don't feel like doing the dissection necessary to really enjoy it, so luckily this was two fillets grilled perfectly. It came with mashed potatoes that everyone at the table kept stealing bites of, they were that good. Those that ordered the steak frites had their steaks quite overdone pretty much across the board, which was disappointing. The sauce and fries were both good, though. The buffalo steak fared a little better and was nicely cooked. The salmon was nicely cooked as well, and had a very flavorful herb oil with it. Lamb meatballs were pretty tasty if just a touch dry. Overall it was a good experience, the service was decent (server made a few mistakes, forgot some things) and the food was worth the price without being overly fussy. I'd definitely recommend it.
(4)Sarah J.
If I could, I would make love to this restaurant.....over and over again. BY FAR the yummiest restaurant I've ever eaten at in Baltimore. The popcorn is a MUST!!!
(5)Mati K.
I have been to The Food market several times and enjoyed my meal there every time very much. My last visit was surprisingly much better. The restaurant used to be quite noisy in the past and apparently they just spent a lot of money and installed acoustical panels everywhere that brought the noise level down a lot. This is now my most favorite restaurant in Baltimore, you have to try it!
(5)Robin M.
Great space and good food spoiled by being so VERY VERY LOUD. You really can't hear yourself speak in this place; what were the archtitects thinking. Noise levels around the illegal level, well into 100dB when I was there.
(4)Joy Leah S.
Had dinner at The Food Market this past Wednesday. Overall, it was a good experience, but there were a few things I wasn't pleased with. The first and biggest issue was the noise, wow. It was so loud in there that I couldn't have a conversation with my friend, sitting directly across from me, without shouting. Something needs to be addressed there, perhaps acoustic tiles of some sort? Second thing was the feeling of being hovered over. The staff seems to all congregate in a back hall and lean at entrance to it, which puts them right up next to patrons who are trying to enjoy dinner. Very uncomfortable. Lastly, my meal was less than stellar. I had the Pork Schnitzel. It was overcooked and dry. Actually had difficulty cutting through it with the knife provided, so I gave up halfway through the first piece. Thankfully, my companions dinner (Bison Steak) was very tasty and we ended up splitting it. Was done perfectly and would order it again in a heart beat. I am a bit disappointed that management seemed to be walking about through our whole experience, yet never stopped once at our table to see how things were, but stopped at everyone around us. Having said that, our server was wonderful. Very attentive and quick to get us what we needed. Food service was fast and drinks from the bar were great. Would recommend the restaurant, but perhaps sitting up front by the bar where it's slightly quieter. Hard to compete with all the tables and the open kitchen. Staff is friendly and accommodating.
(4)A D.
I've now been to the Food Market twice. It's become one of my favorite restaurants in the Baltimore area. The food is simply awesome and I've appreciated the managers taking an interest in checking in on us to make sure we are happy. The crab cakes are incredible (and huge). Can't go wrong with the burgers (beef or bison) and the salads are really good, too. The only criticism that I would have is that it's a little loud in there, especially when the bar is packed. But it adds to the atmosphere.
(5)Kelly M.
The neighborhood has been abuzz with talk of The Food Market and I finally made it there last night. We had a reservation but arrived very late, the staff was forgiving and did there best to try and accommodate us but eventually I told them to just go ahead and give our resi to someone else while we waited for our entire party to arrive. When we were finally ready they asked us if we wanted to sit at the "community table" - I didn't know they had one! We were totally game and it turned out to be a great call. The large wooden table is right in front of the open kitchen so we could see all the action and was large enough that we never felt like we were on top of other people and it was nice to strike up some random conversations. I would definitely sit there again. Now let's get down to business, the food: AHmazing! The menu is inventive and creative and well thought out and totally lacking in pretension. You can order off the "Little" "Small" "Big" "In Between" and "Everything After". Fun! We ordered the Buffalo Pickles which were so awesome and addictive. Crunchy, savory, with nice heat from the hot sauce and creaminess from the gorgonzola. The amish pretzels with the fondue were also really good but not as mind-blowing as the pickles. We also ordered the cracker fried oysters which were cooked to perfection and super tasty. The salt & pepper tuna was also perfectly seared and served with fresh greens and marinated cucumbers to give a nice fresh accent. Lastly, we ordered the famous lobster fingers with fries. They were also really good, but the one caveat I have is the breading seemed a little heavier than it needed to be. However the lobster was perfectly tender and the honey mustard dipping sauce was really good too. And how often do you notice honey mustard? We also ordered some drinks. I tried the Hampden Hurricane and the Gin Ne Say Pa. The hurricane was not for me. I thought it would be fruitier than it was, but seeing as I've never had a hurricane before I'm not sure I'm the right judge. The Gin drink was much more to my liking with muddled blackberries and basil leaves. Light, fruity, refreshing, perfect. All in all we ended up spending about $100 for two people, 2 drinks each and tons of great food. All in all a really great deal. I will be back soon and often! Oh, and they have free valet parking :)
(5)Tiffani M.
I went to The Food Market on Friday with 3 friends, it was packed!! We made reservations and were seated promptly. Our waitress was really patient, gave great recommendations, and always had a smile on her face. We ordered the buffalo pickles, cracker fried oysters, and the loaded fries...everything was delicious!! The buffalo pickles were excellent, crispy, tangy, with a kick. They served us warm bread and butter..can I say, I feel in love with the creamy sweet butter!!! I ordered the Fried chicken box (it was ok, you can't really mess up fried chicken breast chunks), my friends ordered the Calamari (fried well and served with some sort of sweet pepper syrup), the Wild Salmon (looked delish, tasted great) and the Scallops (which I didn't taste, but got raving reviews. We also ordered the Strawberry Basil Snowball and that was tasty. I had the Heathbar bread pudding, which was Divine!! I love bread pudding, but find that most are a little too wet, this was right in the middle of firm but moist. Overall....I will definitely be going back.
(4)Darcy P.
been there a few times and what strikes me ALWAYS is how loud it is. like crazy loud. as in can't talk to yourself, let alone someone else loud. I know it's on purpose and I certainly am not a quiet kid, but this place is SO loud. it's always crowded and while I don't dislike it, I feel like it's crowded because it's the place to be, not because it's awesome. I know people will disagree. the drinks are good and pricey. i've had several of the food dishes, but all tended to be on the greasy side (some by design, like the fried chicken, but others, just not well executed). i wanted to love it. I (embarrassingly) love fried chicken. but it just wasn't that great. just greasy. honestly, royal farms is better (though they do have excellent fried chicken!). i was excited. but now I tend to walk on by. go ahead and try though. people tend to love it...just not me.
(3)Erin K.
Had a great time there a few weeks ago with a group of friends. The mixed drinks we had at the bar were creative, fresh and delicious. Perfect for the summer heat. Our server Willi was courteous and attentive, without being intrusive. I was especially impressed because one of the diners in our group had some strict dietary constraints and Willi did not even bat an eye and was happy to accommodate her strange requests. Amongst the group, we all got to try the pretzels, popcorn, buffalo pickles, scallops, bison steak, fried chicken. The entrees were cooked well and presented nicely. I was not a huge fan of the popcorn but that was more a personal preference than a criticism, as others in the group enjoyed it. My one and only complaint was that the beer-cheese fondue served with the pretzel app could have been warmer. It had already started to set by the time it arrived at the table. But that's it! The décor and ambiance were lovely and anywhere on the Avenue with free valet gets major bonus points.
(4)Lynn K.
The food was very good and offered a large variety. Prices were fair considering quality and quantity. One disappointment was the noise level. It was extremely hard to have a conversation with your guests. We were lucky to be seated somewhat to the back of the restaurant, but I couldn't have imagined what the noise level was close to the kitchen area. Hopefully they will do something about that soon because we would like to go back and bring friends, but we would also like to be able to have a conversation with them!
(4)Phil L.
good food, awesome owners! worth checking out!
(4)Siddharth M.
I went there for lunch by myself. I had heard a lot about the place and wanted to check it out. Because it was just me, I was given the option of having a table or sitting on the bar. I chose the bar. The bartenders were polite and helpful. When I asked my server to suggest seafood specials, he gave some good suggestions on the menu instead of just the expensive ones. I decide to have Shrimp and Grits. My biggest concern coming in was that the quantity would not match the price. I had no doubt that the food would be top notch and it did not let me down. The sauce on the grits and the shrimp was very good and spicy to lend taste to the usually tasteless grits. Shrimp was also well cooked. The quantity was also big enough for me to have a very filling meal (and I have a large appetite). I'll come by again to try other things on the menu.
(4)Hank M.
I enjoyed brunch here, but recently I had curried chick peas for dinner, and they were awful. It is also very noisy.
(2)Dirty T.
Atmosphere: nice, though loud. I enjoy restaurants that are this level of "fancy". Nice, but not too fancy/stuffy Service: five stars. Great waiter. Extremely fast kitchen and bar Food: Pretzels w/ beer fondue: salty and delish Tuna meatballs: over-seasoned. Did nothing for me Brown sugar pork belly: decent. Not the best pork belly I've ever had, but not bad. The brown sugar was fine, but the dish lacked excitement/depth Fried oysters: fantastic. Cooked perfectly. The breading was not heavy or greasy. tasty oysters Brussels sprout salad: much to my surprise, this was my favorite dish. Cooked perfectly. Flavored all worked really well together. I'd go back for this alone.
(4)Tracy D.
So disappointed. First off the red wines were very oxidized. They had obviously been opened a long time ago. I considered saying something, but it seemed like an obvious thing? Not sure. The bartender recommended the lobster roll, said his Boston friend approved. The lobster was old and the bread was stale. I regret not mentioning any of this stuff to the wait staff, but it's hard to call out every aspect of the meal. I won't be going back. Service was great and prompt. That was only redeeming thing. Maybe it was better a while ago and has only recently gone down hill? A waste of money.
(2)Jo W.
Busy place. Reminded me of restaurants in bigger cities - lots of hustle and bustle but the food was well worth it. Lobster roll was excellent!
(4)Nathan V.
This was the first restaurant we tried in Hampden when we were looking to move here. I wish I could remember the waiter's name because he was great. We had a full meal of appetizers, drinks, dinner, and dessert and do not have one complaint. The seared tuna appetizers was perfectly cooked! Everything from start to finish was great. They have community tables in some parts of the restaurant which made us feel like we were back in Chicago. They might not be for everyone but I think it adds to the ambiance. This was a great experience and I will add an update when we return.
(5)Devonshire B.
I am a bit irked that I wasted $40+ on this place (for my meal only). Well, a little more than 'a bit irked'. We were promptly seated at our reservation time, which was great. But that was the best thing about this place. First off, the decor is sparse. I love the white washed walls and the minimalistic approach, but that's only one wall. The other wall was built with some sort of sliding matte sheet metal. It almost looked like it should have had chalk writing on it. The chairs were very cheap looking. Almost like you'd find them outside at a bland cafe. The thing that was most off-putting was the table centerpiece. It was a little jar a quarter filled with water. In that jar were 2 dried thistle flowers and a group of what looked like tumbleweed buds. I'm not really sure. I mean...if this was a western-styled eatery, it'd be perfect. But I felt like they chose this piece because it lacked the necessity of attention. It looked dead already, so no need to keep it fresh! But I didn't come here for the decor. I came here for the menu (Restaurant Week). Aaaaaaand I was disappointed. Majorly. It began with cold spongy Italian bread and oil. Not horrible, but when it was filled up again, the bread was luke warm. Was it supposed to be cold or hot?! It was just confusing. The first course ('some') consisted of a watery sweet cayenne broth with shrimp, mushrooms and 3 small pieces of floating torn bread. It was really odd. I didn't expect it to be sweet, and it wasn't horrible, but I was put off by the fact that I was tasting something really unexpected. If it had been a pleasant surprise, sure! But it was weird tasting. The shrimp were cooked well, but they were unseasoned and lacked mmph. My S.O. ordered the chicken poppers. They barely tasted of pickles, which is why we ordered them. The breading was just breading and the chicken was just chicken. Nothing special. Quite honestly, I find Chic-fil-a to be more appetizing. Our next course ('more') was the worst part. I got the Dan plate. My S.O. got the duck breast. Both dishes were mildly warm (and took forever to come out). My mushroom risotto had some insane funky smell/flavour. It made me queasy- so much, that I couldn't even finish eating it. I have no idea what was in it and what could have caused such a reaction in my stomach. Maybe it was the huge chunks of fennel? The over powering garlic? I rarely have issues with these things, but good lord. I couldn't do it. The pork belly was ok, but everything on that plate was satiated with that off putting smell and taste. The duck breast was ok. A little on the boring side and the parsnip(?) mash wasn't complimentary. It really was not a good meal. I was very disappointed and didn't enjoy feeling queasy. After waiting a long time for the server to realize we had finished, we ordered our dessert ('please'). I had the cinnamon crunch warm rice pudding and my S.O. had the health bar bread pudding. Both were extremely dry and left much room for improvement. My rice was almost al dente and had no spices or flavour save the 3 measly crumbles of cinnamon toast crunch cereal on top. The bread pudding was huge! And burned. Ugh, ugh, ugh, so annoyed that I had to pay for this! I will not be coming back here again and I do not suggest you give it a try.
(1)daniel c.
great food! but they literally pack you in the restaurant and cant hear yourself or your date. but worth it
(5)Alvin G.
I began to loose faith in the nightlife quality of food until I ran into this place with a few friends. Very chic place to eat, I can definitely see this place being the "it place" to go to in order to show off to some friends but not be too nervous about not knowing what you're ordering off the menu. From scallops to hamburger, lobster nuggets to pan seared filets this menu has everything you want. Everytime I go, it's an awesome experience, free valet parking, great waiting staff, you can see the chef prepare your meal, and the drink menu is awesome. First date or anniversary, this place is a must attend in Baltimore City
(4)Trang P.
WOW WOW WOW! Finally, a restaurant where every single thing you order is amazing! We went for brunch and ordered the french toast dippers, jammin' good sandwich, and smokey bowl. For drinks, we had a coffee and iced coffee- both superb. Trust me, coffee can be messed up. We were practically licking the crumbs from the french toast plate. The jammin' good sandwich came on house made ciabatta bread which was so freakin' good. Seriously, the BEST breakfast sandwich ever. All dishes were perfectly executed. Our server was excellent, almost as if she had mind-reading powers. She was always on point. Now, we just have to keep coming back to try everything on the menu. YES, it is that sort of place.
(5)M F.
I've been to The Food Market three times for dinner, and it was really good every time! I've tried some of the following menu staples that did not disappoint: amish soft pretzels, risotto crusted mozzarella, garlic shrimp, sea bass, scallops and steak frites. The only item that was NOT very good and I would not order again was the risotto crusted mozzarella. It was average and rather bland. The drink I always order is The Nico. Very light and refreshing, though a little on the pricey side. In general the menu is a bit pricey for the portion sizes. No single item on the menu is large enough to be ordered in and of itself. An appetizer or two for the table is a must if you want to leave feeling remotely full. The atmosphere and ambiance are nice and upbeat. It is always loud and energetic!
(4)Logan G.
i love this place. i would come here for the bread alone. i do find their food inconsistent at times, but that crab cake soup is mind blowingly good. it's always perfect with huge lumps of crab. the service is great... these servers care if you like your food or not. one time we got the mussels and they were terrible, barely touched them and the waitress didn't charge us for them. that's service! i hate the way the seating is arranged in this place. even if you're at a private table you're still knocking elbows with the person at the table next to you. my suggestion is to sit a the community table. way more room.
(4)Reed B.
Really good drinks at the bar, good/interesting food, a bit pricey, but overall a fun place to take a date. The customer base tends to be a little more "posh" than the typical hipster Hampden crowd (perhaps due to the valet parking out front) but it's still located right in the middle of The Avenue, so you still get local rustic/boutique feeling of it's surroundings.
(4)Vitaly O.
trendy place. food is good. I will go back again.
(5)Lalz A.
Very unique venue. Offers fresh food and ingredients. Very delicious! Lovely place for brunch with friends on sundays! Check out my blog post for more details and pictures: adayinthelalz.blogspot.c…
(5)Deborah G.
We had a lovely dinner in which the entrees were the best part of the meal. The three of us ordered two salads from the menu but neither were very interesting. However, the main courses of small and large crab cakes and the one salmon dish were excellent. The desserts, a coffee cake with ice cream was tasty but not worth the calories. The bread pudding was so sweet that we needed a dose of insulin to level out the sugar that was ingested by the three of us. The meal was not inexpensive so the kitchen needs to pay more attention to the quality of the salads and the level of sugary ingredients in the food. Our service was excellent as the food was served hot or cold as it should be. The valet parking on a Saturday night in busy Hampden was a nice service. I actually liked the space and the ambiance of the restaurant but a little more attention to detail could raise this to a 5. I gave a four to the entrees as they were delicious.
(4)Michele C.
Went for a birthday lunch, service was nice. Food was ok, based on reviews I was looking for something amazing but it fell short of my amazing expectations. I do enjoy the area where the restaurant is located. Had a lovely time walking down Main Street.
(3)Jarrod F.
Finally a restaurant in Hamden worthy of its stature where both pretentious hipsters and normal people can dine together in holy matrimony.. Whether your a struggling musician who only wears jeans that suck the fat out of your thighs, or your just looking for something a bit eclectic and different from the norm of modern American cuisine... the market delivers the food you want to eat. Now the atmosphere of this place is a bit cold and hollow. The chairs are perhaps my biggest peeve. I literally had a hard time sitting for an hour. I felt like my tailbone was going to break by the end of the night and be used for saturdays marrow soup special. Anyways onto the food we actually ate... The crab soup with heapings of cream was dangerously delicious.. The shrimp app with the 7 names was the highlight of the evening as well as the Baltimore po boy!!! I'm not a sandwich man but that was awesomeness on a plate, straight up. So 10lbs later I can safely say I'm looking forward to a return trip to the market. Only this time I'm bringing a seat cushion and wearing spandex.
(4)Alexandria Z.
Was excited to try this place after seeing a lot of good reviews but was not impressed by the brunch. Paid an unreasonable amount of $$ for an omelette I could've made better at home. I did enjoy the atmosphere and decor, though, and the slices of pound cake they brought out at the start. May go back for dinner and reevaluate.
(2)Juliana V.
These guys know how to run a restaurant, more than any other business in the neighborhood - from coat check to hostess politeness to water refills to speed of service, truly second to none in Hampden. The diverse crowd reflects the lack of pretension, an atmosphere that complements the creative but classic menu. Try the super silky cream of crab soup and buttery, generously filled lobster roll. Buffalo pickles are not bad, but skippable; the Gorgonzola purée they sit in overwhelms a bit. My only regret is not having room for dessert - maybe courses spaced out a bit more would have helped, but we didn't feel rushed. 5 courses/2 people for under $70, btw - no need to drop a fortune for a great dinner. Can't wait to go back for brunch
(5)Jeff H.
Overall a very good dinner place. The crispy lobster fingers tasted just like the pictures look...yummy and deep fried. The Amish soft pretzels on the other hand taste much better than they look. They are hot, salty on the outside and have a dipping sauce that complements them well. The little crabcake tasted good, but I hold high standards for Baltimore, and so it falls in the average range. They are nothing close to my favorite at Faidley's. The lobster mac and cheese that came with the crab cake was actually really good though and totally saved the entree. The shrimp dinner was a cajun style meal that was pretty creamy and heavy. I would rather not have to pick through the shrimp tails. I also wish it was a bit spicier, but overall it had a nice flavor.
(4)Emily T.
The Food Market - I will be back. Made reservations here on NYE to celebrate my anniversary with the SO. It was our first time. From walking in and getting our coats checked until the moment we left, the staff was super attentive and everyone in general was very friendly. I feel weird saying that really added to how we loved the place, as that should pretty much be standard, but yeah it isn't. Our waitress, Lily, was adorable and knowledgeable. Plates came out in a timely, orderly manner. The boy ordered more meat centered plates, trying a few "small" plates like the pork belly (his favorite taste of the night) and oysters. We shared the lobster fingers which were delicate and sweet. I ordered the chilean sea bass. Man oh man was I pleased. It was a perfect piece of fish sitting on the most delicious mashed/whipped potatoes I think I've ever had. It was like buttery velvet. The fish melted in my mouth. The fennel added a needed crunch. Just, wow. Ended the dinner with another glass of wine and a shared bread pudding. Simple, but something new with the Heath aspect. We dug it. The manager asked us how our night went, we told him it was excellent and to keep up the good work. We saw him on the floor all night, making sure things were going smoothly all around. Literally have no complaints except for about 45 seconds after we received our entrees we did not have silverware, and I was probably drooling. I can't wait to go back, again for dinner but also for brunch!
(5)Ashley E.
Oh my goodness, like my favorite restaurant in baltimore. Their brunch is fantastic, the homade wheat bread with a littke strawberry preserve and a french tease cocktail is all a person needs on the weekend. Oh and their cakecakes, shrimp, and lobstermac are favorites of mine. Oh I gotta go back soooooon!!!
(5)Lily B.
I can't believe we never came here until a couple of weeks ago when we happened to be in the area. It looked Chelsea hip, but the food was even better. We had four small plates: spicy shrimp, street taco, salt and pepper tuna, and lamb. They were all excellent but the most memorable were shrimp. We asked for more bread to soak up the sauce. The tuna was very delicate and the taste wasn't very strong so we wished we had it first. We had a strawberry light dessert which was a perfect ending. We will definitely be back.
(5)Tracy H.
We went there for dinner tonight. There were 7 of us. We each got something different and it was all excellent. The only "complaint" I have is that it is a little noisy so it is a little hard to hear people at your table talk. Other than that the service was awesome. We would defiantly go back again. I would recommend this restaurant. :)
(5)Sue P.
Went to dinner for my bday on tues and it was amazing! The good was fantastic and attentive staff! Definitely going to return .. Yummm
(5)Ria S.
No response when I emailed and messaged them. Got terribly sick and they should of emailed back with at least an apology. Never again.
(1)Michelle W.
The food here is amazing, whether you're coming for brunch or dinner. Soo delicious it's always hard to choose. I come here just about once a week and I am always full and happy :)
(5)Patrick C.
This place is fantastic. Great welcoming atmosphere and really friendly and helpful waiter. The beets and lobster fingers were outstanding, and I had the rack of lamb which was perfect. Absolutely lives up to the hype.
(5)Kojo B.
Food market i just dont know, this will be my second update on this place. Personally, i think their brunch menu is way overpriced, sometime during the summer they offered 50% of the entire bill for brunch, that was a fantastic deal. Went there a couple of times and took advantage of that promotion. I have had their steak frites a couple of times but today the fries were kinda burnt too crispy, and the steak was extremely small. It leads me scratching my head sometimes when i get here.
(3)Libby F.
Amish Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese is the perfect comfort food. Lobster Roll brings a tear to this New England girl's eye. Always a hit, never a miss.
(5)Jane V.
So I was visiting my sister over the weekend and typically she uses that as an excuse to check out new restaurants in the Baltimore area so we decided to come here for brunch on Sunday. I think we just beat the crowd and got seated right away. We split the Amish pretzels and I ended up getting the fried chicken and biscuits. Everything we had was SOOO GOOD. I admit, I liked the chicken better here than Miss Shirleys... Anyway, highly recommended. I'll have to suggest this place again when I come down and visit another time =)
(5)Jen M.
Slight update for our review. We are now big fans of this place (as long as we can sit at the bar). We had hit or miss service at the tables, but the bar service has always been fantastic. We've gone through quite a bit of the menu at this point, and have loved every dish. The cocktails are also reliably tasty and balanced. It's even surprisingly reasonably priced. If you have not eaten here, you must! Seriously, you won't regret it. They also offer valet service for those who don't want to search for parking in Hampden. It's become one of our favorite restaurants. Just make reservations or get there early!
(4)Brian Y.
The lunch prices are pretty reasonable. Yeah for dinner it's special occasions and restaurant week only for my budget, but a frequent lunch spot since I work in the area. Definitely go here, splurge, you earned it!
(5)Tyler T.
Went Sunday night for Valentine's Day and the food was amazing as usual.. Had no idea it was restaurant week but a 3 course meal here for only 30 is an amazing deal.. Got the bacon wrapped shrimp wrapped scallops and they were great.. Only came with 4 but it was very filling.. Also for dessert we got the Heath bar bread pudding and the peanut butter pie.. Both were on point!!
(5)Angela C.
Had a fantastic time while visiting in Baltimore. The food and drinks were amazing - my husband is a picky eater and he even said everything sounded great. The pretzels and shrimp appetizers were both great - for dinner we had sea bass and the pasta with crab meatballs. Thanks to our server for recommending! Service was very friendly and overall had a great experience. Will definitely visit again
(5)Jane D.
I was excited to test out The Food Market but booooy if I had known what I was getting into I would never have come. The food was ok, not great, but the drinks were almost un-drinkable, and the service was out of control. The hostess (maybe she was even a manager) in particular, when alerted her to a problem was incredibly rude to me and my guest. She made it seem like we were to blame and was annoyed that we had mentioned anything negative. I will never go back. If I want to have somebody judge me, I'll go have dinner at my mother's house. At least there the drinks are strong!
(1)Michele P.
It was awesome! We had an open table reservation and we were seated right away. Our server was Rebecca and she greeted us minutes after being seated. The cocktails were amazing. I ordered a gin martini dirty and my girlfriend ordered the Pimlico Playboys which she said was so good. We started off with the brown sugar pork belly which was to die for!! We also had the salt and pepper tuna, lamb porterhouses and street tacos....all amazing. The good salsa on the tacos really was so good!! We took Rebecca's recommendations for the lobster fingers and short rib for our main course and we were so grateful. They were amazing dishes. We finished off dinner with the the apple spring roll and the blondie which had a marshmallow garnish that was to die for! The prices were wonderful for such a great meal. Our server was attentive at all the right times but left us to enjoy the company! It was our first time here and we can't wait to come back!
(5)Christopher S.
Average experience. Pricey for small portions and better options on same street. Alchemy much better option for same price, but better portions, menu and quality
(3)Catherine P.
MAJOR HEALTH CODE VIOLATION!! If I could give zero stars I would. We went for brunch the other day. Our blood mary's took over 20 minutes to arrive and didn't taste terribly good. But I can excuse slow service especially in a new restaurant. What I cannot excuse was this. My plate arrived at the table with the egg almost falling off and onto the table. The busboy who delivered it then tried to USE HIS HANDS TO LIFT THE EGG BACK ONTO THE TOAST. While I stared at him horrified he then said "my hands are clean." as though that was going to excuse him manhandling my food. We had to ask to have him fry me a new egg since I didn't want the one his hands had literally been all over. After we let our waitress know, she was incredibly apologetic and handled the situation well, but the hostess came over and, glaring at me, told me she heard about what had happened and his hands were clean as though somehow I was unreasonable for not wanting somebody to literally MANHANDLE my food. She was incredibly rude and unapologetic, almost irritated I had even said anything in the first place when that's disgusting by anyone's standards. I will never be going back here.
(1)Matthew H.
A friend and I went to the Food Market for lunch the other weekend and I have to say that at least what I got wasn't all that great. I have to say though that the Shrimp n Grits app is great and I really enjoyed that. I ended up getting the Lobster Roll and I guess maybe I have spoiled myself with really great ones in Boston but the one at Food Market was pretty poor. It was pretty small for a lobster roll and the meat was pretty salty and had a taste like it had been frozen for quite some time. My friend loved his dish so he would have a different opinion on the experience than me I am sure. I want to like the Food Market so I am going to try it again but now I know that I should stay away from the Lobster Roll. Also we ordered some cocktails that involved muddling fruit, usually when you get those kinds of cocktails at places that serve them the bartender will strain the drink so that you don't have huge chunks of fruit in your drink. It makes it almost impossible to drink it like that. It would be nice if the bartenders would strain the cocktail because I would have drank more of them. That is a relatively nit-picky thing though. Also the service wasn't great and I was going to just let this go but after reading a few more reviews this seems to be a theme. I worked in the industry for almost 10 years as a waiter and then as a bartender, so I sympathize with and know how it is to work in a restaurant. The bartender we had seemed to be more worried about impressing himself than giving us good service.
(3)Rebecca G.
We're late to the Food Market party - it's been open and popular for a while, close to the house, but... it just hadn't happened yet. We finally made it there for brunch. I have a feeling that our opinion of the meal won't be popular - but we do plan to go back and try dinner there, and give it another chance. His plate: Pat LaFreida burger - diced bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, sesame bun Watermelon Crush - kiwi syrup, fresh lemonade, watermelon puree; ordered w/vodka added Her plate: Heath Bar pancakes - warm maple syrup, side of bacon House-infused Jalapeño Vodka Bloody Mary Our drinks arrived quickly, and while I loved my bloody Mary, we couldn't really distinguish any alcohol in the Watermelon Crush - though it was certainly on the check later. We enjoyed sitting near the kitchen, except when we watched D's fries sit for five minutes before his burger was done. They tasted great, so we would've been better off not knowing, but still - timing is everything! My pancakes looked a little odd when they arrived - two were very pale, one was nicely browned. I started eating and enjoyed the flavor, but not the texture - squishy and practically raw. I tried eating the one that looked done and found that it was burned, with an acrid taste. Unfortunately, our waitress didn't come to check on us for quite a while, so I couldn't really do anything about it. I ate most of the pancakes anyway - thinking they weren't that underdone. I stopped when my stomach started feeling sick, leaving about half of my food - not cool at all. D commented that it sounded like the chef just really didn't want to make pancakes. If that's the case, leave them off the menu! I'm sure it's difficult to cook heath bar pieces inside pancakes, so perhaps they should use a food processor to make the toffee pieces smaller so they'll interfere with cooking less, or make it a kind of topping instead of filling. Also, why note on the menu that they're served with warm maple syrup when it comes in a small jar, cold? In all, probably the worst pancakes I've had in Baltimore. D didn't like his burger, either - he found it underseasoned and a little dry, plus structurally unsound. It definitely wasn't the worst we've had, but it doesn't even compare to the flavor of Artifact/Woodberry's wonderfully seasoned, always perfectly cooked burger. The fries were delicious, though - and the dinner menu always sounds good... A week after we ate there, they were voted best brunch in Baltimore, and the pancakes that I hated got a shout-out in the review, so... maybe we're wrong, maybe we were there on an off day, who knows. We'll give it another shot.
(3)Crystal S.
Amazing! Went for brunch twice now. Great atmosphere, wonderful food. Try the shrimp and grits!
(5)Robin R.
Amazing place for brunch! Excellent food and cocktails! Next time I will try a specialty bloody mary....when I ordered a 'bloody mary' , the one that I received lacked flavor....then I saw the specialty menu once seated. Those sounded incredible! Would definitely recommend the pork belly benedict and the smokey bowl. Service was great too. Attentive and friendly. Definitely make a reservation....we had a 115pm, arrived to a packed waiting area and bar. Waited 15 minutes, which was understandable and well worth it. Check it out!
(5)Jen Y.
I give this place four star because is extremely loud, but the food is great...sea bass is my favorite dish here. The waiters is attentive and friendly.
(4)Chrissy A.
So incredibly disappointed. I've been here twice before this evening and it was phenomenal. It's not exactly one of a kind but has a very good menu, especially if you have numerous food allergies. My mom, SO and I went out for her birthday and were promptly seated at the group table with another lovely couple. I ordered the pork belly and petite greens and she ordered The Chicken as we waited for our other guest. He arrived roughly 40 minutes later and our food was still not out. When it finally arrived, I cut into the pork belly wondering why it looked so strange and was so difficult to slice. Well, as it turns out it was raw and completely frozen on the inside. Not just a slight chill, but rock solid, frozen as an ice cube in the middle. I realized this after a bite, which was rather unfortunate. I realize in an incredibly busy restaurant this stuff happens, so I sent it back and decided on another menu item. I would have still given this five stars, regardless of this incident if I'd heard a single word of regret from any of the staff. Instead, I received no apology what so ever from our server or the kitchen. I had to wait 20 more minutes to get another menu and order a new dish, while the other 2 in my party had received theirs. Our server was incredibly rude and inattentive. I hate hearing this as much as I hate to say it but I work in the service industry as well and I would absolutely lose my job if I did this. Our server came over 2 other times in a period of 2 and a half hours and only because we called her over. After my new dish finally came out and everyone's plates had been more than finished for 30 minutes, she had not acknowledged us, despite our pleas otherwise. I decided to go ask for the manager so we could at least get desert menus and I could explain the situation. He gave me a brief apology, walked over to our table, said nothing else and left. This is absolutely disgusting service. I cannot stress this enough. It's very much a shame because I love eating here but I honestly cannot see myself going back because of this. Serving an ill prepared dish is excusable, awful service after making what could've been a grave error is not. All I asked for was for an acknowledgement of some sort and received nothing.
(1)Robert W.
I haven't been back since my initial review and decided it was time to give it another chance. I was pleasantly surprised. Upon entering, it's still really loud and you feel like you're in a club. It could have been the group of drunk girls in the corner or just poor acoustics others have complained about. We were seated about 10 minutes after our 845 reservation and noticed the noise level was much better in the dining room. Service was very good. Polite, attentive without being over bearing. The pork belly, foie were excellent. My gf had the scallops which were properly cooked and the sauteed spinach risotto sides were good. I had the Pat Lafreida burger. Finally a place aside from Maggies Farm that can actually cook a burger to temperature. The meat was juicy but wished it was dry aged. The fries, crinkle cut were crisp and salty, only wished they gave more! Shared the heath bar bread pudding and the blueberry soda float with snicker-doodle cookies. I liked the idea, but I'd prefer root beer and the delicious cookies. So happy we came back, and we will return.
(5)Jody s.
Fabulous restaurant! Our new favorite in Bmore! We ordered a number of small plates to share- pretzels, nuts, crab dip, beets carpaccio and they were all unique and delicious. Then for main courses two of us ordered the stuffed acorn squash, short ribs, and pork tacos- we loved each one! The acorn squash was stuffed with spaghetti squash, nuts, dried cherries and raisins and topped with brown sugar and butter. Desserts were apple tart and cookie dough logs- yummy! Everything about the restaurant was great- beer and wine list extensive, mocktails were creative and cocktails even more so. Service from our waitress Jenny was great and she was adorable and clearly loved the restaurant! We will be back here!
(5)Kelly B.
The place was amazing! I loved the food especially the seared tuna with tzatziki sauce. The signature cocktails were very tasty too. My favorite part was the small and little plate options, my friends and I ordered about 10 things and shared everything. This allowed to try so much without breaking our bank. Can't wait to go back
(5)Joseph V.
I was thoroughly impressed by my first Food Market experience. I had high expectations for this place as it's been on my to-try list for the past two years. Three factors had me concerned going into dinner: 1) birthday dinner reservation 2) party of 6 3) restaurant week. I typically dread restaurant week because these businesses are inundated with the influx of new patrons and the ambience tends to feel tense and chaotic. Sometimes the food quality suffers as a result of the volume of customers. The Food Market held their ground well. When I arrived, my table had been clearly demarcated with "reserved" placards. The host was most accommodating, offering to seat us even though we were early and our party was was incomplete. The presentation was superb, nice place settings with two bottles of wine on the table. The wait staff was on point. They were quick to replenish water, attentive to our needs, and exuded a confident brand of Baltimore professionalism. Though I didn't meet him, my party conveyed that the GM was also friendly and abundantly helpful. As for the food: it was delicious. I was happy to see so much seafood on the menu. I opted for the lobster roll because I'm not typically exposed to the classic sandwich during my routine. The mussels were well seasoned, the pretzel starter was delightful and the braised shortrib was terrific. Props to the Food Market for making my birthday a special night to remember. My restaurant loyalty is usually reserved for the spots that are capable of producing good experiences consistently and I'm glad to add Food Market to the list. Excellent food, good atmosphere, and stellar customer service - a winning combo.
(5)Rose B.
The Food Market is my new favorite restaurant! Everything I had was outstanding but below were my absolute favorites that I would have to get again. Pretzels- I can't stop dreaming about their handmade pretzels with their spicy beery cheese sauce. Mussels Cocktails- Great specialty drinks! The service and staff were wonderful. After going here there is no question to me why their is typically a long wait on a weekend. Make a reservation! Do it now!
(5)Jeffrey G.
Great neighborhood restaurant with an eclectic farm to table menu. Staff is very attentive. Crowd at bar friendly.
(5)Marshall L.
I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to try The Food Market. I think it's a given that a lot of places will experience some growing pains and stumbles when they first open, but The Food Market seems to have established itself and knows its identity now. They know what they're doing, and they're very good at it. First and foremost, the food and drinks were phenomenal. Amongst our group, the three of us had three different drinks, and two different entrees. Everything was incredible. This was the best lobster roll I've ever had. Every other lobster roll I have from this point on will be judged against The Food Market's. The cocktails are also inventive and delicious. Based off what I had, I'll want to go back and try every last thing on the menu. Here's the real kicker...my meal was so good that I barely noticed the group fairly close to us that felt compelled to bring two crying and screaming infants to a restaurant that they clearly have no place being at. But on that note, seriously parents...you made the choice to have kids...please try to demonstrate a modicum of respect for other people who are paying relatively high prices (for the neighborhood) by acknowledging that there are some places where it's inappropriate to bring infants and small children. The service was also great. Very attentive, very friendly. Absolutely no complaints. I also really like the ambience. It's relaxed and classy at the same time. Perfect balance for folks who want a great dining experience, but don't want to feel suffocated by the room. This place is quickly becoming a Baltimore institution. It hits all the right high notes without taking itself too seriously. I look forward to many future visits!
(5)Gary T.
Food was great, service was quick, and it was all is expect of a $$$ restaurant, including the prices. Please remove the $$ rating.
(4)Nick C.
They're doing a ton of things right at this place...price to quality is perfect, and environment is incredibly energetic and a great date place. Keep up the good work
(5)Skip C.
Excellent food, great service, including the valet guys, friendly, honest staff. I will return.
(5)Jason T.
Clean, crisp, industrial atmosphere on The Avenue in Hampden. The waiter was perfectly attentive, and their menu offerings each seemed to be chosen with care. I went with a ravioli duo (believe one was mushroom, the other squash). Out. of. this. world. Really, really good. Combine that with an adequate beer selection and it was a lovely evening. I've given gift cards to friends and relatives, and would definitely do so again. It's a great mid-range place, and definitely my go-to when I want to treat someone to an excellent meal in the neighborhood without springing for Woodberry Kitchen. I'd give 4.5 stars, because I'm not sure it's "as good as it gets," but it's close enough to round up. Overall a great experience.
(5)Hillary H.
First time at any place in Hampden. Our party of two was seated promptly at our 8:30 reservation time. We had arrived early and ordered drinks at the bar; I a Market Sling, husband a Natty Boh. Market Sling had different tastes each time I sipped (whisky, then orange, cherry). It was better than I expected! We started with the pork belly which was well prepared - crispy outside, melty inside. I ordered the Ducking Cool with roasted brussels sprouts and whipped parsnips. The parsnips were very light; I loved them. The textural differences between those, the duck (well seared, juicy and tender inside), and the roasted sprouts made my mouth happy. I tasted my husband's boar meatloaf. It was well seasoned, wasn't gamey, yet had depth and substance. I finished with the heath bar bread pudding. The serving was so massive I had to take some home. I'm totally OK with that because it has a great balance of sweet and bread and I will have it for breakfast tomorrow (treat yo self!). Husband had the chocolate cake. I thought it was dry and pretty standard. I would like to go back on a weeknight when there may not be so many people there who are trying so darn hard to be trendy. Perhaps a very early reservation would alleviate that, too. But we are new to the area and it was my birthday so we didn't know any better. We just went for the food. Next time we would probably go as a group, too. It's pretty loud. I loved the big communal table and would love to sit there and meet new people. I also want to try pretty much all the small plates. I considered getting a couple for my meal but am a sucker for duck. Next time! Our waitress, Wendi, was awesome. Totally down to earth, helpful and attentive.
(4)Will W.
Probably the best brunch in Baltimore. A hop, skip and a jump from where I live, so it's super convenient. Great hangover food from crabcake and pulled pork benedicts to heath bar pancakes. Their bloodys with house made jalapeño vodka is a fantastic meal in itself. The lobster roll sandwich is the go-to lunch item. Only been here for dinner once, so the jury's still out on that. Don't hate fun and check this place out.
(4)Douglas D.
Very much enjoyed my second visit as much as my first. Food is superb and the service is very good. Each time which I have visited this establishment was for breakfast. My friends have also enjoyed an excellent dinner here as well. The food not only tastes very good but it arrives pleasing to the eyes as well. Breakfast cocktails were also very good.
(5)Lauren M.
The place has a pretty unique food and drink menu with friendly service and free valet parking. The serving sizes are a bit small based off the price but they are honest about the sizing. The tables are pretty close to each other and I'm not sure it would be great for a large group due to the small nature of the restaurant but all of the food was good and I will definitely go back to try some other menu options.
(4)anthony m.
Food was eclectic and tasty, atmosphere was fun and laid back, the overall experience is worth the $.
(4)Cyndi K C.
We went here on a late wed night around 10ish...(our original choice was the 13.5% wine bar but that was closed due to an impromptu renovation apparently) and boy are we glad we did! There was no one there to seat us (minus 1 star) so after several minutes of waiting we sat at the bar but that turned out to be lovely. There was only 1 seated table and several couples at the bar. I really like the vibe of the place. The bartender was so nice and attentive without being pushy. We had the tasty crabbie ginger beer and some wine, the lobster roll, softshell crab and the buffalo, all of which came fast and were super tasty. We will definitely be back.
(4)Nicole S.
This is a hippie dippy place but I doubt the hippies can afford to eat here. This is definitely a $$$ place (Not $$) The atmosphere is very modern and trendy and the people that work there are way cooler than me. But the crowd that was dining there was an older crowd (40s and over mostly) My boyfriend and I went on a Friday night and in my late 20s I felt like the youngest one there. But as usual you get what you pay for. The food was very good. The service was fast although our server was a little querky she was nice. They give you complimentary bread and olive oil to start. There menu is categorized into "Little" "Small" and "Big" plates (forgive me if the terminology is not exact) We got the fried lobster fingers as an appetizer and the portion was just big enough for two people and that was categorized as a "Small" plate. I got the special of the night the Wagyu steak, which was cooked perfectly to order and the meat itself was delicious. The only critique I have about this entree is that it came with a thin aisan type sauce and the sauce, although good, was so strong that it covered the great flavor of the steak- less is more in this case I think. It came with a side of rice that was served in a little chinese take out box- nice touch. We also had dessert and I can't remember the exact name but it was pudding with a white milk cake and strawberries I think it was called the stawberry trifle- it was very rich and tasty. Overall very good- a bit pricy but I think we would come here again.
(4)Jess H.
The atmosphere and style of this place was pleasing to the eye upon entering the main room. The service was divine and very accommodating. The beet Rachel/Reuben was the BEST vegetarian sandwich I've had in months. It was delicious!! Rye bread, beets cut really thin, coleslaw, thousand island dressing, and Swiss cheese. The blackberry shaken ice tea put starbucks to shame. I will definitely be back soon!
(5)Heidi F.
Came here on a date night for restaurant week and was delighted with this place! I ended up ordering off the regular menu and my date got the restaurant week menu. I ordered the amish pretzels and beer cheese, fantastic! The pretzel was soft and cheese creamy packed with flavor. Next up was the super scallops with zucchini risotto, roasted tomato and bacon soubise. This dish was incredible and had a lot of depth. The scallops were cooked perfectly not to mention huge! For dessert we shared the heath bar bread pudding and it was ok but not our favorite. I could go on and on about how good this place is, can't wait to try it again! (FREE valet parking too)
(4)David C.
Food: good, but overrated & over-priced (lost a star for value) Service: good, friendly Handheld Salads Tasty, but nothing special. A good combination of flavors that were well balanced, but it was not better than a home cook could prepare. It was a bit difficult to eat (bib lettuce would make a better wrap than iceberg, which cracks and falls apart). The presentation was lame-just three pieces of lettuce with diced watermelon and tomato with gorgonzola spooned inside. The bacon crumbles were sprinkled on the plate as a decoration, but they really should have been in the wraps. Bison Steak This came as slices and not a whole steak. The steak had a nice char, but inconsistent seasoning and doneness. The first pieces I had were cooked a perfect medium rare and well seasoned. The rest was rare and under seasoned. The bison was a bit tough and chewy for my liking. The sauce was very good, the crispy potatoes pretty good, and the creamed corn very good-whole kernels of fresh corn with a spicy paprika cream sauce that was not too heavy. The portion was modest for $28 and much smaller than their Steak Frites I spied at the next table. My wife had the local heirloom tomatoes and soft shell crabs. The tomatoes dish did a good job of featuring the great heirlooms that are in season. It's a simple, but underwhelming dish. The soft shell crabs were pretty good. The batter was a bit thick, but they were well cooked. They weren't seasoned very much, but the sauces were very good. The Taharka Brothers lemon basil sorbet was a nice way to finish the meal and it was a very generous portion that is good for sharing. The space is hip and trendy, wide open and pretty noisy when busy. I really appreciate the free valet parking as parking in Hampden can be a challenge. We'll go back, but with adjusted expectations.
(3)Travis D.
Overpriced, pretentious, awkward. If Hampden in 2013 was a restaurant, it would be the Food Market. The server we had reminded me of a real estate agent at an open house- wary of (working class) looky loos, vaguely pushy, and Minnesota Nice. The atmosphere is, naturally, evocative of a trendy Manhattan eatery circa 2005. Dark, lots of chrome, the whole nine. You might recognize the look from the recent rebranding Ruby Tuesday underwent to appear "more current". The menu is broken down into plate size, and of course an actual adult meal will set you back no less than 25 dollars. The server was so "kind" as to explain to me that the "little" plates did not constitute entrees. How could I have ever guessed? Most of the items on the menu include some silly foam or emulsion, once more reminding me how terrible the food trends of the mid 2000s were. I want to eat my food, not "experience" it. I had the short rib which, in fairness, was well prepared. It was also plated in an almost comically ornate fashion. It may have taken longer to plate the meat than it took to cook it. Cocktails are hilariously overpriced and served in tiny little wine flutes. Naturally. No reason to stop in here, better to simply pitch some quarters down a storm drain and dream of a simple quality meal at a fair price.
(2)Camille B.
I cannot say enough great things about The Food Market. I've been for brunch, dinner, girls night, restaurant week, and even Mother's Day. It NEVER disappoints. Th staff is incredibly friendly, the menu is creative and perfectly prepared, and the drink menu is simply exquisite. You can easily run your bill up here, but it's worth every penny. But make sure you get at least a drink or two and an appetizer to round out your visit. One of my absolute favorites in Baltimore.
(5)Stephanie R.
Overall I would rate this a 3.5 Fun atmosphere. Food smelled great. Our food arrived quickly. Variety of choices on the menu. We just weren't as happy with the taste of our food. Don't get me wrong the food was satisfying. Just wasn't as savory and flavorful as the descriptions made us believe think they'd be. I ordered a Moroccan Lamb Wrap and my boyfriend ordered the Pat something burger. Wrap was better than the burger. The burger had a nice smokey flavor but was medium rare not medium and you couldn't taste the onions, cheese additional ingredients. We'd potentially go back, especially if we lived closer to the area. The appetizers that were ordered next to us smelled good.
(3)Christopher W.
Love this place!! Gives off a farm to table environment that caters very well to groups with no reservations, if you can manage to find seating =) The tables along the side of the restaurant are for reservations (minus bar area) and the long farm table in the middle are for those without reservations (or so I have heard). Due to it being one table you should be friendly and courteous with your neighbors as it is a community table. Ok, so to the drinks. The drinks are actually really well made, not the best, but really tasty. The food... Appetizers were surprisingly fantastic (the pretzels with the cheese dip was excellent along with the tomato salad). Definitely the highlight of my night. Would come back for a drink and appetizer. The main course was average, if not, a little disappointing, especially after having super appetizers that just raised the bar.
(4)Trenae H.
Iv'e been to The Food Market a few times and the food is good. One of my favs is the Amish soft pretzels with beer cheese fondue. Yummmyyy! The pan roasted pop corn with grated cheese and truffle oil is delightful too..Its light but has a good flavor...I wish they sold this at the movie theaters...Lol. For the main course I always get the crab cake with lobster mac & cheese and green beans. Its great but the mac & cheese could be seasoned more. You can choose between a little or big crab cake. Its a great atmosphere and always busy. If you are looking for a quiet place to dine..this is not it. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They have gluten free options which are a plus. The location is in Hampden which I love the area. Several boutique shops and bars!
(4)Max P.
Went for Sunday brunch and it was awesome! The service was great, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was great! I had the Papa Johntay, which was amazing. The flatbread was crispy and the it was the perfect amount of sriracha so it wasn't too spicy. My girlfriend's mom ordered an egg white omelet, which came out yellow. She brought it to the attention of the waiter who brought it back. A few minutes later, the chef came out to explain that the egg whites are dyed yellow, but are in fact egg whites (just a note for everyone who orders egg whites). They offered to make her a fresh omelette from real egg whites. Highly Highly recommend for brunch!
(5)Leslie W.
I make a point of eating at The Food Market every time I'm in Baltimore, it's that good. Consistent quality in the food & drink menus keep people coming back to this swanky spot in Hamden. The one thing that can be a tough sell is the price - it is expensive. This most recent meal, which consisted of one cocktail, a shared appetizer, and an entree, set me back around $50. Not a budget friendly choice, but a delicious one. I started out with the Lil' Lemon Buster ($11) at the bar while we waited for our table. Very tart at first, from the fresh lemon, followed by a kick punch from the tequila. This drink means business! Thankfully, we had the homemade focaccia with olive oil to help soak up the powerful spirits. Other Yelpers will back me up, the fried pickle appetizer ($7) is amazing! I've had friends get double orders of these instead of an entree. They are that good. We shared the pickles and debated what to have for the main event. I also love their hot pretzels with cheese fondue for a shared app. I decided on the little (you can also chose "big") crab cake ($26 or $35). When in Maryland ... The single patty was full of meat with just a little binder. Yum! The Asian style green beans on the side were phenomenal. However, the other side - lobster mac & cheese - was underwhelming. Huge pieces of crustacean are terrific, but the cheese sauce was not as full bodied as I'd hoped and the noodles were a tad limp. Treat yourself to this restaurant and you won't be disappointed. I only wish that my bank account and proximity permitted me more than my annual pilgrimage.
(4)Ericka S.
Because the owner of The Food Market reached out to me about my review, this is on hold while we figure out who was responsible for messing up my wonderful experience. Thanks Chad. I appreciate it.
(5)Dale B.
Not to be a buzzkill... I thought this place was good, but definitely doesn't live up to the hype. It's your typical fusion cuisine that you can find all over the area. I think this restaurant was probably a hot spot when it opened, but at this point it's riding off of its reputation, rather striving to innovate and really please customers. I honestly don't remember much about what I ordered because it was frankly pretty forgettable. The cocktail was refreshing and alright, but certainly not worth the $14 I paid for it. I think after spending a little over the $100 mark, we left still a little hungry. If you've never had new-age fusion food before, then you'll likely be impressed. However, if you've lived here for a while and been around the block as far as restaurants go, you'll find this place to be pretty average.
(3)Donna Y.
The wine selection here is amazing. I came here on a work event and we had a private room in the basement. We ordered everything from the fried pickles to the fried brie with slices of bread and apples as appetizers. They were wonderful! For my entrée, I ordered the rack of lamb cooked medium. It was juicy and flavorful and paired nicely with my wine selection. I enjoyed my experience here and I expect to come back for more. Valet parking available.
(5)Michael G.
I've been to this place twice and I really like it. My experience was consistent, but better the second time. Things I Liked: - The food is always creative and flavorful. The effort is apparent and successful. I enjoyed a braised beef plate that was both plentiful and easy to enjoy. They have a one page menu, but there are a multitude of options for all tastes. - Appetizers are fun! We tried some sort of beer inspired cheese dip with pretzel dough. Gone in 60 seconds. - DRANKS! Full bar, capable of anything. We tested them. They passed. Drink without fear. - Ambience is intense! This isn't a place to host a business meeting. This is where you go with friends to be loud and merry. The background noise during a full dinner service will consume a table of whisperers. - Valet parking! Yes, it's in the heart of Hampden. But just pull up to the curb and they'll hook you up. Easy money. Things I Didn't Like: - You need reservations in advance, otherwise you might have to park it at the bar for a few. - Chairs are cheap. I'm an athlete. I feel like their about to collapse when I shift around in them. Overall, I cooooooould justify a 5-Star rating. But the food is great, not AMAZING. Great is better than good. I'm not sure how you make the leap though. I'm no chef, just an amateur blogger/reviewer.
(4)Brie V.
Although I recently wrote a less than stellar review of brunch at The Food Market, I still strongly stand by the quality of their dinner offerings and would recommend dinner there to anyone! Myself and two friends caught the tail-end of happy hour there last night and decided to also indulge in dinner. I ordered the current "duck-n-berry" entrée (see photo), which came with a side of spaetzel and corn pudding decorated with a blackberry-like sauce and pecans. I ordered the duck medium-rare and it was perfectly cooked. Super tender, juicy, and delicious. I have duck probably about once or twice a year so this was a real treat and it was fantastic. The spaetzel really helped texturize the entire dish and was great when eaten on the same fork with the duck and corn pudding (which was decadent, creamy, and awesome). Of course, I ordered a side of charred asparagus because....how can anyone turn down charred asparagus? My two other friends ordered the bison steak and rack of lamb. The lamb was good, but I much preferred my dish and the bison steak dish to it. The prices and portions are reasonable considering the quality of the food and ingredients. Come try out dinner here! It is literally one of the few "American" food places I can tolerate eating at.
(4)Modyssey G.
I'm happy to say that my second visit to The Food Market was excellent, and I did in fact go on a bad day the first time. Our waitress, Rebecca, was great and provided awesome service. The food was delicious, and so were the cocktails. We took my mom here for Mother's Day and she loved it. I'm so glad we gave The Food Market another shot!
(4)Aurora A.
4/2/15- Long on my list of must trys, I finally found myself making a reservation for the Food Market when a friend suggested it as the destination for dinner. Ok, this place blew my mind! I actually ended up coming back 2 more times in the the next couple weeks during brunch and spending HOURS sitting at their bar. But those experiences are for another time. On this, my maiden voyage into the Food Market revelry, I was initially just shocked by how incredibly down to earth and unassuming a place that LOOKS as nice as this place is. I had to come straight from work, so I was in hospital scrubs, for goodness sakes. I was definitely on the verge of embarrassment, but, no one batted an eye. not the hosts, not my waiter, not my fellow patrons. No one cared. at all. So once I was done getting over myself, I ordered a drink. I wanted something tasty, not too fruity, or sweet and I got the French Tease. the champagne in the ingredient list, sold me on this drink...and it was the only drink i got b/c it was everything I wanted. If anything, it was maybe bit heavy on the acid side, but all in all, well balance, packed a punch, fun but not overly girly. just right. Moving on to food, we just ordered a bunch of what we didn't know would be amazingly awesome choice. I got a "salad" that I still DREAM About. Roasted, charred in places brussel sprouts, with raw red onions for crispy acridness, with crunch salty meaty bacon, with panko flakes i think all sitting on a remoulade-like but with more of a kick sauce. did i mention that i DREAM about this dish. it is just the perfect combo of flavors, textures, smells, AWESOMENESS. I can't say anything else I had topped this dish, BUT none disappointed either. We also delved into the beauty of some fresh raw oysters simply accompanied with cocktail sauce and lemon. fresh buttery cold ocean-goodness. Then we went back into the vegetable realm with a wonderful cauliflower carrot number atop a "buffalo-feta spread"...crunchy mild cauliflower emboldened but the buffalo cheese sauce, and sweet carrot piece covered in that awesome panko crumblyness (again this is a guess). And finally, for some protein, rare seared ahi tuna with thin-cut marinated cucumbers, some sort of creamy shmear all atop olive oil....perfectly cooked, crusty edges with salt and pepper to add some tang to the fish. proteinatious niceness. Ok, so I didn't have room for anything close to dessert but I can't imagine this place does anything poorly. On my subsequent visits for brunch, i delved deeper into the drink menu (maybe a bit too deeply), trying some wonderfully well prepared spicy jalapeño margaritas, the bubbly good time of their spanish kir, and the Costello. The food market has my heart but to indulge there too often would lead to monetarily bankrupt situation....so moderation is what I must preach now that I know about this gold mine.
(4)Hurnan V.
Came here for dinner on a Friday evening and I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe, the setting, the decor, and of course, the food. The service was very friendly, attentive, and fast, despite how busy the evening was. There is plenty of street metered parking. We got the street tacos as appetizers, and shared a wild boar rack and pan roasted mussels that came with grilled bread. The street tacos were savory and served with a side of whipped avocado, but the meat was unfortunately a bit too dry for me. The salsa was delicious and zesty though! The wild boar rack was very filling, tender, and served with a creamy, tangy pastrami spice. Definitely a wonderful dining experience, and I hope to be back soon! Tip: call in advance for a reservation!
(5)Christina H.
It's rare that my husband and I get a night out with friends, but we did and this is the place our friends chose and I am so glad we were able to make it! The food is amazing and the service is great. Complimentary valet service is a plus since finding a parking spot near the restaurant is difficult. We used Open Table to make a reservation for 6:30 pm on Saturday night. Our friends arrived first and they were seated and enjoying drinks when we arrived a few minutes later. The waiter saw us come in and came right over and took our drink order. The menu is pretty extensive and everything looks so good. It took awhile to narrow down our selections, but we managed to choose a few appetizers and entrees. Anything labeled with a "..." after the title could be made gluten free, which was great for us since someone in our group has GF intolerance. Too bad for her, she couldn't enjoy the amazing bread they brought around to all of the tables! We had seared salt & pepper tuna, pan roasted popcorn and fried mussels for our appetizers and we all shared. Everything was really good, but I especially loved the truffle oil on the popcorn! For my main meal, I chose the griddled lamb porterhouses and my husband chose the crab cake. Both were absolutely amazing. Our friends chose the Dijon Crusted Rack of Lamb and Beef Short Rib. I got to try those as well and....wait for it...also amazing! We have been talking about The Food Market nonstop since our visit and we can't wait to go back! The reviews on here rave that the brunch is better than dinner, so now we HAVE to try it!
(5)Nicholas F.
This place is truly remarkable. What a fresh and inviting space, and they boast such wonderful, attentive service. Everything on the menu sounds good, with no throw-away options. My favorites so far: the lobster roll, avocado toast, and fried pickles. The bread pudding was fantastic as well. I really can't recommend this place enough, and I may consider this in my top few for brunch picks. The bloody Mary's were also well done. Highly recommend.
(5)Kateri R.
Tonight was my first time here as a surprise and I must say not only was I surprised but I left satisfied! I ordered the Super Scallops which were delicious. The entree came with Zucchini and bacon risotto and the cutest roasted cherry tomatoes! The best part is they're open late so if your getting off the late shift you can stop by for an excellent meal! Hands down the best meal I've had this late at night
(5)Angie B.
Tremendous breakfast, did not disappoint our weekend visitor accustomed to New York brunch. Twice now I have ordered the Smokey Bowl: delicious eggs Benedict atop crisp English muffins drizzled with Gouda, alongside banging bacon strips and perfect potatoes. The Crab Benedict was essentially two crab cakes atop English muffins, also a treat. We adored the buffalo fried pickles with Gorgonzola dipping sauce. We didn't imbibe but the morning cocktail menu looks fun and interesting. We made a reservation. Parking is almost always easy in Hampden, especially in the morning.
(5)Sarah S.
This is hands down my FAVORITE place to eat! Everyone is so knowledgeable of the food and everything that I've had has been amazing! I do however caution anyone that orders anything with crab cakes in it that I've heard complaints of shells being in the meat numerous times. For a gluten free person though, it doesn't get much better than this!
(5)Amy L.
Came here for Saturday brunch with the bf after a nice stroll along the Avenue. The decor looked modern (with an exposed kitchen and beautiful high ceilings) and the menu promising, so we decided to give it a try. And we're glad we did! We were served pound cake as a complimentary starter. This is different from your typical bread basket, I guess. The bf loved it, but I thought it tasted a bit too much like Entenmann's :/ He order the blackened chicken fold (basically a naan wrap), which he liked a lot. And I ordered the avocado toast off their "Funchies" menu. It was a ciabatta bread topped with whipped goat cheese, smoked salmon, and a poached egg nestled in half an avocado. It was a beautiful plate and a tasty one too! The ensemble was light and refreshing (perfect portion if you don't want to be completely stuffed!). It's always a bit difficult to attack (i.e, eat) a layered plate, but this one was slightly more challenging, mostly because the bread on the bottom was a bit tough. All in all, I'd definitely come back again, specifically to try out their dinner menu!
(4)Caitlin C.
We LOVE The Food Market. Whether it's for brunch or dinner, this has become our favorite place in the city. I feel like I need to update my review based on two more amazing experiences. 1) BRUNCH. This place has the same awesome vibe on weekend mornings. Hip, bluesy music is playing and the kitchen is slinging delicious dishes like huge and creamy monte cristo sandwiches and pulled pork and poached egg bowls. They serve a delicious complimentary crumb cake as soon as you sit down, and I could've just eaten that the entire time. For liquid libations, enjoy delicious quality coffee or a unique cocktail like a pilsner Bloody Mary. 2) RESTAURANT WEEK. Some places do not do RW well. Portions are small, the place is packed, servers are surly, and the value sucks. Not so for the Market. Portions are huge (as usual) and for the price of the entree, you get an amazing appetizer and dessert. I had the most delicious brown butter, lobster, and parsnip bisque as my appetizer, an AMAZINGLY umami wild boar and veal meatloaf served with tangy tomato sauce and creamy Parmesan whipped potatoes, and this rich, sweet and salty peanut butter pie for dessert. Mr. B had some very creative and delicious fried chicken lettuce wraps, a peanut butter and jelly themed duck dish with all parts of the duck (including deep fried fois gras!), and their classic Heath bar bread pudding. We both left full, the service was stellar, and we got a great deal which is what Restaurant Week should be all about! The free valet continues to be a perk too, especially on a cold night.
(5)Faiza H.
Great place! You must try the lobster mac & cheese, one of the best I've ever had. Came here for restaurant week, and was not disappointed. It can get crowded at night, so make sure you make a reservation!
(5)Sheryl M.
Vibrant, energetic atmosphere with thoughtful food and an affordable wine menu! Be warned, the acoustics here suck, so if it's busy, it's LOUD, but the food and energy make up for it! The tomato salad with a whipped goat cheese was complimented by delicate greens and a treat!. Surprised we didn't get an oyster fork with our oysters (?) but they were flavorful. The lamb porterhouses (small plate) was cooked to perfection. While people seemed to LOVE the cheesy, spicy ,garlickly, something shrimp with torn bread I thought it has way too much going on. Best part of the night...bottle of Prisoner wine for $65. Score!!!!
(4)Abigail R.
Oh Hampden, you have so so many great places to eat. Food Market is usually quite solid. I like to go there with a few folks and get a bunch of plates to share, but that's actually how I prefer all my dining. What I like about their menu is the things are divided by size. I was there for happy hour; it was kind of early, so food came out quickly. I started with a muddled cocktail - don't worry - these bartenders are set up to easily muddle things. The Strotter is slightly bitter for me as designed - the green tea infused Hendricks adds a unique medicinal taste, but meshes easily with the blackberries and mint. I sub out the tonic for regular soda, but some even prefer sprite. We shared the roasted cauliflower & fresh carrots served atop a buffalo-feta spread. I love this. The carrots were crisp and colorful - some purple, some yellow, and the classic orange. The tender roasted cauliflower and the buffalo feta spread combined for classic chicken wing flavors without the meat or as many of the calories. The peppery greens gave a nice cut to the richness of the thick feta spread. We also had the delicious "Beets by Chad". Chad Gauss combines sweet, tender red beets with tart crisp pears and a few orange slices. The whole mix is tossed in a pomegranate vinaigrette and topped with some greens, feta cheese and crunchy pistachio. This is a great dish. I like how the Food Market offers a fair number of vegetarian dishes, and the size is perfect for sharing. Lastly, I shared the mussels. These are pan roasted with leeks and a champagne cream sauce. Traditionally, these come with bacon, but we opted out of that. The grilled bread is definitely not enough to soak up that yummy champagne cream sauce. Luckily, we got a little extra. Visited May 2015
(3)Yishin S.
This place is overpriced for some ordinary food that they charge much more money and want you to think they are fancier. It is a big dissapointment. We waited for our food for close to an hour, and my dish was just plain. So plain I didn't even bother to bring home the left-over. My friends' dishes are not impressive either, it is just overall a bad experience.
(2)Amy R.
I love this place. I can't believe that I haven't reviewed it before, since I have been here numerous times! I love that there is always something new to try, but that there are always a few standbys. My favorite stand by are the amish pretzels with cheese sauce. The cheese sauce is awesome. The new dish that I tried this time was the soft shell special. The soft shells were battered and fried and served on a bed of grits with green tomato relish. They were good, the batter was a bit salty. The grits were AMAZING. We finished off with the blondie. It was prepared slightly differently than the last time I had it- this time it had a store bought cup of vanilla ice cream on the side. I found that a bit odd, especially since the Charmery is just up the street. (I think that is what was with it the last time..) But it didn't really matter, ice cream is not needed with the dessert. It is great without it. As always, our service was great and no one seemed to mind that a bunch of us were standing at the bar to watch the Preakness.
(5)Alexis J.
I am a huge fan of this place. Yes, it's a tad expensive, but the food is delicious. The first time I came here, I sat at the bar to enjoy dessert and a drink. I had the Heath Bar bread pudding and a watermelon crush. The bread pudding was absolutely delightful and perfectly sweet, while the crush left a bit to be desired (not enough alcohol in it for me). The second time, I came to Sunday Brunch. I had a mimosa, the french toast dippers and The Baltimore Club. The maple cream chz glaze that accompanies the french toast sticks is phenomenal. I could've had a tub of that! The Baltimore Club was fresh and simple. I liked it a lot, I just wished the fries had more of a dynamic. I added sauteed onions to mine, b/c they were just plain crinkle cuts. It would be great if they came with parmesan garlic seasoning or the like. I'll certainly be back to try their dinner offerings!
(4)Diana C.
I've been here for almost every meal of the day and they are absolutely fabulous. They have great apps: Amisha pretzels and the Buffalo pickles are my faves! If you happen to be there for brunch try the Salmon Avocado Toast as well, although you may risk not being hungry when your meal arrives. Their drinks are pretty good, with some specialty cocktails or twists on the classics. I highly recommend the Chicken and biscuits for for brunch and Lobster Mac and Cheese. Occasionally, their service can be somewhat slow and even when you have a reservation, they are sometimes slow to seat, but this is probably a testament to being as busy as they are. Overall, you'll have a great experience.
(4)Tanika M.
I absolutely love this place! My friend takes me here almost every time I visit him in Baltimore. Every time for the decor, open concept to kitchen, lighting and extensive menu. We love the Cream of Crab Soup! It is a must have! We've enjoyed everything from crab cakes, scallops, seabass, and short ribs. All delicious! This is an innovative place as well. The last time we came here they had a communal table. The purpose is for strangers to sit together at a big table and strike conversation. Unfortunately, that did not happen in our experience. In fact, others who joined tried to sit at the edges or within a couple seats of us. There is seriously something wrong when people can't even sit next to each other in this country, but that is not any fault of the restaurant. I recommend doing reservations for this restaurant. It is very popular and highly recommended. You don't want to miss out on this experience.
(5)Angela Z.
I came here for Restaurant Week with a friend so we were able to sample a lot of different items on the menu. The decor is bright without being overwhelming, with a lot of really cool art on the walls. There's complimentary valet service in front of the restaurant, which was nice. For appetizers, the salmon meatballs were great. I'd highly recommend the zoodles and noodles for the entree - it was extremely flavorful and had bits of chewy garlic bread scattered throughout. For dessert we split the Heath bar bread pudding (be warned, it is very dense and rich but worth every bite) and the chocolate trifle. Since we came for RW ($30 for dinner deal) I imagine it must be even more expensive regularly, so I will probably only come here for special occasions.
(5)Aaron Z.
A coworker and I went here for dinner on a Wednesday night and the place was packed. From the outside it blends in with the shops around it but the inside has a very nice new age trendy feel to it. There was complimentary valet service parked our car for us (looks to be mostly street parking otherwise). Being a little bit early for our reservations we sat at the bar and had a couple of beers. There was a small variety and they were reasonably priced. For appetizers we ordered the hot nuts, buffalo pickles, and soft pretzels. All were a VERY pleasant surprise! The hot nuts were sweet and tasted like they had brown sugar mixed in. The buffalo pickles were a little spicy and crispy fried. I'm not a huge fan of soft pretzels with beer cheese but I drenched my soft pretzel in it this time. Really some fantastic appetizers! For dinner I had the bison steak and my coworker had the duck. He found the duck fantastic and for only having bison a handful of times I thought this was pretty fantastic. The meat melted in your mouth and the mashed potatoes and mushrooms that came with it complimented it nicely. It was just the right amount of food too! As a dessert, I would HIGHLY recommend the flour-less brownie. It came with fresh fruit, marshmallow, caramel and chocolate dressing, and rich blocks of ice cream. That was a great way to top off the meal so don't miss it! Would love to make it back here one day when I'm in town.
(4)Rachael T.
Wow, I wish I hadn't waited so long to go to this place! I admit, I am often too lazy to get up to Hampden, but I finally made it up here for brunch/lunch. We started out with the french toast dippers -- the dipping sauce is to die for! My dining partner had the Moroccan Lamb Salad and I had the Blackened Chicken Fold. The salad was pretty average, but the chicken fold (basically a sandwich in folded naan) was really good. A LOT of chicken. The french toast dippers stole the show though. We saved the dipping sauce to eat as a little dessert after the meal (the dippers would actually serve well as a dessert rather than an app). The restaurant was busy but we didn't have to wait for a table. I would definitely go back, as there were a lot of things on the menu that sounded great.
(5)Lauren B.
MUST TRY!! Service and food is spectacular!!!! Ambiance is wonderful. Coffee was replenished without being asked. Waiter was extremely friendly and professional. We tried several dishes and Everything was delicious and perfectly prepared.
(5)Jordan H.
Happened upon this place later in the evening, after hopping neighborhoods. The food was fantastic - esp. the buffalo pickles and half-baked blondie. The drinks were also great, and the service was excellent. Highly recommend.
(5)Rachel L.
Brunch is easily my favorite meal, Chef's and restauranteurs come up with creative menu options to satisfy your breakfast and lunch cravings. In Hampden, one of my favorite restaurants for an upscale meal is The Food Market, I've been there numerous times for dinner but never for brunch. That all changed last week when me and a few friends headed over to Hampden to check out what amazing brunch specialties Chef Chad Gauss has been cooking up. The meal started with some complimentary bread, normally I don't ever think to include or photograph this for my reviews, but this load was so light and fluffy with swirls of chocolate mixed in which really got my friends excited for the meal. The menu was split up into 'funchies' 'brunchies' and 'lunchies' and we decided to order a few things and share with the whole table because everything looked amazing. We started off with the Amish Soft Pretzels that came with beer cheese fondue for dipping. The pretzels were soft and fluffy like pretzels should be. But the beer cheese fondue really stole the show. The fondue was made with pepper jack cheese and had a wonderful spiciness to it. When the pretzels were finished, we saved the extra sauce to dip our fries into. It was that good! We also decided to share the House Made Pop Tart. The flavor of the day was S'mores and it came with a nice glass of milk. The pop tart was a little too sweet for me but my friends loved it. It reminded us of our childhood and it was so fun to eat a pop tart that didn't come out of a box. The French Toast Dippers also caught our eyes. The french toast sticks were tempura fried and served with a maple cream cheese fondue. Personally I don't like cream cheese icing so I stayed away from that, but my friends loved it and the french toast sticks were awesome. I've never had tempura fried french toast before and I don't know if french toast will ever be the same for me. Under the 'brunchies' section of the menu, we decided to opt for something a little bit lighter, the Huevos Quesadilla. This was good, but the least exciting part of the meal. The quesadilla was stuffed with egg whites, mozzarella, jalapeño and guacamole. Unless you added the guacamole, the dish was a little bland. It could have used a little bit of salsa or veggies for added flavor. Lastly, we decided to try the 'Pastramied' Beet Rachel from the 'lunchies' menu. This was a vegetarian sandwich with thinly sliced beets, cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing. While I probably would have preferred this with roast beef instead of beets, it was still very good and a clever way to turn a traditional sandwich into something vegetarian friendly without losing too much. The sandwich came with a side of Fries and they were amazing. They were served skin on for additional flavor, and they were super thin, crispy and flavorful (and delicious when dipped in the beer cheese fondue.) If you're looking to up your brunch game, The Food Market in Hampden has some delightfully clever options that are sure to satisfy your palette. From my dinner review -- In April, I went to the Food Market for brunch and I loved it. The Food Market is located right off the avenue in Hampden and they serve upscale comfort food. A friend and I were recently celebrating some exciting news and went to The Food Market for dinner. The Food Market is one of the restaurants with a City Dining Card so we were excited to use it. After looking over the menu, we decided to share the Amish Soft Pretzels which I loved when I visited for brunch. They came with beer cheese fondue for dipping. The pretzels were soft and fluffy like pretzels should be. But the beer cheese fondue was awesome, it was made with pepper jack cheese and had a wonderful spiciness to it. We also decided to share the Pan Roasted Pop Corn. It was topped with basil, grated cheese and truffle oil. The popcorn was good, but I wish the topping was more evenly spread throughout the dish. For our main course, my friend ordered the Steak Frites. She chose the roseda sirloin cut which came with 3 onion butter, truffle parmesan fries, all the local veggies, w 36 st steak sauce. The steak was delicious and PACKED with flavor! The Truffle Parmesan Fries that came with the dish were also delicious. They were thin, crispy and had an amazing flavor to them. For my main course, I ordered the Chargrilled Lamb Rack. It came with whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus, and avenue 1 sauce. The lamb was delicious but I wasn't a huge fan of the sauce, it was too tomato-y. The portion was also huge and the mashed potatoes were nice and creamy. The food at The Food Market is easily some of the best in Baltimore and a perfect place to celebrate any special occasion.
(5)Steve H.
Brunch was not a great experience on a Saturday 9/5/2015. Perhaps reservations would have made it a better experience. Wait was supposedly 30 minutes for 3, waited 45 minutes to then be told another 15 for separate table. Once seated, basic food, grilled cheese and yogurt was another 45 minute wait. Not recommended if you have things to do, 1 1/2 hours for average brunch was underwhelming.
(2)Jason F.
I stopped by here a couple of Wednesdays ago with my coworker for dinner. We had made reservations earlier in the day and arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes prior to the reservation time. At that point our table was still not ready for us and so we had the option to either head over to the bar and wait there or probably head outside and wait there since there really wasn't any space to wait. We ended up choosing the bar option and sat down for a bit before we were eventually called over to our table for dinner. The inside of The Food Market is very modern and I love that they have an open kitchen in the back. On this evening my coworker and I decided to split a number of different appetizers: amish soft pretzels, buffalo pickles and lastly the hot nuts. The amish soft pretzels came with fondue beer cheese, the buffalo pickles were fried pickle chips covered with gorgonzola and hot sauce while the hot nuts were cooked in duck fat and then topped with rosemary, brown sugar, cayenne and sea salt. Out of the three appetizers my favorite was the hot nuts which were freaking fantastic! I loved that they were warm and the herbs, especially the rosemary, really gave them a great flavor. The other two appetizers were also really good and I would have been happy to have ordered any of them if I was only choosing one. The amish pretzels were nice and soft on the inside and the beer fondue cheese was really tasty. The pickle chips had a nice saltiness to them and I loved the combination of gorgonzola and hot sauce over the top. Then for my entree I ended up ordering the duck -n-berry which was a duck breast that came with spaetzle, corn pudding, blackberries and pecans. Whenever I was asked how I would like the duck breast cooked I replied that I would like it how the chefs recommends. Sadly it was either cooked very poorly or the chef likes his duck almost raw. It was at the point where I was having a hard time cutting and chewing it. The rest of the entree was ok but overall it was a giant letdown from the delicious appetizers. I finished off the evening by ordering a cup of decaf coffee after dinner. It came out piping hot and while decent, it wasn't memorable. The bottom line for me is that I would head back here again in the future. Heck, I would come back here again just to have those hot nuts again! Hopefully the next time I pick a better entree so that I could have a better overall experience.
(4)Spandana M.
Although The Food Market is popular for its brunch, I actually came here for the first time for dinner. First off, I think the best way to describe this place is an "upscale, casual restaurant." The staff were very friendly and attentive. All of the food on the menu was pretty unique, and it all sounded good! I tried the lobster fingers and the lobster mac & cheese which were both delicious! The lobster fingers is from the small plate menu, so it wasn't a lot of food, but it was fine since I also had some mac & cheese. Will definitely come back for brunch! :)
(5)Michael M.
Each time I come here I'm mad that they don't have an item I ordered last time that was my new favorite but then it hits me...every time I leave with a new favorite! Buffalo pickles...soft pretzel sticks with beer cheese...Baltimore club (a house staple)...the avocado sticks..the list will go on and on! The service is always with a smile AND a thank you and the creations are seasonal and fresh and unique. This is my favorite spot in Baltimore hands down. If you are needing something new come here for brunch, lunch or dinner!!
(5)Traci R.
Went here for a Friday night dinner! It's a great idea to get a reservation here because the bar seems to be packed usually. We didn't have a res so we got seated at the community table. A big table that seats 14 and you sit with strangers. Community tables can be hit or miss but ours was a hit. I'd definitely go back here and try more of the food. FOOD: My friend ordered the rack of lamb and was disappointed. She ordered it medium and it was well done and the "rack" was pretty small. I had the steak frites. It was good. I got the ribeye option but it really didn't seem like a ribeye and the sauce seemed like it was trying to hide the fact that the steak itself wasn't that impressive. BUT, yet and still, the dish was good!! The truffle fries were delicious! And I swapped the asparagus for the soy brussel sprouts, and they were awesome as well. But the surprising winner?? The barbeque sauce lol I got it to go with the truffle fries and it was delicious!! COCKTAILS: I ordered the Dr. Jerry, which is a fancy rum and coke. It was meh. I know it says 'splash of coke', but they should've splashed a little more because it wasn't fizzy enough. My friend had the mojito and she felt it was a bit too sweet. DECOR: It's a cool place. Very rustic. They have a free coat check which is clutch for winter.
(3)Chih Chao C.
Today I ordered the steak frites, I love the flavor. Even I don't like the asparagus, I still ate them all due the sauce. I will come back next time.
(4)Annabelle L.
A great place for brunch! I've heard great things about this place and after looking at their tasty menu online, I finally came here Sunday morning for brunch. We had a reservation and were seated quickly. The interior is beautiful and rustic, with high ceilings and fun art on the walls. The food was delicious! We had some complimentary coffee cake as we looked at the menu which had real coffee grounds in the crumble, yum! The bf and I shared a smokey bowl and the fried chicken and biscuits. Both were very hearty and savory. I particularly loved the gouda cheese of the smokey bowl, and the biscuits were worthy of the South! The only thing I would improve on is the size of the fried chicken and biscuits which were a bit on the smaller size, but otherwise, yum! Definitely come for brunch!!
(4)Nikeita P.
OMG where has this place been all my life? I had the Crab Cake single dinner and it was absolutely delicious!!! Unfortunately, I stuffed myself with the complimentary bread that was served to us prior to my meal (I was starving) so I was unable to finish it all. My husband got the Bison burger which he said was delicious as well. While this place is a little pricy, the quality of food and service definitely makes up for the price tag. Our waitress gave us a sample of the Long Trail wheat beer which hit the spot perfectly. If your in the Hampden area and looking for a wonderful eat, don't skip past this place. Also, they offered complimentary valet parking on the Friday evening we visited so don't forget to use the service and tip the valets!
(5)Sarah G.
Came on a Friday night around 7 when I had a friend in town, and my friend who arrived first snagged a table (well, a corner of the mega table) for three of us with no problems! Awesome start to the night. To drink, we tried three of their specialties: the Pimlico Playboy, I had a French Tease, and finally an Earl Collins. Each were in the $8-11 ballpark range and well made. We got a bunch of small plates to share and ordered them all at once. We had the Amish soft pretzels with the beer cheese fondue, the duck fat nuts (which I have to say I liked better once they got cold! But that is just me), the Salt and Pepper Tuna, a Boring Caesar Salad, and two orders of the Street Tacos. We ate the Street Tacos last, and Natalie says, "hmm these must be good, because we all just got real quiet" until we were done with them. I didn't mean to eat one of Natalie's three tacos, but they were just so awesome. It was the perfect amount of food for 3 people who had a long night ahead of them (lots of catching up to do with old friends) and I want to say our bill was around $90ish-100 with tip. Pretty reasonable. They had lots of good looking plates. It is a bit loud and even though you are sitting right by your neighbors, it is loud enough that you don't really talk to them that much unless you are saying, "oh man, what did you order? how is it?" I will be back. They have a valet but I took the Woodberry light rail down. Easy Breezy.
(4)Pat M.
Two visits now, the first for a five star brunch, the second for a three star dinner. That leaves easy math to end up with an average four star rating! During our dinner we had: Tuna meatballs (daily special): 10 bucks. My gal liked them well enough, but I just found them to be just your basic tuna shaped into a ball with nondescript breaking. Soft pretzels: seven clams. More like baked breadsticks with some salt on them, served with a pretty tasty cheese for dipping. Lobster mac and cheese: Ten dollars. I liked the taste, but the itsy-bitsy, teeny-weenie pieces of lobster were very few and far between. And yes, I did make sure my partner didn't snitch them all! Duck confit wings: 13 smackers. Delicious, though the lady thought they were a little too sweet. But there were three of them. That's $4.3333333 per wing. That translates to roughly $116.88 per duck(ling)! Okay, maybe my math is a TAD off! Street tacos: 10 Georges. Star of the show. The pork was nice and moist, and it was tasty overall, though not real spicy. Price versus quality winner! Finally, the beer. I'd rate the selection as just decent, and I suppose they are more of a wine and cocktail sort of place. Yes, they have craft beer, and that's a very good thing. But the selection, even from bottles, is fairly pedestrian and nothing special. Bottom line...I'll be back for brunch again some day!
(4)Tanvi S.
My most favorite place in the world. I am slowly making my way through the entire menu and have not been disappointed even once. I recommend calling ahead to make a reservation as this is a very popular restaurant. Amish pretzels are to die for, and so the mussels, calamari carbonara, duck parts, friend green tomatoes. Do not leave without trying the bread pudding. Every single brunch dish is fantastic - I have tasted almost all of them!
(5)Katherine H.
I stopped in here randomly for brunch this past Saturday and got a table quickly. The service was pretty good and I really liked the coffee cake they set out for us while we waited. I'd definitely recommend their iced coffee for a weekend treat/caffeine jolt...it was just the right balance of chocolate-y to coffee. The crab cake sandwich was okay, but I've had much better crabcakes in Baltimore...plus the bread was overly toasted on the outside to the point that it was falling apart as I bit into it. My boyfriend seemed pretty pleased with the pork belly benedict, but the portion seemed a little small to me and again, not the best pork belly I've had. I would be willing to give this place another shot because I've heard generally good things, but really the two dishes we had were just average...I'd definitely order something else next time.
(3)Le B.
This place is everything. My other half wasn't thrilled about the lamb prep citing next doors lamb chops are better. I said look here grinch the food here is outstanding. Our waiter was on point from the moment we sat down. He explained the specials to us but as a disclaimer said "I know you may not want it but". Funny guy. Enjoying this blondie brb
(5)Kendra W.
Loved. I don't know how this place slipped under my radar. They've been open for approx two years now and I just learned of them today. Great service. Great ambiance and even greater food. I enjoyed 3 courses. As an appetizer I had the cream of crab soup and was pleased to find they don't short change on the crab. The soup is thick, rich and comforting. For the main course I ordered the oyster carbonara (must try). The carbonara sauce should be bottled and sold. This soulful (yes, soulful) sauce is the true star of this dish. I strongly recommend dragging your oysters through this savory sauce. Instead of behaving I decided to "window shop" the dessert menu and quickly decided to kiss my days' workout goodbye after seeing the bread pudding. I love bread pudding and feel compelled to try it whenever I find it on a restaurants' menu. By far this is my favorite. Even if you don't have room for dessert, indulge. Order it to go if need be, but try the damn bread pudding! Four words: Heath bar bread pudding *drops mic.
(5)Shanai B.
I love this restaurant!! The modern classy atmosphere matches it heavenly flavor. The lobster fingers, porterhouse lamb, cheesy garlicky shrimp torn bread are a few off my favorites. The service is spectacular and is worth the dollars spent in Hamden!!
(5)Josh B.
This place is as good as the reviews on here are saying. No wait on a busy Sunday. Food and service were very good. We got the breakfast flatbread and French toast. The flatbread came with an amazing hot sauce. The French toast had Nutella on the side. It's priced reasonably and the atmosphere is very nice and relaxing. I'm disappointed that I kept putting off coming here. Definitely a must!
(5)Michael M.
First of all, I think this place should be 3-4 $, not 2. It's not cheap but I do think it's a bargain when you consider how much you get for what you pay. I've enjoyed 2 dates at Food Market, which is located on the Avenue in Hampden, a nice place for drinks after a date. The menu changes some, so my recommendations may no longer hold, but the Tuna sushi plate was INCREDIBLE -- having been to some of the better sushi places in NYC, I was blown away. I had the wild boar last time and it was also fantastic. Drinks are good and not too expensive. Great spot for a date. A bit loud but not an issue for me -- feels a lot like Manhattan. The place is always full and vibrant. Definitely worth a visit.
(5)Kristina K.
Let me begin by saying how I have never particularly liked Hampden. After years of living in Baltimore, this is one neighborhood I tended to avoid as, aside from the Wine Source, there was nothing in it for me. This all changed last weekend when we discovered the Food Market for brunch. This place is amazing! We got seated rather quickly and served complimentary coffee cake, which was incredibly rich, complex, and tasty. For our drink order, I had several types and regions of bubbly to choose from (plus a full bar menu) and my lovely dining companion chose a coconut screwdriver that was heavenly. While options for lunch and brunch were plentiful, we both had pulled pork eggs benedict: this was easily the best rendition of EB that I ever had. Flavor wise, eggs and pork were spot-on and the side of potatoes was crisp and perfectly seasoned. The only minor if/but is the lack of hot beverage diversity but this is a glitch I can totally live with.
(5)Steve R.
Even on a Tuesday night, it's busy in Hampden, but I'll suffer the crowd at the bar for the Pat LaFrieda Burger: lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon, with an alternate side of broccoli (instead of crinkle fries). The upbeat, tag-team bartenders kept me abreast of the specials (i.e., happy hour $2 off spirits from 5 to 8 p.m.), as I sat at the bar--mine a Charles & Charles Cabernet/Syrah blend, not too dry. Couldn't help topping it off with the Coconut Island (choc pot de creme with coconut anglaise and mini 'nilla wafers). So good. A Hampden delight!
(5)Ray S.
Hot spot for doing a casual brunch or having late night cocktails. A bit pricy for the value but the ambience is urban cool with a young vibe. Make sure to try the buffalo burger and pair it a Robert Frost cocktail.... Devine!!
(4)Sophie A.
Cute, chic space in Hampden with pleasant bartenders and delicious food. Between us we had the popcorn app, caesar salad, shrimp starter and chicken entree. Everything was lovely. That said, the prices are high for Balti. Besides that, I have no complaints.
(4)Maria P.
I love this dining spot in Hampden. Chad Gauss and Elan Kotz provide guests with comfort food coupled with an elegant flair. The space is modern, open, slightly rustic (the cushioned backed seats are more comfy than the metal chairs FYI). Diners can look in at the open kitchen depending on where you sit. There's an intimate bar that seats maybe 15? Every experience we've had here has been great. The food is on point, service is friendly and lacks pretension of so many foodie establishments thank God. After living in LA for 5 years I can't really handle that anymore. The cocktails are always delicious and usually the hostess pours ice water as soon as she seats you which is great for thirsty camels like myself. We typically go for brunch on weekends (they open at 9) but are anxious to give the dinner menu a go. My favorites include the Amish soft pretzels, complete with beer fondue and the brussels Caesar including cherry tomatoes, red onion, bacon, and toasted Parmesan. My fiancé loves their fried chicken and biscuits: poached eggs, hot sauce, 'cheese wiz' potato casserole. I've also gotten the smokey Gouda bowl consisting of bacon, Gouda cream, potato gratin, dippy eggs, hollandaise, and an English muffin. We celebrated with a boozy champagne brunch after we got engaged about a month ago and Elan went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable meal. I hope this establishment continues to flourish. It's awesome having places like the food market elevate the often underestimated dining scene in baltimore.
(5)Ipek S.
Nice atmosphere good service but not fresh ingredients, not enough vegetarian entrees. I have started with basil popcorn (saggy but somehow edible), continued with beet salad (a little plain topped with pistachios that are not crunchy at all, if you don't keep them fresh why bother using them???) and finished with the tomato spaghetti entree (tomato sauce tasted like out of can, even though the texture of pasta was pretty al dente , sliced heirloom tomatoes were not fresh). According to my friends who have ordered meat entrees, it was a pretty good meal. The cocktail with rosemary was made of sour mix and sugar - don't order that one. Another one is caramel apple based- tastes like caramel vodka and syrup mixed, not bad but way too sweet to enjoy for me. My first experience as a quick bar snack and drink last summer was way better than this Sunday night full meal somehow.
(2)Lisa B.
Expensive and noisy. My son has been wanting to go since they opened so last night we had date night. They rushed us through so fast we were out of there in 60 minutes and $70 lighter. It was incredibly noisy and we were packed in between two tables so close we could have a conversation with them. I had the ahi tuna, four very small pieces thay equalled 8 bites of food. The muscles were ok with a white sauce and leaks but the portion was pretty small. My son three small tacos and left hungry. We each had two sodas and no alcoholic beverages and the bill was very high. Never again! This place is extremely over rated!
(1)Emily L.
The Food Market is the place to see and be seen in trendy Hampden. When we were there, on a very ordinary Tuesday, we saw a B-list actor enjoying dinner with his family (no, I will NOT say who; I have a little dignity!) Hipster culture is alive and well here, but the staff is laid-back enough not to pressure you to conform; I was wearing ordinary non-skinny jeans and one of our friends was in gym clothes, and we all felt totally at ease. The atmosphere is a little industrial for my taste, but they manage to keep it on the warm side of funky. The food was all top-quality, and the price tags matched it. After initially despairing, because we really wanted to order the entire menu, we made some decisions and tried a variety of small plates: seared salt-and-pepper tuna with avocado tzatziki, grilled lamb tenderloin medallions, crisply fried oysters, caramelized brussels sprouts, shredded pork tacos with salsa. Everything was perfectly prepared and plated with pizzazz. The portions were on the small side, however, so in the future I would definitely order some of their cheaper snacks (popcorn, pretzels, etc.) beforehand, and maybe our bill wouldn't be quite so high. Drinks, likewise, were wonderful: craft cocktails alternated with microbrews and a lone hard cider. Hmm, wonder if that also might have contributed to the bill? I will definitely be back -- probably for brunch, after seeing some of those photos! Ouch. In a good way.
(4)Molly C.
My mother and I were in Baltimore recently and wanted to try a local, healthy restaurant. We could not have picked a better spot than The Food Market. The atmosphere was laid back but upscale, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was absolutely amazing. I had a breakfast sandwich, and my mom had an omelette. We both got coffee (I highly recommend the iced mocha). We were both completely blown away by how delicious every bite was. We decided afterward that it may have actually been our favorite brunch together. After our meal, I accidentally left my favorite denim jacket sitting on the booth. I didn't realize this until we were already at the airport for our flight back home. I called The Food Market in a panic. They took down my address and mailed me my jacket completely free of charge! Long story short, this restaurant exceeded my expectations in many ways. Definitely do not miss out on this treat.
(5)Dave S.
We've been here 3-4 times, always for dinner, and we've never been disappointed. The valet parking is invaluable since it's located in the heart of Hampden. We've worked our way around the menu pretty well at this point and everything has been on point. Their bartender is competent and the service has been timely and friendly. If you're in the mood, there's a communal table at which you can strike up a conversation with fellow diners. Well worth the trip.
(4)Teree H.
We came here for Easter brunch. I had the crab cake eggs Benedict and it was perfection. My mom enjoyed the beet salad and garlicky shrimp and the French toast dippers tasted like little pieces of churro heaven. I loved the laid back but classy vibe of the restaurant and didn't mind the noise at all. We even sat at the communal table and it wasn't a problem. I don't get up to baltimore often but I will definitely be back soon.
(5)Jamie B.
Not as pretentious as I anticipated. Sat at the bar due to an hour wait for a table. Was able to get in pretty quickly! The bartender a bearded young fellow was extremely helpful and knew his stuff. He made me and my guest feel very welcomed. They were very busy and I never had an empty glass, or a dirty plate in front of me for too long. Another young man behind the bar was very attentive and friendly as well, he brought us something's by just over hearing our quiet conversation w out us even asking. Good was great. I won't elaborate but was NOT disappointed on the food one but. I want to go back to try more dishes and the amazing hot milk cake dessert was by far the best dish. (I have a sweet tooth) the basil set told all the flavors. It inspired me to try and make my own. Thanks Food Market Maybe ill come back when it's a little less crowded, that's just me though, I'm pretty boring:)
(4)Ryan S.
The food was amazing, the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous!!! We had the seared tuna, lobster fritters, buffalo pickles, and shrimp dinner.... Everything was delicious. We ended the night with healthbar pudding which was also amazing!!! The seared tuna was so amazing that after desert I had to order the seared tuna again!!!! I would highly recommend this place and I will be back again!!!
(5)Patti N.
Super friendly bartending staff on a very busy Saturday night for that I would give it six stars. the only complaint, which if I could give it .5 I would,is the sound which I understand they are working on and should have something improved in the very near future. I look forward to returning. A hopping bar.
(5)Andrew F.
The Food Market is s crowded, lively restaurant in Hamden with tasteful ambiance and friendly and accommodating staff. We came for Brunch, and I immediately felt at home. The complimentary coffee cake was a surprise. Cold and dense, it wasn't particularly appetizing, but it still tasted great and felt good after being in the sun. The Baltimore Club is a multilayered dish accompanied by perfectly cooked fries. The sandwich was not as exciting as previously imagined, but the shrimp salad and crab cake were quite good. The best parts were the shrimp salad and the bacon in my opinion. Not fantastic, but a solid dish. Could be a little cheaper though. The Salt and Pepper Tuna is a melange of crunchy cucumber, wonderfully spiced tuna, and textures that go well together. Delicious, and leaves a pleasant peppery aftertaste in the mouth. Overall, a good place to eat, although the food wasn't too special.
(4)Jordan V.
The Food Market is a hot spot in Hampden! I went for my father's 49th birthday and the experience was great. My family ordered the cream of crab soup and edamame for starters and we were not disappointed. The service was exceptional and the bread sticks were delicious. We came on a busy Friday night and received free valet parking and quick seating. The atmosphere was very lively and modern. However, the main entrees were not nearly as good as the starters. The dessert that we tried, heath bar bread pudding, was very tasty and sweet. This place is a definite repeat and I would recommend this place to all my friends at Hopkins.
(5)Meredith S.
My husband and I were not terribly impressed with our first visit to the Food Market. We felt it didn't quite meet the expectations we had for it based on all the hype. We came back for a second try and left very satisfied. We ordered the asparagus salad and the cauliflower & carrot starter. Both were exceptional. On our first visit the small plates really outshone the entrees. This time the main dishes were the stars. We ordered the duck & berry with spatzle and the chicken with truffle ravioli, peas, fiddle heads and a delicious sauce. Chicken breast is usually a gamble and we don't order it much but this dish was fantastic -- I could eat the truffle ravioli all day, every day. The duck was perfectly cooked and the dish was well composed and interesting. Our only let down was dessert. We ordered the 1/2 baked brownie (which was great) but was served with a small carton of "spoon inside" Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Really? If you're not going to make your own ice cream at least take it out of the carton and pretend it wasn't an afterthought. Maybe there's a joke here that I'm missing... Our second visit made up for our sour first impressions and we will likely be back again.
(4)Lachaun V.
We went to The Food Market for the last day of Restaurant week. We sat at the large community table. Very comfortable. The bread and olive oil brought out was absolutely delicious. The service was prompt and friendly. Portions were perfect and the food was prepared to perfection.
(5)Lindsay R.
This food is just ok and really not worth the price in my opinion. Hostess wouldn't let us make a reservation over the phone for brunch because "there was no wait" then once we arrived there was a 30 min wait.... For a half empty restaurant. They actually made us wait over the 30 min as we watched the empty tables so we settled for eating at the bar. At least the bartender was nice and made a good mimosa :/
(3)Trevor B.
I have to say I was a little let down after all the hype I'd read/heard about this place. Overall, I'd say our meal was good, but not the great I'd expect from a $100+ meal for two. Truffle-covered popcorn was a novel idea and worth trying for $3, but I wouldn't consider buying it again - at the end of the day, it was just popcorn with some additional saltiness. The calamari appetizer was well-portioned (pretty large plateful) and perfectly fried - really tender, with a nice amount of tentacles which is always a plus in my book. The pork belly app was also perfectly cooked and packed with flavor (as it should be), but a little on the skimpy side for a $10+ dish. My spaghetti with crab meatballs entree was tasty (sauce reminded me of the square pizza slices I used to get as a kid with just thesauce and no cheese) and I appreciated the heat that was incorporated into it, but I also felt short-changed by the amount of crab meatballs (4 small balls) actually included in this $24+ dish. Our other entree, the Friggin' pork schnitzels, was nothing to write home about. While service from the bussing/water perspective was more than adequate, our server basically disappeared for much of the night, and it took about 15 minutes after we were finished to finally get the check. I may give this place another shot for brunch or something, but it might be hard to justify considering all the other great places in the area putting out great food (e.g., Woodberry, Birrotecca, etc.).
(3)Eric F.
To sum it up . . . .WOW. Food, service, atmosphere. One of the best restaurants in recent memory. Service was spotless. Not overbearing; friendly and unobtrusive. And the food is just incredible. One of the best crabcakes I have had in my lifetime and while I seldom save room for dessert, this place is well worth the extra hours at the gym. The bread pudding literally melts in your mouth. If the owners know what is good for them they will never let their chef leave. Wow again just for emphasis.
(5)Miss T.
NIce place in Hampden which of course means the vibe is right for this place. We celebrated my husband's birthday here back in September and on my reservation I had let them know and they wrote out a nice birthday card for him and had it at our table. Amazing and made him feel special :) The food was great and the service was excellent , defientitly a good place for a celebratory dinner or just for drinks and appetizers. For us two drinks, appetizer and two entrees we came out to a little over $100.00 so for us that will stay in the celebratory column til after graduation :)
(4)Rachel S.
Finally made it to what I'd heard renowned as one of the best culinary destinations in Charm City, and ended up being slightly underwhelmed. Don't misunderstand me, this place is good, and several dishes were quite tasty, it just didn't jibe with the glowing reviews and reputation that preceded my experience. A group of girls friends and I headed over to The Food Market for summer Restaurant Week, and started off with some delicious cocktails at their bar. I love that they switch up their cocktail menu every couple weeks, but keep their "Original Crew" available throughout the seasons. I had a delicious tangy concoction with muddled blackberries, gin, topped with a bit of champagne for a tongue-tickling fizzy finish. A couple of the girls followed suit, while the others went for dirty martinis and the "Sweet Willi": muddled strawberries and fresh basil, lemon vodka, lime juice and simple syrup. Perfect refreshing fruitiness balanced by the basil; it screamed summertime. After being seated, we started with several orders of the Crispy Curry Oysters and Ian's Tomatoes. The oysters: delicious, tender oysters in a light flaky batter, subtly flavored with curry, over an arugula salad drizzled with mustard butter. YUM. These were probably my favorite dish of the night. The tomatoes: a slight spin on Caprese salad, with burrata cheese (creamier than the original version; think a cross between brie and mozzarella), fresh, juicy tomatoes, basil aoili, balsamic. Tasty, but nothing to write home about. For entrees, our table ended up with the Baby Back Boar Ribs, the Rockfish, and the Shrimp Dinner. The ribs received a shockingly high review from my friend, who usually steers clear of that type of dish. She generously shared the ranch fries, and they were quite tasty. The Rockfish was well executed, fairly yummy, but not sensational. The shrimp consisted of a bed of cheddar grits topped with shrimp, andouille sausage, and peppers simmered in a tomato-based sauce. There were dollops of a cajun thyme cream, but to be honest, the tomato sauce was both overseasoned, and overportioned. It overwhelmed the grits and delicate flavor of the shrimp. I would have preferred about half as much sauce, which would've allowed the other ingredients to shine. Dessert: we tried the Peach Crumble, Heath Bar Bread Pudding, and Chocolate Ice Cream Cake. The crumble was topped with a cognac ice cream that had such a strong liquor content, it functioned as a distraction from the main content, similar to the sauce in the shrimp dish. The ice cream cake was rather bland, but palatable. However, the bread pudding was simply DIVINE. I would return for this dessert alone. Mother of God, this dish is for real. Light, fluffy bread pudding with toffee and chocolate bits melted throughout, topped with gooey caramel. Talk about your generous portions! The five of us dug in and could barely finish it. This leviathan competes with the Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding at Ale Mary's (and for those of you who've tried the latter, you know what a serious statement that is). I'm dancing on the line of calling this Heath Bar version the best bread pudding I've ever had... Overall, a solid experience, but in no way knock-your-socks off. I'll come back and give them a second try for a full, non-Restaurant Week dinner. Maybe there's room for a bump on their rating.
(3)Kimberley R.
Food was delicious but overly expensive for the amount you get, in my opinion. I also didn't like the loud, cafeteria-like atmosphere of the place. I could barely hear what my friend was saying when he was sitting right next to me, due to the noise from surrounding parties. Be prepared to sit in very close proximity to strangers as you eat your meal. My friend and I were seated at a large table of probably 12 or 14 people, none of whom we knew. I don't mind meeting new people but when I'm just trying to have a nice dinner with a friend I'd prefer a bit more privacy and a quieter atmosphere. I don't want to go out for an expensive dinner and feel like I'm sitting in a middle school cafeteria. If I wanted that type of environment I'd go to the Golden Corral and eat all the fried chicken I can for $12.99, thank you.
(3)Michelle Y.
I love love love the food market! They have the best waitstaff (Jermaine is the best!) and the food is to die for! The spicy, cheesey, herby, creamy, winey, garlicky shrimp with torn bread is hands-down, THE best thing I ever ate. I dipped everything in that sauce. Soo goood. The crispy lobster fingers are delicious! The truffle fries --- Oh-My-Gooodnesss!! The surf and surf was amazing! Everything is just too good. I recommend ordering a bunch of small plates and sharing with your date. Their serving sizes are similar to tapas. I can't wait to go back! P.s. Free valet during dinner!
(5)Kay L.
Love this place. Great food. Great atmosphere. Great service.
(5)Erin O.
Bomb Bomb Bomb!!! Believe the Yelp hype! This was not a yelp let-down at all!! Everything that I tasted was muy delicioso. This place was recommended by some fellow Baltimore foodies and once I looked this place up on yelp and saw the menu I knew it was a winner! Anyway I tried the: -Amish soft pretzels with beer-cheese fondue: excellent, the beer-cheese fondue was delicious I dipped the other bread in it too. -Crispy Lobster Fingers were excellent, so was the sauce that came with it. -Beets by Chad, excellent!! The entire combination went really well and it was so refreshing. My main dish was the bread and butter crusted sea bass, which our waiter also recommended and it was AMAZING. I almost ordered the corn meal crusted trout but I'm glad I didn't, I ended up trying it and the sea bass was definitely a winner. Guess I'm not a fan of corn meal. Everyone at my table loved their food. As far as drinks I did try the Bourbon 85 I believe it was called, not too sure, I didn't end up liking it but the waiter was glad to switch it for me and was quick with my new drink. I ended up getting the French Tease which was good. The service was fast and very friendly. This place is making me sad that I'm moving out of Baltimore now, but I will definitely be back to try more! The brunch sounds amazing too. Anyway if you have an eclectic and non-boring palette you will love this place! The décor and setting of the place is nice too! All in all it was great and one of the best places I've been to thus far in Baltimore.
(5)Lauren S.
I forgot to write a review after I went to this place, but I do remember it was very good. The quality of food and service was fantastic. I got the Super Scallops and my friend got the Steak Frites. Very tasty. I would definitely come back again!
(5)Madelynn G.
We went for dinner on Friday night. It was very crowded so I recommend making a reservation. I have walked past the Food Market several times and never expected it to be so nice on the inside. This place is perfect whether you want to share several small plates or opt for the larger entrees and the food is amazing. There are even vegetarian options, I had Fried Green Tomatoes and an outstanding chickpea and vegetable curry. The service is friendly and professional. I think the tables are a little too close together for my liking, I got a front row seat to every conversation the table beside us was having. I would like to return for brunch, because I have heard good things about their brunch menu too.
(4)Owen R.
Ambitious & Confident These are the adjectives I'd use to describe my reaction to a first visit to the Food Market. First: lets check some boxes: artisanal cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menu, curated (but small) wine list, exuberant vibe (big room, hard surfaces). The menu was in my opinion, exceptionally large with both small plates, interesting salads options and a thoughtful spectrum of entrees. The kitchen nailed the short ribs and pork tacos, missed the target (slightly) on the salt & pepper tuna (need to source better tuna). Unchopped salad and skiiny Greek salad were exactly as advertised. Curious to try on the next visit: risotto encrusted mozzarella and a brown sugar pork belly So the menu is large and the kitchen seems at ease with its scale. The pricing/portion/quality ratio (always elusive) has been tamed and the Food Market warrants more than a couple of visits to sample its wares. A note on table tending: our server Brittany was exceptional - a great tableside rap (that may not be teachable), solid F & B knowledge, and the sixth sense of meal timing that is truly rare.
(4)Roy E.
This place is good. Almost very good. I bring my parents here when they visit and they really love it. I just think it could be a lot better. It feels a little generic. I don't think anyone would be disappointed in their meal here, I just don't think it's all that yelp makes it out to be.
(3)Jeff K.
I've been to the Food Market only once... THE PROS Very clean. Pretty good service. Delicious food. Wide drink menu THE CONS Small portions that are a bit overpriced. Parking can be a pain. The waiting area is small and fills up with bar patrons. The menu could offer more variety. Overall the experience was ok..I'd probably only return for a special occasion.
(3)Jen F.
Got the lamb porterhouse and the sautéed spinach. Wait staff was friendly attentive and informed, atmosphere is relaxing and clean. Porterhouse was delicious. Thought the flavor of the dried apricot ad pecan was wonderful with the lamb- would have liked the apricot grilled also, possibly tenderized. The spinach was a bit salty for my taste, but I ate it anyway. Overall love it! Recommend to all I know! Would like to see how it transforms at night.
(4)K Sera S.
Okay, I'd heard that the acoustics were a nightmare and that's a big turn-off for me. If I wanted to scream at my husband, I'd stay home. (JK) But even during restaurant week it wasn't TOO bad. And the food really was good. Price-wise, well, it was restaurant week as I said, so not really a fair time to day. Perhaps a wee bit pricey, but far from outrageous. The pickles (which I didn't realize were fried--or maybe I just lied to myself) were definitely fresh and a cut above what you might expect from run-of-the-mill batter-dipped dills. The griddled lamb porterhouses were petite little (yes, redundant. Thanks, vocabucop) chops, well prepared and with a delicately fruity sauce. Long and short of it? We'll be back for sure to explore more of the creative menu.
(4)Troy M.
SOOOOO GOOOD! Truly one of the best meals we've ever eaten! I highly recommend ordering a bunch of littles and smalls and sharing. The Amish pretzels, shrimp and tacos were all incredible!
(5)Anne-Margaret O.
The food is INCREDIBLE!!!! We moved to Baltimore about a year ago and have been searching the city for a great place to enjoy great food over and over again. Finally, we found our restaurant!! When we arrived on a Saturday evening, the restaurant was full for the evening - we were able to grab two seats at the bar and enjoy the full menu. The wait staff were friendly, helpful, great! The food from the Chopped Salad, to the Lamb Meatballs, the Heathbar Bread Pudding was out of this world. The decor makes this a great neighborhood restaurant with a splash of sophistication. We will be back again and again!!!!
(5)Tiana W.
Food Market is actually open for brunch during the week! Brunch may be even better than dinner. Had a great time. Friendly service as usual.
(4)Na L.
Went for brunch on val's day and it was booked. We were able to squeeze ourselves in at the bar and had a lovely time. Super friendly staff, great bloody marys, and great ambience w a view of the kitchen. I found the brunch menu to be more creative than your usual eggs Benedict w ham or bacon. Two thumbs up!
(5)Grant E.
This was probably the best meal I've eaten in my life. The dinner went perfectly and every aspect of the restaurant was flawless. To begin, the restaurant interior is really sleek; tables and chairs are simple and the colors are sharp and bold. I would have loved to see this place back in the day when it was an actual 'Food Market!' If you have read other reviews, you may have seen noticed that many complain about the noise level. To be honest, it was pretty loud, but not loud enough to be obnoxious. I could talk to my family without any trouble. But hey, the place is pretty small yet filled with people, so one should expect a good deal of noise anyways. As for the meal, our server gave us some focaccia bread&oil to start while we waited for our appetizers; the bread was pretty damn good. For a starter, I ordered the pretzels with beer/cheese fondue - boy did I make a good choice! The pretzels were fluffy and much better than your typical soft pretzel, and the fondue was out of this world. It had somewhat of a spicy cheese flavor with a hint of beer, which paired perfectly with the pretzels and the focaccia bread. Once I devoured that, the entrees came. I ordered the the duck breast, which was served with mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, and a sweet cherry sauce. This meal had to have been the best thing I had eaten all year. The meat was cooked perfectly, was juicy and flavorful, and matched well with the sauce; there were even cherries on top of the cuts of duck! The brussel sprouts were a bit odd and unexpected - considering they seemed burnt - but they tasted fine to me. And then there were the mash potatoes; they were sweet and ridiculously creamy - it was fantastic. If you've read my previous reviews, you should know that I had to get dessert. After analyzing pictures and other reviews prior to coming to The Food Market, I opted for the Heath Bar bread pudding. The portion was MASSIVE; if my phone camera did not suck, I would show you - just scroll through the other pictures, there should be a good one of the bread pudding. The bread itself was moist, and the caramel sauce and whipped cream only complimented it. You can not go wrong with The Food Market. Everything, from the food to the service, was on point. The food was top notch and professional, and the restaurant had a great atmosphere. The menu was unique and different - in a good way - and was full of great options. The portions were reasonable regarding the prices, and I definitely left with a full stomach. Anyways...come here. You will not regret it, or forget it. Trust me.
(5)Sam K.
If I could pitch a tent and live here and just live on nothing but their food. I would be the happiest person on Earth. I mean it, read my reviews, I am a very strict and hard critic to please. But this place came out revving on all 8 cylinders. My fave place to go to is Golden West, but this night, just wasn't feeling it. Decided to try something else. My boyfriend really wanted to try Cafe Hon since he saw it on Kitchen Nightmares. I was like, Uh NO. Everything we had here at The Food Market was excellent. The staff was kind and very accommodating. Yes, I like my substitutions LOL. I have tried every restaurant on that block....Every one was good. (Except for the one directly next door to the left) but this one is excellent. A Rare 5 Stars from me :-) Bravo!
(5)Sara E.
This place just surpassed Clementine as my favorite. The service is much better (seriously, the service has gotten borderline rude and condescending ) and the food is amazing. My husband and I split several small plates, and all were perfect. Don't skip the Amish pretzels because they seem kind of mundane next to the rest of the menu: the cheese sauce is incredible. If you are a fan of buffalo flavor ( I am), the buffalo pickles are not to be missed. I'm a huge fan of tuna and the tuna with tzatziki sauce is the best I've had. They've managed to get the outside so crispy while maintaining a rare center. Desserts are not my thing, but the Heath bread pudding made my eyes roll back in my head. Oh, and free valet parking cannot be beat! My only complaint is the damn shared benches. Birroteca has this problem, too. When someone at the next table shifts, you can feel it. I hate this, but I'm willing to overlook it for the amazing food!
(5)Ashley L.
I live in Hampden, so I love that Food Market is so hyped and gets so much attention, but there's a reason I've only been here once. There is definitely nothing wrong with the food or the drinks, and the atmosphere is fun and vibrant, but we weren't blown away. We had the pretzel appetizer, the salmon, and the crab cakes. Again, really good! But maybe not worth the hype, and maybe not worth the price. As a side note, though, I'm kind of a picky kid about where we sit, and since we walked in without a reservation we were seated at the big table in the middle of the room that is reserved for... nonreservations. I kind of felt like we were being put in the corner.
(3)Tatyana M.
I wanted to try this restaurant for a long time and now that I did I must say that it's VERY surprising this place has such a high rating and popularity. We ordered from summer RW menu and added Buffalo Pickles app to it. All together 7 dishes. From all of it the highlight of the dinner was bread with olive oil service (which was not great but at least was good). The rest of the food varied from mediocre to bland to tasteless to inedible. The steak entree was raw (in stead of medium rare), dry and boring; the catfish entree was not salted at all, the rice pudding dessert was not sweetened at all, the Salmon "meatballs" app had kind of "bazaar" flavor of mixing fish and watermelon together which I am sure the chef intended to be a new discovery in taste but in reality was just unpleasant combination of flavors. So in short the food was awful. The service was good except of the hostess which gave us a table right next to the Ladies Room door having half of the tables available. The ambiance was rustic and very noisy, and the value was bad considering quality of the experience (even with RW deal). Needless to say we are not coming back and can not recommend it to anyone who is familiar with REAL gourmet food.
(2)Joseph K.
Ultimately, Chef Gauss and The Food Market do jazzed up classy comfort food very well. And of equal importance, they buy ingredients when available from local farms such as richfield farms and Gunpowder Bison. 1) I've had Brunch here, and the food is solid. A good mix of comfort foods, Baltimore classics (crabcakes), and classy foods. I tried the chicken and biscuits, pulled pork benedict, and lobster roll. All were well seasoned. Nothing was overcooked, textures were great. Good curst on the chicken, good tender chicken and pork, good microgreen bitterness to counteract the saltiness, good flaky biscuits, perfectly poached eggs, and good hot sauces accompanying each dish. 2) The plating and decor are great. The design of the place is very simple, organized and modern. The plating: simple, modern, not over the top, focused on the food. Great place for a chill brunch, a nice dinner, a date, chill with friends, nice bar outing in hampden. I'm a cheap fatty. But i'm not letting this bias affect my review, though IMO it's a little pricey considering the quantity. Quality is very high though. 5 stars reserved for a restaurant that blows my mind. While this didn't blow my mind, it is a very solid business, and I will be back.
(4)Asiah G.
I went here on a Sunday afternoon with my fam because I'd been stalking this place on Yelp and had read great things about it! Upon check-in she told me it would be a 30-40 min and they would call me when the table was ready.. At the top of 30-somethin min my fam was about ready to roll , but thankfully they called just in time! Not too long of a wait if you're not starving, and besides the surrounding area is worth a walk around; boutiques, restaurants, etc. When we finally made it in we were quickly seated.. The space felt a little cramped at first with our party of five but soon I relaxed into the atmosphere .. Our waiter was really nice and good-lookin so that was a plus.. And everything that came out was delicious! I had their bison burger and it was so fresh. I also love the crinkle cut fries and everybody at the table really enjoyed their meal. Service was great too, so we'll definitely be back.
(5)Connor S.
Came for lunch on a Saturday. It was very busy and very loud... but we got seated right away with no reservations - so that was great. As I said...super loud and the tables are all kind of smooshed together. That part I didn't enjoy, as I could hear my neighbors conversation perfectly clear without trying at all. I ordered the ruben wrap....and it was outstanding! My wife ordered a burger and she was very pleased as well. We both agreed that we would return again. Looking forward to it!!
(5)Ryan D.
Chad Gauss has created a perfect little spot for a great date night. With an ever-evolving menu, I've never been bored with the selection. The wait staff is really great, and they've suggested some awesome drink/entree pairings that I've always been pleased with. As basic as it may be, I can't visit without starting with the Amish Pretzels with Cheese. They just get it right! I can't speak highly enough of this place for a great date night. The size of the restaurant alone makes it a little tough for giant groups to get seated, so I'd keep your party to 4 or less. I'm headed there on Friday for my anniversary, and I know I'll have a wonderful meal.
(5)Brendan C.
The Pickles were too spicey. Popcorn 3 dollars, should be free but I haven't checked the market price for a teaspoon of pesto sauce lately. No Wifi. Service was pleasant. The fried lobster was meh, not a lot for what you pay. Generally the prices are all a bit overpriced. 23 dollars for Chicken with rice? I expected to get a naked waitress for that, not a Hipster chef to put foreign tasteless herbs on the broccoli. I guess your paying for atmosphere. I'm sure I will feel much better once I get back with the rednecks in the countryside
(3)Gauri W.
This place used to be my favorite but I think it's decreased over time. The lamb porterhouses rock though, as does the cheesy garlicky winey shrimp. I've had the shrimp dinner and that's amazing also. Brunch is just average though.
(4)Dawn W.
Went one time with my husband. It was very crowded at the time, but we ate at the bar. The menu was great, and most of the items could be prepared gluten free. I had tacos for lunch, delicious!
(4)Brett W.
The Food Market is a great place. While the menu is short, there is something for everyone and it is all delicious! If it is a weekend evening you better have a reservation! There is a full bar, and if you like Guinness make sure you realize they only have Guinness Blondie. I ordered the lobster mac n cheese which was out of this world. So creamy and it actually had large chunks of lobster. I also got the double bison burger, which was delicious, know whether or not you like bison before ordering it though, my friend was almost going to get it but ended up trying mine first and she didn't like it. My friend got the rack of lamb and he said it was good but he didn't know to order it rare/medium rare and he got medium well and said it was tough. This place is slightly pricey but worth it!
(4)Shipra K.
Have come here a few times now. Twice for dinner and once for brunch. I've gotten the spicy, creamy shrimp dish both times for dinner and highly recommend it. Brunch wasn't as great in my opinion but still good. Nice atmosphere, not too loud or crowded. No complaints about service. Try to make a reservation in advance if possible.
(5)Kayla C.
My husband and I are big foodies. We came here for dinner one night a few months ago and it was awesome! We ordered a bunch of small plates and appetizers to get a taste of everything! The other person with us ordered the steak and for a 30 dollar steak she said it wasn't really worth it. Everything else we had was amazing though! You must try the pork belly and Amish pretzels. They have specialty cocktails and a great wine and beer selection as well with local craft brews. The only huge disappointment is the desserts. The ice cream they serve is Haagen Daz in a Haagen Daz carton. This is disappointing because my expectations were much higher for desserts, with competition like Woodberry Kitchen who make their own ice cream. Overall, we will definitely go back!
(4)Anthea C.
First of all love this new addition to Hampden. Fits in well with the Hampden crowd with a bit of a Brooklyn twist. Spacious dining area, great bar, nice open front windows. My roommate and I got the truffle oil popcorn and risotto encrusted mozzarella balls for appetizers and then split the Baltimore club for an entree. The popcorn was good, very interesting flavor. The mozzarella balls were delicious and the Baltimore club had crab and shrimp...yum! Our server was very attentive and helpful and we used the free valet service! All in all a great time and good food.
(4)Samantha L.
We went for brunch and it was pretty tasty. They started us with what tasted like lemon pound cake and it was yummy. The breakfast tacos and Jam, fried egg, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes sandwich were both good. We also had some Amish pretzels with cheese that we enjoyed. I had some iced coffee that they made well. No complaints. We will likely try their dinner too.
(4)Bernie C.
Yay! I came for dinner! Deliciousness. Deliciousness everywhere. Here's what we ordered: Pan Roasted Popcorn ($3 and you know what? worth it.) Amish Soft Pretzel with beer cheese fondue dip ($7 not, my favourite, but that's not saying much cause everything was yummy) Spicy, Cheesey, Herby, Creamy, Winey, Garlicky Shrimp ($13 this was my favourite thing, maybe one of the top things I've ever eaten, there are hunks of bread in the sauce and it's the most amazing thing ever. It's creamy shrimpy deliciousness, I wish they made it in entree form) Duck Parts ($27 Perfectly cooked. The duck leg was amazing. The duck breast was pretty good. the applesauce a lil sweet, but the jalapeno cheddar potato puree was amazeballs.) Chargrilled Lamb Rack ($32 again, perfectly cooked. I love lamb and this was absolutely delicious, solid portion size, even for me, a girl who really likes her meat. Whoever is making the sides and purees for all these dishes is seriously on point, cause the beet gravy and whipped cauliflower were pretty perfect) Lil Lemon Gable ($11, a little bit on the small side for the drink, but maybe I have a drinking problem. Nevertheless delicious, I love lemon and ginger, those things should probably be in everything) The atmosphere is so nice for a little group or a date, it's gorgeous and open and is somehow cozy without being small. Two thumbs, licked clean of sauces, up! (I eat like an animal. How is one supposed to get all the lamb off the rack without picking it up?)
(5)Justin Juhwan S.
I prefer brunch to dinner. It's a bit pricey for dinner and wasn't quite satisfacotry but bruch is totally worth it.
(4)Erika S.
We met a friend for brunch and loved the atmosphere. Decent price for drinks and food portions great. Can't wait to go back! Plus you can walk off the food (or buzz) in all the nearby shops.
(5)Allison L.
Loved this place! We came for my birthday dinner last week and everything was delicious! I had the Nico (vodka, amaretto, champagne, muddled strawberries) and have been trying to recreate it all week. We started with their bread and the Amish pretzel sticks, both of which were butter/oil filled and awesome. I got the big crab cake with lobster mac and cheese and broccoli. The crab was very good, not my favorite in Baltimore but definitely good. The lobster mac and cheese was also good, but could've been creamier. My husband got the crab stuffed soft shell crab special, which was kinda small for the price but he enjoyed it. We finished the night with the half baked blondie, which was more like a quarter baked, which just made it better. Valet parking is free, which makes this an excellent Hampden option.
(4)Landy L.
Both food and cocktails were well thought out and delicious. Service was professional and efficient. We sat in the middle of the dining room so was a little cramped but that's the only negative.
(5)Erica O.
One of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore. I went this past Saturday with 3 of my friends. We started off with some great martinis, shared the Amish soft pretzels, and the brussel sprouts. Perfect to split amongst 4 people, while leaving room for an entree. I went with the crab cake that comes with lobster mac-n-cheese and broccoli. Hands down one of the best crab cakes in baltimore and I've had my fair share of crab cakes. The lobster mac n cheese is fantastic as well...plenty of lobster and not too heavy with the cheese. We skipped on dessert but I've had the heath bar bread pudding before and it's amazing. It's quite lively on a weekend night so if you're looking for a quiet intimate dinner, this is not the place. Our server was very friendly and attentive. Def would recommend for small groups.
(5)Rebecca R.
I was excited to go to brunch on a Sunday morning with my apartment-mates, and we wanted to try somewhere new. The food Market is in a great location in Hampden, and was industrially cute-- large covered lights, metal tables, beautiful wooden bar, and painted white brick walls. We made a reservation on OpenTable and were seated at our proper time. Our server was hard to read: she was nice and attentive to our water glasses and responded immediately to our slight food mix up but was kind of stand-offish the whole time. I ordered the berry sandwich and it was delicious- I would have never thought grape jelly and tomatoes, onions, egg, and bacon would go together, but it did. Our drinks also came in very large glasses, so the $8 was justified. Only criticism is it was a little pricy. I don't mind splurging on food (I believe that food splurges are the best splurges) but $80 for three smallish plates and three large mimosas is a little ridiculous. I probably won't be back here anytime soon for that reason. Go knowing it is expensive, and you should have a decent time.
(3)Andi T.
The Food Market has great ambiance, lovely staff, a super nice owner, and GREAT food! So happy our host recommended it to us!
(5)M K.
Food market is a solid choice for brunch. It's probably my favorite in hampden. The restaurant has an urban NYC vibe to it. Service is pretty solid. Can't go wrong with most things on the menu.
(4)Brandy C.
I will start this review by first saying that the only reason this isn't a five-star review is because of the somewhat emo servers. None of them seemed too friendly; c'mon, would a smile kill ya? As a note, the host was very nice. On to the food, which was interesting and delicious. I ordered the pretzels and beer cheese as an app. O.M.G. These were so dang good!!! I mean wow. I ordered the burger and it was yummy as well. My boyfriend had the fish tacos and really enjoyed them. His dad liked The Soup. I absolutely loved the Lil Lemon Gable cocktail: limoncello, tequila, and crabbies ginger beer. Yum!!! This place is really interesting and I loved the modern industrial design. We will definitely come back to this great restaurant in an uber cute neighborhood.
(4)Amanda W.
We stopped in for a late night Sunday dinner. My boyfriend and I were stuck in 'rain traffic' - where everyone forgets how to drive because it's raining- and we showed up around 930. We were a little worried that we would get shunned for showing up pretty late on a Sunday (I think they stop seating at 11 but it's not nice to be the last table). But when we arrived, the hosts were very enthusiastic, which allayed some of our worries. Our server was AMAZING. I wish I could remember her name. (She had really stylish glasses- I think they were prada or chanel). My boyfriend and I know what it's like to wait on the last table, especially on a Sunday, but she did not seem exasperated or annoyed at all. Because this was our first time, we had a lot of questions and she answered all of them with informative responses and even gave us some suggestions on what she likes. What we ate: Cheesy garlicy winey shrimp dip: the dip is a little looser than I though it would be but still tasty. It was almost like a cheesy soup with a few shrimp floating around. The bread it's served with is great. Pork belly: nicely caramelized, not too fatty. My boyfriend said he wished they threw it in the fryer for a second so that it had crispier edges. Ahi tuna appetizer: Definitely the worst dish of the night. The fish quality was terrible- very sinewy, chewy, and fishy. They served it with some tahini cucumber sauce. I was hoping for something more refreshing. Lobster bites: Meh. Lobster has such a succulent sweet meat and covering that up with batter and frying it just masks everything that makes lobster worth spending money on. I found myself peeling off the batter, dipping that in the sauce and eating the lobster separately. Duck potato skins: Delicious. Tender duck. Crispy potato skin. Fixings. Spot on. Scallop entree: This one was my favorite! There were 5 scallops that were perfectly seared so that the middle was still soft but the outsides were seared. The side was my dream come true: Spaghetti squash mixed with butternut squash risotto: really sweet, hearty and great texture. There was also a bacon soubise that added some smoky flavor to cut the sweet risotto. YUM! Brussel sprout side: This was my boyfriend's favorite and he actually mimicked the recipe and made them at home. Now we are hooked to brussels! The brussels were roasted and tossed with bacon and some sort of sweet balsamic or maple glaze. Strawberry tiramisu: I wouldn't get this again. Very underwhelming and didn't have the textures and coffee flavor that a great tiramisu has. I know I know it's a "strawberry" tiramisu but the texture was very dry. And the "powder" that was sprinkled over top made me cough EVERY TIME I took a bite- like I was inhaling dust. It also made my boyfriend cough and I'm not sure why. Overall: Everything was delicious but VERY RICH and savory. It might have been our choices that led to this but at the end of the meal, all I wanted was some citrus or sorbet to cut all the butter. We will definitely come back and hopefully we get the same server. She was great. Super friendly and nice. Also, we were out of there before two other tables so we didn't end up being the last table after all!
(4)Jill B.
So my buddy took me to Friday brunch there, and I was overwhelmed! I took photos and noted each bit of our meal. It took everything I had to not devour each item as it was presented. My buddy said we should just order one of everything but despite the artisanal plating of each course, we were both stuffed silly by the end. We ordered: Buffalo chips, (Free) cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing, Crab Benedict And Croque Madame. The buffalo chips made me reconsider my lifelong loathing of fried pickles.
(5)Pearl K.
This place is adorable, from the decor to the menus and the cheerful servers. I came here with the boyfriend on a pretty busy night. The tables are placed fairly close to each other so we were a little packed in there with the other diners, but it made for a nice and intimate evening. Our server was amazingly sweet and patient; my phone was on its last legs of battery life and she was gracious enough to plug it in behind the bar while I tamped down my cell phone separation anxiety. She was even more understanding when I asked for it back 5 minutes later while my boyfriend chuckled off to the side. I ordered the sea scallops and the boyfriend ordered crab cakes. So yummy! The bacon soubise mixed with the risotto in my dish so well and had me scraping at the juices. His crab cakes were pretty standard. The plate sizes were the only thing I had a problem with; I came to the Food Market hungry and left with a slightly unhappy hunger pang still rumbling in my belly. Overall, a very nice restaurant to come to for a date night!
(4)Bethany P.
I have heard so many great things about The Food Market so we were really excited to go and see what everyone has been talking about. It was a rainy Wednesday evening and there was a pretty good crowd. The service was fantastic but the food was good - nothing too memorable. While it was good - I don't think it was good enough that we will be back regularly.
(4)Seth K.
One of the best meals we've had in Baltimore! We went for a Sunday afternoon brunch with our two young kids for a special occasion. The menu was creative and varied; when every single menu item sounds delicious, they usually are. The monte cristo was appropriately cheesy and grilled perfectly, with a well-seasoned, salty mornay sauce. The pork belly eggs benedict were done just right, and served with delicious chunks of grilled pork belly over soft english muffins. The French toast dippers were sugary, fried goodness with a sweet creamy maple fondue. The easy bake breakfast came with a massive pancake. The parfait was a little light on yogurt and heavy on granola, but the berries were fresh and tart. Our server was fantastic; very engaging and handled the kids well. We would definitely go back!
(5)Holly C.
Perfection. Heavenly. Best meal in recent memory. We had: Brussel sprouts salad Spicy pickle chips Filet with asparagus and parmesan & truffle fries Panko crusted sea bass with whipped cauliflower Heathbar bread pudding.. We walked in (2 people) at 9pm on New Year's Eve. The restaurant was busy but we got seated immediately. The ambiance was spot-on and the service was impeccable. If I'm ever back in Baltimore, The Food Market will be top of my list.
(5)Kathleen S.
The best dinner! !!! Wild boar with charred cabbage and a potato flapjack! !! Get the side of cauliflower! !!! Simply the best
(5)Yueqi G.
Came for lunch on Sunday. Ordered Moroccan Lamb Salad. A lot of lamb meatballs! I couldn't finish the bowl... like the flavor but a little bit too savory and the olive is pretty strong. Definitely need some sweet finish in my mouth (remember to take a lollipop from the front desk)
(4)Sarah L.
I came here for Sunday brunch while visiting Baltimore for the weekend. I must say, brunch at The Food Market was a great send off from Charm City. While we did have to wait for almost 45 minutes (which allowed us to explore the Avenue and grab a great cup of coffee at Spro), the experience more than made up for the wait. The service here was great! Our waiter, Jermaine, was a pleasure who truly seemed to love what he does and the people he meets. While he was a jokester from start to finish, he was also very knowledgeable about the menu, giving all sorts of great suggestions to us and the surrounding tables. For starters, we were served complimentary sweet potato fries. They were clearly out for my heart from the get go. For our meals, I ordered the shrimp and grits and my boyfriend ordered the crabs Benedict. The food was delicious, but very, very rich! So rich that I couldn't finish mine. Luckily I had a nice Mimosa to wash it all down. If you're coming here on Hangover Sunday, they have plenty of options for Bloody's and Mimosa's if you need some hair of the dog. The atmosphere was alright. The space is well designed and fashionable, but they really pack 'em in here. And it is bustling, so be prepared to have your chair bumped by people passing by and to elbow people whenever you stand up. They could also benefit from having a multi-stalled bathroom. There was a line for the ladies room almost the entire time I was here. So, all in all, any tourists that are looking for a great place to brunch, this place is definitely worth the drive from the Inner Harbor, any Baltimore natives, what are you waiting for? Go there this weekend.
(4)Aaron B.
Probably the best fried oysters I have ever had in my life and I search for and love oysters raw, grilled, or fried. It's hard to find a good fried oyster that isn't too greasy or over fried. The crab dip was also outstanding! My wife is a Bmore native and it very critical of any traditional crab dish and was quite pleased with their recipe.
(5)Lin Z.
Trying to decide between 2 and 3 stars. . . I think it's a solid 2.5. Took my family to Sunday brunch here. Loved the atmosphere and energy, although the room is pretty loud so not the greatest for conversation with more than the person directly next or across from you. Also loved the fresh mini donut holes they give you to nibble on -- YUM. But ... I ordered the chicken and biscuit and was pretty disappointed. The presentation was nice looking -- the chicken sat atop cute mini split biscuits and poached eggs (perfectly poached)-- but the overall taste was just ok. The chicken was 2 heavily breaded, over cooked fried pieces of boneless chicken -- it wasn't my idea of fried chicken at all. The biscuits were nothing special. When I ordered this I was thinking it would be like this amazing chicken & waffles dish I had at Friedman's Lunch in NYC --- sadly this paled, paled, paled in comparison. It did come with a small cheesy potato gratin in its own oven baked dish --- those were delicious. They have good variety -- my brother got a veggie dish loaded with edamame, fresh corn and other stuff that looked pretty good. Hubbby got the butternut squash egg white omelet; our kids got the pulled pork benedict and some other yummy looking food --- I didn't try theirs, but there were no complaints.
(3)Virginia B.
It's all in the name! Dinner here was great! The pretzel fondue was delicious. Great cocktails. The pork tacos were seasoned perfectly. Can't wait to go back for more!
(5)Kara T.
Lively atmosphere and packed at 8 pm Tuesday night. Males who work here all have beards. Translation : trendy farm to table with craft cocktails. The lobster fingers were glorified and expensive chicken fingers. My husband liked them but to me the fried breading had little flavor but overwhelmed the lobster, as did the mustard side. Not worth the hefty price tag. The duck parts were excellent. Perfectly cooked with excellent flavor and wonderful cherry side sauce. Double bison burger with Bleu cheese was good but not remarkable. Truffle fries were disappointing--too thin and crispy and not much truffle flavor. Would have worked better, at least texture wise, with the crinkle cut fries. The highlight of the meal was the custom Tito's vodka drink with bitters and basil. It was fabulous!
(4)Kris L.
Alright people I've been back twice since my first review and it has been stupendous. Only have more positives to add from my prior review: -amazing cocktails! Try the blood orange caipirinha! -free valet parking -solid service every time -amazing shrimp and grits -AGAIN TRY THE HEATH BAR BREAD PUDDING! Stop reading this review and GO!
(5)Donna H.
Not your Mama's Market! Great spacious place. Very laid back, friendly and attentive. we arrived there around 9:30 on a a Wednesday night and were promptly seated. Or waitress Jennifer was very friendly and made a couple of recommendation. We order Panco Brie with apples and bread. It went well with the wonderful Prosecco Champagne. We also had an order of Fried Lobster Fingers that were very good and I know they say everything is better fried but I think we will order the mac and lobster or lobster roll next time. Lobster is to delicate and scrumptious on its own so why hide that in batter and deep fry. Great place to go with friends have a couple of drinks and get a bite to eat.Visited May 2015
(5)Zachary D.
Delicious, tasty, well presented, a little expensive, but really tasty
(4)Michelle C.
Love this restaurant!!! Amazing location right on 36th in Hampden. Have been there twice now but this review is for the second time: Ordered: - lobster fingers YUM - crab dip YUM - amazing - short rib which was lovely but very heavy Others ordered the shrimp dinner and the steak fillet.
(5)Allysa D.
Actually not really impressed with this place. Went here for dinner and everything was okay, but not great. However, I have heard that brunch is pretty good here - have yet to try that and not sure if we will.
(3)suz h.
If you like reheated frozen french fries, this is the place for you. It's like a fancy version of a college cafeteria.
(2)Nicole W.
Brunch review The good: -I love the decor here. I'd give it 5 stars for atmosphere. -Free pastry at brunch. This week was coffee cake. I've heard that other times it has been donuts or cinnamon rolls. -Tasty coffee! I love when coffee isn't an afterthought at a brunch spot. -The Heath bar pancakes were just as expected: small bites, nice and lightly sweet...basically perfect. At $5, I will be getting these every time. The...less good: I can't speak to their dinner fare, but it seemed like the brunch food didn't live up to the descriptions in the menu. -Turkey sausage tacos were served on soft corn tortillas (I was told flour, but that's ok). The meat tasted like Taco Bell...it wasn't my favorite. I guess I thought it would be more egg and less greasy-Mexican-fast-food. -Smokey bowl: I love potatoes au gratin, but there was nothing special happening in this dish. Guess I was expecting more of a gratuitous bowl of everything awesome about breakfast food and instead it was a plate with fried eggs sitting on top of an English muffin and a few slices of bacon on top if everything. Nothing seemed to mix here. Conclusion: I'd definitely come back and try the pancakes which looked great. W 36th street is so cute that I'd enjoy another brunch for the vibe of the restaurant and the surrounding stroll-able neighborhood!
(3)Caitlin T.
I had an amazing brunch here last weekend while visiting Baltimore with a friend to watch some epic roller derby (I highly recommend). She ordered the crab benedict, I went big with the pulled pork benedict. We were concerned we weren't eating enough, so we added on an order of the pretzels with beer cheese. This ended up being a fantastic choice. Washed down with beer and cider respectively, my friend and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Service was friendly, and the ambiance is one of the exposed brick variety--my favorite. If I lived near Hampden, this would probably be one of my standard haunts for a gluttonous brunch.
(4)Rose D.
Service was great, everyone was friendly and all of our food and drinks were wonderful. It's a little small, so I wouldn't go with a large party, but it was perfect for a party of 4. Drinks were very good. We had a Dr. Jerry, rum and coke, Cosmo and wine. All were made well. For apps, we tried the pretzels with cheese fondue and buffalo pickles. Cheese was amazing and so were the chips. Our server even offered us bread for the extra dip that was left. The short rib was tender and mashed potatoes were delicious. The Baltimore Club was huge and very, very good, as was the steak. We even tried the bread pudding and blondie for dessert. Not a note left. We will be back!
(5)Arielle D.
I was super excited to eat at this place, because it was on the top 50 Baltimore restaurants list. The drinks were good but the food was horrible. It was the worst chicken and biscuits I've had in my life and the portions are bite sized for toddlers.The chicken and biscuits is a popular menu item, which says a lot about the clientele that praises mediocrity.
(2)Paula L.
Restaurant week success! Ill just get the one negative thing out of the way - if you're looking to have a private conversation, this is not the place! Tables are VERY close together. That being said, food and drinks are worth the lack of privacy! Our sever was amazingly attentive. We got everything quickly and were always able to get his attention for another drink! Speaking of which, the Earl Collins is superb! I don't even like gin and that drink was delicious! The Oh B Grant deserves a shout out too. As a bourbon-lover, I thought the muddled peaches made it very summery. The fried oysters and Maryland crab soup were both good appetizers. The oysters come with a mustard butter sauce which is worth mentioning and the crab soup is very typical with a peppery kick. We ordered the rockfish and shrimp and grits entrées. Both delicious! I loved the balance of the rockfish entree - the richness of the mustard butter for the potatoes, the savoriness of the fish and the crisp tomato slice to balance it out. My friend is from Mississippi and was very hesitant to try grits from so far North but they earned his stamp of approval - enough said! For dessert, we had the peach crumble and the heath bar bread pudding. Don't expect actual bread pudding, this is a lot less dense, but the sauce that accompanies was very tasty! The peach crumble took us by surprise - the "neat cognac" is very literal! Overall both were very good though. We had a fun time, enjoyed our food and have no complaints!
(5)Ryan S.
Maybe this is a gimme but everything we had was impressive. We went on a whim and weren't disappointed. They have a great overall drink selection, which includes some great beers of tap. Instead of ordering entrees we decided to order an appetizer and a few small plates. You have to get the pretzels with the cheese fondue. It will make you second guess why you have ever eaten a pretzel at a ball game/sporting event. We then ordered 3 apps; tuna, shrimp, and mussels. The tuna was cooked and seasoned perfectly with a delicious dill cream. The shrimp was swimming in a peppered cream sauce. Best of all were the mussels. The mussels were plentiful and sitting a broth that was worthy of a straw. To close we ordered the Heath bar bread pudding, which was so moist and lighter then any other bread pudding I've had. If I were rich I would eat there every day.
(5)Kimberly D.
The waiter was fabulous, charming and nice and the drinks large and good. As for food, how can you screw up a bison burger and fries? The burger, ordered medium, was served cool and raw. The fries were hot, they have a timing issue in the kitchen, they let the burgers sit while they made more fries apparently. We also had a pretzel with yummy cheese. The place is pretty inside. To me, having eaten there twice already, imo there is no there there.
(3)Riley K.
Tasty food. Quick, good service (at bar). Funky drink of the night, cold beer and good wine. Enjoyed: street tacos braised pork, onion salad, whipped avocado, good salsa | 10 griDDleD lamb porterhoUses espresso, pecan, apricots, limoncello | 14 salt & pepper tUna avocado tzatziki, marinated cucumber | 13 And some blonde brownie with ice cream awesomeness. Will be back. See photos.
(5)Sean C.
Had the Coque Madame for brunch. Fantastic Bloody Mary. Tasteful decor, attentive staff. Thumbs up!
(4)A J.
I had such high hopes. Friendly service and great ambiance (although be prepared to share a tight space with another couple; not the best choice if you're looking for something very intimate). The crusty bread and olive oil is.... ok. It would be better served warm instead of stone cold. The fried oysters and corn salad starter was to die for. Flavors were fresh and well-balanced; I hate fried oysters and I could've had ten plates. Delicious. Ian's Tomatoes was a great starter as well, nice and bright. I was looking forward to some craft cocktails but was put off by my first. Bourbon with peach puree and cranberry; the peach puree was more like a stringy mass of slime and the cranberry was nowhere to be found. Too much ice watered it down quickly. Entrees: my boyfriend enjoyed his boar ribs, but his "fries" were essentially tiny, over-cooked chips. I was sure my fried chicken would redeem the horrible cocktail experience, but it was, truly, the worst fried chicken I've ever had. Ever. I didn't even know fried chicken could taste bad. There was a TON of half-chewy, half-so-hard-it-hurt-my-teeth breading. Weird taste and horrible texture. No seasoning or flavor to speak of. :/ The blue cheese mashed potatoes, I thought for sure, would be pleasant. Nope. Just flat, saltless potatoes with an overwhelming single note of very blue cheese. No creaminess, no fluff, no butteryness. :/ Deserts were ok. The cognac ice cream was the star of the peach cobbler (the peaches needed just a touch of sugar and I prefer a crispier crisp, but hey) and Yia Yia's Smith Island Cake was a nice ending. Overall not the absolute worst, but the entrees really disappointed.
(2)Sam B.
Don't order the cheesecake! Overall the meal and service was great! So why on earth would you spoil it with a very disappointing cheesecake!! Can someone answer this question? For $8 I expect a nice big piece of cheesecake, but all I got was a "drizzle" of cheesecake cream. Come'on Food Market, get it together! Take it OFF the menu or put a nice BIG slab of cheesecake on my plate! Like I said, great food overall but beware of the less and adequate cheesecake.
(4)Kara F.
I'd been really looking forward to trying out the restaurant I'd heard so much about. I loved the industrial feel of the decor and the service was great. I found the food very overpriced though. I ordered a medium bison steak and it was almost cooked all the way and the small plates were REALLY small. It was definitely not the experience I was hoping for. At some point I might check out their brunch, but I most likely will not be back for dinner.
(3)Norman F.
This review is for brunch. We made a reservation for a late brunch (1:30pm) on a Saturday and it was packed. That was a good sign. It's a bit noisy in, but the food was very good. We got the french toast dipper appetizer, which was very good. I got the smokey bowl, which didn't overfill me and was done perfectly. Service was very good and everyone was pleasant. Parking was a pain, but they have free valet for dinner.
(5)Ashley D.
Okay the food is pretty amazing. Was here on Sunday and I am still thinking about my Monte Cristo sandwich. HOWEVER SERVICE NEEDS TO DO BETTER.... took 10 minutes for the bartender to acknowledge us then was only giving us water one at a time??? Afterwards took another 15 to put our orders in. By then a table had cleared and we were able to get a table.
(4)Ryan Z.
After an unplanned evening in quirky Hampden, I'm so glad that I strolled into The Food Market. Without a reservation, I was seated at a communal table, but that ended up being great because people in Baltimore are pretty friendly, and I ended up striking up some great conversations. The regular tables are very close to one another, so I might end up requesting the communal table next time; I'd rather be encouraged to chat with my seatmates than awkwardly eavesdrop. Overall I was pretty impressed. The scallops were perfectly cooked, but the butternut squash risotto needed a tad more cream. My friends' ahi tuna was also perfectly raw-seared, and the wasabi-crusted peas added a nice crunch. The pricey raw oysters had a nice brine but were on the smaller size. Dessert was interesting. I had the lemon curd, and it was served as a schmear on a rectangular plate with some ice cream in the center. I just felt like it was missing something to offset the tartness of the lemon, like a little cake. But overall I was impressed by the menu which showed a lot of creativity and interesting combinations, so I would definitely come back. Service was great, and the gracious hostess set the right tone from the moment I entered the restaurant (it's amazing how a hostess can make or break a first impression).
(4)Haneen H.
food tasted really good. Our waiter was very friendly and easy to talk to. We will be coming back for sure!
(5)Megan C.
Love The Food Market for a laid back weekend brunch. Their Nutella French Toast is AMAZING! The vibe and decor of the restaurant really make the experience enjoyable!
(4)Jerry C.
Let's just say I'm disappointed to hear their first experience the wife and two of her best friends had with The Food Market today. We were at Honfest enjoying the festivities and the girls went to the Food Market Food Truck and ordered 3 watermelon slushes at $7 each and after taking a sip they realized there was no alcohol in the drinks. So they asked the server, where's the alcohol? They pointed them to the restaurant and said they can get a shot for their drinks inside. So they went over and headed to the bar and told the bartender the truck said we can get shots here so the the bartender poured 3 shots for each of their drinks. The girls were all happy and drinking away and the bartender slide the bill over and it came to a whopping $27.00. Yes yelpers $27.00. In sticker shock they paid the bill and saw the same drink (including alcohol) displayed in the restaurant menu for $10.00. Yes yelpers $10.00. Per drink it came up to $16.00. So they began to leave the restaurant and in a snippy tone the bartender said you can't leave since I poured and the hostess snippily as well confirmed too. Now, let's put it perspective folks, we are at Honfest and liquor is everywhere around us! And charging $9 a shot, after your food truck sent them to you was wrong and bad customer service by your establishment. Food Market was on our bucket list of restaurants to dine but after this initial experience--it is a forgotten name other then a memory of snippy workers who must of been thinking today FML it's patrons of Honfest.
(1)Jenny A.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore! I took relatives visiting here for brunch because I've always wanted to try it and I'm so glad we did. I'm a big fan of mimosas, so I had to try theirs for brunch. Finally a hefty mimosa that isn't served in a tiny champagne glass! It was a great drink with a beautiful sugary rim and strawberry garnish. My uncle had the bloody mary (also delicious) with an old bay salted rim. That day the dishes we tried were: - Salt & pepper tuna - turkey sausage tacos - fried chicken & biscuits - lil heathbar pancakes The salt and pepper tuna was just the perfect tasting of fresh textures and flavors from the thinly sliced seared tuna and the cucumbers. The turkey sausage tacos were not as dry as I thought they would be and we a nice portion of 3 tacos. Fluffy scrambled eggs but all in all could have a little more seasoning or spice? Not as memorable as the tuna! The fried chicken and biscuits were plated so creatively and I appreciated the humble take on chicken and biscuits. Usually this type of dish is so hard to finish because it's a huge portion and super fried/oily but these portion were fun stacked bites that could fit in your palm! Perfectly cooked chicken over a poached egg that popped gooey yolk goodness over a tasty fresh baked biscuit. The lil heathbar pancakes were really not-your-average pancake! Great for little kids to let them eat candy in moderation and in a slightly healthier way. The atmosphere of the food market just made me smile once I walked through the door. the dining area is so open and clean, with lots of natural light and breathing room. I love that you can see the kitchen from your seats too. The whole interior felt like you were away on vacation but enjoying a comfy meal at home at the same time. tldr; - amazingggg mimosas (+ you get so much more than a tiny champagne glass) - they have a nice full clean bar - get the salt & pepper tuna! - try the fried chicken and biscuits - super comforting and open atmosphere with lots of breathing room I can't wait to try dinner here next!
(5)Jonathan P.
The food was fantastic. The ambiance was cool / trendy. Our waitress was super nice and helpful when we had questions about the menu. The bread that is given while you wait for your meal is probably the best bread I've ever had. I had the bison burger which was good and the fries that came with it were excellent. I highly recommend this place and we will definitely be back!
(5)Christine K.
We were there for drinks, so can't say much about the food, but that the warm lobster roll really is warm and veryyyy mayo-y, but that's what makes it so good. Also, I never eat fries, but they make the crinkly ones on point. not too crispy, not too oily. i think they're baked. For dessert, try the bread pudding - it's more like a Heath bar cakey consistency, and one of the the yummiest, most effortlessly creative desserts I've had Everything on the menu sounds delicious. They're super unpretentious and describes the food as it is. "Boring caesar salad" and "unchopped salad" so you're not looking like a foo when that awkwardly hard to eat salad comes your way. The wine selection is not the greatest quality, but appropriate for the price. Didn't try the cocktails, but I hear they're pretty good. I love sitting at the bar, even for meals, and their bar is very "meal-friendly" and has purse hooks. YAY.
(4)Lindsay S.
Ugh, the food market. How I love thee. So good. Honestly, I think their brunch is the best. I love any and all things breakfast food related so maybe that's me, but I've been for brunch and dinner and I much prefer their brunch. No matter what time of the day you eat there, you NEED to eat the pretzels and bier cheese. In the wise words of Guy Fieri, that bier cheese is "so good I could eat it off a flip flop." (Really though...only half kidding here). They have amazing Bloody Mary's. I've never been disappointed. My parents came to visit not that long ago and I took them here and my mom told me that my dad couldn't stop talking about brunch at the food market once they got home (aw parents can be so cute). I love it there. I will be back many more times!
(5)Tina G.
I would have to agree with another reviewer on her comment of "If I could give this 6 stars I would." I only visited the bar last night, but I was not disappointed. It was the first time I have visited and the first time for my date as well. It was a night full of firsts! The staff was very friendly, attentive, and helpful. I don't think anything could have gone any better. My date only had a couple beers, but I had their 'Lil' Lemon Gable' cocktail which was very tasty and I was also able to try a 'Black Eyed Susan'- after over hearing the bar tenders talk about them, I had to ask what they were. They whipped me one up right away and I can't wait to order one next time I go back. Great location for a first, third, tenth, or fiftieth date. I highly recommend their bar and look forward to visiting again and trying something off their menu.
(5)Ryan S.
Inventive brunch! I had the Pork Belly Benedict and devoured the entire thing. The place was packed, but cozy. Though, I do wish they had a larger space. I will definitely be back for dinner.
(4)Daniel C.
I have never had a drunk bartender call me an asshole but I guess there's a first for everything. The food is great, the guy bartenders are fucking awesome but the female bartenders hate men. Please let me say again, the male bartenders are awesome. The food is awesome. I'm sorry your boyfriend dumped you, again, and your daddy didn't hug you enough.
(1)Cj J.
I have to admit that all the food that EVENTUALLY came out was amazing! However, we waited so long for a waiter to first see us and even order that our one friend had to take hers to go. We had to ask the bus boy who was cleaning off the seats next to us to see where our waiter was.
(4)Haben T.
Very, very good. If you're in D.C. and you want breakfast..this is the go to spot.
(5)Axl R.
FOOD: Excellent. Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection. Even the popcorn was reasonably priced and tasty. The tuna app was perfectly seared. The lamb app was quite tender; my friend gave it an 8. She found her beet salad to be well marinated. I enjoyed my cauliflower side as well which was quite flavorful without being too spicy. Our drinks were also quite tasty. Even when our first drink was too strong, this was kindly rectified with a free drink. SERVICE: We sat at the bar early on a Sunday. This made our service much better since we were in direct visual contact with bartender. I have eaten there before during a "rush" time and the service was quite poorly attentive... I would have given the restaurant a 2 based on my past service experiences sitting at the tables. AMBIENCE: Lively. Good for families, couples, friends, locals, visitors... all comers. However, I much prefer going early when it is quiet. I am not a fan of crowds. RETURN: Definitely, only during off hours. RECOMMEND: Yes.
(5)Kelly H.
One of my friends and I were looking for a good brunch. We saw that The Food Market had Nutella French Toast and mimosas, and we were sold. I wound up getting the Nutella French Toast that originally had caught my eye when I surfed the menu online. They topped the bread with hazelnut panko, which cut back on the sweetness a little bit. There were a few smears of Nutella, some confectioner's sugar, and sliced strawberries, but it wasn't over the top in terms of sweetness. I really enjoyed it! My friend got the Crab Benedict, which she said was also very good. We both got mimosas, and they were probably the best mimosas I've had in Baltimore--perfectly bubbly and tangy. My only complaint was that the Market Iced Coffee was a little bit strange--it was kind of watery with a weird flavor. Other than the iced coffee, our experience at The Food Market was positive. I can't wait to go back and try some items on the dinner menu and the extensive cocktail list!
(5)Natalie K.
One of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore. Been here several times and everything is delicious! Great service and valet parking is available.
(5)Wattage L.
Ate at the chefs table. Traveling extensively for work east coast to west coast, I dine out more then most, so it takes a lot to get me jazzed about food. I have to say, this meal was as good as it could get; fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection. Ahi tuna tartar was grade A, the Sea Bass was cooked to perfection, and the coconut cream desert was the perfect finish. Well done FM!
(5)Nick J.
Went here last night for dinner after hearing good things, but was disappointed. Had the cream of crab soup and the braised short ribs. Soup was decent, but nothing to get excited about . The short ribs seemed as if they were reheated from a few days ago- good flavor, but very chewy. I was not a fan of this entree and chose to wrap it up. My father had the pork belly appetizer and the bronzini fish entree. He said he enjoyed both of his choices which is why I gave three stars instead of two.
(3)Danielle P.
Tried the Food Market for the first time for brunch today. It was packed and the ambiance was fantastic - I love how they have the kitchen open in the back! I had the iced coffee (made with a bit of cream and chocolate syrup) and i enjoyed it - no need for sugar/sweetener when you stir up the syrup! They bring out a few small slices of crumb cake (in place of bread, I guess?) and they were delicious. I ordered the turkey sausage tacos and the food came out pretty quickly. The tacos had a little bit of spice to them (I'm not a spicy food eater) but they tasted delicious regardless. Portion size was perfect - I ate everything but didn't feel too stuffed. My other half got the lobster roll and enjoyed it. I tried his French fries and they were amazing! Not too greasy or over/undercooked :) Everything on the menu looked delicious! I'll definitely be back for the Nutella French toast :)
(4)Renee B.
I was so excited to try The Food Market and wasn't disappointed. The vibe is very cool and the space is kind of loud, but not intolerable. We were a little close to the table next to us, but once I started taking pics of my food, they were so nice and offered to let me photograph theirs, as well. We were served fairly large portions and enjoyed all that we ate. I had delicious fish and a berry dessert that I loved, aside from the hard wafer. We'd be more apt to go back to The Food Market for drinks, but would definitely grab something to eat while we were there.
(4)Zoe S.
It's an amazing place. The food is phenomenal. The service is great. It's a little pricey but definitely worth it. The Amish pretzels are to die for.
(5)Josh G.
The Food Market has a nice atmosphere and a varied menu, not too many things that are especially adventurous, but what they do, they do well, and with a strong emphasis on presentation. The service is great, with attentive and friendly staff too. Some of the portion sizes could be a bit better, but it was alright and the prices are generally competitive. The drinks are good too, I happen to like the Lil' Lemon Gable. The tables are a bit close and it can get a bit crowded so I'd advise a reservation and perhaps a seat within general of the service counter but not next to it so you can take in everything. Overall, good food and drink and worth visiting.
(4)Tiff J.
I went for brunch with a couple of friends. The food was excellent. The brunch items were so unique and different. And the portions were a great size !
(4)Roni G.
Thank you YELP. I made reservations based on others reviews and scored a win! The atmosphere was lively, the service was prompt and friendly, and the food was delicious. The menu choices were creative and not overwhelming and when my friend requested an item off the menu the waiter didn't bat an eye and accommodated her. I can't wait to share this great find with others.
(5)Ted S.
Actually, a 3.5 rating. Wish Yelp would let us choose 1/2 stars... I went recently on a nice weeknight at 7:30pm. Was dining alone and spur-of-moment with no reservation. Hostess was pleasant and helpful - told me I could sit at the bar right away or wait about 45 minutes for a table.I preferred a table but did not want to wait, so chose the bar. When I sat I noticed four 2-tops that were unoccupied. I assumed they were being held for 8pm reservations and thought nothing of it. I have to admit it did irk me a bit when all four tables stayed empty the entire two hours I sat at the bar. Having said that, the bar was quite comfortable, had plenty of room and the bartender seemed well-versed on menu options. He clearly had tried most items on the menu and was helpful as I chose my meal. The menu was a bit too "cutesy" for me (the chef's name is Gauss and the gazpacho is called "Gausspacho - classic gazpacho with a really cool name"), but the options looked interesting. I decided to forgo the "big" entrees and stick with the "little" and "small" plates (though I couldn't discern what criteria were used to place an item in one category or the other). The kitchen's greatest strength seemed to be its sauces. Each was the best part of every item I ordered. Pork belly has probably outlived its fad status, but I'm still a big fan. This one was perfect. Beautifully roasted, then coated with brown sugar and pan-fried until crisp. Simply served with some field greens, cherry tomatoes, chopped pecan and a touch of really good honey mustard dressing. On the bartender's recommendation I then ordered the grilled shrimp. The 4 good-sized shrimp were in a bit of spicy sauce (soy, wasabi, red pepper flakes) with "pineapple two ways" (grilled fresh pineapple chunks and some pineapple foam. I do wish that foam's 15 minutes of fame was over...). This was my favorite dish of the night, but might not be to everyone's taste. The primary flavor was "char", but I thought it worked well with both the shrimp and the pineapple. The small amount of marinade was worthy of plate-licking, with complex flavors and just the right amount of kick. My only complaint was that the shrimp were not cooked consistently. Two were perfect, two a bit overcooked and dry. Sticking with the bartender I ordered the salt and pepper tuna. Again, pretty much perfect. One of the nicest grades of tuna I've had recently, was lightly seared and served over an avocado tzatziki with marinated cucumbers. A very nice dish - highlighted again by the sauce. The bartender has now figured out that I'm here for the food and in no rush. He tells me I have to try the fried oysters (served with a bacon and egg emulsion with black hot sauce). The emulsion was interesting, but very, very subtle and seemed lost on this dish. The black hot sauce was amazing. It was buttery and smoky and hot and flavorful. I was told that it was just a mixture of browned butter and hot sauce, Not sure if those were the only two ingredients, but it was a perfect match for the oysters. There were probably 10 oysters on the plate and they were crisp with no signs of greasiness. I was really enjoying the dish - UNTIL I bit into a dime-sized piece of oyster shell. This should never happen in any restaurant (especially a "fine dining" one). A hint of apology from the server would have been appropriate, but he said nothing when I showed him the chunk of shell. It's summer in Baltimore, so I wanted to try the caprese salad with local tomatoes. However, I couldn't justify the $12 charge for it and passed. The bartender insisted I try the fresh peach cobbler. I should have stopped short. If it's an indicator of other desserts the pastry chef is the weak link in the restaurant. The few peaches had the texture of the ones you find in a supermarket can (and less flavor). The cobbler part was just a gloppy dough mess. The scoop of vanilla ice cream had no taste and the entire mess was topped with a heavy sprinkling of way-too-sweet streusel. In all, a very good meal, but a bit too inconsistent for the pricing. Great energy from the other diners who clearly were enjoying the space and the food.
(3)Jen K.
The Food Market might be my favorite restaurant in Baltimore. I've been for both brunch and dinner, and the ambiance, food, and drink never disappoint! Items that can be made gluten-free are designated with an ". . ." on the menu, and there are a decent number of selections. I love the feel of this place...classy without being stuffy. A great restaurant to go with friends for a celebration, a date, or to take your parents when they're in town. Last visit I had the beef carpaccio and the scallops and cleaned my plate on both. Decaf coffee was a little bitter. If you like spice, get the Spanglish cocktail! Sorry this isn't a great review, but here are some other helpful tips: -Free supposedly extremely delicious munchkin donuts at brunch (*not* gluten free) -Free valet parking for Weekend dinner -Make a reservation...you'll need it!
(5)Rico S.
This going to be quick because the Food Market is not that remarkable to me. The ambiance and service are wonderful; the food, is not. At our table the following items were ordered: Baltimore club, rosette steak frettes, duck (can't remember the actual name), and sea bass. Only the person who ordered the sea bass had rave reviews of their meal. Everyone else's was extraordinarily average. I'm not sure how the Food Market ranked #2 in Baltimore Magazine's "Best Restaurants", but let the record show that I will no longer consider the magazine a reliable source.
(3)Lisa S.
It isn't often that everyone in my family likes their meal. That was definitely the case at The Food Market. I can only speak for the seafood, as we didn't order any meat, but all of our dishes were delicious! The food is interesting, but also very accessible for my not so adventurous family. This well priced restaurant offers friendly and attentive service. It's a great spot for a fun night out or for a special occasion. Tip: There's a communal table so be aware that you may be sat there, even with a reservation. The table in the back is also on top of the kitchen so I'd try to request a table closer to the front. You should also make a reservation a few weeks in advance, especially for prime time on a Friday or Saturday night.
(4)Claire Z.
LOVE the food market. I've been here for dinner, brunch and drinks. The bartender always makes good drinks and is friendly. Food is always excellent, service is great -- you can always count on a solid good meal. The only downside is the Food Market is a bit pricey compared to other places in Baltimore -- but when I have something to celebrate I usually come here! The Food Market always delivers!
(5)Ben M.
Food exceeded my expectations! This place makes my life more difficult with the volume of cars that they bring into our neighborhood. That being said, it's on my top 5 places for a nice $$ date with my wife. Many Baltimore eateries or not dependable with their quality control, but The Food Market is very consistent! I enjoy reading the menu every time.
(4)Yuriy B.
This place won me over almost immediately. It's a vast, open space with a cool bar and open kitchen. It looks way smaller than it actually is. It's impressive how far back it goes. The drink list is fairly decent with about a handful of drafts, which is on the low side, sure but they were all impressive in my mind. I had an Irish coffee which was off the menu but they did it well. The food. This place is about the food. It's not cheap. I wish I knew that going in, but boy oh BOY is it worth it.The appetizers were all splendid from the salads we got for our big group to the salt & pepper tuna which was done so very right. Everything I sampled from the other guests was downright impressive. The crab cake was great, too but we're not from Baltimore so maybe that's why. I had a lobster roll with pretty low expectations because I havent had a great lobster roll in a while. This was a GREAT lobster roll. The lobster was fresh and tender, the roll they used was deliciously soft and the butter taste was very present. I really do wish I had more menu items to fully comment on, but next time I'm in Balitmore this joint is definitely on the agenda. *Talked so much about the food I didn't mention other things. Service was downright perfect. From the friendly hosts to the very attentive waitress. They know what they're doing here.
(5)Eric N.
What an awesome addition to Hampden. This foody/eclectic spot is both kid friendly, as well as a great spot for a date. It is a spacious restaurant with casual dress. We have been here for brunch and diner. Both meals were very good. We have tried the eggs, pancakes, hamburgers, pork based dishes, and desert. They did not disappoint. It is moderately to higher priced, and the portions are fair. Highly recommended.
(4)David L.
I had heard a lot about this place from many people and I thought that is might be overhyped but it met and exceeded my expectations. The service was friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was great. The food was well portion well described and even better prepared. I went there for my 31st Birthday and we started with their buffalo pickles. Lightly breaded a Gorgonzola cheese paste along with buffalo hot sauce complimented each other perfectly. I then had the cream of crab soup. I have never seen so much jumbo lump crab meat in a soup in my entire life and I have had my fair share of soups from all across the region. We also shared the duck confit wings. This was the only thing for the price I thought was a little off. Only three wings without that much meat I thought this plate was a little light. That being said they were well prepared and the meat fell off the bone. For my main entree I had the beef short ribs. Wow so good if they are not sold out get this. It was simply perfect, flavorful, textured and juicy. My fiancé had the scallops. They were excellent as well (I had more than a bite of hers) her scallops were cooked perfectly had had a nice crust to them. It also came with butternut squash and spaghetti squash which helped fill her up as she only ate 2.5 of the 4 massive scallops. I can't wait to go back, they also have free valet parking which is helpful.
(5)Alyssa P.
Best meal so far in Baltimore. Everything was great from beginning to end. It was packed and we had to wait for a table. We decided to wait at the bar and have a drink. I had the grapefruit sangria which I thought was excellent. We were starving and had a snack at the bar. Everything sounded so delicious it was difficult to decide. We chose the steak tacos because it came with 3 mini tacos and there were 3 of us! They were excellent. A great balance of flavors. We were practically licking the sauce off the plate. In terms of our entrees, we got the chicken, the scallops and the steak frites. One was better than the next. Not only were the main entrees excellent, but the sides were amazing as well. The butternut squash risotto was so flavorful and rich and complemented the scallops nicely. THe mashed potatoes with the chicken were well seasoned as well. We were so full, we passed on dessert, but will be back very soon! The service was excellent and very attentive.
(5)Jennifer I.
Came here again w/ a slightly bigger party. Got the side of lobster mac&cheese cause it was so good from last night. The steak frites were a good choice, too. Steak was ordered medium and came out medium--perfect. The fries were nice and crispy and well-seasoned. The biggest perk was the asparagus--amazingly grilled with this smoky, slightly charred taste that was impressive. We were happier with our choice of beer today. And of course, got 2 orders of the buffalo fried pickles cause you can't go wrong with that. The brown sugar pork belly app was also good, altho a bit too fatty for our tastes. But the meat itself was very tender and the crust, delicious.
(5)Dayna M.
Came in during a snow storm. I was impressed by how busy they were despite the 8+ inches of snow accumulation outside. I had the unchopped salad, the duck entree and the heath bar bread pudding. Everything was fantastic. Definitely order the duck! It was cooked perfectly. I'm a big fan of duck and this is definitely the best I've had in a long time. Service was also friendly and fast.
(5)Jenny H.
I came here for brunch awhile ago and forgot to write a review but came recently for dinner and it was pretty good. The nuts in the beginning were freshly roasted and just sweet, yum! My steak frites were pretty ordinary. My steak was a bit tough although cooked well, and my fries tasted stale and semi-cold. My husband's pork schnitzel was also just OK, fried thin piece of pork with a side of some BBQ sauce-like shredded pork. The meatloaf (made of wild bison meat) was really moist although and really well flavored. The heath bar bread pudding just tasted like ordinary bread pudding to me, I couldn't tell how much heath was in the dessert. The ambience is really nice though, open kitchen, modern and clean.
(3)Olivia B.
Came here for restaurant week last summer. It was, of course, very busy but the service was still great! The food was delicious! The restaurant has a very modern, minimalist style. I had the mussels to start, and the salmon with calamari as an entree. For dessert I had the strawberry ice cream dish. Everything was great, but the portions were a little on the small side, but maybe because that was due to the restaurant week menu.
(4)Asheley W.
Finally got to The Food Market for brunch and it did not disappoint. I ordered the Spanglish cocktail to start and absolutely loved it. Tequila, jalapenos, Old Bay on the rim definitely gave my Sunday morning a spicy start. Their mimosas are also huge -- no dainty champagne glasses here. We shared the french toast dippers as an appetizers and enjoyed them. The tempura batter made it slightly different from what you normally have and the cream cheese dipping sauce was just sweet enough without being overwhelming. I ordered the smokey bowl at my waiter's suggestion but was pretty disappointed in it. The English muffins were not toasted enough and just kind of turned to bland mush underneath the over easy eggs. The gratin that came with it though was quite delicious. I would definitely order something else next time. My boyfriend ordered the fried chicken and biscuits and it was the clear standout dish of the day. The combination of fried chicken, runny eggs, and spicy wing sauce was awesome. And the cheesy potatoes were pretty delicious too. My only complaint is how packed it is. We opted out of sitting at the community table in the interest of being able to have a more intimate brunch but that didn't happen. Even at a private table, you're basically sitting elbow to elbow with your neighbor. I hate sitting on top of other people and that is definitely the case here. You can't help but overhear the people you're sitting next to, to the point you might even get distracted from your own conversation.
(4)Cara W.
Ive been for brunch and dinner, everything is amazing!
(5)Denise W.
Taco's are fun and I inhale them, Ryan is an excellent bartender.
(4)Stanley W.
Wow... What a find... From the expertly crafted cocktails to the crazy menu, TFM has it all... Like the fact that we could share so many different items... Mussels in champagne, crazy right? Awesome! Sea bass-great, steak frites, lobster fingers... All great food... Will Definitely come back!
(5)Olga S.
Beautiful clean design, very welcoming and aesthetically pleasing! The food is fantastic, went with a large group of people for brunch so we were able to try a lot of different things on the menu and everything was absolutely delicious. Especially loved the salt and pepper tuna, french toast dippers, crab benedict and pretty much everything on the menu!! Also, great cocktails, had some mimosas and a Robert Frost cocktail which was awesome and had lavender rosemary infused vodka! The staff was amazing, very attentive and helpful. All in all 5 stars well deserved! Great staff, atmosphere and food! Highly recommend it, I cannot wait to try the dinner!
(5)Justin K.
We came to the Food Market for restaurant week. We thought that the food selection on the menu looked quite inviting. We went on a Monday night to try to beat out any crowds. We decided to take advantage of the complimentary valet as it is a pain in the arse to park up in Hamden. We also made a reservation to help with the situation. We arrived and were greeted by the hostesses and immediately seated. We perused both the restaurant week menu and the regular menu. I have to admit, the regular menu sounded really good as well and we did end up ordering something from there and I will get to that in a minute. The wine list was ok, nothing special. I was in the mood for a good red and I went with the only cab they had on hand and it was not that great. The beer list is pretty much nonexistent with virtually no good selections. Oh well, on to the food. So we all decided to go with the restaurant week menu, however I really wanted to try the crispy lobster fingers from the regular menu so I ordered that in addition to the cream of crab soup, fried shrimp and grits and the "peanut butter thang". To start we had freshly baked focaccia bread brought to our table and it was quite delicious. I will start with the cream of crab soup. This may have been one of the best crab soups I have ever had. It was absolutely amazing. It was rich and silky with the right amount of old bay and a ton of lump crab. I was absolutely floored by how good this was. Prepare the IV drip, my vein is ready to receive!! If the rest of the food was this good, I was in for a treat. Then we received the crispy lobster fingers with the truffle honey mustard. This was quite the disappointing dish. I will admit you get a lot of lobster here, but you get no taste of lobster. It is quite unfortunate at $18 a plate. The best part about eating lobster is that buttery taste and with this you get nothing. For all I know I could have been eating fried imitation crab. Next I got the fried shrimp and grits. The grits were good and the sauce that came with had a good taste to it but again the shrimp were nothing special and were like any other fried shrimp you could get at red lobster. The desert was another dish that was ok. It was whipped peanut butter with chocolate. Not much else I can say about it. My wife had the steak frites and the steak was pretty tasty but she said the horseradish fries had no horseradish to them. Overall it was an ok meal with a couple highlights. The service was great and the food came out pretty quickly. I just think I ordered the wrong things and need to come back again to dine just off of the regular menu.
(3)Brian M.
It's obvious they take a lot of pride in their quality and presentation. The food and drinks are delicious. Most of the staff is friendly and accommodating while others don't look to be bothered. Great spot in Hampden which we'll surely visit again.
(5)Aida M.
I fully enjoyed my dining experience at this restaurant. The decor was modern with a wall of exposed brick. The staff were pleasant, accommodating, and knowledgeable of the menu. I ordered my first lobster roll. Bread and lobster was flavor. It was overflowing with lobster meat and it wasn't rubbery. We had the soft pretzels as an appetizer. That was melt in your mouth goodness!!!! Lastly I ordered the bread pudding. It was moist and delicious. I would have liked more sauce but I didn't ask. I really enjoyed this restaurant.
(5)Marina R.
This place is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. The Food Market is always busy, load, and full of life! You walk in there and get energized and excited to see what's on the menu today! The food is high quality, the service and phenomenally friendly and the staff know the dishes as if they have been in the menu for years! Some of my favor things here are the duck fries, the crab cakes, the Amish soft pretzel, and I can go on and on. Pretty much the entire menu is amazing. If you are planning on being in the area, make a reservation ahead of time because if you don't, they will be packed (unless if there is room at the bar, of course).
(5)Eric B.
I just got home from a wonderful first date with a lovely young lady at the Food Market. I had been there before, and thankfully round two did not didn't disappoint. We started at the bar with craft beers and my favorite High West rye whiskey. We were seated in a lively intimate dining room and couldn't help but resist immediately ordering the "Rosemary & Duckfat Hot Nuts." She ordered the special - a massive and tasty pork shank and I went with an "extra rare" porterhouse version of the steak frites. The manager/owner Elon was present and made sure ever bit of the experience was special. I would definitely repeat, and recommend to anyone trying to leave a good first impression on that special someone give the Food Market a try! 5/5!!
(5)Megan P.
This place is adorable. There is enough space for a leisurely meal We went for sunday brunch at 2pm and did not need a reservation. The food was fantastic and i love how they have turkey sausage :) yay. the food was fresh and they offer a lot of fresh juices. I spent $20 on brunch with a side and a juice.
(5)Dan F.
I've been wanting to check The Food Market out for a while now because I've heard it was very good from a lot of people. The Food Market is a very trendy and modernized restaurant. The ambiance is relaxing and almost industrial looking The food was fantastic and so was the service. Highlights from the food: Amish Soft Pretzels are great for an appetizer. The Shrimp Platter which is shrimp, grits, and sausage in a Cajun cream sauce was very good. Large pieces of shrimp. Cream Of Crab was nice and rich with large pieces of Jumbo Lump crab in it. For dessert: must try is the Heath Bar Bread Pudding! It's fantastic! A bit pricey, so not the place you can go all if the time. However, I'll definitely be back every once in a while to visit
(4)nikki l.
I've been here 5 times now, so I can solidly recommend this place. The food is awesooooome. The service is great! I always sit at the bar and the bartenders are so cool. PleaSe give it a try, I'd bet you won't regret it! My favorite bar/restaurant in Baltimore
(5)Samantha G.
When I first moved to Hampden, the Food Market was a very sad space. Think half-empty shelves with lonely 2-packs of toilet paper and a lotto machine. Now, it's been redone as the newest most exciting addition to the growing trendy food scene in Hampden. The interior has an industrial feel to it, but the vibe is kept warm by the large paintings accenting the painted brick wall. The bar was hoppin' even at midnight on a Tuesday night. Bonus: their late-night menu- which goes from 10-2 has all of the faves from the normal menu (try the sweet potato crinkles with rooster mayo and the Amish pretzels with fondue). I would call my meal their haute cafeteria cuisine. See my pic of the Vegan Messtray which came in a metal segmented lunch tray for proof. I can't wait to try the lobster fingers and fries. The menu choices were fresh and innovative, with plenty of options of everyone- especially considering my dining companion is a strict vegan. Our waitress was a doll and super helpful about asking the chef about ingredients. I have two complaints: they don't do carry out (huh?) and our cocktail order (which was placed as soon as we sat down) took as long as our entree to arrive at our table. Just a few kinks to be easily worked out in the near future. They've only been open for a week, after all. I hope to update my review to 5 stars with my next visit.
(4)Christina P.
The best restaurant we have found in Maryland since moving here 3 years ago. The people are wonderful, the food is excellent and unique, and for the quality, the price is reasonable. Love it!
(5)Supriya M.
After several attempts at getting a table, we finally made it to the much-hyped Food Market and it mostly lived up to the expectations. The food was all very good but nothing was extraordinary. The drinks certainly sounded better on paper than they tasted. Here is the breakdown of what we got and how it rated: Mouthwateringly amazing! Little Tuna Burger Babies Cracker Fried Oysters Veggie Delight Heathbar Bread Pudding Kind of a Key Lime Pie Just ok - like we expected Risotto crusted mozzarella Mixed Beets Grilled Lamb Porterhouses Spicy, Creamy, Garlicky shrimp Baltimore Club Amish Pretzels Edamame Colorado Rack of Lamb Burger Overall, the desserts stole the show. One major con was that is was way too loud and our table of 7 could hardly hear each other. So if you want to have a quiet dinner, not the place for you.
(4)Teresa S.
Maybe the best bite I've had in Baltimore, and that is saying something. Service was excellent, atmosphere lively and fun and the chef roamed the room, greeting his guests with a grin. These people have a passion for what they do and it SHOWS! Bravo.
(5)Claire V.
Went for brunch on a Saturday, very relaxed vibe and delicious brunch cocktails. Especially the Bloody Mary! Great variety of dishes, before we even finished our food we were saying we needed to come back to try out everything else! I had the Smokey Bowl, eggs were perfect and runny, hollandaise was on point, and it had bacon. Can't complain. Only thing to warn about is that the website says free valet parking, but they really mean free valet parking during dinner service ONLY. I didn't catch that when making my reservation for brunch, but we found street parking nearby that was convenient and cheap, so no big deal.
(4)Yu H.
Went there for brunch with my friend. The food is delicious and there are so many things we wanted to try. The waiting time will not be short so make a reservation would be better next time
(5)Savitri B.
Excellent service. Great food. I highly recommend lobster fingers and mussels if you're a seafood lover! Also the shrimp and grits were spicy and delicious!
(4)James N.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Baltimore. Everything about this place is great.
(5)Jess G.
The food was AMAZING!!! The homemade bread to start was great. There were 3 of us and we all ordered an entree and shared them all. It;s nice that the menu changes too, so you have new things to look forward to. I felt like the waitress was overly attentive to the extent that she was rushing us out of there, which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars. I will be back, a new fav spot in BMore.
(4)Elizabeth J.
I had heard so many great things about this restaurant and was so excited to finally go...and it didn't disappoint! We loved the food, service and the atmosphere was unique and very cool. It was hip and cozy all at the same time. We will definitely be going back again!
(5)Rachel M.
I love this place! The food is incredible. I always have such a hard time deciding what to get. I've been for dinner and brunch and everything has been on par. At dinner I had the seared ahi tuna and the deep fried pickles which were a really fun take on pub food. The seafood here is really good too. My friends had the crab cake with lobster mac & cheese, the scallops and risotto. At brunch I had turkey tacos which were very filling and came with lots of crispy home fries that were out of this world. A little sweet a little salty. I shamelessly scraped my plate. Crab eggs bennie, lobster fingers and lobster roll were all hits. But the best thing on the menu is the truffle fries! The icing on the cake is the free valet parking and the face and friendly service. I can't rave enough about this place.
(5)Matt R.
I had heard great things about this restaurant and took a chance with a visiting family member. Service was quick and knowledgeable for drink and food menu. Food was simply excellent, atmosphere also good,a little noisy. Someone planned the heck out of this place, from menu size, selection, drinks, beer selection, etc. That person could start planning a second restaurant and soon. I'd go again!
(4)Kevin K.
Overall: Definitely aiming to excel but achieving it only 25% of the time. Otherwise "decent" at best. Noticeable effort, so hoping The Food Market climbs. _________________________________ Ambiance: 4/5. Larger, one room with exposed kitchen at back, industrial feel with brick, brass, blue lighting, and steel table tops. Lighting so dim it's hard to take pictures. Bit cramped at benches despite open spacious feel. The coat check is placed oddly too, right at the door where you wait for reservation/table.. it gets COLD. _________________________________ Service: 3/5. Odd mix. Valet and a coat check, but server rushes initial order then takes time preparing check after we note we're in a rush. _________________________________ Drinks: 2/5. Shorter craft beer and wine lists. We tried five cocktails. None blew me away, all seemed thin, simple, and hot. 1) French Tease- best cocktail, dry martini but effervescent with light citrus, balanced and ruthless. 2) Pig on the Porch - great blended rye character though maple doesn't add much in character 3) Earl Collins -Too little sweetness or citrus, mainly gin and rosemary dryness leaving for oppressing character. or texture. Bacon seems outlier as result, though it cuts hot sweetness of drink. 4) Pimlico Playboy - bourbon heavy and plain, light mint lightness helps elevate but overall uneventful. 5) Some cidery apple-sweet drink (name forgotten), caramel-heavy, way too much sugar even though loaded with ice. _________________________________ Food: 3/5. A menu that promises newness on old takes, but it works 25% of the time, and only when it's actually a new take. Complaining about portions is reads lame, and I hate getting stuffed, but these small plates were -small--three of us knocked off seven, no sweat. Yet we didn't even finish two of the plates. Plating is interesting, all and very white, all with light greens--accentuates impression of "small meals". Add more garnish or use smaller plates, please. 1) Salt and Pepper Tuna - ultra light, pickles and tzatziki sauce add great lightness, faint pepper--wanted more--whirlwind of flavors. The most delicate tuna dish I've had in the city, and alone makes me want to return. Plating was equally gorgeous, even "wild" with sprouts draped all over. 2) Lobster fingers - mustard is an awesome touch, but a muddled dish overall. The dish is decadent, and the texture crisp and juicy, but the lobster is somewhat lost with the heavy mustard and rich batter. Plating is bland, blob of mustard undearneath fingers. 3) Amish Soft Pretzels with beer fondue - really crisp, buttery, lightly salty beer cheese, almost nacho like, needs longer finish. Incredibly dull plating, the pretzel "sticks" and cup with cheese sauce. The End. 4) Cracker Fried Oysters - a bit crisp, oily, spice adds awesome lightness, oyster flavor somewhat lost, and overall a bit heavy. Probably the second best plating, colorful and well space on an appropriately sized plate, however again with the sprout garnish. 5) Brown Sugar Pork belly - coated with brown sugar, drying it out, and lightly tough but rich. Greens and tomato add minor lightness and sweetness but also slightly masking flavor of the meat, which is minimal. Needs more on the plate--light greens and cherry tomatoes do not hide the vast emptiness, and so the meal looks very small. 6) Buffalo Fried Pickles - great cheese sauce, not much buffalo, fried pickles otherwise, though light on oily factor, cheese adds levity. Plate garnished AGAIN with light sprouts, then mixture of orange and white sauce all over plate, kind of sickly looking. 7) Lil' Lamb Porterhouse - lightly chewy, dry, charred, balanced by light sweet limoncello dressing, bit too charred in finish but decent balance. One bite old, leathery, and rotten tasting, way over-aged. Others complained of this throughout the dish. Dull plating with only a few mandarins on the side.
(3)Colleen A.
Visited for the first time last night and had a good experience. I made reservation on Open Table and mentioned it was our anniversary, so when we were seated, they presented us with a nice card for the occasion. Thought that was a really nice touch to start the evening. Table next to us was celebrating a birthday and it looked like they had a card to. Open concept kitchen all the way in the back, so every once in a while you could see huge flames from where you were sitting. Neat if you like that sort of thing. First things first -- the place is a decent size (much bigger than I would have thought for a place on the Avenue in Hampden). But, it's very industrial, modern and open inside. Because of that, it's extremely loud. We went on a Saturday night and it was busling, but still. I wasn't quite prepared for how loud it would be. If you don't like loud restaurants and/or want somewhere quiet for a meal, this is not the place for you! Considering how busy it was, the service was really good and our server was very nice and helpful. The menu has a great variety (apps, small plates, large plates) and a decent selection of desserts. Wine list isn't bad and they have some cool cocktails too. Food and presentation was creative. Tables are a little close together, which can be good or bad. I knew that going in, but again, if you don't like that, you might be put off by it if you go here. We live very close to it, so we'll definitely go back at some point. I can see what all the hype is about, especially for being situated in Hampden, where choices have been limited for so long. It's good to see they're doing so well. After dinner, we walked down to 13.5% Wine Bar (next block down on 36th) and had a glass of wine before ending our evening. Last but not least, they have Free Valet parking. If you've ever tried to park in Hampden, you know how golden this is!
(4)Emily M.
I have eaten at the Food Market several times and I have never been disappointed. The food is impeccable- there is always something fresh on the menu and I enjoy their take on American comfort food. I typically start with the pretzels and cheese- although this seems like a pedantic dish to have on a high-end menu- they infuse beer into the cheese and serve it with homemade Amish pretzels straight from the oven. Their tuna appetizer is also phenomenal and everything from the brown sugar pork belly to the risotto crusted mozzarella is phenomenal. The dinner entrees are also wonderful- the portions are generous compared to similar restaurants that tend to serve small amounts of food on a large plate. Similar to the other restaurants in the area, their menu changes frequently but the quality stays consistent. The handcrafted cocktails are also very good. I tend to scoff at paying $13 for a martini, but 2 drinks at The Food Market are enough to make even the most seasoned drinker a little tipsy. I am also a huge fan of the industrial-modern motif of the restaurant- the restaurant does not need a lot of tchotchke on the wall or ornate fixtures around the restaurant. The minimalist style leaves the patron to focus on the most important aspect of the restaurant- the food. This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Hampden and every time I have visitors from out of town I take them to The Food Market. I know the food will be good, the price is somewhat reasonable (especially for brunch- I suggest the chicken and biscuits) and the service is always congenial.
(5)Jackie H.
I have been hearing great things about The Food Market and finally had a chance to go and experience it for myself. We went on a Friday night we had a total of 5 people for dinner and drinks. It was busy at 7 pm but not ridiculous. We were seated (with reservations) in about ten minutes. So we got drinks at the bar and I got the Stumbling Palmer it was good but in need of a little more sweetness. Once we were seated we all ordered different appetizers. We got The Amish pretzels, Brown sugar pork belly, Grilled lamp porterhouses, and Spicy, creamy, garlicky, Herby, cheesy, winey, Shrimp. We all loved the apps we got. The Shrimp was cooked well and with all those lovely additions made for a clean appetizer plate. Our entrees were Jumbo Scallops, Porterhouse steak, Rainbow trout, Braised duck, & Sea bass. The portions were slightly smaller than expected on the seafood. The steak and duck were huge! But everyone loved their meal and left just full enough. All in all a great experience and I will return maybe for brunch to see how that is. So I would definitely recommend stopping in and trying The Food Market.
(4)Jeffrey K.
Ouch! In a town where gastropubs and diners are in the DNA and sandwiches are usually excellent, this kitchen served me a $13 croque madame that featured a sliver of tasteless ham, an alleged brie sauce that tasted like the nearest brie was in the cooler over at Eddie's, and a scanty ration of meh! diced potatoes. The bread was neither grilled nor toasted, but it did have a four-leaf clover or somesuch on top, which I assume justifies the price. This was an embarrassingly poor selection and it's enough to insure I won't be back; Hampden itself is swimming in better eats and that's not even counting Parts & Labor and Woodberry Kitchen. TFM is clearly about style and branding and image, not substance. Every menu item has a series of extra and confusing ingredients, condiments, and twee touches. The basics aren't under control, either. When we arrived this morning around noon and were told we could sit at the communal table (we normally don't mind, the conversation can be fun, or at least in New York it is), the hostess conducted a long and needless lesson explaining what such a table is; folks, we aren't rookies, we know. But then again, we did see at least six vacant two-tops, so who knows what was going on. I can't read this joint, I really can't. We saw it the night before when we walked over to the 13.5% Wine Bar from Grano Pasta Bar and said, this looks interesting. Well, Baltimore, the looks are deceiving. I invite the owner(s) to stake out the Sip & Bite or Miss Shirley's to see how to run a high-volume casual restaurant and Shoo Fly how to do brunch. I would prefer to award TFM one star but my wife said her French toast was tasty, though from where I sat it looked more like art than food, And maybe they do a better job with cocktails and late-night bites. At this hour, though, indifferent service added to my dismay and so did a glass of the thinnest iced tea you could ever imagine, also barely cold because it was replete with all of two ice cubes. How about some good old sweet tea? Or maybe a can of Snapple, even? P.S.: Although I barely had what amounted to a snack, I didn't want a "dessert option," Instead I walked across 36th St. to Royal Farms for three wings and coffee. And, no, I'm not a glutton or some philistine AYCE sort. I have never been to Fogo de Chao. I merely climbed the hill up to Hampden from downtown on my bike and wanted something more satisfying.
(2)S T.
We have been back several times since my first review and I'm glad to say that things have definitely improved (grant it going from 4 to 5 stars isn't a huge jump). The service and food have been spot on every time we've been back. We even brought some out of town friends. Food market is definitely not a cheap establishment but I think the quality of food commands the prices they charge. Everything we had was tasty from the pork belly to the rib eye steak. We've even made reservations for upcoming restaurant week (2/2014).
(5)Sam V.
Came here for brunch. Table ordered salmon benedict, breakfast burrito and turkey sausage and egg tacos. Not impressed. Portions were tiny. Even if they are trying to be healthy, you are left starving.
(2)Rebecca L.
It's a tad loud, but the food is great. The small plate with the cheese is to die for... and ending the meal with the toffee bread pudding is out of this world!
(5)ChaCha C.
The Food Market in Hampden was a real letdown. At 10:30 on a Friday night, the restaurant was more than 50% empty, yet we were sat in the least desirable 2 top in the room. The service, while nice & appearing helpful, was awfully haphazard. I say the service "appeared to be helpful" because the server told us to order "tapas style as many items as possible," then pointed to a section of the menu and said "they are sized as appetizers for one or two." We determined this must have been a ploy to run up the total bill because we ordered two items from that section & were presented with two bigger than average sized dinner plates of food. The sheer volume of food was very unappetizing, though the food was passable. The fried calamari was very fresh tasting and lightly fried. The potato skins with duck confit, brie, and cherries ended up being much more potato than just skin. The amount of starch resulted in the overall taste of the dish to be "bland." The brie, while tasty, seemed to be the wrong choice for the same reason. We also had the buffalo pickles, which were fried pickles prepared as buffalo wings. These were very good, but I would never recommend this dish..... The cocktail I ordered was an $11 martini style drink that tasted like watered down lemon juice. Our entree was lamb chops with more potatoes and carrots. It was all cooked very nicely. My companion found the lamb too heavily spiced; I thought it was very peppery, but I liked it. We both found the chops hard to eat because the knife had a 3/4 inch rounded end & could not maneuver the bones. This meal came with a check totaling $83 and feeling like another failure in the long line of Baltimore restaurants trying to sell upscale moderate food & coming off feeling like a rip off. I am also confused by the compliments on the decor of this place...
(2)Edward S.
Went for brunch with the wife, and a most excellent brunch it was. I had the shrimp and grits, and it was awesome. Just remember to ask for a spoon when you order it, your gonna want to get very last drop. My wife got the turkey sausage tacos. They were so good, she wouldn't let me have a taste. We will be taking every one we know here. Now go eat!
(5)Michelle P.
So we decided to go to Food Market March 2013 ( this review is very late )for the first time in celebration of Temple university and LaSalle university making the March Madness....yes, I know. We sound like two crazy alums! We were more excited when we saw they served Philly beers, it was like they knew I was coming!! ;-) We sat at the community table which gives off bad vibes by the name...."Community Table" but it was awesome! We met people and talked about the food with them. I'm a social butterfly, so the more the merrier! -Risotto Crusted mozzarella tomato sauce This was delicious....a must have every visit! -Baltimore Club crab cake, shrimp salad, lettuce, tomato, bacon, My boyfriend ate this and it was great. I'm not a huge fan of the "Maryland" staple of shrimp n crab sammy. I didn't grow up here, so I would have skipped this one. -Duck in a cherry sauce with Brussels and cauliflower mash This was my fabulous meal. Also, it was another DEAR LORDDDD moment for me. Get this meal if they still offer it. Last time I checked, it wasn't available. :-(
(5)Dan L.
Really great experience here. Was seated immediately on a Friday night at the community table. The focaccia bread was awesome, the Reuben toast was basic but tasty, and the shrimp dinner was phenomenal. I would recommend visiting here.
(5)Niran A.
Exciting restaurants are no longer hard to come by in Baltimore. The Food Market located on the busy 36th Street in Hampden is a glimmering example of the gastronomical revolution happening in Baltimore. The space is a bit small and the dining tables are intimately close to each other; however, it doesn't take away from the chic modern ambiance. The dark wood tables with aluminum chairs really pop against the exposed white brick walls. Large round overhead lamps run down the middle of the restaurant and draw attention to the open kitchen at the back of the restaurant - it's where all the magic happens. On most nights you will most likely have to wait even if you have a reservation. No worries, just choose from one of the many exotic cocktails available at the bar. The cocktails are a bit pricey, but always feature top-shelf liquor. My personal favorite is The Pimlico Playboy, a bourbon drink with fresh mint, soda and a splash of sweet. The Pig on the porch is also very nice, featuring premium rye with maple liqueur garnished with a bacon swizzle stick. The wine is really nice as well, featuring one of my favorite white wines - Fire Road Sauvignon Blanc. This crisp white wine is ideal with almost any dish that isn't steak or beef in general. The gooseberry and grapefruit accents are perfect once the weather heats up. It's difficult to pinpoint the overall menu concept, but the dishes are simple in nature with proper execution and some modern twists. The grilled coffee rubbed lamb porterhouses with limoncello sauce are just one example. The little bite size lamb has a warm rub on them, which then creates a wonderful crust from the grill. The robust lamb flavor lends itself perfect with the rub and the mildly sweet sauce. I will say that the lamb porterhouses are one of the best items on the menu, definitely a must try! There is also some Israeli/Mediterranean influence, such as the Salt and Pepper Tuna with Avocado Tsatziki sauce. The tuna is seared and then lightly dressed with salt, pepper, and quality olive oil. The light avocado infused yogurt sauce gives it a nice rich flavor without muddling the fresh tuna. Other popular appetizers include the doughy Amish style pretzels with beer cheese sauce, as well as the sumptuous pan roasted mussels with leeks, bacon and champagne cream. Truthfully, delicious tapas style meals can be created from just the appetizers on the menu alone. The main courses are equally delicious though, so make sure you save some room. Portions for the most part are relatively generous with most dishes being quite rich. My favorite entrée is the seared diver scallops with butternut squash risotto and sautéed spinach. The large scallops have a perfect seared crust with remnants of the butter they were cooked in. The risotto is nicely al dente, while the sweetness of the squash accentuates the scallops. Other notable selections include the steak and frites, as well as the griddled duck breast. The steak that particular night seemed to be a sirloin, served fanned out medium rare with their classic "W 36 St Steak Sauce". The frites are topped with parmesan garlic and parsley, which were addicting. The duck breast was classically cooked by rendering out the fat - making the skin side crispy. The duck is served with a cherry cider reduction, crispy roasted brussel sprouts and creamy parsnip puree. Getting each component on the plate in a single bit was a perfect trio of deliciousness. After dining at The Food Market several times, I can confidently say that this restaurant is a welcome addition to the ever-growing Baltimore dining scene. The menu is both exciting and creative, with options for everyone. Prices are definitely reasonable with appetizer ranging from $7-14 and entrees no higher than $30 with several options under $20. The restaurant is both the perfect place to unwind after a long workweek with friends or a nice place to have a romantic evening with someone. Regardless the occasion, I would highly recommend the Food Market to any diner looking for good food and drink in a comforting Baltimore setting.
(5)Khris U.
A brunch favorite by Baltimore locals. Much better than the overly hyped Miss Shirleys. Pulled pork Benedict and Smokey Bowl are the go-to entrees. Wait staff was very friendly and helpful.
(5)Vickie K.
We went for restaurant week, The food had good portions however the service was extremely slow. The whole dinner was 3 hours, starting with us an hour to get the bread basket to start. In the group was an elderly grandmother and a pregnant mother! The good was good, but with this service, we won't be willing to make the extra drive.
(2)Tunaidi A.
I've been wanting to come here for dinner for some time now, but never had the chance. Instead, I randomly decided to go to the Food Market for brunch one Saturday. I was not disappointed. Rather, this experience made me want to grab dinner here even more. Decor is nice. It's got that great rustic, Brooklyn feel that many places in Hampden now exude. I had to opportunity to try the Croque Madame and the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Both were fantastic. Relative to the quality of the food and ingredients, I'd say that prices at the Food Market are really quite reasonable. Service was pleasant and attentive and the place was surprisingly not too busy. Again, must try dinner next time...
(4)Victoria K.
I went to the food market today for brunch after seeing it on several "best in baltimore' lists and unfortunately underwhelming doesn't even begin to describe it. I ordered a chicken sandwhich and my friend ordered a burger, which the waiter recommended. Both of our sandwiches were extremely dry and overcooked. We even noticed another customer struggling to cut through the chicken on his salad. I'm not sure if today was just a rough day in the kitchen but the food was both unappealing and unremarkable. After waiting for 40 minutes we were both starving and excited. When we were finally seated we waited another 30 minutes for the food. If we weren't so hungry we both would have sent our meals back. Pros: everyone working was friendly and it was a nice area. The music wasn't bad either. If you want a nice background for an instagram picture this might be a great place for you. Hopefully this was a uniquely poor experience but I know that I'm not interested in trying it again.
(2)Mark N.
Very vibrant place. I love the energy. I went during restaurant week. The rockfish and bread pudding were awesome. The fried oysters a bit bland. My dining partner and I tried the fried pickles off the main menu which were superb. The pretzel fondue didn't excite me. I'd recommend that the food runner introduce the plates as he brings them out. I'll definitely return to order off the regular menu. Or possibly brunch or just drinks at the bar. A fun atmosphere.
(4)Larissa J.
Super trendy and worth it! They have locally sourced foods that are fun and delicious. Hung over? Try their jalapeno infused Bloody Mary - yum!!! I like to share foods so I can try more things on the menu and that is my suggestion for you when you go there - there are just too many good things oh and did I mention they have breakfast shots???
(4)Dominique F.
Expensive? Yes maybe (Thank God I didn't pay for my meal here) But otherwise: -Free valet -Great cocktails -Friendly staff -DELICIOUS food I wasn't too impressed with the creme brulee though, so go for the bread pudding dessert instead. Would definitely be back!
(4)Timothy C.
I made it a special point to write and give a note to the owner, complimenting the chefs. What a splendid meal--and an unexpectedly pleasant experience for a visitor to Baltimore. Among other things, we had the amish pretzels, short ribs, scallops, and mussels. I've not been to many restaurants that can skillfully sear scallops, but they did it well. The ribs were well-seasoned. My girlfriend loved the mussels. They're served with a wonderful cream sauce (don't remember the sauce base). I don't remember what we got for dessert...but whatever it was, it was really good.
(5)