11 Secret Pizza Spots In Maryland That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
Beyond the well-trodden path of guidebooks lies the true heart of New Mexico’s cuisine. These are the spots where the chile is always perfectly roasted and the recipes feel like family heirlooms.
Locals guard these addresses with a fierce pride, hoping to preserve their unique magic.
Consider this a backstage pass to the most authentic and beloved culinary experiences, the hidden gems that make the state’s food scene so unforgettable.
1. Matthews Pizza: Baltimore’s Crab Pie Pioneer
Tucked away in Baltimore’s Highlandtown neighborhood, Matthews has been slinging their legendary crab pies since 1943.
The signature deep-dish crab pizza combines Old Bay seasoning with sweet backfin crab meat and gooey cheese.
Locals line up on weekends for this uniquely Maryland creation. The vintage interior hasn’t changed much over decades, adding to the authentic charm that keeps families returning generation after generation.
2. Frankly…Pizza! Kensington’s Wood-Fired Wonder
What began as a humble food truck has evolved into Kensington’s most coveted pizza destination.
Owner Frank Linn crafts each artisanal pie by hand, using locally-sourced ingredients and fermenting his dough for three days.
The small, rustic space houses a massive wood-fired oven that turns out perfectly blistered crusts with just the right chew. Smart locals know to arrive early – when they sell out of dough, they close for the day!
3. HomeSlyce: Baltimore’s Late-Night Pizza Savior
Night owls rejoice! HomeSlyce keeps the pizza flowing until 3am on weekends, making it Baltimore’s favorite post-concert munchies spot.
Their boat-shaped slices feature perfectly chewy crust that somehow maintains structural integrity even when loaded with toppings.
The Mt. Vernon location buzzes with energy as downtown revelers mix with Johns Hopkins students.
Grab the signature Chesapeake pizza topped with crab, shrimp, and Old Bay – it’s drunk food elevated to an art form.
4. Angel’s Pizza: Rockville’s Neapolitan Secret
Blink and you’ll miss this unassuming storefront nestled in a Rockville strip mall. The modest exterior hides a pizza paradise where Angel, the Naples-born owner, creates authentic Neapolitan masterpieces.
His imported Italian oven reaches 900 degrees, cooking each pizza in exactly 90 seconds.
Regular customers rave about the Margherita’s perfect balance of San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Pro tip: order the off-menu garlic knots that Angel only makes for those in the know.
5. Verde Pizza: Baltimore’s Gluten-Free Game-Changer
Canton’s Verde revolutionized Baltimore’s pizza scene by offering the first certified gluten-free Neapolitan pizzas that actually taste amazing.
Their separate prep area and dedicated oven ensure zero cross-contamination, making celiac sufferers weep with joy.
The pistachio pesto pizza topped with creamy burrata has converted even the most dedicated wheat-lovers.
The bright, airy space fills quickly on weekends with locals sipping natural wines while waiting for their perfectly charred pies.
6. Pasta Mista: The Strip Mall Sensation
Nobody expects pizza greatness from a place named Pasta Mista, which is exactly why locals keep this chain to themselves.
Each location hides in plain sight in suburban strip malls, serving massive New York-style slices that require two hands and a folding technique.
The dough ferments for 48 hours, creating that magical combination of crispy exterior and chewy interior. Families flock here for the wallet-friendly prices – under $25 for a jumbo pie that feeds a small army.
7. Paulie Gee’s Hampden: Brooklyn’s Gift to Baltimore
Housed in a former bank building in hip Hampden, Paulie Gee’s brings Brooklyn pizza cred to Charm City.
The cavernous space features exposed brick, reclaimed wood communal tables, and a roaring wood-fired oven as its centerpiece.
Adventurous pizza lovers swoon over the Stinger Bell, named for The Wire character and featuring hot honey drizzled over spicy sopressata.
Vegans aren’t forgotten either – their dairy-free options use house-made cashew ricotta that could fool even Italian grandmothers.
8. Johnny Rad’s: Skater Pizza Paradise
Skateboard decks line the walls of this Fells Point punk rock pizza joint where the vibe is as distinctive as the pies.
The thin-crust pizzas emerge from the oven with names like Trainwreck and Dime Bag, paired perfectly with local craft beers.
Skaters, artists, and tattooed locals crowd around the vintage Skee-Ball machines between slices.
Their white pie with ricotta, mozzarella, and roasted garlic converts even the most dedicated red sauce fans. Come for the pizza, stay for the pinball tournaments that rage into the night.
9. Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana: The Chef’s Passion Project
Former fine dining chef Tony Conte left the white tablecloth world behind to pursue his pizza passion in Darnestown.
His tiny 12-seat restaurant houses a custom-built dome oven that turns out just 75 pizzas nightly.
The Black Winter Truffle pizza features house-made mozzarella and foraged mushrooms that would make Italian nonnas weep.
Reservations are nearly impossible to score, but dedicated pizza pilgrims line up an hour before opening. The James Beard Foundation nominated Conte for his pizza prowess – a first for Maryland.
10. The Corner Stable: BBQ Meets Pizza Heaven
Cockeysville locals have a secret: skip the famous ribs and order the BBQ chicken pizza instead.
This roadhouse-style restaurant might be known for barbecue, but their pizza chef spent years perfecting a crust that balances crispness with chew.
The BBQ chicken pizza features their award-winning pulled chicken, red onions, and a swirl of house sauce.
Families pack the place on weekends, with parents enjoying local beers while kids attack massive pizza slices. Their cornmeal-dusted crust has spawned countless failed home recreation attempts.
11. BOP Brick Oven Pizza: Frederick’s Sourdough Sensation
Hidden on a Frederick side street, BOP’s unassuming façade conceals pizza perfection built on a 7-year-old sourdough starter.
Owner Tom infuses his dough with local beer, creating a complex, tangy base for his creative toppings.
The Korean BBQ pizza topped with bulgogi beef and kimchi has developed a cult following among Frederick foodies.
College students from Hood crowd in for the late-night slice specials, while families claim the few tables during dinner rush. Their garlic-infused olive oil is so popular they now sell bottles to go.