Penny Black Bar & Restaurant sits on the historic waterfront of Fells Point in Baltimore, offering a relaxed neighborhood vibe and standout seafood dishes. Whether you’re craving an iconic Oyster Po Boy or innovative craft cocktails with scenic views of the Thames Street harbor, Penny Black delivers an authentic Baltimore dining experience that keeps locals and travelers coming back.
Main Services
• Casual bar and full-service restaurant
• Outdoor patio with waterfront seating
• Craft cocktail program and rotating draft beers
• Family-friendly atmosphere, group seating
• Weekend brunch and happy hour specials
Menu Highlights
• Oyster Po Boy – jumbo oysters, lightly fried, tucked into a soft baguette with lettuce, tomato and garlic aioli
• Signature Crab Cakes – hand-picked lump crab meat, no fillers, lightly charred (not fried)
• Buffalo Wings – crispy, perfectly sauced wings with house-made dipping sauces
• Thick-Cut Fries – golden, A+ fries with optional remoulade or specialty mustards
• Pork Belly Special – slow-cooked pancetta served with seasonal vegetables
• Fish and Chips – flaky fish with fresh-cut fries and tartar sauce
• Vegan Pumpkin Soup – dairy-free squash soup seasoned to perfection
Pros
- Signature Oyster Po Boy with large, juicy oysters and a perfectly soft yet sturdy baguette
- Exceptional craft cocktail menu (highlights include the Bichon and Chia Old Fashioned) and a varied draft beer selection
- Charming historic building with a sunny outdoor patio overlooking the waterfront
- Pure lump crab cakes—no filler—lightly charred, with freshly made coleslaw
- Crispy buffalo wings and thick-cut fries earn top marks
- Friendly, attentive owner (Melissa) and knowledgeable staff
- Generous portions and reasonable pricing for Fells Point
Cons
- Citrus-roasted carrots can be overly firm and zesty for some tastes
- Occasional service hiccups—drinks sometimes arrive slowly and patrons may need to clear their own tables
- Men’s restroom in need of maintenance
- Limited vegan options beyond the pumpkin soup
- Evening lighting can feel too dim for some guests
Some online comments
Review 1: “The Oyster Po Boy is hands down the best seafood sandwich I’ve had in Baltimore. Big, juicy oysters and a perfectly soft but sturdy baguette—this is a must-try for any visitor.”
Review 2: “Buffalo wings were delicious and crispy, and the thick-cut fries earned an A+. My only gripe was the citrus-roasted carrots—too firm for my taste.”
Review 3: “Authentic crab cakes with pure lump crab meat—no filler—served lightly charred and paired with fresh, lightly dressed coleslaw. Simply the best Maryland crab I’ve tasted.”
Review 4: “Tried the pork belly special, fish and chips, and sausage with mash. Everything was spot-on. The cozy historic space and patio view made it a perfect evening out.”
Review 5: “Cocktail program is excellent. The Bichon is refreshing and balanced, while the Chia Old Fashioned puts a unique spin on a classic. I’ll be back just for these drinks!”
Additional Details
Price per person: $30–50 (some lunch options at $10–20)
Food rating: 5/5 Service rating: 4/5 Ambience rating: 5/5
Noise level: Low—easy to converse
Group size: Solo to groups of 8
Wait time: Typically none
Conclusion
Penny Black Bar & Restaurant delivers a memorable Baltimore dining experience with its standout seafood sandwiches, pure lump crab cakes, and inventive craft cocktails. Housed in a charming historic building with a sunny waterfront patio, it strikes the perfect balance between neighborhood comfort and traveler-friendly appeal. Minor areas for improvement—such as speeding up drink service, sprucing up the men’s restroom, and broadening vegan options—do little to detract from the overall quality. For generous portions, reasonable prices, and a warm, authentic atmosphere, Penny Black is a must-visit destination in Fells Point.