Baltimore comfort food

High 5: Baltimore bakeries

There's a certain comfort in never leaving the sofa. We know it well. If you do have to leave the sofa, though, staying in the neighborhood is the next best option. Walk down the block, say "Hi" to a familiar face and leave your local bakery with a fresh Danish pastry, a warm loaf of bread or a dozen donuts. If one of these bakeries isn't in your neighborhood, well, that's just too bad.

High 5: Baltimore comfort food

There's no point in fighting it, the food mentioned here will warm even the crankiest Baltimorean's heart. From the coveted crab dip to fried chicken with waffles, the sweet and savory combinations will work wonders on your mood.

Discover Birches' baked potato club

Nothing's more satisfying than tucking in to a hot and cheesy baked potato slathered in sour cream. But what sets this club apart is toppings. Dress your one pound spud any way you please with as many as eight toppings from more than 40 choices. Give your potato a break from typical fixins with a few unusual topping additions like grilled shrimp or pepperoni. Read on to see how we like our bakers.

Potato Night: The sequel

Checkin' in on Birches' carb-ivores

Sampling Soup's On

Wrap your cold hands around a steaming bowl of soup. With so many choices to warm your belly, it's going to be hard to commit to just one.We couldn't when we visited. You'll find a variety of soups, including vegan and vegetarian options, as well as the best French onion in the city. And don't hesitate to submit to your sweet tooth with one of the chilled dessert soups.

First look: Miss Shirley's Pratt Street

If a little TLC is what you need to start the day, treat yourself to a cozy breakfast at Miss Shirley's' new location. Go for something like the sweet corn cake eggs Benedict or cinnamon Danish waffles to get you on the right track.

Get served: Clementine

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At this place, you can't go wrong. You'll find all around comfort in the morning choices like the breakfast meat, cheese and tater casseroles or in the homemade muffins and house blended cream cheese. Later, tuck in to the award-winning mac 'n' cheese or opt for something a little more solid like Winnie’s beef and pork meatloaf over smoked gouda spuds. Omigod, did we just say smoked gouda spuds? Find out.

Munchie: Crepe expectations

Sweet or savory, there's something cozy about crepes. Far from wannabe pancakes, this thin layer of dough goes just as well wrapping tomatoes and cheese as it does slathered with Nutella. The best part is you don't have to travel across the pond to try this French delicacy. Keep reading to see where we found crepes around town.

Munchie: Hot potatoes

We know everyone doesn't like his potatoes made the same way, so we've brought together a mixed bag of the best potato dishes we've tasted in Baltimore. Whether you like 'em sliced, fried or mashed, you'll find it hard to say no to this hot side dish.

Munchie: Steady mac'n

What's not to love about stuffing your face with layers of hot, melted cheese and macaroni? Or even single, fried bites of mac 'n' cheese? Whatever your pleasure, we've brought together the best places and dishes to help you get your mac 'n' cheese on.