Autumn means plaid shirts, trips to the pumpkin patch, falling temperatures, and colored foliage. But the best part of fall is definitely the food. And this year, Baltimore restaurants are going above and beyond pumpkin spice. From cozy casseroles and savory sweet potatoes to pumpkin pastries and roasted apples, these seasonal specials have us wishing it was October and November all year round.
Pumpkin Spice Latte-Inspired Pastries
Dooby’s: With blueberry-almond breads, pumpkin cream cheese muffins, and cranberry sage pop-tarts, Dooby’s’ new dishes incorporate some of our favorite fall flavors. The pastries are made in house every morning, so grab one while they’re hot (and before they’re gone.) 802 N. Charles St., 410-609-3162
Miss Shirley’s Cafe: Miss Shirley’s pumpkin-spice chocolate chip pancakes are one of a kind. They arrive garnished with cream cheese icing and spiced pumpkin seeds, and dusted with a cloud of powdered sugar for good measure. Various locations including 750 E. Pratt St., 410-528-5373
Stone Mill Bakery: This Green Spring Station bakery’s homemade goods and breads make it a local favorite, especially when the temperature starts to drop. This fall, check out the pumpkin cream cheese swirl bars for a sweet snack. 10751 Falls Rd., 410-821-1358
Iron Rooster: Southern classics meet fall-inspired flavors on Iron Rooster’s seasonal menu. Iron Rooster’s ooey-gooey pumpkin-filled ‘Roostarts’—aka homemade pop tarts—are the perfect snack for any fall-harvest fanatic. Various locations including 3721 Boston St., 410-762-2100
The Corner Pantry: The buckwheat pumpkin pancakes, topped with a hefty dollop of apple butter, at this Mt. Washington staple are the ultimate November brunch entree. Pair the tasty hotcakes with The Corner Pantry’s autumn sunrise juice, a mix of carrot, orange, and apple, for a truly satisfying spread. 6080 Falls Rd., 667-308-2331
Autumn Aperitifs
Johnny’s Restaurant: One sip of Johnny’s smoked fig Manhattan will make you say, “pumpkin-spice-who?” The drink is created with house-made brown sugar, fig, and black-tea syrup, and then garnished with a bacon-wrapped cherry. 4800 Roland Ave., 410-773-0777
Baby’s on Fire Cafe: For a morning pick-me-up, order a glass of this cafe’s house-made mulled apple cider. From vintage-loving hipsters to apple orchard admirers, everyone can find something they love at the Mt. Vernon hangout that offers bins of vinyl and fresh pastries. 1010 Morton St., 443-885-9892
Order & Chaos Coffee: If you can’t say sayonara to Pumpkin Spice Lattes just yet, try this cafe’s upgraded version. The next-level PSL includes touches of turmeric and pairs perfectly with a buttery cranberry scone. 1410 Key Highway, 410-244-1111
Comfort-Food Cravings
The Turn House: The Turn House takes fall flavor seriously. The apple and prosciutto toast includes apple butter, Honeycrisp apple slices, prosciutto, and Grafton cheddar. The dish pairs perfectly with a slice of the blueberry cornbread. 11130 Willow Bottom Dr., 410-740-2096
Water for Chocolate: This Fells Point eatery serves up options for savory snackers and sweet tooth nibblers alike. Try the sweet potato bread pudding with moonshine-crème anglaise or the sweet potato polenta. Warning: you might have to unbutton your jeans. 1841 E Lombard St., 410-891-2595
Birroteca: Birroteca’s fall menu marries the taste of Italian delicacies with the warmth of comfort food. The pumpkin gnocchi, topped with pancetta, caramelized onions, and duck liver fig sauce, will definitely satisfy those home-cooked hankerings. 1520 Clipper Rd., 443-708-1934
Atwater’s: Atwater’s is known to bring their A-game when it comes to seasonal treats. Both the apple-cranberry crisp and the Num Pang Salad, made with roasted cauliflower, peanut red cabbage slaw, and ginger eggplant, serve up some serious flavor. 2905 Whittington Ave., 410-644-3435
Sweater-Weather Sweets
The Charmery: Despite the dropping temperature, we can’t deny our excitement for The Charmery’s fall lineup. This year, the menu features flavors like spiced pumpkin, apple butter, butternut squash and cloves, and apple cider sorbet. Various locations including 1700 W 41st St., 443-759-4905
Gunther & Co.: This spice cake from Gunther & Co. practically screams Thanksgiving. Accompanied by pumpkin mousse, roasted butternut squash, cardamom creme anglaise, crispy sage, and maple ice cream, this decadent dessert is a must-order. 3650 Toone St., 443-869-6874
The Food Market: The loaded baked sweet potatoes at this Hampden hotspot arrive bursting with torched marshmallow, chipotle honey, pecans, bacon, and cinnamon sugar. And if you’re still itching for more, order the hand-whipped pumpkin cheesecake topped with cream, graham cracker crumble, and candy corn. Need we say more? 1017 W 36th St., 410-366-0606
Ground & Griddled: We are fall-ing in love with this cafe’s sweet potato casserole. The crispy crust is best served warm, and the inside is loaded with organic sweet potatoes, dusted with spices, and topped with brown sugar pecan butter. 301 W 29th St., 443-681-1901