Perry Hall, MD, is a semi-rural suburb of Baltimore and the place I call home. This quiet town got its humble beginnings when Harry Dorsey Gough purchased 1,000 acres and a partially completed home in 1776. Since then, the home has survived fire, storms, and neglect and has recently been purchased. The new owner plans on renovating the home and use it for special events.
My wife and I have lived in Perry Hall for 13 years and love this historic part of Baltimore County. We’ve tried dozens of local restaurants over the years and found some excellent places to eat. Within the last four years, significant and positive changes have occurred in the dining scene. What was once a fairly average choice of restaurants 13 years ago is now so good we often dine locally instead of in Baltimore City. Come along for a look at my favorites in and around Perry Hall.

Lib’s Grill

When Lib’s Grill took over the space previously occupied by the Manhattan Grill, we hoped for and got an upgrade. Right away, it was obvious that Nick Liberatore was the perfect general manager to make Lib’s just what the neighborhood needed. Nick assembled an excellent staff of young and energetic workers who were a pleasure to be around.
One of the things that made Lib’s different in the strip mall’s dining options was the raw bar. I’ve consumed many delicious oysters during happy hour and dinner. Happy hour at Lib’s is so popular we often have to wait for a seat if we come after 5 PM.

Oysters and steak at Lib’s Grill are a winning combination. Photo courtesy of Lib’s Grill

Covid wreaked havoc on many restaurants, but for Lib’s, one positive outcome was the addition of an outdoor dining patio that can be enclosed or open to the elements on good weather days. We love taking our dog to lunch or dinner in the new patio area.

Bombay Nights

Long before I was a freelance travel and food writer, I worked as a real estate agent and investor. I worked across the street from Bombay Nights and gave it a try. My wife and I found it to be one of the best Indian restaurants in Maryland. Management changed after about five years, and the restaurant was no longer worth patronizing. Fast forward another five years and we gave it another chance. With yet another management change, we found Bombay Nights had regained its status as our go-to Indian restaurant.

A trio of our favorite entrees at Bombay Nights. Photo by Kurt Jacobson

The best way to give them a try is their lunch buffet held every day. At $18.99 their buffet is a bargain. I love their goat curry, saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, and most of the lamb preparations. They serve many vegetarian and vegan dishes that are perfect for a Meatless Monday visit. Bombay Nights has always been a BYOB place with a liquor store just across the street open six days per week. There is no charge for BYOB!

A Newcomer

Another delicious restaurant that just opened in late 2023 is River Stone Grill. There menu is all over the world with items like pot stickers, hot dogs, burrata, country style pot roast, pasta dishes, Danish baby back ribs, and more. The noise level is a bit high and they could use some acoustic work but the place is doing well right from the start.

Hop a Plane to Jamaica

Just five minutes from our home is the Avenue at White Marsh. This extension of the White Marsh Mall used to have okay food but nothing special. In just the last two years, four new restaurants have made the Avenue a great place to dine. One of our favorites is Konoko. On our first visit, the hostess greeted us and guided us to our table, saying, “Welcome to your flight to the beautiful Konoko Falls in Jamaica.” It was kind of a goofy process, but there’s nothing goofy about their food.

We started with the jerk chicken wings and ample serving of perfectly spiced poultry goodness. The serving size was so big I took half of it home and made a wonderful pasta dish the next day. We also had the G.O.A.T. — a bone–in goat curry cooked in their special spice mix. I loved the braised oxtail swimming in irresistible brown gravy that goes great with steamed white rice.
Recently our waiter recommended coco bread and jamjam shrimp, which were out of this world. I highly recommend the coco bread as a side or paired with the shrimp.

Jamjam shrimp and coco bread are one of the most popular dishes at Konoko. Photo by Kurt Jacobson

The Local on The Avenue sets the bar high for locally sourced, casual fine dining. In 2023 Chef Zach Trabbold won the Baltimore Magazine’s best chef award garnering much attention to the Bel Air restaurant.

Three of our favorite sides at The Local. Photo by Kurt Jacobson

Soon after the best chef award, the White Marsh location opened. My wife and I have tried it twice and find it the best casual fine dining in our area. I’ve also dined at their Bel Air Local and found the food and service just as good as The Avenue location.

Scallops at The Local are delicious! Photo by Kurt Jacobson

Not an Average Diner

Silver Diner is redefining what a diner can do to break the mold of the classic greasy spoon. Over 30 years ago, partners Bob Giaimo and Chef Ype Von Hengst spent a year visiting over 500 diners to understand how to build Silver Diner into a winner. With attention to locally sourced ingredients and some organic items, their menu is impressive. The White Marsh Silver Diner opened in May 2024 and was mobbed from the beginning. We had dined at four of their other locations and always had a great meal and service. We love their seasonal specials, especially the summertime desserts and salads.

The new location at the Avenue in White Marsh is the largest of their restaurants and has outdoor seating, a full bar, and a special event dining room. One of the things we love most about Silver Diner is the creative seasonal specials. Recent menu additions include kickin’ chicken tacos, summer watermelon & shrimp, skewered shrimp bibimbap, quinoa & faro breakfast bowl, and other tasty treats. There were some hiccups on two out of three meals we had at Silver Diner on The Avenue, but I’m sure they will have those fixed soon.

Silver Diner crab cake platter. Photo by Kurt Jacobson

Michaels

During our first months in Maryland we made an effort to find the best crab cakes. Of the 12 restaurants we tried during that time, Michaels in Timonium was one of the best for crab cakes and seafood. Recently they opened a second location just 10 minutes from our home. They also have a full bar with several TVs for sports fans.

Michael’s crab cake sandwich

This new middle River location serves the same great seafood in a sparkling new space. We love their brunch and dinner and have been there five times since we found this new location. Parking is an easy task, something worth noting in the Baltimore area. Try their outdoor patio in good weather or indoors year-round.

Last Bite

Whether you live in the Baltimore area or are visiting, check out some of these excellent restaurants just north of the Charm City.