2 MD 'Dive Bars' Named Among Best In U.S. For Food

BALTIMORE, MD — Two Maryland "dive bars" have been named among the best in the United States for food, according to a new ranking.

The Dive in Canton and The Horse You Came In On Saloon in Fells Point were included in the list of 120 dive bars compiled by Geek Nexus, a personal finance and pop culture website. The establishments came in at No. 113 and No. 116, respectively.

To determine which businesses made the list, Geek Nexus surveyed 3,000 bar-goers to find the top dive bars serving "surprisingly good food."

"Dive bars have always been about community and character, but now they’re becoming known for their unexpectedly great food," Jake Valentine, operations manager of Geek Nexus, said in a release.

"The results of our survey highlight just how diverse and creative dive bar menus have become, proving that you don’t need a fancy setting to enjoy a standout meal," he continued. "From inventive burgers to iconic local flavors, these bars are redefining what it means to eat well on a budget."

The Dive, located at 3123 Elliott St., describes itself as "a friendly neighborhood bar offering a nostalgic take on cocktails, food and fun," according to its website.

Food is served Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. Menu items include sandwiches like the Canton Smashburger, salads and several pizzas. A late-night menu features pizza by the slice, footlong hot dogs and "The Munchies," a sandwich packed with potato chips, swiss cheese, cucumber slices, sriracha, peanut butter and honey.

The Horse You Came In On Saloon — popularly known as The Horse — is located at 1626 Thames St. The saloon was established in 1775 and over the next two centuries became a Fell's Point institution, according to its website.

Reviewers of The Horse frequently urge others to try the crab pretzel, a jumbo soft pretzel covered with homemade crab dip and topped with melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Other menu highlights include Chesapeake Nachos, Thames Street Tots and the Barn Burger.

See the full list of dive bars at GeekNexus.com.