Local Indie Restaurants & Bars
Sure, Chipotle is good every time, but the small business owners who run independent restaurants & bars in the Twin Beaches and Dunkirk areas truely bring thier A-Game to their customers.
Many of these novel and unique menu items are simply the current iteration of a local family's take on some well known regionally-affiliated dish or recipes. Only their version had the benefit of being perfected over multiple lifetimes by those who were passed down the recipes.
You can't get that at Popeye's Chicken or Taco Bell! Eat local if you can, you will not regret it.
Hook & Vine - Kitchen and Bar
4114 7th StA successful small independent coffee shop! What's not to love? They have a standard fare of coffee and cappuccino based beverages, inside seating, outdoor seating if it's nice, and yummy pastries.
If you're a fan of breakfast foods, like I am, try to get there before 12:00 noon. They have a half a small but super delicious breakfast sandwich menu, and always good keeche.... It's that how to spell that?. Anyway, the breakfast sandwich I LOVE is not explicitly listed on the menu, so just say this:
Egg
Tomatoe
Spinach
Mozzarella Cheese
Sausage
On a delicious croissant
I love it
27 personas locales recomiendan
Sweet Sues Bake Shop & Coffee
9124 Bay AveA successful small independent coffee shop! What's not to love? They have a standard fare of coffee and cappuccino based beverages, inside seating, outdoor seating if it's nice, and yummy pastries.
If you're a fan of breakfast foods, like I am, try to get there before 12:00 noon. They have a half a small but super delicious breakfast sandwich menu, and always good keeche.... It's that how to spell that?. Anyway, the breakfast sandwich I LOVE is not explicitly listed on the menu, so just say this:
Egg
Tomatoe
Spinach
Mozzarella Cheese
Sausage
On a delicious croissant
I love it
This is a very popular restaurant, especially on weekend nights. Expect a wait to sit, but it's worth it. I always get the Civiche, and whilst ilI really like it, I'm not cultured enough to say it's good Chiviche.
Great selection of beer and pretty legit margaritas.
24 personas locales recomiendan
Plaza Mexico
9200 Bay AveThis is a very popular restaurant, especially on weekend nights. Expect a wait to sit, but it's worth it. I always get the Civiche, and whilst ilI really like it, I'm not cultured enough to say it's good Chiviche.
Great selection of beer and pretty legit margaritas.
Cold Penguin Ice Cream
9100 Bay AveThe Chesapeake Market & Deli is a local favorite with three locations, two which are nearby. They are moderately priced, with some meals on their menu likely to ratchet up the bill.
BUT, it's all worth it, I have yet to be disappointed by anything I've eaten there. Some of our favorite dishes include their Maryland Style Crab Cakes, Old Bay Wings, Tossed Caprese Salad, and Lobster or Crab Mac n Cheese. And do yourself a favor and get a bowl of the Maryland Crab Soup, which is a staple in the lives of many residents in this area!
The closest location is listed as being in North Beach, but it's actually in the little resort and marina town of Rose Haven, which is a short 7-8 minute drive up the road. This location has a small market which is 1 part convenience store and 1 part tourist trinket shop.
The other area location in in Dunkirk, MD. So if you find yourself having to go to Walmart or a supermarket in Dunkirk, it's an easy stop and you won't regret it!
For navigating to either location, Google Maps is your friend!
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Chesapeake Market & Deli
7150 Lake Shore DrThe Chesapeake Market & Deli is a local favorite with three locations, two which are nearby. They are moderately priced, with some meals on their menu likely to ratchet up the bill.
BUT, it's all worth it, I have yet to be disappointed by anything I've eaten there. Some of our favorite dishes include their Maryland Style Crab Cakes, Old Bay Wings, Tossed Caprese Salad, and Lobster or Crab Mac n Cheese. And do yourself a favor and get a bowl of the Maryland Crab Soup, which is a staple in the lives of many residents in this area!
The closest location is listed as being in North Beach, but it's actually in the little resort and marina town of Rose Haven, which is a short 7-8 minute drive up the road. This location has a small market which is 1 part convenience store and 1 part tourist trinket shop.
The other area location in in Dunkirk, MD. So if you find yourself having to go to Walmart or a supermarket in Dunkirk, it's an easy stop and you won't regret it!
For navigating to either location, Google Maps is your friend!
Neptune's is a local favorite which offers some original culinary creations, as well some outstanding hamburgers, steaks and salads. Neptune's also boasts they offers the "best in town if you are looking for a quick lunch".
Neptune's is located just under 1/2 mile or 7-8 minute walk from the house. Not a bad option if the mention of "Pub" was what caught your eye.
29 personas locales recomiendan
Neptune's Seafood Pub
8802 Chesapeake AveNeptune's is a local favorite which offers some original culinary creations, as well some outstanding hamburgers, steaks and salads. Neptune's also boasts they offers the "best in town if you are looking for a quick lunch".
Neptune's is located just under 1/2 mile or 7-8 minute walk from the house. Not a bad option if the mention of "Pub" was what caught your eye.
If you've been to other Mama Lucia Italian restaurants located around the DC/ Baltimore area, you'll be surprised to learn that this Mama Lucia is in no way affiliated! That said, this version will not disappoint with respect to atmosphere, bar stock, lunch & dinner menu options, ridiculously delicious meals, and uncanny desserts.
You really can't go wrong with anything you choose, but if you're having trouble picking, I HIGHLY recommend a dish they call Capelli D'Angelo Adriadica. If you can't finish it all, that's a bonus because as awesome as it is when first served, it's even better later today evening or the following day reheated!
As far as desserts, they serve a unique version of tiramisu which we'd never seen before ordering it here. You'll be glad you gave it a try if you do, the flavor is unparalleled.
They have seating inside, but also offer on the Bay views for diners on their back seating deck.
As with most area restaurants, they are retaining the full menu delivery options that were implemented during the COVID lockdown. But if you would prefer to get out, it's about a 5 minute drive towards Chesapeake Beach, on the left about a ¼ mile before the traffic light at the main artery in and out of town, MD 260.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Mamma Lucia By the Bay
8323 Bayside RdIf you've been to other Mama Lucia Italian restaurants located around the DC/ Baltimore area, you'll be surprised to learn that this Mama Lucia is in no way affiliated! That said, this version will not disappoint with respect to atmosphere, bar stock, lunch & dinner menu options, ridiculously delicious meals, and uncanny desserts.
You really can't go wrong with anything you choose, but if you're having trouble picking, I HIGHLY recommend a dish they call Capelli D'Angelo Adriadica. If you can't finish it all, that's a bonus because as awesome as it is when first served, it's even better later today evening or the following day reheated!
As far as desserts, they serve a unique version of tiramisu which we'd never seen before ordering it here. You'll be glad you gave it a try if you do, the flavor is unparalleled.
They have seating inside, but also offer on the Bay views for diners on their back seating deck.
As with most area restaurants, they are retaining the full menu delivery options that were implemented during the COVID lockdown. But if you would prefer to get out, it's about a 5 minute drive towards Chesapeake Beach, on the left about a ¼ mile before the traffic light at the main artery in and out of town, MD 260.
The Towns Which Surround Us!
We're admittedly a touch biased regarding which city or town provides visitors with a more fulfilling experience when they visitor the area. So you'll forgive the disproportionate amount of attention paid to the North Beach community when compared to... well... anywhere else.
However, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that every one of our sibling towns & cities, including the problem children of the bunch, are as much to thank for the virtues of our town as the town of North Beach itself. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a surrounding community of those villages to ensure the success of all.
There are a LOT of great areas both inside and outside the North Beach town boundaries. If you experience anything that you feel should be added to this Guidebook so that other future guests will know about it, don't hesitate to let us know!
Sometimes you just need that Taco Bell, or Mod Pizza, or Walmart, or Giant Supermarket fix, at 10:30 PM just because. We all want the warm experience of offering our patronage to the independent mom and pop shops, but the truth is that they are simply ill equipped to satisfy those acute needs. For those occasions you'll want to head about 7 miles up the road to the town of Dunkirk, MD. That's where the Starbucks, Game Stop, and other national franchised food, drink, and discount stores are located for use.
It's about a 10 minute drive and an easy drive, but be careful. If you are routed asking the most likely road, Mt. Harmony Road, there will be exactly 2 school zones which mandate a 25MPH speed whilst driving through. Be warned, the Calvert County Sheriff Office have one automatic speed trap flasher device between the two zones. They seem to take joy in moving the device back and forth, offering no warning or indication, at varying and random durations, and regardless of whether the schools were empty during Summer months, or not. Make sure you heed those signs so you can stay outta trouble with Johnny Law!
Either way, as seems to be the universal truth with all that places in this Guidebook, Google Maps will be your friend who can help most.
Dunkirk
Sometimes you just need that Taco Bell, or Mod Pizza, or Walmart, or Giant Supermarket fix, at 10:30 PM just because. We all want the warm experience of offering our patronage to the independent mom and pop shops, but the truth is that they are simply ill equipped to satisfy those acute needs. For those occasions you'll want to head about 7 miles up the road to the town of Dunkirk, MD. That's where the Starbucks, Game Stop, and other national franchised food, drink, and discount stores are located for use.
It's about a 10 minute drive and an easy drive, but be careful. If you are routed asking the most likely road, Mt. Harmony Road, there will be exactly 2 school zones which mandate a 25MPH speed whilst driving through. Be warned, the Calvert County Sheriff Office have one automatic speed trap flasher device between the two zones. They seem to take joy in moving the device back and forth, offering no warning or indication, at varying and random durations, and regardless of whether the schools were empty during Summer months, or not. Make sure you heed those signs so you can stay outta trouble with Johnny Law!
Either way, as seems to be the universal truth with all that places in this Guidebook, Google Maps will be your friend who can help most.
North Beach has a famous sister-town who lives right next door called Chesapeake Beach. Like all good sisters, they look similar in some ways but the two towns offer vastly different personalities. Chesapeake Beach has a very interesting history going back to the late 1800's, and turned into a resort town in the early 20th Century complete with a dedicated train service providing service from Washington DC. Called "Little Nevada" by those who visited to escape DC, there was a very large boardwalk and huge wooden roller-coaster which was later destroyed by a hurricane.
There is still a large resort operating in town, but the the carnival attractions were removed long ago. If you're looking to find a fishing trip into the Bay, this is where you should look! Also they have a small independent grocery store and pharmacy if you need either. If you are interested in the history, look for the museum also listed in this Guidebook.
51 personas locales recomiendan
Chesapeake Beach
North Beach has a famous sister-town who lives right next door called Chesapeake Beach. Like all good sisters, they look similar in some ways but the two towns offer vastly different personalities. Chesapeake Beach has a very interesting history going back to the late 1800's, and turned into a resort town in the early 20th Century complete with a dedicated train service providing service from Washington DC. Called "Little Nevada" by those who visited to escape DC, there was a very large boardwalk and huge wooden roller-coaster which was later destroyed by a hurricane.
There is still a large resort operating in town, but the the carnival attractions were removed long ago. If you're looking to find a fishing trip into the Bay, this is where you should look! Also they have a small independent grocery store and pharmacy if you need either. If you are interested in the history, look for the museum also listed in this Guidebook.
You'll find great shopping in our antique shops, fine arts gallery, novelty shops, gift shops and food market, all within a short 5-7 minute walk towards the Bay. There are numerous dining options in town, including burgers, ice cream, bakery items, sandwiches, and casual and fine dining restaurants.
You're also within walking distance of the North Beach Pier, Boardwalk and Beach. If you'd like, rent a bicycle at the Welcome Center and bike the town. Bicycles, kayaks and paddleboards are available for hourly or daily rental between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
If you need a peaceful break, stop by Wetlands Overlook Park at the north end of Dayton Avenue or the new Sunrise Garden at the corner of 3rd Street and Bay Avenue. It's a little corner of peace and quiet open for everyone.
Another local favorite during Summer months is the weekly Movies On The Beach, where visitors are always WELCOME! The movies on the beach are projected onto a large, inflatable screen in the sand. Bring your beach chair or blanket and get comfy on the beach! In addition to movies on the beach, the Town is now showing a "drive-in" movie in September on the visitor parking. And the best part is, all the movies are FREE!
There are so many events being held at all times of the year, it would be difficult to list them all. Check the North Beach town Events page for a current listing and schedule during your visit
49 personas locales recomiendan
North Beach
You'll find great shopping in our antique shops, fine arts gallery, novelty shops, gift shops and food market, all within a short 5-7 minute walk towards the Bay. There are numerous dining options in town, including burgers, ice cream, bakery items, sandwiches, and casual and fine dining restaurants.
You're also within walking distance of the North Beach Pier, Boardwalk and Beach. If you'd like, rent a bicycle at the Welcome Center and bike the town. Bicycles, kayaks and paddleboards are available for hourly or daily rental between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
If you need a peaceful break, stop by Wetlands Overlook Park at the north end of Dayton Avenue or the new Sunrise Garden at the corner of 3rd Street and Bay Avenue. It's a little corner of peace and quiet open for everyone.
Another local favorite during Summer months is the weekly Movies On The Beach, where visitors are always WELCOME! The movies on the beach are projected onto a large, inflatable screen in the sand. Bring your beach chair or blanket and get comfy on the beach! In addition to movies on the beach, the Town is now showing a "drive-in" movie in September on the visitor parking. And the best part is, all the movies are FREE!
There are so many events being held at all times of the year, it would be difficult to list them all. Check the North Beach town Events page for a current listing and schedule during your visit
Places To See, Things To Learn!
Please check the museum website to ensure they are now open. They have been closed for renovations when I last looked, and offered no indication of timeline.
The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is included in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (CT-100). Erected in 1898 for the Washington and Chesapeake Railway Company, the station at Chesapeake Beach derives significance from its association with the transportation and related commercial history of Calvert County and as an excellent example of rural railroad architecture.
Normally the Museum is open from Mid-March through November. The museum is closed to the public December 1 through Mid-March. Open by appointment. The hours of operation vary greatly, so make sure you check their website before heading out!
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The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum
4155 Mears AvePlease check the museum website to ensure they are now open. They have been closed for renovations when I last looked, and offered no indication of timeline.
The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is included in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (CT-100). Erected in 1898 for the Washington and Chesapeake Railway Company, the station at Chesapeake Beach derives significance from its association with the transportation and related commercial history of Calvert County and as an excellent example of rural railroad architecture.
Normally the Museum is open from Mid-March through November. The museum is closed to the public December 1 through Mid-March. Open by appointment. The hours of operation vary greatly, so make sure you check their website before heading out!
Wetlands Overlook Park, located at 4030 11th Street, is a small nature park that serves as an attraction for those interested in observing the wildlife inhabitants of the wetlands and the migratory fowl which rest there during the flights up and down the Atlantic Seaboard.
The park includes a pier and two gazebos for visitors to sit and relax while viewing and photographing the wildlife and wetlands. Restrooms are available at the small, air conditioned Visitor Center. Wetlands Overlook Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
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Wetlands overlook park
4020 11th StWetlands Overlook Park, located at 4030 11th Street, is a small nature park that serves as an attraction for those interested in observing the wildlife inhabitants of the wetlands and the migratory fowl which rest there during the flights up and down the Atlantic Seaboard.
The park includes a pier and two gazebos for visitors to sit and relax while viewing and photographing the wildlife and wetlands. Restrooms are available at the small, air conditioned Visitor Center. Wetlands Overlook Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
The North Beach Pier is an offshoot of the larger North Beach Boardwalk & Beach facilities. If you just need some fresh air and want to take a walk, it's perfect for the task.
Fishing is allowed on the lower level fishing deck. Anyone wishing to fish must have a fishing license. The lower level fishing deck will be closed to fishing when an event is scheduled on the pier and when there is a Movie on the Beach. The town has instituted a 2 poles maximum per person, and understand that the fishing pier closes at dark.
North Beach Pier
9123 Atlantic AveThe North Beach Pier is an offshoot of the larger North Beach Boardwalk & Beach facilities. If you just need some fresh air and want to take a walk, it's perfect for the task.
Fishing is allowed on the lower level fishing deck. Anyone wishing to fish must have a fishing license. The lower level fishing deck will be closed to fishing when an event is scheduled on the pier and when there is a Movie on the Beach. The town has instituted a 2 poles maximum per person, and understand that the fishing pier closes at dark.
So the North Beach Public Beach. As an honest broker, and with an interest in the enjoyment of our Guests, we will make sure to outline the opportunities , as well as the frustrating obstacles of the Beach.
The beach is accessible to non-residents, however they are required to pay a daily fee for each individual which we feel is not consistent with the rest of the town's encouragement of visitors. In order to find current rates during your stay, check the North Beach town website for those details.
If you feel that the price of admission is never too high to be able to swim and sunbathe, then we want you to have an awesome time! Please do not take the white bathroom shower towels with you to lay on or dry off with. We have included separate beach towels included for use with your booking to use outside the house. There are 8 beach towels located in the bottom drawer of the chest of drawers sitting in the Bunk Room closet. Each towel will be rolled inside of its own carrying bag which sports the same fabric pattern. When you get back to the house, please do not put any of those used back into the drawer they came from.
If you're planning to use them again, you can dry them off in the bathroom or out on the deck railings. In light of the damage any sand still on the towels could cause the dryer, we ask that Guests run them through the washing machine to eliminate that sand prior to running them in the dryer. If you won't need them, please just place them in the dirty laundry bin in the kitchen next to the washer/ dryer stack.
The North Beach Public Beach Welcome Center also offers rentals for Beach Umbrellas, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Bicycles, and Inner Tubes for beach-goers to enjoy.
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North Beach Farmers' Market
9010 Chesapeake AveSo the North Beach Public Beach. As an honest broker, and with an interest in the enjoyment of our Guests, we will make sure to outline the opportunities , as well as the frustrating obstacles of the Beach.
The beach is accessible to non-residents, however they are required to pay a daily fee for each individual which we feel is not consistent with the rest of the town's encouragement of visitors. In order to find current rates during your stay, check the North Beach town website for those details.
If you feel that the price of admission is never too high to be able to swim and sunbathe, then we want you to have an awesome time! Please do not take the white bathroom shower towels with you to lay on or dry off with. We have included separate beach towels included for use with your booking to use outside the house. There are 8 beach towels located in the bottom drawer of the chest of drawers sitting in the Bunk Room closet. Each towel will be rolled inside of its own carrying bag which sports the same fabric pattern. When you get back to the house, please do not put any of those used back into the drawer they came from.
If you're planning to use them again, you can dry them off in the bathroom or out on the deck railings. In light of the damage any sand still on the towels could cause the dryer, we ask that Guests run them through the washing machine to eliminate that sand prior to running them in the dryer. If you won't need them, please just place them in the dirty laundry bin in the kitchen next to the washer/ dryer stack.
The North Beach Public Beach Welcome Center also offers rentals for Beach Umbrellas, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Bicycles, and Inner Tubes for beach-goers to enjoy.
The mission of the Bayside History Museum is to provide all citizens with an understanding of the role the Chesapeake Bay environment had in shaping the cultures of the bayside communities Fairhaven to Plum Point, from prehistoric times to the present. Through research and interpretation of collections, historical education and preservation of historical resources, Bayside History Museum will promote stewardship of this heritage and ensure the continuation of this relationship for future generations.
The Bayside History Museum offers free admission to military personnel and their families year around. Military ID required.
Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, with a mission to support, connect and empower military families. The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities.
The Museum location is a very close 4 minute walk from the vacation rental, just a ¼ mile down the street and to the right.
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Bayside History Museum
4025 4th StThe mission of the Bayside History Museum is to provide all citizens with an understanding of the role the Chesapeake Bay environment had in shaping the cultures of the bayside communities Fairhaven to Plum Point, from prehistoric times to the present. Through research and interpretation of collections, historical education and preservation of historical resources, Bayside History Museum will promote stewardship of this heritage and ensure the continuation of this relationship for future generations.
The Bayside History Museum offers free admission to military personnel and their families year around. Military ID required.
Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, with a mission to support, connect and empower military families. The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities.
The Museum location is a very close 4 minute walk from the vacation rental, just a ¼ mile down the street and to the right.
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Summertime Weekends FREE Movies Shown On The Beach
Movies on the Beach and Drive-In Movies always start at dusk (the actual time varies).
A local favorite; visitors are always WELCOME! The movies on the beach are projected onto a large, inflatable screen in the sand. Bring your beach chair or blanket and get comfy on the beach! In addition to movies on the beach, the Town is now showing a "drive-in" movie in September on the visitor parking. And the best part is, all the movies are FREE!