Diner, Drive-In or Dive #2

Most people who know Richard know that his favorite Food Channel program is "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" where host Guy Fieri showcases local restaurants featuring unusually good food often prepared in an unconventional way. We decided a while ago that we would try to visit as many of Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" as we could when we travel. Richard could barely contain his excitement when he found out SEVEN places are right here in Baltimore (thanks for the list, Mike!)!

Today we tried Chaps Pit Beef, a local joint established in 1987 by Gus and Bob. It began as a 12x15 foot shack with no electricity or phone- just really good beef, ham and sausage. The "shack" and their menu have expanded some but the really good food remains.

Chaps Pit Beef... Diner, Drive-In or Dive??

Not even a fancy frame can dress up the outside of Chaps Pit Beef... but just as we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, the real deal is inside. 

We arrived about 1:00pm and the line to order was still long. Would it be worth the wait?

One of the first things I noticed when we went inside was the wonderful aroma that made my mouth start to water. The second thing I noticed was that there were people from all walks of life eating there- a guy in a sport coat and slacks, a worker from the Baltimore Maintenance Department, a retired couple, a group of engineers (easily identified by the Dockers and Polo shirt uniform and the requisite badge hanging on their belt! LOL!), a mom with two teenagers and an elderly gentleman eating alone. It was obvious this was no touristy place! The place is still small (intimate?) with inside seating for about 25 people and every table was taken when we walked in- fortunately, a table opened up while we were waiting for our food.

Good Eats!!

I had the Pork BBQ sandwich (top) with cole slaw. The homemade BBQ sauce has a bit of a kick to it making the sandwich not only tasty but unique. Richard had the beef sandwich with onion and horseradish- also quite tasty. While the cole slaw was better than most, the French fries were "soggy" (Richard's description) and a bit "flat" (my observation). Overall, we both still rate it "two thumbs up" and will definitely come back again... for the Mexican ham... or the Minced BBQ...