13 Secret Pizza Spots In Maryland That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

Craving a slice that locals whisper about but rarely share with outsiders? Maryland hides a treasure map of pies, from wood-fired beauties to crispy squares that crackle under your teeth. You will find sauce philosophies, crust cults, and toppings that actually make sense. Ready to plan a road trip that starts with one slice and ends with a full-blown obsession?

1. Joe Squared — Baltimore (Station North)

Square pies land with a satisfying crunch, the crust thin yet sturdy enough to carry generous toppings. That signature tangy sauce brightens every bite, nudging salt and smoke into balance. Order a simple pepperoni if you want a baseline, then level up with bacon and leeks.

The room feels creative and casual, perfect for lingering over a second square. You will notice the edges lace and crackle as steam escapes. It is the sort of slice that convinces you to plan your next visit before you finish the first plate.

2. Matthew’s Pizzeria — Baltimore (Highlandtown)

Matthew’s feels like a time machine with ovens that know exactly when to blister cheese. The pies are unapologetically rich, layered with sweet onions, sausage, and plenty of mozz. You taste decades of practice in the gentle chew and toasty crust.

Grab the ultra-cheesy special if you love gooey slices that stretch with every pull. You will probably fold it, then realize it still drips nostalgia. It is old-school in the best way, the kind of pizza that makes leaving a corner uneaten impossible.

3. Underground Pizza Company — Baltimore & Mobile Pop-Ups

These Detroit-style slabs arrive with proud, lacy edges and deep wells of sauce in the corners. Pepperoni cups curl into salty little chalices, catching oil like flavor confetti. Every bite hums with contrast: crunchy edges, soft middle, and a zesty sauce pop.

Watch for the rotating chef’s pie if you chase new combos. You will want napkins and maybe a friend to share, because these slabs are hearty. Pop-ups sell out quickly, so scout their socials and plan your snatch-and-go accordingly.

4. Hersh’s — Baltimore (Federal Hill)

Hersh’s leans Italian without feeling fussy, with hand-stretched dough kissing the wood fire. The crust gets a delicate char while the center stays tender. Seasonal toppings keep things fresh, and the kitchen knows when to let good ingredients shine.

Try spicy soppressata with a hot honey drizzle for a sweet-heat balance that lingers. You will taste pepper bloom and floral honey trailing behind. Share a pie and a salad, then pretend you are not already planning your next date night.

5. Verde — Baltimore (Canton)

Verde keeps the fire high and the timing tight, yielding those telltale leopard spots. The mozzarella melts into creamy pools over a bright, clean sauce. Each bite delivers delicate chew, an airy rim, and a whisper of smoke.

Order the Margherita D.O.C. to taste the fundamentals done right. You will sometimes catch pistachio and mortadella as a special, which is worth a detour. It is the kind of pie that rewards slow bites and a sip of something crisp.

6. Johnny Rad’s — Baltimore (Highlandtown/Upper Fells)

Johnny Rad’s hides a legit thin crust under its skater-bar swagger. The base snaps clean, carrying toppings without sag. Those edges pick up a light char that keeps bites lively.

Go for the Combo-ish and a side of house ranch for dunking. You will appreciate how the herbs and tang lift the finish. It is casual, a little loud, and perfect for nights when you want good pizza without ceremony.

7. Squire’s — Dundalk

Squire’s serves the kind of Baltimore-style pie locals crave after ball games and family gatherings. The sauce leans slightly sweet, the cheese generous, and the whole pie lands saucy. Square-cut slices encourage sharing and second opinions.

Order pepperoni plus mushrooms for the classic combo. You will find a crispy bottom and soft interior that makes another square feel inevitable. The room is a time capsule, which somehow makes the pizza taste even better.

8. Pizza John’s — Essex

Pizza John’s runs on rhythm: order, watch the slice reheat, fold, and bite. The sauce is hearty and nostalgic, hugging the cheese just right. Crust holds a fold without cracking, exactly how you want a quick lunch to behave.

Go half-and-half to sample both veggie and meat classics. You will get big-slice satisfaction without overthinking toppings. It is a family institution where the line moves fast and the smiles move faster.

9. Frankly…Pizza! — Kensington

Frankly…Pizza! puts the crust first, chewy with just enough puff to stay playful. Wood heat paints faint char while the toppings feel straight from a market stand. The balance is confident, never crowded.

Try the Smoky Blue if you like savory depth, or a straight Margherita to meet the dough. You will notice how the edge crunch gives way to tender crumb. It is a neighborhood hug that just happens to be blistered at 700 degrees.

10. Pacci’s Trattoria — Silver Spring/Forest Glen

Pacci’s sticks to Neapolitan rules without losing charm. Expect blistered edges, a soft center, and careful topping ratios. The sauce tastes clean and direct, letting basil and olive oil glow.

Order the Diavola for a kick that never overwhelms. You will catch fresh basil riding the spice, cooling each bite. It is the pie you show friends when you want to prove balance beats overload.

11. Pistarro’s — Frederick (Downtown)

Pistarro’s keeps the center thin and tender while the rim blisters beautifully. The leopard spotting signals heat control that makes toppings sing. Sauces taste bright, and the cheese melts into silky layers.

Go Funghi if truffle essence calls your name, or keep it classic with the house Margherita. You will notice how aromatics bloom as the pie cools slightly. It is the kind of place where one pie becomes two without regret.

12. Coal Fire — Howard County (Ellicott City/Columbia area)

Coal Fire delivers a char-kissed crust that stays crisp to the last bite. The coal oven brings a dry heat that sets the base quickly. Choose from multiple sauces, with the spicy option adding a welcome spark.

Classic mozzarella with a hot sauce swirl keeps things focused. You will get a smoky edge and a tidy chew that begs another slice. It is efficient, flavorful, and perfect for quick weeknight cravings.

13. Ava’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar — St. Michaels / Easton

Ava’s pairs thoughtful toppings with a warm, coastal vibe that invites a second glass. Crusts land crisp at the edge and tender within, ready for prosciutto and peppery arugula. The kitchen favors balance over flash, and it works.

Order the prosciutto-arugula or a white pie with ricotta to see how clean flavors can be. You will linger and talk longer than planned. It feels like a little getaway with excellent pizza as the souvenir.