True Chesapeake

4.6

539 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 29, 2024

11:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Great for happy hour
Good for special occasions
Charming

True Chesapeake is a Baltimore restaurant born of an oyster farm. Executive Chef Zack Mills creates a seasonal menu that showcases oysters from our farm in St. Jerome’s Creek, Southern Maryland — raw, roasted, and in signature dishes like Classic Rockefeller and French Onion Oysters. But, the oysters are just the beginning. Our award winning menu celebrates the bounty of the Chesapeake region by using locally sourced seafood, meat, and produce to create exquisite dishes that evolve with the seasons. Chef Mills has been featured extensively for his use of invasive seafood species, a very delicious way to help the Chesapeake Bay. Don't forget to order the Blue Crab and Bone Marrow dip or handmade pasta. We have an expertly curated wine list, beer selection, and cocktails - both classic and creative. Ample bar, high-top, and terrace seating available for walk-ins on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, Farm-to-table
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(410) 913-6374
Website
http://www.truechesapeake.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Chef Zack Mills
Catering
The True Chesapeake Oyster Co. team would love to chat with you about your next event! Please email us at events@truechesapeake.com to hear more about our options for your celebration.
Private party facilities
The True Chesapeake Oyster Co. team would love to chat with you about your next event! Please email us at events@truechesapeake.com to hear more about our options for your celebration.

Location
3300 Clipper Mill Rd, Ste 400, Baltimore, MD 21211-2332
Neighborhood
Hampden
Cross street
The entrance is at the back of Whitehall Mill, off Clipper Mill Road.
Parking details
You will find our restaurant (and plenty of parking) beneath the historic smokestack at Whitehall Mill.
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

Tropical Tuesday
Multiple dates available
Tue - 5:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Join us every Tuesday for a special menu of 12 tropical cocktails including The Deep End, Three Dots & A Dash, Singapore Sling, Pearl Diver, Mai Tai, Missionary's Downfall, and more!
Happy Hour
Multiple dates available
Sun - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM,Tue - Sat - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
We are proud to have been named Best Happy Hour in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine! Join us at the bar and high-tops for Happy Hour every day except Monday from 5-7 PM. Enjoy $6 martinis, old fashioneds, and daiquiris, $6 wines by the glass, $5 draft beer, and $2 raw and roasted oysters. Cheers!
Half-Price Wine Wednesdays
Multiple dates available
Wed - 5:00 PM - 8:45 PM
HALF-PRICE WINE WEDNESDAYS 50% off select wine bottles!

Popular dishes

farm greens salad$13.00
local greens, apples, blue cheese, candied pecans, apple-balsamic vinaigrette
beet salad$14.00
pistachios, frisee, puffed quinoa, blue cheese mousse
blue crab & bone marrow dip$16.00
pickled shallots, local micro greens, grilled bread
hand-cut spaghetti$17.00
parmesan, cured egg yolk, bacon, middleneck clams
steak tartare$16.00
smoked oyster aioli, cestra caviar, potato chips
broccoli & cheddar soup$10.00
broccoli soup, broccoli florets, cheddar cheese mousse
mushroom tart$15.00
local mushrooms, horseradish, tarragon creme fraiche

ON THE HALF SHELL

FROM OUR FARM

skinny dippers$2.75
Approximately 3-4 inches
huckleberries$2.75
Approximately 2 inches
chunky dunkers$3.00
These bivalves don't skinny dip - they chunky dunk. Approximately 4+ inches.
Rotating Selection of Neighbor Oysters$3.00

STEAMED

peel & eat gulf shrimp$19.00
middleneck clams$19.00
Newfoundland mussels$19.00
our signature platter of steamed and roasted shellfish$73.00
oysters rockefeller, old bay roasted oysters, clams, mussels, & gulf shrimp

SANDWICHES

our burger$18.00
cheddar cheese, fried pickles, spicy ketchup, bacon mayo, potato wedges
blue catfish sandwich$18.00
salted cucumber, pickled shallot tartar sauce, potato wedges
crab cake sandwich$29.00
pickled red onions, old bay mayo, potato wedges
- 5 oz lump crab$29.00
- 5 oz jumbo lump crab$46.00

SIDES & ADDITIONS

blue crab mac & cheese$13.00
herbed potato purée$7.00
buffalo brussels sprouts$8.00
roasted cauliflower & gruyère$8.00
sorghum glazed carrots$7.00
5 oz blue crab cake$25.00
5 oz jumbo lump crab cake$42.00

OYSTER SIGNATURES

True Chesapeake caesar$15.00
fried oyster croutons, smoked oyster caesar dressing
- roasted chicken breast$10.00
- 5 oz crab cake$25.00
- 5 oz jumbo crab cake$42.00
oyster stew$14.00
made à la minute, bacon, potatoes, salsify, tarragon
roasted half-shell oysters$15.00
herb & old bay butter
classic rockefeller$16.00
spinach, aged parmesan, fennel liqueur
fried oysters$15.00
split pea purée, country ham chips
french onion oysters$16.00
gruyère cheese, black truffle

ENTRÉES

butter-poached snakehead$33.00
wrapped in cabbage, spaghetti squash & cabbage cake, fall squash curry broth
mushroom & truffle risotto$26.00
local mushrooms, black truffle, sage, rosemary, roasted acorn squash bowl
seared scallops$33.00
pork belly, turnips, sea island red pea cassoulet
red wine braised beef cheeks$34.00
braised lactino kale, root vegetable purée, mint & parsley sauce
grilled new york strip steak$36.00
potato purée, apple butter, puffed beef tendon, sauce au poivre

What 539 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Baltimore
Great for brunch
Baltimore
Kid-friendly
Baltimore
Innovative
Baltimore
Healthy
Baltimore
Lively
Baltimore
Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

True Chesapeake offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing oysters" and "creative, excellent food." The ambiance blends a historic setting with contemporary charm, ideal for both casual and special occasions. Guests rave about "innovative craft cocktails" and a "beautifully restored" interior. Despite occasional service hiccups, it remains a beloved spot for many.

539 Reviews

J
Judeline
Baltimore
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My best friend and I absolutely love this place! The atmosphere was cozy, and everything we tried was fantastic, but the highlight of our visit was definitely the beer bread—it was absolutely amazing! The flavors were perfectly balanced, and it paired wonderfully with our meal. To top it off, our waitress was outstanding—friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better. We'll definitely be coming back!
Is this helpful?
NK
NealK
Baltimore
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
I really want to give True Chesapeake five stars. It's a beautiful space with delicious food and great drinks. Unfortunately, the service fell short of what you expect from a fine dining experience. Perhaps our experience was uncommon, so definitely give it a try. You won't be disappointed with the meal, but you might be waiting a bit for it.
True ChesapeakeResponded 3 days ago
Hi Neal. Thanks for your feedback. We are glad you enjoyed the space, food, and drinks! Thank you for bearing with us on an understaffed night. We hope you'll dine with us again in the future!
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
Baltimore
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tried tbe broccoli and cheddar soup for the first time. Spectacular! Then the Burger, which turned out to be the best I have ever had
True ChesapeakeResponded 3 days ago
Thanks so much for your review, Tom! We are so pleased to here our burger is the best you've ever had. Come visit us again soon!
Is this helpful?
G
Gail
Baltimore
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The best burgers, salads, seafood and drinks! Great service beautiful dining room. ❤️❤️❤️
True ChesapeakeResponded on November 20, 2024
Thank you so much for your kind review! Come visit us again soon!
Is this helpful?
DN
DeNeia
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome experience can’t wait to go back . Service was excellent and the food was even better.
True ChesapeakeResponded on November 11, 2024
Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed the service and food. Come visit us again soon!
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
Baltimore
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Chef Zack's whipped potatoes are darn near as good as Joel Robuchon's 'world famous mashed potatoes -- they are spectacular. Finished up with the apple galette which was delicious and a feast for the eyes in addition.
Is this helpful?
J
Jospeh
Washington DC
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice selection of seafood and other options. Beautiful space and service is prompt. Drink menu and raw oyster bar are both big hits too.
True ChesapeakeResponded on November 11, 2024
Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed the service, drink menu, oysters, and space. Come visit us again soon!
Is this helpful?
J
Jim
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service and delicious food. Loved the whole vibe!
True ChesapeakeResponded on November 7, 2024
Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed the service, food, and vibes. Come visit us again soon!
Is this helpful?
E
Ed
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Good food! Great burger! Fried oysters could have been warmer, mushroom tart was delicious! Unique space and great atmosphere! Awesome Food Runners (!!), which made up for an otherwise challenging server.
True ChesapeakeResponded on November 7, 2024
Hi Ed, We’re so glad you enjoyed the food, atmosphere, and the service from our food runner! We’re sorry to hear that you found the experience with your server challenging. We’d appreciate any additional details and would love the opportunity to make it up to you in the future. Thanks for sharing your feedback.
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
Baltimore
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had the mushroom risotto: spectacular dish presented in a baked acorn squash with a plethora of mushrooms. Delicious and a feast for the eyes.
True ChesapeakeResponded on November 8, 2024
Thanks so much for your review, Tom. We are so glad you enjoyed the mushroom risotto. We hope to serve you again soon!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

True Chesapeake offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (410) 913-6374.

True Chesapeake is rated 4.6 stars by 539 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 29, 2024

11:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

3300 Clipper Mill Rd, Ste 400, Baltimore, MD 21211-2332

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
The entrance is at the back of Whitehall Mill, off Clipper Mill Road.
Neighborhood
Hampden
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, Farm-to-table
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
You will find our restaurant (and plenty of parking) beneath the historic smokestack at Whitehall Mill.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Zack Mills
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.truechesapeake.com/
Phone number
(410) 913-6374
Catering
The True Chesapeake Oyster Co. team would love to chat with you about your next event! Please email us at events@truechesapeake.com to hear more about our options for your celebration.
Private party facilities
The True Chesapeake Oyster Co. team would love to chat with you about your next event! Please email us at events@truechesapeake.com to hear more about our options for your celebration.

True Chesapeake

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Tropical Tuesday

Happy Hour

Half-Price Wine Wednesdays

Oyster Stew

fried oysters

french onion oysters

SMALL PLATES

farm greens salad$13.00

beet salad$14.00

blue crab & bone marrow dip$16.00

hand-cut spaghetti$17.00

steak tartare$16.00

broccoli & cheddar soup$10.00

mushroom tart$15.00

ON THE HALF SHELL

skinny dippers$2.75

huckleberries$2.75

chunky dunkers$3.00

Rotating Selection of Neighbor Oysters$3.00

STEAMED

peel & eat gulf shrimp$19.00

middleneck clams$19.00

Newfoundland mussels$19.00

our signature platter of steamed and roasted shellfish$73.00

SANDWICHES

our burger$18.00

blue catfish sandwich$18.00

crab cake sandwich$29.00

SIDES & ADDITIONS

blue crab mac & cheese$13.00

herbed potato purée$7.00

buffalo brussels sprouts$8.00

roasted cauliflower & gruyère$8.00

sorghum glazed carrots$7.00

5 oz blue crab cake$25.00

5 oz jumbo lump crab cake$42.00

OYSTER SIGNATURES

True Chesapeake caesar$15.00

oyster stew$14.00

roasted half-shell oysters$15.00

classic rockefeller$16.00

fried oysters$15.00

french onion oysters$16.00

ENTRÉES

butter-poached snakehead$33.00

mushroom & truffle risotto$26.00

seared scallops$33.00

red wine braised beef cheeks$34.00

grilled new york strip steak$36.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does True Chesapeake offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is True Chesapeake restaurant rated?

Is True Chesapeake currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information