Old Town College Park, nestled amid historic homes and the vibrant pulse of the University of Maryland, has blossomed into a go-to neighborhood for food lovers. Centered around Baltimore Avenue and dotted with cultural icons old and new, Old Town’s food scene offers an adventurous mix for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re searching for a quick caffeine fix, a cozy dinner, or a late-night snack after a Terps game, Old Town’s eateries deliver with heart, flair, and fantastic flavors.
Main Street Must-Tries: Stellar Restaurants along Baltimore Avenue
Baltimore Avenue (US-1) is the culinary spine of Old Town. Here, you’ll find eclectic choices, from decades-old institutions to fresh newcomers:
- The Board and Brew (8150 Baltimore Ave)
A favorite for both university students and longtime residents, The Board and Brew fuses the best of a community café with a playful gaming atmosphere. Their sandwiches, like the classic turkey and brie or the hearty caprese, are perfect pairing for a craft beer. The café’s massive board game wall keeps things lively. Prices hover in the $10-$15 range.
- Krazi Kebob (4425 Lehigh Rd)
An Old Town legend for adventurous palates, Krazi Kebob reimagines Indian and Pakistani street food with a College Park twist. Kebabs, naan, and samosas come stuffed in toasty wraps or plated over rice. Don’t miss the butter chicken burrito—packed with bold flavors for under $12.
- NuVegan Café (8150 Baltimore Ave)
Just a few doors down from The Board and Brew, NuVegan Café is a haven for plant-based eaters and anyone craving soulful, hearty meals. Their vegan mac and cheese, sweet potato pancakes, and chick’n drummies earn rave reviews. It’s all counter-service and casual, with entrées in the $10-$15 range.
Breakfast, Brunch, and Beyond: Coffee & Bakeries
Old Town’s mornings kick off with the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries wafting down Knox Road and College Avenue:
- Vigilante Coffee (8200 Baltimore Ave)
A cornerstone of the College Park coffee culture, Vigilante roasts its own ethically sourced beans and crafts drinks with care. Savor a pour-over or a house latte, and don’t skip their rotating selection of breakfast biscuits or the almond croissant. The vibe is welcoming, and you’ll find students and professors alike fueling up here.
- Bagels 'n Grinds (8900 Baltimore Ave, just north but a walkable favorite)
Worth the short stroll, Bagels 'n Grinds offers a vast spread of bagels boiled and baked fresh daily. Pile them high with lox, artisanal cream cheeses, or head for one of their inventive breakfast sandwiches. The bagel shop’s bright, comfortable interior makes it an ideal early-morning meetup spot.
- Insomnia Cookies (4505 College Ave)
This late-night bakery is a student favorite, delivering ooey-gooey cookies, brownies, and even ice cream until 3 a.m. It’s the ultimate cravings fix, whether you want a chocolate chunk after dinner or a celebratory treat after finals.
International Flavors: Old Town’s Global Culinary Passport
College Park’s diversity shines on the plate. Just wander around the intersections of Baltimore Ave and Knox Road:
- Delhi Palace (5244 Baltimore Ave, just south of Old Town proper)
Warm hospitality and fragrant North Indian cuisine define Delhi Palace as a standout. The lunch buffet draws a lunchtime crowd looking for butter chicken, saag paneer, and tandoori fresh from the oven. The à la carte dinner lets you linger over curries and garlic naan, perfect for sharing. Entrées are generally $13-$18.
- Taqueria Habanero (8145 Baltimore Ave)
A bright beacon for Mexican street food, Taqueria Habanero serves up authentic tacos—al pastor, carne asada, and chorizo—packed into housemade corn tortillas. Their mole poblano enchiladas and freshly shaken margaritas draw raves. Two tacos and a side run around $10.
- Pho Thom (7410 Baltimore Ave)
On a chilly Maryland day, Pho Thom’s steaming bowls of Vietnamese noodle soup hit the spot. Gentler than some other pho shops, their broths are aromatic and satisfyingly light. Banh mi sandwiches and crispy spring rolls round out a compact, tasty menu.
Hidden Gems: Don’t Miss These Local Surprises
There’s more to Old Town’s foodscape than meets the eye. Off the main drag, you’ll find irresistible pit stops:
- Nando’s PERi-PERi (7400 Baltimore Ave)
While now a global chain, Nando’s in Old Town is a local hotspot for flame-grilled peri-peri chicken and vibrant Afro-Portuguese sides. The lively, colorful dining space makes it a hit for group dinners or a casual date night. Salads, rice dishes, and vegetarian options keep everyone happy; mains average $11-$15.
- Food Trucks at Lot 1 (Knox Rd & Princeton Ave)
Old Town’s food truck scene is ever-changing—you’ll find rotating trucks setting up most afternoons and late nights. Look for Caribbean jerk chicken, Venezuelan arepas, or the beloved Bao Buns stand. Each visit might offer something new, but the prices are refreshingly student-friendly ($6–$9).
- MilkBoy ArtHouse (7416 Baltimore Ave, temporarily closed but often reopening for pop-ups and special events)
When open, MilkBoy ArtHouse is part music venue, part gastro-pub. Their creative small plates and craft cocktails draw crowds for themed nights or live jazz. Keep an eye on community calendars for special dinners and tasting nights—a true Old Town experience.
Embracing Tradition: College Park Classics
Bringing everyone together, Old Town enjoys food traditions rooted in UMD spirit:
- Maryland Dairy (Stamp Student Union, 3972 Campus Dr)
Beloved for generations, the Maryland Dairy scoops out fresh ice cream in whimsical, locally-inspired flavors. “Fear the Turtle” (cake batter ice cream with fudge) is a rite of passage for College Parkers.
- Cluckster’s (7417 Baltimore Ave)
Late-night fried chicken cravings are satisfied here, open into the wee hours and decked out with college memorabilia. Their chicken sandwiches and loaded waffle fries have fueled countless study sessions—and post-bar snack runs.
Savoring Old Town: A Neighborhood on the Rise
As College Park evolves, Old Town’s food scene balances new energy with timeless comfort. From student-friendly bites to refined flavors and global cuisines, each street corner brings its own delight. Whether you’re discovering a hidden bakery on your morning walk or joining friends for an impromptu taco night under the glow of string lights, Old Town is a culinary neighborhood worth exploring—one delicious bite at a time.