Pete’s Grille

May 20, 2013

Baltimore, Maryland – My son and I were in Baltimore for a day and a half after a cross-country drive. A friend offered to take us to breakfast, which we gladly and gratefully accepted. Not knowing the area, we had no idea where we were going, and we weren’t told until we parked.

Pete’s Grille has been voted Baltimore’s Best Breakfast several times. The place is in a brick building and has quite a history. If I remember correctly from the story on the menu, the building used to be a bank way back in the 20’s. Pete’s moved in about 50 years ago and has been there ever since.

Inside, it’s a tight fit with all-counter seating around a J-shaped counter. Ceiling fans with lights are spaced through the room. Patrons appear to be mostly locals and regulars, although people have come from as far away as Europe to enjoy a meal here. It is usually busy most of the time, but you shouldn’t have to wait too long to be seated. Unfortunately, this is one of those dining situations where a large group just doesn’t work out. You will all be seated, just probably not together.

Behind the counter you’ll see both a flattop grill and a charcoal grill. I was surprised to see that they employ both types grill…until I saw that they also have burgers on the menu. Watching the cook operate back there is a study in efficiency. No wasted motion. Every tool has its place and purpose. Ladles, bowls, etc., are used to expertly measure oil or egg portions. And everything is perfectly prepared by someone who is obviously a master of the trade.

Pete’s has a friendly, loyal staff. In fact, their lead waitress has been there over 30 years, according to their Facebook page. And the owners are there every day. What really put Pete’s on the map was when Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps said that he enjoyed the “gargantuan breakfast” he would eat there during training. To prove it, there are a couple of large posters of the swimmer on the walls.

“Traditional, Southern breakfast fare” is what Pete’s specializes in. That’s right up my alley. But what to order? Foregoing the biscuits and gravy, I went with the sausage and cheese omelet. It comes with a couple of sides. Today’s choices were wheat toast and homestyle potatoes. A tall glass of orange juice served to wash it all down…and provide a good dose of the day’s vitamin C.

While we waited and watched our meal being prepared, we caught up on what was happening since we last got together. Our food did not take long to arrive.

The omelet was just your basic sausage and cheese omelet. But it was a big omelet. The sausage wasn’t greasy…or too salty. The cheese-to-eggs ratio was nicely balanced. And the cheese was perfectly melted. I eagerly dug into the omelet. A little ketchup on the potatoes and I was in business with them, too. Everything tasted fresh. With those hefty servings you get, I’m glad I was hungry. No need for lunch today. I can understand now why Mr. Phelps loves to eat here.

It’s easy to see why Pete’s Grille was voted Baltimore’s Best Breakfast. It is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch. Good food, good prices, and large portions. You will be full when you leave.

Pete’s Grille – 4.5 forks. Highly recommended. Open for breakfast and lunch. Cash only, please.