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True Chesapeake, Baltimore, MD

True Chesapeake

4.5 (663)
$31 to $50
Seafood
3300 Clipper Mill Rd, Ste 400, Baltimore, MD 21211-2332

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for happy hour
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
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.

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!

    Tropical Tuesday Photo

  • 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!

    Happy Hour Photo

  • Half-Price Wine Wednesdays

    Multiple dates available
    Wed - 5:00 PM - 8:45 PM
    HALF-PRICE WINE WEDNESDAYS 50% off select wine bottles!

    Half-Price Wine Wednesdays Photo

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Menu

True Chesapeake's menu was last updated on 4/26/2025.

Small Plates

  • Farm Greens Salad$13.00

    Local greens, toasted almonds, asparagus, strawberries, strawberry-balsamic vinaigrette

    • Beet Salad$14.00

      Pistachios, frisée, puffed quinoa, blue cheese mousse

      • Blue Crab & Bone Marrow Dip$17.00

        Pickled shallots, local micro greens, grilled bread

        • Hand-Cut Spaghetti

          Parmesan, cured egg yolk, bacon, middleneck clams

          • Regular$17.00
          • Large$34.00

        • Steak Tartare$18.00

          Smoked oyster aioli, osetra caviar, potato chips

          • Asparagus Soup$14.00

            Crispy country ham, preserved lemon cream

            • Mushroom Tart$16.00

              Local mushrooms, horseradish, tarragon crème fraîche

              • Ramp & Burrata Toast$15.00

                Grilled country bread, ramp pesto, aged balsamic vinegar

                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

                    • Fried Chicken Sandwich$18.00

                      Apple & celery root slaw, honey hot sauce, potato wedges

                      • True Blue Crab Cake Sandwich$29.00

                        Pickled red onions, old bay mayo, potato wedges

                        • 5oz lump$46.00

                      • Fried Soft Shell Crab$35.00

                        On the Half Shell

                        From Our Farm

                        • Skinny Dippers$2.75

                          • Huckleberries$2.75

                            • Chunky Dunkers$3.00

                              St. Jerome Creek, MD

                              • A Rotating Daily Selection

                                Market price

                                Steamed

                                • Peel & Eat Gulf Shrimp$20.00

                                  • Middleneck Clams$21.00

                                    • Newfoundland Mussels$19.00

                                      • The Chef, The Shucker, The Farmer$75.00

                                        Our signature platter of steamed and roasted shellfish: oysters rockefeller, old bay roasted oysters, clams, mussels, & gulf shrimp

                                        Oyster Signatures

                                        • True Chesapeake Caesar$15.00

                                          Fried oyster croutons, smoked oyster caesar dressing

                                          • Roasted Half-Shell Oysters$16.00

                                            Herb & old bay butter

                                            • Oyster Stew$15.00

                                              Made à la minute, bacon, potatoes, salsify, tarragon

                                              • Classic Rockefeller$17.00

                                                Spinach, aged parmesan, fennel liqueur

                                                • Fried Oysters$16.00

                                                  Split pea purée, country ham chips

                                                  • French Onion Oysters$17.00

                                                    Gruyère cheese, black truffle

                                                    Entrées

                                                    • Roasted Snakehead$33.00

                                                      Potato leek fritter, potato leek broth, smoked trout caviar

                                                      • English Pea Risotto$28.00

                                                        Carnoroli rice, aged parmesan, english peas, morel mushrooms

                                                        • Seared Scallops$32.00

                                                          Pork belly, turnips, sea island red pea cassoulet

                                                          • Cavatelli Pasta$32.00

                                                            Duck confit, crispy duck skin, asparagus, aged parmesan

                                                            • Grilled New York Strip Steak$43.00

                                                              Potato purée, chive butter, grilled alliums, sauce au poivre

                                                              Sides & Additions

                                                              • Blue Crab Mac & Cheese$13.00

                                                                • Herbed Potato Purée$8.00

                                                                  • Grilled Asparagus & Orange Hollandaise$9.00

                                                                    • Roasted Cauliflower & Gruyère$9.00

                                                                      • Sorghum Glazed Carrots$8.00

                                                                        • 5 oz True Blue Crab Cake$25.00

                                                                          • 5 oz Jumbo Lump Crab Cake$42.00

                                                                            • Fried Soft Shell Crab$31.00

                                                                              • Roasted Chicken Breast$11.00

                                                                                Last updated: April 25, 2025

                                                                                What 663 people are saying

                                                                                True Chesapeake reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                                Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                                                4.5
                                                                                4.5 based on recent ratings
                                                                                • 4.5Food
                                                                                • 4.5Service
                                                                                • 4.7Ambience
                                                                                • 4.3Value

                                                                                Noise • Moderate

                                                                                Loved For

                                                                                • Baltimore

                                                                                  Innovative

                                                                                • Baltimore

                                                                                  Great for outdoor dining

                                                                                • Baltimore

                                                                                  Seafood

                                                                                Review summary

                                                                                AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                True Chesapeake offers a vibrant dining experience with "impeccable quality" seafood, especially oysters. Guests rave about the "fresh and flavorful" dishes, creative menu, and attentive service. Although some find portions small, the ambiance and commitment to local sourcing make it a standout choice for a "memorable meal."
                                                                                663 Reviews

                                                                                1. Sue

                                                                                  Philadelphia County1 review

                                                                                  2.0

                                                                                  Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                  1. Overall 2
                                                                                  2. Food 2
                                                                                  3. Service 3
                                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                                  Crab cake was salty and found numerous shells. Would not rush back

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                                                                                2. martin

                                                                                  Washington, D.C. Area7 reviews

                                                                                  5.0

                                                                                  Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                                  Our waitress was amazing! Very helpful and accommodating! Had a lovely brunch. Food was great! Always impressed!

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                                                                                3. Bruce VIP

                                                                                  New York City40 reviews

                                                                                  4.0

                                                                                  Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                                  2. Food 4
                                                                                  3. Service 4
                                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                                  Good menu selection. Was surprised only 2 kinds of oysters were available the night we ate there given oysters are the house specialty. The food is very good, and the setting is airy snd light.

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                                                                                4. Mark VIP

                                                                                  New York City10 reviews

                                                                                  4.0

                                                                                  Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                                  2. Food 4
                                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                                  First time dining here. Scallops dinner was very good. Fresh oysters were great. Service was on point. Will definitely go back for the Happy Hour specials. Very nice atmosphere. Nice selection of Non-alcohol mocktail and beer selection.

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                                                                                5. Allie

                                                                                  Baltimore / Maryland1 review

                                                                                  2.0

                                                                                  Dined on June 28, 2025

                                                                                  1. Overall 2
                                                                                  2. Food 3
                                                                                  3. Service 4
                                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                                  Nice atmosphere but food was average and overpriced for portion size

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                                                                                6. Todd VIP

                                                                                  Baltimore / Maryland18 reviews

                                                                                  2.0

                                                                                  Dined on June 24, 2025

                                                                                  1. Overall 2
                                                                                  2. Food 2
                                                                                  3. Service 3
                                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                                  Very disappointing first (and only) experience. Perhaps this is the place if the true Chesapeake only had oysters. Unfortunately I know there are farms that also grow cattle. 3 red meat items on the menu and 1 is raw... of the two cooked I chose the strip steak. It was ordered as medium... it was presented as rare/medium rare. Sent it back while my wife ate her beet salad and mushroom tart ( which was over powered by cumin... not mushroom). I then presented with the same recooked piece of mean over 10 minutes later that was STILL not medium and a very sinewy piece of meat. My wife ate alone first and then I didn't eat my full meal as it was sent back a second time. Fortunately, I ordered a crab cake to accompany my steak... it turn out to be my meal. The taste of the crab cake was good although it had a good many shell pieces included. If you ONLY have 3 red meat choices on your limited cooked menu I would hope that you could present a properly cooked piece of quality meat (it wasn't) for $43 dollars. The kitchen seemed to care less and no manager was offered to speak with. In addition, to add insult to injury we were billed for a "kitchen service charge" of 2.5%. Why? the kitchen failed to deliver acceptable food. I can not recommend this restaurant for anything other than perhaps Oyster which are generally not cooked. If you want cooked food my experience is ... just don't.

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                                                                                7. Brian

                                                                                  Baltimore / Maryland1 review

                                                                                  5.0

                                                                                  Dined on June 20, 2025

                                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                                  What a wonderful experience. Enjoyed several different types of fresh oysters, and the softshell crab sandwich was perhaps one of the best I've ever had, and I've had many. Light, crispy, and oh so flavorful. We ate early so the dining room was still light (bar was packed for happy hour - inexpensive oysters and wine. The owner and oyster farmer Patrick, stopped by to say hi and offered a wonderful Maryland rose to complement our meal. I was quite impressed as I had not heard much about MD wines, but this one was the perfect wine to go with the oysters and appetizers. I was also very pleased to see a wonderful Finger Lakes wine from Ravines on the white list. Overall, an impressive display of food and wines. The highlight of our trip to Baltimore.

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                                                                                8. liz

                                                                                  Baltimore / Maryland4 reviews

                                                                                  4.0

                                                                                  Dined on June 18, 2025

                                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                                  2. Food 4
                                                                                  3. Service 2
                                                                                  4. Ambience 3
                                                                                  Had an inexperienced but eager to please waiter. Noise level made conversation difficult with older folks at our table.

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                                                                                9. Ted

                                                                                  San Francisco Bay Area4 reviews

                                                                                  2.0

                                                                                  Dined on June 17, 2025

                                                                                  1. Overall 2
                                                                                  2. Food 2
                                                                                  3. Service 2
                                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                                  Tonight’s experience was off. We weren’t served for about 50 mins after being seated. There were mistakes in the order. The duck pasta was absolutely unacceptable.

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                                                                                10. Rolanda

                                                                                  Baltimore / Maryland2 reviews

                                                                                  3.0

                                                                                  Dined on June 15, 2025

                                                                                  1. Overall 3
                                                                                  2. Food 2
                                                                                  3. Service 4
                                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                                  Family loved the oyster selection but the entree’s were less desirable. Even the kids menu was lacking in options for the smaller ones to enjoy.
                                                                                  True ChesapeakeResponded on June 19, 2025
                                                                                  Hey Rolanda, Glad you enjoyed our oysters. I'm sorry you didn't find our farm greens salad, Caesar salad, beet salad, hand-cut spaghetti, burger, fish, chicken, crab cake, risotto, scallops, duck confit pasta, steak, shrimp, mussels, clams, etc desirable. I guess our menu can't please everyone. Our kids menu includes mac & cheese, steamed veggies, a burger, chicken tenders, and cavatappi pasta with butter and parm. If you have any suggestions for additional kids menu items don't hesitate to reach out - we're always open minded.

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                                                                                FAQs

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

                                                                                True Chesapeake is rated 4.5 stars by 663 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                1. Home
                                                                                2. United States
                                                                                3. Baltimore / Maryland
                                                                                4. Baltimore
                                                                                5. Hampden

                                                                                Make a reservation

                                                                                2 people
                                                                                7:00 PM
                                                                                Booked 27 times today
                                                                                Google Map for True Chesapeake

                                                                                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.
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