Miss Shirley’s Cafe – Baltimore, MD

During our trip to the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, MD, we were looking for a great brunch. I received a couple of suggestions on social media for Miss Shirley’s Cafe, and a quick look at the menu confirmed that it would be perfect for Cassie and I, so we went pretty early on a Saturday. It was already pretty busy, but the young lady who drove the shuttle for our hotel told us it was a good idea to get there early since people flock to it.

I was really torn that morning. I really wanted both the Benne Seed Chicken ‘N Waffles (Fried Boneless Breast of Chicken Pieces & a Honey Mustard Aioli Drizzle on Cheddar Green Onion Waffles with Peppadew-Jalapeño Butter, dusted with Cajun Spice – $14.99) and the Crab Happy Chesapeake Chicken Sammy (Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Chesapeake Chicken Sausage, Fried Egg, Cheddar Cheese, Sliced Red Tomato & Fried Pickles on a Jumbo English Mun & choice of Stone Ground Grits with Diced Bacon or Shredded Potato & Onion Hash Browns, dusted with Old Bay – $15). The man next to me had the chicken and waffles, and the chicken looked really dry, so that helped me make the decision to try the sandwich. It was really a kitchen-sink-type affair.

Atop an extra large Thomas’s English muffin were a thick, boldly seasoned chicken sausage patty, an over easy fried egg, a thick slice of white cheddar cheese, a slice of raw tomato, a delicious crab cake, and some fried pickles. I tried eating it like a sandwich, but that was complicated by the placement of the raw tomato. Everything on the sandwich was great, and it was a very luxurious way to start the day. My favorite bites were from the crispy crab cake and fried pickles, both of which were loaded with Old Bay.

I opted for the Stone Ground Grits (with Diced Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Mascarpone, Chives, Tomatoes & Heavy Cream) on the side, and I don’t regret that at all. Even though it was a fairly thick rendition of grits, it was loaded with bacon, and between the marscapone and cream, every bite melted in my mouth. The chives and little bits of diced tomato helped bring some freshness and put the grits over the top.

It was a really hearty breakfast, and that’s good because we had an action packed day of visiting aquariums and the book festival.