
"Chaps Pit Beef proudly serves Maryland’s best pit beef, turkey and pork as well as BBQ chicken and ribs. We pair those items with delicious home-style sides, including hand cut fries, baked beans, green beans, cole slaw, potato salad, and more! Guy Fieri’s Favorite Sandwich, our award-winning BBQ has been recognized, loved, and featured nationally by the Food Network, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, CBS, the Travel Channel, The New York Times, Baltimore Magazine and more!" reads the website.

It all began in May of 1987, when Gus Glava, owner of a night club, wanted his son-in-law Bob Creager to get out of working in a steel mill. So, as a wedding gift to his newly married daughter and son-in-law, he invested $12,000 to build Chaps Pit Beef.

Gus originally served pit beef at his bar. Gus knew Bob liked to cook and thought a pit beef stand in the parking lot of his club would be a hit. Gus suggested naming it “Chaps Pit Beef” after the club. The name stuck even though the club was sold and has gone through numerous name changes. Chaps Pit Beef began as a 12 x15 shack using the food license issued to the club, and extension cords running out to it and no restroom of its own.

Donna, Gus’s daughter, originally worked in the Chaps nightclub, but left there so she could spend her time at the pit beef stand with Bob. With Bob’s amazing ability as a cook and Donna’s ability to organize and motivate the staff, success was in the cards. Chaps Pit beef now has had five buildings added onto it from the original.

I had to try Baltimore's most iconic sandwich - from its most iconic sandwich shop. Smoky, charcoal grilled medium-rare roast beef is sliced thin & topped with pickles, onions & horseradish sauce. I also added cheese.

As a side, I added the homemade macaroni & cheese to round out my meal.

I enjoyed this for what it is. But this isn't my go-to flavor profile. This is a big, deep beefy richness that is definitely some people's cup of tea. Me? That mac & cheese is more my jam. Creamy, cheesy. But, both were good.

Have you been?

Grade: B