Maryland: These Restaurants Keep Hunger at Bay for Dairy-Free Diners

Last Update in July 2023! I expected states like California and New York to be dairy-free havens, but Maryland is a surprise stand out. For such a small state, we’ve uncovered a mighty list of dairy-free friendly restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and ice cream shops to recommend. It’s a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!) that’s divided into restaurants & shops by city (first) and major chains found throughout the state (second). And we’ve started a section for specialty dairy-free foods produced in this state.

We Update Continuously! You can ignore the original date on this post going forward. We update the information below whenever we’re alerted to a new recommendation, change, or closure.

Dairy-Free Maryland: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

Maryland is infamous for crab cakes, and most recipes are dairy-free. Whenever we inquired, they were made with bread, eggs, mayonnaise, and Old Bay, but without milk of any kind. In addition to seafood, Maryland is abundant with kosher meat restaurants and kosher pareve bakeries. Both shun milk products, giving dairy-free consumers options that extend far beyond vegan fare.

We’ve listed these recommendations for Maryland alphabetically by city and then by the restaurant or shop name. For large chains with locations throughout the state, see the Major Restaurant & Grocery Chains section below. We have dedicated posts with dairy-free details for many of the big guys.

⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)

Annapolis

• Always Ice Cream Company – The flavors change daily, but they always have a few dairy-free and vegan ice cream flavors made with coconut milk. They usually include some classic flavors like Vanilla or Chocolate Peanut Butter. You can order them in a cup or gluten-free cone, or blended into a milkshake with one o their dairy-free milk alternative offerings.
• Annapolis Ice Cream Company – This is a separate location that is also owned by the Always Ice Cream Company. This is a classic ice creamery, but their vegan ice cream flavors have become so popular that they usually have half a dozen in stock! You might find Mint Chip, Chocolate, Matcha, Peanut Butter Oreo, or others.
• Bread and Butter Kitchen – They have various “make it vegan” items on their breakfast and lunch menus, and have some additional dairy-free options.
• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Ceremony Coffee Roasters – They offer oatmilk lattes right on the menu, and also provide almondmilk as an option. Many of their syrups and specialty drinks are dairy free. Their small eats menu also includes vegan overnight oats.
• Eat Sprout ⭐️ – This local cafe labels dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options, which are plentiful. They have an on site bakery with savory loaves and sweet treats, have a range of housemade spreads for toasts, and feature a healthy menu of breakfast, lunch, and early dinner options.
• Island Fin Poke – Almost everything on their menu is dairy-free, and it includes some unique Hawaiian touches, like spam as a poke bowl option and dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert.
• Lemongrass – This modern Thai restaurant is very aware of, and accommodating to, special diet diners. They are able to make many of their dishes vegan (without fish sauce), have quite a few gluten-free options, and almost their entire menu is accessible to dairy-free customers. They have two locations in Annapolis.
• Level ⭐️ – This small plates lounge labels their menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The dairy-free option include a full charcuterie board, wild calamari, and more. At last check, they even had a vegan dessert.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.
• Miss Shirley’s Cafe ⭐️ – Not only does Miss Shirley offer a lengthy vegan menu, she also labels her main breakfast and lunch menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free guests.
• Neo Pizza + Taphouse – They offer vegan cheese, sausage, and pepperoni for their pizzas, beyond the many dairy-free toppings.
• RASA Juice Shop ⭐️ – This is a plant-based juice shop with healthy dairy-free smoothies and a few nourishing eats.
• Rutabaga Juicery ⭐️ – Smoothies with house-made cashew milk, kombucha on tap, superfood smoothie bowls, wholesome toasts, and nutritious bowls are on the menu at this dairy-free, plant-based establishment. Their menu is mostly vegan, too, but they do use honey.
• Seasons – This is a fun shop for olive oil and vinegar tastings. They also sell some vegan pantry items, like artisan chocolate bars and “salami.”
• The Red Bean – This is a mix-in soft serve ice cream shop with a dairy-free, coconut milk, vanilla ice cream base option. Their syrups and sauces are house made, so the ingredients are transparent, and they have several other mix in options. They also have a full coffee bar with dairy-free milk options.
• True Food Kitchen – This restaurant chain is Dr. Andrew Weil’s creation, and thus quite special diet friendly. See our True Food Kitchen post for more details.

Arnold

• Lemongrass – Their original locations are in Annapolis, but they added a third location in the small suburb of Arnold. This is a modern Thai restaurant with vegan options that are free of fish and oyster sauces. They are also quite allergen aware, with many gluten-free options. They are great at accommodating special diet needs, and most of their menu is dairy-free.

Baltimore

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Alexander’s Tavern – Their main menu looks dairy-rich, but they have a separate vegan menu complete with various nachos, pizzas, burgers, and paninis. Consequently, you can order most of their pizzas and burgers without dairy, and they offer a few more “just dairy free” dishes.
• Amano Taco – We’ve been told the staff at this local taqueria is very helpful, and we found them to be responsive, too. Although they use dairy in their horchata and refried beans, their black beans, rice, and guacamole are dairy-free. And they said all of their tacos and bowls can be made dairy-free on request.
• Baba’s Mediterranean Kitchen – Baba’s used to label their menu for dairy-free options. We’re not sure why they stopped, but they still have ample choices and label vegan and gluten-free options. They serve a traditional menu of kabobs, falafels, rice dishes, hummus, and other Mediterranean specialties.
• BMORE Licks – They are closed in winter, but during the other three seasons, they carry 2 to 4 house-made vegan ice cream flavors daily, each made with a coconut milk base. They also feature a Dole Whip soft serve flavor each day, which is dairy-free and vegan.
• Busboys and Poets – Grace says this local restaurant chain “has a few vegan and dairy free options and a lot of things can be modified to be made dairy free if it doesn’t naturally come that way!” They serve classic, casual menus for brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, and offer alternatives like vegan cheese. They even have vegan cheesecake on their dessert menu.
• Cajou Creamery ⭐️ – This plant-based, dairy-free ice creamery is still working on a storefront. In the meantime, you can visit them at the Market on Montebello in summer and get porch drops of their pints in the Baltimore area year round. Yes, they deliver creamy, nut-based flavors like Horchata and Cheesecake right to customer doors!
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Cinnaholic ⭐️ – This is an all-vegan bakery chain that focuses on cinnamon rolls, with choose your own icing and decadent toppings. They have other pastries, coffee, and soft serve, too.
• Clean Juice – They make their own cold-pressed cashew milks and offer dairy-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, toasts, and some other eats. Please note that their flatbread wraps (the bread itself) contain dairy, but all other menu items can be ordered dairy-free by omitting the cheese or substituting vegan protein for the whey protein (in the proteins smoothies).
• Cloudy Donut Co. ⭐️ – Formerly known as Donut Alliance, this all vegan shop churns out handmade, small batch donuts daily in an array of attractive flavors. On any given day, you might find maple butter pecan, cookies and cream, pumpkin spice latte, cinnamon sugar, and many others.
• Double Zero ⭐️ – Like all Matthew Kenney creations, this restaurant is plant-based. Their menu centers around pizza cooked in a custom built wood burning oven. But they also serve small plates, including house tree-nut cheeses and vegan desserts.
• Farm to Face ⭐️ – Thank you to Fred for recommending this vegan cafe. They’re open midday, and serve lunchtime fare, like sandwiches, wraps, salads, and a few mains.
• Faidley’s Seafood – Located in the Lexington Market, this casual seafood bar and fish market is renowned for their award-winning jumbo lump crab cakes. And yes, they are dairy-free (but they do contain egg). They also serve raw oysters and other local seafood.
• Gangster Vegan Organics ⭐️ – This casual spot focuses on healthy bowls and salads and also offers dessert.
• Harmony Bakery – For an array of freshly baked sweets and savories, pop into this rustic little bake shop. They make quiches, flatbreads, and other meal-worthy items, in addition to daily donuts, cookies, bagels, breads, and other pastries. They also take custom orders. My friend gfJules says, “Our favorites are the tarts, especially the Spinach and Mushroom Tart with Caramelized Onions and Cashew Cheese. The vibe is very hip and the Hampden neighborhood is definitely worth a visit.”
• Honeygrow – This fresh restaurant concept offers several dairy-free stir fries, build-your-own salad with many dairy-free dressing options, and a “honeybar” where you pick your fruit, honey drizzle, and other toppings. They have a great allergen chart available, which breaks down all components for the build-your-own options.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• KB Wok & Grill / Kosher Bite ⭐️ – Thanks to Mike for recommending this kosher restaurant. He says they are “100% dairy free.” They have a very big menu with American, Israeli, Szechuan, and Sushi options.
• Leeann Chin – This quick serve Asian restaurant is based in Minnesota, but they have a few outposts in other states. This location is at the airport. At last check, all of their entrees and other menu items were dairy-free, except most desserts and the cream cheese appetizer. Thank you to Anna for the recommendation!
• Liora ⭐️ – This Matthew Kenney restaurant is 100% plant-based, and focuses on locally sourced fare and seasonal menus for brunch and dinner. They also offer craft cocktails program and a vegan wine list featuring organic and biodynamic selections.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.
• Miss Shirley’s Cafe ⭐️ – Not only does Miss Shirley offer a lengthy vegan menu, she also labels her main breakfast and lunch menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free guests.
• Nando’s – Check their nutrition information pdf for allergens and a dairy-free column! They seem to include eggs with dairy, but it is still very helpful. At last check, dairy-free items at Nando’s included most of their chicken (including their famous peri-peri), tons of sauces, a selection of sides, and more. They also have some vegan-friendly items.
• On the Hill Cafe – This conscious little neighborhood spot serves a big menu with a tiny footprint. Their eggs come from a local farm, the beef and turkey that they use is humane certified with no hormones and no antibiotics, and their produce is local and organic whenever possible. They have some vegan entrees, including arepas and sandwiches, along with a build-your-own burger menu. The staff is reportedly quite helpful with dairy-free and other special diet needs.
• Pariser’s Bakery ⭐️ – Mike K. recommended this little piece of history to us. This from scratch, kosher parve bakery has continuously operated since 1889. They sell challah, breads, cakes, pastries, cookies, knish, and more. They also do special order cakes for weddings, birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs, and other celebrations.
• Paulie Gee’s – This small-time pizza chain has a full vegan menu with a range of cheese alternatives. Consequently, most of their menu can be made dairy-free.
• Pitango – Their dairy-free sorbet selection rivals their gelato, with several fruit and chocolate flavors offered daily.
• Pure Raw Juice ⭐️ – At last check, their entire menu was dairy-free, right down to the cashew mylk, Sunwarrior vegan protein, and gluten-free GrandyOats granola. They blend smoothies and acai bowls, serve oatmeal bowls, and bottle their house juices and mylks.
• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
• Silver Diner – Their allergen menu reveals a surprisingly range of dairy-free options. They include plant-based shakes (made with oatmilk), dairy-free omelette and egg breakfasts, vegan just egg breakfasts, pancakes with dairy-free whip, wings, tenders, salads, sandwiches (most can be custom ordered as most of their breads are milk-free), burgers, fish, and more.
• Sion’s Bakery ⭐️ – This is a full-service kosher parve bakery recommended to us by Mike K. They offer all types of breads, challahs, doughnuts, and other pastries, and take custom orders, including for wedding cakes.
• Sweet 27 ⭐️ – Enjoy the global cuisine and full bakery on site, never mind that everything at this cafe is gluten free. In fact, much of what they make is dairy-free. They clearly label which items contain dairy on their lunch and dinner menu, with starters, tacos, pizzas, and other entrees. In their bakery, they label dairy-free items, which include some cupcakes, cookies, pies, and more. They also have quite a few vegan options.
• THB Bagelry & Deli – Naturally, they have many dairy-free bagels, but they also have vegan cream cheese, peanut butter, and jelly for spreads. They also make an array of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches. This bakery started in Towson (THB = Towson Hot Bagels), but they now have a handful of shops in the greater Baltimore area.
• The Charmery – These Wonka-inspired ice cream shops (they have two location in Baltimore) have at least two dairy-free flavors at all times. This usually includes a sorbet, and a creamier flavor made with an oatmilk or coconut milk based. They also have dairy-free housemade marshmallows (not vegan) available to purchase, can blend dairy-free shakes with coconutmilk, and have even dabbled in vegan ice cream pies.
• The Greener Kitchen ⭐️ – This is Baltimore’s first all-vegan deli, and the first fully plant-based incubator / co-op kitchen in the country. They serve burgers, subs (including cheesesteaks), wings, pizzas, salads, and more.
• Vegan vs Fries ⭐️ – This is a spin-off from Man vs Fries that offers a Mexican-inspired, vegan menu of fries, burritos, quesadillas, and more. They work on order and pick-up or delivery only.

Bel Air

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Flavor Cupcakery – This bakery offers “special dietary” options, which includes a huge menu of vegan flavors. They bake a few flavors each week, and can make any on custom order. They can also bake gluten-free vegan cupcakes and cakes.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.
• Pure Raw Juice ⭐️ – At last check, their entire menu was dairy-free, right down to the cashew mylk, Sunwarrior vegan protein, and gluten-free GrandyOats granola. They blend smoothies and acai bowls, serve oatmeal bowls, and bottle their house juices and mylks.
• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
• YogaFresh – They’re friendly toward dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. Their menu includes smoothies with dairy-free base options, acai bowls, and healthy wraps.
• Z Vault – This is a coffee, juice, smoothie, and acai bowl bar with ample dairy-free options. Their staff is also happy to swap in a clean blender for allergy orders.

Berlin

• Island Creamery – They year round flavors include vegan coconut, chocolate mint Oreo, and mocha, each made with coconut milk. Their menu also includes a range of dairy-free sorbets, but those flavors change with the seasons.

Bethesda

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Bibibop – Thank you to Shawn for sending this recommendation, “A build-your-own bowl Asian fusion fast food place. Most of the menu is dairy free. They even have a coconut milk mango pudding that is dairy free!” They also provide full allergen information to make ordering easy, keep their kitchens peanut-free, and source higher quality ingredients.
• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Federalist Pig ⭐️ – Thank you to Jacquelyn for this recommendation. She said their “regular menu at the restaurant isn’t labeled, but their online menu is. But they’re allergen friendly all around.” They specialize in barbecue fare, and have quite a few dairy-free options, including smoked meat platters, sandwiches, and a range of sides.
• Flower Child – This healthy restaurant chain serves salads, bowls, and plates with choose your own protein and side options. Their modern “hippie” menu is loaded with organic produce, whole grains (gluten-free, too), and house dressings. Their menu is littered with vegan and paleo options, and most items either are, or can be made dairy-free on request.
• Georgetown Cupcake – Their is a lot of dairy at this cupcakery, but they offer Vegan Apple Cinnamon or Carrot Cupcakes with dairy-free cream cheese frosting, depending on the day of the week.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – This nationwide chain has a scoop shop in Bethesda Row. See our Jeni’s post for more dairy-free details.
• JINYA Ramen Bar – Believe it or not, many ramen bases contain milk. But JINYA offers a couple vegan ramen options and most of their ramen dishes, soups, and expansive small plates are dairy-free. They have a great comprehensive allergen chart.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.
• Levain Bakery – They bake fresh dairy-free breads, but also offer big, thick, vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip walnut cookies on their daily menu.
• Not Your Average Joe’s – David Crowley of Cooking Chat recommended this cozy, neighborhood-style restaurant chain for food allergy friendliness. “The staff at Not Your Average Joe’s takes a lot of care to get the order straight and work with you to come up with something that can be enjoyed safely.” Their menu is creative and eclectic, with a good handful of dairy-free salads and warm ups. Their Culinary Director says they can also custom prepare sandwiches, burgers, and select steak and seafood dishes without dairy.
• Pitango – Their dairy-free sorbet selection rivals their gelato, with several fruit and chocolate flavors offered daily.
• Planta ⭐️ – Jennifer recommended this vegan restaurant. “Generous selection of sushi options, pasta, shareable snacks and I heard their vegan cheesecake is really good!”
• Poke Dojo ⭐️ – Poke is often dairy-free, but Poke Dojo is a completely dairy-free restaurant. They have build-your-own poke bowls, and go the extra mile, labeling items for gluten-free and vegan guests, and offering special gluten-free sauces and vegan bowls. They also have a few dairy-free coconut milk mochi ice cream flavors for dessert! This is a mini-chain with a few locations in Bethesda.
• Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream – This small batch parlor has two locations in Bethesda, each serving a couple vegan flavors and some dairy-free sorbet daily. Other dairy-free options include vegan milkshakes and bubble teas with almond milk or oat milk, various types of floats, sundaes, and even ice cream pies on order.
• Seasons 52 – See our Seasons 52 Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• SeoulSpice ⭐️ – This local area build-your-own bowl chain serves Korean comfort food made with farm-fresh vegetables, local proteins, and house-made sauces and marinades. They shun hormones, additives, MSG, freezers, and microwaves. Plus, they have a completely gluten-free, nut-free, and peanut-free menu that’s almost completely dairy-free – just the ranch sauce contained milk at last check. They also have a generous list of vegan options, and their allergen lists cover some rarer food allergens.
• Sunflower Bakery ⭐️ – This is a completely dairy-free and peanut-free bakery! They bake a big array of cakes, breads, and pastries, and even offer a line of gluten-free goodies (including macarons!) and a line of vegan treats.
• The Baked Bear – This is an ice cream sandwich shop where you choose the cookies and the ice cream. They offer a daily vegan ice cream flavor (like chocolate chip) and have a couple vegan and gluten-free cookie options.
• The Red Bandana Bakery ⭐️ – Even when it’s freezing out, this gluten-free bakery feels like a summer picnic. They serve sandwiches and pizzas, with many dairy-free and vegan options, in a friendly red-checkered atmosphere. They also clearly label their baked goods for dairy-free options (there are many!) and have a full line of vegan pastries. They do bake custom order cakes, too.
• True Food Kitchen – This restaurant chain is Dr. Andrew Weil’s creation, and thus quite special diet friendly. See our True Food Kitchen post for more details.

Bowie

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.
• Island Fin Poke – Almost everything on their menu is dairy-free, and it includes some unique Hawaiian touches, like spam as a poke bowl option and dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert.
• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
• Smokey Bones – This Eastern chain has been recommended by a few readers for their volume of dairy-free options. It’s a sit-down BBQ restaurant with ample meats and sides, custom burgers, and other mains to choose from. In the past, they’ve had a spotty allergen chart, so be sure to verify “safe” options with the staff.

California

• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.

Catonsville

• Umami Mediterranean Kitchen – Kabobs, falafels, and wraps are staples at this flavorful, counter-serve kitchen. They clearly label organic, gluten-free, and vegan options (there are many), and also have a few more “just” dairy-free menu items.

Chevy Chase

• Clyde’s – This old-world “American bar” continuously receives top marks from Allergy Eats for staff training and allergy awareness. Their menus cover brunch, burgers, bowls, salads, steak, and seafood, and they have protocols in place to safely prepare meals for most allergy and special diet needs.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.
• The Charmery – These Wonka-inspired ice cream shops have at least two dairy-free flavors at all times. This usually includes a sorbet, and a creamier flavor made with an oatmilk or coconut milk based. They also have dairy-free housemade marshmallows (not vegan) available to purchase, can blend dairy-free shakes with coconutmilk, and have even dabbled in vegan ice cream pies. Josephine wrote in to say they are a “little pricey, but delicious and they switch up their flavors all the time.”

Clarksville

• Great Sage ⭐️ – The vegan fare at this gathering spot is mostly organic and includes gluten-free, soy-free, and peanut-free options. They offer a modest but well-loved selection of comforting appetizers and entrees. They also have a big beverage menu with coffee drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, beer, and organic vegan wines. And of course, there is dessert!
• Momo Hub – This Nepalese style dumpling vendor offers several dairy-free options and even has vegan items on their menu. They are located in The Common Kitchen food hall.
• Roots Market – This is a great store for finding dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan specialty items. They also feature a lot of local companies.
• Tasty Empanadas – This is a vendor at The Common Kitchen food hall that offers some vegan empanadas.
• The Common Kitchen – Thank you to Josephine for this food hall recommendation! She says “there’s an Indian place there that has delicious food and tells you exactly what is in every dish!” We’ve listed a couple other dairy-free friendly vendors above.

Cockeysville

• Pure Raw Juice ⭐️ – At last check, their entire menu was dairy-free, right down to the cashew mylk, Sunwarrior vegan protein, and gluten-free GrandyOats granola. They blend smoothies and acai bowls, serve oatmeal bowls, and bottle their house juices and mylks.

College Park

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• NuVegan Café ⭐️ – This is a casual vegan soul food restaurant with a smattering of locations around the DC area. They have a huge menu of sandwiches, entrees, and sides, and two locations in the DC area.
• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
• SeoulSpice ⭐️ – This local area build-your-own bowl chain serves Korean comfort food made with farm-fresh vegetables, local proteins, and house-made sauces and marinades. They shun hormones, additives, MSG, freezers, and microwaves. Plus, they have a completely gluten-free, nut-free, and peanut-free menu that’s almost completely dairy-free – just the ranch sauce contained milk at last check. They also have a generous list of vegan options, and their allergen lists cover some rarer food allergens.

Columbia

• Bibibop – Thank you to Shawn for sending this recommendation, “A build-your-own bowl Asian fusion fast food place. Most of the menu is dairy free. They even have a coconut milk mango pudding that is dairy free!” They also provide full allergen information to make ordering easy, keep their kitchens peanut-free, and source higher quality ingredients.
• Busboys and Poets – Grace says this local restaurant chain “has a few vegan and dairy free options and a lot of things can be modified to be made dairy free if it doesn’t naturally come that way!” They serve classic, casual menus for brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, and offer alternatives like vegan cheese. They even have vegan cheesecake on their dessert menu.
• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• La Madeleine – On the menu, this chain offers a couple dairy-free salad options, avocado toast, breakfast sides, and fudge brownies! They have fresh baked dairy-free baguettes and loaves, so many of their sandwiches can also be custom ordered without dairy.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.
• Neo Pizza + Taphouse – They offer vegan cheese, sausage, and pepperoni for their pizzas, beyond the many dairy-free toppings.
• PLNT Burger ⭐️ – This quick serve vegan burger joint is located inside Whole Foods. Their menu includes a selection of burgers, hot dogs, and fries, along with dairy-free soft serve, oatmilk shakes, and cookies for dessert.
• Seasons 52 – See our Seasons 52 Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Silver Diner – Their allergen menu reveals a surprisingly range of dairy-free options. They include plant-based shakes (made with oatmilk), dairy-free omelette and egg breakfasts, vegan just egg breakfasts, pancakes with dairy-free whip, wings, tenders, salads, sandwiches (most can be custom ordered as most of their breads are milk-free), burgers, fish, and more.
• Taichi Bubble Tea – Josephine says “they have yummy ramen bowls there, as well as DF milk tea options.” They also offer sushi burritos.
• THB Bagelry & Deli – Naturally, they have many dairy-free bagels, but they also have vegan cream cheese, peanut butter, and jelly for spreads. They also make an array of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches. This bakery started in Towson (THB = Towson Hot Bagels), but they now have a handful of shops in the greater Baltimore area.
• The Charmery – These Wonka-inspired ice cream shops have at least two dairy-free flavors at all times. This usually includes a sorbet, and a creamier flavor made with an oatmilk or coconut milk based. They also have dairy-free housemade marshmallows (not vegan) available to purchase, can blend dairy-free shakes with coconutmilk, and have even dabbled in vegan ice cream pies. Josephine wrote in to say they are a “little pricey, but delicious and they switch up their flavors all the time.”
• The Walrus Oyster & Ale House ⭐️ – Laura K. emailed to share this favorite local restaurant. “First and foremost they have dairy free and gluten free label clearly on their menu- and there are multiple options to choose from that are gluten-free, dairy-free, or BOTH!! Second, our waitress was very knowledgeable and responsive about allergy needs. The bread they brought me was actually good enough that I did not believe it actually was gluten free! I asked for a lobster roll, which actually was supposed to come with butter sauce but the kitchen adjusted and made sure there was no butter on my dish. They brought me a green salad with vinaigrette instead of fries because the fries weren’t allergy friendly without me even asking. Moreover, their cocktails were excellent, their outdoor seating was spacious, and our server was attentive. We will definitely go back!”
• Vegan Soul Bakery ⭐️ – This is a 100% vegan bakery that makes nut-free and soy-free desserts and custom order cakes. They also offer some savory dishes and premade meals.

Crofton

• Rutabaga Juicery ⭐️ – Smoothies with house-made cashew milk, kombucha on tap, superfood smoothie bowls, wholesome toasts, and nutritious bowls are on the menu at this dairy-free, plant-based establishment. Their menu is mostly vegan, too, but they do use honey.

Easton

• Eat Sprout ⭐️ – This local cafe labels dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options, which are plentiful. They have an on site bakery with savory loaves and sweet treats, have a range of housemade spreads for toasts, and feature a healthy menu of breakfast, lunch, and early dinner options.

Edgewater

• Always Ice Cream Company – The flavors change daily, but they always have a few dairy-free and vegan ice cream flavors made with coconut milk. They usually include some classic flavors like Vanilla or Chocolate Peanut Butter. You can order them in a cup or gluten-free cone, or blended into a milkshake with one o their dairy-free milk alternative offerings.

Ellicott City

• Coal Fire Pizza – This regional chain offers Daiya cheese alternative, and they’ve told us that their pizza crusts are dairy-free, and their classic, signature, and spicy pizza sauces are also made without dairy. So they can customize a variety of dairy-free pizzas. They also said their wings and fries are also made without dairy, and they can customize several salads, sandwiches, and even an appetizer or two to be dairy-free.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.
• The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar – This outrageous dessert shop offers Hersey’s Oatmazing dairy-free ice cream in vanilla, chocolate and cookies n cream. You can order it straight up or blended with oat milk for your own crazy milkshake. The staff can share what toppings are made without milk.

Fort Meade

• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!

Frederick

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Coal Fire Pizza – This regional chain offers Daiya cheese alternative, and they’ve told us that their pizza crusts are dairy-free, and their classic, signature, and spicy pizza sauces are also made without dairy. So they can customize a variety of dairy-free pizzas. They also said their wings and fries are also made without dairy, and they can customize several salads, sandwiches, and even an appetizer or two to be dairy-free.
• North Market Pop Shop – Besides good old fashioned soda, there is a whole vegan menu of options at this local store. They vegan veggie dogs, sloppy joes, candy bars, and all types of ice cream treats. They carry So Delicious and Coconut Bliss flavors, and can make you a dairy-free cone, sundae, milkshake, float (so many flavors!), or affogato-style treat. They also have regular hot dogs
• Sanctuary: Modern Kitchen ⭐️ – Their entire facility is gluten-free and nut-free, and they clearly label dairy-free and vegan options. In fact, most of their savory menu is dairy-free, including a range of ready meals. They also run a full bakery with dairy-free options, like a full selection of muffins!
• Silver Diner – Their allergen menu reveals a surprisingly range of dairy-free options. They include plant-based shakes (made with oatmilk), dairy-free omelette and egg breakfasts, vegan just egg breakfasts, pancakes with dairy-free whip, wings, tenders, salads, sandwiches (most can be custom ordered as most of their breads are milk-free), burgers, fish, and more.

Fulton

• Sunset Raw Juice Bar ⭐️ – This is a great spot for acai bowls, protein smoothies, and other blends, since their entire menu is dairy-free and gluten-free. They use Sun Warrior protein powder. Their menu is also vegan aside from honey as an option.

Gaithersburg

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Cinnaholic ⭐️ – This is an all-vegan bakery chain that focuses on cinnamon rolls, with choose your own icing and decadent toppings. They have other pastries, coffee, and soft serve, too.
• Coal Fire Pizza – This regional chain offers Daiya cheese alternative, and they’ve told us that their pizza crusts are dairy-free, and their classic, signature, and spicy pizza sauces are also made without dairy. So they can customize a variety of dairy-free pizzas. They also said their wings and fries are also made without dairy, and they can customize several salads, sandwiches, and even an appetizer or two to be dairy-free.
• La Madeleine – On the menu, this chain offers a couple dairy-free salad options, avocado toast, breakfast sides, and fudge brownies! They have fresh baked dairy-free baguettes and loaves, so many of their sandwiches can also be custom ordered without dairy.
• Not Your Average Joe’s – David Crowley of Cooking Chat recommended this cozy, neighborhood-style restaurant chain for food allergy friendliness. “The staff at Not Your Average Joe’s takes a lot of care to get the order straight and work with you to come up with something that can be enjoyed safely.” Their menu is creative and eclectic, with a good handful of dairy-free salads and warm ups. Their Culinary Director says they can also custom prepare sandwiches, burgers, and select steak and seafood dishes without dairy.
• Silver Diner – Their allergen menu reveals a surprisingly range of dairy-free options. They include plant-based shakes (made with oatmilk), dairy-free omelette and egg breakfasts, vegan just egg breakfasts, pancakes with dairy-free whip, wings, tenders, salads, sandwiches (most can be custom ordered as most of their breads are milk-free), burgers, fish, and more.
• Sunflower Bakery & Cafe ⭐️ – There is so much to love about this kosher pareve bakery. They’re completely dairy-free and peanut-free, with vegan and gluten-free options. And they are a non-profit that provides skills training and job opportunities for adults with learning differences. Their bakery is filled with the usual goodies – cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies, bars, and much more. Their cafe showcases many of these, but also serves bagels, sandwiches, salads, and soups for lunch. They also have an espresso bar with almond milk and soy milk available.
• Ted’s Montana Grill – Founded by media mogul and rancher Ted Turner, this American chain serves a meat-heavy menu with lots of dairy-free options. See our Dairy-Free Guide for Ted’s Montana Grill for more details.
• True Food Kitchen – This restaurant chain is Dr. Andrew Weil’s creation, and thus quite special diet friendly. See our True Food Kitchen post for more details.

Gambrills

• Cinnaholic ⭐️ – This is an all-vegan bakery chain that focuses on cinnamon rolls, with choose your own icing and decadent toppings. They have other pastries, coffee, and soft serve, too.
• Coal Fire Pizza – This regional chain offers Daiya cheese alternative, and they’ve told us that their pizza crusts are dairy-free, and their classic, signature, and spicy pizza sauces are also made without dairy. So they can customize a variety of dairy-free pizzas. They also said their wings and fries are also made without dairy, and they can customize several salads, sandwiches, and even an appetizer or two to be dairy-free.
• Elevation Burger – This progressive fast food chain caters to all types of special diets, with a few plant-based and paleo burger options on their menu. Almost all of their burgers and sandwiches can be ordered without dairy, they offer dairy-free cheese alternative, and at last check, their chicken tenders were even dairy-free. Plus, they offer vegan milkshakes made with oatmilk ice cream and almond milk.
• Nando’s – Check their nutrition information pdf for allergens and a dairy-free column! They seem to include eggs with dairy, but it is still very helpful. At last check, dairy-free items at Nando’s included most of their chicken (including their famous peri-peri), tons of sauces, a selection of sides, and more. They also have some vegan-friendly items.

Germantown

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.

Glen Burnie

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.

Greenbelt

• Silver Diner – Their allergen menu reveals a surprisingly range of dairy-free options. They include plant-based shakes (made with oatmilk), dairy-free omelette and egg breakfasts, vegan just egg breakfasts, pancakes with dairy-free whip, wings, tenders, salads, sandwiches (most can be custom ordered as most of their breads are milk-free), burgers, fish, and more.

Hagerstown

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.

Hanover

• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Nando’s – Check their nutrition information pdf for allergens and a dairy-free column! They seem to include eggs with dairy, but it is still very helpful. At last check, dairy-free items at Nando’s included most of their chicken (including their famous peri-peri), tons of sauces, a selection of sides, and more. They also have some vegan-friendly items.
• Yogurt Mountain – This froyo chain has rotating flavors that typically include at least one creamy non-dairy or fruity sorbet flavor.

Hollywood

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.

Hunt Valley

• Coal Fire Pizza – This regional chain offers Daiya cheese alternative, and they’ve told us that their pizza crusts are dairy-free, and their classic, signature, and spicy pizza sauces are also made without dairy. So they can customize a variety of dairy-free pizzas. They also said their wings and fries are also made without dairy, and they can customize several salads, sandwiches, and even an appetizer or two to be dairy-free.

Hyattsville

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Busboys and Poets – Grace says this local restaurant chain “has a few vegan and dairy free options and a lot of things can be modified to be made dairy free if it doesn’t naturally come that way!” They serve classic, casual menus for brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, and offer alternatives like vegan cheese. They even have vegan cheesecake on their dessert menu.
• Elevation Burger – This progressive fast food chain caters to all types of special diets, with a few plant-based and paleo burger options on their menu. Almost all of their burgers and sandwiches can be ordered without dairy, they offer dairy-free cheese alternative, and at last check, their chicken tenders were even dairy-free. Plus, they offer vegan milkshakes made with oatmilk ice cream and almond milk.
• Pizzeria Paradiso – Any of the pizzas at this local chain restaurant can be made dairy free by substituting their vegan mozzarella. They seem to be helpful in picking the right sauce and topping options, too. They also have a few salads and appetizers that are dairy-free, or can be made so on request.

Lanham

• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Silver Diner – Their allergen menu reveals a surprisingly range of dairy-free options. They include plant-based shakes (made with oatmilk), dairy-free omelette and egg breakfasts, vegan just egg breakfasts, pancakes with dairy-free whip, wings, tenders, salads, sandwiches (most can be custom ordered as most of their breads are milk-free), burgers, fish, and more.

Laurel

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Nando’s – Check their nutrition information pdf for allergens and a dairy-free column! They seem to include eggs with dairy, but it is still very helpful. At last check, dairy-free items at Nando’s included most of their chicken (including their famous peri-peri), tons of sauces, a selection of sides, and more. They also have some vegan-friendly items.

La Plata

• B. Doughnut – Most of their doughnuts are dairy-rich, but this local shop typically offers a small selection of vegan doughnut varieties, too.

Lutherville

• Pure Raw Juice ⭐️ – At last check, their entire menu was dairy-free, right down to the cashew mylk, Sunwarrior vegan protein, and gluten-free GrandyOats granola. They blend smoothies and acai bowls, serve oatmeal bowls, and bottle their house juices and mylks.

Mount Airy

• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.

Nottingham

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.

Ocean City

• Dolle’s – Their salt water taffy is vegan, and they reportedly offer some dairy-free dark chocolate items.
• Pack da Bowl ⭐️ – Their menu of preset bowls is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. They offer a few good dairy-free salad / bowl options right on the menu with no modifications needed.
• Polish Water Ice – Polish water ice is a soft serve treat made with a water base, so it’s completely dairy-free. And it comes in many flavors. They also offer water ice shakes and floats at their kiosks.
• Real Raw Organics – Unlike many other cafes in town, their smoothie and acai bowl menu is dairy-free. They also have a full menu of heavily vegan, healthy eats. They do offer turkey and ham for sandwiches, and most menu items can be made dairy-free without the cheese. They have toasts, sandwiches, tacos, and more.
• Shmagels Bagels – It’s not listed on their website, but they reportedly offer dairy-free cream cheese and butter, along with some other vegan topping options for their bagels. Most of their bagel sandwiches can be ordered dairy free.
• Shotti’s Point – Their eclectic menu includes naturally dairy-free seafood and Asian options, but they also offer vegan cheese for their pizzas.
• Thrasher’s French Fries – They use Idaho russet potatoes and 100% pure peanut oil to make their fries. All they make is fries, so nothing else is cooked in their fryer.

Olney

• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.
• Roots Market – This is a great store for finding dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan specialty items. They also feature a lot of local companies. And they have the Meltdown Bar on site – which is a grilled cheese sandwich bar with custom order dairy-free and vegan grilled cheese sandwiches and other sandwiches with cashew cheese.

Owing Mills

• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Cinnaholic ⭐️ – This is an all-vegan bakery chain that focuses on cinnamon rolls, with choose your own icing and decadent toppings. They have other pastries, coffee, and soft serve, too.
• Neo Pizza + Taphouse – They offer vegan cheese, sausage, and pepperoni for their pizzas, beyond the many dairy-free toppings.
• Sunset Raw Juice Bar ⭐️ – This is a great spot for acai bowls, protein smoothies, and other blends, since their entire menu is dairy-free and gluten-free. They use Sun Warrior protein powder. Their menu is also vegan aside from honey as an option.

Pasadena

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Daily Scoop – This is owned by the Always Ice Cream Company. The flavors change daily, but they always have a few dairy-free and vegan ice cream flavors made with coconut milk. They usually include some classic flavors like Vanilla or Chocolate Peanut Butter. You can order them in a cup or gluten-free cone, or blended into a milkshake with one o their dairy-free milk alternative offerings.

Pikesville

• Dougie’s BBQ and Grill ⭐️ – The menu at this kosher restaurant is huge, and it’s completely dairy-free! They have a big assortment of burgers (yes, all without cheese, and gluten-free buns available), sushi, wraps, sandwiches, Mexican food with dairy-free sour cream, and full dinners from the grill.  They even offer cookies and ice cream for dessert.

Potomac

• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Goldberg’s New York Bagels – In addition to many dairy-free and vegan bagel flavors, they offer a few dairy-free schmears, like Tofutti non-dairy cream cheese and hummous, and various bagel sandwiches and wraps.

Riverdale Park

• Burtons Grill – This upscale bar and grill boasts classic American dishes with fresh ingredients and a touch of global flair. Year after year, they’re top rated as an allergy-friendly restaurant. They follow strict allergy protocols, have well-trained staff, and even attentive to allergies with their online ordering and takeout.
• Gangster Vegan Organics ⭐️ – This casual spot focuses on healthy bowls and salads and also offers dessert.

Rockville

• Al Ha’esh ⭐️ – This kosher meat restaurant serves burgers, grilled meats and seafood, and classic Israeli fare. Because milk and meat cannot be mixed, their extensive savory menu is dairy-free.
• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Clyde’s – This old-world “American bar” continuously receives top marks from Allergy Eats for staff training and allergy awareness. Their menus cover brunch, burgers, bowls, salads, steak, and seafood, and they have protocols in place to safely prepare meals for most allergy and special diet needs.
• Goldberg’s New York Bagels – In addition to many dairy-free and vegan bagel flavors, they offer a few dairy-free schmears, like Tofutti non-dairy cream cheese and hummous, and various bagel sandwiches and wraps.
• Honeygrow – This fresh restaurant concept offers several dairy-free stir fries, build-your-own salad with many dairy-free dressing options, and a “honeybar” where you pick your fruit, honey drizzle, and other toppings. They have a great allergen chart available, which breaks down all components for the build-your-own options.
• Motis Market – This store and restaurant was recommended by Mike K. “Tracy is the owner and she knows her business. Please note no dairy in the restaurant. Closed on Fri nite and Sat–and Jewish festivals but open on holidays.”
• Oh Mama Grill ⭐️ – You can enjoy their full menu of shawarma, kabobs, and schnitzel, since milk and meat cannot be mixed at this kosher meat restaurant. Their entire menu is dairy-free! They also offer vegan falafels and gluten-free options.
• PLNT Burger ⭐️ – This quick serve vegan burger joint is located inside Whole Foods. Their menu includes a selection of burgers, hot dogs, and fries, along with dairy-free soft serve, oatmilk shakes, and cookies for dessert.
• RASA – Thank you to Jennifer for recommending this Indian fast casual spot. “They have several vegan bowls, and list the ingredients of each item, so you know what’s dairy free and what isn’t. The real treat is their vegan soft serve gelato in two delicious flavors, masala chai and mango lassi.”
• Shouk – Thank you to Jeremy for recommending this local chain! It’s a casual vegan and Kosher Israeli restaurant that focuses on plant-based street food.
• Silver Diner – Their allergen menu reveals a surprisingly range of dairy-free options. They include plant-based shakes (made with oatmilk), dairy-free omelette and egg breakfasts, vegan just egg breakfasts, pancakes with dairy-free whip, wings, tenders, salads, sandwiches (most can be custom ordered as most of their breads are milk-free), burgers, fish, and more.
• St. Veg ⭐️ – Thanks to Jennifer for recommending this plant-based restaurant. They serve a casual menu of shareables, bowls, burgers, and sandwiches, with a touch of international flair.
• Sunflower Bakery ⭐️ – This is a completely dairy-free and peanut-free bakery! They bake a big array of cakes, breads, and pastries, and even offer a line of gluten-free goodies (including macarons!) and a line of vegan treats.

Saint Michaels

• Eat Sprout ⭐️ – This local cafe labels dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options, which are plentiful. They have an on site bakery with savory loaves and sweet treats, have a range of housemade spreads for toasts, and feature a healthy menu of breakfast, lunch, and early dinner options.
• Gluten-Free Bakery Girl – She offers dairy-free cookies, bars, breads, and more, and even has a few vegan options.

Salisbury

• Island Creamery – They year round flavors include vegan coconut, chocolate mint Oreo, and mocha, each made with coconut milk. Their menu also includes a range of dairy-free sorbets, but those flavors change with the seasons.
• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.

Severn

• Sweet Eden Bakeshop – They bake a couple flavors of vegan cupcakes, like Oreo and Snickerdoodle. You can also order a custom dairy-free or vegan cake for any occasion.

Severna Park

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.

Silver Spring

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• Bibibop – Thank you to Shawn for sending this recommendation, “A build-your-own bowl Asian fusion fast food place. Most of the menu is dairy free. They even have a coconut milk mango pudding that is dairy free!” They also provide full allergen information to make ordering easy, keep their kitchens peanut-free, and source higher quality ingredients.
• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Goldberg’s New York Bagels – In addition to many dairy-free and vegan bagel flavors, they offer a few dairy-free schmears, like Tofutti non-dairy cream cheese and hummous, and various bagel sandwiches and wraps.
• Holy Chow ⭐️ – Milk and meat can’t be mixed at this glatt kosher Chinese restaurant. Which is why you won’t see crab rangoon with cream cheese on their menu, and why they don’t have hidden dairy in their deep-fried batter. In fact, they confirmed that there isn’t a drop of dairy on the premises. The owners have a child with a severe food allergy, so they’re also attentive to other allergen needs.
• PLNT Burger ⭐️ – This quick serve vegan burger joint is located inside Whole Foods. Their menu includes a selection of burgers, hot dogs, and fries, along with dairy-free soft serve, oatmilk shakes, and cookies for dessert.
• Shalom Kosher ⭐️ – This big, full-service kosher grocery store sells meat, fish, produce, wine, and prepared foods. They also have a pareve (dairy-free) bakery inside with breads, pastries, and cakes. They do sell dairy products, but you don’t have to worry about cheese on the slicers in their deli, and you can enjoy many of their fresh-made pareve salads.
• The Kosher Pastry Oven ⭐️ – The bakery side of this cafe is pareve, so all of their mousse cakes, babkas, pies, and other pastries are dairy-free. They also bake wedding cakes, and can do gluten-free on request. The cafe side has both dairy and pareve options, so it isn’t dairy-free, but they can accommodate dairy-free or vegan needs with ease.

Takoma Park

• Mark’s Kitchen – Thank you to Jennifer for this recommendation, “They have a vast menu that features vegan and dairy-free options, including a vegan cookie sundae. Wow! I’ve enjoyed Mark’s for many years.”

Timonium

• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• THB Bagelry & Deli – Naturally, they have many dairy-free bagels, but they also have vegan cream cheese, peanut butter, and jelly for spreads. They also make an array of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches. This bakery started in Towson (THB = Towson Hot Bagels), but they now have a handful of shops in the greater Baltimore area.

Towson

• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Nando’s – Check their nutrition information pdf for allergens and a dairy-free column! They seem to include eggs with dairy, but it is still very helpful. At last check, dairy-free items at Nando’s included most of their chicken (including their famous peri-peri), tons of sauces, a selection of sides, and more. They also have some vegan-friendly items.
• Neo Pizza + Taphouse – They offer vegan cheese, sausage, and pepperoni for their pizzas, beyond the many dairy-free toppings.
• THB Bagelry & Deli – Naturally, they have many dairy-free bagels, but they also have vegan cream cheese, peanut butter, and jelly for spreads. They also make an array of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches. This bakery started in Towson (THB = Towson Hot Bagels), but they now have a handful of shops in the greater Baltimore area.

Waldorf

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Cava – This build-your-own bowl chain offers an allergen chart that’s quite promising for dairy-free guests. All of their proteins, bowl bases, and toppings (aside from cheese) are dairy-free, and they have many dressings and sauces to choose from.
• Silver Diner – Their allergen menu reveals a surprisingly range of dairy-free options. They include plant-based shakes (made with oatmilk), dairy-free omelette and egg breakfasts, vegan just egg breakfasts, pancakes with dairy-free whip, wings, tenders, salads, sandwiches (most can be custom ordered as most of their breads are milk-free), burgers, fish, and more.

Westminster

• Starry Night Bakery – They offer a full vegan menu (and a gluten-free one, too) that has a rather sizable selection of coffeecakes and cupcakes. They typically have a few vegan cupcakes and coffeecakes (by the slice) on hand daily, but also take custom cake orders. If you decide to grab a coffee drink while you’re there, they offer almond milk, and typically have coffee and cupcake deals that include their vegan options.

Wheaton

• Max’s Kosher Café ⭐️ – You won’t have to worry about cheese on the grill at this meat kosher establishment. They’re well loved for burgers, deli sandwiches, fried chicken, and Israeli favorites. But since milk and meat can’t be mixed under kosher dietary laws, they keep their menus dairy free.

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout Maryland

Some recommended restaurant and store chains are getting too big for our city listing britches. They have many locations, or are rapidly growing, and you might stumble across them in a number of towns in this state. Click on them for more dairy-free details.

• Blaze Pizza – See our Blaze Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Chick-fil-A – See our Chick-fil-A Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• MOD Pizza – See our MOD Pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Noodles & Company – See our Noodles & Co Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Panda Express – See our Panda Express Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Panera Bread – See our Panera Bread Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• P.F. Chang’s – See our P.F. Chang’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Qdoba – See our Qdoba Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• TCBY – See our TCBY Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Uno Pizzeria & Grill – See our Uno Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Wingstop – See our Wingstop Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in Maryland

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in Maryland. So you have a good chance of finding their products at grocery stores, restaurants, and/or other shops in this state. Keep an eye out!

We haven’t learned of any yet, but will add them as we find them!

This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations

We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.

Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!

This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

For More Dairy-Free Guidance, Get Go Dairy Free!