We’re in the height of pumpkin spice season and if I didn’t perform my due diligence and research all of the best dishes using this favorite fall ingredient, it would be a (Julia Roberts’ voice) “big mistake, HUGE!” And if I eat any more pumpkin, I’m pretty sure I’m going to turn into one. Without further delay, here’s my not-so-basic list of everything pumpkin spice related this fall.
Morning Mugs: Lumberjack latte with pumpkin cold foam
15 West Hughes St., Baltimore
Cold foam is a delightful trend that’s been showing up at coffee shops more frequently, and, to be honest, I’m absolutely loving it. There’s just something pleasant about the pumpkin-y pillow that hits your lip while flavoring the coffee below, especially when it’s floating on an iced maple cinnamon pancake latte. Do yourself a solid and pair it with the Cloudy Donut Co. pumpkin spice latte donut.
Crazy Puddings: Pumpkin pie banana pudding
22 West 25th St., Baltimore
OK, I’m not gonna lie. I specifically requested this flavor from my favorite banana pudding spot. And I have to admit, it’s pretty freakin’ epic! (All credit to Crazy Puddings’ owner, Jamal Wiggins). If you’re a first timer, while you’re there grab a few cups of his original flavors such as snickerdoodle, birthday cake and Oreo, to share with your friends.
Bmore Licks: Pumpkin Oreo and Midnight Harvest ice cream
901 Light St., Baltimore
Double the pumpkin, double the fun, or so they say. One visit to Bmore Licks and you may start approaching pumpkin overload. My recommendation is one scoop of Pumpkin Oreo (self explanatory) on top of one scoop of Midnight Harvest (pumpkin ice cream with homemade chocolate chunks and chocolate chunks). Don’t forget to post a photo in front of their huge outdoor ice cream mural!
Cunningham’s: Pumpkin spice latte french toast
1 Olympic Place, Towson
There’s no better combination than fall brunch and French toast, and that’s especially true when pumpkin spice is involved. At Cunningham’s, you can go one step further and pair it with a pumpkin spice latte. Added bonus: You can either sit down and enjoy it, or grab it and go. That way you can be in and out before someone calls you a basic witch.
Sakura Cafe: Martin roll
2510 East Monument St., Baltimore
OK, hear me out. This sushi roll is made with tempura-style pumpkin on the inside and mango slices on the outside, providing a delightful balance of fun flavors that make it feel like you’re having a pumpkin party in your mouth. This is the dish that inspired me to search out all things pumpkin-related, and as I quickly discovered, there’s a lot more to pumpkin season than just pumpkin spice lattes.
Enchanted Cakes and Treats: Pumpkin pie milkshake
7812 Harford Road, Parkville
Made with pumpkin ice cream and rimmed with marshmallow and graham crackers, it’s sure to bring all the boys to the yard. But I won’t bury the lede here, this milkshake is topped with an entire slice of pumpkin pie. It should come with a fork, but (don’t judge me!), I somehow managed to finish it without one.
Sotto Sopra: Pumpkin ravioli
405 North Charles St., Baltimore
Classic Italian with a pumpkin twist! Your phone will definitely eat first when you order the Pumpkin Ravioli from Sotto Sopra. Placed delicately on a bed of amaretti cookie cream and topped with Italian sausage, the balance of sweet to savory makes a visit to this Mount Vernon staple so very necessary. My recommendation: Order it as an appetizer to share with the table (but don’t be surprised when someone orders a second).
Perennial: Smoked pumpkin ragu
1 Olympic Place, Towson
It’s hard to avoid carbs heading into the holiday season, so if pumpkin pasta is not the dish for you, let me offer an equally tasty and vegetarian alternative. Perennial is doubling down with this smoky combo of pumpkin ragu and spaghetti squash that will leave you saying “Oh my gourd-ness!” (Sorry, I had to). So head to Towson and twirl the night away.
Blue Moon: Pumpkin pancakes
1024 Light St., Baltimore
You may know Blue Moon for its famous Cap’n Crunch French Toast, but don’t sleep on the pancakes. This season, owner and chef Sarah Simington is serving stacks on stacks of pumpkin pancakes made with butter, loads of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, a secret ingredient I promised not to disclose (hint: it involves butterscotch), and, most importantly, love. Then it’s all topped with house-made caramel sauce. With all of the spooky decor, there’s no better season to visit.
Limoncello: Pumpkin spice limoncello
900 East Fort Ave., Baltimore
It’s pumpkin with a punch. As the restaurant’s name aptly suggests, limoncello is always on the menu. And this fall the winning flavor is pumpkin spice. But don’t let looks deceive you — a glass or two of this and you’ll have all the fuzzy fall feels.
Ice Queens: Pumpkin snowball
1648 East Fort Ave., Baltimore
You thought snowball season was over? Not so fast, friends! In Baltimore, it’s open toes ‘til it snows, and that means pumpkin snowballs are in order until the first frost. These are the real deal — pumpkin purée, pumpkin syrup and condensed cream make this frozen treat hard to beat. But don’t waste too much time because winter is coming.
Baba’s Mediterranean Kitchen: Pumpkin hummus
745 East Fort Ave., Baltimore
I had to include at least one *healthy* option, and Baba’s fit the bill. Fresh, all natural, and made from scratch, this delectable dip blends chickpeas, pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice into a seasonal starter that will *squash* your hunger.
Delia Foley’s: Pumpkin wings
1439 South Charles St., Baltimore
One of my go-to wing spots. With 40 varieties, you’ll have a difficult time finding a wing flavor you don’t love. And this fall, it’s their seasonal flavor, pumpkin spice, for me. Now time for the debate: blue cheese or ranch?!
Cloudy Donut Co.: Pumpkin spice latte donut
1049 South Charles St., Baltimore
I don’t often share vegan options, but after devouring a few, I think Cloudy Donut Co. may be onto something. Soft, doughy and sweet, these donuts are covered with a spiced pumpkin latte glaze, drizzled with chai spice and then topped with candied pumpkin seeds. Pro-tip: Be sure to get there early, they have a reputation for selling out fast.
Chris Franzoni is a Baltimore native, resident, food fanatic, and “Eater-in-Chief” of @EatMoreBeMore, which he started seven years ago with two goals — eating his way through the city and shining a positive light on the Baltimore restaurant and hospitality scene.
