Pete's Grille

What an absolute GEM! An old school diner with cheap prices & huge portions. No frills delicious authentic breakfast food cooked fast. Can’t wait to come back.

We love Pete's Grille! Its an Historic Favorite in Waverly Neighborhood. The Service is Excellent. Despite the community around it having a hard time, Pete's has remained classy, Clean & Excellent! Lots of folks Carry out, but the EAT IN is a Super speedy and Cozy experience. & the friendly Staff enjoy having you around!!

Top notch place in Charles Village area! This was recommended to me as a brunch spot a while ago, and I've subsequently brought many other friends here. I usually get one of their platters with an omelette, home fries, and toast. Their biscuits and gravy was top notch as well. The environment is 100% old diner style, where you sit up at the counter and the cooks will make and serve your plate right in front of you. Portions are large for the price, which I really respect given the place's fame (apparently Phelps ate here quite a bit). Seating is limited though, because there are only counter seats. I myself have never had to wait for seating, but I've seen others have to.

Family favorite after Church On Sundays. The food and service is great. They have remained a neighborhood staple even though so much has closed following COVID. Safe despite so much outside loss. Great place!

Tried to get a turkey & ham club, but they only make turkey clubs. I had to order a ham sandwich that I tried to turn into a club, which they made sure wouldn't be anything like a club. Everything I asked to be on the ham sandwich was missing. Just crazy! I made it clear that I knew I'd have to pay for the requested items. Fries weren't even okay. They looked good because they had a coating on them. I will not return.

Not too many places in the city do breakfast or anything else better than Pete's Grille does.

My sandwich was good but the waitress slid my drink to me and it tipped over and spilled all over me. She seemed very annoyed and like it was my fault when she stated "well I tried to slide it to you" but who slides a full drink to someone? I was not offered anything to clean myself up with, she told me my straw was in my bag and to have a good day. Better customer would be appreciated.

This was my 1st time visiting and I truly enjoyed it. The food was very delicious and the server was attentive to our needs. I love the relaxed environment and the friendly conversations. This is a very small place and we did have to wait for seats to become available. It was very busy during this visit. There's only one cook but you also get to see him prepare the food depending on where you're sitting. I would go back again and recommend anyone to try it out, but again be prepared to wait because this is a very small place.

I ordered my meal through door dash and when I received it, it was not as warm as I hoped but it was probably a distance issue which is understandable. I got the Breakfast special. Pancakes w/ scrambled eggs and American cheese w/ bacon. I also ordered a side of bacon as well. I really enjoyed the pancakes! The were so fluffy and soft and sweet. You can tell they have a great batter to start. The scrambled eggs w/ American cheese was not as firm as I would have liked. I would have preferred my eggs be cooked a little longer before the cheese was added. The eggs were not seasoned. I didn't taste salt or pepper, just the cheese. The bacon was regular bacon, not too salty and it was fairly crispy. I would eat from here again. I really didn't have any complaints besides the temperature of my food and that's a quick fix. Try them out yourself!

Back at Pete's once again! This time, I opted for a veggie omelette, a side of grits, home fries, and bacon. The veggie omelette was good with plenty of crunchy peppers and onions inside. This time, I use my friend's pro tip and crunched up my bacon into my grits. Omg, what a game changer. Yes, it's definitely your basic diner food. It's nothing crazy creative and it's not a culinary experience. But it's consistent, hearty, and cheap. There's a reason they've been around for over 50 years. I swear, I really am starting to crave their home fries on a regular basis so it's only a matter of time before I'm back again soon.

Just did a quick pick up. Service was fast and friendly. The food was delicious as usual. I had a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. I didn't even make it to my destination before I started eating it while I was driving. Lol. The coffee with 3 splendas and some cream was made perfect. What a great way to start the weekend. Thumbs up

$11.95 Never Tasted So Cinematic -- A Brunch to Remember at Pete's Tavern We decided to go on an adventure today, so we high-tailed it out to Pete's Grille on Greenmount Avenue. My friend said he'd always wanted to stop in, since Pete's has a stellar reputation in Baltimore for being an authentic "Diner". Well, the reputation is well-deserved. Walked in, and the diner was long and thin, like something out of a Noir movie. Seats are only available at the counter; no tables. The waitresses were super-nice in that quintessential Bal'more, Hun! Style. Prices were beyond reasonable ($11.95 for a breakfast special that included blueberry pancakes, turkey sausage links, and over easy eggs). The blueberries in the pancakes were mighty, and the pancakes themselves were like the pillows angels rest their heads on. Wish I had taken a photo to go with it, but I was too busy enjoying the food. To add to the charm, there was a sign that said, "$5.00 Charge for Whining", LOL. Highly recommended. A note on the neighborhood: it's an odd mix of rundown and gentrified. So, just a heads up.

I love Pete's! It's a beautiful thing that places like this are still around - a place that still gets to know its customer, where people are regulars and are known by name and order. It's counter style and you just wait until there's a seat open and hop in. I love that that's the way they do it. The french toast is a must have, in my opinion. It's probably some of the best french toast I've ever had and french toast is usually good but this is even better. It's perfect, I'd love to know the recipe. Then I get some bacon and eggs maybe and it's all made with love. This place is a gem and a must go if you can!

Inexpensive, but great homestyle cooking. The inside is small and counter style but the staff is very friendly and make you feel like you're a friend! When you need a quick meal, this is a great place to go!

Food is delicious and cooked in front of you. Very hospitable and make you feel like family

French toast taste like it was microwave. I wasn't feeling my scrapple bc it taste like they warmed up leftover scrapple so I didn't eat it bc I was scared I was gonna get sick. Maybe I'll try something else next time

Super clean & organized. Prompt friendly service. Large, fluffy to die for pancakes (hot cakes). Will return when in the area again.

Pete's reminds me of a place I went to as a child. I can't remember the name but they had a walk-up window with a green awning. The line was always long to order but the food came out quick and hot. Ah nostalgia . . . My friends and I were not into peopling last weekend so I offered to pick up food for the group. I ordered pancakes, bacon, eggs, grits for one; bacon, egg and cheese on wheat with cheese grits for the other; and french toast with bacon and home fries for me. The french toast was fine, the bacon was standard, and the potatoes, although they had onions were completely flavorless. The meal was just meh. Contrary to what others have said (about it being cheap), Pete's is actually expensive for what it is. You can get bacon, eggs, home fries, toast, and coffee or tea for $6 at the cafe on the first floor of my downtown office building. I'd sooner order from Broadway Diner. Its a few dollars more but the portions are huge and I have never been disappointed in my meal.

Finally was able to grab a seat at the bar in this busy diner. They have a walk-up and order out window as well that stays busy. This is not the place to bring you children if they aren't able to eat at bar-style seating. My son is a tall three year old and did just fine. The breakfast specials were super cheap and good portions. They have very good blueberry pancakes! Staff were pleasant and patient. Can't say this place is good for crowds because limited seating. Would return again.

The best, most delicious greasy spoon in Baltimore. We even love to get carry out. American Breakfast

My boys and I decided to eat out for breakfast one Saturday morning. We chose this place. It had been on our list of places to go for quite some time. I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I have never been here, like ever. Please, don't judge me. Upon entering, we found seats immediately. Please note that all of the seating is at a table top facing the cooks and the grills. It's similar to a Waffle House set up, sans the extra tables and chairs not connected to the counter top. Just as the layout is similar to the Waffle House, so is the timing of the service. You can order quick, get your food quickly and be out in less than an hour. I think we were there for a total of maybe 40 minutes. Actually, it was probably closer to 35 minutes. My oldest son ordered pancakes, bacon and eggs. We realized pretty quickly that a short stack would've been plenty. He said that the pancakes were standard pancakes but decent, and believe it or not, he was pretty impressed with the eggs. My youngest son ordered a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich. He really enjoyed it. I ordered french toast, eggs, and home fries. The meal was pretty good but nothing stood out. And maybe that's the way they like it. I'm not sure if every single restaurant has to have "stand out" food. Overall, this seems like a place you go where the vibes are good, the people are friendly and the food is decent and consistent. I don't want to take decent, consistent food for granted. So for that reason, I'm content with this place. My boys already want to return. As for me, I'm not in a rush to go back. There are one too many new breakfast and brunch spots to try out before I return.

Good quick food, glad they now take credit cards! Awesome if you are visiting the farmers market on Saturday, it's definitely the place to get breakfast or lunch. We will be back.

We stumbled upon this place and were pleasantly surprised! It's definitely small with only bar seating and it's a no frills, no fuss kind of place with quirky servers. But the food is delicious! Just what you want from a solid diner. Plus the portions were just right, not gigantic. Highly recommend the omelets and pancakes!

A salt of the earth type, nothing fancy, classic greasy spoon diner. Been an establishment in baltimore/green mount for some time now and has a cozy feel to it with a mix of regulars and college students.

So ok I was there on Sunday, I been going to Pete's almost every weekends for the last year, food is always good, always a lot of drama going back there with the server jenn that looks like she really hates her job and she talks more then what she does for the place, but I really don't care about that, here is what happened this Sunday . To start only one cook always no matter how busy it gets, he is quiet just cooks and don't talk, this Sunday I was there the next thing I know he walks out, I don't know what the girl jenn said to him because he was cooking she started kinda like bitching at him , said out loud that the fuxking cook was being smart when he was extremely busy that's when he turned around took his apron off and walked out, is a shame that the owner aloud this to happen there , one thing I know I won't be coming back there , shame shame

First thing the food is delicious! I got the two eggs with choice of meat platter (ham). The eggs were perfectly cooked over medium with gooey swiss cheese on top. It came with to giant slices of real ham. Also Grits on the side were mediocre and an english muffin. I ordered delivery and it came within about 20 minutes. It was still hot and fresh. Food was priced good for the portions and well made. Would order from them again.

I love this place. Not many classic diners left anymore and so I feel a need to be kind to this place. The food is beyond fine. The staff is consistently friendly but... If the prep cook doesn't want to wear gloves he probably shouldn't be doing his work in full view of the entire counter. That's all. Otherwise, I'll stay a regular now that I've found it.

Pete's Grille was great! I loved that it was cheap, fast, and delicious! The waitresses were friendly and attentive. Seating was around a single bar table, and we were able to watch the cook, which I enjoyed. The food was really good and it came out very quickly, even though there were many others inside the restaurant as well. I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast sandwich, and they had yummy blueberry pancakes that were the perfect fluffiness. If you're in the area, I definitely recommend checking this place out! P.S. They must've been cash only at some point, but they definitely accept credit cards now.

I visited Baltimore in mid-to-late April and a friend and I had brunch at Pete's Grille (conveniently located just a couple blocks away from where she used to live and a couple blocks away from an excellent Farmer's Market). Though it's quite busy and popular on the weekends, the staff is very efficient at serving food and clearing up places at the counter (it's counter style seating) so that people filter in and out relatively quickly. We both ordered the chicken n waffles and enjoyed it a lot. I was a bit disappointed that it was chicken strips on the waffles (instead of big pieces of chicken, as I'm used to), but I still really enjoyed it and the syrup was delicious, even with the chicken! I would definitely visit Pete's Grille again if I found myself in that neighborhood in the future, and I highly recommend it as an excellent Baltimore brunch place.

Just a great great diner. Cash only. Great blueberry pancakes...nothing fancy here...but perfectly done. I agree...the short stack is PLENTY...I am a big eater. YES...they have scrapple. Go...cozy up at the counter...bring cash...have a great breakfast.

Visited Wednesday, October 11 for lunch. Ordered the fish and chips. Fast service, delicious food, friendly waitress. When I visit Baltimore again, I will return.

It is a classic local place. Only counter seating. Do not expect gourmet. This is classic comfort food in a truly local location. I parked on the street. metered I believe.

Not too shabby!! I got breakfast here Sept 26th (via DoorDash) just to try something different. I got the discounted breakfast platter (to try more things at the same time). Good price, good food! From bacon to scrapple (yeah, I tried it), eggs, the whole nine yards. Not bad, definitely will be back!

A Baltimore and Greenmount staple, Pete's never disappoints even with their current staffing shortage. We've gotten carry-out there throughout the pandemic and today was the first time dining in again since 2020 - despite all their warnings to the contrary, service was as efficient as ever and it's still a treat to watch the meals come together from across the breakfast bar. Hot fresh coffee, eggs made perfectly to order, huge fluffy hot cakes - here's hoping Pete's comes out the other side of pandemic and staffing woes stronger than ever, it's a highlight of the neighborhood!

Just an old school greasy spoon spot that works out when you are hungry from swimming lol. I live close by so it's great early morning food before work. If you want something heathy I wouldn't suggest this place, but you looking for some food and and good company this is the spot.

As always, breakfast is on point. Served quickly and very tasty. Brought a friend viditing for the first time..states "Im def coming back, walked past this place before and didnt realize it was here

Once I found out this was once where the famed Michael Phelps ate breakfast, I had to try it out! We came here on a Sunday morning and it was packed. The layout of this restaurant is much like a bar where everyone is seated around one large table across from the cooks. I appreciated how efficient the staff were in getting people seated and getting their orders in, and we were seated almost right away despite the large amount of people eating there. We ordered the egg scrapple sandwich and blueberry hot cakes. Of these, loved the blueberry hot cakes and would be excited to come back again for more - it comes in a stack of 3, and each pancake is bigger than the size of your face! Tip for anyone looking to come with friends, they charge a dollar extra for each credit card if you decide to split the bill.

Let me tell you something, the old waitress with the tattoos, blonde hair and nose ring needs to adjust her attitude. My 2 aunts were waiting 7 minutes for my mom & I inside and when I walked in I caught the tail end of a conversation about how my aunts need to get up because it's 3 seats but it's 4 of us. My aunt immediately stands and the waitresses said there's a seat at the window. My aunt asked would we be able to bring the chair over and the waitress said no but you can't sit here. We stood around for about 5 minutes to wait for seats but she kept running her nasty mouth to another waitress and I told my family we can go. I don't want her dirty bad juju fingers touching my food with all of that nasty attitude and negative energy. There's a certain way to speak to people and that wasn't it.

Came for Sunday brunch and had a great time with two friends. Although it was busy when we arrived, we were seated within 5 minutes. I ordered biscuits and gravy and thought it was an awesome meal to start the day. There are only counter seats so be prepared to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with thy neighbor. I definitely will return to try their other items.

I grew up going to Pete's with my dad and in 24 years the place has never changed. It still exudes old Baltimore charm with its long lunch counter, black and chrome counter stools, and enigmatic waitstaff. I'm not sure out-of-towners can possibly have the same appreciation for this no frills, working class lunch counter as native Baltimoreans, but it's an experience nonetheless. The food is, and has always been, cooked right in front of you, typically not more than a couple feet from your face. Pete's is a homey, delicious time capsule that remains my favorite lunch counter in the world.

Pete's is a simple little corner diner. You sit, order, eat, pay, and leave. Nothing in between. It's counter-only seating. You come in and you sit at an open seat at the counter. It's first come first served and no one to seat you. The menus are already at the counter. There are no menu specials. Everything is pretty much a la carte. The counter server takes your order and gives you your food when it's done. It's nice to see them cook the food depending where you sit along the counter. I ordered pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage links, home fries and orange juice. Everything was pretty good except my sausage being slightly burnt. You get the bill, and you pay with cash only. They don't accept debit or credit cards. After you pay, you pretty much leave. The seating is limited so you have to respect other patrons and give up your seat. Pete's is a pretty great place if you want home cooked breakfast in somewhat of a hurry. With that being said, it's not recommended that you come with large group. Also, it's not a great socializing place. You don't have very long to sit because people are almost always waiting for seating and you have to respect that. I like Pete's for the unique spot that it is.

*Cash Only/Limited Seating* First time visitor for bkfst. Food came out fast & the staff was attentive-minus the chatty, gossip between the ladies...kinda unprofessional! $13 for my meal

Best diner/diner food I've ever had. Very cheap, lots of food and pretty fast service. Their potatoes are a must! Pancakes are great (they're huge so very hard to finish all three of them), waffles are delicious too but the best are their French toast! Have to get there early or you'll be in the waiting line for a bit. Thankfully it's a pretty fast dining experience so you'll be seated in less than 20 mins. Highly recommend-- everyone in Baltimore knows of this place. Go now!

The food is terrible quality, the hot chocolate taste like water and I'm honestly disgusted i asked for scrambled eggs and this is what i got NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN

The food is just okay. 3-stars, however, for the service. The staff are really friendly and are always attentive to your needs. On a side note: they don't have breakfast platters; everything is sold by the piece. Example: I paid $14.00 for 2 pieces of French Toast, 1 egg and two pieces of sausage. The French Toast alone was maybe $7.00. They also don't seem to have to-go containers. So naturally, I felt a little off for paying $14 for food wrapped in two paper plates like my mom handed it to me.

First time in Baltimore decided to go out to Breakfast and chose Pete's due to price . When you get inside there's not a lot of seating . So you better get use to your neighbors. I ordered the 2 egg meat platter. My food game out really quick and I got to see the cook making my food. Which is always a plus.

I love Pete's. If you want a good home cooked breakfast then this is the place. It's not big, it's not sexy, you may have to patiently wait standing up in the back but it's Baltimore and I love it. I always order the blueberry pancakes, homefries and grits. They never let me down. Its consistently good. Watching them cook it in front of you is painfully awesome with anticipation. The service is always great. I think they may have a new owner. I noticed a to go section and they take cards now. No more going to the ATM before breakfast!

Been looking for a Waffle House equivalent in Baltimore and stumbled across this place. The waffles aren't the same (they are still good), but this diner is a perfect comfortable/laid-back place to go after a night out. The waiters/waitresses were very kind, and I enjoyed talking to Pete (owner). Great prices, as well.

A local classic serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week with daily specials. It's best to have cash as using credit will cost you a dollar for the transaction. They have counter seating only so, you may have to wait but the portions and cost are worth it.

I'm disappointed that I didn't try this place sooner, and expect this to become a regular breakfast spot. It's just a counter, so it's best not to come with a group - the max number of people sitting together seemed to be three. It's classic diner fair, and my veggie omelet with home fries was great. The cheese and toast are optional, which is fine with me because I didn't want to add either. The veggies were onion, pepper, mushroom, and tomatoes; while the mushrooms seemed cooked, the peppers and onions were on the crunchy side, and the tomatoes were fresh - this is fine by me, but I know some people prefer all the veg cooked. The home fries were red potatoes with onion - soft, not crispy, and skins on - and they were perfectly cooked and seasoned. If you don't like home fries, you can get grits and toast with your egg dishes. They have solid diner coffee, and they keep it coming, even sending you home with a to-go cup full. They keep hot sauce out on the table, which I appreciate - most places just have ketchup with hot sauce on request. Service is prompt and friendly. We went on a Saturday around 9:30 and waited only five minutes for a seat. This is cash only, so be prepared for that. Can't wait to head back!

its true great breakfast. classic place. diverse customers. and next door to great bookstore

Pete's grille is something of a hidden gem because driving past it, it looks like every other place on the block BUT it is NOT. The food is delicious, the service is top notch, the employees are kind and actually listen to you. The times I've been I have been completely satisfied and coming from me that's a lot to say. So check it out whenever you get a chance it's definitely worth the experience.

Poor Service!! Waitress with red hair and long blue fingernails was very rude and told us we could not order a cup of hot water or ask for plastic utensils because the health department did not allow it. It was a lie. I will spend my hard earned money elsewhere. DO BETTER!!!

Love this place for breakfast/ brunch. It is one pensive, CASH only. It's a quick turn around service which works because it's only bar seating and there isn't much Of that either. The food is simple but good.

Hubs and I hit up Pete's after visiting the 32nd Street Farmer's Market last Saturday. Now, as a Baltimore native (and former resident of Waverly itself), I have been well aware of Pete's for what amounts to my entire life. But - I'd never been here before, which I can now say is a crying shame. Even if you end up NOT liking the food here, you have to come, even if only to scratch it off your Baltimore bucket list. This is a B'more institution, folks. It's been perched on the corner of Greenmount and 32nd forever - at least for 40 years, because I remember it being there when I was only yay-high. Be prepared when you come - this is Blue Moon-level seating. You'll stand against a wall for 20 minutes and stare jealously at everyone sitting at the counter enjoying their food. It is what it is. At least you get to wait in a nice, warm space and take in all of the posters on the walls, including the snarky ones right above the grills. It's a Baltimore thing. I would definitely NOT recommend taking more than two at a time here. Unless you want to be seated separately. There was one poor party of four that was skipped over six times because they couldn't get seats together for all of them at once. So, yeah. A single or at the most, a couple - no more. They don't have "fancy" breakfast dishes here. No Captain Crunch toast, no eggs with hollandaise and potatoes, no Miss Shirley's 24 dollar waffles. Not here, uh-uh. It's as basic as you're going to get - pancakes, home fries, eggs with cheese. If you're expecting more than good old-fashioned solid American breakfast that you could probably whip up in your own kitchen, you're in the wrong joint. Hubs and I both ordered Western omelettes (the Saturday special) - nothing more than eggs with tomatoes, onions, peppers and cheese, but boy was it good after being in the cold for hours. It came with a side of home fries (you can substitute grits if you want) and toast with butter and jelly - like I said, standard. Coffee is hot, plentiful and comes in little mugs with "PETE'S" written in Old English on the side. Very no-nonsense. The waitresses are crusty. "NEXT TWO!" And they'll yell it right in front of you, too. It's Baltimore at its finest. They won't exactly rush you out, but don't linger too long, either. That line never goes away, after all. You're there to eat and go, simple as that. Prices are about right for a place like this. It's not dirt DIRT cheap, but it's not at all unreasonable. We got out of there for about 20 bucks or so (if you can read the scrawl on the ticket, that is, heh). Pete's is Pete's. It's a Baltimore thing. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Don't wait decades to come like I did.

I ordered the Jumbo Cheeseburger and my Wife had the Provolone Cheesesteak and we ordered a side of fries. Please is old school diner/counter set-up. Friendly service and quick service. My burger was cooked perfectly (Med) and tasted really good. Fresh hamburger patties shaped by hand. The Cheesesteak was also tasty and large. A lot of food and a good amount of fries on the side for us to share. I would go back here for a quick bite to eat. I saw breakfast being made and the pancakes looked amazing. They are only open until 2pm and they are busy, but that means the food is good. The only downside the credit card machine charges you $1 to process your card and I did not know that until it was time to pay, so I would say have cash ready to avoid the surcharge.

who needs an IHOP in this area when you have pete's grille! such a great breakfast / brunch place! been here multiple times pros: the FOOD. the cheap price! hot cakes (pancakes) are so soft and fluffy REALLY GOOD. french toast is good. last time i had the english muffin sandwich with egg and sausage inside. the sausage was pretty darn good. I've tried the burger there too which was great. home fries.. yum. cons: restaurant is tiny, so it's really bad if you have a large group (almost impossible if you have more than 4). also it's CASH ONLY! don't forget your cash. but i love this place. on saturday mornings, the farmer's market is also really close by so you can stop by there after or before breakfast / brunch.