When you think of Allegany County, Maryland, your mind likely jumps to bike trails and gorgeous hikes, but between those adventures you’ll find locally owned coffee shops, classic diners, craft cocktails, and memorable date-night restaurants. Maryland Tourism and Allegany County recently invited us to come explore the area, and we discovered that some of the best ways to experience the region happened around the table just as often as they happened on the trail.
One of the coolest things about the food scene is how many cool food trails they have. No are they full of delicious finds, they’re also a fun way to explore different areas you might not have otherwise found. The three trails are the Coffee and Donut Trail, easily a favorite for any coffee lovers. There’s an Ice Cream Trail that includes nine locally owned spots; I’d say something like “a hit for any summer visit,” but let’s be honest, ice cream is great anytime of year. Your last trail option is the Mountain Maryland Orange Crush Trail, you’ll be sipping a fresh orange juice-based cocktail all through the county. After a day of hiking, biking, or exploring downtown Cumberland and Frostburg, there are plenty of restaurants that make slowing down for dinner just as exciting as the adventure you had that day.
Here are the cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops that we think should be on your list.
Cafe Mark
Latte lovers, this one is for you! Cafe Mark offers a latte flight, and it’s as fun as it sounds. When you order a flight, you get four different flavors served on a wooden board with handwritten labels. The whole thing is really fun, and there are so many people in my life that I know would love the experience.
The lattes are excellent, and the menu features more flavor combos than I’ve seen on a coffee shop menu anywhere in the world. You can also order flavored lemonades, Italian sodas, and even energy drinks. Grab a fun drink and pair it with a delicious pastry or omelette. You can settle into one of many tables to enjoy your breakfast and maybe even get a bit of work done. Located right on Cumberland’s main street, it’s a great spot to pop in for some morning fuel.
Basecamp Coffee
We honestly can never pass up a good local coffee shop, and Basecamp Coffee quickly became one of our favorites. With two locations in Cumberland, we actually ended up popping into both during our visit.
We ordered a vanilla latte and a kombucha, both of which hit the spot. More than anything, though, we loved the vibe. Trail maps, local magazines, and plenty of community touches make it feel like the kind of place where people gather before heading out on their next adventure. Caffeine and a little adventure inspiration? What more could you ask for from a place called Base Camp?
Clatter Cafe
We’re not usually ones to pick favorites, but if you made us choose just one coffee stop, Clatter Café might take the title.
Located in Frostburg, the cafe has a relaxed, creative energy that felt different from everywhere else we visited. People were chatting over coffee and working on their laptops. In the large back room, a small stage, complete with musical equipment, hints at the live performances that bring the space to life in a different way in the evenings. It’s a little quirky and really welcoming.
Clatter also serves a variety of bagel sandwiches that you can dig into for breakfast or lunch. If you’re biking along the Great Allegheny Passage, it’s a perfect place to refuel before getting back on the trail.
EveryQueer Tip: Make time to pop into the vintage shop next door, Cauldron Vintage. We found some fun treasures, and the owner couldn’t have been kinder. Its called
Mountain City Coffee & Creamery
Can one stop count twice? We’re going to go with yes.
Mountain City Coffee & Creamery proudly appears on both the Coffee & Donut Trail and the Ice Cream Trail, making it impossible to skip. Located inside a beautiful historic building overlooking downtown Frostburg, the cafe has a big front lawn perfectly shaded by a big tree with lots of tables for relaxing out front.
We stopped in for a coffee and a few baked treats, both were excellent. When nearby Frostburg State University is in session, we imagine it’s a favorite hangout spot for many of the students.
Baltimore Street Grill
Walking into the Baltimore Street Grill feels like one of those neighborhood spots that has been bringing people together for years. There is a certain charm about it that feels a bit nostalgic in all the right ways.
Known for its Cajun and American food, it serves up all of the comfort food classics you’d hope to find on any great local pub menu. While I know Allegany County sits far from the Chesapeake Bay, this is still Maryland, so ordering the crab cakes feels like a must. I ordered the crabcake sandwich, and it’s easy to recommend; we’ve heard they’re the best crabcakes in the area, and I think I believe it.
Puccini Restaurant
When we arrived, we learned that the restaurant is housed inside the historic 1818 Hinkle House, which once served as a Civil War hospital. Puccini blends history with comforting Italian favorites.
The restaurant is best known for its wood-fired pizzas, and we can happily confirm they live up to the hype. Beyond pizza, the extensive menu includes everything from classic Italian dishes to familiar pub favorites, making it an easy choice for groups with different tastes. We visited for a relaxed weekday lunch, but the inviting outdoor patio made us wish we could come back in the evening for pizza and a couple of drinks.
1867 – A Modern Chophouse
One of our favorite parts of trips with outdoor adventure is the contrast. Spend the day hiking, biking, or paddling, then head back for a hot shower and a heavy wine pour at a beautiful bar. There’s something about that balance that feels like being spoiled in all the ways.
Located just off the lobby of Cumberland’s beautiful Wills Hotel, 1867 – A Modern Chophouse is the perfect vacation, date night, or celebratory meal. The dining room is sleek while still feeling warm and welcoming in a way that blends with the historic main street.
The meal itself was exceptional. We ordered a handful of dishes, and obviously had to go with one of the steaks. The Delmonico was really delicious. One thing we really appreciated was the number of enhancements you could choose from, like classic Bearnaise sauce and gorgonzola, to additions like garlic shrimp or a lobster tail. This is an easy one to recommend.
Queen City Creamery
Queen City Creamery has become a downtown Cumberland favorite, and after one visit (okay, maybe two) we completely understand why.
The adorable shop sits just off the main street with outdoor seating and a large front window that feels impossible to walk by without popping in. We ordered the Banana Split and Orange Cream flavors, both of which were exactly what we needed during a hot July afternoon.
As much as we loved the ice cream our favorite detail might have been the “Pay It Forward” board beside the front door. Customers can purchase future scoops for someone else to enjoy, and seeing so many already waiting to be used was such an incredible nod to community spirit.
