Everything You Need to Know About Camden Yards

The Orioles baseball team, more affectionately known as the Birds or the O’s to locals, is named for the black and orange state bird of Maryland. The team plays ball at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, a natural grass ballpark built in 1992, just minutes away from Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor.

Located downtown, Camden Yards is a short walk from numerous Baltimore attractions like the National Aquarium, Port Discovery Children’s Museum and the Maryland Science Center.

Baltimore Orioles players Luis Aparicio, Roger Bresnahan, Reggie Jackson, Joe Kelley, George Kell, Joe McGinnity, Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Robin Roberts, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson and Hoyt Wilhelm have all been inducted into The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

And let’s not forget fan-favorite and hometown hero, Cal Ripken, Jr., who also has his own spot in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. Nicknamed “Iron Man,” Calvin Edward Ripken, Jr. played in 2,632 straight games with the Orioles, a record that has yet to be broken.

Baltimore’s most famous player, of course, is George Herman “Babe” Ruth, who was recruited in 1914 at the age of 19. His boyhood home at 216 Emory Street near Camden Yards is now the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum and features memorabilia from his childhood and career.

This statue of Babe Ruth sits just outside the Eutaw Street entrance into Camden Yards.

Before you head to Camden Yards for an Oriole’s game,  stop by these places to enjoy a pregame beer or crab pretzel!

Pickles Pub

Pickles Pub attracts throngs of O’s fans every game day!

Located among a cluster of rowhomes across from Camden Yards, Pickles Pub has been around since 1988 and is one of locals’ go-to game day destinations. It offers great happy hour specials and plenty of TVs to watch the game. Try the crab patty, a burger topped with crab dip, and pair it with some crabby fries and a Natty Boh for a classic Bawlmer meal. True to its name, the bar serves beer-battered pickles over tortilla chips.

Pratt Street Ale House

Just down the street from Camden Yards in a converted brick rowhome, Pratt Street Ale House serves an impressive collection of English-style craft brews made off-site at Oliver Brewing Co. Sit outside to catch O’s fans on their way to the game and get your crustacean fix with a crab pretzel, crab mac and cheese or flatbread pizza with crab.

Mother’s Federal Hill

This longstanding bar in Baltimore’s Federal Hill draws a crowd on game days, whether it’s the Orioles or the Ravens. (Head there during football season to hang out on the Purple Patio.) But don’t overlook the made-from-scratch food in Mother’s kitchen, whose specialties include crab cakes, fish and 20 types of burgers. Pair it with the classic Maryland summer drink, the orange crush, made with vodka, orange juice, triple sec and sprite.

The Orioles Grille at the Sheraton Inner Harbor

Filled with Orioles memorabilia, this bar and restaurant offers traditional favorites such as burgers and sandwiches. Try the Old Bay wings for an extra kick while watching the game on one of the many televisions at The Orioles Grille.

The Yard at the Marriott Inner Harbor

Billing itself as a restaurant that loves sports, The Yard takes pride in its seasonal menu and sourcing of local ingredients. Start the evening with the Old Bay chips or the nachos topped with Natty Boh cheese sauce. Pair it with a local brew or your favorite wine from the self-serve beer and wine wall.

Here in Baltimore, we have a few traditions we like to stick to during Orioles games. Feel free to join in if you want to feel like a true local. When you hear the “Star-Spangled Banner” start playing, be prepared to shout “O” during the first stanza. The crowd also gets to their feet to dance to “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” during the seventh inning stretch. And get ready to declare your allegiance to ketchup, mustard or relish during the great hot dog race on the big screen.

The view of the field at an Orioles game at Camden Yards.

Camden Yards prides itself on its wide variety of food options, including plenty of local favorites. Some of our ballpark food favorites include fries topped with crab dip and Old Bay, Stuggy’s hot dogs topped with mac and cheese and crab meat, a fried oyster po’boy sandwich and, of course, a classic Maryland crab cake.

Nothing goes better together than beer and baseball.

Check the schedule to make sure you can catch a home game while you’re in town and buy your tickets here.