Restaurants in West Elkridge

The Jerk Pit’s white wood siding and covered porch might lead folks to think they’re stepping into owner Lisa Waddell Rose’s own house—and that’s likely what she intended. Within the warm, comfortable digs, light-orange walls evoke offerings of carrot juice beside a bar painted with a sun and bright crescent moon. The chefs apply spicy blends of seasonings to transform morsels of chicken, pork, fish, and tofu into traditional Jamaican jerk dishes, served alongside other staples such as curried goat and ackee with saltfish. While sipping on Jamaican soda or sweet iced tea, patrons can utilize the Pit’s free WiFi to download sounds of crashing waves or pictures of the Caribbean's blueberry-flavored waters.

True to its name, New York Deli offers a menu of East Coast–style, piled-high sandwiches and subs with fillings including steak and cheese, homemade chunky chicken salad, and vegetarian-friendly falafel. Patrons can also nosh on wraps made with pita bread from a local bakery or slurp down chicken noodle soup made fresh daily. Located in College Park, New York Deli welcomes patrons from local neighborhoods and the University of Maryland and scornfully hisses at visitors dressed in Duke apparel.