Ravens road trip guide: What to see (and eat) if you travel to an away game this year (2024)

From the West Coast to London and everywhere in between, the 2023 Baltimore Ravens found success in every city they played in except Pittsburgh.

They left their own notoriously loud stadium behind for hostile crowds and went 7-1.

This year, the Ravens’ regular-season schedule features nine road games. Five are cities they did not visit last year.

As always, members of the Ravens flock will follow them as they traverse the country. Although the games will probably take a big chunk of the trip, there is always downtime to explore.

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To help traveling Ravens fans maximize their trips, The Baltimore Banner turned to local reporters for suggestions on where to eat, where to stay and what to do while you’re in town. Current and former Banner reporters also contributed based on their experiences.

Kansas City Chiefs

Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

When: Sept. 5, 8:20 p.m.

Reporter referrers: Nate Taylor is a Chiefs beat reporter for The Athletic. You can follow him at @byNateTaylor. Jay Binkley is the Chiefs’ postgame host for Kansas City’s version of The Fan. You can follow him at @3guysinagarage or listen to him on 96.5.

Food:

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Joe’s Kansas City, Nate Taylor, Jay Binkley
Gates BBQ, Nate Taylor, Jay Binkley
Char Bar , Nate Taylor
Smokehouse Barbecue, Jay Binkley
Jack Stack Barbecue, Jay Binkley
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, Jay Binkley

Lodging:

“Most people stay on the plaza or near downtown.” Nate Taylor
“If you want fancy, that would be the plaza.” Jay Binkley

Activities:

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Nate Taylor, Jay Binkley
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Nate Taylor
National WWI Museum and Memorial, Nate Taylor, Jay Binkley
American Jazz Museum, Nate Taylor

Dallas Cowboys

Where: AT&T Stadium

When: Sept. 22, 4:25 p.m.

Reporter referrers: Jori Epstein is a senior NFL reporter for Yahoo Sports who is from Dallas. You can follow her at @JoriEpstein. Aaron Kasinitz is a former Ravens reporter for PennLive who lives in Dallas, where he teaches journalism and covers the Cowboys for LoneStarLive.com. You can find him at @AaronKazreports.

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Cincinnati Bengals

Where: Paycor Stadium

When: Oct. 6, 1 p.m.

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Reporter referrers: Danielle Dindak covers Cincinnati news and sports for WLWT. She can be found at @danielledindak. Kelsey Conway used to work with the Ravens and is now a Bengals beat reporter for the Cincinnati Enquirer. She can be followed at @KelseyLConway.

Food:

Jeff Ruby’s Downtown. Award winner steakhouse with a one-of-a-kind dining experience. You can check out the fabulous downtown location at Fountain Square or the original location, The Precinct. Danielle Dindak, Kelsey Conway
Sotto, Kelsey Conway
Holy Grail, Kelsey Conway
Bee’s Barbecue: “Great food and drinks, plus a fun spot to watch sports.” Danielle Dindak
Pepp & Dolores: “If you want delicious, handmade pasta and good vibes, come here! Reservations are tough, but the bar is also open.” Danielle Dindak
Pata Roja Taqueria: “Great tacos and fun atmosphere! Good for a quick bite or to curb your taco needs.” Danielle Dindak
Skyline Chili: “The ultimate Cincinnati staple! You’ve got to try Cincinnati Chili (it’s not the chili your mom made). Order yourself a three-way or a cheese Coney and thank us later. (You can also find them inside Paycor).” Danielle Dindak

Lodging:

Hotel Covington, 21C Hotel and Lytle Park Hotel, Danielle Dindak
There’s a very big Airbnb scene, and there are all the normal big hotels downtown like Marriott, Hilton, etc., Danielle Dindak

Activities:

“Walk the rivers downtown that connect Cincinnati and Kentucky.” Kelsey Conway
“Taste your way through Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market.” Danielle Dindak
“Ride the streetcar (it’s free!). Make a stop at Fountain Square. It can drop you off at The Banks on game day.” Danielle Dindak
“Take an underground brewery tour of Cincinnati’s historic beer district. Check out the hidden brewery caverns, and enjoy a beer tasting! Also, check out the breweries around the city: Rhinegeist, Braxton and MadTree.” Danielle Dindak
“Sam Adams Distillery tour.” Danielle Dindak

Game-day tips:

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“Get to the stadium early and grab a drink at The Banks (a large outdoor space with restaurants, bars, live music and game-day activities).” Danielle Dindak
“Staying in Northern Kentucky? Take a ferry to the game! Queen City Riverboats picks up fans at The Beer Sellar and Hooters for $6 a person.” Danielle Dindak

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Where: Raymond James Stadium

When: October 21, 8:15 pm

Reporter referrers: Jill Beckman was a reporter at Penn State who is now a social media specialist for the Bucs. She can be found at @_jillbeckman, but her work is found across all Buccaneers socials. Trevor Sikkema is Pro Football Focus’ lead NFL draft analyst who used to be based in Tampa Bay. You can find him at @TampaBayTre.

Food:

Bern’s, Jill Beckman
Olivia, Jill Beckman
Columbia, (Ybor City location is the original) Jill Beckman
Rocco’s Tacos, Jill Beckman
Bar Taco, Jill Beckman
American Social, Jill Beckman
Psomi, Jill Beckman
Ulele, Jill Beckman
The Pearl, Jill Beckman
Wagamama, Jill Beckman
Forbici, Jill Beckman
Market @ Edition, Jill Beckman
Goody Goody Burgers, Jill Beckman
“Jill was playing the hits! … I would add Hattricks for some good wings.” Trevor Sikkema
“Charley’s is a steakhouse that is closer to the stadium.” Trevor Sikkema
Timpano, Giana Han
Oxford Exchange, Giana Han

Lodging:

Marriott Downtown, Jill Beckman
Either Westin, Jill Beckman
Grand Hyatt, Jill Beckman
The Edition (if you want to spend more), Jill Beckman
“Jill nailed the spots to stay. I would just add, if you stay in St. Pete, you’ll be closer to the beaches, and it’s not too far of a drive into Tampa for the game.” Trevor Sikkema

Activities:

Hyde Park, Jill Beckman
Armature Works, Jill Beckman
Clearwater/St. Pete beaches, Jill Beckman
St. Pete Pier, Jill Beckman
International Plaza, Jill Beckman
Florida Aquarium, Jill Beckman
Tampa Zoo, Jill Beckman
Sparkman Wharf, Giana Han

Cleveland Browns

Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium

When: Oct. 27, 1 p.m.

Reporter referrer: Joe Vardon lives in Cleveland, covering the Cavaliers for The Athletic. He can be followed at @joevardon. For a local Browns reporter, follow Daniel Oyefusi @DanielOyefusi, a former Ravens reporter who recently moved to Ohio to cover the Browns.

Food: In Cleveland, there are the favorites (Marble Room, Red, Barrio), and then also in the city but outside of downtown, there is Little Italy (Mamma Santa’s). If you are willing to venture just outside of the city, however, to Lakewood, on the west side, you will be blown away by the fun and charm. Bar Italia is a must, and Pier W is a swanky restaurant and bar that hangs out onto Lake Erie, with a breathtaking view of the skyline (don’t knock it til you try it) and, hell, the football stadium. Joe Vardon

From my first trip to Cleveland last season, the restaurant Lulo and the coffeeshop Lionheart are walking distance to the stadium. Giana Han

Lodging: The 9. If you don’t stay there, you are doing it wrong. The Westin downtown is probably next best, and the Ritz in Tower City is where a bunch of NBA teams stay. Not too bad. Joe Vardon

Activities: You’ve heard of the Rock Hall, MAYBE Great Lakes Science Center (they are right next to each other and right next to the stadium), but also the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the natural history museum on the east side (not far from Little Italy, either) are fantastic. If you’re here in September, go to Edgewater Park, and if you are as far west as Bay Village, Huntington Beach. You won’t believe it’s Cleveland. There is also a fantastic place on the outskirts of downtown (West 125th Street) called 16-Bit — it’s a ’90s arcade where MOST of the games are free and you can play all night. They would like you to buy a drink, if you don’t mind. There are five or six bars over there that are awesome, including Town Hall, a mandatory spot to check out. Joe Vardon

Game-day tips: Coat your stomach, please, before you get to the muni lot or hit any of the other hotel/radio station-sponsored pregame parties. Joe Vardon

City tips: You will do better to leave your car at the hotel and walk, BUT, if you can park in a garage with easy access to 90 East, you will catch 271 and be back on your way to Baltimore much more easily than if you park anywhere west of the stadium. Joe Vardon

Pittsburgh Steelers

Where: Acrisure Stadium

When: Nov. 17, 1 p.m.

Reporter referrers: Brooke Pryor covers the team for ESPN and can be found at @bepryor. Alaina Getzenberg covers the Buffalo Bills (Week 4 at home!) but spent her childhood in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. You can follow her @agetzenberg.

Food:

Eleven, Giana Han
Tako, Giana Han
The Commoner, Giana Han
Pamela’s Diner, (several locations): elite breakfast. Brooke Pryor, Giana Han
Enrico Biscotti, Alaina Getzenberg, Brooke Pryor and Giana Han
Southern Tier on the North Shore: near the stadium, great beer, November game means it will be Punking season (my personal favorite pumpkin beer — get it with the cinnamon sugar rim!) Brooke Pryor
Girasole: great Italian food. Brooke Pryor
Coop De Ville: bar/restaurant in the Strip District with arcade games. Brooke Pryor
Cinderlands Warehouse: beer and bar food. Brooke Pryor
Pins: Bar/ restaurant with duckpin bowling and arcade games on the South Side. Brooke Pryor
The Warren: really cool downtown bar and restaurant. Brooke Pryor

Lodging:

Renaissance Downtown: great view of PNC Park and the bridges. Short drive/Uber or longer walk to the game. Brooke Pryor
Sheraton at Station Square: easy access to take the Gateway Clipper to the game on the river. Brooke Pryor
Residence Inn and Springhill Suites North Shore are walking distance to the stadium. Brooke Pryor

Activities:

PNC Park is consistently rated up there with Camden Yards. Giana Han
Heinz History Center: Ravens fans might love to hate Pittsburgh, but the exhibits are really well done — including the Western PA Sports Museum. It has turf from the Immaculate Reception (which probably isn’t something Ravens fans care about, but all incredibly well-curated). Brooke Pryor
Walnut Street in Shadyside: neighborhood shopping. Brooke Pryor. (Note from Giana Han: Jitters Cafe is a great coffee shop, and the famous bakery Prantl’s has a location there.)
Strip District: kitschy shops and a great bakery (Enrico’s). Plus the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. has amazing Italian goods. Brooke Pryor

Los Angeles Chargers

Where: SoFi Stadium

When: Nov. 25, 8:15 p.m.

Reporter referrers: Kyle Goon is The Banner’s columnist who moved here from Los Angeles, where he was covering the Lakers. His girlfriend, Daryl Vales, used to work for the Lakers. For a Chargers follow, check out former Banner reporter Kris Rhim’s work for ESPN (@krisrhim1).

Food:

By SoFi Stadium — Inglewood

Dulan’s Soul Food, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Sunday Gravy, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Randy’s Donuts (the OG location with the giant donut famously seen in movies and TV), Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Sip and Sonder (Black woman-owned coffeeshop, roasts its own beans, both are practicing attorneys who worked at the same law firm, became friends and moved across the country to open it). Daryl Vales

By Los Angeles International Airport

In-N-Out (NOTE: This is not the famous In-N-Out also near LAX, where you can watch planes land. This is a bigger location with better parking and a drive-thru line not that much farther away). Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Rock and Brews, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Ayara Thai (personally my favorite Thai restaurant on the westside), Daryl Vales, and Giana Han can confirm

South Bay

Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Pancho’s Restaurant, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Little Sister, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
El Tarasco (it has other locations nearby), Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon

North of LAX

Marina Del Rey

UOVO (Kyle recommends the amatriciana), Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Sugarfish, Daryl Vales, Kyle Goon and Giana Han
KazuNori, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Planta Cocina, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon

Venice

Night + Market Sahm, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Wallflower, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Gjelina, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Wurstküche, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Wanderlust Creamery, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Butcher’s Daughter, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon

Santa Monica

Heavy Handed, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
UOVO, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
KazuNori, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Sugarfish, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon

West LA

The Tsujita trifecta (all within walking distance of each other, but they have slight differences in their menus): Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles, Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex, Killer Noodle Tsujita, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
CoCo Ichibanya, Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon

Lodging:

Practical: hotels by LAX (they’re within 15 mins of SoFi driving, typical chains such as Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott), Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
For the vibes: Hotel June West LA (can be technically categorized as practical, but this one is a boutique hotel with a trendy boho rooftop pool and restaurant. Great access point to Playa Del Rey, Marina Del Rey and Venice to the north, Manhattan Beach to the south). Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
By the water: Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach (southwest of SoFi, in the heart of Manhattan Beach in the South Bay area. Walking distance to the beach and great shopping and eating). Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon
Hotels in Marina Del Rey (there are a range of chains, northwest of SoFi, calmer waters in the marina, where you can paddleboard and kayak but also near the beach, great access point to Venice Beach and Santa Monica to the north). Daryl Vales and Kyle Goon

New York Giants

Where: MetLife Stadium

When: Dec. 15, 1 p.m.

Reporter referrer: Charlotte Carroll covers the New York Giants for The Athletic. You can follow her at @charlottecrrll. Here’s a note from her on these recommendations: The New York Giants and Jets are a bit of a contradiction because of MetLife’s New Jersey locale. So I’ll try to give some N.J. recs because there are way better places to find NYC recs than from me.

Food: This is very Tommy DeVito-inspired, but some very good nearby Italian: Vesta Wood-Fired Grill, Annabella’s House of Mozzarella, Redd’s is a classic game-day bar but can’t say I’ve gotten to see that in person. Fiore’s House of Quality in Hoboken is my fav place for fresh mutz! Charlotte Carroll

Lodging: There’s all of New York City, or you can perhaps check out the Jersey side for better deals on hotels. There are some in the area, but keep in mind, if visiting, it might be worth just staying in New York. Or in Jersey City/Hoboken for easy city access. Charlotte Carroll

Activities: MetLife is pretty isolated, but you’re right next door to American Dream mall, so shopping. And make sure to take advantage of New York City, or at least my favorite activity if the weather is decent: a walk along the waterfront. Charlotte Carroll

Houston Texans

Where: NRG Stadium

When: Dec. 25

Reporter referrers: Greg Rajan covers sports for The Houston Chronicle and can be found at @GregRajan. DJ Bien-Aime covers the Texans for ESPN and can be found at @Djbienaime. Howard Chen is a producer for ESPN in Houston and can be followed at @TheHoChen.

Food:

“Houston is a wonderful food city with an abundance of diverse cuisines from around the globe. Two regional staples are barbecue and Tex-Mex. Our food writers have put together terrific guides to the best local barbecue and Mexican restaurants. I’ll defer to their expertise. The Breakfast Club is a popular breakfast spot, so get there early.” Greg Rajan
Pappadeaux, Turkey Leg Hut and Snooze (breakfast). DJ Bien-Aime
If staying around downtown, ramen nearby would be Jinya Ramen, but in the Houston area, big fan of Ramen Bar Ichi. Piola is a good pizza place near downtown, Cloud 10 Creamery for dessert. Bubble tea spots near downtown include Feng Cha and Gong Cha, though I prefer Feng Cha’s strawberry overload and kiwi basil green tea, both with lychee jellies. Vietnamese food is a BIG deal in Houston — Pho Saigon is close by downtown. I’m big on Asian food, in case you couldn’t tell. Here’s a write-up I helped with from a few years back. Howard Chen
Obviously, also a big deal is BBQ. A few of my faves: Truth BBQ, Blood Bros BBQ, Gatlin’s BBQ. Taste of Texas is a solid steakhouse that is an experience. Some decently famous chefs in Houston from various shows include Evelyn Garcia, Christine Hà, Sasha Grumman, Dawn Burrell and Michelle Wallace from the most recent season of “Top Chef” (she did quite well). Justin Yu also is quite the renowned chef in the area. Howard Chen

Lodging:

“You can find a place to stay near NRG Stadium, which is a few miles from downtown Houston. Or you could opt for something unique at the downtown Marriott Marquis, which features a Texas-shaped lazy river on its sixth floor.” Greg Rajan
There are hotels near the stadium, but as Kyle Hamilton would describe them, they’re “mid.” “Downtown has good hotels, and it’s only 15 minutes from NRG.” DJ Bien-Aime
Agreed with all here. Downtown has the hotels. Marriott Marquis is the way to go for that Texas-shaped lazy river, solid sports bar within (Biggio’s). Howard Chen

Activities:

Memorial Park, Bayou Park, Galleria Mall, Comedy Club at the Riot and Off the Record (an old-school bar where they play old-school jams). DJ Bien-Aime

City tips:

“Houston is a pretty spread-out metro area, so it’s recommended to get a rental car. And, despite what Charles Barkley might have said recently, you may want to make a Saturday trip to Galveston and the beach there.” Greg Rajan