Soon Don, one of the managers, came out to greet us and gave us the history of Chaps. He explained that in the restaurant's humble beginnings it was a little 12 x 15 shack given to the owners as a wedding gift from the bride's father. Incidentally, the shack is still there but is now encased by a dining area with picnic tables.

There's nothing fancy about Chaps. It's just a dive with good eats. So good that it was featured on the Food Network's show Diners, Dives & Drive-In's hosted by Food Network star Guy Fieri. If you see that episode, Fieri can hardly contain his enthusiasm as he chomps into different combinations of pit meat. The Travel Channel also spotlighted the restaurant in the show Man vs. Food.  Don acknowledged that the shows have been good for business, a sentiment that was affirmed by some of the customers.

One customer ordered Guy'sTriple D named in honor of Diners Dives and Drive-Ins. It took a bit of maneuvering for him to wrap his mouth around the corned beef, sausage and pit beef sandwich but he was intent on seeing the job through to completion. Some other customers from Texas were visiting family in Pennsylvania and drove to Baltimore specifically to stop at Chaps for the pit beef sandwich. No disappointed looks at their table either - more satisfied customers. Chaps has its share of regulars too. Cops and other blue and white collar workers, alike, sat down and enjoyed themselves in the warm and friendly environment.

Speaking of eating, MCCN did their fair share of that too. My dining companion raved over the pit beef sandwich which was served on a kaiser roll. Fresh from the chargoal grill, the meat is shaved razor thin cooked to your liking. Rare, medium, well-done - it's your choice. 

Don's suggestion for me was The Raven, sometimes called the  52 Chaps Submarine.The sandwich is unapologetically named  in honor of the hometown hero and most famous Baltimore Raven of all, Ray Lewis. I  don't see how I could have had a better choice. The Raven contains three different grilled meats: corned beef, ham and pit beef piled high, making a medley of flavor,  still providing their own distinctive taste in unisom. It's one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. I was full but I still wanted more. I feel a return trip in my future.

As a final note, if you are debating about what side to get here's a suggestion. Baked beans are something you might overlook when visiting Chap's. Don't! This is a must have side item. Get it! You'll love it and you'll love Chaps too.

For more information about Chaps  menu see their website: http://www.chapspitbeef.com/