We live for choices; and luckily, in the Maryland and D.C. area, we are blessed with restaurant chains that are ready to satisfy our appetite. In the abyss of McDonald's and Taco Bells, sometimes we can get a little lost and forget to venture out into a world of less renowned restaurants. These restaurants are well worth a look, and may become your new obsession. So don't bite your tongue, because there is something for everyone on this list.

1. The Blue Moon Cafe (Fell's Point-Baltimore, MD)

Besides the aesthetic scenery surrounding the restaurant, the food is both unique and satisfying. This is probably one of the only places where you can combine one of your favorite childhood breakfast cereals, Captain Crunch, with your favorite breakfast food, french toast. And the delicious meal doesn't stop there. Make sure to get yourself an order of the "Sweet Baby Jesus," this will surely not disappoint. This dish is the epitome of Maryland on a plate with crab meat and Old Bay to accompany the cheesy eggs and hashbrowns. What else could you ask for?

2. Hip Hop Fish and Chicken (Baltimore, MD)

The days of eating KFC and Popeyes will be long forgotten with the addition of this restaurant in your meal rotation. Something about this chicken and fish is addicting, which only makes sense, because frequent customers know to ask for extra "crack (seasoning)" on their food. This place is for the avid fried food eater, whether it be for fries, hush puppies, chicken, or catfish.

3. Lauriol Plaza (Washington, DC)

If you ever want to fulfill your Latin American cuisine craving, consider stopping by at this sophisticated restaurant. Who would've thought that shrimp wrapped in bacon would be something that you had been missing out on this entire time. They also offer the expected food options, such as, paella, maduros, and mariscos. And to top it off, a basket of complimentary chips and salsa are brought out, and rice and beans often accompany the meals.

4. Bonchon Chicken (Ellicott City, MD)

For me, this restaurant is perfect because of its impeccable fusion of Korean cuisine and fried chicken. This is a restaurant for the avid chicken eater, who is looking for a twist on their typical fried chicken. For those who prefer something with a little kick, they offer a spicy version of the chicken. For those who rather have something on the sweeter side, soy garlic is the best option. An easy compromise is to get half spicy and half soy garlic for your chicken, so you can give your mouth a break from the spicy, but still enjoy all that Bonchon has to offer.

5. Old Ebbit Grill (Washington, DC)

This is a restaurant for the politicians. If you're lucky, you could run into a few celebrities, while you're indulging in this American style cuisine. Its' close proximity to the White House places you in the heart of the nation, and you'll know that you're surrounded by elegance and prestige here.

6. The Carolina Kitchen (Hyattsville, MD)

The Carolina Kitchen will make you forget the moot topic of whether Maryland is considered a southern or a northern state. The southern cuisine that is prepared here will make you grateful that you ventured outside of your own kitchen. Any place with meals titled, "Mom's Meatloaf" or "Uncle Leroy's Fried Shrimp" is bound to remind you of home, if you're ever feeling homesick or want some comfort food. You'd think that the chef sprinkles love into each dish.

7. Miss Shirley's Cafe (Baltimore, MD)

Another brunch spot that is a must to check out is Miss Shirley's Cafe, a restaurant that was featured on the Food Network. Created by a Baltimore native, nothing screams Maryland pride more than this establishment, which recieves fresh ingredients from the surrounding area. Miss Shirley's Cafe takes the typical brunch option, and adds their own twist to it, such as the "Get Your Grits On" or "Coconut Cream Stuffed French Toast."

8. Busboys and Poets (Hyattsville, MD)

This is a restaurant that prides itself on "feeding your mind, body, and soul," and I cannot agree more. Busboys and Poets combines two of my favorite things, delicious food and books. People also occasionally put on performances there; I highly recommend going to see one of the Slam Poetry showcases. There is a huge sense of community at Busboys and Poets, so you'll feel right at home.

9. Jerry's Seafood (Bowie, MD)

The "Crab Bomb" is enough of a reason to visit Jerry's Seafood. They serve a jumbo lump crab cake without any filler. This restaurant is destined to be a staple restaurant for the seafood connoisseur.

10. Rusty Scupper (Baltimore, MD)

The view of the Inner Harbor is a great addition to the dining experience. The Rusty Scupper is in heavy rotation for my family for all special events, whether it be for Mother's Day, birthdays, or a wedding celebration, and they do not disappoint. The brunch buffet is unrivaled because they offer so many options, whether it be a "Build Your Own Omelet," "Hand Carved Meat," french toast, or creme brulee for dessert.

Luckily, a lot of these restaurants have more than one location throughout the area, which means you can experience a location that is more convenient to you. So, stop settling for the mundane fast food restaurants. Take a word of advice from Taco Bell, and "think outside of the bun."