Best Bars For Foodies In Baltimore
Whether it's bombastic burgers or haute cuisine, Baltimore's taverns and bars serve food that is to die for. Charm City has a long and well-deserved reputation for its crab, oyster and seafood bars. Part of the charm is derived from the city's cultural diversity: this is where east-meets-west and north-meets south, especially when food is involved. To get the full Baltimore experience, head to one of these great Baltimore-area foodie bars.
The Owl Bar
1 E. Chase Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 347-0888
www.theowlbar.com
History and style are served with mouth-watering fare, sizzling cocktails and hearty brews at The Owl Bar. For more than 100 years, this classic tavern, which features a hardwood bar, stained glass windows, a fire brick oven and a quietly elegant dining experience has created a loyal customer base. Start with portobello fries, chicken and sausage quesadillas, pico de gallo, Maryland crab cake, or fried green tomatoes. Add a bowl of cream of crab and a favorite salad before you select from the list of entrees, which includes dishes such as lobster and bacon macaroni and cheese or ginger crusted salmon. A serving of praline and chocolate bread pudding with vanilla ice cream or a slice of peanut butter pie will provide a delicious end to your evening.
Mt. Washington Tavern
5700 Newbury Street
Baltimore, Md. 21209
(410) 367-6903
www.mtwashingtontavern.com
Founded in 1979, by a group of friends with a vision, the Mt. Washington Tavern was quickly adopted by neighborhood diners. It didn't take long for its reputation to draw customers from throughout the area. Despite a damaging fire in 2011, the new and improved establishment reopened in November 2012. Its lunch menu features smoked salmon latkes, truffle fries, tuna tartare and jumbo lump crab dip; Maryland crab soup and seafood gumbo; Chesapeake salad, tavern salad and rare tuna nicoise salad; burgers, sandwiches and more. For dinner, try an entree of grilled-aged Delmonico steak, veal saltimboca or sea scallops with lobster butter.
Vino Rosina Wine Bar
507 S. Exeter Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 528-8600
www.vinorosina.com'
Wine is not an afterthought at the Vino Rosina Wine Bar. The selection includes more than 150 bottled wines and 50 wines by the glass, along with house-infused cocktails and an extensive beer selection. However, the food menu, which features contemporary American fare and a wide variety of cheeses, will also leave you reeling. Home to the Baltimore burger, Vino Rosina also boasts other menu favorites like lobster lasagna, duck tartare, shrimp paella, wagyu carpaccio and many more. All food is prepared with local products and everything is delicious.
Metropolitan Restaurant
902 S. Charles Street
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 234-0235
www.metrobalto.com
Outdoor seating is available at the Metropolitan Restaurant & Coffee House. Featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, the restaurant also maintains an inventory of select wines by the glass or bottle and an extensive list of beer. The breakfast menu includes steak and eggs, smoked salmon, pancakes, waffles and more. Dine-in weekly lunch specials include quesadillas, soups, sandwiches, lunch wraps and burritos. For dinner, choose from sandwiches, seafood, pasta, vegetable dishes and other favorites.
Porter's Of Federal Hill
1032 Riverside Avenue
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 332-7345
www.portersfederalhill.com
Porter's of Federal Hill offers patrons a view of the bay and the Baltimore skyline. Only two blocks from Cross Street Market, Key Highway and a short walk from Camden Yards, the restaurant offers both brunch and dinner menus, plus a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For brunch, try a Greek style yogurt served with fruit, granola and honey or fried chicken with sausage gravy dip. More hearty options include hotcakes with maple syrup and shredded pork belly, served with cheesy scrambled eggs. Dinner menu selections include mango and pistachio crusted salmon, lobster ravioli, the chef's steak of the evening and other offerings.
Jeffrey B. Roth has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
