Heain Lee's list of must-try places in Baltimore →
Speaking of underrated, a recent arrival in Baltimore, Heain Lee has a list of must-trys (linked in the title). I love to see people discovering what’s good in this town. I’ll add a few more, and toss in my comments:
Locust Point
Miguel’s Cocina: The food is great, authentic nuevo Mexican, but the tequilas! Oh man, if you even think you might like tequila, go. Talk to any one of the bartenders (I talked to Steve), and try some tequilas.
Federal Hill
Matsuri: In the original list, Heain mentions a sushi place that starts with “M” in the Fell’s Point section. I think she’s looking for Matsuri in Federal Hill. Been voted Best of Baltimore several times, and it’s a regular stop for me and my coworkers.
The Reserve: Great food & beer on the outskirts of Fed Hill. This place is awesome.
Mr. Rain’s Fun House: Most people don’t know there is a restaurant in AVAM, but it’s excellent. The staff is fantastic, and the drinks are inventive and refreshing.
The Abbey Burger Bistro: The home to Baltimore’s Chelsea fan-club, and a place to get some amazing burgers, fries, and excellent milkshakes.
Fells Point
Nanami: Excellent Sushi in Fells. If it’s nice, there’s outdoor seating, and the price is absolutely right. If I were to pick a favorite sushi spot in the city, this would be it.
Tyson’s: Technically it’s Canton, sure, but Tyson’s caters to a generally more-mature crowd than what people think of when they hear “Canton,” so I’m listing them in Fells. Dean, the owner and primary barman, is a great guy. And the kitchen is amazing. The Tyson’s wings are worth the trip, alone.
Bad Decisions: If you’re a Baltimorean and you’re on Twitter, you’re already familiar with the Twitter-infamous Bad Decisions. Beer and Bacon Happy Hours and herb-infused cocktails. I recommend the Cucumber-Dill Gin & Tonic on any warm day.
Mr. Yogato: Frozen Yogurt done fresh and to-order. Chill in the faux-courtyard and play some boardgames. Or try the challenges on the whiteboard for a discount.
Harbor East
Ra Sushi: One of the best sushi happy hours in Baltimore, and it’s very tourist-friendly. Worth a visit.
Little Italy
Vacarro’s: Lindsay won’t let us leave Little Italy without a stop by Vacarro’s for cannoli.
Ammici’s: An Italian place I never see on any of these lists, but it’s always packed. Everything I’ve had has been great.
Mount Vernon
Brewer’s Art: The basement bar is (even after 5 years) still my favorite bar in town. Good, beers brewed in-house. I think the food is great, but it’s not for everyone.
Aloha: Lindsay and I had an awful experience at Aloha, but I won’t discourage anyone from going. I’ve heard karaoke is great, but I can’t bring myself to go back.
XS: Some people say it’s overrated, some love it. I’ve been going for years, and their specialty maki is awesome, albeit a little expensive. Also, breakfast is spectacular, and you can’t beat the setting.
Thai Landing: I’ve been twice, and really enjoyed it. Simple, classic Thai in a cozy place.
Tapas Teatro: Though less famous than ritzier Pazo, I love Tapas Teatro. It’s more approchable, the staff is more friendly, and the plates are a little more conducive to sharing. It’s a great double-date to hit up Tapas Teatro, and catch a show at Everyman.
Bolton Hill
b.: This is my favorite restaurant in the city, hands down. It’s a little, neighborhood joint, but the food is phenomenal. Go, get a bottle of wine, and just enjoy.
Charles Village/Waverly
Pete’s Grill: Long-bar Diner in the old-style. There’s only bar seating, and only a little of it, and you can only pay with cash. But you can’t ask for a better hungover breakfast and coffee.
Thai Restaurant: “Good Thai? On Greenmount Ave? But it looks so sketch!” Yeah, I hear it a lot, but Thai Restaurant has long been one of the best Thai places in the city. And, because it looks so sketch, it’s easy to get a seat!
Charles Village Pub: Cheap drinks, and only a few blocks walk from my house. Love it.
Waverly Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday of the year, from 7:00 AM - 12:00 Noon, the Waverly Farmer’s Market brings great produce, a few crafts, and a lot of fun. Completely different from the JFX Market on Sundays. Both are worth a look.
Belvedere Square
Grand Cru: A wine bar that pours a mean Martini (notice, I’m sticking by Spaceman Andy’s rules, here, in capitalizing the M), Grand Cru had decent light-fare but a solid wine & cocktail list.
