Now that the weather has shifted into less humid, days and cooler nights, grab your best buddy happy hour and head outside to eat, sip and swirl in Charm City. Below is a peek at some of the most popular al fresco dining spots in and around the heart of Baltimore, MD. And, let's go ORIOLES- #WeWontStop believing in our birds.
Regi’s American Bistro Federal Hill (1002 Light Street, 21230), 410-539-7344
Hailed by CITYPEEK and to the neighborhood as the ‘Cheers Bar of Federal Hill’, Regi’s is a spot where Maryland sports can always be found on the TV’s, where the doors are open 365 days-a-year, where the same group of over 15 neighbors come in daily to catch up after a workday. Diners can choose the outside patio, seating around 20, for lunch, dinner or late night drinks daily. No worries, you can sit outside year-round.
On warm days, expect the ceiling fans to blow and in Winter, the patio is armed with heaters in the ceiling and the plastic enclosure keeps the spot surprisingly warm and cozy. Come try the happy hour lobster tacos or $5 house wines or specialty cocktail of the day at reduced costs. For a splurge get the well-known tater tots, smothered with cheese and crab lump. In honor of the home team birds, owner Alan Morstein has just painted his patio orange. Let’s go O’s!
Little Havana 1325 Key Hwy, 21230 (410) 837-9903
This place is rocking year round, but especially during warm months as the outdoor patio with beach chairs and picnic tables full of sun worshippers. The view of the Harborview Marina, casual atmosphere, free parking lot and simple grub items like their famed grilled chicken wings, burgers and Cuban inspired food further help make for a popular spot for close to two decades. Sunday’s, get there early enough to drink your Sunday Funday. Brunch is served 11 am- 3 pm: $17.99 bottomless bloody’s and mimosas and a new menu item that sells out, churros con chocolat, aka Spanish donuts with a rich chocolate sauce for $5.99.
I had the most delightful Summer
al fresco experience at Waterstone Bar & Grille. Owner Lisa ' Waterstone' was on hand, as she always is at this neighborhood jewel, to greet, oversee and share in the lovely evening. Suggesting we sit outside, we first chose a bottle of chilled wine, Mt Eden Chardonnay 2009, from the newly opened Waterstone Cafe.
A cafe too? Yes, Lisa renovated the building next to the original Waterstone and added a cafe and some apartments above. Located directly across from Maryland General Hospital, the Cafe is perfectly suited to serve the community. On the menu are all things found in the Bar & Grille, plus $5 burgers, (add fries for $2) and cash and carry wines under $15.
Sitting in the cool evening air, my friend and I sipped, swirled and savored a number of tasty treats from the well-groomed, Greek menu. The staff treats guests like family, so there is no wonder why they like to serve her hometown's tradition of Greek 'Village Style' plates.
The Wine Market Bistro 921 E Fort Ave, Locust Point, 21230 (410) 244-6166
Let’s move across Federal Hill, via Fort Avenue, to Locust Point to The Wine Market. The boutique wine shop also houses a bar, restaurant and a really private nice patio to dine, sip and relax. You even have a plus and can watch the muscle heads lifting weights, at the Merritt Athletic Club, across the patio.
V-no Wine Bar 905 S Ann St, Fells Point, 21231 (410) 342-8466
Another favorite for the wine sipping crowd is a gem in Fells Point. Choose a bottle of your favorite crushed grapes and uncork it, sit outside and enjoy the colorful guests of the trendy and touristy town. Food offerings, although limited, are appropriate for the libations: nuts, cheese and cured meat plates, even chocolate truffles. Alert: the party Pirate Ship takes off from its port right outside so it adds to the experience. Another major plus is there is never a sense of being hurried or rushed.
Cinghiale 847 Lancaster Street, Harbor East, 21202 410-547-8282 (Photo Credit: Cinghiale)
Treat yourself to a Northern/Central Italian feast as you watch the passers by walk, drive or pop into the nearby Under Armour shop in the trendy Harbor East. It's name, in Italian means wild boar, celebrates the richness and style of the Italian family table. Major tip is to go on Tuesday evenings when the weekly cellar raid takes place and all bottles of vino, on their extensive wine list, are 50% off. Don't expect typical American Italian, the food here is creative, authentic and takes you to an Italian vista in your mind. Ciao.
Ouzo Bay 1000 Lancaster Street, Harbor East, 21202 410-547-8282
Ouzo Bay, in Harbor East, came to town a few years ago and has quickly become a local, Greek, fine dining force to be reckoned with. This year, the addition of the al fresco dining, with décor a la Miami Beach, is a hit to the monied set and those impressing dates and business associates. Best to sample items during happy hour and get reduced prices for appetizers and drinks. Might we suggest the grilled octopus, mmm!
Mama’s on the Half Shell 2901 O'Donnell St, Canton, 21224 (410) 276-3160
The little sister to Nacho Mama’s has a great corner spot for patrons in Canton. The seafood and drinks are always reliable and of course, get a freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit crush to wash down some oysters and shrimp. It is very casual, comfortable spot and is welcoming to boaters and all seafood lovers serving classic old time, Baltimore-inspired, seafood dishes and cocktails. RIP Scunny.
Did someone say crabs?
Nick’s Fish House & Grille 2600 Insulator Drive, Federal Hill , 21230 (410)-347-4123
Located on the water with great views of the Hanover Street Bridge, Nick’s is a great spot, if you can navigate the circuitous route to get there. Sit outside with a natty boh, watch boats come by and get some crabs. The staff is friendly and the food is Baltimore seafood classics steamed to order blue crabs, sushi bar, grilled steaks and burgers, and an impressive jumbo lump crab cake. There is free parking for both cars and boats and live local bands on the patio deck many weekend days and nights.
Phillips Seafood, 601 E. Pratt Street, Inner Harbor 21202 (4
10) 685-6600
Recently moving across the harbor from where Bubba Gump is now located, you will find Phillips Crab Deck and restaurant at Harborplace’s Power Plant. You cannot miss it as the 14’ lettered signage on its exterior is 17’ tall. Have a crab feast while you dine on their floating deck outside the restaurant, in the Inner Harbor waters. A fun addition to most crab houses, can watch the action at the steaming station, where the live crabs are sorted for size and prepared fresh to order. There oysters and clams, fresh from the Eastern Shore, are also shucked al fresco. Nice perk is there is valet, simple drive up to the side on Pratt Street and your valet will navigate the parking spot for you. To celebrate their 100th anniversary, Phillips is offering a Blue Crab margarita with proceeds benefitting the Maryland Watermen's Association.
La Famiglia Northern Italian Restaurant 105 W 39th St, Baltimore, 21210
A hidden gem in Tuscany-Canterbury neighborhood since 2009, La Famiglia is a casual Italian restaurant with elegant food open daily for dinner from 5 pm. All sauces, breads and dishes are made from the scratch kitchen. The wait staff is professional and polished and most have come along with the owner, owner, Dino Zeytinoglu, former, long-time General Manager of the shuttered Little Italy favorite Boccaccio’s. (Boccaccio’s was forced to close in 2008 when the owner took his own life.)
Always greeted at the front door with a smile and by name, Dino treats every guest like family. There is a delightful al fresco patio in the back where I highly recommend you sit, sip and eat. It is romantically, decorated like an Italian garden with flowing greenery, flowers and hanging lights. In the winter, many go outside and partake in the finest cigars, Cuban, of course and sip scotch. Highly recommend the calamari, lightly fried to perfection, served with traditional marinara sauce and the risotto of the day. Prices are in keeping with a special occasion restaurant.
Tip, there is free parking across the street in the Broadview Apartments lot. Take your ticket in for validation. Sit at the bar where veteran bartender Bert Quinn, who worked at Boccaccio’s since its opening day, will whip up his famous martini or Manhattan cocktails served with a side of Irish humor.
Gertrude’s at the BMA 10 ART MUSEUM DRIVE BALTIMORE, 21218 (410) 889-3399
Gertrude’s has been a Baltimore staple for al fresco dining since 1998. With the grounds of the sculpture garden serving as a backdrop and the sounds of the running fountain, a visit to this spot is always welcoming. Add in the talents of the Chef/Owner, John Shield’s, known as the "Culinary Ambassador of the Chesapeake Bay," who opened the doors as a tribute to Chesapeake food and his grandmother, Gertie, and you get a winning recipe. Many local staples are served to perfection here: with names firmly rooted in Balmer and the surrounding state in which it is housed: Maryland crab cakes, Hutzler’s Tea Room Club, Tilghman Island eggs and Highlandtown Chicken Salad. They also have vegan crab cakes called ‘I Can’t Believe It’s not Crab’.
Tip: try the Tuesdays with Gertie Menu Gertrude’s becomes “Gertie’s Café” Tuesdays 5-9p and for fun the High Tea the first weekend of the month from 2-3pm. Great cocktails, competent staff. #MustSitOutside.
Cafe Hon 1002 W 36th St, Hamden, MD 21211 (410) 243-1230 (Photo Credit: Harry Bosk)
Denise Whiting put the H in Hampden and so did her Cafe Hon which pays homage to celebrating 21 years of comfort food in Baltimore. Some samplers to try: Homemade pie and cake, ice cream and hot Fudge, crab cakes, Hon salad topped with tuna or egg salad, Three square meals are served up daily and at the HON Bar next door. Try to score one of the few tables right on ‘da Avenue of 36th Street and enjoy the colorful flavor and eccentricities for which Hamden is known.
Crepe du Jour 1609 Sulgrave Ave, Mt. Washington, MD 21209(410) 542-9000
Venture to the outer limits of the city to Crepe du Jour. This authentic bistro is run by the husband-wife team of Mustapha and Donna Snoussi who started their upscale creperie in the outside atrium in the Village of Cross Keys years ago. Now, the Parisian style bistro houses excellent food and great outside seating.
Multiple style crepes, made-to-order, from savory to seafood to buckwheat to dessert are sinfully delicious. If it is in the scratch kitchen, they can make it. Also let your palate travel to the world Julia Childs brought to America with items hosting mussels and pommes frites, les escargot, beef Bourguignon and coq au vin. It is a very popular spot for the local foodie set. Now I might never get a seat!
Cafe Gia's 410 S High St, Little Italy, 21202 (410) 685-6727
Nestled on the corner of High Street and Eastern Avenue, in the heart of Little Italy, is the award-winning, Sicilian inspired café orchestrated by mother, Giovanna, daughter, Gia and chef-husband, Gianfranco. From outside to inside, the building’s exterior is painted with Italian colorful murals, helping transport the diners to another place in time and out of
Baltimore and lighting up the neighborhood passers-by. Look for the one of Mama Gia’s grandparent's Sicilian wedding. The food at Cafe Gia is utterly casual, yet sophisticated, urban, yet, homespun. A night of excellent food awaits you on their sexy, outside 2nd floor balcony that overlooks Eastern Avenue and Harbor East. Don’t be surprised, Gia might be your waitress. Outdoors can host up to 22 people. Ask for the homemade tiramisu. Mangia.
Donna’s Cross Keys 5100 Falls Rd. Roland Park, 21210. (410) 532-7611 (Photo Credit: Alan Hirsch)
Donna’s has been around helping lead the coffeehouse craze for decades and has always been popular for locals in their many locations around Baltimore. The Village of Cross Keys location has a large outside patio that seats over 100. The location creates a quiet, get-away from the noisy city center dining expereinces. Sit outside for lunch, dinner, late night and sample Donna’s signature salads like the grilled veggie or my fav, the granny smith apples with gorgonzola cheese and cous cous, a flat bread, burger or soup of the day and sip on a specially paired wine. Definitely save room for dessert.
Patti Neumann is Publisher/Founder of CITYPEEK.com & an award-winning 21 C Social Media Publicist/nfluencer on food, sips, hospitality & the good life.. Her business CITYPEEK.com has its finger on the pulse of what's hot, 24/7.
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