We’ve been on a culinary crusade for a while—and so have you; eating, reviewing, and recommending the best restaurants in town or a favorite dish. And so, we decided to have a little fun with our collective expertise; between the editors and dining reviewers of What’s Up? Media, we’ve concocted a guide, if you will, to culinary creations and dining destinations. This includes unique or hidden restaurants, must-try dishes, under-the-radar offerings, authentic flavors and bites, and, gosh darn it, where to find a top-tier crabcake (and barbeque). Don’t see your favorite on the list or, perhaps, you have an opinion on those crabcakes? Do write and introduce us to your hidden gems and cheap eats. We’ll share reader responses on our social media channels and, likely, in a future issue of What’s Up? Annapolis. We’re listening at editor@whatsupmag.com.
We start by taking cue from When Harry Met Sally (there was a pretty famous scene in a diner, after all).
I'll Have What She's Having
Must-try or under-the-radar dishes from a few of our favorite restaurants.
Blackwall Barn and Lodge Gambrills; barnandlodge.com The Beef Short Rib is a must-try. These were delightful, in presentation and flavor served in a wide, homey pottery bowl, the fragrance alone promised satisfaction. The meat had that deep beefy taste we all long for in a just-right sauce. —Rita Calvert Carrol’s Creek Café Annapolis; carrolscreek.com Hands down, themust-try menu item is Carrol’s renowned Cream of Crab Soup—a 10-plus years winner of Best Cream of Crab Soup in the Best of Annapolis reader-voted contest. Be sure to get the tiny carafe of sherry to pour on top. It’s the best way to enjoy the best soup! —James Houck Founders Tavern & Grill Pasadena; founderstavernandgrill.com The Shrimp and Grits is as authentic as it can get. The only grits that Founders uses are from a small farm in South Carolina. “The ingredients are awesome,” is what owner Steve Sumner told us.—Tom Worgo Harvest Thyme Tavern Davidsonville; harvestthymetavern.com BAM is short for Big A** Meatball. It’s a fitting name for this tasty behemoth…The meatball is stuffed with a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses in a bright, chunky, house-made tomato sauce and a side of Italian dipping bread with a large coarse texture and crunchy crust. —Rita Calvert Knoxie’s Table at The Inn at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Stevensville; baybeachclub.com The smoked Bluefish Spread is a temptation. And Knoxie’s house-made crackers make it a must-try. A hefty scoop of the spread (served in a pretty lettuce cup) makes for a tasty dish. I’m amazed.—Rita Calvert Mangia Italian Grill & Sports Bar Annapolis; mangiaannapolis.com The Chicken Parmigiana is a traditional Italian dish. “It’s one of the main reasons people come in here,” says manager Sean Perdomall. “It’s the perfect go to. It’s all in the sauce, and if you have a good one, people will continue to order it.”—Tom Worgo
Newk’s Eatery Annapolis, Gambrills; newks.com The Dozen-Shrimp Q Sandwich is garlicky good with its smattering of grilled shrimp, pickles, slaw, and bacon, all covered in a cheese-cream sauce. This unique and very tasty offering is more po-boy in character than a traditional sandwich, and that’s a very good thing. —James Houck Pusser’s Caribbean Grille Annapolis; pussersusa.com Trio of Seared Day Boat Scallops is a personal favorite of mine. A measured encounter with high heat gives the seafood a deep brown exterior with a snow white salty interior tasting like the sea. Three different sauces—one made with Morel mushrooms, another a creamy blend of sweet peas, and the third an India-inspired tikka masala—are precisely pooled next to each scallop. —Mary Lou Baker
Chart House Annapolis; chart-house.com Happy Hour: Sunday–Friday, 4:30–7 p.m. What makes Chart House’s happy hour so popular is its extensive menu. With an assortment of appetizers and drinks all priced under $10, plus spectacular views of the Annapolis Harbor, Chart House is the perfect place to relax after a long day.
It's Five O'clock Somewhere
These can’t-miss happy hours will keep the party going all night long.—Cate Reynolds
Ashling Kitchen and Bar Crofton; ashlingco.com Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday, 3:30–6:30 p.m. A new addition to the Crofton area, Ashling Kitchen and Bar’s happy hour menu is already gaining rave reviews. Ashling offers 30% off select small plates and $2 off draft and bottle beers, specialty cocktails, house wines, and all liquor. Carrol’s Creek Café Annapolis; carrolscreek.com Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday, 4 p.m.–close; Friday, 4–7 p.m. They have one of the best happy hours and it can easily become a full meal with half priced plates and full-sized appetizers, some of which are on the dinner menu. —Veronica Tovey Coal Fire Gambrills; coalfireonline.com Happy Hour: Every day, 3–6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9–11 p.m. The only thing better than pizza is half priced pizza. Plus, $3 off select beer, wine, and premium rail. And, if you get stuck in heavy traffic during that Friday commute, the same deals are available during late night happy hour from 9–11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Cooper’s Hawk Annapolis; chwinery.com Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. Aside from a variety of appetizers, cocktails, and specialty drinks, Cooper’s Hawk’s happy hour menu offers their popular flatbreads. Editor’s recommendation: You can’t go wrong with the classic red sangria and caprese flatbread. Langways Gambrills; langwayssportsbar.com Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. If you’re playing hooky from work and need an adult beverage, Langways is the place to be. Happy hour is served basically all day with deals on domestic bottles, draft beers, rail cocktails, and house wines. And, from 4–7 p.m., all appetizers are $2 off. Level – A Small Plates Lounge Annapolis; levelannapolis.com Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 5–6:30 p.m. During happy hour, Level offers some of its tastiest dishes and cocktails at a reduced price, so you can taste more and pay less. Level’s tapas-style small plates are meant for sharing and socializing, making it great choice for unwinding with friends. Lures Crownsville; luresbarandgrille.com Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 4–7 p.m. Beer lovers, rejoice! Lures is known for its extensive beer selection. During happy hour, try one (or two) of the 27 tasty draft beer offerings for half the price. Plus, $5 house wine by the glass and $1 off all liquor drinks. Rams Head Tavern Annapolis; ramsheadtavern.com Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3–7 p.m. When it comes to a great happy hour deal, Rams Head Tavern has one of the best. Enjoy half priced appetizers (that includes wings!), $2 off wine and liquor, $3 draft beers, and $2.50 domestic bottles. Cheers! Stan and Joe’s Saloon South Edgewater; stanandjoessaloon.com Happy Hour: Monday, 2 p.m.–close; Tuesday–Friday, 2–7 p.m. Half off all cocktails and beers, and an extended happy hour when you need it most: Monday. Need we say more? Yellowfin Edgewater; yellowfinedgewater.com Happy Hour: Every day, 4–7 p.m. There’s a reason our What’s Up? Annapolis readers voted Yellowfin the best happy hour in the area: It’s offered every day! Try delicious apps including crispy calamari, Thai shrimp egg rolls, and parmesan truffle fries, all for $8 or less. Plus, $4 draft and craft beers and $4 wine by the glass.
Plus' Daily Specials
Mondays Mother’s Peninsula, Arnold, 7–10 p.m. $25 Bottomless Lite Drafts and Boneless Wings Tuesdays Vida Taco Bar, Annapolis and Severna Park, 20 percent off your entire check all day Wednesdays Twain’s Tavern, Pasadena, 5–9 p.m. Ten cent wine night Thursdays Waterman’s Tavern, Edgewater, $4 craft drafts all night Fridays Houlihan’s, Crofton, half priced drafts Saturdays Sailor Oyster Bar, Annapolis, 12–3 p.m. $1 local oysters and beer and wine specials Sundays Broadneck Grill, Edgewater and Cape St. Claire, $3 margaritas all day
Pass The Salsa
Savor some fresh Mexican or Latin dishes from these one-of-a-kind restaurants.—Caley Breese
Caliente Grill Annapolis; calientegrillannapolis.com It’s easy to overlook Caliente Grill when you’re cruising down Bay Ridge Road, but it’s worth keeping in mind the next time you have a hankering for some fresh Latin cuisine. Indulge in some classic Mexican fare, or try something new and choose from their Salvadorian favorites, like pupusas. El Cabrito Mexican Grill Annapolis, Pasadena, Laurel, Easton; cabritomexicangrill.com El Cabrito’s authentic Mexican food and fair prices will keep you coming back again and again. Give one of their burritos a try, or choose from one of the many options off the taco menu. If you’re craving a tasty Mexican breakfast, stop by for the huevos rancheros. El Poblano Severna Park; elpoblanorestaurant.com If you’re looking for some Mexican cuisine or some fine Salvadorian cooking, then you’ve come to the right spot. El Poblano offers everything from a chicken chimichanga to a variety of Salvadorian-style pupusas. Or, get your day started with a Spanish breakfast. Hispa Restaurant Edgewater Hispa may look like a hole in the wall restaurant, but the authentic Latin menu and welcoming atmosphere prove otherwise. Each dish is filled with the perfect blend of spices, and the chips and salsa are always fresh. Don’t forget to add a margarita! Las Esperanzas Café 2 Brooklyn Park; lasesperanzas.com Located up in northern Anne Arundel County, Las Esperanzas is a women-owned Latin restaurant with a menu filled with fresh, flavorful dishes. With options from both land and sea, Las Esperanzas offers fare for all kinds of palates. The fried plantains are highly recommended to start your meal.
Something a Bit More Spicy
Authentic ethnic dishes that inspire the traveler within us.
Hunan L’Rose Odenton; hunanlrose.com Intrigued by the idea of Chinese chicken livers, a throw-back to the ’60s and my fascination with all things Asian, I chose it as an appetizer. Not knowing what to expect, I was surprised by the deep-fried rendition of this old favorite.—Mary Lou Baker Jalapeños Annapolis; jalapenosonline.com Ropa Vieja, a renowned Cuban dish of shredded beef sautéed with onions, tomatoes, pimentos, garlic, and dry white wine, is served with fruity fried plantains, rice, and refried black beans. The flavorful meld of ingredients is just right. Practically family-sized, there is more than enough for one.—Rita Calvert La Sierra Annapolis; lasierrarestaurantinc.com Owner Catalina Landaverde and her family immigrated from Mexico and brought with them recipes that beckon authentic flavors. My recommendation: stop by for lunch—there are more than two dozen specials available (most priced under $10). You’ll strike Aztec gold with the simple yet flavorful Carne Asada (grilled rib eye topped with green onion, cactus and jalapeno).—James Houck Old Stein Inn Edgewater; oldstein-inn.com The weisswurst, knockwurst, and all manner of other ’wursts available are chock full of the robust Bavarian flavors that the German in me craves. Ditto for the sauerbraten and schnitzel. Paired with red cabbage and spatzle, these dishes transport me to the motherland. My go-to time and again: jagerschnitzel. —James Houck Mamma Roma Odenton; mammaromas.com Pollo Zingara features two very large chicken breasts topped a mound of linguine, studded with roasted red peppers, black olives, capers, and artichoke hearts. The accompanying lemon sauce is abundant and pooled around the base of the concoction giving a big kick of tang and a spicy bite.—Rita Calvert
Sin Fronteras Cafe Annapolis; sinfronterascafe.com Chile En Nogada; it’s a tradition from Central Mexico. A stuffed pepper with tomatoes, onions, fruit, raisins, and ground beef, covered in a sauce that is made with tequila reduction, a little cheese, pomegranate, and a little bit of cinnamon.—Tom Worgo
“Give Me All the Bacon and Eggs You Have"
Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson said it best: “Why would anyone ever eat anything besides breakfast food?” From sweet to savory, breakfast lovers rejoice!
The Breakfast Shoppe Severna Park; Thebreakfastshoppe.com Though the menu offers almost every breakfast dish imaginable, The Breakfast Shoppe’s most famous dish is likely its Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Satisfy your sweet tooth with three cinnamon swirl pancakes topped with a decadent cream cheese glaze.—Cate Reynolds The Brown Box Eatery Odenton The Brown Box Eatery’s specialty is gourmet, hand-cut cake donuts. Either create your own donut with made-to-order glaze and a variety of toppings, or try a few of the house favorites, including maple bacon, root beer float, orange creamsicle, and chocolate coconut.—Cate Reynolds
Chick and Ruth’s Delly Annapolis; Chick-andruths.com A favorite among locals and tourists, Chick and Ruth’s offers delicious breakfast classics that won’t break the bank. Try the crab omelet, served with Chick and Ruth’s famous Delly Potatoes.—Cate Reynolds Cindy’s Kitchen Cambridge If you’re craving a meal that tastes like mom’s cooking, Cindy’s Kitchen has you covered. Stop in for homecooked comfort food favorites like cream chipped beef, hotcakes, and steak and eggs.—Cate Reynolds Commerce Street Creamery Café Bistro Centreville; creamerycafebistro.com Whether you have a hearty appetite or you’re looking to start the day with something light, Commerce Street has all of the breakfast favorites. Hang out for a while and enjoy the Biscuits with Sausage Gravy Platter, or simply grab a bagel to go—just don’t forget a cup of freshly-brewed coffee!—Caley Breese Crepes by the Bay St. Michaels; Crepes-by-the-bay.business.site Holy crepe! Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, Crepes by the Bay has something for every palate. For a crepe with some Maryland flair, try the crab with spinach—made with two types of cheese and seasoned with Old Bay.—Cate Reynolds Grump’s Café Crofton and Annapolis; Grumpscafe.com If you’re known for hitting the snooze button, this is the place for you. Grump’s serves breakfast all day long, which means you can get your favorite breakfast meal at the crack of dawn or late afternoon.—Cate Reynolds Iron Rooster Annapolis; ironroosterallday.com Breakfast all day? Sounds good to us! Enjoy a breakfast bowl, such as the Crab Hash, or curb your sweet tooth craving with a house-made RoosTart—a modern twist on the American favorite PopTart.—Caley Breese Naval Bagels Arnold and Annapolis; Navalbagelsinc.com For those in search of a quick, fresh, and delicious breakfast bite, look no further than Naval Bagels. For more than 18 years, Naval Bagels has been serving what believe is the “best bagel” in the Annapolis area.—Cate Reynolds Play It Again Sam Chestertown; playagainsam.com Indulge in the Norwegian breakfast sandwich or grab a Rise Up-brewed coffee and go for a walk along the scenic Chester River. If you need a little something extra to help you through the day, Play It Again Sam offers several espresso drinks for an additional boost of energy. —Caley Breese Willy’s Kitchen Glen Burnie; Willyskitchenandcatering.com Willy’s Kitchen is the perfect breakfast spot for the indecisive person. If you can’t choose, try it all! The Breakfast Sampler has a bit of everything: two buttermilk pancakes, one piece of French toast, two slices of bacon, one sausage patty, one biscuit with gravy, and two cage-free eggs for $13.99. —Cate Reynolds
Crabbiest of Crabby Patties
It’s a long list of restaurants contending for best Maryland crabcake (where ’o where would the world be without G&M or Faidley’s in Baltimore?)—but here are few of our local faves.
Edgewater Restaurant Edgewater; edgewaterrestaurant.blogspot.com To those living outside the 21037 zip code, Edgewater Restaurant may be an enigma—a neighborhood joint, a locals’ spot. Under-the-radar? Perhaps so, if not for their out-of-this-world, indulgent, jumbo-lump, zero-filler, crabcakes—huge patties of crabmeat gently held together with a smattering of mayo-binder. Every bite is glorious! And Wednesday nights, they’re a special.—James Houck Boatyard Bar & Grill Annapolis; boatyardbarandgrill.com Former First Lady Michelle Obama came from the White House to enjoy these crab cakes (along with her full security entourage). Two broiled Maryland jumbo lump crab cakes, high and rounded, are served with veggies and a potato. The house-made tartar sauce is especially fitting, brightened with a highlight of fresh onion. Definitely award worthy.—Rita Calvert Fisherman’s Crab Deck Grasonville; crabdeck.com Fried or broiled, the Fisherman’s crabcake is a classic cake made daily from scratch. The family’s Eastern Shore recipe is a no-frills, all-crab contributor to a can’t-miss dining experience, especially on a sunny day, outdoors on the back deck overlooking the Narrows.—James Houck Main & Market Annapolis; mainandmarket.com I’m not one to stray far from tradition, so Main & Market’s crabcake is a pleasing dish that holds true to Chesapeake roots with lump and backfin crabmeat, and just-enough filler, altogether accentuated with locally-loved Bay seasoning and parsley.—James Houck
Beach' Please!
Ditch that beach traffic and enjoy these local beach bars, featuring sand, sun, and sangria.—Caley Breese
Barbara’s on the Bay Betterton; barbarasonthebay.com Barbara’s on the Bay is right next to Betterton Beach, making it the perfect stop after a long beach day, or perhaps a mid-day lunch break. Enjoy some classic American fare with an Eastern Shore twist. As a delicious meal-starter, give the Crab Pretzel a try—served with Maryland crab dip and a Philadelphia soft pretzel. The Beach Bar Glen Burnie At The Beach Bar, you can get that beach feel without the two hour-plus drive. This beach tavern offers tasty pub grub and unbeatable daily specials. Had a little too much to drink on Saturday night? Relax in the sun and revive yourself with one of their Sunday Hangover Helpers specials and a Beach Bar Bloody Mary. Jellyfish Joel’s 2.0 Chestertown; mears-greatoaklanding.com/food-entertainment If you’re craving a beach day, Jellyfish Joel’s is the place to be. This tiki bar exudes island vibes with their tropical décor, palm trees, and endless list of beach-inspired beverages. Relax outside with the sun on your face, a drink in your hand, and a can’t-miss view of Fairlee Creek. Kentmorr Restaurant & Crab House Stevensville; kentmorr.com Whether you’re looking to dine inside or enjoy the casual tiki bar down by the bay, Kentmorr offers something for everyone. In typical Eastern Shore fashion, Kentmorr’s menu is heavy on the seafood but there are some land favorites, such as burgers and chicken. Treat yourself to a Maryland Mule, which features Sloop Betty Vodka from Blackwater Distilling, ginger beer, and lime. Rams Head Dockside Glen Burnie; ramsheaddockside.com Tucked away down along Furnace Creek, Rams Head Dockside holds up to their motto of “Food, Fun & Beer.” They offer an extensive beer list—bottled and draft—along with live music and fun nighttime activities, like karaoke on Wednesdays and trivia on Thursdays. Hang out on the water, catch some rays, and chow down on some Crabby Tots.
The Sandbar at Rolphs Wharf Marina Chestertown; rolphswharfmarina.com/the-sandbar Marvel at the Chester River’s beauty as you soak up summertime. For a quick bite, The Sandbar offers a light menu, featuring crab cakes, wings, and more. Catch up with friends as your sip your ice-cold cocktail and sway to the live music. The Shanty Beach Bar at Tolchester Marina Chestertown; tolchestermarina.com/events/the-shanty-beach-bar The Shanty Beach Bar provides a nice, much-needed respite from the madness of everyday life. The secluded beach area is situated on the Chesapeake Bay and offers stunning sunset views. Enjoy live entertainment and indulge in one of their famous Mudslides. The Wharf at Loews Wharf Marina Inn Sherwood; loweswharf.com Summer is a state of mind at The Wharf. On the beach, you can find corn hole, ring toss, and volleyball. If you want to cool off inside, grab a beer and play a game of pool. Stop by for live music and some light bites.
Smokin'
When it comes to barbecue, our region has a plethora of award-winning proprietors.
I smoke religiously—by that, I mean smoke all-manner of meats to create rich, delicious barbecue at home. That said, sometimes I have a hankering that can’t wait through eight-plus hours of smoking. So, where to go? Default favorites in the area include Pit Boys, any Mission BBQ location, Red, Hot & Blue near Arnold, and Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern. But when I want tried n’ true, hand-crafted ’que, there’s three locations that also call my name: Expressway Pit Beef in Odenton, famous for their classic Baltimore-style pit beef; The Hideaway, also in Odenton, for their smoked chicken wings and dynamite sauces; Smoke, Rattle & Roll in Stevensville and Chestertown for their ambitious concoctions (smoked brisket cheese steak…yes please!), and Hot Off the Coals in Easton, perfect for all-manner of bbq when en-route to the beaches. —James Houck
World Crusade
Looking for new adventure in the kitchen? These ethnic grocers have all the ingredients you need to create some new recipes. —Cate Reynolds
Giolitti Fine Market & Delicatessen Annapolis; giolittideli.com If you’re craving Italian food, Giolitti has you covered. Pick up delicious sandwiches, pizzas, and pastas at the deli counter. Or, purchase every ingredient you need for a homemade Italian meal in the market.
Piazza Italian Market Easton; piazzaitalianmarket.com On the Eastern Shore, Piazza Italian Market is the one-stop shop for all your Italian grocery needs. If you’re craving a fresh panini, needing authentic Italian olive oil, or searching for the perfect dinner side dish—Piazza has you covered. Palawan Oriental Market Bowie; palawanorientalmarket.com Palawan Oriental Market definitely qualifies as a hidden gem. Tucked away in the back of the West Bowie Village shopping center, it’s fairly easy to miss. But, those who have located the little shop rave about the market’s wide assortment of Asian groceries, goods, and locally made food. Taste of Europe Gaithersburg; tasteofeurope.store Taste of Europe is about an hour drive from Annapolis, but definitely worth the road trip. Though the store markets itself as an Eastern European grocery store, it’s most popular for its selection of Russian goods. The family-owned establishment offers a wide variety of Eastern European meats, cheeses, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals.
Food Markets
If you’re interested in trying a wide range of authentic international food and delicious local favorites, visit one of the popular “open air” food markets in the D.C. and Baltimore region. Taste the famous Baltimore Berger cookie fresh out of the oven at the Market Bakery at Lexington Market, try an authentic shawarma at Union Market’s Basta By Shouk, or grab a tasty samosa at The Verandah in the newly-renovated Fells Point Broadway Market.
