Eating outdoors
It's Top Ten Tuesday again, and we're going through a spell of pretty good May weather -- just right for al fresco dining, as the high falutin' food magazines like to call it. I like eating on a beautiful terrace or well-landscaped patio so much that the setting is sometimes as important as the food in where I decide to eat this time of year.
Here are my current 10 favorites -- restaurants that have great outdoor seating -- in no particular order ...
(Michelle Gienow/Special to the Sun)
My one caveat is that I haven't been back to them all yet this spring, so I'm basing some of this on what they were like last summer. Let me know if any of them has changed:
1) Babalu Grill's appealing patio-lounge in Power Plant Live. It's hidden away with plants and has comfortable furniture. A great place for drinks and as much of the restaurant's Cuban menu as they're serving outdoors this year.
2) The Metropolitan's wonderfully chic rooftop dining room in Annapolis. The owner told me the fact that they couldn't duplicate it here was the main reason they weren't opening another Metropolitan in Baltimore. (Its sister restaurants, Lemongrass and Tsunami, are both coming in late summer.)
3) The terrace at Donna's in Cross Keys. It has lovely landscaping (and even herbs and miniature vegetables in among the flowers when summer rolls around), but the real draw is that it's set back from Falls Road so you're away from the traffic, and it's surrounded by lots of big trees and other greenery.
4) On the other hand, I love being right on Charles Street at one of Tapas Teatro's tiny tables, rubbing elbows with the people next to me, feeling like I'm part of the action, drinking sangria and eating small plates of good things.
5) The pretty courtyard patio in the middle of Green Spring Station. I'm not even sure what restaurant will be there now that Longo's is closed, perhaps for good, perhaps not; but I hear that people are taking carry out from Stone Mill Bakery and eating it at these tables.
6) I said I wasn't going to do any restaurants in the Inner Harbor, because you already know about them. But I bet you haven't considered the Peacock Cafe in the Pier 5 Hotel. The hotel has a small, charming wooden deck for its upscale casual dining room. It's right on the water.
7) The courtyard in back of Arcos, the Mexican restaurant in upper Fells Point. It's a series of spaces created with old bricks and recycled wood. Some of the tables are copper-topped, some vintage wood, some marble. I hope they get rid of the tiki hut this summer, but otherwise it's great.
8) I haven't actually eaten outside at b in Bolton Hill. But we had a very good meal there recently before it was warm enough to sit outside, and I love the fairly quiet street lined with enormous trees the bistro is on. It's on my list to try soon.
9) Gertrude's in the BMA has a terrace overlooking the museum's sculpture garden. It's set so far away from the street you get almost no traffic noise, plus greenery, a fountain, and of course, art with your Eastern Shore cuisine. Life doesn't get any better than this.
10) The Ambassador's patio overlooking the apartment house's flower garden. If you don't want to be in the sun, they open up the sunporch so it's almost like being outdoors. The space will be even nicer later in the summer, but this is a lovely, flowery space to eat good Indian food.
I have a couple of Honorable Mentions, the Wine Market and Brasserie Tatin, but last year I didn't think they did enough with the spaces they have. Both have promise.
I haven't seen or eaten at the Grove at Vin in Towson. But it's supposed to be very good looking, and the restaurant's full menu is now being served on the patio, which even has its own bar.
Comments? Suggestions? Please post below. Remember, you don't have to give us your e-mail address or full name if you don't want to.
I haven't decided on next week's top ten yet, so check back later in the day for an update. Even better, let me know what you'd like for next week's Top Ten Tuesday.
Categories: Outdoor Dining, Top Ten Tuesdays
Comments
Hoolihans has nice patio seating by the Aquarium. Good for lunch with their 15 minute menu.
(This was one I thought of mentioning. I like the way the patio is laid out, and it has nice plantings. Elizabeth)
Posted by: Mather | May 15, 2007 9:53 AM
My husband and I love the outdoor area at the Pier 5 location of Ruth's Chris. They have huge umbrellas over sofas for just hanging out and tons of tables for outdoor dining.
Posted by: Selina | May 15, 2007 10:41 AM
The covered patio behind Crepe du Jour in Mount Washington is a little gem.
Posted by: Cecbalto | May 15, 2007 11:03 AM
The Bicycle, rated as one of the best in Baltimore has a beautiful landscapped patio. Please add to your list. The restaurant is located at 1444 S. Light Street, Inner Harbor
Posted by: bmcbride | May 15, 2007 11:04 AM
Nick's Fishhouse has several large decks for regular menu or steamed crabs.
Kali's Court has limited outside with reservation for upscale.
Side patio of John Steven is very comfortable.
Get beyond the cheese factor at Bay Cafe for a great outdoor experience.
Rusty Scupper is a lot nicer than it used to be and has the best view in the city.
Little Havanna has a great deck as well.
Posted by: jim | May 15, 2007 11:09 AM
Severn Inn in Annapolis. Gorgeous view of the Severn River and Naval Academy. Food is excellent!
Posted by: Bob Nestruck | May 15, 2007 11:35 AM
Although I havent eaten in the outside area, the courtyard at the Bicycle is very nice. The food aint too bad either!
Posted by: nick | May 15, 2007 11:51 AM
I've eaten at Vin four times and each time it was terrible! Awful service too.
Posted by: Sara | May 15, 2007 11:57 AM
Great suggestions, but you left out one of my favorite places to eat outdoors -- Suzie's Soba in Hampden, which has a great backyard deck with lots of plants and flowers and is surrounded by a high brick wall to keep out noise. Always a pleasure.
Posted by: Steve | May 15, 2007 12:04 PM
My wife and I had a beautiful Sunday evening eating outdoors at b bistro late last summer; our first at the restaurant. It was very nice taking in gorgeous Bolton Street, the neighborhood and all. Looking forward to coming back...
Posted by: Eric | May 15, 2007 12:30 PM
Metropolitan on South Charles Street. Smallish sidewalk seating area, but tables are large enough to accomodate a group of 4. Great street life and even better beer selection!
Posted by: Drew | May 15, 2007 12:32 PM
A great spot out in Harford County is Freddie’s of Bel Air. I had outstanding seafood pasta sitting in open air patio that made me feel like I was on vacation. Highly recommend it.
Posted by: Fran | May 15, 2007 1:48 PM
I just remembered Nick's Fish House- If only for sitting outside for a drink or 2 on the weekend!
Posted by: Mather | May 15, 2007 2:31 PM
Carson's Creekside in Middle River is right on the waterfront on Dark Head Creek. The outside deck provides a very pleasant and relaxing location for a meal. The last time there I ordered the stuffed rockfish and it was delicious.
Posted by: JJ | May 15, 2007 3:35 PM
b (if it is the first word in a sentence should I capitalize it...errr never mind) is a great spot as is Tapas Teatro. When I lived in Mount Vernon my wife and I would bring our dog out to dinner at both places when outdoor seating was available. Both places would always bring out water and snacks for Mr. Jefferson. Since the city started cracking down on dogs at anywhere food is served, I don't know if these places are as open to four legged customers, but it was great while it lasted.
Posted by: Robert | May 15, 2007 9:32 PM
I had a very relaxing al fresco meal at City Cafe recently. The traffic was not bothersome at all. This was after 7 p.m. on a weeknight.
Posted by: Romaina | May 17, 2007 7:40 AM
I love, love, love eating outdoors. Thanks for telling me about a number of places I didn't know about. I used to live in Howard County and now I'm wracking my brain to think of places there where I enjoyed eating outside so I can share them with you and your readers.
Posted by: helen | May 17, 2007 8:03 AM
Had lunch today at Oregon Grillle. The day was perfect and the setting beautiful. Though the restaurant can be pricey for dinner, lunch was reasonable. Though we ordered on the high end the warm lobster salad with truffled brioche was superb.
Posted by: middlervrmuncher | May 17, 2007 11:11 PM
Yeah, Donna's at Cross Keys is fine, but dangerous if you are allergic to bees! I've been swarmed there twice!
And aren't you going to tell us about Brass Elephant on the ORIGINAL post? :-) EL
Posted by: cathy brennan | April 22, 2008 4:05 PM
In Fells: Todd Conner has wavy planters and elegant umbrellas. Alexanders Tavern has comfy seating w/ grand open windows so you feel like your a moment away from service while watching the carnival go by.
Posted by: sd1planet | April 23, 2008 4:54 AM
This flashback reminds me--we haven't heard much from middlervrmuncher lately.
Posted by: Dahlink | April 23, 2008 6:41 AM
Speaking of missing Sandbox members -- whatever happened to Owl Meat and voodoo pork?
Posted by: hmpstd | April 23, 2008 7:28 AM
Cinghiale just started their alfresco dining. Very nice view of the marina and water. Sunday supper is $29 for a 3 course meal - one seating at 6pm.
Posted by: Allison | April 25, 2008 2:54 PM
I know it's already been said, but I love eating outdoors at Babalu Grill! It has that 'young & hip' feeling, because it's so close to Power Plant, and the food is fantastic. There's nothing better than drinking a Mojito and enjoying the city!
Posted by: Erin | May 14, 2008 12:20 PM
The Rams Head Tavern in Savage has a lovely 3 tiered deck overlooking a heavily wooded area. The food is a pretty good value for the price as well.
Posted by: michael weinfield | June 21, 2009 3:31 PM
Just wait until the contractor heads up the Little Patuxent installing a new sewer. That heavily wooded area will become a lunar landscape.
Posted by: Elite Elephant Lover | June 21, 2009 7:40 PM