Next Tuesday's Top Ten
I was struck by SGI's comment under The Last Night, which I'll repeat here:
This post reminded me of a thought I had the other night while eating and drinking in the Tusk Lounge at the Brass Elephant - the top ten places that put the charm in Charm City. The space there is just so wonderful and beats the heck out of those mammoth chains mentioned by both Robert and you. Other places that come to mind - Brewer's Art, Birches, John Steven Ltd. and Owl Bar.
One of the reasons I like the idea of Top Ten Places That Put the Charm in Charm City is that it sounds so civilized. It's hard to imagine anyone getting really angry over, say, someone picking Birches instead of Brewers Art.
On the other hand, ...
(Kenneth K. Lam/Sun Photographer)
...maybe charm is so much in the eye of the beholder that the concept is too personal. I'm not sure. And I'm a little vague about what charm is in this case. (Of course, I feel the same way about the city slogan.) I see and totally agree that Tusk Lounge has great charm, and I can't imagine it existing anywhere but in Baltimore. But John Steven, Ltd.? If it has charm, it must be less physical than the Brass Elephant variety.
This will probably end up being a lot harder than it looks.
Comments
I'd opt for Gertrude's at the BMA. What could be more charming than a wonderful meal in the sculpture garden?
Posted by: Janet | October 4, 2007 7:49 AM
Oh, and on the other end - who has more Baltimore charm than Cafe Hon?
Posted by: Janet | October 4, 2007 8:03 AM
Perhaps "character" is a better word. I envision restaurants that capture the spirit of Baltimore from hometown favorites or great architecture to those that help define the neighborhood. I'm staying out of the suggestions race for a while, though. Things have been getting heated!
Posted by: SGI | October 4, 2007 8:07 AM
What about Papermoon Diner? Charm City is known for kitsch, right? The whole Hampden thing and Jon Waters is perfectly represented at the Papermoon.
Posted by: Lauren E. | October 4, 2007 9:11 AM
To me, it's less about kitsch than about a convivial neighborhood kind of place with that old-Baltimore spunk.
Peter's Inn in Fell's Point is a great Baltimore joint in a small rowhouse, the food is comforting but adventurous, and there are lots of regulars. It's got a distinct personality that matches the neighborhood.
Were they still around, my grandparents would love LP Steamers crab house in Locust Point where the 'hon-ness' is authentic, the crabs are hot, and the beer cold.
Some other suggestions include Pete's Grill in Waverly or Dizzy Izzie's in Remington.
Posted by: mike | October 4, 2007 10:27 AM
"Charm City" was obviously a marketing slogan worked up by someone smoking lots of crack. In my 42 years here, I've noticed more lack of charm than the opposite, and it seems to increase with each passing year. Working on the West side of downtown probably doesn't help to change my outlook.
That said, I agree that Papermoon Diner has a lot of "character" (better word), and were it still around, I'd nominate Louie's as well. I spent many an evening drinking their terrible coffee while being ignored by their surly waitstaff, and I miss it.
Posted by: Kathy | October 4, 2007 11:59 AM
I would second Peter's Inn and the Papermoon
There are just some places that I could only imagine being in Baltimore. That being said, some good inclusions on the list are:
Nacho Mamas - Natty Boh, Elivis, O's and Colts...not sure it gets much better than that
Faidley's - For as much of a negative the ambiance is, the crab cakes make up for it and then some
The Brewer's Art - Every time I go there, I'm reminded how lucky we are in Baltimore to have this gem of a place. The best beer selection in the city, food is top notch and the setting is ideal.
The Ambassador Dining Room - Few settings are better than a dinner by the fountain on a nice evening.
Mt. Washington Tavern - There's just something about this place. The food's decent, the atmosphere is fine, and the drinks are good, but there's something about the Tavern that just is so Baltimore. Not sure what else to say.
Sabatino's - I'll be honest, I don't get Sabs. I've been there about a half dozen times and every time is an unmemorable experience. That being said, there's just something about Sabs, Little Italy and Baltimore that make it feel like it shouldn't be left off a list.
Obrycki's - I remember being on a business trip once in Dallas watching the local broadcast of the Rangers-O's game and all the Texas natives were talking about was their dinner the night before at Obrycki's. They may not be the best in the city (I'd agree that LP Steamers have the best) but the place is a Baltimore institution.
Posted by: Jamie | October 4, 2007 1:41 PM
What about Warner's??
Posted by: T | October 4, 2007 2:07 PM
It took long enough to see Nacho Mama's named. Does anyone get more Baltimore than that???
Posted by: Selina | October 4, 2007 5:39 PM
I wouldn't call Paper Moon charming at all. It shouldn't even be mentioned in the same category as Tusk Lounge. There's a huge difference between charm and character.
Posted by: Fairfax | October 5, 2007 12:27 PM
Another vote for Nacho Mamas. When friends and family come from out of town, Mamas is always on the list of "places you have to go while you're in town."
Posted by: Pat | October 5, 2007 1:30 PM
To me, charm is about incredible service (welcoming and pleasant, not snooty), comfortable but interesting ambiance, and lack of pretension.
I second (or third) the nomination for Peter's Inn. It's the first place I take out-of-towners so they can get a feel for Baltimore (sorry, Cafe Hon, but schtick is not the same thing).
Also: The still-new but undeniably charming Jack's Bistro in Canton. That place established itself as my favorite restaurant in town after only two visits. If they keep it up, they will win any charm competition hands down.
Posted by: v.h.l. | October 9, 2007 6:39 AM