After the play, if they want something semi-formal, they should have drinks at Maggie Moore's.

If they want something more fun, go to Bedrock Billiards. Both are within a block's walking distance from the Hippodrome.

Charles St is only a 10 minute walk from the Hippodrome. So places like Sotto Sopra, Tio Pepe, Sascha's 527, etc. are all closer to the Hippodrome than it yopu might think. Also, Martick's is only a 10-15 minute walk from the Hippodrome.

Charles St. is indeed close, and has better places (including a great Thai place), but I don't think they should walk from there to the Hippodrome at night, or walk to Charles St. from the Hippodrome afterward for drinks, especially if they are new to (C)harm City. Those are some sketchy blocks in between, especially nights and weekends. I lived right near the Hippodrome for 5 years and know the area. Take a cab!

It sounds like they're from DC, so they can probably handle big, scary Baltimore.

My wife and I have season tickets to the Hippodrome, and we walk to Charles St from there all the time, pre-show. You can always take the Eutaw to Lombard to Charles route if you're feeling uneasy. That way is completely safe, and only 5 minutes longer.

Sidecar Grill next to Bedrock?

LJ is right, don't go far from the Hipp after dark. I work in the area, and unfortunately the number of incidents of assault and/or robbery, although low, is rising. NTCC would be safer staying near by. They could "dine light" at Hipp Cafe (corner of Eutaw & Fayette) then do after-theater drinks at Maggie Moore's.

I still wouldn't rule out eating on Charles Street. It's a safe 15 minute walk from your hotel to there, and the restaurants are worth it. And you could always take a cab to the Hippodrome after dinner.

Another option would be the SoBo Cafe - also about a 15 minute walk from your hotel, but a longer cab ride to the show.

After the show, you'll probably be walking back to your hotel, and apparently won't want to linger in this war zone. So I'd walk back via Pratt St and stop at one of the bars there - maybe the Wharf Rat.

I agree with TS that the best dining bets are on Charles St., specifically, the 300 block and north (meaning, north of Saratoga St).

But splurge on a cab, it's only a few blocks, $5 tops, and worth the peace.

I know D.C. can be rough, but it has been my impression (from living in that area too) that the cultural venues there are a bit more insulated than our Hippodrome. Hopefully that will change if the West Side "redevelopment" project ever gets fully under way. It's a shame there isn't pre-theater fine dining right there on the same block. Maggie Moore's is okay, but it's not what Spike & Charlies was to the Lyric.

BTW, if you decide to walk, and someone says to you, "kick it out!" that means they want your wallet.

Is this a helpful blog or what? :-)

Martick's would be great for dinner. http://uniqueculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2007/12/return-to-marticks.html . Here's a post from last year with more of the story: http://uniqueculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2006_03_01_uniqueculinaryadventures_archive.html#Marticks-and-Martick .