I went to Burke's for the first time last week. It is a classic "old school" place. I hope it can survive, and the same is true for other similar places, like Kibby's or the Eastern House.

I ate there once or twice, when I worked downtown for Alex. Brown. The food was pretty good, the crab cakes were good as well. My sister and I had a "farewell" lunch there before I moved south.

Also, I had heard that he also owned the Burke restaurants in Ocean City, Burke's Brass Balls and Big Pecker. Obviously not, or Fred's obit would have mentioned that.

Wow - never been to Burke's? I haven't been in ages but used to go when I was a kid. Just thinking about it makes me nostalgic.

I almost always go to Burke's for either lunch or breakfast when I have jury duty.

EL - I agree. Fred's obit was like a touch of nostalgia unto itself.

Suggestion- Updstairs in the same building is a comedy cub. Go for dinner and a show.

I haven't been there for so long...it's the standard by which I judge anyone else's onion rings.

The son has been running the place for years, so this shouldn't affect its survival.

Burke's definitely has what I would call decrepit charm. Years ago I used to take people on what I called my A List B List tour. It was the cream of the crop of places with decrepit charm. Most of those places are gone now. I knew someone who bartended at Burke's and he was only allowed to make drinks that were on an approved list, even he had the ingredients. That would be outrageous anywhere else, but at Burke's - charming.

I reviewed their onion rings a couple years ago. Not so good, folks. Not any more, at least.

Years ago my mother, who was a nice southern lady and big smoker, and I used to go to Burke's where we sat in the bar and ordered the fried oysters. I hadn't been there since her death until after the smoking ban went into effect. My husband and I have been there a few times since and enjoyed our dinners and the cozy bar. It's a good place to go when you're looking for a decent meal after a long work day.