I have to say, the pickle chips (battered & fried) are divine - they go really really well with beer, and taste a lot better than they sound. I would like to see more veggie options - as you mentioned, the pita isn't stellar, and I'm not a big salad eater. But the Tavern is a terrific addition to the Harford Road corridor. Between the Grind On Cafe, the Lauraville House (excellent Asian tuna wrap!), Clementine, the Hamilton Tavern, and, I anticipate, the Parkside, I'm feeling better and better about buying in NE Baltimore all the time!

(And of course Red Canoe and the Chameleon.)

And yeah, it's really really loud.

WHAT? ELIZABETH? I CAN'T HEAR YOU! I'M AT THE HAMILTON TAVERN!

EL, I have to say after the noise discussion to find how much you really did enjoy the food. I was so impressed I almost broke my own rule and went there this weekend. I try to wait 3 - 4 weeks post review to allow the curious review crowds to die down a bit, yet hopefully still catch the same chef and kitchen staff that you had. But, my errands carried me all over Carroll County and part of Ho Co so no dice - yet. I am intrigued. i wonder if I should get carry out?

I liked the place when I was there a few weeks ago. Yes it was loud but it was a Friday night about 8pm and it was pretty crowded too. I was having trouble hearing my fiancee but then, my ears were still a little blocked from the flight into BWI.

I liked the soft shell crab on a pita, the bacon on it was excellent and helped balance the crab-ness of the innards.

The steamed shrimp were good as well.

I'm very happy to see Harford Road coming around, a little at a time.

Thanks for the overall positive review of Hamilton Tavern. I was waiting to do a little Monday Morning Quarterbacking to address the main issue of how loud it is at the tavern esp. on Friday night.

First, we have ordered some heavy velvet curtains for the windows and around the door. We have been searching Crumpton auction for an old rug that will fit with the decor (and hopefully dampen the sound). Lastly, we have enlisted one of our regulars who works for a sound engineering firm to help with some paneling without interfering with the decor too much. Hopefully we will have these all in place in the coming weeks.

Friday nights and Saturday evenings between 7 and 10 are the busiest times. Sunday, Monday and Wednesday eves are more laid back and about on quarter of the decibels. We are very pleased at the positive response from the neighborhood, patrons and the press.
At least the loud sounds so far are from people having a good time... complaints at those decibels would be heartbreaking.

Glad PCB Rob mentioned the bacon. Thought for sure EL would mention in review, everyone that I know who has been always mentions the bacon. It is to die for - If you like bacon (and who doesn't). The burgers are delicious but add bacon and it is tremendous.
I enjoy everything on the menu and daily specials are wonderful. A great addition to the neighborhood.
My last thought a tavern that is loud - who would have thunk it?

Sean, don't forget Alabama BBQ Co. in Lauraville and Big Bad Wolf's BBQ in Hamilton.

Elizabeth, didn't you say a while ago that something (a new restaurant?) was going to open where the Cameo used to be? Did you mean the OLD Cameo in the 4600 block Harford Road, or Cameo Catering on Belair north of Ebenezer? Just curious. Thanx.

On Harford Road. EL

@Dottie,
The OLD Cameo used to have the BEST steamed shrimp, probably (for me) because their cocktail sauce was made fresh and the horseradish would make your eyes tear and nose run. While that might sound gross, the sauce was most excellent. Sorry to hear it went downhill.

@DL and Tom C,
The noise for me wasn't bothersome, I just figured it was supposed to be that way for a lively neighborhood tavern. Again, I'm real glad someone turned a DUMP into a great place to hang out. I'm coming back up on Friday and if the fiancee agrees, we'll be there again as soon as I get my luggage off the carousel at BWI.

I used to DJ at the bar across the street from the Hamilton Tavern and the locals there would sneer at the "Tav". Looks like the "Tav" has the last laugh.

I was always a huge fan of Cameo... luv me that "Word Up!"... only problem was finding a codpiece to complete the outfit.

Dottie, the old Cameo is going to be the Parkside - http://www.theparksideonline.com/

Can't wait!

We went to Hamilton Tavern, last night. It was sooooo good. We tried the fried pickles. Yum yum. The shrimp was amazing, hamburgers, were delicious and a house salad was perfect and simple. Checked the odometer on the way home and clocked only 1.5 miles from my house. It was so good. Everything, including the noise. It didn't bother me a bit. Nice and cozy and comfortable. THe staff were great (I knew the waitress an bartender from another life). So glad this place is close to home! Finally! Could be dangerous! ;)

I was really hoping for fries with that roseda burger. It's not even an option. It'd be even better if they were the yummy rosemary garlic fries that brewer's has... yum.

KEWL. . .thanks Sean, I'll keep my eyes peeled for it.

Anone want to help clear up my small dilemma? I finally located Clementine, but can't find Hamilton Tavern. Is it on the same side of the street? Next block north, perhaps? Thanx, y'all.

Dottie -- Clementine is at 5402 Harford Road (about a block south of Hamilton Avenue, near the corner of Harford Road and Gibbons Avenue), while Hamilton Tavern is across the street and about two blocks to the north, at 5517 Harford Road (about a block north of Hamilton Avenue, at the corner of Harford Road and Wisteria Avenue).

Dottie,
The best-half and I ate at Chameleon Cafe last night {1/2-price wine!}, and had a great meal as usual.
We live in Beverly Hills; CCafe is in Beverly Hills, find Harford Rd and Argonne/Parkside and go north 2 blocks.
Then continue north about a mile until you are in Hamilton, when you get to Harford and Hamilton Ave, in the heart of Hamilton, it's one short block north to the HamTav on the right.
Haven't been yet, and don't eat meat, but I'll bet there is enough veggie fare to make it worth the 5 min drive for us.

All right, Hamilton!