It really would be a shame for Baltimore Pho to close up - only been there once, but we loved it. I hadn't had a good bowl of pho in a while before then (last time was out in the county somewhere). We were there for lunch on Sunday, and there were about 3 other tables eating.

The Parkside in Lauraville seems to be at risk, although I can't tell if it's the economy or other issues, like management, etc. I feel like the place needs a good deal more focus. And I don't think it's always a good idea for the owner to have too active a role dealing with customers (eg, serve as bartender) if that's not a strong suit. But since it's so close to my house, they have a great beer selection, the paella is delish, and Ryan is a great bartender, it'd be a shame to lose it so soon.

Manor Tavern in Monkton is lovely, but the last time I was there, they were basically empty, except for a few ladies having lunch in the bar. I even heard the owner comment that times were tight. I remember a time when they would be PACKED on a Friday afternoon.

A few weeks ago, I made my first attempt to eat at Baltimore Pho. I called on a Saturday afternoon at about 1 p.m. to get a reservation for that evening for four people, and they wouldn't take the reservation. They were already overbooked. So, I don't think they're hurting ... and I'm annoyed I still haven't eaten there.

I haven't been to Baltimore Pho yet but that photo looks an awful lot like Pho Dat Thanh in Columbia!

I'm correcting it now. Thanks. :-) EL

I am the head of sales for a food distributor and have heard of some very good restaurants having a drop-off in business.

Among them:

three...
Cynthia's
Darker than Blue

And there are other's, but I personally know these three palces and there are all good people running them, serving very good food.

get out and eat.

Manor Tavern is empty because the food is horible. not because of the economy. Many of us used to frequent it often the food is almost not edible. It is a shame since we live very close by

I know Sandboxers hate this name, but last week, I was walking in front of Jack's Bistro on a Friday Night. Dead as a Doornail. I am sure someone will post on here to say it is doing GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!, but honestly, it is not.

Tell people to stay away from the Annabelle Lee Tavern. Very packed on the weekend, so much that there is a long wait every Friday and Saturday Night.

Hello,

That picture looks like Pho Dat Thanh on snowden river parkway in Columbia? is that place closing?

Thanks for pointing this out. In my haste I grabbed the wrong photo. As far as I know, Pho Dat Thanh is fine. I'll replace it asap. EL

I've always had a more than acceptable meal at Manor Tavern, and their lunch menu of sandwiches is very reasonable. Pretty drive out there, too.

I missed your recession-proof list last week but let me add SALT in Butcher's Hill to it. We were there last Friday, the food was excellent as always and the place was jumping. I'm wondering about how the expensive downtown places are doing....

Re: Manor Tavern
I have to agree - the food gets worse each time I'm there. (and that's about 2x a Qarter, since my parents live close by, so it's convenient). It's very old people food - same old same old and bland. The service isn't that great (ask for no mushrooms, you get extra), and for some reason they have live music - and it is waaaaay too loud. Hurts my eardrums.

Somehow, this reminds me of Yogi Berra's classic line: "That restaurant is so crowded, nobody goes there anymore."

JoJo--maybe the problem with the service is that the servers can't hear what you say over the loud music!

Location, location, location is the old saying, and pho just ain't got it. As the ole bmore saying was BELIEVE, well I do BELIEVE that this place ain't gonna make it. Oh, back to location, location, location

Unfortunately many restaurants are suffering but waiting out the holiday season upsurge in business. I think many people will be surprised at some of the restaurant closings after the holiday season.

If you have favorite restaurants and don't want them to disappear then do what you can to support them not just on the weekends.

My holiday wishes to all restaurateurs for a better tomorrow.