Top 10 Romantic Restaurants for the Budget-Minded
I've made up a Top 10 list of romantic restaurants before, but that was before the economy went down the tubes.
This time when I asked what readers wanted for a Top 10 in honor of Valentine's Day, the idea of affordable romantic restaurants seemed to spark the most interest.
Although I like to be geographically diverse, for some reason a lot of places that are both romantic and moderately priced happen to be located in Mount Vernon. No, the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Association didn't pay me off. If you can come up with better selections, please post below -- but be careful. One restaurant that shall remain nameless would have made it on this list except the special Valentine's Day menu is four courses for $55, with wine an extra $25. That would be OK except it isn't serving its regular menu as an alternative.
One word of warning, some of these places are probably booked on the day itself by now, but you know me: I think it would be better to go out the day before or the day after anyway.
Here's my list: ...
* Annabel Lee Tavern in Canton. Dark and romantically mysterious setting. Good food and drink. Need I say more?
* b Bistro in Bolton Hill. This appeared on my original romantic restaurants list, as the Most Romantic, Budget Edition, so I could hardly leave it off this list.
* Cafe de Paris in Columbia. Romance with a French accent, mais oui. And the $30 prix fixe menu can't be beat.
* Eden's Lounge in Mount Vernon. It's primarily a sophisticated, upscale lounge, but the Ethiopian food is excellent if not the main event, and the price is right.
* Feast@4East in Mount Vernon. This quirky little place has some intriguing Valentine's Day specials like Velvety Lobster Bisque ($9), Sensuous Oysters Basque ($9), Buckwheat Blini with Crème Fraîche and Wild Salmon Roe ($10), and Melting Petite Filet Mignon ($18).
* Helmand in Mount Vernon. You knew it was going to be here, but really, how could I leave it off? Sure, the tables are close together; but the candlelight, handsome surroundings and suave service put it on most people's romantic list -- prices aside.
* Indigma in Mount Vernon. The setting is so pretty, and the lights are low. Some of the menu is expensive, but Indian food gives you so many delicious vegetarian options, there's plenty to choose from if you're watching your pennies.
* Meli in Fells Point. I have to say it: honey for your honey. (Sorry. Meli is the Greek word for honey.) The lounge downstairs is most intimate. The regular menu will be served on Valentine's Day, and it's not expensive.
* Orchard Market & Cafe in Towson. This pretty little restaurant serves good, moderately priced Persian food like poached chicken in an orange-mango-saffron sauce. A bonus, if you're on a budget: It's BYOB.
* Tusk Lounge in Mount Vernon. Faithful readers of this blog know that the Brass Elephant's elegant bar will be serving a tapas menu for those who aren't feeling romantic. I say if money is a consideration, take your sweetie there anyway. What are they going to do? Turn you away?
(Downstairs at Meli by Chiaki Kawajiri/Sun photographer)
Comments
I was surprised to see b Bistro on this list. We love b, but somehow I don't think of it as a budget restaurant--we always seem to spend quite a lot there!
I agree, you have to be careful. But I was running out of really reasonable romantic places, and I had put it on the last list, so I fudged a little. EL
Posted by: Dahlink | February 10, 2009 6:15 AM
Oh my lord. Who designed that room in the photo at Meli and thought it was a good idea? That place looks like a cheap hookah bar in Dubai.
Posted by: Avenue Pop | February 10, 2009 8:05 AM
I am surprised by Helmands...Sure the food is very good but the last time we were there it was too noisy to enjoy our dinner for four...we couldn't hear each other and it wasn't fun. And the time before that I sat in the hallway. I don't intend to return any time soon. The food is good but the atmosphere sucks.
Alas, I'm afraid you're going to find that true of any of the restaurants on this list around Valentine's Day. Because the Helmand is so popular, that's true of it most of the time. EL
Posted by: Heather | February 10, 2009 8:27 AM
According to Rodricks' column, muskrat is being offered for sale at Lexington Market. Perfect* for an intimate dinner at home!
*If you are, or are dining with Toni Tenille.
Posted by: Cheap Jim | February 10, 2009 8:45 AM
Nothing in Dubai is cheap! Tacky, yes. Cheap, no.
Posted by: Lissa | February 10, 2009 9:17 AM
Part of the problem is how you define a romantic restaurant. If the food's great and reasonably priced and my husband and I can get a babysitter, that's plenty romantic for us. We don't mind if the place is on the noisy side, so long as it's "convivial" or "lively" rather than rowdy.
Posted by: Kate | February 10, 2009 9:48 AM
Akbar is one of our favorite restaurants for occasions like Valentine's Day or after visiting the Craft Fair (coming up the end of the month.) Especially this time of year, it is a cozy, intimate place for dinner. The staff are always so nice to us and the food is delicious and not too expensive.
Posted by: Mary Roby | February 10, 2009 11:13 AM
Ze Mean Bean is surprisingly romantic. Especially on Saturdays when they have live jazz playing and the food and drink is very affordable!
Posted by: CantonK | February 10, 2009 11:19 AM
Not to sound like a banker celebrating the bail out, but Valentine's Day is a very special day to celebrate my very special lady. If you could pick a restaurant or two -- maybe recent additions to the scene -- where would you go for a what-the-heck-she's-worth-it dinner this year?
Posted by: Roland | February 10, 2009 11:33 AM
My wife and I celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary at the Sunset Restaurant in Glen Burnie. It's a bit of a time warp -- wood paneling, Tiffany lamps, professional waitstaff, muted colors, pre-dinner relish tray and a splendid meal (with champagne cocktails ) that came in at under $75. It's hardly cutting edge. But romantic? Vraiment.
Posted by: Michael A Gray | February 10, 2009 12:47 PM
If you are looking for a what-the-heck-she's-worth-it dinner, I would recommend The Prime Rib. The food is pricey, but, excellent. There is live jazz music, though, I would recommend a request for the main dining room if you really want to hear the music. Valet parking is available as well. It should be noted that jackets are required for gentlemen.
Posted by: Chris | February 10, 2009 1:17 PM
Michael A. Gray, I'm not going to let that pass. 48th wedding anniversary. Wow.
Posted by: Bucky | February 10, 2009 5:41 PM
As an addendum to the post by Chris, if gentlemen show up without the required jacket they will give you one of the ugly ones they have there if you are otherwise suitably dressed.
Posted by: Joyce W. | February 10, 2009 6:45 PM
I'd also pass over the Helmand for any date night. It used to be a favorite, but recently I went and it was too loud and too crowded. They seated us in such a way that my poor date's elbow stuck out in the aisle and he kept knocking into waitresses.
And I've never been to a restaurant where the waiters are so shameless about hurrying you through a meal for turnover. It's such a shame, because I do like the food and I think the fanciness-to-price ratio is spot on, but shouting to be heard and getting the stink eye from the waiters just isn't worth it. Oh, plus they charge for bread and refills on non-alcoholic drinks!
Posted by: pomme de terre | February 11, 2009 12:36 AM
Michael A. Gray--48 years! My goodness! That makes me feel like a mere child by comparison. Congratulations to you and Mrs. Gray!
Posted by: Dahlink | February 11, 2009 6:14 AM
Bucky and Dahlink -- thanks for the congratulations on our 48th wedding anniversary. It was January 15th, 1961 that my wife and I said our vows and cabbed through a blizzard to New York's Waldorf Astoria for a one night honeymoon. We were just settling in when there was a knock on the door, followed by a team of waiters and a trolley heaped with cracked crab, lobster, oysters on the half shell and assorted salads -- enough to feed a small European army -- along with a bottle of Moet Chandon. It was only then that I knew the real reason we had been cutting the pot at my weekly poker game. It was, as any newlywed can imagine, a memorable meal.
Posted by: Michael A. Gray | February 11, 2009 7:48 AM
I love that Feast@4East made your list. Husband and I loved the place so much we had our wedding there and we still get comments from our guests on how wonderful the food was. Sandra Lawler is a fantastic chef and her talents in the kitchen are spot-on.
The Inn itself is historically elegant and it felt like a grand party in a beautiful Mt. Vernon brownstone. The furnishings are gorgeous, the service excellent, and the food wonderful and sublime. It's one of Mt. Vernon's best kept secrets!!
Posted by: Tennisgal1206 | February 11, 2009 10:29 AM
The 10:48 AM comment is Spam.
Thanks. Someone calling my random musings an "article" is a dead giveaway. :-) EL
Posted by: Hal Laurent | August 10, 2009 10:56 AM
Well, we could start calling your posts "indefinite articles," Elizabeth.
Posted by: Lissa | August 10, 2009 11:30 AM