DLang

Not that it really matters, but I was under the impression that Cindy was not directly involved in this one. Although I have seen her checking in on the line after Charleston hours.

While I haven't stepped foot in the place yet, a group of coworkers decided to try it out at lunch the other day, so we got a big order to go. I had the pulled pork with a side of onion rings. The sandwich was really good, but not quite Andy Nelson's good. The onion rings were tasty, though they were of the high batter to onion ratio variety, with a thick dense batter. Portions were huge for all of our orders. I confess I didn't poll the others, but I do remember hearing that whole restaurant smelled of real wood smoke and meat, which seemed like a good sign. (Having not been there myself, I'm having trouble not picturing the old Atlantic interior, which is a weird disconnect. I assume it looks different now.)

None of the places you listed have what I would call bar food, though three of them have "bars" prominently featured. They're all good choices. But Brewer's Art would be my pick. Alternatively, if you want more of a fine dining thing, you would have to include Corks, Charleston, Soigne, Abacrombie (though I've yet to eat there) in the list. If you want more a hip scene with good food, I would suggest Pazo, Vespa, or Red Maple.

There's nothing of interest within walking distance. I would recommend a five minute cab ride to LP Steamers in Locust Point.

I don't think there is anything unique about D.C. in this phenomenon. Although some places are worse than others. One common answer from the industry folk is that with food costs, labor, rent, insurance, etc. their is no profit to be made in the average restaurant, except for alcohol. Of course there are BYO's which seem to survive, (although not in my state ) so that debate rages on. Then you could get into the whole culture of wine in Europe vs. U.S. . . . which is a big topic, and part of the problem, IMO. We still have a long way to go until wine is ingrained in our culture the way it is in Italy and Portugal (and Spain, and France, and Germany, and Greece, and....and.....) I couldn't agree more with this statement. And it has fueled my desire to cook well, and therefore eat (and drink) at home more. My dining out is usually on half-price wine nights and the like.

Based on your request in the original post, I would say The Helmand would be the perfect fit. As long as you're not insistant on decent wine with your meal. Otherwise it is one of the top "foodie" spots in town. I haven't been to Mama's on the Half Shell, but second hand reports that I've heard have been positive. Despite Susan in FL's enthusiastic, if out-dated, suggestions, I beg you to not "eat Bertha's mussels" at all cost. There are a number of places in town to eat good mussels, but Bertha's is no longer one of them. And it would best to avoid Little Italy as well. The links that hannah listed earlier have the goods. Good Luck.

Unless you're really looking for a obscure hole in the wall, and assuming you get your crab cake fix at Faidley's, I would second the recommendation of The Brewer's Art. It's far enough away from the inner harbor that it stays off the tourists' radar, and it's close to Club Charles. The new(ish) chef is doing interesting food, matched with well-thought-out wine list, and of course the best beers in Baltimore. And knowing how seriously you take your frites, I'd add that their garlic rosemary fries are local legends. Have fun chef. Hopefully your visit will convince you that "Baltimore sucks" no more. (K.C.)

Great suggestions Misscindy. I would also add: Corks - just south of the harbor area in Federal Hill. Small rowhouse setting, with reasonably priced, all-American wine list. And incredible all-American artisinal cheese list. Vespa - also in Federal Hill. Hip Italian bistro, and well chosen wine list. To the north, across from the Meyerhoff symphony hall is the recently reinvigorated Spike and Charlie's. All indications are that they have really returned to form. If you like impeccably fresh, simply-grilled fish, try Black Olive in Fells Point. The point is, with minimal effort you can find many outstanding local alternatives to the big chains lining the inner harbor. Enjoy your visit, hon.

Ryan, Pretty broad question, but I'll give you a few of my faves: AFGHAN: The Helmand INDIAN: Ambassador Dining Room SUSHI: Edo in Timonium, Matsuri in Federal Hill MEXICAN/S. AMERICAN: A dozen or so places in upper Fells Point along Broadway and Eastern Ave. Not much English spoken in these places. Also the taco truck usually parked on Broadway. BURGER: Duda's in Fell's Point BBQ: Andy Nelson's in Cockeysville BEER: Wharf Rat for English hand-pulled, Brewer's Art for Belgian style. SEAFOOD: Black Olive ITALIAN (Not traditional): Vespa MONEY-NO-OBJECT: Charleston MODERN/FUSION: Soigne/Ixia/Red Maple/Joy America BRUNCH: Golden West Cafe in Hampden (New Mexican flavor mostly) I can't help you with some of your categories, mostly from lack of familiarity. But I can say that Baltimore does seem to be lacking in certain areas such as vegan, Chinese, other ethnic (at least compared to D.C., NYC, etc.) Good Luck, Darin