Independence Day is fast approaching, Baltimore! If you’re not heading to the beach for the holiday, there’s still plenty to do–and eat–here in the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Here’s a look at what Baltimore restaurants have planned for the week:
Openings & Announcements
Congratulations to the Charles Street eatery Maisy’s, which celebrates 10 years in business this week.
Happy first anniversary to Checkerspot Brewing Co.! The city brewery is celebrating with an anniversary party, including food and live music, on Saturday starting at noon.
Sadly, Blue Dog BBQ, which has been plagued by visibility issues related to Little Italy-area construction, has closed.
Soccer viewing
The USA women’s soccer team takes on France Friday at 3 p.m. You’ll be able to catch it at different spots around the city, including Johnny’s, which will also offer free fries (“freedom fries vs. pommes frites”) and special happy hour prices during lunchtime.
Food truck fun
On Friday night, tons of local food trucks are heading to the Baltimore Museum of Industry for a food truck meetup benefiting Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland.
There will be beer and wine available, in addition to food from the trucks, and a DJ spinning tunes to add to the fun.
Farm fresh
On Saturday, head up to Prigel Family Creamery for the Kalua Pig Roast & Luau, an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian party. The Kalua Main courses at the party will be created by the very talented crew from Ejji Ramen (Prigel’s neighbors in Belvedere Square) and will include dishes like spam masubi, lomi lomi and kalua pig. Prigel will be handling the sweet side, featuring tropical ice cream desserts.
That’s not the only farm fun happening on Saturday. In the evening, Steppingstone Farm Museum in Havre de Grace will host Wine on the Farm, a party including samples of wine, light appetizers and music, all on the pretty farm museum grounds.
Cider Brunch at Red Star
On Saturday starting at 10 a.m., Red Star will host a cider-themed brunch featuring ciders from a bunch of different makers, alongside special cider-themed brunch dishes.
Cellar Raid at Petit Louis
On July 1, 2 and 3, head to Petit Louis for dinner and enjoy half-priced bottles of wine. The PL wine list is one of the city’s best and this is a great opportunity to try something new without too much of a splurge.
Tacopalooza is back!
Wednesday, July 3, La Food Marketa gets spicy with its third annual Tacopalooza celebration. The party, which is always a hit, includes street food, tacos, cocktails, beers and lots of fun. Plus, proceeds benefit The Baltimore Hunger Project.
Fun on the Fourth
Thursday is July 4th, which means fireworks, beers, crabs and a few local spots have fun plans to celebrate.
The Rusty Scupper hosts its annual Fourth of July all-you-can-eat buffet and crab feast again this year, starting at 6:30 p.m. Crabs, corn, burgers and much more–plus one of the best views of the fireworks around.
At Sandlot, Dogfish Head will be taking over the taps and all day long, there will be live music, games, food and drinks. Plus, a great view of the fireworks at night.
Mama’s on the Half Shell is open on the Fourth and will offer its happy hour menu all day long, including deals like $5 crushes and six Chincoteague/Shooting Points oysters for $6.
Of Love & Regret will open early on the Fourth. The Canton restaurant will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Plus, there will be happy hour prices all day, and if you wear red, white and blue, you’ll receive a free pretzel.
At Topside, the Independence Day menu is BBQ-inspired, including wings, sausage, brisket, corn pudding and more.
Clavel will be closed on July 4, so if you’re hoping to head there this week, make it before or after the holiday.
Crabby
Throughout the month of July, many Baltimoreans– including the crew in the kitchen at the Mt. Washington Tavern–will be celebrating all things crab.
All month long, the Tavern will offer a Crustacean Invasion menu, including dishes like crab puffs, crab quiche, crab imperial and more.
Planning Ahead
Here are a few events to look forward to over the next few weeks:
July 14: Bastille Day at Petit Louis
Aug. 2: Baltimore Summer Restaurant Week
Aug. 10: Flower Farm Dinner at Two Boots Farm
