This week is another buzzy one in the Baltimore restaurant scene, with openings, anniversaries, and restaurant weeks, all at once. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
The Birdhouse, a sports bar across from Camden Yards, is opening on Friday, Aug. 1 – just in time to welcome the Savannah Bananas to Baltimore.
Pusser’s Landing – in the old Bo Brooks space – opened this past week.
Waiting to Oxtail is also now officially open for carryout and dining in the restaurant.
Raffy’s on 36th – a new pizza bar – has an opening date. The restaurant, which will take over the Hampden spot that formerly housed The Arthouse, will have its grand opening on Friday, Aug. 8.
Raffy’s wood-fired pizzas will be made with sourdough crust from Ovenbird Bakery – another local business also in the news this week, as its new location in The Rotunda just opened.
BLK Swan winning
BLK Swan’s Executive Chef, Saon Brice, took home the win this week on an episode of “Guy’s Grocery Games” – making Baltimore proud.
Restaurant Weeks – still going
It’s still Restaurant Week season! Baltimore City and Harford County restaurant weeks both kick off on Friday, July 25 and will run through the following weekend.
Baltimore County’s restaurant week is technically over but some spots are extending their deals – like The Milton Inn, which is running its specials through Aug. 1.
Plus, starting on Aug. 1, Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month is back. For all of August, local restaurants put a spotlight on vegan dishes. The lineup includes OG spots like Golden West Café and The Land of Kush – both driving forces behind the initiative – as well as relative newcomers like Oleum and Mera Kitchen Collective.
Christmas in July at Max’s
On Friday, July 25, Max’s Taphouse is thinking cool, with a tapping of The Bruery’s 12 Days of Christmas Collection – a dozen beers inspired by the traditional Christmas carol. The beers are a rare sighting and Max’s is the only Maryland bar that has the whole collection.
Union Craft Brewing turns 13
Also on Saturday, Union Craft Brewing celebrates 13 years in business with an evening party at Union Collective. The event (which is ticketed) features live music and a DJ, food from Carroll and Son Fine Foods, The Local Oyster, and The Charmery, and – of course – Union’s excellent beers.
Motor House Crab Feast
Also on Saturday, Motor House is hosting Get Crackin’ for a Cause – a fun crab feast that is doubling as a fundraiser for the organization’s programming as well as repairs necessary following a recent accident, in which a car ran into the front of the Motor House building.
Shuckin’ in the Street XXI
In Canton on Saturday, Lee’s Pint and Shell is taking over the streets for its 21st Shuckin’ in the Street party. The event – which is tented, so it’s rain or shine – features live music and a DJ, drinks, and tons of oysters on the half shell.
Pop-up season
It’s collab season for several spots, as local favorites partner with each other on casual summer meals.
On Monday, the Blacksauce Kitchen crew will pop up at Artifact Coffee with a menu of smashburgers, pit beef, seasonal veggies and more.
From July 29-Aug. 2 and then again from Aug. 5-9, bartender and chef Adam Estes will pop up at The Wren serving NOLA-inspired po’boys.
Guinness turns 7
Guinness Open Gate Brewery opened its doors seven years ago – and is celebrating with a week of festivities. From July 29 through Aug. 3, the brewery will be one big party, kicking off with a multi-course beer dinner on Tuesday.
Plus, the brewery will be bustling with carnival games, celebratory food, and two new beers, including “Homegrown,” which was brewed using ingredients from local businesses including Apex Apiary, Wight Tea Co. and Bear Branch Farm.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of Homegrown will be donated to the Back River Restoration Committee.
Lobsterama is back
Starting Aug. 1, Gertrude’s annual ode to the lobster is back for the month. Every Thursday in August, the restaurant offers two lobster entrees: a simple, steamed New England-style preparation or Maryland-style, which adds crab imperial to the mix.
Willy Wonka at The Charmery
Starting Friday, Aug. 1, The Charmery will host a weekend of Full Sensory Movie Experiences, featuring the original “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at The Voxel theater.
The Experience includes a screening of the film in “4D” – which means there are added scents and treats designed to bring the movie to life in a whole new way.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
August 13: Origins with Marion Nestle & Spike Gjerde
August 23: Ekiben Night Market
October 2: World Is Your Oyster Fest
