outdoor dining revelers

From today’s b, the paper

This is our motto: If it’s summer, what’s the point in eating indoors? And there’s plenty of good choices all over Baltimore, from chill burger and crab joints to trendy tapas. Here are some of our favorites, because al fresco really is the way to go.

chill atmosphere
City Café, Mount Vernon
1001 Cathedral St. • 410-539-4252
citycafebaltimore.com
WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s good for a casual lunch and a perfect place to sit back, hangout and drink with friends. It’s perfect for people watching — or just being seen. Sunday brunch is particularly packed.
Manager Ryan Fulkoski gave us some details
Reservations: Yes
Favorite dish: Omelettes
Atmosphere: Laidback

place for a romantic night
Tapas Teatro, Station North
1711 N. Charles St. • 410-332-0110 • tapasteatro.com
WHY WE LOVE IT: We think the whole tapas movement has gotten a bit out of hand (we’re waiting for our uncle to start serving tapas out his basement), but we do heart Tapas Teatro. Connected to the Charles Theatre, the menu is upscale, yet affordable and fun to share, and the wine selection is particularly superb.
Here’s some extra info from Antonio Baines, head chef:
Reservations: Nope. First come, first serve. Dinner only.
Outdoor seating hours: 6-10 p.m. is the busiest time every day, so try for tables before 5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday or after 10 p.m. On the weekend, the earlier the better.
Favorite drinks: Sangria and summer white sangria
Favorite dishes: Grilled lamb chops; spinach and crab with asiago sherry cream sauce
Atmosphere: Lively

place for nature immersion
Gertrude’s, Charles Village
10 Art Museum Drive • 410-889-3399
gertrudesbaltimore.com
WHY WE LOVE IT:Nestled in a sculpture garden, the Baltimore Museum of Art’s restaurant is good for a casual, cute brunch date. Heather Gerner, 25, a BMA employee dining last week, said she loves the grilled cheese as much as the beautiful iron sculptures speckled throughout the garden. Gertrude’s is a stylish oasis.
Manager Paul Wright provides the lowdown
Reservations: Recommended
Drinks: Mango mimosa, rose wine
Dish: Crabcakes
Atmosphere: Picturesque

in-need-of-zen spot
RA Sushi, Harbor East
1390 Lancaster St. • 410-552-3200 • rasushi.com
WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s near the water, so there’s a nice breeze, and we dig the stylish, thoroughly Japanese decor, especially the deep red lights. Ginger Roberston, 26, of Fells Point called the atmosphere “refreshing.” “I think it’s a great place for a Friday night dinner before heading out,” said Robertson.
Manager Scott Bernas, what are we missing?
Reservations: No
Best outdoor seating hours: Lunch
Drink: Tsunami punch, a 60-ounce blend of cold sake, liquers and tropical juices. It’s served in a fish bowl, so it’s meant for two.
Dishes: Tootsy maki (crab, shrimp and cucumber wrapped in seaweed)
Atmosphere: Exciting

place to go if shipwrecked
Nick’s Fish House, South Baltimore
2600 Insulator Drive • 410-FISH123
nicksfishhouse.com
WHY WE LOVE IT: At right-on-the-water Nick’s, people come and park their boats before meals. And, no wonder — the ambience is much like a boat itself, with wooden decor and ship parts. Dave Sweiger, 55, of Annapolis, sums it up succinctly: “[It’s a] party atmosphere on the deck. Good service … good tuna.” And, really, isn’t that all you need?
Hostess Naome DeLapaz-Dickey fills in the rest:
Reservations: Preferred, especially on weekends.
Favorite dish: “No, our patrons love it all.” We’ll let this one pass, Naome, because we tend to believe it.
Atmosphere: Casual

place if in a crabby mood
Canton Dockside
3301 Boston St. Suite 102 • 410-276-8900
cantondockside.com
There’s a feel of being on the beach — breezy, relaxing, with a great view of the water. Said John Vontran, 44, of Baltimore: “If you’re trying to impress someone it’s a great place.” Keep in mind though, you’ll be making an impression primarily based on cold beer and good Maryland crabs.
Fill us in, manager Tim Mitchell:
Reservations: Limited and encouraged
Drink: Cold beer (we told you)
Meal: Crabs (you see?)
Atmosphere: Relaxed
place for a brew

DuClaw, Fells Point
901 S. Bond St. • 410-563-3400 • duclaw.com
WHY WE LOVE IT: The inside bar-area is a great place to watch a ball game, but the outdoor scene is calm. And because this is a brewing company, the suds selection is top-notch and unique.
From manager Danyelle Hall:
Reservations: For indoors only
Favorite drinks: Kangaroo Love (Australian lager) and Misfit Red (amber ale)
Meal: Chicken sandwich/salad
Atmosphere: Downtown bistro

Jordan Bartel is assistant editor at b. E-mail him at jordan@bthesite.com. {With additional reporting by Rachel Stachowiak and Ida Martin}

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