With serious construction overhauls changing the city's waterfront—take illustrious West Fells Point for example, oops, we mean Harbor East (R.I.P Bohager's)—it's comforting to know there are still places in the city that feel like old Baltimore. And, if there's one neighborhood in the city that can withstand the corporate invasion, it's Fells Point. If it can survive Hurricane Isabelle, it sure as hell can stand up to big business and its attempt to homogenize Charm City.

Take, for example, Broadway Market. Established in 1784, the market is in definite need of an upgrade. It's been holding out for the approval of a $40 million restoration project with plans to bring back the second floor of the north pavilion and rejuvenate businesses on the 600 block of Broadway. "The project is really about restoration and retail," says Dave Holmes of South Broadway Properties.

Ah, but the beauty of Baltimore isn't about being the top dog. We're resilient, we've got character and what the market lacks in abundance and variety, it makes up for in locale.
 
Eats: In the south pavilion, tool belts and suits share counter space at Theresa's Deli, where comfort food from cheesesteaks to cheesecakes reign. The ladies behind Theresa's counter are some of Baltimore's finest personalities, and it's not just their grilled cheese sandwich that's a hit; the ladies have been known to sing "I Will Survive" while making their male customers melt. In the north pavilion, Sophia's Place seems every bit as blue collar and practical as our fair city itself, but still gets snazzy with lunch specials like stuffed duck on pumpernickel bread with pepper jack cheese.

Meats: We all know One-Eyed Mike's for its Grand Marnier, but it's worth getting to know Mike's for its Galley and Market. Owners Mike Maraziti and Shane Fullerton have a flare for good food, slicing fresh Boar's Head products and serving menu items like prosciutto-wrapped melon, bacon-wrapped scallops, teriyaki-braised wings and beef kabobs. If Maraziti and Fullerton can do with their market space what they've done for GM sales, you can bet on a meat market boom. When it comes to seafood in the stalls, Sal's provides everything from shellfish to bass and now stays open on Sundays.

Treats: Desperate Dave's Italian gelato hits the spot whether you need to quell horrendous humidity or are on a sweet-tooth splurge. Its cream- and fruit-flavored varieties are made with all natural ingredients. Where else can you get an artisanal root beer float? Make Dave's a regular Broadway Market indulgence and you'll be desperate for a diet, a dentist or even a downtown doctor.

Best deals: Getting stuck picking up lunch for the office doesn't sound so bad if you order from Desperate Dave's. Order five or more paninis and Dave's offers up a free panini, a cup of Dave's "damn good" chili and a home-baked monster cookie to whoever picks up the order. That's a damn sweet deal if you ask us.

Another good deal is One-Eyed Mike's coffee club. A $50 membership includes a travel mug and unlimited coffee refills for a year.