Eating out(side)
Al fresco dining provides a breath of fresh air
By Kellie Hale
Special to MetromixApril 9, 2008
Ale Mary's
1939 Fleet St.,
Baltimore
410-276-2044
If only a little loud for its proximity to Fleet Street traffic, Ale Mary's outside seating is still comfortable. Mary's staff manages to remain attentive, even when they can't see you. Besides that, Mary's has nice tots.
Arcos Restaurant
129 South Broadway,
Baltimore
410-522-4777
Nothing says Mexico like this outside courtyard. With an open grill and a Mariachi playing traditional Mexican music, go ahead and grab a margarita and enjoy the feel of authentic Mexico in Arcos' own backyard.
Ambassador Dining Room
3811 Canterbury Road,
Baltimore
410-366-1484
Dine around a beautiful fountain on the terrace at this upscale Indian restaurant and enjoy the sound of water flowing and birds calling. It almost sounds too good to be true.
Bay Cafe
2809 Boston St., Baltimore410-522-3377
Bay Cafe's outdoor beach bar is a very appropriate way to celebrate spring. Ah, a beer in your hand and sand in your shoes...life doesn't get better than that. Unless, of course, you were hoping not to get sand in your shoes.
Bo Brooks
2701 Boston St., Baltimore410-558-0202
Though Bo Brooks' waterfront seating is nice, the staff's helpful suggestions make it so easy to rip a giant hunk of backfin meat from a steamed crab that even tourists will be thinkin' they're born and bred crab-pickers. And we're OK with that.
Donna's
5100 Falls Road, Baltimore410-532-7611
Enjoy the bucolic charms of the almost-'burbs at Donna's Cross Keys location. And don't even worry about errant vehicles spoiling the scene--this Donna's is on the second level!
Gertrude's
10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore410-889-3399
Sometimes the most important part of a meal is the atmosphere. Gertrude's' delicious culinary masterpieces are complemented by artistic masterpieces in the surrounding sculpture garden.
grand cru
527 E. Belvedere Ave., Baltimore410-464-1944
You probably won't get overstuffed at Grand Cru. The wine bar's small plates are upscale, and priced accordingly. You can, however, fill up on the many selections available on GC's vast wine list, while Belvedere Square shoppers fritter away prime drinking time.
James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant
616 President St.,
Baltimore
410-727-5107
Harbor East gets a little more posh every day. What better vantage point to watch the sky-rocketing price of real-estate than from the comfort of James Joyce's patio? Arrive during happy hour for half-priced apps, and you should still be able to afford parking.
Kali's Court Mezze
1606 Thames St.,
Baltimore
410-563-7600
Located within the hustle and bustle of Fells Point, Kali's patio seating allows for people watching, which could be quite interesting. Plus, Mediterranean food always tastes better outside.
Little Havana Restaurante y Cantina
1325A Key Highway,
Baltimore
410-837-9903
As long as you're not predisposed to motion sickness, Little Havana is a great place to eat and enjoy the weather. When it's warm, the huge bay doors open so patrons can dine on the deck and watch boats go by.
L.P. Steamers
1100 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore410-576-9294
So you thought Steamer's was just a small neighborhood favorite with nothing more to offer. Wrong. The rooftop deck is a must when getting those fresh crabs and having a beer on a nice day.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant
711 Eastern Ave., Baltimore410-234-1300
With superb waterfront views, lounging on this deck allows you to relax and feel the fresh breeze of the harbor on your skin. Forget about that boat ride you were planning to take, just make reservations at this seafood restaurant.
Mex
26 Market Place,
Baltimore
410-528-0128
From burgers to burritos, Mex offers plenty of grub to enjoy on its deck, though our first choice would be the margaritas. Plus, the spectacle that is Power Plant Live! is sure to provide prime people-watching.
Nick's Fish House
2600 Insulator Drive,
Baltimore
410-347-4123
Nick's is the type of place to drag your roommate when you need to escape the stale sock smell marinating in your apartment. Despite the party atmosphere on its deck, Nick's remains platonic, and its full bar and tasty seafood options minimize the need for a date.
Rub BBQ
1843 Light St., Baltimore410-244-5667
Nothing says spring like barbecue sauce-covered fingers. Even if you've never been to Texas, the warm, friendly atmosphere at Rub will fill you with Southern comfort. (And so will the bartenders!) On a nice day, you may even forget you're in Baltimore.
Shuckers Restaurant & Bar
1629 Thames St.,
Baltimore
410-522-5820
Situated at the end of Broadway Pier, Shuckers' view might be the best in Fells and it's in prime breeze position.
Tapas Teatro
1711 N. Charles St.,
Baltimore
410-332-0110
Even if you skip the trip to the Charles Theatre, you'll still look pretty cool dining at Tapas Teatro. Take the cool factor up a notch by enjoying your tapas smack in the middle of the sidewalk on Charles Street.
Three...
2901 East Baltimore St., Baltimore410-327-3333
Its park front view is a huge draw for folks who enjoy small plates and large amounts of wine. Plus, the experience helps diners realize how overrated exercise is. Go ahead, order dessert, too. Let those other suckers run laps.
Tsunami
1300 Bank St., Baltimore410-327-7835
The colorful entrees at Tsunami and Lemongrass probably look even cooler outside. Instead of opting for one of either restaurant's many window seats, pull up a chair outside and avoid feeling like you're in a massive fish bowl.
The Wine Market
921 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore410-244-6166
Why wouldn't you want to dine outside at the Wine Market? Even without the atmosphere provided by this bistro, pairing a fair weather day with a few glasses of well-selected wine will probably make your week.
Vin
1 E. Joppa Road,
Towson
410-337-0797
Forget you're in Towson on a beautiful evening with Vin's outdoor area called The Grove. You know it's good when it has its own name. Despite the fact that it's basically located in the parking lot, this outdoor oasis has a romantic ambiance and the large fence blocks out the view of the cars.
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Al Fresco dining
Pretend like you're in Paris and find some street-side tables, in addition to decks and courtyards
