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Outdoor dining in Baltimore

Al fresco dining provides a breath of fresh air at these restaurants

By Kellie Hale and Jason Schellhardt

Special to Metromix
April 9, 2008

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Spending too long surrounded by four walls makes us stir crazy. After this year's bipolar winter, we've been itching to get outside. No way we're going to waste one single gorgeous day viewing the world from behind glass. Instead, we're going to hit up these places for some al fresco dining.

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. - Baltimore

410-522-3377

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. - Baltimore

410-558-0202

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 - Baltimore

410-532-7611

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 - Baltimore

410-889-3399

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. - Baltimore

410-464-1944

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. - Baltimore

410-576-9294

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. - Baltimore

410-234-1300

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 to 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.

RA

1390 Lancaster St. - Baltimore

410-522-3200

The hippest sushi shack in town offers outdoor seating where you can kinda see some water. The upscale Harbor East area provides a nice venue for outdoor dining. RA's sushi is so fresh it leaves you wondering if the chefs pulled it out of the canal across the street.

Rub BBQ

1843 Light St. - Baltimore

410-244-5667

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. - Baltimore

410-327-3333

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.

The Wine Market

921 E. Fort Ave. - Baltimore

410-244-6166

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.

The Pickled Parrot

3020 Elliott St. - Baltimore

410-342-1344

There isn't much of a view, but, hey, you're outside, right? Try the famous half-pound BLT or any of the other pub classics on the menu while shooting pool on the patio. This place is serious about its patio -- it stays open year-round for all the smokers and polar bears out there.

Where do you like to eat outside?