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Places to go in Harbor East

This downtown neighborhood is the place to be, so why aren't you there?

By Dan Piepenbring

Special to Metromix
January 10, 2008

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Talara is the latest addition to Harbor East. You can find us at the bar. (Credit: Mark Gross)

As evidenced by its Web site, there's a lot of places to go and people to see at Harbor East. So many, in fact, that you might be daunted by all the choices, sort of like trying to make a decision in the cereal aisle. Metromix, luckily for you, thinks about this stuff all the time. (We think about cereal a lot, too.) Below, we round up the best Harbor East has to offer in its newly gentrified form. Please, please, there's no need to thank us. It's all in a day's work. But really, if you absolutely must, we're big Lucky Charms fans.

Cinghiale

822 Lancaster St. - Baltimore

410-547-8282

It's actually two Italian restaurants in one. Enoteca hosts a more casual, flirtatious crowd--what the Web site calls a "lively urban bustle"--and Osteria is opulent and more formal. In either area you can expect great, if expensive, Italian dishes and a formidable wine list. Save room for dessert and be prepared to faint when you get the check.

Elevation Burger

655 Aliceanna St. - Baltimore

With the help of Taco Fiesta, Elevation is bringing the average price of a Harbor East dinner bill down considerably. A new burger joint downtown, you say. What's this all about, you say. Well, it's about organic, free-range meat, we say. There's the meat!

James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant

616 President St. - Baltimore

410-727-5107

You don't have to've read "Ulysses" to appreciate a good Irish pub named after its author (which is a good thing, because nobody every actually reads "Ulysses"). Relax, and have a couple of pints of Guinness and a few shots from the vast Irish whiskey selection. Soon you'll be even less coherent than "Finnegans Wake." (Ooh, zing! JK, Joyce--you know you're our boy. "Dubliners" 4 Lyfe!)

Lebanese Taverna

719 S. President St. - Baltimore

410-244-5533

Shawarma. R'kakat. Fatteh bel bathenjan. Everything on the menu at the Lebanese Tavern is fun to say--and a pleasure to eat. One of the more delicious and unique ethnic eateries, this tavern franchise now boasts several Maryland locations. Here's hoping Lebanese cuisine catches on in a big way.

Oceanaire Seafood Room

801 Aliceanna St. - Baltimore

443-872-0000

We've always wondered what it would be like to dine on a luxury ocean liner--the Titanic, say, except without all that iceberg business. The Oceanaire, as its ritzy, retro name suggests, captures that early 20th century cruise ship aesthetic and puts it on land, so you can leave the Dramamine at home. With its ridiculously fresh seafood and an extensive drink menu, this place will deplete your funds in high style.

RA

1390 Lancaster St. - Baltimore

410-522-3200

If there were anything lacking at Harbor East, it was fresh sushi and a spot for the younger, less financially-endowed set to rest their designer knock offs. (We're not ashamed to admit that most of Harbor East is out of our price range, except for lavish special occasions.) RA answers both calls, though, offering tasty rolls at reduced prices during happy hour. Stick around afterward, when RA's staff turns up the music and turns down the lights.

Roy's Restaurant

720B Aliceanna St. - Baltimore

410-659-0099

It's everyone's favorite upscale Hawaiian fusion restaurant franchise! Roy Yamaguchi gives the world his flavorful take on seafood. It's Hawaiian and Asian and American and a lot of other things, too. According to Yamaguchi's Web site, the New York Times once dubbed him "the Wolfgang Puck of the Pacific." Have you ever been called anything so prestigious? Yeah, didn't think so.

Taco Fiesta

618 Exeter St. - Baltimore

410-234-3782

Taco Fiesta tends to inspire rabid regulars. Is it because it's a Mexican fast food joint that also has booze and features one hell of a happy hour? Probably. We go for the fish tacos. We go anywhere for fish tacos.

Talara

615 President St. - Baltimore

410-528-9883

Those of you who know us, know we have a serious penchant for raw fish. That's just what Talara is serving. Ceviche--or seviche, as Talara says--is like a Latin sushi without the rice and with a variety of fish/sauce combos. Plus, Talara boasts several Cuban cocktails to help those little fishies swim right down.

Glarus Chocolatier

644 S. Exeter St. - Baltimore

410-727-6601

If you like your chocolates decadent and pricey, you'll love the authentic Swiss truffles at Glarus. The next time you think you're going to buy your sweetie a Whitman's Sampler, splurge on some of these all-natural treats, instead. The extra effort will pay off in dividends.

Whole Foods Market

1001 Fleet St. - Baltimore

410-528-1640

As opposed to Half Foods? This grocery store is where yuppies go to worship their pagan, preservative-free organic gods. Oh, who are we kidding--we shop here, too. But wait a sec: We're young...we're urban...we're professional...Oh, say it ain't so!

Harbor East Theatre

645 President Street - Baltimore

410-244-6636

Dedicated to independent or limited release films, Landmark is a bit swankier than your average multiplex. If you want to catch the latest popcorn flick, look elsewhere, but if you're in the mood for one of those profound, life-altering film experiences, check out what's playing here. Who knows? If it plays its cards right, Landmark might actually be a landmark one day.