Quote:
Originally Posted by
Douglas 
IMO there is never any good reason to go to Morton's. I haven't been to Lebanese Taverna myself, but I can recommend a few other places in the Harbor East area. I'd probably recommend Pazo first. The food is good, though I tend to think overrated, and it is a great place for scene on a Friday night. Cinghiale is run by the same local group and the food there is quite good. IMO, the best restaurant in Baltimore is The Black Olive, which serves pretty traditional seafood, but it is outstanding. TBO is a bit more out of the way, in that it's not right in with other bars and restaurants; it's on a quiet residential street, though you can walk to the bars of Fell's Point, which will offer a great taste of genuine Baltimore, in just a few minutes from there. The Brewer's Art is the best bar in Baltimore, hands-down. It's like three places in one: a Belgian restaurant with solid food, an artsy but sort of upscale upstairs bar, and an almost sketchy, artsy, hipstery dive bar in the cellar downstairs. It is a really good spot, and a hangout for people from all different kinds of walks of life. 13th floor has fantastic views but there will be a cover and it could be an ethnic night of some sort - e.g. they sometimes will have a salsa band and you'll pay your $10 and realize you've walked into a dance party, which may not be your thing. You'll also have to wait FOREVER for a drink as their bartenders suck. As mentioned, Fell's Point is a good place to bar-hop. I'd avoid the Federal Hill area for bars; there are some decent ones but most are full of frat boy douchebaggery. Another suggestion though, in that neighborhood (Fed Hill), is to go early (e.g. 5-7pm) and pre-game at the Cross Street Market (on the Charles St. side). It's a legit market with fishmongers and butchers and florists etc by day, but on Fridays a few of them on one end pour beers and serve stuff like steamed shrimp, crab legs, sushi, etc. and a lot of locals are out. I think it's a great Baltimore experience for the early part of the night. Lunch, you're on your own. PM me if you want any more details or have specific questions. I'm a B-more guy. EDIT: In light of the photo above - Both Pazo and Cinghiale are run by the same people (a husband-and-wife local team) that run Charleston (the wife is the executive chef at Charleston). You will get a pretty over-the-top meal at Charleston, but you will be there all night, and it will set you back at least $200/pp.
Douglas has good suggestions but I'd make a couple of comments with your "avoid douchbaggery" note in mind: Pazo is good for an early dinner. It gets pretty tacky around 9/10pm. Sunday is 50% off all wine bottles. Fells Point is a lot of fun if you stay south of Fleet St. Most of the bars on Thames Street are pretty fun without all the meatheads only a block or two north... I'm a big fan of The Waterfront but Cat's Eye is a good blues pub too. My old DJ haunt has been turned into The Green Cilantro and they have FANTASTIC home-made sangria. The Waterfront has all-you-can-drink mimosas for Sunday brunch and a delicious crab Benedict. Brewers Art - one of my favorite places in Baltimore. The downstairs has an awesome London-pub feel and they are always playing The Smiths. They have AMAZING beers. The Resurrection Ale and Ozzy are my favorites. Don't bother going after 10pm. It's so crowded you can't move. The 13th Floor is in my building (The Belvedere) and Friday nights are "rock and roll" bands, Saturday nights are salsa dancers. The cover can be steep but the view is worth it. Go early enough to enjoy the sunset over downtown Bmore and then leave before it gets too crowded. The Owl Bar is in my building as well. If Brewers or 13th is too busy, go here. It's quiet but a great atmosphere and really good brick oven pizza! Owl Bar and 13th Floor share the same kitchen and menu so you can eat a nice dinner at either. The "Cranberry Chicken Salad Sandwich" is delicious! The "Quadruple Bacon Cheeseburger" is actually a massive bacon cheeseburger with two grilled cheese sandwiches serving as the bread.... the tastiest heart attack you will ever experience! Douglas's comments about avoiding Federal Hill are spot-on. Avoid like the plague!!! Also, avoid PowerPlant Live for the same reaons. Also feel free to PM me for more info, I'm right in the middle of the city so I can help you find something you like for sure.
I would actually like more of these people to stand outside restaurants so I know where to stop and get my foie. Also, a friend and I did a Sunday brunch pub crawl in Fells Point, and I would recommend the location. Although, the cobblestones can be hard to walk on after you've had quite a few beers.
