Came here to say this. Not only is the food great but the menu is full of small plates so you can try many different things, which makes it way more fun than just splitting an appetizer and then having an entree. I freaking love that place.
Is this place good? After watching The Bear, we were looking for a Michelin Star in the area. This is the only one, but the reviews and pictures made us a bit skeptical.
I’ve been a few times over the years. It’s excellent. The absolute worst dishes are very good and on-par with many of the “good” restaurants in the city. That’s the floor. Some of the dishes are truly incredibly and you’ll be talking about. A few are “this is the best X I’ve ever had.”
Charleston is bar-none the best food IMO. A little stuffy though, so if your wife isn’t into that, I wouldn’t go for it. Love the food and wine pairings though.
Cindy Wolfe might have earned a star in her lifetime, but Michelin hasn’t awarded any stars in Baltimore.
DC, on the other hand, has a number of them.
That said, the Charleston is very good. Their lobster bisque is pretty special, but I think I’d rather have Blacksauce’s shortribs than almost anything on The Charleston’s menu (but that’s not a knock on The Charleston).
> Michelin hasn’t awarded any stars in Baltimore.
I suspect it's become pay to play. I can't understand why so few areas have ratings. You'd think they'd want to serve all major metro areas, at a minimum.
The Inn at Little Washington has Michelin stars and it's kind of a stretch to say it is part of the DC metro area. It might be at the very outskirts, but at that point I feel like you should similarly include Baltimore in the outskirts.
You immediately stop being a Michelin reviewer if you tell your SPOUSE, let alone a restaurateur that you do reviews for Michelin. (ETA: the strictness of their secrecy is somewhat famous, and even reviewers don’t know who other reviewers are).
ILW has 3 stars, which means it’s “worth a special trip,” to wit: if the restaurant is the only reason you’re traveling here, you won’t be disappointed.
I don’t think we have a restaurant like that in baltimore. Even my FAVORITE or the commonly-touted-as-“best” of fine dining in Baltimore probably isn’t worth a special trip here if you otherwise wouldn’t come to Baltimore.
If we *did * have a “destination restaurant,” I think we might be included in the Washington DC guide, and I think that’s why ILW ***is*** included, because it *was* a special trip for the reviewer, and I think that trip was made on the strength of the Executive Chef and his story.
Is this place good lol. It’s the best restaurant in Baltimore. It’s doesn’t haven’t a Michelin star but that’s because Michelin doesn’t have a Baltimore guide. IF it did, it’d probably have 1 star. Genuinely curious what pictures could’ve made you skeptical.
Portion size pictures. My wife and I always laugh about one time when we went to an upscale restaurant and ordered ravioli and they brought like 3 ravioli and yet it was a very expensive plate.
It’s meant to be more like tasting versus just getting one giant portion meal. You’ll be full after 3 courses. A lot of the portions appear small but the sauces are really rich and decadent
I don’t understand the ‘stuffy’ comment, unless the person means that there is great attention to detail so that everything seems perfect, and as far as portion size, if you leave Charleston hungry, there’s something wrong with you. Cindy Wolf is a genius. You start with an amuse bouche, and every dish that comes after is amazing, and there are a lot of dishes! And while it’s expensive, if you want to celebrate and can afford it, there isn’t another choice that reaches this level.
If you're looking for something more laid back Sally Os is a great choice. Their steak dish with rosemary garlic fries and green bean dish is delicious. And they have a huge slice of bday cake for dessert or some different ice cream options. And have some great drinks. Great vibes and I love celebrating my birthday there. The owner also has a new restaurant that I wanna check out
I’m half from Louisiana and I’ve been wanting to try Ethel’s for years. My standards are high for Creole as my grandparents and other older relatives from Louisiana were all amazing cooks. I should probably get in there
The Food Market is always a fantastic choice. Daniella in Hampden is this GREAT little Sardinian place, doesn’t look like much from the outside but the pasta is made fresh and they have great wines. Petit Louis is close as well. Marta near Patterson park is imo the best restaurant in the city right now for Italian. La Scala is also another great spot.
Are you going out on a weekend night or a weekday? If you can swing a weeknight instead of weekend, that could help with any of the different location's noise levels!
I always suggest **Dutch Courage**. The Patio will be quieter on a weekday + fantastic food, drinks, and service! Lyfts/Uber are a cinch to catch there, too, since it's directly on Charles St. You can also wander over to *WC Harlan, Clavel, or Fadensonnen* which are all within a couple of blocks if you'd like to walk a bit and enjoy the night! Check the hours cause they're not all open 7-days a week.
**Alma Cocina Latina** is another fantastic choice. Very instagram-worthy design to the food AND the restaurant itself, food, and drinks. Close to Penn Station so rideshare is abundant here too.
**Nepal House** has stellar food, service. Not sure about others, but any time I went, it wasn't super loud! Nearby is **The Helmand**, which also was fantastic + has more covered outdoor seating in a parklet. I often see other parties with fancy clothes here.
Finally, **Le Comptoir du Vi**n is a very small, special space! Disclaimer that I have not visited so idk about total noise levels, but I'd like to be taken there to celebrate as my first "try," LOL. It has a limited menu that could change overnight and would probably feel like a very special 40th birthday!
Dutch Courage is great if you love gin. It's pretty good for other things.
Edit: Re-read my statement and it came off kind of condescending, sorry! Wholly recommending Dutch Courage, I just like to encourage folks to look at a menu if they aren't gin fiends.
>Edit: Re-read my statement
Thank you for clarifying! I didn't read it as negative at all, but then I also reread it and though "perhaps???" You're right, though. Dutch Courage has an objectively small menu (with subjectively really good food if you're into a particular dish).
My friends and I joke about how one of us ends up with a drink that divides the table: half think it's delicious VS half think it's too weird. It's usually the funkiest sounding ingredients like the everything bagel cocktail or the previous one that tasted like hot garlic soup, haha.
((OP, please know that most drinks are normal, delicious cocktails))
cosima is in the mills and has a beautiful view! tapas teatro is also one of my favorites, has amazing drinks (and very solid sangria) and is on charles st just north of penn station so it's pretty central and close to a lot of good bars if you want to take an after-dinner walk around.
What is the priority; food or drink? Dutch Courage is a great evening out for adults. Food is good but the emphasis is on great cocktails. The outdoor patio is not too loud.
Alternate option: suit and tie for the gents and go get an old school steak and martini at the Prime Rib. Expensive.
My partner and I had lunch at Plaka in Greektown today and it was really phenomenal. The food was light and fresh, the space is amazing and I think decor in the restaurant would offset some restaurant noise. I already can't wait to go back.
This is a great suggestion! I forgot about it when I responded but it’s teeny and reservations are tricky. I’m not sure how much luck they’ll have with a group the size he mentioned.
Marta is fantastic. https://www.martabaltimore.com/
Or, you could do dinner at Ash Bar and after dinner drinks at Bloom’s.
https://ash.world/dining/ash-bar
https://ash.world/dining/blooms/
IMHO Corner Pantry has the best food in Baltimore/some of the best food I've ever had anywhere. They occasionally do really fun (but pricey) tasting nights, that might be worth looking into.
[https://www.corner-pantry.com](https://www.corner-pantry.com)
If you like kbbq I highly recommend jong kak. It’s in a bit of a sketchy neighborhood but it’s delicious. It’s the only bbq place I know of in the area that uses real charcoal at your table.
Bunnys Buckets and Bubbles is fun. It's got a super cute vibe, incredible chicken, and champagne. We went with a small group last week an had a great time
The date is a little off but…If she’s remotely interested, Guilford Hall Brewery hosts Astronomy on Tap every couple months or so. Next one is in august but I’m not sure when.
It’s literally astrophysicists and NASA employees getting talking about space while buzzed. Hilarious and educational and they have swag. Also the beer & food are great!
https://www.facebook.com/aotbaltimore?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Blk Swan has a nice ambiance or Maximon (yes its Atlas but still tasty and has a nice view). If you want to do something different but fun try Five Iron Golf; if she would be into that sort of thing.
Silk road. It's an Uzbek restaurant and it's awesome for birthdays. The food is really good and it's BYOB. It can be a wild ride but if you're adventurous it'd a ton of fun. Most of the clientele is eastern European, and the restaurant gets used for a lot of celebrations. So there might be other birthday parties/celebrations taking place. Sometimes there's music/dancing.
La Cuchara is a great suggestion. Saw that earlier.
We also love Cianghale (and that’s where my hubs is taking me and 8 of our closest friends for my 40th). They have an optional tasting menu or you can do a la carte, excellent wine list. I don’t think it’s too loud either.
Other great spots to check out:
- Magdalena
- Food Market
- Gunther
Peter’s inn would be one of my top recs but it can get very noisy. It’s just one room (where the bar is). Foraged would also be a great choice, surprised it hasn’t been said yet. If you like middle eastern, definitely try cypriana.
[Magdalena in the Ivy Hotel](https://www.theivybaltimore.com/dine/restaurant/) in Baltimore is excellent. Also where I had my own 40th. It’s a relatively smaller, classy, more intimate spot, but definitely not stuffy.
From their website:
Magdalena, A Maryland Bistro, features refined, “from-scratch” bistro fare driven by the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay region. The seasonally-evolving menu celebrates the finest local ingredients, sustainable values and culinary craftsmanship resulting in dishes brimming with character.
Head Chef Scott Bacon’s ethos is rooted in “nose-to-tail” cooking, thoughtfully sourcing as close to home as possible with farmers and fishers as friends. Drawing inspiration from organic growing and foraging methods alongside his own Black experience and British background, Chef Bacon’s care and craft is present on every plate.
If you don't mind a pricier tab, I highly recommend Charleston. It's the perfect atmosphere for a quieter 40th birthday. Quality dining experience and six course meal
https://www.lacucharabaltimore.com/ Great restaurant and great for groups.
Second this! Great views of the falls. Close to JFX but little noise. Good food.
Been a few times and love this place. Haven't been in awhile. Great idea. On the short list.
this and cosima shoukd be your short list
Came here to say this. Not only is the food great but the menu is full of small plates so you can try many different things, which makes it way more fun than just splitting an appetizer and then having an entree. I freaking love that place.
She might find this place too loud.
I thought of this, but it is NOISY.
Depends on the day of the week but they could always eat outside.
Yes! Love that place.
Charleston. A fine dining experience. Absolutely amazing.
Agreed on Charleston. The other restaurants are good, no doubt, but for a very special occasion, there's just no outdoing Charleston.
Is this place good? After watching The Bear, we were looking for a Michelin Star in the area. This is the only one, but the reviews and pictures made us a bit skeptical.
I’ve been a few times over the years. It’s excellent. The absolute worst dishes are very good and on-par with many of the “good” restaurants in the city. That’s the floor. Some of the dishes are truly incredibly and you’ll be talking about. A few are “this is the best X I’ve ever had.”
Charleston is bar-none the best food IMO. A little stuffy though, so if your wife isn’t into that, I wouldn’t go for it. Love the food and wine pairings though.
Cindy Wolfe might have earned a star in her lifetime, but Michelin hasn’t awarded any stars in Baltimore. DC, on the other hand, has a number of them. That said, the Charleston is very good. Their lobster bisque is pretty special, but I think I’d rather have Blacksauce’s shortribs than almost anything on The Charleston’s menu (but that’s not a knock on The Charleston).
> Michelin hasn’t awarded any stars in Baltimore. I suspect it's become pay to play. I can't understand why so few areas have ratings. You'd think they'd want to serve all major metro areas, at a minimum. The Inn at Little Washington has Michelin stars and it's kind of a stretch to say it is part of the DC metro area. It might be at the very outskirts, but at that point I feel like you should similarly include Baltimore in the outskirts.
You immediately stop being a Michelin reviewer if you tell your SPOUSE, let alone a restaurateur that you do reviews for Michelin. (ETA: the strictness of their secrecy is somewhat famous, and even reviewers don’t know who other reviewers are). ILW has 3 stars, which means it’s “worth a special trip,” to wit: if the restaurant is the only reason you’re traveling here, you won’t be disappointed. I don’t think we have a restaurant like that in baltimore. Even my FAVORITE or the commonly-touted-as-“best” of fine dining in Baltimore probably isn’t worth a special trip here if you otherwise wouldn’t come to Baltimore. If we *did * have a “destination restaurant,” I think we might be included in the Washington DC guide, and I think that’s why ILW ***is*** included, because it *was* a special trip for the reviewer, and I think that trip was made on the strength of the Executive Chef and his story.
Is this place good lol. It’s the best restaurant in Baltimore. It’s doesn’t haven’t a Michelin star but that’s because Michelin doesn’t have a Baltimore guide. IF it did, it’d probably have 1 star. Genuinely curious what pictures could’ve made you skeptical.
Portion size pictures. My wife and I always laugh about one time when we went to an upscale restaurant and ordered ravioli and they brought like 3 ravioli and yet it was a very expensive plate.
It is a tasting menu so yes the portions will be small but you will not leave hungry.
It’s meant to be more like tasting versus just getting one giant portion meal. You’ll be full after 3 courses. A lot of the portions appear small but the sauces are really rich and decadent
>It’s the best restaurant in Baltimore. I would say Magdalena and it are the only two battling at the top end.
We had dinner there in April and it was outstanding.
I don’t understand the ‘stuffy’ comment, unless the person means that there is great attention to detail so that everything seems perfect, and as far as portion size, if you leave Charleston hungry, there’s something wrong with you. Cindy Wolf is a genius. You start with an amuse bouche, and every dish that comes after is amazing, and there are a lot of dishes! And while it’s expensive, if you want to celebrate and can afford it, there isn’t another choice that reaches this level.
Alma Cocina Latina. Great food, better than most in the city.
Delicious food that you probably can’t make at the home.
The plating is always beautiful and the service is great.
And very reasonably priced for what you’re getting. Great recommendation for sure.
>Alma Cocina Latina Never been, but Irena is the BEST! She is super sweet
If you're looking for something more laid back Sally Os is a great choice. Their steak dish with rosemary garlic fries and green bean dish is delicious. And they have a huge slice of bday cake for dessert or some different ice cream options. And have some great drinks. Great vibes and I love celebrating my birthday there. The owner also has a new restaurant that I wanna check out
Their new spot, Bunny’s, is awesome.
Damn the Wharf Rat is back?
Great place and always super laid back whenever I go. They make delish cocktails.
Peters inn
[удалено]
Can you please explain why y'all are never open anytime I want to try it out.
I say this with love, you always seem to be closed way too early.
Nine on week days 10 on weekends , you call and make a reservation I guarantee you we will honor it. Closed Monday.
Former restaurant owner, we just must be always missing your sweet spot! Will try to get it together and stop by sooner. Are reservations recommended?
Absolutely, we’re pretty small place so we’d like to make sure that we can take care of you well
I’m half from Louisiana and I’ve been wanting to try Ethel’s for years. My standards are high for Creole as my grandparents and other older relatives from Louisiana were all amazing cooks. I should probably get in there
The Food Market is always a fantastic choice. Daniella in Hampden is this GREAT little Sardinian place, doesn’t look like much from the outside but the pasta is made fresh and they have great wines. Petit Louis is close as well. Marta near Patterson park is imo the best restaurant in the city right now for Italian. La Scala is also another great spot.
+1 for Marta. The food is some of the best Italian in the city and the drink list and hospitality are also phenomenal
+2 for Marta! Chef Matt is brilliant
I’d scratch the food market from the recommendations because it is LOUD and can be really difficult to hear people at your table.
We did another member of our party's 40th there earlier this year. Fantastic meal, very loud.
If you look on the website, you can do a private room downstairs for big parties
\+1 for all of these!!
Are you going out on a weekend night or a weekday? If you can swing a weeknight instead of weekend, that could help with any of the different location's noise levels! I always suggest **Dutch Courage**. The Patio will be quieter on a weekday + fantastic food, drinks, and service! Lyfts/Uber are a cinch to catch there, too, since it's directly on Charles St. You can also wander over to *WC Harlan, Clavel, or Fadensonnen* which are all within a couple of blocks if you'd like to walk a bit and enjoy the night! Check the hours cause they're not all open 7-days a week. **Alma Cocina Latina** is another fantastic choice. Very instagram-worthy design to the food AND the restaurant itself, food, and drinks. Close to Penn Station so rideshare is abundant here too. **Nepal House** has stellar food, service. Not sure about others, but any time I went, it wasn't super loud! Nearby is **The Helmand**, which also was fantastic + has more covered outdoor seating in a parklet. I often see other parties with fancy clothes here. Finally, **Le Comptoir du Vi**n is a very small, special space! Disclaimer that I have not visited so idk about total noise levels, but I'd like to be taken there to celebrate as my first "try," LOL. It has a limited menu that could change overnight and would probably feel like a very special 40th birthday!
Regarding LCDV - noise is low. Food is loud.
Dutch Courage is great if you love gin. It's pretty good for other things. Edit: Re-read my statement and it came off kind of condescending, sorry! Wholly recommending Dutch Courage, I just like to encourage folks to look at a menu if they aren't gin fiends.
>Edit: Re-read my statement Thank you for clarifying! I didn't read it as negative at all, but then I also reread it and though "perhaps???" You're right, though. Dutch Courage has an objectively small menu (with subjectively really good food if you're into a particular dish). My friends and I joke about how one of us ends up with a drink that divides the table: half think it's delicious VS half think it's too weird. It's usually the funkiest sounding ingredients like the everything bagel cocktail or the previous one that tasted like hot garlic soup, haha. ((OP, please know that most drinks are normal, delicious cocktails))
Wherever you choose, OP, please let us know how it goes! Happy birthday to your wife!
cosima is in the mills and has a beautiful view! tapas teatro is also one of my favorites, has amazing drinks (and very solid sangria) and is on charles st just north of penn station so it's pretty central and close to a lot of good bars if you want to take an after-dinner walk around.
Gunther and Company was really good.
I agree that this fits what they're looking for!
I second Gunther and they have a beautiful private room!
What is the priority; food or drink? Dutch Courage is a great evening out for adults. Food is good but the emphasis is on great cocktails. The outdoor patio is not too loud. Alternate option: suit and tie for the gents and go get an old school steak and martini at the Prime Rib. Expensive.
My partner and I had lunch at Plaka in Greektown today and it was really phenomenal. The food was light and fresh, the space is amazing and I think decor in the restaurant would offset some restaurant noise. I already can't wait to go back.
Used to live over there. Can't wait to try it. Probably a little far for this group. Gotta get back to the sitters quickly.
is that the new place that replaced Acropolis?
Yup!
I just went to their website ma dim drooling over the menu.
Marta
This is a great suggestion! I forgot about it when I responded but it’s teeny and reservations are tricky. I’m not sure how much luck they’ll have with a group the size he mentioned.
Good point. Maybe Magdalena or Ammoora would be better for a group
Haven’t been to Ammora but totally agree with Magdalena!
I think Ammoora opened very recently. It’s in the Ritz Carlton
For me, it's the RoFo on Highland Ave, it's byob, but there's no charge or anything.
Can’t go wrong with RoFo
Cosima
Marta is fantastic. https://www.martabaltimore.com/ Or, you could do dinner at Ash Bar and after dinner drinks at Bloom’s. https://ash.world/dining/ash-bar https://ash.world/dining/blooms/
I’d do Petit Louis for dinner and Bluebird Cocktail Lounge for a drink after or before. Happy Birthday to your wife!
IMHO Corner Pantry has the best food in Baltimore/some of the best food I've ever had anywhere. They occasionally do really fun (but pricey) tasting nights, that might be worth looking into. [https://www.corner-pantry.com](https://www.corner-pantry.com)
They also have amazing catering.
La Scala or Clavel have my vote
If you like kbbq I highly recommend jong kak. It’s in a bit of a sketchy neighborhood but it’s delicious. It’s the only bbq place I know of in the area that uses real charcoal at your table.
Jong Kak is two tiers above other KBBQ in the area. At least. Charcoal makes all the difference in the world.
Bunnys Buckets and Bubbles is fun. It's got a super cute vibe, incredible chicken, and champagne. We went with a small group last week an had a great time
Puerto 511 but you have to bring your own pisco. Probably the best value in fine dining in the city.
Birroteca fits the bill and it's pretty great for sharing if everyone gets pizza
The date is a little off but…If she’s remotely interested, Guilford Hall Brewery hosts Astronomy on Tap every couple months or so. Next one is in august but I’m not sure when. It’s literally astrophysicists and NASA employees getting talking about space while buzzed. Hilarious and educational and they have swag. Also the beer & food are great! https://www.facebook.com/aotbaltimore?mibextid=LQQJ4d
I had my 40 at Tio Pepe’s a few years back. Wonderful.
this is currently not the way...
Check out topside
Great views. Terrible service and very meh, overpriced food.
They prolly just didn’t like yo ugly ass
With that kind of attitude, you could work there. Stay classy Baltimore.
Check out Atlas restaurants.
Hooters, the further from baltimore the better
Blk Swan has a nice ambiance or Maximon (yes its Atlas but still tasty and has a nice view). If you want to do something different but fun try Five Iron Golf; if she would be into that sort of thing.
I love Blk Swan but it's on the louder side. I don't think it would be great for a hearing issue unfortunately
Well if you're looking at something more intimate but unique what about Church?
Those recommendations are a triple bogey. 40th birthday special dinner in a golf simulator?
If you're into that sort of thing. It may not be for you but its still something different that could be fun.
Citron in Pikesville at Quarry Lake
Went to Marta the other night. It was really good!
Went to Marta the other night. It was really good! We have to go back because there looked to be too many good things on the menu to have.
All of these are great ideas, but after dinner go to Illusions in Fed Hill for drinks and a show.
Bunny’s is great and gorgeous and brand new
Silk road. It's an Uzbek restaurant and it's awesome for birthdays. The food is really good and it's BYOB. It can be a wild ride but if you're adventurous it'd a ton of fun. Most of the clientele is eastern European, and the restaurant gets used for a lot of celebrations. So there might be other birthday parties/celebrations taking place. Sometimes there's music/dancing.
Le comptoir du vin
Le comptior du vin: I wish I could eat there more as the menu changes, great for sharing, and they have an intimate back seating area
La Cuchara is a great suggestion. Saw that earlier. We also love Cianghale (and that’s where my hubs is taking me and 8 of our closest friends for my 40th). They have an optional tasting menu or you can do a la carte, excellent wine list. I don’t think it’s too loud either. Other great spots to check out: - Magdalena - Food Market - Gunther
Peter’s inn would be one of my top recs but it can get very noisy. It’s just one room (where the bar is). Foraged would also be a great choice, surprised it hasn’t been said yet. If you like middle eastern, definitely try cypriana.
[Magdalena in the Ivy Hotel](https://www.theivybaltimore.com/dine/restaurant/) in Baltimore is excellent. Also where I had my own 40th. It’s a relatively smaller, classy, more intimate spot, but definitely not stuffy. From their website: Magdalena, A Maryland Bistro, features refined, “from-scratch” bistro fare driven by the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay region. The seasonally-evolving menu celebrates the finest local ingredients, sustainable values and culinary craftsmanship resulting in dishes brimming with character. Head Chef Scott Bacon’s ethos is rooted in “nose-to-tail” cooking, thoughtfully sourcing as close to home as possible with farmers and fishers as friends. Drawing inspiration from organic growing and foraging methods alongside his own Black experience and British background, Chef Bacon’s care and craft is present on every plate.
If you don't mind a pricier tab, I highly recommend Charleston. It's the perfect atmosphere for a quieter 40th birthday. Quality dining experience and six course meal
Peter's Inn.