"We're headed for the Promised Land!" "Baltimore?"

December 12, 2005 2:32 PM

CharmCityFilter: OK, so I'm going to be in Baltimore for New Year's Eve. Now what?

Bush 1 was president last time I was in Baltimore; now I live on the west coast and work too much, making planning difficult.
So I need local help/suggestions.
Baltimore area only - no D.C. please.
Fireworks are required. (Inner Harbor? Closer to actual BOOM-age the better.)
Dinner as well (dress-up preferred, but not an absolute requirement).
Between fireworks and dinner = ???
Bonus points for Russian or Polish food/drink either for dinner or drinks before/after.

posted by bartleby to Food & Drink (15 answers total)

Bonus points for Russian or Polish food/drink either for dinner or drinks before/after.
You will love Ze Mean Bean in Fell's Point. Terrible name, but great food & wine. I recommend the borsch and the pierogie platter.
posted by Wolfdog at 2:35 PM on December 12, 2005

Pick up a pole as a souvenir.
posted by shoepal at 2:52 PM on December 12, 2005

The Harbor Court Hotel has a fantastic restaurant in it, with a very nice view. It's my recommendation if you want a really nice, dress-up meal.

Aside from that, there are a number of high-end chain restaurants if that's your gig (Rusty Scupper, McCormick & Schmick, Morton's, Ruth's Chris, etc.)
posted by I Love Tacos at 2:57 PM on December 12, 2005

Oh, and the Rusty Scupper has a fantastic location, by the docks. When I lived in Philadelphia, I'd routinely go down there to have a long slow meal while looking at boats.
posted by I Love Tacos at 3:02 PM on December 12, 2005

Depends on what your thing is. Personally, I'll probably be here.
posted by electroboy at 3:11 PM on December 12, 2005

I just IM'd a friend from Baltimore. He said the restaurant in the Harbor Court is called Hampton's, and he additionally recommended Charleston.

Neither of us can give a good opinion about polish or russian food.
posted by I Love Tacos at 3:12 PM on December 12, 2005

Martick's
Fancy but interesting, and an "only in Baltimore" sort of place.
posted by dipolemoment at 3:27 PM on December 12, 2005

I highly recommend Martick's. I was taken there for my birthday this year and it's a fantastic experience. However, last time I called for a reservation they were closed. "Taking a break" is what I was told, no elaboration. The sole chef/owner is 80 years old and there's usually only one other person working, so it's possible that they might not be open on New Year's Eve. That said, if you can, definitely do it. Martick's is one of the coolest places you'll ever go.
posted by electroboy at 4:19 PM on December 12, 2005

Martick's is great, but unpredictable. I wouldn't go there on NYE, but if you're in town on another night, it's certainly worth your while.

If I were in Mobtown this year for NYE, I'd be at the Club Charles. They team up with the Zodiac restaurant next door and put on a great, free dance party until 6 a.m. I have always had the best times at the Club Chuck's New Year's parties. It might be a fun afterparty to head to when you're done with the fancy stuff down by the harbor.
posted by missmobtown at 5:23 PM on December 12, 2005

The Helmand for dinner. Whoo golly!
posted by ersatzkat at 5:40 PM on December 12, 2005

The Helmand for dinner.

Ooh, hell yes.
posted by missmobtown at 5:41 PM on December 12, 2005

Stupid Helmand link.
posted by ersatzkat at 5:41 PM on December 12, 2005

I've heard great things about Pazo [warning, music] and Ixia. Also, like all of these suggestions, this is about as far from Russian/Polish as you can get, but Babalu Grill is fun too.
posted by justonegirl at 8:06 PM on December 12, 2005

The Helmand does indeed rock, as does the Ambassador.
posted by shoepal at 9:16 PM on December 13, 2005

I also second the Helmand! I was going to mention it but forgot the name!
posted by dipolemoment at 3:45 PM on December 14, 2005