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After having children, my wife and I savor every opportunity to dine out. We are always intrigued by what is new and upcoming in the food industry. Discovering hot spots where we can be confident in a satisfying meal every time, is also important to us. Cantler’s Riverside Inn is high on our list and probably our favorite riverside seafood restaurant in Annapolis. No frills, just quality seafood. We love crabs and steamers any time of the year. Whether we catch our own, dine in, or pick up an appetizer at Annapolis Seafood, it’s a major part of what makes Maryland so special to our family. You know you are getting the best of the best when the fish is right off the boat.

Let me walk you through some other favorite food venues….

 

Breakfast

Bakers and Co. is a go to on the weekends. If you’re into coffee or fresh baked goods, it reminds you of a French bakery. Handmade pastries and roasted coffee are favored among locals, especially the Market Bun! Recently, we had a great meal at Harvest. I also love a good raw bar and they do a good job with it. On the menu, you will find traditional brunch options turned up a notch like, Eggs Benedict with crab. Chick & Ruth’s is always entertaining. Can’t get much better than saying the Pledge Of Allegiance every morning as you eat a bacon and eggs platter. Hidden in the back of a strip shopping center off West Street, Carlson’s Donuts are special. We served a donut hole cake tower at our son’s birthday party. They are that delectable, but tend to sell out quickly so we have learned to get there early. In my opinion, the new hidden gem is Reuben’s Restaurant, also on West Street. The egg sandwich and bacon platter bring me back to my college days. Lastly, you can’t go wrong with Boatyard in Eastport. We enjoy taking the kids to this nautical family friendly eatery for an Annapolis style brunch. Crab cakes, crab soups, fish tacos and Bloody Marys to name a few of their most popular items on the menu, which we thoroughly appreciate.

Lunch

I personally enjoy going down to Vida Taco bar and eating ceviche. Stan and Joe’s is an easy quick meal during the week. In and out and you are leaving with a Maryland crab soup and sandwich. It seems rare to have a bad meal at S & J’s. I also might venture to Giolittis if I’m craving an authentic Italian cold cut. No mayo please! They have a variety of take home comfort Italian meals. Add a slice of pie to complete any meal. If you are hosting an event, I know my wife has also picked up mini Italian rose´ bottles for favors. Davis’ Pub always has a great specials list. This restaurant is tucked into Eastport, which is beautiful and always classy. To conclude, Pip’s Dock Street Dogs satisfy my street food craving. I always pile my hot dog with chili, cheese and jalapeños when I want to indulge and live a little.

Dinner

Circling back to Vida, the tacos are outstanding. They are authentic, different and great paired with guacamole to share and a jalapeno margarita. Level, their sister restaurant which is amazing as well, focuses on a tapas style menu which is always surprising. Vin 909 is a good choice for wonderful flatbreads and having an extensive wine list. If I had to pick one, Vin is probably my favorite restaurant in Annapolis. The simplicity of a menu which delivers every time is exactly what every restaurant in Annapolis needs. If venturing down West Street, I would choose Lemongrass, also on West Street for super tasty Thai food. We order the pepper beef and spring rolls when we are in the mood for a no fuss take out evening. Our recent go to sushi restaurant during the week is Tsunami. I love spicy tuna rolls and often add a side of pork belly fried rice or kapow crispy chicken bowl with sriracha honey. Want a romantic night out? I would choose Lewnes’ Steakhouse in Eastport or Osteria 177 for a decadent meal on Main Street.

Other notable restaurants: Chart House, Sailor Oyster Bar, Fox’s Den, Reynolds Tavern and Pub, McGarvey’s, Galway Bay, Iron Rooster, The Point & Preserve