It’s easy to stay holed in when the chill is on, but with some promising new restaurants cropping up in Charm City, a night on the town is going to be hard to pass up. Here are the recent openings and closings that should be on your radar.
OPEN:
Caffe Bene: Experience the old-school European vibe of this worldwide coffee chain at its first Maryland location that just opened its doors in Ellicott City last week. Enjoy classic pick-me-ups like cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso drinks, or try something new with offerings like unique bubble teas, smoothies, and even gelato. 10039 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, 410-461-5172.
The Crab Lab: If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this new food truck on your lunch break, prepare to ditch your brown bag. The Crab Lab has been hitting the streets for a few weeks now, setting up shop everywhere from Mt. Vernon to Towson University. The truck serves mouthwatering fare like crab cake quesadillas, spicy crab cake wraps, crab dip with jumbo soft pretzel sticks, and toasty grilled cheese sandwiches, while also offering online ordering for pick-up if you’re in a hurry to get back to the office. 443-516-7791.
Shake Shack: The Inner Harbor welcomed this highly-anticipated burger joint last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by VIP’s like Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the company’s CEO Randy Garutti. The retro eatery is off to a great start, serving up juicy burgers, flat-top hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, and even locally-inspired custard treats. 400 E. Pratt St., 443-973-3630.
COMING SOON:
Bonefish Grill: This Florida-based chain restaurant is the newest addition to the fancy Towson Square project that also houses Cinemark Theatres, On the Border, and Nando’s Peri-Peri. As of earlier this week, Bonefish is open for business, serving up handcrafted cocktails, gourmet seafood dishes, and—of course—its signature “bang-bang” shrimp. 127 E. Joppa Road, Towson, 410-832-2519.
Federal Taphouse: Joining the pack of other local craft beer enthusiasts, this Pennsylvania-based restaurant will soon open its third location in Fells Point, highlighting an extensive list of 100 unique brews. The menu of the 140-seat waterfront space will include gastropub-style eats like coal-fired meats and wood-fired pizzas. Federal Taphouse is slated to open in August, so be on the lookout while strolling around Ann St. Wharf this summer. 900 block of Ann St.
Harmony Bakery: The owners behind longtime Pikesville health-food restaurant, Puffins, will soon be joining the Hampden foodie scene with this new gluten-free bakery slated to open in early April. In addition to health-conscious sweet treats and baked goods, savory fare like tarts, soups, and flatbreads will also be on the menu. 3446 Chesnut Avenue, 410-662-4414.
Katana Sushi: Keep an eye out for this new Asian-fusion restaurant joining the Canton dining scene in mid-March, taking over the former Hollywood Burger Bistro space on the corner of Boston St. In keeping with the of-the-moment craze, Katana will specialize in sushi and ramen, while also offering other Asian-fusion cuisine with a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Thai flavors. 845 S. Montford Ave, 410-563-7437.
Mussel Bar & Grille: As its name signifies, this new Harbor East hangout by restaurateur Robert Wiedmaier will specialize in a wide variety of mussels, prepared with everything from white wine to Applewood smoked bacon and truffle cream. Opening in mid-March, the new seafood spot will also feature live entertainment and boast a decorative beer bottle chandelier. 1350 Lancaster St, 410-946-6726
SHUT:
Bonaparte Breads: This beloved Fells Point bakery recently shut its doors, leaving locals to fend for themselves when craving an authentic croque-monsieur. Although there’s no word yet on reasons for the closure, sources tell us that things are currently “in limbo” with the Baltimore location, and that new developments may change things in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Pique: Bad news for Cyrus Keefer fans. Due to financial issues, this highly anticipated French and Asian-inspired restaurant won’t be opening in March as planned. But when one door closes another one opens. With the project stopped dead in its tracks, the former restaurant inhabitant—Luigi’s Italian Deli & Market—will open back up in its old home under new ownership in early April.
Venti-Tre: The Shops at Canton Crossing saw its first closure earlier this month, when this relaxed Italian restaurant suddenly shut its doors. Plans are already in the works for the space to be replaced by a D-I-Y pizza shop called Pie 360, although there’s no word yet on when it will launch.