Dads come in all shapes and sizes. There’s the sports fanatic, the bike-riding outdoors enthusiast, the wisecracker who’s chock-full of “Bad Dad” jokes, and the hip dad who’s always down to crank up the classic rock on a road trip. But no matter what yours is into, the local scene is offering plenty of opportunities to celebrate your old man this Father’s Day. Whether you’re hoping to catch an O’s game, make a reservation at a fine-dining den, or host a crab feast at home, here are our suggestions to treat dad like a king on June 19.
FUN FATHER’S DAY EVENTS
Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Nothing says Father’s Day like Boh’s and O’s. Head to Camden Yards to chow down on bacon-wrapped hot dogs, place bets on the Crab Shuffle, and watch our beloved birds take on the Toronto Blue Jays. All dads will be given a free Orioles newsboy cap upon entering the ballpark. 333 W. Camden St., 1:35 p.m., $15-100.
Father’s Day Picnic: The bucolic Boordy Vineyards is hosting this annual Father’s Day soiree, complete with hayrides, live music, and, of course, plenty of the winery’s seasonal sips. Spread out a blanket, enjoy gourmet snacks from Clementine, and sample local ice cream from Keyes Creamery while taking in the vineyard’s scenic views. Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes, 410-592-5015, 1 p.m., Free-$15
Father’s Day Fishing Trip: Pull out your waders and start the day early with an adventurous morning of stream fishing at Cromwell Valley Park. Rangers will provide all of the necessary gear, and even lead you into uncharted areas to seek the best catch. Cromwell Valley Park, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Parkville, 410-887-2503, 9 a.m., Free-$4
GBMC Father’s Day 5K: Lace up your running shoes and embark on this annual 5K run or one-mile walk around Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s campus to benefit the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. Special awards will be given to the fastest father-daughter and father-son teams. Greater Baltimore Medical Center, 6545 N. Charles St., Towson, 8 a.m., $30-40, 410-592-5015
DINING OUT
Cunningham’s: Celebrate the rising temperatures with the seasonal dishes featured at this farm-to-table spot, which is a perfect option for dads that are partial to fancy fine dining. Executive chef Jay Rohlfing is whipping up a special brunch prix fixe menu, which will include gazpacho with Maryland crab, oysters on the half shell, brioche French toast, steak with duck-fat smashed fingerling potatoes, soft-shell crab sandwiches, and a farmhouse omelet with shaved domestic ham. 1 Olympic Pl., Towson, 410-339-7730
Guy Fieri’s Bar + Kitchen:If your dad is a foodie—or better yet, a die-hard Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives fan—take him to Guy Fieri’s burger joint inside Horseshoe Casino. In addition to its regular menu, the restaurant is offering a special Father’s Day-inspired burger challenge. The signature “Mac Daddy” burger is topped with three 8-oz. beef patties, six pieces of bacon, four slices of cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, onion straws, red wine vinaigrette, and a helping of macaroni and cheese. All dads that finish the entire burger and an order of fries get a $25 gift certificate for their next visit. 1525 Russell St., 844-777-7463
Heavy Seas Alehouse: Equipped with a variety of local cask-conditioned ales, a menu full of bar snacks, and its own beer garden, this brewpub is an ideal spot for dining with dad. With the purchase of any entree on June 19, all fathers will go home with a free Heavy Seas growler. The eatery is also giving away a tailgating grill to one lucky raffle winner.1300 Bank St., 410-753-1403
La Cuchara: Inspired
by the Basque region of France and Spain, this Woodberry hotspot is debuting its brand new Sunday brunch service on Father’s Day. Starting on June 19, diners can sample chef Ben Lefenfeld’s unique takes on classic brunch staples. The
menu will rotate, including dishes such as butter buns with espresso cream,
crispy chicken torta with local wildflower honey, sweet breakfast sausage topped with
fried eggs and Tetilla cheese, and smoked salmon with arugula and eggs on
house-baked brioche. Mimosas and Bloody Marys garnished with the restaurant’s
signature
pintxos will also be offered. 3600 Clipper Mill Road, 443-708-3838
Mt. Washington Tavern: Tavern fare is what this neighborhood hangout does best, and it’s a solid choice if you’re on the hunt for a hearty burger or an order of slow-roasted Buffalo wings. This Father’s Day, all dads who dine in will be given a complimentary bottle of Maker’s Mark barbecue sauce—a gift that will come in handy as summer grilling season kicks into gear.
5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903
Parts & Labor: To indulge in hearty eats fit for a king, head to Spike Gjerde’s meat-centric hotspot in Remington this weekend for tons of “hearth-warming” deals including special lunch sandwiches and a dinner menu featuring big-boy steaks, bold reds, local vegetables, and bread baked in house. At the butcher shop up front, Parts & Labor will be running a raffle for prizes like a charcoal grill, bone-in ribeye, and a free butchery class. 2600 N. Howard St., 443-873-8887
Rams Head Tavern: Feast on dishes such as sirloin steak and eggs, Belgian waffles, chorizo breakfast tacos, whiskey-smoked salmon eggs benedict, and Buffalo chicken flatbread during a special Father’s Day brunch at this Annapolis beer bar and live music venue. As an added perk, the tavern will feature its weekly live jazz band from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Gifts for dad will include free cozies and one on-the-house draft beer. Multiple locations including 33 West. St., Annapolis, 410-268-4545
CRAB FEAST AT HOME
Conrad’s Crabs & Seafood Market: This Parkville seafood market offers everything from fresh salmon and scallops to shrimp tacos and fish and chips, but its claim to fame is its selection of jumbo crabs. Owner Tony Conrad catches the bay beauties himself, and sorts through them twice to ensure the freshest variety in town. 1720 E. Joppa Rd., Parkville, 410-882-1515
CJ’s Crabhouse and Grill: From crabmeat pizzas to fried oysters, this 40 year-old Owings Mills mainstay is a one-stop shop for satisfying seafood cravings. While ordering a bushel to go, throw in a quart of Maryland crab soup, authentic New England clam chowder, or peel-and-eat steamed shrimp. 10117 Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills, 410-363-6694
The Crackpot Seafood Restaurant: Around since 1972, this old-school spot was one of the first crabhouses in the region to sell its seafood year-round. The restaurant, known for its colossal 20-oz. crab cake, imports its crabs from Louisiana and smothers them in its special spice mix. 8102 Loch Raven Blvd., Towson, 410-828-1095
Gibby’s Seafood & Gourmet Market: A county favorite, this carry-out market sells upwards of 300 bushels per day. The shop also boasts a bevy of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and hot seafood platters. Crab orders can be placed for pickup or delivery (Gibby’s ships online orders Monday-Thursday). 2322 York Rd., Timonium, 410-561-5225
Ocean Pride Seafood: Brothers Rick and Randy Bielski have been steaming crabs at Ocean Pride since the late ‘70s, and eventually bought the business in 2004. Though the owners have expanded the restaurant significantly, its signature crab seasoning recipe—complete with 26 spices including rock salt, mustard seed, and black pepper—remains the same. 1534 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium, 410-321-7744