Trying to get the perfect gift for dad is hard. Should you get a watch? A power drill? A first edition copy of Huckleberry Finn? This year, why not go back to the basics of what makes dad happy—food. (The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, after all.) From short ribs on the high seas aboard the Spirit of Baltimore to more traditional tavern fare, here are some picks for where to go this Father’s Day.
The Capital Grille: The Capital Grille is adding a special dad’s day dish to their menu on the big day. Along with their full menu of roasted chicken, lamb rib chops, dry-aged sirloin, and filet mignon, the restaurant will be serving a 16 oz. bone-in filet special for $58. Nothing says, “We love you, dad” quite like a prime steak. 500 E. Pratt St., 443-703-4064
Cinnamon Tree: Dad is sure to be happy with the bottomless brunch buffet at Cinnamon Tree, Hunt Valley Inn’s signature restaurant. The fare includes a plate piled high with made-to-order omelets, Belgium waffles, eggs Benedict with Maryland crab, and prime rib of beef. Cinnamon Tree will keep the good times flowing with bottomless champagne from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 245 Shawan Rd., Hunt Valley, 410-785-7000
Cunningham’s: Towson favorite, Cunningham’s, is serving a special brunch menu in honor of dad. The optional three-course prix fixe menu is $29. Choose from small plates like Maryland crab soup, or spinach strawberry salad. And then move on to classics like biscuits and gravy and eggs Benedict, as well as holiday specials, like the crab and asparagus omelet or steak frites and farm eggs. Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. 1 Olympic Pl., Towson, 410-339-7730
DuClaw: In honor of dad’s day Baltimore’s DuClaw will be showcasing their Serum beer, a medium-bodied, amber double IPA, which has been aged in Jack Daniels whiskey barrels for an extra kick. Bring dad to one of DuClaw’s restaurants so he can be one of the first to try the new brew. And with a full menu of burgers, flatbreads, and sandwiches even the kids will find something they like. 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, 410-799-1166
Heavy Seas Brewery: Wake dad up early for kegs and eggs at Heavy Seas Alehouse on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In honor of dad’s day get two dollars off any breakfast item and one dollar off a pint. After dad is wined and dined, travel to the distillery for a tour at 2 p.m. or 3:30 p.m., but register online because tours fill fast. (The brewery tends to keep tour groups small for an optimal experience.) Tours are $5 per person and include a souvenir pint glass as well as five different beer samples. 4615 Hollins Ferry Rd., Halethorpe, 410-247-7822
La Cuchara: Take
dad to the Basque region of Northern Spain and Southern France at La Cuchara. For
the holiday, in addition to their menu of Basque cuisine, La Cuchara will be
serving a Roseda Farm strip steak served
with locally grown potatoes and salsa verde for $28. 3600 Clipper Mill Rd., 443-708-3838
Medieval Times: Treat dad like a true king this Father’s Day at Medieval Times. Now through June 21, dad’s ticket is free with the purchase of an additional adult ticket, (a $59.95 value for tournament and dinner). Kids of all ages can watch the bravery and heroism of the jousting tournament while sitting next to their own hero. 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, 1-866-543-9637
Morton’s: If dad wants a cut of prime beef, why not let Morton’s take care of the grilling and the cleanup. Morton’s is offering an exclusive three-course, holiday menu, including, filet mignon, a double-cut prime pork chop, and braised beef short ribs, for $59. 300 S. Charles St., 410-547-8255
Mt. Washington Tavern: Get dad sauced this Father’s Day at Mt. Washington Tavern. The Tavern will be giving a bottle of Maker’s Mark BBQ Sauce to the man in your life, along with a recipe for the Tavern’s short ribs. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903
Spirit of Baltimore: For the sea-loving fathers out there, cruise around the harbor on the Spirit of Baltimore. The ship sails from the Inner Harbor down to the Key Bridge and back. Take in some classic Baltimore sites like the Domino Sugar factory, the Under Armor campus, and historic Fort McHenry. This floating restaurant has a buffet that includes an organic salad bar, twice-cooked beef short ribs, and baked ziti, as well as a full bar. Dad can relax with his favorite drink and a view of the city on any of the three decks. 561 Light St., 866-312-2469