Where to Dine Outside in Baltimore
Charm City has no shortage of great restaurants and bars with outdoor seating options, including stunning harbor views and rooftop retreats.

These are some of our recommendations for an unforgettable outdoor meal in Baltimore:

Outdoor Dining in Federal Hill

Little Havana
Enjoy a Cuban-inspired dining experience with Baltimore views at Little Havana in Federal Hill. Sit on the patio for prime Inner Harbor views and feast on ceviche or a crab platter. Don't miss their specialty cocktail menu and be sure to try their classic mojito.

Watershed
A great option for some seafood is Watershed, right around the corner from your home at 101 Cross Street in Federal Hill. Dine on the rooftop and catch a late summer sunset while you enjoy signature seafood dishes, like steamed mussels, paired with one of their delectable cocktails.

Outdoor Dining in Fells Point

Barcocina
With an open-air concept and panoramic harbor views, Barcocina in Fells Point is a great National Eat Outside Day spot. Their tasty Mexican cuisine includes timeless yet refreshing options, like shrimp tacos and a mango quinoa salad. If you go for brunch, you can even enjoy bottomless mimosas.

Ampersea
Ampersea is another popular Fells Point establishment. Beautiful river views and Maryland classics made with local ingredients make it a truly quintessential Baltimore dining experience. Try the Maryland crab cake, cooked in a cast iron and served with potato and corn salad.

Outdoor Dining in Harbor East

Maximón
Maximón in Harbor East has a Mexican-inspired outdoor courtyard, complete with harbor views and fountains, cultivating the perfect ambiance for a meal under the sun. Their menu includes Mexican and South American-inspired plates such as an heirloom corn quesadilla.

Loch Bar
Loch Bar is also a great spot for outdoor dining in Baltimore. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel with views of the Inner Harbor, they boast one of the nation's largest raw bars. They also have live music, the perfect complement to an outdoor meal.

Ouzo Beach
Ouzo Beach overlooking the harbor. This beautifully-designed bar is a fantastic place to drink and dine for National Eat Outside day. Sip on something summery like an "Olympian's Delight," made with rum, mastiha, coconut, strawberry, and lime.

Other Outdoor Dining Options in Baltimore

Hampden Yards
Head to Hampden Yards, an outdoor beer garden in Hampden. They have rotating taps, so you can try something new every visit. Plus, they have food, board games, foosball, and fun activities to keep everyone entertained.

Mainfels Biergarten
Maienfels Biergarten downtown is the perfect outdoor place to meet up for some after-work drinks. This outdoor beer garden has plenty of beer options, but they also have some fun traditional bites, like pretzels, bratwurst, and sauerkraut.

Drift Bar
National Eat Outside Day is a great opportunity to try out one of Baltimore's newer spots. Drift Bar, Canton’s new floating cocktail bar, has a superb selection of cocktails.

Enjoy Your Meal!
No matter where you choose to dine, we hope you get to enjoy a delicious meal outdoors with loved ones this month. If you check out any of these restaurants or have a favorite spot we missed, let us know with a tag on socials @101CrossStreet.

The post 10 Baltimore Restaurants to Try for National Eat Outside Day appeared first on 101 Cross Street Blog.

So, go ahead and treat yourself to a delicious pie, in the name of science! We’ve rounded up a few great pie options including traditional dessert pies, pizza pies, and pot pies. Try one and you just might find your new favorite pie in Baltimore.

Classic Pies

Pie Time
It’s always a good time for pie at Pie Time in Patterson Park. They have both sweet and savory pies so you can satisfy any craving. Flavors rotate through the year, but one of their popular pies is Maple Bourbon Pecan, featuring maple syrup with Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, vanilla, and chocolate chips.

Dangerously Delicious Pies
Located in Canton, Dangerously Delicious Pies serves up handmade from scratch pies with no additives or preservatives. From chess pies, to cream pies, to breakfast-inspired “pancake pies”, they have it all. You can order by the slice or commit to a full pie, just make sure to use the order ahead system to ensure you get your favorite pie on this busy day.

Berger's Bakery
Did you know that Berger's Bakery in Lexington Market serves pie? Their cookies may be Baltimore’s most popular treat, but their pies are just as tasty. Try the Apple Penny Pies this Pi Day for the perfect, on-theme dessert.

Atwater’s
With locations in Canton and Belvedere Square, Atwater's is another convenient place to grab a pie this March. Their classic apple pie comes in 2 sizes, so if you’re celebrating with others you can grab a larger size to share. They also have a gluten-free apple cranberry pie available for gluten-free friends.

Pizza Pies

Pizza di Joey
Just a few blocks away from your home at 101 Cross Street, inside Cross Street Market, lies Pizza di Joey. This authentic New York-style pizzeria right here in Baltimore serves up pizza inspired by old-school traditions, but their ingredients are fresh and locally-sourced.

Tiny Brick Oven
Federal Hill has another New York-style pizza joint, Tiny Brick Oven. Not only do they have delicious handmade pies, but they also have a pay-it-forward program that helps provide pizza to those in need. It’s a great way to give back this Pi Day because what goes around comes around.

HomeSlyce
HomeSlyce has three locations — South Baltimore, Canton, and Mt. Vernon. This pizza destination is another great Pi Day option with over 15 different pies available. Try a classic, like Pepperoni or go for something new, like their “Falafelicious” pie, featuring hummus, falafel, sweet drop peppers, red onions, and mozzarella cheese.

Pot Pies

SoBo Cafe
The chicken pot pie at SoBo Cafe in Federal Hill would make for a perfect Pi Day dinner. This woman-led, locally-owned restaurant is known for their thoughtful ingredients and from-scratch recipes. The chicken pot pie is no exception, featuring delicious chicken and veggies wrapped up in flaky pastry perfection.

Thames Street Oyster House
Led by head chef Eric House, Thames Street Oyster House in Fells Point has many mouth-watering menu options, but the mini lobster pot pies are exceptional. Like all of their dishes, these pies are made with only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients that you’re sure to love.

Celebrate Pi Day, Together
101 Cross Street residents are invited to a post-Pi Day celebration on 3/15 at Public House on Cross Street. With proof of residency, you’ll receive something special!

Happy Pie Day!
101 Cross Street residents, you’re the apple of our pie. Let us know how you celebrate this 3/14 (or 3/15) and tag us in your Pi Day photos on Instagram, @101CrossStreet.

The post Celebrate Pi Day With These Pies From Around Baltimore appeared first on 101 Cross Street Blog.

Restaurants & Food
Home Maid’s founder Derrick Faulcon set out to create a standard-setting brunch experience here in Baltimore. Everything is made from scratch with only the highest-quality ingredients, all meticulously sourced. Their weekends-only menu features some delectable brunch plates, including breakfast sandwiches and chicken and waffles.

Papi Cuisine’s Afro-Latin fusion dishes have been a Baltimore favorite for years. Owner Alex Perez’s menu items are inspired by the family recipes of his Dominican father and African American grandmother. Papi Cusine started out as a food delivery service, and ultimately grew into the neighborhood favorite it is today.

Located in the Black-owned Ivy Hotel, Magdalena serves bistro fare at the intersection of European traditions and Maryland flair. The restaurant welcomed its first Black chef in 2021, Chef Scott Bacon, who brings more than 11 years of experience to the table.

Looking for something unique? Try a hot dog at Sporty Dog. Diners are encouraged to customize their dogs to their hearts' content. So, go ahead and pile on the toppings! Owners LaShauna and Daejonne, a mother and daughter team, want everyone to "sport your dog" and make the dining experience fun.

Neopol is another great family-run food business, led by Dorian Brown and his mother Barbara Lahnstein. They specialize in smoked meats, including fish, turkey, sausage, and more. Each is cooked to perfection in a signature red metal smoker, available at many retail locations across Baltimore.

Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious creation from Midnite Confection. This mother-and-son team whips up incredible desserts, including their signature StrangeLove cupcakes. These tasty treats combine two desserts in one, like a lemon cupcake with a blueberry pie filling and lemon buttercream. They also have cookies and more available to order.

If you're in the mood for ice cream, try one of Taharka Brother’s unique flavors like Mintflix and Chillz. Co-owned by 6 individuals united by a shared vision, this ice cream company gives back through its Baltimore-focused mission.

We also love Berries by Quicha, home to Baltimore’s favorite chocolate-covered strawberries. Founder Quicha has quickly become known as the go-to dessert creator for DMV residents and celebrities alike – including President Obama and Beyoncé.

Drinks
Don’t forget drinks! Check out Serenity Wine Cafe, located in Locust Point. It’s not your average wine bar – it’s the first self-serve wine establishment in Baltimore. At Serenity, guests can choose from 16 varieties and utilize the pour-your-own taps for a personalized experience. It’s the brainchild of owner Nneka Bilal, who uses wisdom gained from over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

For a caffeinated beverage, visit Koba Cafe in Federal Hill. This cozy cafe has a welcoming atmosphere and delicious coffee drinks. The cafe was started by owner Adama in September 2005. While he was pursuing a career in civil engineering, he worked part-time in a coffee shop, where he realized the community-building power that cafes can have. He started Koba Cafe shortly after, and the rest is history.

Have a great February!
Let’s continue to support Baltimore’s Black community during Black History Month and beyond. Be sure to spread the word about these great businesses on social media and don’t forget to tag us so we can share them, @101Cross Street. Wishing you a wonderful February!

The post How to Support Black-Owned Businesses this Black History Month and Beyond appeared first on 101 Cross Street Blog.

However, just because you’re doing Dry January doesn’t mean you can’t go out! Enter the mocktail: fun specialty drinks made without alcohol. They’re more popular than ever before. Now, bars and restaurants are getting super creative with their mocktail recipes. Even if you’re not participating in Dry January, it’s fun to try a mocktail once and a while. 

Great Mocktails to Try in Baltimore 
Lots of Baltimore establishments are offering spirit-free cocktails this January and beyond. Here are some of our favorites:

Dutch Courage
You don’t need alcohol to feel a little Dutch courage here at this popular bar located in Remington. Dutch Courage offers 4 specialty spirit-free drinks and a few non-alcoholic beers and wines. Among them include the “N.A. Grongi”, an alcohol-free twist on the Negroni, and the “Free Bird”, made with lyre cane spirit, Aperitif Rosso, New Orleans bitters, lime, and smoked pineapple.

The Point 
Over in Fells Point, The Point is serving tasty mocktails of their own, including a "Mock-jito" and a "Spicy Mocktail Mule" made with Spice 94, jalapeño syrup, and lime ginger beer. You can also try non-alcoholic Speedlip spirits here, available in 3 unique flavors. 

Duck Duck Goose
Duck Duck Goose in Fells Point is known for their brasserie-inspired menu featuring local ingredients and unique combinations. Their zero-proof cocktails are no exception. Try the "Matcha Moi" with matcha, agave, lemon, tonic, and egg white, or the "Mandarine Du Sud" with seedlip citrus, tangerine, lime, pistachio, and egg whites.

Wicked Sisters
Located in Hampden, Wicked Sisters is another popular destination for Instagram-worthy food and beverages, especially around brunch time. Try a refreshing Cucumber Mule or a local favorite, "Hampden Punch," in apple, cranberry, ginger, or lime.

Food Market
Another Hampden spot, Food Market, has multiple spirit-free drink options on both their brunch and dinner menus. During dinner, you can try a "Grapefruit & Thyme" virgin cocktail or other non-alcoholic favorites, like kombucha. At brunch, try their "Gucci Lemonade," made with blueberry, mint, lemongrass, and yummy house-made lemonade. 

Verde
Over in Canton, Verde has two spirit-free drink options to pair with their tasty pizzas. You can try "Citrus & Lace," made with basil-ginger syrup, lemon, and club soda, or "Savannah Unknown," featuring peach nectar, lemon, and housemade grenadine.

NiHao
Head a few blocks down to visit another Canton favorite: NiHao. This restaurant is chosen by Baltimore locals for its delicious contemporary Chinese food. They have 2 spirit-free cocktails, each featuring Bare zero-proof spirits. Try "Convinced a King" with Bare bourbon or "Shaken, Not Slurred" with Bare gin.

Gunther 
Our last (but certainly not least) recommendation is Gunther in Brewer's Hill. They have 3 excellent zero-proof cocktails, each with house-made ingredients. "The Official Red Ryder" has house-made cranberry spiced shrub, while the "Soul Temple" includes blood orange saffron bitters. The "Rose of Althea" is made with house-made hibiscus shrub. You can’t go wrong!

Ready to Try Dry?
No matter how you choose to drink this January, we hope you have a wonderful start to the New Year!

The post Baltimore’s Best Mocktails for Dry January appeared first on 101 Cross Street Blog.

Skip The Stress: Try Take Out
If you’re overwhelmed by the ordeal of preparing a large holiday meal, don’t worry. Hosting doesn’t have to mean spending the whole day in the kitchen. Lots of local restaurants are offering special Thanksgiving packages for takeout and delivery. Let one of these local favorites prepare your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving meal:

The Capital Grille
For a traditional holiday spread, look into The Capital Grille’s menu. This popular downtown steakhouse is serving mouth-watering favorites like brioche stuffing, cranberry-pear chutney, and French green beans for Thanksgiving orders.

Order deadline: There is no deadline to order for pick up on Nov. 23 or the morning of Thanksgiving.

Sally O’s
This funky Highlandtown spot offers classic Thanksgiving sides with special Sally O’s flair, including Velveeta-style shells and cheese, mashed Yukon gold potatoes, braised collard greens, cornbread stuffing, and creamed spinach. We recommend ordering a pie (or two!). Choose from pumpkin with brown sugar whip, pecan, and apple cobbler.

Order deadline: Order online before Nov. 21 for pickup after 5 p.m. on Nov. 23.

Twist Fells Point
Mediterranean menu items from Twist Fells Point make the perfect Friendsgiving dishes. Their holiday carryout menu serves four and includes sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, homestyle green beans, and cornbread stuffing.

Order deadline: Just place your order a few days before your desired pickup date.

Eddie’s of Roland Park 
Known for its “Holiday in a Box” family feasts, Eddie’s of Roland Park is an excellent option for Friendsgiving orders. Create your own ideal package and select from traditional hand-carved or whole turkey dinners. Or, try the “Turkey Dinner Nouveau” that offers a fresh spin on the classics like apple sausage stuffing and truffled mushroom-thyme gravy. Best of all, proceeds from each order will be donated to the Maryland Food Bank, so your Thanksgiving celebration can give back.

Order deadline: Order with at least 72 hours' notice for pickup or delivery.

Atwater’s
This Charm City fixture has four locations across Baltimore, so you can set pickup at whichever destination is most convenient for you. This year, Atwater’s has a wide range of options for your dinner spread, from fully-prepared turkeys to individual sides like apple and pecan-laden Brussels sprouts and sausage and cornbread stuffing. Or, stock up on artisanal jams and cheeses to design a beautiful Friendsgiving charcuterie board. 

Order deadline: Order by Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. for in-store pickup.

Bin 604 Wine + Spirits
Treat your guests to drinks from Bin 604 Wine + Spirits in Harbor East. They’ll be open for a few hours on Thanksgiving Day, so you can swing by anytime. Check out their special holiday offerings, including a “Turkey Pack” and “Funky Turkey Pack,” each with six wine bottles hand-picked to suit holiday flavors.

Order deadline: N/A. Open 10am-2pm on Thanksgiving Day.

How to Host the Perfect Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving
The more food, the better.
If you want to show off your culinary talents, but don’t want to cook a full meal, you can always prepare a few appetizers or hor d’oeuvres. Shop for your favorite ingredients at Giant, our neighborhood’s newest grocery store. The store is opening this Friday, just in time to stock up on Friendsgiving essentials. The first 500 customers to arrive after they open at 5am will even receive a free turkey and pie!

Curate the vibes.
To really impress your guests, decorate your apartment home for the big feast. It doesn’t have to be anything too complicated; a few festive touches can go a long way. For example, try adding a centerpiece or placeholder decorations to the table. You can create the tablescape of your dreams with decor from Best Day Ever, a boutique gift shop in Canton Square. 

Just enjoy yourself!
The most important tip? Don’t let hosting stress you out too much. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, just focus on having a nice dinner with loved ones. These past few years have been hard on everyone, so go easy on yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving
To everyone in our 101 Cross Street family, happy Thanksgiving. We’re so grateful for our amazing residents, team members, and neighborhood. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season! Stay tuned for more holiday updates on our blog.

The post How to Host A Relaxing Friendsgiving Dinner appeared first on 101 Cross Street Blog.