Wow, I can’t believe I’ve been visiting Peter’s Inn since around 1997. Back then, I was embarking on my second “real” job at the Baltimore Museum of Art, and my close-knit group of friends from work would venture down to Peter’s in Fell’s Point. It felt like such a grown-up, avant-garde experience at the time. I wasn’t immersed in the culinary world yet, so I didn’t fully appreciate the unique and rich dining experience Peter’s Inn offers; I just thought it was the coolest place to be. I might have even felt a bit cooler just for being there.
Fast forward to 2012, when I had honed my cooking skills a bit. I found myself returning to Peter’s Inn more frequently and developed a genuine connection with the owners, Karin and Bud Tiffany. Every visit left me eager for the next. While the food and drinks are nothing short of exceptional, it’s really the warm personalities of Karin and Bud that keep drawing me back. They are genuinely kind, hardworking individuals, and their authenticity is refreshing. To me, restaurants are fundamentally about the people, and Peter’s Inn exemplifies this perfectly.
Karin always greets guests with a friendly smile, encouraging everyone to enjoy their time. She’s not only entertaining but also quite humorous! We occasionally chat about other dining spots, and it’s nice to hear them share their own recent dining experiences. Even though they run a busy restaurant, they still make an effort to support other local businesses on their nights off. Each visit to Peter’s feels special, but it’s always bustling, so our conversations are usually brief, punctuated by quick hugs and inquiries about how each other is doing before she rushes off to manage the restaurant.
One aspect I really appreciate is that visiting Peter’s Inn requires a bit of effort. In this age of instant gratification, you have to email to secure a reservation, adding a personal touch to the experience. Karin promptly responds, reinforcing the feeling that you’re interacting with a real person rather than just navigating a website. Plus, it’s open only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, which necessitates some planning to ensure you can grab a table. Another admirable quality of Karin and Bud is their commitment to hiring the best staff, many of whom have been with them for years—a surefire sign of a well-run restaurant. They maintain a close-knit team, which seems to contribute to their success.
Peter’s Inn embodies what a neighborhood restaurant should be: distinctive, welcoming, and unforgettable, all of which are clear reflections of its owners. Karin and Bud (who’s primarily in the kitchen) continually surprise patrons with creative seasonal dishes, yet the menu typically includes a beloved classic during your visit. Hello, garlic bread! It’s a reliable choice that never falls flat and doesn’t become mundane. This enduring quality keeps Peter’s Inn among my top three dining spots. An article in Bmag beautifully penned by Lydia Woolever aptly states that Peter’s Inn is quintessentially Baltimore. I’ve celebrated numerous milestones there, introduced friends from out of town, and revisited with longtime fans. It’s often said that if someone doesn’t enjoy Peter’s Inn, you should run, especially on a date—it’s a humorous yet true sentiment!
Karin, thank you for participating in my Baker’s Dozen feature. I’ve had immense respect for you for ages, my friend.
Cake or pie? And, what kind?
Cake – burnt sugar.
Your most prized possession?
A chest of drawers from my family that dates back to 1789.
What’s your favorite thing to order out at restaurants?
Soups, always.
What’s your favorite thing to cook at home?
We live above the restaurant and don’t have a kitchen, but when we do cook, it’s often rice with grilled fish. I have a soft spot for squeeze cheese, Triscuits, sugar-free chocolate pudding, and yogurt.
What is your morning beverage and how do you take it?
Coffee with two tablespoons of heavy cream.
What’s your personal motto?
Don’t thicken/reduce.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Thanksgiving, because it comes with low expectations.
Best advice you were ever given? And from whom?
Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve – from my Uncle Mugsy.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Serving in the Coast Guard from 1985 to 1989.
The last text you sent?
Love you—4 o’clock, sis.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having time to think and plan.
What do you love most about food?
The preparation process.
Your favorite place in Baltimore?
The American Visionary Art Museum.
