This week in Baltimore, the festive spirit is thriving, from delicious eggnog to mouthwatering latkes. Let’s explore what’s on the menu in the local dining scene:
New Openings & Exciting Announcements
Keep your eyes peeled for Bar Alice Anne, a fresh addition from the talented team behind The Local Fry. This new neighborhood hangout is set to open in the Fells Point location that previously hosted Lobo and Pearl’s. You can follow their journey here.
Congratulations are in order for The Duchess! The Hampden hotspot’s shrimp and corn patties have been crowned as one of the best dishes in America by the New York Times. To top it off, the restaurant is celebrating its one-year anniversary on December 11th—what a remarkable week!
Vivian’s is now serving drinks and dinner, in addition to their earlier hours.
Festive Holiday Markets
It’s the ideal time for shopping—alongside indulging in some tasty food and drinks!
Heavy Seas Beer is hosting its 11th annual Pints & Panic Holiday Market this Saturday, December 13th, featuring plenty of local vendors and, of course, an assortment of Heavy Seas beers.
Also on Saturday, the 5th annual Station North Holiday Market will take place at the Historic North Avenue Market. This event will be a fantastic blend of indoor and outdoor festivities, showcasing numerous local artists and makers, along with live performances, fun activities, and delicious food and drinks from local favorites like Alicakes, Babe Beans, Baltimore Spirits Co., Blueprint Café, The Club Car, Doppio Pasticceria, Mera Kitchen, Mobtown Ballroom & Café, Nina’s Cookie Explosion, Rae’s Kitchen, and Raspberry Moments.
Don’t miss Green Spring Station’s 11th annual Maker’s Market on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. Along with a variety of pop-up shops and the center’s excellent retail options, you can enjoy great food and drink.
On December 18th, The Manor Tavern will be hosting a special wine, shop, and dine event, so be sure to make reservations!
Holiday Crawls
This season also brings with it a variety of fun crawls—ranging from pubs to cookie tours.
On Friday evening, various businesses in downtown Towson will participate in a Cookie Crawl, featuring cookies, ice sculptures, and giveaways throughout the area—don’t miss a visit to Red Pepper, where guests can enjoy unique fortune cookies.
On Saturday, starting at 4 p.m., Hampden will be alive with an Elf Pub Crawl. Participating venues include The Duchess, The Food Market, Raffy’s, The Bluebird Cocktail Lounge, and Golden West, concluding the crawl with a captivating free drag show.
A Special Gift of ‘Cello
Café Gia’s delightful range of ‘cellos—from lemon to pistachio—is back and ready for purchase. These delightful drinks make excellent gifts for loved ones (or even for yourself!).
Nostalgia Diner Toy and Coat Drive
On December 12, 13, 19, and 20, Nostalgia Diner located in the Light Street Pavilion will be holding a toy and coat drive, benefitting Afro Charities’ Mrs. Santa program. Each person who brings a donation will receive a 10% discount on their meal in appreciation.
Army-Navy Game Viewing Party
The iconic Army-Navy football game, a highlight in sports rivalries, takes place in Baltimore on Saturday, December 13th. To celebrate, The Rusty Scupper will be hosting a viewing party and introducing a special Army & Navy cocktail featuring gin, lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and bitters.
Gingerbread Rowhouse Class
This Saturday at noon, Chef Michael Grande of Rec Pier Chop House will lead a fun-filled class on making your very own gingerbread rowhouses. The event will also feature a make-your-own hot cocoa station along with a buffet lunch, making it perfect for gingerbread enthusiasts of all ages.
Can’t make it this Saturday? There’s no need to worry—the restaurant has scheduled another class for December 20th.
If you prefer to admire intricately made holiday houses rather than crafting your own, make your way to Gertrude’s, where the staff’s annual holiday row house competition is currently in full swing.
Ekiben x Café Dear Leon Collaboration
Ekiben is teaming up with Café Dear Leon this Sunday, December 14th, for a special take-home collaboration event. The prix-fixe menu features exciting offerings like whole roasted chicken and crab mac and cheese. Make sure you order in advance!
Celebrating Hanukkah
Hanukkah begins this year on the evening of December 14th, and several local restaurants are ready to help you celebrate!
Pendry Baltimore will be hosting a menorah lighting ceremony every night of the holiday, starting on December 14th. The lighting will occur in the hotel lobby at sundown.
Ethel’s Creole Kitchen offers freshly made latkes available for advance order to take home, complete with apple sauce and sour cream.
Gunther & Co. will be hosting their annual Hanukkah dinner on December 18th, featuring their regular menu alongside several seasonal specials.
Eggnog Celebration Party
This Monday evening, The Wren will be hosting a listening party complemented by an exquisite eggnog menu—don’t miss the ‘toast to the Nog’ at 7:30 p.m.
Holiday Happy Hours
Silver Queen Café has two festive events planned for this week. On Tuesday, December 16th, the Hamilton restaurant will welcome guests for a holiday happy hour featuring joyful cocktails, delectable food specials, and a visit from the Hamilton Krampus.
Then on December 17th, Silver Queen will host a complimentary sparkling wine tasting featuring a representative from Prestige-Ledtroit.
Slay the Menu at The Food Market
On Tuesday, December 16th, The Food Market opens its private kitchen for one of their famous Slay the Menu dinners. Expect a five-course experience featuring beloved Food Market dishes, paired with exceptional wines.
Nog Night at Ryleigh’s
This year marks the 13th anniversary of Ryleigh’s Oyster celebrating Nog Night. This Tuesday, the restaurant will be crafting eggnog using George Washington’s original recipe combined with Baltimore’s own Sagamore Rye.
Gitan for the Holidays
On Friday, December 19th, Honey Pot in Canton will host a special jazz holiday dinner with two seating options. Indulge in a prix-fixe menu that includes delightful dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon and mushroom risotto.
Full Sensory Movie Experience: The Muppets
The Charmery will present its next Full Sensory movie experience: a holiday classic, The Muppet Christmas Carol. Showings run from Friday, December 19th through Sunday, December 21st, and tickets are now available.
Effortless Holiday Hosting
If you’re hosting this holiday season but want to reduce the workload, The Corner Pantry has you covered with a variety of offerings. Be sure to place your orders by December 17th for pickup on Tuesday, December 23rd.
Thames Street Oyster House‘s holiday take-home menu is also impressive.
Clavel is ready to enhance your celebratory menu with Christmas tamales now available for order, to be picked up on December 22nd.
Heritage Smokehouse offers delightful holiday options, including smoked meats, sweet desserts, and festive eggnog.
Looking Ahead
Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
December 21: Pancakes & Pajamas Brunch at Rec Pier Chop House
December 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Costiera
February 6: Carnevale at Cinghiale
