So, you're coming to Baltimore for the Worldcon and you've got a craving for that certain something? You know, food. And not the kind served at th con suite or bid parties. Real food. Meat. Seafood. Vegetables. Bread. As opposed to cheese, potato chips and crackers. Well, you're in the right place. It is possible to find almost any kind of food in Baltimore, most of it just a short distance from the Convention Center.
Almost directly across from the Convention center is Strapazza, a good moderately priced Italian restaurant that serves all kinds of pasta and other Italian dishes. Just to the west, across from the main entrance to Oriole Park are several pubs and small restaurants: Sliders Pickles Pub, etc.
About a five minute walk to the east, via the skywalk is the Baltimore Inner Harbor and Harborplace. There are two pavilions at Harborplace: the Light Street Pavilion and the Pratt Street Pavilion; both feature several restaurants. A food court is located in the Light Street Pavilion and includes a number of small counter restaurants serving everything from corn dogs to seafood to fresh made fudge. The Light Street Pavilion also features Phillips, a fine seafood restaurant. Phillips also have carry-out service. Also located in the Light Street Pavilion is Hooters, described by some as a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Guys, just don't take your wife or girlfriend here.
You shouldn't miss a chance to visit Lexington Market. Lexington Marke is over 200 years old and the present building dates to the late 1940's. The main floor sells everything from fresh meat and produce to baked goods, seafood and prepared foods. There is Greek, Chinese, soul food as well a several delis and lunch counters. Faidley's Seafood is justly renowned for its crabcakes. Konstant's is famous for its fresh coffee and fresh roasted peanuts. Pick up a bag as you leave. The peanut roaster is located outside by the Eutaw Street entrance. Also check the bakeries and pick up some of Berger's Cookies. These are a chocolaholic's delight. Thin vanilla cake-like wafers are covered with thick fudge and baked. The result is sinful and will destroy any thoughts of dieting. After you've made your selections at the market you can take them upstairs to the seating area to enjoy them. Located at Lexington and Eutaw Streets, the market is a 10 t 15 minute walk north from our headquarter hotels. Or you can take the Light Rail two stops north to the Market Center stop and walk over one block to Eutaw Street. Lexington Market opens early but closes at 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays.
Close by but beyond walking distance is Menken's Cultured Pearl. Located by the Hollins Market at 1114 Hollins Street, Menken's features delicious Mexican cuisine at very reasonable prices. The setting is small and funky, but the portions are large. The chef's specials change daily depending on what he can get fresh at the market next door. The dishes can be made as spicy as you want. While you await your order, you can draw on the tablecloth with the crayons provided. On the weekends they sometimes feature live music. Drive or take a cab as this is a long walk and at night some of the street may not be completely safe.
For the true Baltimore dining experience, nothing beats eating steamed crabs A good place to go is Gunning's, on South Hanover Street. There you can sit at a newspaper covered table and happily whack away at a steamed red crustacean. Gunning's is a popular place and several celebrities have dined there. Danny DeVito became hooked several years ago when filming Ti Men in town and drops by whenever he's in the area. If you go don't forget to try the fried green pepper rings with powdered sugar. This one is definitely out of walking distance, so drive or take a cab.
For the beer drinkers, try The Baltimore Brewing Company on Albemarle Street. Brewmaster Theo de Groen brews wonderful old world beer and a fine selection of both Maryland and German foods served in a relaxed atmosphere. Also try Sisson's on Cross Street. Sisson's serves fine pub food and they brew a limited range of beers as well. Both the Baltimore Brewing Company and Sisson's are a short drive away.
A visit to Baltimore is not complete until you visit Haussner's on Eastern Avenue. Haussner's is a 70-year old Baltimore institution. The menu goes on for pages and includes just about everything under the sun. Their specialties are Maryland and German cuisine. You can't see the wallpaper because there are so many paintings, etchings, drawings, as well as sculptures. And what's on display is only a part of Mr. and Mrs. Haussner's comprehensiv collection of art from the last half of the 19th century. There are several old masters and a Duerer or two. In the late 1940's and into the 1960's, Mr. and Mrs. Haussner collected realist and "studio" art as the art world embraced abstract art. It may seem strange walking around a restaurant lookin at the art while people eat, but Haussner's really doesn't mind. They don't take reservations—everyone (and we do mean everyone) waits in line for a table. The governor of Maryland has been seen waiting for a table from time to time. The busiest nights are Friday and Saturday nights so go early on a week night. It's definitely a car or cab trip.
Slightly farther down Eastern Avenue you come to the area known as Greektown where one of Baltimore's best Greek restaurants is located. Ikaros serves some of the best Greek food around with generous portions and low prices. Ikaros is a Baltimore tradition and well worth the drive.
Uncle Lee's Szechuan Restaurant Inner Harbor on South Street is a sight to see. Located on the corner of Lombard Street and South Street in an old bank building, Uncle Lee's serves very good traditional Chinese food. One word of caution: the rest rooms are located in the basement and require navigating a rather twisting flight of stairs. Call ahead if you have a large group and they'll set aside the upstairs balcony.
And this just scratches the surface of the many restaurants in Baltimore. For the most up-to-date listings and quick thumbnail reviews of local restaurants, pick up a City Paper. This free weekly comes out on Wednesdays and has a nice "Cheap Eats" section. The City Paper can be found all around downtown in bright yellow newspaper boxes.