Open & Shut: Dylan’s Oyster Cellar and Loch Bar Set to Open; Miguel’s Closes

OPEN

The Happy Grape: Workers in downtown’s central business district will no longer have to search high and low for a bottle of wine on their way home, now that the owners of Water Street Tavern have opened this quaint 1000-square foot wine shop next door to their restaurant. The Happy Grape, which debuted earlier this month, currently specializes in beer and wine, but local spirits and gourmet cheeses will soon be added to the menu. 104 Water St., 410-605-9495

Katana: It’s hard not to fall in love with Canton, which is why Jimmy Chang, owner of Katana, decided to open a new sushi joint there. With a full bar, extensive sushi menu, and other Japanese cuisine, consider Katana for a quick lunch with friends or a night out. The lunch plates like chicken teriyaki or shrimp tempura start at $9.95, so a midday snack with co-workers doesn’t have to hurt your wallet. 845 S. Montford Ave., 410-522-7100

Magdalena: Housed in a Mt. Vernon mansion, restaurant Magdalena will be opening inside the luxurious Ivy Hotel. During the restaurant’s soft opening, featured items include Chesapeake soft-shell crab, fillet of Alaskan halibut, and cheese and shiitake tortellini. The full menu will feature global cuisine and is scheduled to unveil in the coming weeks. 205 E. Biddle St., 443-503-4501

OPENING SOON

The Brass Elephant: Closed since 2009, this Baltimore classic was recently purchased by husband and wife Steven and Linda Rivelis. The duo was married at Brass Elephant and intends to update the restaurant with a global menu inspired by their 60-day trip around the world. Despite renovations and changes, the restaurant will pay homage to the Charm City staple it once was. The Rivelis have not yet released the new name of the restaurant, though it is rumored that it will be opening as The Elephant. 924 N. Charles St.

Dylan’s Oyster Cellar: You’ll no longer need to track the whereabouts of local pop-up personality Dylan Salmon when cravings for oysters strike. The seafood connoisseur has found a permanent home for this quaint raw bar at 3446 Chestnut Ave. in Hampden. Salmon’s previous shucking gigs include fleeting appearances at W.C. Harlan, Blue Pit BBQ, and The Hatch, an underground Mt. Vernon space operated by Phil Han of Dooby’s that hosts extended pop-ups. His new spot, which is slated to open in October, will offer raw and fried oysters, and specialize in bean-inspired dishes. 3446 Chestnut Ave.

Loch Bar: Authentic Maryland seafood is slated to come any day now at the Loch Bar. Atlas Restaurant Group’s newest addition will feature a raw bar, local craft beers, and a 50-year-old recipe for Maryland crab soup from the owner’s grandmother. 200 International Dr.

EXPANDING

Ropewalk OC: Lively last-call sing-a-longs and vintage décor make Ropewalk Tavern one of Federal Hill’s most coveted bars. The Ropewalk brand made its way to the Eastern Shore two years ago with the opening of a location in Fenwick Island, and earlier this month a third restaurant made its debut on 83rd St. in Ocean City. The new space features a massive deck overlooking the bay, a waterfront bar, and an outdoor stage that allows for live entertainment during happy hour. There’s no better time to head downee ocean for classic seafood dishes like crab cakes and shrimp mac-and-cheese. 8203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-524-1009

Wit & Wisdom: As if dining along Baltimore’s waterfront and enjoying a cocktail as the sun sets doesn’t seem lovely enough, Wit & Wisdom’s patio—known as Wit on the Water—has expanded to offer more outdoor dining options in Harbor East. Enjoy the raw bar, a new cocktail menu, and a smoker for barbecue. Throughout the summer Wit on the Water will play host to live entertainment on Thursdays and Sundays, and the new outdoor kitchen has prompted a pig roast on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. You can also relax with bottomless rosé on Thursdays and bottomless mimosas every Sunday. 200 International Dr., Baltimore, 410-576-5800

CH-CH-CHANGES

Joe Squared: The Station North location of beloved Joe Squared is moving from its original home on North Avenue to a bigger space just down the street. The new restaurant will feature the same great menu, with expanded seating options and a bigger area for performances. So don’t panic if you don’t see Joe Squared at the normal locale this fall, just walk a few blocks down the street and follow the smell of pizza. 133 W. North Ave., 410-545-0444

SHUT

Miguel’s Cocina y Cantina: Owner Michael Marx, who previously owned Blue Agave in Federal Hill, announced earlier this week that Miguel’s, his Locust Point cantina, has closed its doors for good. It’s been reported that the reason for the closure was lease-related. No word yet on what will become of the space, which has been serving up authentic Mexican fare since opening in 2010. 1200 Stuart St.