Adam Jones needed one last fix. In January, a few hours before the Ravens’ shocking playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans and a couple weeks before he and his family would relocate halfway around the world, Jones strode into Abbey Burger Bistro. As usual, the former Orioles star—who had just signed a two-year, $8.2-million-dollar contract to play in Japan’s Nippon Professional League—ordered the SimplyAJ10. A colossal kitchen-sink creation (think Kobe beef, pepperjack, avocado, bacon, and jalapeños on an English muffin) that he concocted and that’s named after his heavily followed Twitter account, it has been a permanent item on the menu ever since 2012, when the outfielder led the O’s to their first playoff appearance in forever.

Although Jones is gone and the Birds have fallen flat on their face, Abbey Burger is still going strong.

“He’s good people,” says Marigot Miller of Jones. Seated at a quiet booth in Abbey Burger’s newly opened Mount Washington restaurant, the 39-year-old owner and mother of two—Raegan and Liliana—describes how Jones was instrumental in putting the restaurant on the map. How he started coming in after games during that 2012 season and how his brainchild burger eventually became a fixture. How MTV soon caught wind of it and came to Fed Hill to film Jones devouring the thing for an episode of Off the Bat. How, even today, after 11-plus years in business and numerous menu iterations, the Simply AJ10 remains a popular menu item at one of Charm City’s most popular establishments. But Abbey Burger’s success story is less about Baltimore’s Jones and more about America’s jones for patty perfection.

Legend has it that the hamburger was invented in 1891 by a German cook who lived in the town of Hamburg. Around that same time, according to a different tale, brothers Frank and Charles Menches begat the burger when they ran out of sausage at a county fair and used chopped beef as a stand-in. Others claim that the hamburger hatched in 1900 at a New Haven, Connecticut, joint called Louis’ Lunch (not for nothing, the Library of Congress supports this story). Regardless of which account you believe, there’s no denying that Americans—with an assist from iconic chains such as White Castle and McDonald’s—fell hard for hamburgers. It’s a love affair that refuses to flame out.

“It’s still the favorite entrée for lunch or dinner in the United States,” says Bret Thorn, senior food and beverage editor at Nation’s Restaurant News. “Americans could eat hamburgers all day long.” Since the turn of the millennium, the Yankee obsession has reached new heights. In 2001, acclaimed French chef Daniel Boulud opened Bistro Moderne, a midtown Manhattan spot that featured a sirloin patty stuffed with short ribs and foie gras (still on the menu today, it goes for a cool 35 bucks). Just like that, the gourmet burger boom was off and running.

“It’s still the favorite entrée for lunch or dinner in the United States.”

Like most culinary crazes, the haute hamburger took time to penetrate American cities not named New York or Los Angeles. Early in 2008, when native Baltimorean Russ Miller was looking to open his own Federal Hill restaurant in the building formerly known as Sky Lounge (where he’d been a manager), he enlisted the help of pal Patrick Morrow. A self-made chef who was working a couple doors down at Ryleigh’s Oyster, Morrow suggested to Miller that gourmet burgers—a trend that hadn’t really reached Charm City yet—were the way to go.

That summer, the two friends hightailed it to Manhattan for a one-day burger crawl that included stops at seven well-known haunts. They hit JG Melon on the Upper East Side. Then down to the West Village, where they sampled Corner Bistro. From there, it was a short walk to The Spotted Pig. That’s when Morrow had his light-bulb moment. “Hands down the best burger I’ve had,” he says. “Ever.”

By the time Morrow and Miller drove home to Baltimore that night, they knew exactly how they wanted to do business. Unlike some kitchens that use broiling (no crispiness) or grilling (only crispy where the grill bars touch the burger), they would employ a flat-top griddle to allow for maximum searing and therefore maximum texture. Every patty would be hand-formed, and every patty would weigh in at exactly seven ounces. Oh, and one more thing: “We knew we wanted a checklist,” says Morrow, who designed the original menu and still serves as a consultant but has no ownership stake in the restaurant. (When asked what his title he is, he says simply, “Russ’ friend.”) From the very beginning, the menu’s itemized checklist—which today boasts 94 different options (from grilled pineapple to spicy crème fraîche) across eight different categories—included exotic meats like lamb and bison. It also featured foie gras, which didn’t go over very well with animal-rights supporters.

When Abbey Burger first opened its doors in November 2008, an angry throng of PETA activists was waiting outside. They didn’t like the idea of fowl being force-fed through a tube. “They were at the front door with bullhorns,” says Marigot Miller, who holds a master’s from Loyola in early childhood special education and back then was busy plying her trade as an autism consultant. Although she performed the occasional odd job around the restaurant, she had no intention of becoming business partners with her then-fiancé, Russ. More than a decade later, foie gras is long gone from Abbey Burger. As for Marigot, that’s a different story.

Shortly after her second daughter was born in October 2013, the longtime vegetarian went all-in on the burger biz. Maybe it was the meat cravings she’d had during pregnancy. (Her favorite burger today is the build-your-own bison with goat cheese, mushrooms, jalapeños, and spicy crème fraîche on an English muffin.) Or the fact that, a few months earlier, Abbey Burger had opened a second location in Ocean City. Regardless of the reason, the bottom line was that the Millers weren’t just spouses anymore: They were co-workers.

“Working with your husband is challenging,” says Marigot, who handles front-of-house duties such as customer service and staffing, while Russ focuses on back-end tasks like finance and maintenance. “All of our stresses are the same stresses. I don’t know how many times I told him I quit. But we’ve come into a nice balance.” That’s not to say there haven’t been other obstacles.

In the famously fickle F&B industry, gold mines can become land mines in an instant. Trends like Beyond Meat, or like Popeyes’ chicken sandwich breaking the internet, have taken a bite out of the burger biz. The highly publicized Freddie Gray incident—not to mention the current COVID-19 crisis—continues to aftershock Baltimore’s retail community, restaurant and otherwise. And let’s not forget about location, location, location: Abbey Burger’s Ocean City spot, which at 7,500 square feet is roughly triple the size of the other outposts and has an extremely seasonal appeal, has been something of a money pit. But the most challenging thing for the Millers—more than food fads or urban flight or tourist traffic—is family.

“It was much easier before kids,” says Marigot. Seated at that quiet booth in Mount Washington, she wears a necklace that Russ gave her for Mother’s Day that has two interlocking silver rings, each bearing the name of one of their daughters. Even when they’re not with her, they’re with her. Which is a good thing, because these days, with four locations up and running and a fifth slated to open this summer in Havre de Grace, together time is at a premium.

Although there’s more flexibility during the week—when Marigot serves as Girl Scout leader and runs the Miller Family Shuttle with nonstop service to and from school—the weekends can be tricky. Most Fridays and Saturdays, at least one parent is working until midnight. This past October, in what could be the most telling sign of all, the Mount Washington store had its grand opening on Raegan’s sixth birthday.

“Everything always goes over time and budget. We just wanted to get open,” says Marigot. “But we had lots of friends and family there, and we sang happy birthday, so she felt good about it.” She pauses. “Besides, now I won’t forget when the birthday is for this place.”

The restaurant itself didn’t receive any gifts that day, but it has earned numerous awards over the years. In 2013, in a list of the best burgers in the country, USA Today singled out Abbey Burger as Maryland’s lone representative. Last year, the national newspaper named it the best place to get a milkshake in the Old Line State. But perhaps the highest of all the honors is that, after nearly a dozen years, it’s still around.

The recession came and went. So, too, did competitors like Elevation and Smashburger. Meanwhile, Abbey Burger keeps chugging right along, with its flat-top griddles and a prep cook who answers to the name of Maestro and is responsible for hand-forming every patty. And that checklist.

“You see more checklists now,” says Marigot, bemoaning the fact that rivals such as Kooper’s and Red Robin have also waded into the make-your-own market, while also acknowledging that Abbey was hardly the first to go that route. “Nobody’s totally reinventing the wheel. It’s still a burger, and burgers are a staple in America. They’re not going away.”

By the looks of things, neither is Abbey Burger.

It’s not yet noon, but upstairs at Abbey Burger Bistro in Federal Hill, the Guinness is already flowing. After all, it’s five o’clock somewhere, including London, where all the soccer fans focus their attention.

The English Premier League club Arsenal is playing, and as they do every time the team takes to the pitch, its Baltimore supporters are gathered at Abbey. Today’s match kicked off at 11 a.m., but some start as early as at 7 a.m., which doesn’t dissuade the Charm City Gooners, a play on the team’s nickname, The Gunners, from cheering on their team.

Ten years ago, owner Russ Miller opened the bar one morning for a friend who wanted to watch an Arsenal match. “He asked me if he could bring in an Arsenal scarf and hang it up,” Miller says. “Somebody else saw the scarf.” That somebody was Mike Kavanagh, who founded the Gooners in 2009.

There are four locations of Abbey, but this one on Marshall Street is the club’s home. Early game days start with donuts or breakfast sandwiches. Beer—especially European brews—and whiskey are popular any time soccer is on TV. Most fans congregate upstairs, giving the atmosphere a clubhouse feel. Miller even had one wall painted red with the Charm City Gooners crab and cannon logo and the names and jersey numbers of notable players.

For a late-morning start like this one, Abbey’s entire menu is available, and that can mean burgers made from any kind of meat. A slider trio with wild boar, red deer, and camel—yes, camel—called out to adventurous eaters. Simon Torres, the club’s co-branch manager since 2014, is superstitious, so he always orders bison with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mushrooms. Although the fans are intensely engaged in the game—exalting when Arsenal takes a 1-0 lead, dropping an occasional F-bomb when Wolverhampton scores the equalizer—they’re not rowdy.

A fun, family atmosphere permeates the bar. (Kids are welcome.) “I tell people the wonderful thing about the Premier League is you can get up on a Saturday morning, you can hang out with your friends and family, go to a bar like the Abbey, watch soccer, eat, drink, and shout at the TV, and two hours later you’re done and can go about your day,” says Kavanaugh.

The match ends in a draw, an unsatisfactory result to many Gooners. In the EPL, not all ties are created equal. But if the smiles on the faces of the fans are any indication, it seems not all Baltimore Saturday mornings are either.

COMING SOON

Tiki Bar at Hotel Revival: No matter the season, tiki cocktails are all the rage. And it only seems fitting that the greenery-filled Garden Room on the top floor of Mt. Vernon’s Hotel Revival would get in on the trend. Beginning November 8, the space that was formerly used solely for private parties will be open Thursday-Saturday as a destination to take in the panoramic views while sipping herbaceous drinks crafted by bartender Bryan Reinhold. Among the options include the “Mojo’s Jojo” (Monkey Shoulder scotch and apricot liqueur), the “Firebird” (Vida mezcal and Blackwell rum), and the “Suffering Willow,” which fuses apple brandy with Bluecoat gin. Overseeing the Garden Room program will be Revival’s new lead bartender Ian Clark—a local industry veteran who has nearly 20 years of experience managing spots such as Peter’s Inn, Penny Black, Nacho Mama’s, and Modern Cook Shop.

THB Bagels & Deli Expanding to Owings Mills: On the heels of announcing a forthcoming location in Columbia last month, the owners of THB Neighborhood Bagelry + Deli are expanding their footprint yet again. A sixth location of the beloved breakfast-and-lunch spot will open at Mill Station, the site of the former Owings Mills Mall, this summer. But the growth isn’t stopping there—the family-owned business plans to open two additional locations annually through 2025. For now, Owings Mills and Columbia locals can get excited to have the signature New York-style bagels and sandwiches right in their backyard.

OPEN

Uptown Abbey: This cleverly named Abbey Burger Bistro spinoff is now officially up and running in Mt. Washington. After years of operating locations in Federal Hill, Ocean City, and Fells Point, husband-and-wife owners Russ and Marigot Miller—along with business partner Jason Zink of Smaltimore—have expanded yet again, bringing their outside-of-the-box burgers, greasy tots, spiked milkshakes, and pages-long beer list to the former home of The Nickel Taphouse. Featuring fresh bar tops, new flooring, and roll-up style garage doors, the revived corner spot offers the classic Abbey sports-bar vibe along with a few new additions to the menu. Aside from the signature burgers (this month’s featured meats include wild boar, camel, and New Zealand red deer), be on the lookout for steamed seafood offerings like Gulf shrimp with Old Bay, PEI mussels in garlic sauce, and little neck clams with butter.

Bambao: Earlier this week, the former Manchurian Rice Co. space in Harbor East made its debut as this Asian-fusion destination for bao buns and bubble tea. Created with feedback from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School students, the mindful concept highlights dishes including Sambal honey fried chicken, bulgogi short rib buns with pickled Asian pear, pork and crab fried rice, and Buddha bowls topped with pearled barley and edamame. Bambao will also offer origami as an activity for diners to enjoy in the zen space—which features dark woods, neutral tones, interior greenery, and a mural by Kelly Walker of ArtStar Paintworks.

Old Line Cocktail and Wine Bar: As this Highlandtown distillery gets ready to release its eight-year-old American single malt whiskey this weekend, the team is also celebrating the launch of its new satellite bar inside Cross Street Market in Federal Hill. Co-founders Arch Watkins and Mark McLaughlin have collaborated with the team at the newly renovated market to dream up the concept for the bar—which will pour local beer and wine, and, of course, focus on cocktails made with Old Line’s award-winning whiskies and rums. Just in time for the chilly temperatures, the bar has introduced warming happy hour deals such as $5 rum apple ciders and $1-off wine and beer.

SHUT

The Laughing Pint: Sadly, this year’s annual “Misfit Thanksgiving” potluck at The Laughing Pint will be the last. After 13 years, owner Shannon Cassidy is passing the torch to new owners who will introduce another concept, but she says she’s leaving the beloved Highlandtown hangout in “wonderful hands.” A closing party will be held on Saturday, November 23, followed by the potluck and official last day on Thanksgiving. “I am so thankful for the love and support we have received over the past 13 years,” Cassidy announced via Facebook.

Sam’s Canterbury Cafe: Last weekend, this Tuscany-Canterbury community spot shuttered its doors for good. “With mixed emotions and heavy hearts, we have made the difficult decision to close the cafe,” husband-and-wife owners Michael and Jennifer Myers announced via Facebook. “We thank each and every one of you for supporting the mission as well as making a lifetime of memories at the cafe.” The two opened the spot nearly three years ago as a place to provide meaningful employment for their son, Sam, as well as other adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Not only was the inviting hangout known for its baked goods, coffee drinks, and breakfast sandwiches, but it was also praised for its thoughtful design (minimal patterns and earthy tones) and programming catered toward those living with ASD. Here’s hoping we’ll see Sam’s smiling face elsewhere sometime soon.

COMING SOON

Abbey Burger Bistro: Husband-and-wife owners Russ and Marigot Miller—along with their business partner Jason Zink of Smaltimore—have already graced Federal Hill, Fells Point, and Ocean City with their mouthwatering burgers and tots. This fall, they’re expanding yet again with another Abbey spinoff in the former home of The Nickel Taphouse in Mt. Washington. This time around, the team is partnering with chef Patrick Morrow to add to Abbey’s sports bar vibe with seafood steamers like shrimp and clams. “We want to use the Abbey concept and keep some of the exotic meats, but also add some things to broaden it up a little bit,” Russ says.

A renovation will yield new floors and revamped bars that will emphasize local and Belgian craft drafts. Of course, in keeping with Abbey tradition, the plan is for the bar to be a hub for European soccer matches. Having grown up in the area, Russ adds that he’s excited to enhance the dining scene in North Baltimore. “Our food scene in Baltimore is continuing to grow and get better and better,” he says. “It’s exciting that we’re stepping up our food game and it’s being recognized from all over.” 1604 Kelly Ave.

On Top Hot Dogs + Burgers: Chef Federico Tischler is shifting his focus from Venezuelan street food to all-American classics at his stall inside R. House in Remington. This Friday, the former White Envelope concept will transform into On Top Hot Dogs + Burgers, Tischler’s new brainchild inspired by his grandmother’s ability to whip up meals using whatever she could find in the refrigerator. “You learn how to cook using recipes, but at the same time, using associations and the ingredients available to you,” he says in a statement. In keeping with that mentality, Tischler will highlight hot dogs topped with mish-mashed ingredients. (The signature “Bullet on the Blue Sky” dog comes dressed with bacon, cheddar cheese, red cabbage, and ground crispy plantains.) Additionally, the menu features classic burgers with DIY toppings including everything from fried egg to confit cherry tomatoes and 12 different sauces. 301 W. 29th St.

Papi’s Tacos: It’s an exciting month for this Fells Point taqueria best known for its Mexican street vibe and killer margaritas. Not only is the Aliceanna Street staple celebrating its fifth birthday this week, but a second Papi’s is expected to debut any day now in the former home of Dimitri’s Tavern in Hampden. Opening across the street from its sister-restaurant Wicked Sisters on Falls Road, the new location will mimic the style of the flagship with its signature antojitos (small snacks) and build-your-own street tacos in a space decorated with interior greenery and lots of sugar skulls. While patiently awaiting the new opening, fans of the restaurant are invited to celebrate Papi’s big birthday at the Fells Point location tonight. Swing by for specials including $5 house margaritas and house wines, $4 sangria, $3 draft beers, and $3 shots of tequila. 1703 Aliceanna St. 410-299-8480

NEWS

Yelp Names Baltimore a Top Foodie City: On the heels of last week’s James Beard Award semifinalists announcement, the national acclaim keeps rolling in for the local dining scene. This week, Yelp ranked Baltimore among its top 10 foodie cities throughout the country. In compiling the list, Yelp’s data science team examined factors such as ratings, reviews, cuisine diversity, and percentage of food photos to determine where users love to eat right now. Coming in at No. 9, Baltimore’s write-up gives nods to our casual pubs, award-winning chefs, and food halls—specifically mentioning spots such as Water for Chocolate and Annabel Lee Tavern. We’re in the company of famous foodie hubs including St. Louis, Houston, San Diego, Honolulu, and San Francisco.

Grand Central Sold to Landmark Partners: It’s the end of an era for this decades-old dance club in Mt. Vernon, a landmark in the LGBTQ community, which was put on the market by longtime owner Don Davis more than a year ago. “My heart has always been there,” Davis told us after making the decision in 2017. “I’ve met so many wonderful people in the past couple of decades. I’ll miss it, but it’s just time.” Last week, it was announced that the club had finally sold to local developers Landmark Partners—the firm behind the City House coworking space located just a few blocks away from Grand Central on Eager Street. For now, the bar remains open under new management, but in the coming months the new owners plan to transform the space into an office building with two retail storefronts on the street level. Stay tuned for more updates. 1001 N. Charles St. 410-752-7133

Sandlot Sets Spring Reopening Date: The current frigid temperatures might make it difficult to envision sipping frozen cocktails at Sandlot in Harbor Point, but the waterfront hangout will be back up and running before we know it. The Woodberry Kitchen sister-spot will officially reopen for the season on May 3. Throughout the past two summers, we’ve gotten to know the beach-themed peninsula as a social spot for enjoying lawn games, live music, and eats on a stick. This time around, expect all of the same attractions with a slew of new events including silent disco parties, plant workshops with B. Willow, wine tastings with Old Westminster Winery, and sunset cruises on board the Baltimore Water Taxis. 1000 Wills St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

3/8: International Women’s Day at Topside
Gather your favorite boss babes and head up to Topside on the 14th floor of Hotel Revival for this Women’s Day celebration benefiting My Sister’s Place—a local resource center serving women and children experiencing homelessness in the city. The bar will be offering $5 wine specials for all of the ladies, and from 5-9 p.m., a percentage of all purchases will be donated to the cause. Aside from the wine, the bar team will feature a special cocktail dubbed the “Friday Evening”—a nod to Baltimore suffragist and philanthropist Mary Elizabeth Garrett and her friends. 101 W. Monument St. 410-727-7101

3/11: Moccagatta Wine Dinner at Cinghiale
Next week, Cinghiale in Harbor East is welcoming master vintner Martina Minuto all the way from the Barbaresco in Piedmont region of Italy. The wine-making expert works on her family’s estate in Barbaresco, which has roots dating back to the 1800s, and will pair several of their wines with a special menu by executive chef James Lewandowski. Dishes on deck will include roasted forest mushroom bruschetta, beef tenderloin with smoked potato puree, and a hazelnut cake with dark chocolate cherry sauce. 822 Lancaster St. 410-547-8282. $129

SHUT

Lupa: Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group served the last meal at its Roman trattoria in Columbia last weekend. After transitioning from Petit Louis in January of 2018, Lupa quickly became a neighborhood spot for housemade pasta, focaccia pizzas, and some of the best gelato this side of the pond. “We love Lupa and will miss Howard County and all of our regular guests,” Foreman Wolf co-owner Tony Foreman said in a statement. Foreman went on to explain that the restaurant’s investors were no longer interested in funding the spot. “We’re proud and grateful for our time here.” 10215 Wincopin Cir, Columbia

Trinacria Cafe: Stationed on West Centre Street across from Mount Vernon Marketplace, this neighborhood cafe is a go-to for glasses of wine paired with Italian pastas and subs. (Not to mention the lively drag brunches.) But, for the time being, regulars are going to have to visit Trinacria’s decades-old flagship market on West Paca Street to quell cravings. Owner Vince Fava posted a handwritten note to the cafe’s front door last week, which announced that the spot will be closed “until further notice.” Luckily, the downtown deli is open for business to hold everyone over until the Mt. Vernon location—hopefully—reopens in the coming weeks. 111 W. Centre St.

EAT

Dec. 1: Old Thyme Christmas

Location & times vary, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

Fells Point already feels otherworldly thanks to its storied history and cobblestone charm, but, for the 15th year, the neighborhood will transform into a winter wonderland during this annual fête. Snap pictures with Santa Claus after he arrives by tugboat at 9 a.m., and then join Ol’ St. Nick for all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets at waterfront staples like Abbey Burger, Alexander’s Tavern, and The Admiral’s Cup. Stick around to compete in eggnog-drinking and “carole-oke” contests, and then cap off the night by witnessing the annual tree lighting in Broadway Square and the Lighted Boat Parade floating down the harbor.

DRINK

Dec. 2: Patterson Park 5K, Fun Run, and Homebrew Tasting

2601 E. Baltimore St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $15-45.

If you’ve ever jogged the length of Patterson Park and craved an ice-cold beer afterward, this is the race for you. At this seventh annual fundraiser for Patterson Park Public Charter School, start your afternoon with a one-mile or 5K run. Then, once you catch your breath, head over to the beer garden to sample local homebrew submissions. Cast your vote for your favorite pour, and spend the rest of the afternoon sipping beers by Full Tilt Brewing and jamming to live music by area acts Black Eyed Boh and Chris Diller.

SEE

Dec. 2: Mayor’s Christmas Parade

4207 Edgehill Ave. 1-5 p.m. Free.

Celebrate the first weekend of the holiday season with this 46th annual parade that leads a jolly assortment of local marching bands, giant balloons, festive floats, a fleet of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and, of course, Santa Claus and Miss Yuletide through the streets of Medfield and Hampden. Join thousands of onlookers along the two-and-a-half-mile parade route—which begins at Poly Western High School, winds down Cold Spring Lane, and ends at 37th Street—to catch some candy, sip on hot cocoa, and give a wave to Mayor Catherine Pugh.

HEAR

Dec. 2: The Beach Boys

The Modell Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 6-9 p.m. $50-120.50.

Of all of the bands that have shaped the history of pop music, these iconic, California-loving boys are still at the top of the list. And while the whole band isn’t back together, you can feel all of the good vibrations and hear original bandmate Mike Love croon to sun-kissed hits like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” on the Lyric stage. As an added bonus to a night filled with beachy favorites, a copy of Love’s new collection of holiday songs, Reason for the Season, is included with every ticket.

DO

Dec. 1: Night of 100 Elvises

Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. $55-1,500.

Dust off your white jumpsuit and blue suede shoes—the most rockin’ Elvis-themed party of the year is back and groovier than ever. This 25th extravaganza dedicated to the King of Rock n’ Roll boasts three rooms (Calvert Ballroom, The Jungle Room, and the Viva Las Vegas Lounge) filled with back-to-back performances by tribute artists and impersonators that will keep you swiveling your hips all night long. While the music is the main event, don’t forget to admire the vintage memorabilia, Elvis ice carving, and, above all else, grab a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich for the ride home.

Nothing warms your soul quite like a hearty bowl of chili or a craft beer on a cold day. In years past, local homebrewing club Baltibrew has brought the two together for its annual Chilibrew competition at Zion Lutheran Church.

“Obviously chili is a great fall favorite,” says Jacob Wolf, a longtime Baltibrew member. “And there’s nothing better than spicy chili with a cold beer. When you pair the two together, they make a great team.”

Aside from the seasonal appeal, Wolf adds that the pairing also makes sense conceptually. He says that, much like beer, chili is versatile and allows home cooks to really get creative with their recipes.

“There are all different types of beers and people like to seek out their own unique styles,” he says. “Chili has that same draw. A home cook can take a favorite chili recipe and make it their own in that same spirit of making home-brewed beer.”

In honor the official start of chili season, we rounded up some of the best recipes in town. Here’s where to get your fix:

Abbey Burger Bistro: Head to this beloved burger spot, which has locations on both sides of the harbor and a new addition in Mt. Washington, to sample “Big Al’s” chili made Southern style with a signature blend of spices. Order a bowl as a starter, or go all out with the cavatappi chili mac and cheese. Multiple locations including 1041 Marshall St. 443-453-9698.

Baltimore Soup Company: The daily rotation at this Towson soup spot includes a Texas beef chili that stews angus beef with green peppers, kidney beans, green chiles, onions, garlic, and Southwestern seasonings. The eatery offers specialty soup orders by the gallon if you’re hoping to stock up for the cold season. 3 W. Chesapeake Ave., Towson, 443-275-2325

Duda’s Tavern: Regulars at this decades-old staple in Fells Point rave about its crab cakes and burger specials. But another must-try on the menu is the house chili bake, which is a safe bet if you need to warm up on a cold day. The dish tops mild chili with onions, housemade croutons, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese and warms it all together in the oven. 1600 Thames St. 410-276-9719

Five and Dime Ale House: If you need a spot to retreat from the cold while strolling along the Avenue in Hampden, head inside this corner pub to choose from a lengthy list of local beers, sandwiches, flatbreads, tacos, and other snacks. You can’t go wrong starting things off with a cup of sweet-and-spicy alehouse chili garnished with sour cream and shreds of cheddar. 901 W. 36th St. 443-835-2179

The Flying Avocado Cafe: Vegans frequently flock to this health-conscious cafe in Owings Mills for colorful salads and dairy-free dishes. The bright eatery also makes a killer vegan chili with black, pinto, and kidney beans, as well as crushed tomatoes and a blend of chili spices. 10210 S. Dolfield Rd., Owings Mills. 443-471-2600

G&A Restaurant: Since 1927, this Highlandtown favorite has been slinging its signature Coney Island hot dogs topped with onions, ketchup, mustard, cheese, and, of course, an age-old chili sauce. The recipe, which was featured on an episode of Food Network’s Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, blends ground beef with paprika, celery salt, and chili powder. 3802 Eastern Ave. 410-276-9422

Max’s Taphouse: It only makes sense that this Fells Point corner bar—which features thousands of bottles, five casks, and more than 100 taps—would incorporate beer into its chili recipe. The hearty helping is topped with the classic cheese and onions and served in a bread bowl with tortilla chips. 737 S. Broadway. 410-675-6297

Mother’s Grille: Snag a seat at this Federal Hill hangout to catch a game while digging into traditional tailgate fare. Aside from the stellar Buffalo wings, soft pretzels, and nachos, Mother’s also highlights a black bean chili made with seasoned ground beef. Customize your bowl with toppings like bacon, cheese, and sour cream. 1113 S. Charles St. 410-244-8686

Pickles Pub: This pregame spot across from Camden Yards has all of the essential sports snacks. (Don’t miss the namesake beer-battered pickles.) The soup menu lists Guinness stew, a classic Maryland crab, and the fan-favorite “Gameday Chili” made with ground beef and topped with fresh jalapeño, onions, cheddar, and sour cream. 520 Washington Blvd. 410-752-1784

Spirits Tavern: At this cozy watering hole in Upper Fells Point, the “Hot Rod Chili” served with house tortilla chips is a staple. On Mondays, order a bowl of the Natty Boh-infused soup either simple style or topped with “the works” (onions, sour cream, and cheese). 1901 Bank St. 410-563-1612

French fries might be the most popular complement to a hearty burger or sandwich, but there’s something to be said for a quality order of crispy kettle chips. (Though we do also love a good bag of Utz from time to time.) Some of the area’s most addictive sliced spuds can be found at Todd Conner’s in Fells Point, where longtime cook Eric Mason fries up hundreds per day.

“Surprisingly, we get a lot of people who ask for chips as a side as opposed to French fries,” says Mason, who has been manning the kitchen for the past decade. “Actually, we have quite a few regular customers who come in to order them with their lunch and then take some with them to go. And we even have some who come in and say they just want chips.”

The process, says Mason, involves thinly slicing the crisps and deep-frying them in 350-degree oil. He cooks them until they’re golden brown, drains the excess grease, and then coats both sides in a powdered ranch seasoning to give them their signature flavor.

“People really like that we serve them warm,” he says. “But other than that, there’s really no secret ingredient. We just like to put a little extra love into them, of course.”

Aside from Todd Conner’s, there are plenty of other pubs whose house-made chips are sure to satisfy snack cravings. Here are our picks:

Abbey Burger Bistro: Though it seems like the side options are endless (think waffle fries, fried pickles, sweet potato fries, and tots), you can’t go wrong pairing one of Abbey’s massive burgers with a side of golden-brown crisps. If the salty snacks leave you with a sweet tooth craving, order one of the famed Berger Cookie shakes for dessert. Multiple locations including 1041 Marshall St., 443-453-9698

Delia Foley’s: The baskets lined with green-and-white checkered paper at this Irish staple in South Baltimore come overflowing with house-cooked kettle chips. The crisps are fried until golden brown and tossed in a signature Texas dry rub seasoning (cayenne, chili powder, onion, garlic, and salt), and served alongside all of the pub’s sandwiches, wraps, and grilled cheeses. 1439 S. Charles St., 443-682-9141.

Mt. Washington Tavern: You can’t go wrong with a crab cake or shrimp salad sandwich paired with an order of fried lattice chips at this Mt. Washington haunt, which has become a go-to for dinners with friends and cocktails in the upstairs Skybar. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903

Nick’s Fish House: There’s nothing quite like a crab cake, shrimp salad, or pit beef sandwich on the patio at this waterfront dining destination in South Baltimore. But to make the meal even better, Nick’s serves all of its sandwiches with a side of crispy, house-made chips. Throw on your sunglasses and treat yourself to the perfect pairing—and be sure to order an Orange Crush for good measure.

The Velvet Chocolatier: Okay, okay. Chocolate-covered potato chips might not sound like the most conventional combo. But hear us out: The unique confections made at Ruthie Carliner’s Pikesville shop are a perfect combination of salty and sweet. A 6-oz. box of dark chocolate-dipped waffle potato chips goes for $25 and can be purchased online.

RegionAle: This Canton sandwich spot—which also operates its flagship in Ellicott City—tosses its house-fried crisps with signature salt and pepper, salt and vinegar, and Old Bay seasonings. They also fry up sweet potato chips, if that’s your preference. Stop in today to pair your hearty sandwich—think: everything from a toasty Cubano to Buffalo cauliflower on a roll—with a $1 order of chips in honor of National Potato Chip Day.

In true Charm City fashion, local business owners are doing their part to help after Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston and other parts of Southeast Texas and Louisiana last week—leaving more than 30,000 people displaced. Among the business owners aiding relief is chef Chad Gauss, who has vowed to donate 50 percent of all brunch sales at his Pikesville restaurant La Food Marketa to relief efforts this Sunday, September 3.

“Any time that there’s a problem that comes out of people’s control, no matter how hard you try to prepare, it’s just never enough,” Gauss says. “We thought it would be a good opportunity to put some good will out there and pay it forward to another part of the country.”

The fundraiser will feature the spot’s signature south-of-the-border-influenced brunch plates including turkey sausage tacos, classic Huevos Rancheros, and griddled French toast with a pineapple-almond crumble.

“A lot of people are looking for a way to give and don’t quite know how to,” he says. “This is a really uncomplicated way for people to support. And they get something in return.”

Here are a few other local businesses doing their part to give back:  

Abbey Burger Bistro: Co-owner Jason Zink is planning a fundraiser to benefit his friends Andrew and Chris Fox (the brothers behind Annapolis hotspots Vida Taco Bar, Fox’s Den, and Level) who opened Baltimore-inspired restaurant 495 Chesapeake Eats in Rockport, Texas only six months ago. The tavern, which the storm devastated in its wake, serves as an ode to Charm City with staples like crab cakes, pit beef, Maryland crab soup, and jumbo shrimp with Old Bay. On Wednesday, September 6, from 5 p.m.-2 a.m., both of Abbey Burger Bistro’s locations in Fells Point and Federal Hill will be donating $4 of every $6 Deep Eddy vodka drink to help the restaurant rebuild, and continue giving Texans a taste of Baltimore. “I’ve known Chris and Andrew for 20 years,” Zink says. “If anybody can rebound, it’s the two of them.” 811 S. Broadway, 410-522-1428

Avenue Kitchen and Bar: The former Le Garage space in Hampden is hosting a special wine tasting to support the cause. Snag a seat at the bar on Tuesday, September 19 to sample 12 worldly sauvignon blancs and a few from Texas. All proceeds from the event will be donated directly to the Red Cross. The ticketed sampling costs $25, and all attendees will be offered a 20 percent-off discount for their meal following the tasting. 911 W. 36th St., 443-961-8515

Becket Hitch and Wee Chic Boutique: These Lutherville neighbors are partnering with local infant support organization ShareBaby to help send diapers to families affected by the disaster. On Saturday, September 2, both boutiques will be donating a portion of their sales to the Texas Diaper Bank, which works to donate diapers and other supplies to infants and seniors in need. Multiple locations including 2360 Joppa Road, Ste. 110, 410-296-4818

The Charmery: In an effort to do their part, husband-and-wife owners David and Laura Alima are recreating one of the signature flavors from their favorite Houston creamery Chocolate Wasted Ice Cream. Swing by the Hampden shop this weekend to sample the spin on a Chocolate Wasted classic, which mixes a cherry and poppyseed base with white chocolate bits throughout. All proceeds will benefit the Chocolate Wasted owners and their efforts to help the community rebuild. 801 W. 36th St., 410-814-0493

Old Westminster Winery: Vigneron Drew Baker posted a video to Facebook earlier this week pledging Old Westminster’s support of the victims in Houston. The winery has set a goal of raising $10,000 throughout the month of September by donating 20 percent of all online and tasting room sales to the Red Cross. 1550 Old Westminster Road, Westminster, 410-881-4656

Parts & Labor: Spike Gjerde’s Remington meat mecca is supporting the cause the best way it knows how—by breaking down a whole prime steer sourced from Southwest Baltimore’s Old Line Custom Meat Company. This weekend, 100 percent of all sales from the cuts—both in the restaurant and its butcher shop up front—will be donated directly to flood victims in Houston. 2600 N. Howard St., 443-873-8887

Relief Show Featuring SONiA disappear fear: Local indie musician Sonia Rutstein, more fondly known as SONiA disappear fear, has organized a benefit show at the Corner Community Center in Roland Park this Sunday, September 3 at 7 p.m. The concert’s lineup also features performers Tret Fure, Tom Prasada Rao, Seth Kibel, Sarah Pinsker, and George Jessup. Tickets range from $10-18, with proceeds benefitting the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund established by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, as well as other charities including the Houston Food Bank and Organizacion Latina de Trans en Texas. 5802 Roland Ave.

Baltimore Ravens Make Sizable Donation: The Ravens announced Thursday that the organization would be donating $1 million to disaster relief efforts in Houston. The funds will be given to the United Way of Central Houston, and divided among the United Way Relief Fund for Hurricane Harvey, the Salvation Army of Houston, and the Red Cross. The organization is urging fans to join the NFL in donating to the Red Cross here. 

Sweet Elizabeth Jane: This Ellicott City boutique—which was hit hard during the flood devastation on Main Street last summer—is no stranger to the concept of rebuilding. “The generosity of so many of you got us through, so we know that any amount is helpful,” the shop posted to its Facebook page. In keeping with this sentiment, Sweet Elizabeth Jane will be donating 15 percent of all sales to relief efforts from September 2-4. 8289 Main St., Ellicott City, 410-465-6400