OPEN

OneDo Coffee Roasters: The Canton neighborhood lost one java destination when Firehouse Coffee closed last December. But caffeine-addicts can now get their fix at OneDo Coffee Roasters, which is having a soft opening today through Saturday. Throughout the weekend, the shop will be offering free coffee and tea while supplies last, as well as a 20 percent discount off entire purchases. Menu offerings include lattes, mochas, pour over, affogato, and Japanese iced coffee. 913 S. Lakewood Avenue, 410-736-9084

Shoyou Sushi: Since opening in 2012, owner Bruce Lee—more fondly known as Sushi Bruce—has gained a significant following with his colorful rolls and overstuffed sushi burritos at this Federal Hill favorite. Recently, Lee ditched his baby-sized digs and moved the restaurant to a larger space across the street that has seating for 40. Lee recently told SouthBmore.com that the larger kitchen at 1450 Light Street will provide him with more space to serve his signature rolls, as well as new ramen offerings. 1450 Light St., 410-685-2989

NEWS

The Orient: When this York Road staple shuttered its doors two years ago, Towson locals were forced to search elsewhere for quality orders of shrimp fried rice and General Tso’s chicken. But, as it turns out, owner David Huang chose not to renew his lease at the decades-old restaurant to focus on renovating a new space that he had purchased a few blocks up. And now, Huang is finally ready to reopen the celebrated Chinese food destination at 416 York Road—a storefront sandwiched between The Melting Pot and The Real Thing near Towson Circle. According to reports by The Sun, the 99-seat space will serve all of The Orient’s signature sushi rolls and family-style platters. Look out for classics like lo mein, Szechuan-style meats and vegetables, and massive eggrolls when the spot opens its doors later this month. 416 York Road.

Baltimore Whiskey Company: This Remington distillery is celebrating a huge milestone this month. The brand is preparing to launch its oak-barreled Epoch Rye—which not only serves as its inaugural line of whiskey, but also marks the first rye whiskey distilled in Baltimore in nearly 75 years. The 100-proof spirit, which has been in the making since Baltimore Whiskey Company (BWC) debuted in 2015, combines a ratio of 70-percent rye grains to 30-percent rye malt, and has classic notes of cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and honey.  Epoch Rye officially launches at the Remington facility on March 17, and will be available at area bars and liquor stores soon after. The release comes at a transformative time for BWC, which is preparing to move its operations to the new Union Collective space in Medfield this spring. Says BWC co-founder Max Lents: “It’s appropriate that our Epoch Rye being released right before we make such big steps forward.”  2800 Sisson St., 443-687-9099

Bluegrass Tavern: A rebrand is on the horizon for this South Baltimore corner bar, which has long been a destination for whiskey cocktails paired with Southern comfort fare. (So long for now to the hot fried chicken and bacon mac and cheese.) Last week, management took to Facebook to announce that the restaurant is switching things up come spring. “Moving forward, we will have a new dining concept to serve our community better,” the message reads. “Over the years we have made excellent memories and awesome friends. We look forward to the transition and continuing the opportunity to serve new dishes, innovative cocktails, and local craft beers.” 1500 S. Hanover St., 410-244-5101

EPICUREAN EVENTS

3/13-18: Ekiben Turns Two
College buddies-turned-food entrepreneurs Steve Chu, Nikhil Yesupriya, and Ephrem Abebe changed the game two years ago when they found a permanent home in Fells Point for their Korean-fusion pop-up. Since then, they’ve not only been blessing the masses with their signature steamed buns and rice bowls, but they’ve also collaborated to create some epic food mashups with the likes of Clavel, Wet City, and The Local Fry. Next week, Ekiben is celebrating its big birthday in style with a weeklong pop-up series. Catch the guys at their shop to experience culinary collaborations with Tagliata, Blacksauce Kitchen, La Cuchara, Jumbo Seafood, and The Local Oyster throughout the week. The series will culminate with a special Filipino Kamayan (eat-with-your-hands-style) dinner prepared by Chu and chef Ben Lefenfeld at La Cuchara, featuring sticky rice, crispy suckling pig, grilled short ribs, and spring rolls. 1622 Eastern Ave., 410-558-1914

3/15: Bartenders vs. Baristas Cocktail Competition
Ceremony Coffee Roasters is getting in on the Coffee Fest fun by hosting this java-fueled cocktail competition next week. A handful of local bartenders and baristas will go head-to-head to create unique cocktails that combine Ceremony brews with any alcohol of their choice. The winning drink will be featured on the shop’s spring menu and, to sweeten the deal, a portion of the proceeds from the drink will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation throughout the season. Ceremony Coffee Roasters Harbor Point, 1312 Point St., 6:30-9:30 p.m., $10, 410-601-3561.

SHUT

Bruce Lee Wings: As Cross Street Market continues to trek forward with its restoration plans, this longtime vendor is on its way out. Owner Bruce Lee (unrelated to the aforementioned Sushi Bruce) took to Facebook last week to announce that his stall—a longtime destination for crispy wings and loaded burgers—would officially be closing on March 31 after a 27-year run in the market. But this might not be the last we see of Lee, as neighbors have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help him find a new spot to reopen. “I don’t believe anyone is sadder about this than he is,” longtime customer Megan Lafferty writes on the page. “The market has been his home for almost 30 years. This will be a hard chapter for Bruce to close.” 1065 S. Charles St., 410-837-6081

The Bun Shop: The downtown location of this homegrown coffee shop has closed its doors. The artsy eatery and late-night study spot at 30 Light Street opened in 2016, and became a go-to for worldly eats and drinks like Hong Kong-style coffee and Paraguayan empanadas. Luckily, The Bun Shop’s flagship in Mt. Vernon is still going strong, and an additional location in Towson is on track to open in the coming weeks.  30 Light St.

Play Cafe: After nearly three years, co-owners Ryan Sterner and Kathy Schott have made the decision to close their kid-friendly haven in Hampden on Friday, March 23. “It has been an agonizing decision to come to, both because we love what we do and feel the love from all of you,” the duo posted to Facebook last week. “But, as many of you with young families can relate, other opportunities have arisen that are better suited for us at this stage of life.” The business has been for sale since the fall, when Sterner announced that he would be moving overseas with his family. The owners hope that a new buyer will maintain the original concept, which has offered family-friendly food, games, and activities to the community throughout its run. 3400 Chestnut Ave., 410-469-9784

Wine Market Bistro: The days are also numbered for this Locust Point mainstay, which has paired its fancy fare with worldly wines for the past 13 years. “The bistro side was not hitting the necessary numbers,” owner Chris Spann tells us. “I’m proud of the unique history that the Wine Market has in the hospitality industry in Baltimore, and I’m blessed to have worked with a who’s who of talented chefs.” Although the spot’s front bar and wine shop will remain open, the dining room will close on Saturday, March 17. To commemorate the restaurant’s history, Spann will be offering $13 off select bottles from now until the last night of service. 921 E. Fort Ave., 410-244-6166

SHUT

Bel-Loc Diner: Sadly,
this weekend will be the last for locals to sip piping-hot coffee at
one of the hallowed booths inside the Bel-Loc Diner. We can’t say we
didn’t see it coming. Last summer, a spokesperson for the 53-year-old
Parkville landmark announced that, facing retirement, owner Bill Doxanas
had entered into a deal to sell the vintage spot to Starbucks
Corporation—which planned to raze the building to make way for a coffee
shop with a drive-thru window. From there it was only a waiting game.
Despite a staunch effort from local nonprofit Preservation Maryland, the
current structure will not be able to be maintained when Starbucks
moves in. The Bel-Loc, fittingly named after the Baltimore beltway and
its location in Loch Raven, has long been a gathering place for locals
looking to scarf down pancakes, jam to jukebox oldies, and meet with
neighbors over paper placemats.
1700 E. Joppa Road., 410-668-2525

Cafe Cito: Hampden
locals took to social media earlier this week to lament the loss of
this beloved breakfast-and-lunch spot. “No words can describe our love
for your support over these past three years,” owner Dave Sherman wrote
in a message posted to Facebook. “To my Cito Crew, by far the best crew
I’ve ever worked with, one million thank you’s.” Sherman, who opened
breakfast stall Ground & Griddled inside R. House in Remington last
fall, has yet to disclose the reasons behind the unexpected closure. The
shop, best known for its Spanish-inspired breakfast sandwiches, will
operate its last service on Saturday, March 25.
3500 Chestnut Ave., 443-682-9701

Bluegrass Tavern

Federal Hill
Far from
the chugging frat boys of Cross Street, just two blocks from the western
terminus of Fort Avenue, sits Bluegrass, a warm and welcoming piece of
Appalachia plunked down in Federal Hill. Decorated like an upscale
hunting lodge, Bluegrass stays on theme with a vast selection of
bourbons, ryes, and whiskeys and a southern-inflected menu. (Try the
cornbread, served in a cast-iron skillet with molasses butter.) On a
recent evening, singles and families, young and old alike, could be
found at the 12-seat bar, high-top tables, and sidewalk seats. And the
staff seemed to know them all. The cocktail menu changes seasonally, and
we happily imbibed the new Fall Shandy with Templeton Rye, Carpano
Antica Sweet Vermouth, spiced brown-sugar simple syrup, and brown ale,
reveling in its autumnal richness. 1500 South Hanover St., 410-244-5101,
bluegrasstavern.com

Bond Street Social

Fells Point
It
should be no surprise that the owners of Bond Street Social, which
opened in October 2011, include investors in Mad River Bar & Grille,
just across the harbor. While Bond Street is more upscale, the bars
share a similar meat-market vibe. There is no mistaking why patrons
flock here—guys still dressed in their investment-banking suits and
girls all gussied up in barely-there dresses. But there are certainly
other reasons to enjoy the chic spot. The interior was thoughtfully
remodeled and the décor reminds us of an urban ski chalet: indoor
fireplaces, dark red walls, and log-cabin accents. The menu is filled
with contemporary concepts, like shared plates and drinks. (Cocktail
pitchers are a whopping 80 ounces.) We’re intrigued by a liquid-nitrogen
martini, which arrives smoking, and we’re warned not to drink it for
two minutes to avoid cold burns from the -320-degree-liquid. Sure, it’s
contrived, but the peach-flavored cocktail is delicious. While the house
music pulses, we realize it would be easy to judge this place, but it’s
way more fun to play along. 901 S. Bond Street, 443-449-6234, bondstreetsocial.com

DogWatch Tavern

Fells Point
Drink
at DogWatch Tavern 30 straight days and they’ll put your name on the
back of a bar stool. We start our streak after another miraculous O’s
victory on a Tuesday night in September. The place is filled with fans,
many drawn, no doubt, by the $5 Boh-and-brat special. With leather
couches more comfortable than what we have at home facing a bank of TVs
bigger than ours, it’s a fantastic place to watch a game. Or play one.
From a host of the board variety (we could spend all day playing Trivial
Pursuit while sipping $2 Natty Boh drafts) to skee ball, DogWatch is
the perfect bar for those who like a little competition with their
drink. After polishing off nachos with chicken chili, we plop down on
one of the couches and decide we’ll never leave. They politely bounce us
at closing time, but we’ll be back. Twenty-nine more visits to go. 709
S. Broadway, 410-276-6030, dogwatchtavern.com

The Harp

Nottingham
No
one at The Harp—or anywhere else on Earth—is having more fun this
Friday night than the six fiftysomethings sitting around the tall table
in the back corner of the massive bar room. The place is packed with
drinkers of all ages, none of whom are downing car bombs with as much
enthusiasm as this bunch. While people who were born in the ’80s drink
draft beer and watch the O’s, the golden group is partying with purpose
sufficient enough to make the Irish, who inspired the theme here, proud.
They’re not fooling with plates of meaty wings, fat waffle fries, or
sensational crab fritters. That would only distract from the libation.
They don’t care that they’re in a suburban strip mall, or that the
blaring band makes conversation difficult. They know a great bar is
about service, surroundings, and soul, all of which The Harp has in
plentiful supply. 8706 Belair Road, 410-529-4277, theharprestaurant.com

Hersh’s Pizza & Drinks

Riverside
This
new addition to the South Baltimore landscape—which opened just over a
year ago—is known primarily for its wood-fired pizzas. But it’s also
evident that Hersh’s quickly has become a quintessential neighborhood
bar. On this warm fall night, young families and groups of friends
gather at the eatery’s picnic-style tables outside while, inside, they
cozy up to the rectangular bar—with its smoky gray walls, mirrored
background, and a sign that reads “Pizza for President.” Another nominee
should be head bartender Jamaal Green (formerly of Charleston), who is
whipping up drinks like a scientist in a lab—a muddling station here, a
chopping area there. In between his lightning-speed work, he greets us
with a friendly smile and tosses down two napkins, “What can I get you?”
We tell him about our weakness for ginger beer and he expertly crafts
the complex, spicy-sweet Eva Peron, one of many creative cocktails on
the menu. But, don’t ignore the beer selection: On tap tonight are gems
from Union, 21st Amendment, Dogfish Head, and Ommegang. We soak it all
up with a specialty pizza and, as we look around, are envious of most of
the patrons, lucky enough to live just around the corner. 1843 Light
Street, 443-438-4948, hershspizza.com

Hudson Street Stackhouse

Canton
Camouflaged
in the neighborhood’s brick uniform, you might mistake Hudson Street
Stackhouse for just another Canton row home. But, one step inside, and
you realize this place is special. The huge Natty Boh mural painted on
the wall signifies that beer is taken seriously. Indeed, there are
nearly 40 brews on tap, with a focus on Belgian varieties. We order a
Chimay Tripel and it’s served to us in a proper goblet. The Stackhouse
could be described as a sports bar—most patrons are clad in football
jerseys and usually it’s the go-to destination for Baltimore-based
Capitals fans. (Alas, the NHL strike has prevented such excitement this
year.) However, that hasn’t stopped locals from piling in, for the
knowledgeable bartenders, cheap food specials, and those rare,
high-proof beers. 2626 Hudson Street, 410-342-0592, hudsonstreetstackhouse.com

Kooper’s North

Lutherville-Timonium
The
original Kooper’s Tavern in Fells Point found a winning combination
with its appetizing pub grub, robust beer selection, inviting waterfront
location, and friendly barkeeps. Could it recreate the magic in the
’burbs? The answer is yes. Though Kooper’s North isn’t a carbon copy of
the original—the décor is more modern and the location is between a dry
cleaners and a picture framers in a Mays Chapel shopping center—it’s
still got enough of the original’s easygoing charm. The bartenders are
amiable and happy to chat when things are slow. The flat-screens are
most often tuned to sports. And the daily food specials popularized by
the original Kooper’s (fajitas on Mondays, burgers on Tuesdays, etc.)
remain intact. Try to make time for Belgian Thursdays, when the bar’s
many Belgian beers are discounted and the kitchen serves moules frites
(mussels and fries), $9, three different ways. 12240 Tullamore Road,
410-853-7324, koopersnorth.com

Leinenkugel’s Beer Garden

Downtown
Unlike
most downtown bars, Leinenkugel’s feels open and airy. The
glass-and-metal structure resembles a greenhouse, and, on nice days, the
roof retracts and doors open onto the beer garden, merging the indoor
and outdoor spaces. Outside, you’ll find groups huddled around
picnic-style tables or lounging in Adirondack chairs (with built-in cup
holders) by the fireplace. Its location adjacent to the Power Plant
Live! complex packs a lively crowd on weekend nights and before shows.
The bar boasts more drink options than its neighbors—more than 30 drafts
(priced by the pint, liter, and pitcher) include a respectable mix of
domestic craft brews and the bottle list has some import options. Heavy
on Leinenkugel’s own beers, of course, the selection also includes
regional favorites alongside well-known national breweries. In true
German biergarten style, plenty of communal seating provides the
opportunity to meet new people over a pint. Don’t miss the tables
installed with pour-your-own taps, because, let’s face it: No one likes
waiting for the next beer. 34 Market Place, 443-208-3316, leiniebeergarden.com

Liam Flynn’s Ale House

Station North
Some
“Irish” bars come on too strong. You feel like the owners would punch
you in the face with a shamrock if they could, so desperate are they to
impress you with their “Irishness.” But not Liam Flynn’s Ale House, and,
paradoxically, it’s all the more convincing for it. The 17-month-old
Gaelic-themed watering hole, with soft yellow walls and the eponymous
Flynn almost always behind the bar, specializes in British Isles ales,
whiskeys, and ciders, but also saves two taps out of its 15 for locally
brewed, cask-conditioned ales. It hosts live Irish music every
Wednesday, but you can find Beyoncé on the jukebox. It is a base for
fans of Glasgow Celtic and London’s Fulham football clubs, but will also
show the O’s game should patrons request it. In short, it does what any
actual Irish pub does and just focuses on being a good bar. Mission
accomplished. 22 W. North Avenue, 443-956-1702, pintsizepub.com

Rye

Fells Point
Fells
Point has enough suds-and-spuds bars to satisfy the college kids, the
happy-hour crowds, and the weekend warriors watching the games, but
where do you go if you want a grown-up night out? Until recently, the
options were few. But rejoice! There is now Rye. With its dark woods,
Edison light-bulb fixtures, and handsome (but sadly non-working) stone
fireplace, Rye is a perfect venue for a first date, anniversary
celebration, or other intimate occasion. An honest-to-God cocktail bar
(it doesn’t even have any taps, just a well-edited selection of bottled
beers), the bartenders really know their stuff. When we dithered about
what to order, the barkeep whipped up a refreshing, beautifully blended
gin fizz in a jiff. It’s easy to dither over a menu where cocktails from
the Gin-Gin Mule (Bluecoast American gin, ginger syrup, fresh lime,
mint, ginger ale) to the Freestone (Old Overholt rye whiskey, peach
liqueur, orange peel, and plum bitters on the rocks), all sound
delicious. Also, the small but sophisticated menu of small bites,
flatbreads, and sandwiches will keep us coming back. 807 S. Broadway,
443-438-3296, ryebaltimore.com

Silo.5% Wine Bar

Locust Point
Even
if you were expecting Silo.5%—located in the ritzy Silo Point
building—to be ultra-cool, a step inside confirms that you still might
not be wearing enough black to truly belong. The soaring ceilings,
phosphorescent under-bar lighting, techno-ambient soundtrack, and
hard-edged furniture underscore the cold, quasi-industrial nature of the
space. Thankfully, there’s warmth to be found in the accommodating
demeanor of the servers. Want your Key-lime martini without the
requisite splash of cream? No problem. Worried about the caffeine in
your espresso martini? They can make that with decaf coffee and go easy
on the espresso vodka. The ambitious menu includes more than 30 wines by
the glass, 200 by the bottle, an extensive selection of draft and
bottled beers, and a cocktail list reflective of all the current trends.
Food choices range from something as Spartan as cheese and crostini to
salads, pizzas, and entrees like Kobe culotte steak. Silo.5% seems ideal
for groups of four to six, all clad in your favorite black outfit, of
course. 1200 Steuart Street, 443-438-4044, silo.5winebar.com

Mt. Washington Tavern

Mt. Washington
Just
over a year ago, the venerable Mt. Washington Tavern suffered a
two-alarm fire and several million dollars in damages. But, somewhat
miraculously, the neighborhood staple is up and running again after just
12 months. The new incarnation has a much more open and fluid feel,
which is evident upon entrance—gone is the claustrophobic, wooden bar
room. Instead, there’s an airy, rustic space with stone accents and barn
siding. The garden room in the back now feels cozy—with a raw bar,
fireplace, and communal table for dining. Venturing upstairs, you’ll
find the Pimlico Room, a dining space that’s a virtual monument to the
race track. In the back, of course, is the ever popular “sky bar,” now
open year-round (with heating and air-conditioning, much to our
delight). This space feels more organic, with accordion doors that swing
open to the balcony. Fittingly, the reopening party is on
Thanksgiving Eve, a time when patrons—no matter their college graduation
year—have always returned to the tavern. 5700 Newbury Street,
410-367-6903, mtwashingtontavern.com