Last week, it was announced that Heavy Seas Beer had abandoned ship at its alehouse in Harbor East, which will soon transition into a brick-and-mortar location for local catering company Blue Dog BBQ. But the brewery is full steam ahead with another project.

“While Heavy Seas Alehouse has enjoyed serving some of Baltimore’s best craft beer and food to the local community and visitors alike, this is a great opportunity to give Blue Dog BBQ a chance to realize their dream,” Heavy Seas founder Hugh Sisson said in a statement. “It will also allow the Heavy Seas team to continue focusing on executing the expansion and renovation of the new tasting room at the brewery.”

Though diners are sad to see the alehouse go, big things are on the horizon for Heavy Seas’ brewing facility in Halethorpe, which will gradually unveil an expanded taproom and new small-batch brewery over the next year.

“We’ve been around for 23 years, and with any business you’re always looking to stay current and change with the times,” says Heavy Seas brewmaster Chris Leonard. “Taproom visitation is an enormous part of the industry as a whole. So we’ve known for a couple of years that in order to increase our fans’ experiences, we have to give them a better one here at the brewery—along with the quality of beer that they get in their homes and at bars.”

Another influence in the decision to expand was Guinness’ recent move to the neighborhood. Leonard hopes that together, the two breweries will put Halethorpe on the map for craft beer lovers.

“Certainly, Guinness opening up 1.4 miles away from here was exciting for us,” he says. “Our neighborhood is growing as a beer destination, so we want to make sure that everyone can have the best experience possible when they come spend some time here.”

The new taproom will be seven times larger than its current configuration and feature an additional space for private parties—something that Leonard says they’ve always seen a demand for but could never accommodate. Though the building itself isn’t expanding, Heavy Seas has relocated its shipping and office spaces off-site to accommodate the larger tasting area.

The new taproom’s modernized design will highlight local artwork, communal tables made from reclaimed wood, and plenty of recreation space for visitors to play games like foosball and corn hole. Plans also call for nearly doubling the size of the facility’s outdoor patio.

But perhaps the most exciting aspect of the expansion is that it will welcome a new, 15-barrel innovation brewhouse that will allow the team to create limited releases exclusively for the taproom.

“We’re going to be able to experiment and do some more freeform, hybrid-type things,” Leonard says. “It’s going to give the taproom anticipation and exploration—all of those things that you want in an experience that makes it similar but different every time you come. And we’re hoping it will keep people interested to see what’s on deck.”

Separate from Heavy Seas’ main production facility, the smaller operation will create limited IPAs, hazys, and sour beers. It will increase the number of taps from 10 to 20, providing a more diverse tasting experience.

The facility remains open throughout the renovation process, which is expected to wrap up in June 2019. Leonard, a veteran brewer with 25 years of experience in the industry, says he’s most excited to be able throw some creative releases into the mix.

“Most people know Heavy Seas for its reliability and consistency,” Leonard says, mentioning standbys like the Loose Cannon IPA. “But this will allow us to show fans of craft beer that we also do a lot of unusual things they maybe haven’t seen in the past. They’ll be able to see how far we can really stretch the boundaries.”

COMING SOON

Checkerspot Brewing: After years of anticipation, a grand opening date for this South Baltimore brewery is finally in sight. Husband-and-wife brewers Rob and Judy Neff (who has her Ph.D in microbiology), and their business partner Steve Marsh—an industry veteran who founded the cask program at Heavy Seas Beer more than a decade ago—will officially open the taproom to the public on Saturday, June 30 at 12 p.m. Named after the state butterfly of Maryland, Checkerspot will feature signature releases including the Juniperus IPA and Two Paws Ale—a pale ale brewed in collaboration with Flying Dog Brewery that is made with 100-percent local malt, galaxy hops, honey, and paw-paw fruits. 175 W. Ostend St.

Blue Dog BBQ Company: Harbor East diners have been feeling the void ever since Dinosaur Bar-B-Que closed up shop in the neighborhood earlier this year. But now, a new destination for fingerlickin’ fare is making its way into the area. Set to open in the former home of Heavy Seas Alehouse, which closed suddenly earlier this month, local catering company Blue Dog BBQ will serve its signature whole-hog fare made with a wood-only smoking method. “No gas-assisted smokers allowed!” co-owner Sean Stoll quipped in a statement. The old Heavy Seas space is housed in the historic Tack Factory Building on Bank Street, which Stoll says is “the perfect fit” for his business. “It allows us to create world class BBQ the way it was meant to be made,” he adds. Blue Dog is expected to debut next month, and will offer lunch and dinner service six nights per week. 1300 Bank St.

Cheese Galore & More: In other South Baltimore news, this longtime Cross Street Market tenant is moving into a brick-and-mortar home around the corner in Federal Hill later this month. The cheese and sweets shop will soon open in the former HarborQue space on South Charles Street, offering beer, wine, pasta sauces, baguettes, Zeke’s Coffee, and all of the essentials for building a bona fide charcuterie board. 1125 S. Charles St.

NEWS

Atlas Restaurant Group Heads to the James Beard House: The national praise keeps on coming for Atlas Restaurant Group, which is heading to New York City to serve a meal at the James Beard House next Tuesday, June 12. The collaborative dining experience—prepared by the team behind Atlas’ Harbor East spots Azumi, Ouzo Bay, Tagliata, The Elk Room, Loch Bar, and The Bygone—will bring a taste of Baltimore to the Beard House with a five-course menu and wine pairings that fuse the styles of each restaurant. Featured dishes will include char-broiled Japanese ayu and sawagani crabs, squab tortellini with beets and blueberries, octopus with fava pureé, and spring lamb diablo with English peas.

ROSÉ ALL DAY

6/9: Rosé Tastings at Chez Hugo Bistro

Chez Hugo will be offering pink wine discounts in honor of National Rosé Day this Saturday, but the specials won’t stop there. The French bistro is continuing the celebration with a recurring rosé tasting series on Tuesdays throughout the month. Stop by on Tuesday evenings from 5-7 p.m. to pair chef Steve Monnier’s French bistro fare with four pours of local rosé. Next week’s installment will feature varieties from Bacchus Importers, followed by a tasting with Old Westminster Winery on June 19. Chez Hugo Bistro, 206 E. Redwood St. 5-7 p.m. 443-438-3002

6/11: Rosé Wine Dinner at The Outpost American Tavern

The Outpost in Federal Hill will also be featuring rosé specials throughout the weekend, leading up to this special three-course pairing dinner on Monday, June 11. Reserve your spot to enjoy a welcome cocktail and eats from executive chef Jesse Sandlin, which will all be served alongside pink pairings. The Outpost American Tavern, 1032 Riverside Ave., 6:30 p.m., $50, 443-388-9113

EPICUREAN EVENTS

6/7-10: St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival

Head to Greektown Square for this four-day fête featuring arts, crafts, Greek wines, live music, dancing under the stars, and, of course, plenty of authentic eats. Get your fix of fire-roasted lamb, souvlaki, spanikopita, gyros, tzatziki, baklava and more at the decades-old community event. 701 S. Ponca St., Times vary, Free.

6/8: Friday Happy Hours at Power Plant Live
Grab your co-workers and head to this downtown entertainment district on Fridays throughout the summer for locally inspired drink deals including Wild Kombucha cocktails, boozy egg custard snowballs, traditional Orange Crushes, and strawberry margaritas with a Domino Sugar rim. Plus, there will be pop-up food trucks, live art installations, life-size board games, steel drum bands, and a live music lineup featuring national acts like Nelly on July 27 and Wyclef Jean on August 17. Power Plant Live, 34 Market Place, Free.

SHUT

Bill Bateman’s Towson: Towson University students and alumni were bummed to hear that this longtime on-campus hangout is closing its doors for good on Sunday, June 10. The local chain spot—best known for its crab pretzels, beer specials, and bottomless wings on Monday nights—first announced the closure on its Facebook page earlier this week. “We are so grateful to have been part of the Towson community for the past decade,” the post reads. “Our Monday nights will never be the same.” In an interview with the Baltimore Business Journal, co-owner Tony Gebbia cited campus construction and increased competition in the “current business environment” as the reasons behind the closure. There’s no word yet on what will become of the space. 7800 York Rd, Ste. 2, 410-296-2737

Nearly 100 dining destinations scattered across the city are perfecting their menus for Baltimore City Winter Restaurant Week, which returns in its 13th year January 12-21. With featured spots offering everything from burgers to bronzini—plus more vegan and vegetarian options than ever before—the annual prix-fixe promotion certainly boasts plenty to choose from.

“I thought originally that it was only for fancy places,” says Annabel Lee Tavern owner Kurt X. Bragunier, who is participating in Restaurant Week for the first time this season. “But I’ve learned over time that little places like mine are good candidates, too. So I figured I’d give it a shot.”

Bragunier’s ode to Edgar Allan Poe on the corner of South Clinton Street closed briefly last summer due to financial struggles. Luckily, two local investors swooped in to save the bar soon after. Now that the tavern is back on its feet, Bragunier says that he’s looking forward to really showing the community what it has to offer.

“We wanted to gear the menu toward people who haven’t been here,” he says, mentioning the restaurant’s “tried and true” dishes including its crab cakes, crispy Brussels sprouts, and duck-fat fries. “I feel really strongly about our food—it’s just all about getting people in here to try it.”

Annabel Lee is among many of the must-try spots that are participating in the 10-day deal, which offers fixed menus priced between $12-25 for a two-course lunch, and $20-35 for a three-course dinner. In an effort to help break down all of the options, we’ve put together list of recommendations for the best spots to visit—whether you’re interested in a luxurious lunch, vegetarian dishes, beer pairings, or dining near a cozy fireplace.

Best bargain: The Prime Rib
With its white linen tablecloths, leather chairs, and famous leopard-print carpet, this Midtown supper club is bursting with old-school charm. And while its entrees could typically set you back anywhere from $26-69, the swanky steakhouse is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu including all of the classics for $35 during Restaurant Week. Choose from a house salad or warm bowl of tomato soup to start, followed by main courses like filet mignon, chopped sirloin, a center-cut pork chop, imperial crab, or the namesake special cut of prime rib. End the evening on a sweet note with traditional crème brûlee, key lime pie, or chocolate mousse. 1101 N. Calvert St., $35, 410-539-1804

Beer pairings: Heavy Seas Alehouse
There are plenty of spots to sip worldly wines, but if you’re more of a beer person, Heavy Seas Alehouse has got you covered. Each of the menu’s three courses will be accompanied by 10-oz. pours of Heavy Seas favorites including the Vienna-style Cutlass lager, Peg Leg imperial stout, and the brand new Americannon pale ale. Fittingly, the menu also features beer-infused specials including beer-battered crab dip, an alehouse burger marinated in Heavy Seas’ Powder Monkey pale ale, Golden Ale mousse, and a Tropicannon bread pudding with beer-infused cream sauce. 1300 Bank St., $35, 410-522-0850

Brunch spot: Minnow
This South Baltimore spot, which has been generating buzz with its smoked cocktails and trendy black-bun burgers, is going all out for Restaurant Week. In addition to the prix-fixe dinner menu (think dishes like crispy tofu, braised beef short ribs, and a chocolate-almond tart), the spot is also offering a three-course brunch. Dig in to dishes like French toast with spiced apple compote, crispy fried chicken on a blue corn waffle, sautéed shrimp omelets, and a Snow White cake with a  vanilla-swiss buttercream. 2 E. Wells St., $22-35, 443-759-6537

Luxurious lunch: Johnny’s
Ditch the sad desk lunch and head to this Roland Park favorite for a three-course meal that starts off with either butternut squash soup with sage brown butter, or a classic Caesar salad. Then choose from options like a beer-braised short rib sandwich, chicken BLT hoagie, or a grilled shrimp kale salad with beets, goat cheese, and Marcona almonds. You can’t go wrong with ginger molasses, mocha chocolate chip, or gluten-free peanut butter cookies for dessert. 4800 Roland Ave., $20-35, 410-773-0777

Newbie: Rye Street Tavern
If you have been meaning to swing by chef Andrew Carmellini’s new tavern next to the Sagamore Spirit Distillery campus in Port Covington, Restaurant Week is an ideal opportunity. Take in the waterfront views while indulging in options like black bean soup with lime crema, cornmeal-crusted catfish with Carolina gold rice, the chef’s famous fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits and whiskey pickles, and banana pudding for dessert. 225 E. Cromwell St., $20-35, 443-662-8000, weekends excluded.

Most romantic: Annabel Lee Tavern
Nothing says amour like the melancholic-romantic style of Edgar Allan Poe. This beloved corner destination devoted to the master of macabre is an ideal date-night spot, with its dim lighting, merlot-colored walls, sculpted ravens, and vintage paintings. Glance over the handwritten menu to find dishes like chicken tortilla soup, a charred romaine and tomato salad, and comfort-food entrees like meatloaf with Applewood-bacon gravy and a mango vegetable curry served over couscous. Plus, you can make it a cheap date, since the prix-fixe menu only costs $28. 601 S. Clinton St., $28, 410-522-2929, weekends excluded.

Vegetarian offerings: Myth & Moonshine
Sip Moonshine cocktails out of a Mason jar while enjoying the farmers’ market-inspired fare at this Canton hangout. Chef Kevin Cauthorne’s three-course dinner menu features many meatless options including French onion soup, a fried goat cheese medallion in a crimson tomato sauce, and white wine-marinated eggplant fried in Cajun flour with a side of sautéed spinach and zucchini. The dessert menu also bolsters the ultra-local focus, featuring Dangerously Delicious Berger cookie pie and cheesecake from Sasscer’s Bakery in Canton. 2300 Boston St., $25-35, 410-777-5502

Best fireplace: Regi’s Bistro
Retreat from the frigid temperatures by snagging a table near the antique marble fireplace at this Federal Hill mainstay. The seasonal specialties on Regi’s Restaurant Week menu only add to the cozy vibe—with lunch options like a Bangkok chicken noodle bowl or steak quesadilla, or dinner dishes including Chilean sea bass, veal osso bucco, New York strip steak, and flourless chocolate cake. 1002 Light St., $15-34, 410-539-7344

Annabel Lee Tavern

601 S. Clinton St., 410-522-2929.

There
is something about this Edgar Allan Poe-inspired tavern that makes us
want to curl up next to the fire and sip a decadent cocktail—and they
have plenty to choose from.

Editor’s choice: The Isadore with High Grounds coffee, Fireball whiskey, Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and a whipped-cream topper.

B&O American Brasserie

2 N. Charles St., 410-692-6172.

This
hotel bar has been producing creatively crafted mixed drinks for
several years now, and its current menu—with sparkling punch bowls and
barrel-aged cocktails—is no exception.

Editor’s choice: The B&O Manhattan with Angels Envy bourbon, Port, angostura bitters, and (the kicker) maple syrup for a bit of sweetness.

Heavy Seas Alehouse

1300 Bank St, 410-522-0850.

This
Little Italy brewpub uses Heavy Seas beer in its cocktails in creative
ways, from Peg Leg liqueur in its Manhattan to Gold Ale in its shandy.

Editor’s choice: Root-beer float with two scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream in a pint glass and covered with Peg Leg Imperial Stout.

RYE

807 S. Broadway, 443-438-3296.

The cocktail bar features plenty of after-dinner cocktails, like the creamy Toro Blanco and rich Black & Tan.

Editor’s choice:
Though it’s off-menu, we recommend ordering the Little King (which is
served as a shot) with Crown Royal, cold-brewed coffee, and maple syrup.

The Abbey Burger Bistro

1041 Marshall St., 443-453-9698.

Besides
the build-your-own burgers, what impresses us most about Abbey Burger
is the list of spiked milkshakes—with flavors like Berger Cookies and
PB&J.

Editor’s choice: The Incredible Hulk with pistachio ice cream, Grand Marnier, and brownie chunks.

Liqueurs & Alcohol

Baileys Irish Cream: 17% alcohol

Grand Marnier: 40% alcohol

23: Percentage more alcohol by volume in Grand Marnier versus Baileys Irish Cream.

Of Love and Regret

The founder of Baltimore’s Stillwater
Artisanal Ales, Brian Strumke, is behind this beer-lover’s bar. For the
beer nerds, this is your go-to for rare imports and unique
collaborations. 1028 S. Conkling Street, 410-327-0760, ofloveandregret.com

Mahaffey’s Pub

With
a cask, 20 drafts, and more than 90 domestic and imported bottles,
there’s plenty to choose from. The menu’s rundown on what to expect from
each brew makes choosing a little easier. 2706 Dillon Street,
410-276-9899, mahaffeyspub.com

Pratt Street Ale House

Home
to Oliver Ales, its own beer is brewed with a system imported from the
UK. Twenty drafts, including hand-pump selections (try the Best Bitter),
will make you feel as if you’re across the pond. 206 W. Pratt Street,
410-244-8900, prattstreetalehouse.com

Heavy Seas Alehouse

All
the taps here are the brewery’s own, making this an ideal place to
imbibe a Baltimore-brewed beer. Beer enthusiasts flock for the draft and
growler specials every week and the tapping of a special firkin. 1300
Bank Street, 410-522-0850, heavyseasalehouse.com

Racers Cafe

If
you’re looking for a casual dive bar with exceptional beer, look no
further. The 13 rotating drafts and even longer bottle list include a
variety of domestic craft breweries and some hard-to-find imports. 7732
Harford Road, Parkville, 410-882-5212

Brewer’s Cask

This
may look like your typical Federal Hill bar, but on the draft list,
you’ll find a respectable variety of domestic craft beers. A bottle list
with more than 50 options and nightly specials will keep you coming
back. 1236 Light Street, 410-BREWERS, brewerscask.com

Frisco Taphouse & Brewery

A
suburban beer destination, Frisco is home to weekly brewery events. An
electronic screen provides to-the-minute updates on more than 50
drafts, and the bottle list goes beyond your standard imports. 6695
Dobbin Road, Columbia, 410-312-4907, friscogrille.com

Metropolitan Coffeehouse and Wine Bar

Every
Thursday you’ll find beer geeks huddled around this gem’s upstairs bar
for a cask night. There’s also an extensive bottle list and modest but
diverse draft selection. 902 S. Charles Street, 410-234-0235, metrobalto.com

Max’s Taphouse

Home
to Maryland’s largest beer selection, Max’s boasts 102 drafts, five
hand-pumped cask ales, and a mind-boggling 1,200 bottles. If you aren’t
sure what you want (we don’t blame you), expert bartenders are happy to
help. 737 S. Broadway, 410-675-6297, maxs.com

Alewife

The
chalkboard listing Alewife’s 40 rotating drafts includes a selection of
local craft breweries and West Coast standouts. A 90-plus bottle list
features gypsy-brewers, international imports, and rare finds. 21 N.
Eutaw Street, 410-545-5112, alewifebaltimore.com