Brusco: This new sandwich shop, adjacent to the modern-Greek restaurant Cava Mezze, joins the ever-expanding culinary scene in Harbor East. Brusco’s menu changes daily, but look for gyro-style sandwiches stuffed with beef, lamb, and tzatziki, as well as buttermilk fried chicken. 1302 Fleet St., 443-499-9090

Encantada: It was just over a year ago that we said goodbye to Mr. Rain’s Fun House, the contemporary New American restaurant that took up residence on the third floor of the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) for five years.But fans of Birroteca and The Nickel Taphouse will be happy to hear that owner Robbin Haas has quickly transformed the former Mr. Rain’s space into his new concept, Encantada, which celebrated its grand opening earlier this month. Although meat is found on the menu at the lunch and dinner spot, the offerings are more veggie-centric, with an emphasis on root vegetables and leafy greens. The space also boasts a signature juice bar so that diners can enjoy fresh juices and smoothies to accompany their meals. 800 Key Highway, 410-752-1000

The Greene Turtle: The Greene Turtle has come a long way since their flagship restaurant opened in 1976 in Ocean City. Last month, Harford Mall welcomed The Greene Turtle’s 40th restaurant. This family friendly sports bar is serving their classic menu of burgers, tacos, salads, and entrees like chicken Parmesan and baby back ribs. 696 Bel Air Rd. 410-638-0300

Huck’s American Craft: Huck’s, a new neighborhood bar in Brewer’s Hill owned by Charlie and Lori Gjerde and Gjerde’s sister-in-law Carrie Podles, is up and running with an eclectic menu of comfort food including Maine lobster dip, Bourbon Street fondue, Minnesota Juicy Lucy (a burger stuffed with cheese), and Vermont mac-and-cheese. Charlie Gjerde and Podles also own Alexander’s Tavern and Papi’s Tacos in Fells Point. 3728 Hudson St., 443-438-3380

Jersey Mike’s: Bel Air got a little taste of the Garden State this week with the grand opening of this Jersey Shore-based sandwich chain on Baltimore Pike. Joining nearby franchise locations in Owings Mills and Timonium, the Bel Air store marks the chain’s third eatery in Maryland. The new sub shop got off to a good start Wednesday by raising funds for the Cool Kids Campaign—which benefits pediatric oncology patients—while serving up its signature sliced-to-order hoagies drizzled with its signature oil-and-vinegar dressing. 573 Baltimore Pike, Bel Air, 410-588-5626

Coming Soon

Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar: This fall, Boston’s will join the lineup at Abingdon’s Boulevard at Box Hill. The menu at the family friendly spot and sports bar will include a wide selection of pizzas, pasta dishes, salads, and wings. 2700 Philadelphia Rd., Edgewood

Kippo Ramen: A new spot to indulge in the of-the-moment ramen craze is making its way to Fells Point this fall. This 78-seat restaurant will sit on the first floor of the new Fells Point Marketplace on the 600 block of South Broadway. Slated for an October debut, the eatery will serve traditional Japanese comfort food and Korean fusion dishes.606 S. Broadway

The Local Oyster: With frequent pop-ups at various restaurants and foodie festivals around town, this travelling oyster bar has become a shucking sensation over the past few years. But come fall, you’ll no longer need to track The Local Oyster’s whereabouts. Recently, owners Nick Shauman and Patrick Hudson signed a lease to join the in-the-works Mt. Vernon Marketplace—which is slated to open in October. The bar’s permanent home will feature steamed seafood, beers on tap, and, of course, plenty of oysters for all. 520 Park Ave.

Ch-ch-changes

Bookmaker’s Cocktail Club: This month Bookmaker’s executive chef Sara Acconcia resigned from her gig for personal reasons. Although there’s no word yet on what’s next for the chef, it’s been announced that Bookmakers’ sous chef Nelson Morton has since taken the reins in the kitchen at the Federal Hill spot. With stints at local hotspots like Le Garage, 13.5% Wine Bar, Maggie’s Farm, and Woodberry Kitchen, and even an appearance on the Food Network last month, Acconcia has certainly made her mark on the local dining scene.

Corner Restaurant Charcuterie Bar: After a summer makeover (and name change from Corner BYOB to Corner Restaurant and Charcuterie Bar), Corner Restaurant features a new, spiffed-up, contemporary decor. No longer BYOB, this Hampden hotspot has a full bar menu along with more approachable fare. There are still items hinting at the previous fine-dining menu, like kangaroo tartare and octopus, as well as a slew of options for those who are less adventurous, like roasted chicken and a seafood boil. 850 W. 36th St., 443-869-5075

Shut

The Get Down: This Fells Point hangout for local DJs, break-dancers, and electronic dance music lovers will host its last party on August 1. Owner Bryan Burkert would like to try a new concept in the South Bond Street space. The club was best known for its trendy lounge vibe and cocktails that didn’t break the bank. 701 S. Bond St., 443-708-3564

Local Pie: After only seven months in business, Towson bade a sad farewell to Local Pie on June 30. Pie owner Lisa Heckman, formerly of Iggie’s pizza, and co-owner Peter Wood, posted a heartfelt message to Facebook thanking restaurant patrons. “We hung in as long as we could, but, unfortunately, the well established business problems in Towson are just bigger than us and, as the song goes, you have to know when to fold ’em,” they wrote on Facebook. 8 W. Pennsylvania Ave.

Additional reporting was provided by editorial intern Rachel Drachman

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RYLEIGH’S OYSTER: On Tuesday, the beloved Ryleigh’s Oyster is opening its third location across from the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in the space last occupied by Mari Luna Bistro. Though the space has had many iterations through the years (including Spike & Charlie’s, Robert Oliver Seafood, and 23rd Degree Restaurant and Wine Bar), we have high hopes that Ryleigh’s—with its slurp-able sweeties and crabby pretzels—is here to stay. A prix-fixe menu will be on hand for the theater crowd. 1225 Cathedral St., 410-539-2093.

LOCAL PIE: Local Pie is the new pizzeria from former Iggies owners Lisa Heckman and Peter Wood. The 30-seat pie palace takes over the Havana Road space in Towson. The chalkboard menu of seasonal pies and salads will change frequently. Inventive pizzas currently on offer include smashed bison meatball iteration, apple pizza with salt and caramel, and a potato, bacon, scallion stunner with house-smoked mozzarella and duck egg. 8 West Pennsylvania Ave., Towson, 410-583-0008

BLAZE FAST FIRE’D PIZZA: In other pizza news, Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, a national build-your-own pizza chain hits Laurel’s new Town Centre on Friday, Dec. 19. This will be the chain’s third location in Maryland, with a fourth location planned in the Annapolis Mall in late 2015. The restaurant will feature an assembly line that allows guests to customize one of the menu’s signature pies or create their own—all for under $8. If you’re reading this, now’s your chance for some free food—anyone who “likes” or follows Blaze on social media qualifies for a free whole pie of your choice. 14708 Baltimore Ave., Laurel. For more information e-mail: 1037laurel@blazepizza.com

DANGEROUSLY DELICIOUS PIES: And speaking of pie, Dangerously Delicious Pies opens its second location in Hampden inside the historic home formerly occupied by Breathe Bookstore. (Talk about good karma.) Expect the same delicious pies as you find at the Canton location, with the addition of a coffee bar, more vegan options, and soups. The pie shop is slated to open on Feb. 1. 810 W. 36th St.

ENCANTADA: Ever since the closing of Mr. Rain’s Fun House at the American Visionary Art Museum last June, we’ve been eagerly awaiting news of what will occupy the third-floor space. Birroteca and The Nickel Taphouse fans rejoice! Owner Robin Haas will take over the space with Encantada at AVAM. Encantada, while not specifically vegetarian, will feature a menu in which veggies play a leading role. The restaurant is set to open in the first quarter of 2015. 800 Key Highway, 410-244-1900 (for the museum). 

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