We all know Baltimore Restaurant Week as a summer treat for industry professionals and residents alike. But this year, with the coronavirus causing temporary shutdowns of all non-essential businesses in the spring, most of the city’s restaurants are in a precarious position. While trying to adjust to new business models, they are also working to keep their employees and customers safe and, ultimately, keep their doors open.

“When the shutdown hit in March, we had a lot of questions about whether we could move forward with the promotion,” says Michael Evitts, Senior Vice President of Communications & Brand Strategy at Downtown Partnership, which co-organizes the event with Visit Baltimore.

Yet another curveball came this week when Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young made the decision to close all restaurants for indoor dining for two weeks effective Friday, July 24—the day that Restaurant Week was slated to begin—due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in the city.

Although the 10-day promotion, running through August 2, will undoubtedly look a bit different this year, more than 60 spots are on board to offer dining discounts for carryout, delivery, and outdoor service.

Keeping the event going meant long conversations with chefs and restaurant owners about what Restaurant Week would look like. Every spot faces their own set of unique challenges, ranging from low staff to limited sidewalk space for outside dining. (Luckily, the implementation of parklets—converted parking spaces-turned-al fresco dining areas—have helped to facilitate outside seating for many restaurants that may not have originally had the space.)

Taking feedback from these conversations, organizers decided that this year, restaurants can create their own specials as opposed to requiring the typical $35 three-course meal. By loosening the guidelines for participating spots—and reducing registration costs from $175 to $25—this summer’s event will include many eateries that don’t typically partake, embrace participation from coffee shops and fast-casual eateries, and place an emphasis on supporting Black-owned businesses.

“People are understanding now that when you support Black entrepreneurship, you’re helping to keep Black workers employed,” says Keyia Yalcin, owner of Fishnet inside Mount Vernon Marketplace. “So it’s really part of feeding an ecosystem and being thoughtful and intentional with your dollar.”

With so much to offer, it may be hard to choose. So, here’s a taste of some local favorites, Black-owned restaurants, internationally inspired cuisine, and coffee shops included in this year’s Restaurant Week lineup.

Charleston
For fine dining, guests can visit Charleston in Harbor East, where award-winning chef Cindy Wolf works her magic on cuisine inspired by a blend of regional and international techniques. For its very special Restaurant Week debut, Charleston will offer guests a five-course dinner served with crab soup, local heirloom tomato salad, pan-roasted sea scallops, grilled wild rockfish, and raspberry choux au craquelin for dessert. $75

Southeastern Roastery Coffee Lab
Those in the mood for a pick-me-up can find daily deals at Southeastern Roastery on Fort Avenue. The four-year-old spot with roots in Virginia and Washington, D.C. is a café dedicated to mindfulness and community outreach. Customers can enjoy curbside pickup and carryout options from a calendar of unique specials every day of the week, including the debut of new coffee and tea spritzers, bagel options, and recipe demos on Instagram live.

Orto
This Italian spot in Station North has some stellar carryout offerings. During Restaurant Week, the team is throwing in a free bottle of wine with purchases of $70 or more. Enjoy a special three-course prix-fixe menu that features options such as chilled corn soup, chicken leg confit with lemon herb couscous, and a brioche doughnut filled with passionfruit curd.

Miss Carter’s Kitchen
Known for its delicious soul food and fresh seafood, Miss Carter’s Kitchen is offering a range of meal options including homemade alfredo, crab cakes, and baked mac and cheese. With locations on both Liberty Street and Edmondson Avenue, there’s more than one place for customers to indulge with carryout or by requesting a delivery.

Wight Tea Company
Whether you’re looking to start your day with a warm cup of tea or seeking some light refreshments later in the afternoon, this favorite inside Hampden’s new Whitehall Market has many options for tea-enthusiasts. The sibling-run shop sells handcrafted blends in flavors such as Sage Rose White Tea, Blueberry Basil Rooibos, and Fireside Fig. (Another can’t-miss is the color-changing Butterfly Glitter Lemonade.) Walk in or call ahead to inquire about Restaurant Week deals.

Fishnet
While its Mt. Vernon location has only been around for a year, this seafood spot has been running locations in Maryland for nearly nine years. Since the pandemic, Fishnet has had to shift to delivery and carryout only, but owner Keyia Yalcin says she is finally getting the hang of it. This week’s promotions will be offered on their website. Guests who spend $15 or more can apply the promo code #fishnet to their order for $5 off. $15+

La Calle Restaurant
Craving Mexican-inspired cuisine? This downtown destination fuses Mexican traditions with modern flavors. Guests may choose to reserve an outdoor table or carry out to enjoy a customizable three-course lunch that features dishes like pozole de pollo, empanadas de hongos, carne asada, and dessert. The promotion also includes a three-course dinner option that comes with a complementary margarita. $20-$35

Jazz+Soju
For dishes such as Korean fried chicken and bulgogi, look no further than this restaurant in Locust Point. Specials include a two-course lunch that allows customers to pair appetizers like sake butter shrooms or Brussels sprouts with yuzu meatballs, wings and fries, or fire beef. For those seeking dinner options, Jazz + Soju will offer a combination of an appetizer, two courses, and dessert. $15-$35

Rusty Scupper
This Inner Harbor classic offers meals from brunch to dinner. Guests can enjoy the waterfront views with weekday deals like the three-course supper, which comes with a choice of a salad or crab soup appetizer, an entrée, and dessert. $35

As the sun beats down on Baltimore in these dog days of summer, everyone could use an excuse to cool off. And spots all across Charm City are offering unbeatable drink specials on Wednesday, July 24 in honor of one of our country’s most arbitrary holidays: National Tequila Day.

Taking the cake for, perhaps, the most creative drink we’ve seen in tequila’s honor is one that seems to intoxicate and re-hydrate you at the same time: a frozen Patron Pedialyte margarita (Patron Silver, strawberry or blue raspberry pedialyte, lime, and agave) created by bar manager Liz Jankiewicz of Ouzo Bay and Ouzo Beach.

“Not only is it good to throw some electrolytes at the guest while it’s hot out,” Jankiewicz says, “but it actually pairs really well with the tequila because of the level of salinity in it. Just like if you’re having your margarita with salt on the rim.”

And this holiday will be a chance for those who haven’t made it out of town this summer to get a taste of an island vacation: “Having a margarita taps into the idea of a destination,” Jankiewicz says. “It turns your normal watering hole turns into a getaway.”

Whether you want to sip on a frozen margarita, or throw back shots like it’s your day job, there are plenty of places to partake. So get your sliced limes and salted rims ready, and check out some of the best spots to spend the holiday.

Blue Agave: Named after tequila’s essential ingredient, this Federal Hill destination is certainly ringing in the holiday with cheer. The bar will feature $2 discounts on all-things tequila-related, including margaritas, flights, and shots, as well as discounted bottle club membership offers. And with their featured tequila of the month being Casamigos, no one will leave unsatisfied.

Canton Crossing Wine & Spirits: If you’re looking for a bargain, this Canton spirits shop will offer free—yes, we said free—samples of various Rooster Rojo tequilas, which are made from 100 percent Blue Weber agave. Make sure to swing by between 4 and 6 p.m. to try blanco, reposado, and anejo varieties.

El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen: Wondering why this Canton spot is a rightful place to celebrate the Mexican spirit? The name speaks for itself. El Bufalo’s specials include $6 shots and $8 margaritas that make use of the restaurant’s catalog of more than 50 tequila brands. Any purchase of a Casamigos, Don Julio, or Olmeca Altos drinks will get you a raffle ticket for a Bottle Club giveaway.

Lee’s Pint & Shell: This Canton haunt is the place to be for Don Julio fans. Lee’s is offering a $10 deal that includes two 5-oz. margaritas, a shot of anejo, and a shot of blanco—all of the Don Julio variety.

Nacho Mama’s: Both the Towson and Canton locations of this Elvis-themed cantina will feature all-day specials for tequila lovers. Flights of Casamigos, Patron, and Herradura will be served along with presentation mats and tasting notes. If you’re not up for that, try a special shot in one of the bar’s renowned hubcap margaritas. We recommend the “Pama Sunset” (Pomegranate liqueur, house tequila, and homemade lime mix), the “Blue Suede Shoes” (El Jimador, Blue Curacao, and homemade lime mix), or the “King” (Don Julio Reposado, Limeade, and Grand Marnier float).

Ouzo Bay: Harbor East’s Mediterranean mainstay is offering a lineup of can’t-miss cocktails for the holiday. Mention this very write-up for $9 drinks like the “Aleppo Pines” made with Patron Roca Silver, yellow chartreuse, retsina reduction, oregano honey, and lemon. Or, head across the street to it’s outdoor sister bar Ouzo Beach for the frozen Pedialyte margarita or a “Paloma Collins” (Patron Roca Silver, pamplemousse, honey, lime, club soda, and salt and a tri-peppercorn rim). All frozen Patron drinks at Ouzo Beach are blended using a stationary bike, so be prepared to bike your own drink if you choose.

Vida Taco Bar: Casamigos is the tequila of choice at this fan-favorite taco joint. Locations in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Harbor Point will serve $10 Casamigos cocktails all day long. Specials include the “Basic” (Casamigos Reposado, Fever-Tree citrus tonic, and fresh lime), the “Mexican Spa Day” (Casamigos Blanco, Fever-Tree cucumber tonic, and fresh mint), and the “Smokey Ginger” (Casamigos Mezcal and Fever-Tree smokey ginger ale).

Though its future location hangs in the balance, we can definitively say that, for now, the Preakness Stakes are a Baltimore tradition. And local bars, restaurants, and party professionals are celebrating the Charm City spectacle in characteristic style.

From cocktail specials to bus parties and everything in between, here are the best ways to celebrate the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

Support thoroughbred care at Mt. Washington Tavern.
For the sixth year in a row, America’s Best Racing will hold a pre-Preakness party at Mt. Washington Tavern. On Wednesday, May 15, guests can enjoy Triple Crown-themed cocktails, a buffet of bar snacks, and a silent auction all to benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which awards grants to aftercare organizations around the country.

Sip on a slushie at Wet City.
Our favorite personified frozen drink machine is getting in the Preakness spirit this year at Wet City in Mt. Vernon. Decked out in an eyepatch, Blinky will be churning out frozen Black-Eyed Susan cocktails with rum, vodka, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut. The safest bet of the day? You’ll be wearing the eyepatch after a few of these.

Go downtown for al fresco happy hours.
All week long, Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts will be hosting events to celebrate the lead up to Preakness. There are events for kids, lunchtime markets, and even a fireworks show, but we’re mostly excited for their Monday-Thursday happy hours featuring vendors like Clavel, Charm City Pops, and Connie’s Chicken and Waffles.

Start the pregame party bright and early.
Get into the true infield spirit with tailgate pros Bmore Around Town, which will be hosting pregame parties at Mother’s and Southern Provisions starting at 8 a.m. on Preakness day. Tickets get you an unlimited brunch menu, bus transportation to Pimlico, a commemorative beer mug, and a general admission ticket to the infield. Just remember: pace yourself.

Imbibe a beautiful cocktail at The Elephant.
Now that The Elephant is officially staying open on North Charles Street, celebrate by trying their elegant cocktail Grandma Suzie. This horse-race-inspired drink is made with Hendrick’s gin, Grand Marnier, herbal liqueur, tonic, seasonal fruit, and edible flowers. With its elaborate garnish, it’s kind of like the Preakness hat of cocktails.

Go traditional with a Black-Eyed Susan.
As much as we love creative twists on classics, sometimes you really just want the original. Stop into the Grille at Harryman House for a no-fuss, Black-Eyed Susan made with Bare Knuckle bourbon, vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and sour mix served over crushed ice. It’s the official drink of Preakness for a reason.

If you’re lucky enough to get to Camden Yards for Friday’s Opening Day, look for some yummy new additions to the food lineup. Here’s what you’ll find:

Crab waffle fries, pictured top: Waffle fries topped with Old Bay crab dip. Available at the concessions kiosk, main concourse; upper deck.

A
triple crown sandwich: an Esskay hot dog, bacon on a stick (minus the stick), and pulled pork. Available at Jack Daniel’s Grill, Eutaw Street concourse, or as a slider at Dempsey’s.

Tako-Korean BBQ stand: Menu items include Korean beef steak tacos, edamame bao, pad Thai noodle salad (gluten free), and kimchi. Location: concessions kiosk, main concourse.

Dempsey’s Brew Pub: New desserts include an O’s Smith Island cake (an orange-flavored version of the multi-layer cake) and chocolate stout cupcakes (filled with Bailey’s Irish Cream mousse and topped with Jameson butter-cream icing and a side of vanilla ice cream).

Elsewhere around town, several restaurants are offering specials as the O’s take on the Minnesota Twins.

RA Sushi will again be serving its O’s roll, pictured—an eight-piece lobster and cucumber rll topped with fresh salmon and avocado and drizzle with an orange spicy mayo sauce. It will be available during the 2013 baseball season, and diners will receive $2 off the roll ($11.25) if they bring in their ticket stub on the day of the game.

Rusty Scupper will celebrate the start of Orioles home games with food and drink specials in the restaurant’s bar and lounge from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday. Menu items ($4 each) include: crab-and-artichoke dip, popcorn fried shrimp, Black Angus burger, and pepper-Parmesan calamari. Game day parking validation is $11. Fans who are going to the game and dining at the restaurant can take the restaurant’s shuttle to and from the game at no additional cost.

Wit & Wisdom is offering a “burger and a Boh” special for $20.13 all day Friday in the restaurant’s lounge and bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore.

LAMILL Coffee at the Four Seasons is running a Twitter deal for followers. They’ll be tweeting a secret code @LAMILLcafebmore for 20 percent off a purchase.

And if you’re preparing a home meal,
Ripken Gourmet Burgers are now available in the frozen food aisle at Giant supermarkets throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The four (six-ounce) patties (around $9.99) named after baseball great Cal Ripken Jr. are 100 percent Roseda Black Angus beef from Roseda farm in Monkton.

Go O’s!

Photos courtesy of Delaware North Companies’s Sportservice and RA Sushi.