[Editor’s Note: This piece was published as part of our October 2021 cover story “The Mighty Oyster.” Read the full package, here.]

 

When did oyster bars become the coolest places to eat? Over the past few years, these seafood spots have crept their way onto lists of the hippest dining establishments, and for good reason.

Like oysters, they’re the just-right mix of no-frills and fancy, encouraging a way of eating that’s steeped in nostalgia, supportive of the farm-to-table movement, and features a central communal dining space around which friends and strangers can come together even in divisive times. It’s a trend we hope is here to stay.

Order a dozen—or few—at any of these city favorites.

DYLAN’S OYSTER CELLAR

Hampden

The perfect oyster bar exists on a quiet corner in Hampden, where a mermaid mural mingles with a half-shell-eating Jesus collage and, in non-COVID times, happy hour includes Natty Boh tallboys and buck-a-shuck specials from their thoughtfully curated selection. Owners Dylan and Irene Salmon live up to their seafoody last name. 3601 Chestnut Ave.

THE LOCAL OYSTER

Mt. Vernon

From shucking on the city streets to a brick-and-mortar at Mount Vernon Marketplace (plus a new location coming soon), the L.O.’s beloved bivalve slinger Nick Schauman has played a vital part in making oysters cool again in Baltimore, with his casual bar being one of the best hangouts in town. 520 Park Ave.

FAIDLEY’S SEAFOOD

Downtown

It is a rite of passage to sit down to a paper plate of fat half-shells at the central raw bar of this O.G. seafood establishment in Lexington Market. In ole Bawlmer fashion, they serve them on the “flats,” or top shell, with lemon and a pack of Saltines. Order a beer, and be sure to chat up Lou if he’s your shucker. 203 N. Paca St.

MAMA’S ON THE HALF SHELL

Canton

Now in its 18th year, this Canton corner bar has become a Baltimore classic, with weekend afternoons usually overflowing with locals who have flocked for oysters nearly every way you can eat them, alongside freshly squeezed orange crushes and Orioles and Ravens games on the TV. An ideal Saturday afternoon. 2901 O’Donnell St.

THAMES STREET OYSTER HOUSE

Fells Point

For a while, this Fells Point seafood haven was the only game in town serving up fine-dining flights of oysters, but even as new spots have come onto the scene, theirs remain some of the cleanest shucks around. Their impressive oyster list includes top varieties from Canada to the West Coast. 1728 Thames St.

TRUE CHESAPEAKE OYSTER CO.

Hampden

The only oyster farm-owned restaurant in the state, this Whitehall Mill pillar is the outpost of its namesake aquaculture operation. Their Southern Maryland-raised Skinny Dipper and Huckleberry oysters are always hawked at their sleek bar, alongside elevated Chesapeake cuisine by locally loved chef Zack Mills. 3300 Clipper Mill Rd.

THE URBAN OYSTER

Mobile Pop-Up

Currently operating on a mobile basis, this Blackowned oyster pop-up can be found at the Baltimore Farmers Market on Sundays. It’s always worth waiting in line for chef Jasmine Norton’s fan-favorite chargrilled oysters, featuring flavor variations like barbecue-bacon-cheddar and teriyaki. Holliday & Saratoga Sts.

FARTHER AFIELD: Ryleigh’s Oyster, Lutherville-Timonium; Sailor Oyster Bar, Annapolis; Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington, D.C.; Pearl Dive, Washington, D.C.; Ruse, St. Michaels.

Most Marylanders can recognize when they experience a truly outstanding oyster. For former Wit & Wisdom chef Zack Mills—an Anne Arundel County native—that moment came when he was manning a table at The Emporiyum a few years back.

“One of my buddies was like, ‘You have to try this oyster,'” he recalls. “I tried it and fell in love with it immediately.”

It was the first time Mills had sampled one of the famously petite, yet plump Huckleberry oysters from True Chesapeake Oyster Co.—a farm founded by Patrick Hudson on the brackish waters of St. Jerome Creek in Southern Maryland nearly a decade ago.

Mills enjoyed it so much, in fact, that he decided to permanently feature Hudson’s oysters on the menu at Wit & Wisdom, and the now-closed Four Seasons hotspot became one of True Chesapeake’s first major restaurant accounts. Though Mills and Hudson didn’t know it at the time, it was the start of a longstanding partnership between the chef and the farmer.

“When I decided to step away from Wit last June, I was planning on taking some time off to reset,” Mills says. “But once it was known that I was leaving, I got a phone call from a mutual friend who told me I should reach out to Patrick. We went and had coffee, he explained this new project, and the next week I came in and looked at the space. I was pretty much signed on after that.”

Now, the duo has collaborated with longtime friend Nick Schauman of The Local Oyster—who Hudson has worked with for years—to open the True Chesapeake Oyster Co. restaurant inside the renovated Whitehall Mill development in Hampden. When it officially debuts to the public on October 8, the spot will mark the first Maryland oyster farm to open its own restaurant.

“I felt very early on that the natural progression of True Chesapeake would be a restaurant,” Hudson says. “It just felt like the next step. We wanted to go bigger and get a team together to do something that felt really genuine.”

Building on the ethos of the farm, the spot will feature spins on classic oyster dishes, Maryland seafood staples, a seasonal drink menu by general manager and beverage director Chelsea Gregoire, and, of course, a stellar raw bar with True Chesapeake varieties as well as others from surrounding Eastern Shore purveyors. Hudson estimates that True Chesapeake’s signature Huckleberries and Skinny Dippers will be delivered from Southern Maryland three times per week.

The overall concept is something that the partners refer to as “restorative dining,” which Hudson says starts with highlighting the environmental impact of the farm and its work to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population. The staff is looking forward to presenting the food as a means to educate their guests about local aquaculture and how, exactly, it arrives on their plates.

“We rented a school bus and took our entire staff down to the farm for the second day of training,” shares Gregoire, a local hospitality veteran. “I could explain up and down what the farm looks like, what the water smells like, and what the birds are singing, but you don’t fully understand it until you’re out on a boat helping them pull up a cage. There’s a feeling that we wouldn’t be here without.”

Another key aspect of the overall mission has to do with Mills’ dedication to classic Maryland cuisine.

“He cooks with the intent to make people feel good—to make people form a new memory or recall an old one,” Hudson says of Mills’ style. “You can go anywhere and have really great tuna tartare and think, ‘That was really good.’ But there’s a big difference between that and having Oysters Rockefeller or a crab soup that makes you think of your grandmother’s recipe. It’s getting at that homegrown Chesapeake Bay food and creating a menu that really restores the soul.”

In an effort to evoke that feeling, Mills’ Maryland-inspired menu will feature options including oyster stew, roasted half shells, semolina-fried oysters, Old Bay fried chicken, seared rockfish in a saffron broth, a breaded fish stick topped with a deconstructed tartar sauce, and a crab cake that is a mix between Mills’ recipe and Schauman’s iteration at The Local Oyster.

The homegrown inspiration also translates to the beverage offerings. Gregoire and lead bartender Ashley Mac will serve innovative oyster shooters, as well as drinks like the booze-free “Ark and Dove” (Giffard aperitif syrup, Asian pear, cardamom, and rhubarb) and the “Take Root,” shaken with carrot juice, tequila, lemon, ginger, and rooibos syrup.

The booze-free “Ark and Dove” with Giffard aperitif syrup, Asian pear, cardamom, and rhubarb.

The “Take Root,” shaken with carrot juice, tequila, lemon, ginger, and rooibos syrup.

 

“With all of us being Marylanders, I really just started exploring the places I went to as a kid,” Gregoire says. “I went to the parks, waterfront areas, and the bodies of water that I grew up on and tried to interpret those experiences in cocktails.”

Other drink offerings will include local beer and a wines from the 500-bottle cellar: “Everything pairs well with oysters,” Gregoire adds, mentioning everything from scotch to a Bloody Mary. “My story for the bar here is, don’t be afraid to have an adventure.”

Designed by Hudson’s sister, Kate Giese, the space itself also reflects the farm’s philosophies. Giese was able to reclaim some of the square beams from the former sail cloth factory to form the oyster bar, which features a top made of crushed True Chesapeake shells.

Custom troughs have been installed around the wraparound bar so that patrons can enjoy their oysters ice cold no matter how far they are from the shucker station. Other on-theme touches include dark woods, artwork from award-winning Chesapeake Bay photographer Jay Fleming, and custom light installations that are meant to mimic the glow of a raw pearl.

Though the 4,500-square-foot restaurant is sectioned into an outdoor bar and patio, indoor lounge area, and a more formal dining room, the partners want diners to experience the same welcoming feeling no matter where they sit.

“I want somebody to be able to come in wearing a Ravens jersey and flip flops and feel comfortable,” Mills says. “Or if somebody wants to celebrate a graduation, they can sit right next to them and be doing that. That’s the goal here, to have the best of both worlds but always make sure how the menu reads and how the space is set up is approachable to everybody.”

Adds Hudson: “That’s Baltimore.”

Baltimore neighborhoods are constantly evolving and it’s safe to say that Remington has officially experienced a renaissance.

“I was born and raised in this neighborhood, so I’ve seen it go through quite a few changes,” says The Dizz general manager Elaine Stevens, who has worked at the restaurant for 27 years. “But I wouldn’t live anywhere else. I love the people here. It’s just a great place.”

To commemorate Remington’s history and bright future ahead, locals came together last spring to host the first-annual Remfest—a street festival that coincided with the centennial of some of the area’s most celebrated properties.

“We think we have something pretty special here,” says Dan Scott, a partner at Charmington’s on Howard street. “We really wanted to show that off to people, and the festival totally exceeded our expectations.”

This Saturday, May 11, food vendors, musicians, makers, and neighbors will pack the streets once again for the second-annual gathering along Remington Avenue from 12-9 p.m. Aside from an impressive vendor lineup, family-friendly programming, and live music by Baltimore favorites (think Brooks Long, Bobbi Rush, Soul Cannon, Super City, and Outcalls), there will be plenty of local eats and drinks to choose from.

“To me, it’s fantastic that we are doing something to bring more foot traffic and give Remington the recognition that it needed a long time ago,” says Sweet 27 owner Suraj Bhatt, who is one of the returning food vendors this year.

Stevens, too, is looking forward to returning to the event with The Dizz, especially on the heels of such a pivotal year for the neighborhood fixture. The owners put their corner hangout on the market last fall, but ultimately decided against selling after seeing the outpouring of support from the community.

“This place has been here forever,” she says. “I think [the owners] were ready to just get out of the business, but then they saw how much it means to everybody and that made them say, ‘You know what, we’re not giving up. We’re going to hang in there.’”

Stevens says that the street fair is a great way to strengthen the community bond that she sees firsthand every day at the beloved burger bar.

“That’s one good thing about The Dizz being here, we get to meet everybody who moves into the neighborhood,” she says. “It’s kind of like a little meet-and-greet all the time. And it’s the same at Remfest—it’s just a chance for everybody to come together.”

The Remington eateries, along with a few visiting vendors, will serve everything from burgers and steamed buns to cookies and crab cakes this Saturday. Here’s a preview of what’s on the menu:

Shrimp salad and Old Bay sausages from The Dizz: Visit Stevens and her team to chow down on portable festival fare including curly fries, bleu cheese sliders, fried pickles with ranch, chicken tenders, and grilled Polish hot dogs. The Dizz will also be welcoming Charm City cookout weather with summer staples like shrimp salad and plump Old Bay sausages.

Ginger Immunitea and cookies from Charmington’s: In anticipation of the warm temperatures, Scott and his staff at Charmington’s are preparing batches of their iced Ginger Immunitea—a refreshing sip is steeped with raw ginger, lemon, and honey. The shop will also be pouring iced coffees and selling its fresh-baked cookies in flavors ranging from vegan banana-walnut to classic chocolate chip.

Bombay chicken and chana masala from Sweet 27: Best known for its multicultural cuisine and gluten-free sweets, this Remington mainstay will offer a sampling of dishes off of its regular menu. Look out for bombay, penang, and Jamaican jerk chicken served with a choice of one side. Vegan options include veggie fritters, garlic kale, chana masala, basmati rice, and garlic mashed potatoes.

Smoked salmon tacos from Neopol Smokery: Follow your nose to this popular smoked meat stall from Belvedere Square. Owner Dorian Brown will be preparing smoked salmon tacos with pico de gallo and chipotle cream, applewood-smoked pulled pork sandwiches, smoked mussels on the half shell, and portobello wraps with feta and field greens.

Crab cake sandwiches and ice-cold oysters from The Local Oyster: Head to the red-and-white pop-up tent to slurp oysters and indulge in colossal crab cake sandwiches served alongside Utz chips. Another highlight will be the team’s signature shrimp grilled with butter and Old Bay.

Steamed buns from Ekiben: Get your hands on a pillowy steamed bun from this Fells Point favorite known for its innovative Asian-fusion dishes. Look out for signature buns and bowls like the “Neighborhood Bird” (Taiwanese curry fried chicken topped with coleslaw and fresh herbs) and the vegan “Tofu Brah” topped with spicy peanut sauce.

OPEN

C&R Pub: We thought we’d seen the last of this Southern saloon, which used to be a go-to for honky-tonk tunes, life-sized Jenga, and Thursday “flip-night” drink discounts before it closed in Federal Hill two years ago. But old regulars will be happy to hear that the country concept has officially been revived—this time in Towson. The new iteration of Cowboys & Rednecks sits on the first floor of the mixed-use Towson Commons development along York Road. Featuring dark woods, plenty of flat screens, and a huge bar with more than 20 seats, the pub offers a barbecue-inspired menu listing everything from light bites to larger entrees. Specialty plates include the Rattlesnake Burger with jalapeño bacon, “Mountain Mama” steak salad, and signature “See Ya Later Gator” bites served with a zesty dipping sauce. 1 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Towson

Poulet: A second location of this popular spot off of Falls Road celebrated its grand opening in Timonium this week. Situated just across from the Maryland State Fairgrounds, the new eatery will offer the restaurant’s cafeteria-style entrees, sides, and hand-dipped ice cream in a much larger space that can seat more than 200. It will also feature an elevated bar program with a collection of small-batch whiskeys, wine on tap, and local craft beer from the likes of RAR and Union Craft. In keeping with its name, Poulet highlights rotisserie chicken and other proteins like sliced turkey, pulled pork, and grilled salmon. There’s also a lengthy sandwich menu, DIY burrito bar, and featured sides like scalloped potatoes and grilled cauliflower. 2235 York Rd., Timonium. 410-842-2270

COMING SOON

Lee’s Pint & Shell: Since rebranding from its former concept, Saute, two years ago, Lee’s Pint & Shell has become a favorite for Canton locals to crack open discounted beers and slurp down 50-cent oysters during happy hour. Now, the corner spot is rapidly expanding throughout the state. In addition to their dockbar Lee’s Landing in Cecil County, owners Bud Craven and David Carey are also planning to open a sister-spot in Sparrows Point this year. And, earlier this week, they announced that they recently settled on a fourth location on the Susquehanna River in Perryville. The old Perryville Yacht Club—which sits on four acres and has 80 boat slips—will soon be transformed into a Lee’s spinoff, with plenty of oysters, Orange Crushes, and seafood specialties to go around. 31 River Rd., Perryville.

The Urban Oyster: Chef Jasmine Norton’s beloved oyster bar will host one final pop-up at R. House next month before moving into a brick-and-mortar space of its own in 2019. The Urban Oyster plans to set up shop inside the former home of Ruby 8 Noodles & Sushi at McHenry Row in Locust Point early next year. Norton recently told The Baltimore Sun that the new eatery will provide kitchen space for her to prepare for farmers’ markets and festivals, while also acting as a permanent outpost for diners to find her oyster-inspired eats any time. Menu favorites include chargrilled oysters with parmesan and lemon-garlic butter, fried oyster tacos, a classic crab cake sandwich, and, of course, raw oysters on the half shell. 1702 Whetstone Way

NEWS

John Brown Butchery Adds Antique Shop: As the temperatures continue to drop and the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to pay a visit to this hybrid-butchery, cafe, general store, and coffee shop in Cockeysville. Not only is the destination offering a wide selection Thanksgiving turkeys and holiday meats this season, but it has also added a new antiques shop, Hedgerow, for shoppers looking for unique gifts and decorations. Stop by the butchery to chow down on a cold cut sandwich or meatball sub before browsing the one-of-a-kind artwork, china, and table centerpieces at the new antique store. 13501 Falls Rd., Cockeysville. 410-891-8549

Hotel Monaco Wins Northstar Meetings Group Award: Congratulations are in order for downtown’s Kimpton Hotel Monaco, which recently received the 2018 Stella Award for Best Boutique Property in the Northeast region. Northstar Meetings Group presented the award to honor the hotel’s excellence in the meetings industry—considering its food and beverage program, staff professionalism, technological amenities, and more. The hotel, which houses celebrated bar and restaurant B&O American Brasserie, was one of 532 global properties nominated in 18 categories. 2 N. Charles St. 443-692-6170

EPICUREAN EVENTS

11/17: Oyfest 5
The teams behind Union Craft Brewing, The Local Oyster, and True Chesapeake Oyster Company are coming together to host this fifth-annual festival at Union Collective this weekend. Grab a crew and enjoy endless shucks, draft beers, pizza from Well Crafted, and live tunes by the Ursula Ricks Project. If you’re really feeling festive, throw your hat in the ring during the annual oyster-eating contest. The $50 entrance fee, and a portion of all other proceeds, will be donated directly to the Friends of the Jones Falls Valley to keep our urban waterway clean and beautiful. 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. $15-50

11/18: Put a Scoop on It Pancake Pop-Up with Big Softy
Detroit native Craig Falk, owner and executive chef of The Lunchbox Lady, is celebrating his love for pancakes this weekend by hosting an afternoon event with The Charmery owners David and Laura Alima at their shop in Towson. Falk’s Big Softy pop-up will be dishing out plain and malty chip pancakes topped with either blueberry or apple fruit topping. Each treat will be finished off with a scoop of any Charmery flavor, drizzle of Michigan maple syrup, and sprinkle of powdered sugar. 6807 York Rd., Towson. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 443-275-2859

SHUT

Ludlow Market: It was a short-lived run for this concept that took over the former Wine Market Bistro space in Locust Point last summer. In June, longtime owner Chris Spann reopened the 14-year-old restaurant as Ludlow Market, featuring a new menu by chef Christopher Audia, updated interior, and enhanced outdoor patio. But, sadly, the changes weren’t enough to keep the restaurant afloat. “I think ultimately we didn’t allocate enough marketing dollars to give the concept a chance to take hold with people,” Spann says. “That’s where we came up short. But I find a lot of solace in the interactions I had with guests who were so enthusiastic, and often giddy about some of the signature dishes we had put on the menu.” While the restaurant has closed for good, its adjoining bottle shop will be offering discounts on its remaining stock throughout the weekend. 921 E. Fort Ave.

EAT

Oct. 5: The Local Oyster Anniversary Party

Mt. Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 7 p.m. Free.

Somehow, it’s already been three years since one of the city’s best shuckin’ teams started slinging Skinny Dipper oysters and other bay-fresh seafood to hungry crowds at Mount Vernon Marketplace and events around town. This Friday, celebrate their third anniversary in typical Local Oyster fashion with pours by Union Craft Brewing, a live performance by local blues legend Ursula Ricks Project, and, of course, tons of half shells by True Chesapeake Oyster Co.

DRINK

Oct. 5-7: Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show

Locations, times, and prices vary.

Once the anchors drop, it’s time to raise a glass to our city’s nautical history and the U.S., Canadian, and British Naval ships and vessels that will occupy our waters during this week-long extravaganza. Start the Fleet Week festivities on Friday afternoon with a celebration at West Shore Park, featuring brews from local favorites like Heavy Seas, Atlas Bew Works, and Union Craft Brewing. In between behind-the-scenes tours of the docked ships and checking out the Fleet Week Festival at the Inner Harbor, take advantage of this weekend’s seafaring specials like exclusive cocktails at Wit & Wisdom and military discounts at Old Line Spirits.

SEE

Oct. 7-Jan. 6, 2019: John Waters: Indecent Exposure

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.- Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$15.

Whether you’re a fan of his outlandish films or you’re still recovering from that infamous scene from Pink Flamingos, there’s no denying that John Waters is a living legend in the city’s arts scene. On Sunday, The Baltimore Museum of Art will unveil this first-ever retrospective of the Pope of Trash’s visual arts career, featuring more than 160 of his provocative photos, sculptures, and video and sound works from the past few decades. From black-and-white stills from his 1970 film Multiple Maniacs to a campaign button that reads “Have Sex In A Voting Booth!” take in this one-of-a-kind exhibition during its opening weekend to get a glimpse into the life and mind of one of Charm City’s most notorious characters.

HEAR

Oct. 5-6: The Afro Punk Ballet

The Peale Center, 225 N. Holliday St. $15-25.

For one weekend only, transport to a post-apocalyptic world during this Afro-futurist opera-ballet that challenges popular notions of heroism, morality, and futurism. Produced by rising local performance collective Afro House, this mythical production features soundscapes that flow from sci-fi-esque punk accents to traditional gospel, blues, and jazz sounds to convey the story of a future where the world has been charred by the heat of two suns. Accented by choral accompaniments, the show’s powerful composition takes this awe-inspiring production to a whole new level.

DO

Oct. 5: Made in Baltimore Opening

Industrial Arts Collective, 22 W. North Ave. 5-9 p.m. Free.

Since it appeared at the former Space Camp art gallery back in 2015, this pop-up shop has grown into a locally loved tradition that promotes the best of the city’s maker community. This year, the Made in Baltimore shop will kick off its five-month run by transforming Station North’s Ynot Lot into a makeshift beer garden so shoppers can sip on local brews while browsing through goods from more than 70 area vendors. Stop by on Friday afternoon to shop local and support area makers like B. Willow, Knits Soy & Metal, and Tiny Dog Press.

There are so many things to love about the annual Baltimore Seafood Festival at Canton Waterfront Park. The end-of-summer tradition, which returns on Saturday, September 15 from 12-7 p.m., offers a blend of live music (this year’s headliners include local favorites The Scotch Bonnets and Honey Extractor), cooking demonstrations, crafters, and family-fun activities against the backdrop of the sparkling harbor. But, at the heart of the five-year-old fête is its wide array of seafood specialties.

With more than 35 area restaurants and food trucks participating this year, the event will have plenty of diverse dishes paying homage to the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. Among the purveyors returning is The London Chippy—a can’t-miss food truck (just look out for the massive Union Jack logo) that specializes in authentic fish and chips. Owner Anthony Robinson, who was born and raised in London, says that he was pleasantly surprised by the adventurous palates at the Seafood Fest last year.

“Typically, we get a lot of customers who stick with fried catfish or trout, but at the festival last year people were like, ‘No we want the cod and the traditional fish and chips,’” Robinson remembers. “It was a great feeling knowing that people really understood who we are and what we do.”

Despite potential cloudy skies, Robinson is looking forward to serving up his authentic delicacies to festival-goers rain or shine: “Fish and chips in the rain is very London,” he says with a laugh. “We welcome every single drop.”

Whether you prefer fish, crab, oysters, shrimp, lobster or a sampling of them all, here are a few highlights on the menu this weekend.

CRAB

Flash Crabcake Co.: This mobile crab company prides itself on peddling its signature six-oz. cakes at an affordable price ($10 with saltines and $11 as a sandwich on a potato roll). Flash will also be selling its classic cream of crab soup—an ideal snack to warm your soul in the potentially soggy weather.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood: No Bawlmer seafood event is complete without hard-shell crabs. This Dundalk favorite—which has been particularly vocal about its love of crabs in response to the controversial PETA billboards that recently sprouted up in the city—will be slinging half-dozen orders of premium males while supplies last. Jimmy’s will also feature steamed shrimp and crabby fries for attendees who are down to get their hands dirty.

FISH

The London Chippy: The regional food truck, which makes stops everywhere from Northern Virginia to North Baltimore, will be frying up its signature cod and haddock and serving it alongside crispy “chips” and creamy coleslaw. Specials for the day will include mini lobster rolls, crab fries, and hush puppies.

RA Sushi: Harbor East diners are probably familiar with the colorful rolls at this dimly lit sushi spot. Catch RA at the festival to sample the Rainbow Roll (a classic California roll topped with tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, and salmon) and the Tootsy Maki, which mixes crab, shrimp, cucumber, and crunchy tempura bits and tops it in a sweet eel sauce.

OYSTERS

The Local Oyster: Head to the red, white, and black tent to slurp oysters from this fan-favorite seafood spot headquartered at Mount Vernon Marketplace. The Local Oyster will be shucking Skinny Dippers on the half shell from partner True Chesapeake Oyster Co. farmed in Southern Maryland.

The Urban Oyster: Swing by this local pop-up to visit chef Jasmine Norton, who will be hawking her oysters prepared three ways. Sample them raw, chargrilled, or fried and tucked into a taco with cilantro and lime.

SHRIMP

Nick’s Fish House: At this Port Covington staple, regulars typically start their meals off with an order of the chef’s famous “Boom Boom Shrimp”—crispy fried shrimp in a spicy Sriracha aioli. Try it at the festival alongside Nick’s crab balls and soft shell crab bites.

Southern Provisions: This Canton Square bar will be showcasing its Lowcountry influences with a warm shrimp gumbo over rice. Get your barbecue fix by pairing the gumbo with SoPro’s one-bite pulled pork sliders.

LOBSTER:

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: Chow down on mounds of Maine meat from this Annapolis favorite, which is widening its Baltimore footprint with a new stall in Belvedere Square and a yet-to-open Inner Harbor location. The brand will feature its classic rolls (chilled lobster salad with mayo and lemon), warm Connecticut-style rolls with butter, New England clam chowder, and signature “lobstah” bisque.

SNACKS

Alexander’s Tavern: Crab tots are an essential part of the Seafood Fest experience, and Alexander’s has some of the best in town. Dig in to the orders of crispy tots smothered in cheesy crab dip, or go handheld with a classic crab pretzel from the Fells Point pub.

Dessert Fantasies: If you happen to save room for dessert, local baker Tosha Williams will have plenty of cupcakes to satisfy sweet tooth cravings. Her Locust Point bakeshop highlights flavors ranging from to classic strawberry shortcake to chocolate fudge cakes topped with Berger cookie bits.

EAT

Aug. 25-Oct. 21: Maryland Renaissance Festival

1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $7-19.

This Saturday, brush up on your Old English and travel back the Middle Ages for the return of this 41st annual festival of medieval entertainment, featuring a 27-acre village filled with costumed artisans and performers, jousting tournaments, and plenty of mead to go around. Stop by the White Stage Grove to indulge on hearty fare fit for King Henry VIII like mac-and-cheese stakes and Scotch eggs and visit Meadow Lane for Renn Fest favorites like smoked turkey legs and chicken on a lance.

DRINK

Aug. 25: Leinenkugel’s 7th Anniversary

Leinie Lodge & Beer Garden, 34 Market Pl. 4-8 p.m. Free.

We can’t believe it’s been seven years since Leinenkugel debuted its brewpub inside Power Plant Live. In celebration of the anniversary, the spot is refreshing its name and menu in an effort to strengthen its lodge vibe year-round. Now named Leinie Lodge & Beer Garden, the bar features an updated look with new communal seating and outdoor furniture near its electric fireplace. This Saturday, swing by the official launch party to sample eats off the new menu (think pimento cheese potato skins, tuna poke tacos, and an avocado-ranch burger), listen to live music, participate in a beer stein-holding competition, and, of course, down a few cans of Summer Shandy.

SEE

Aug. 24: The Local Oyster Stout Documentary Screening

Waverly Brewing Company, 1625 Union Ave., Ste. C, 7-10 p.m. Free.

Baltimore has been known as a beer-drinking, oyster-shucking town for centuries, so it seemed like only a matter of time before someone found a way to put the two together. This Friday, The Local Oyster and Waverly Brewing Company will premiere a documentary about the creation of the Local Oyster Stout. Produced by Towson University filmmakers Mark Burchick and Jena Richardson, this small-budget documentary chronicles how the two locally loved businesses collaborated to revive the city’s industrial traditions, chart a future for sustainability in the Chesapeake Bay, and make a beer with a quintessentially Baltimorean flavor. Before the screening, hear live music by DJ CheakyWillie, slurp down raw and grilled Skinny Dipper oysters, and walk the red carpet as a “shellebrity.”

HEAR

Aug. 25: Ru-Jac Records Local Soul Dance Party

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8-11 p.m. $12.

This weekend, the Creative Alliance will be celebrating the historic West Baltimore record label, Ru-Jac Records, with an old-school funk and soul dance party in Highlandtown. At the Patterson Theater, get down to music curated by Washington, D.C.-based DJ Nitekrawler, grab your favorite vintage vinyl records at the Baltimore Record Bazaar pop-up, and explore the new Ru-Jac memorabilia exhibition, which will be unveiled in the Amalie Rothschild Gallery at 6 p.m. Spend the evening boogying to throwback sounds from the ’60s through the ’80s and learn a little bit about Baltimore’s music legacy.

DO

Aug. 24-Sept. 3: Maryland State Fair

Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. $5-10.

During the opening weekend of this beloved 137-year-old tradition, explore new activities like the Here We Grow! center, a hands-on workshop created by Port Discovery Children’s Museum where attendees can learn about the science and innovation behind farming, and the Lego Interactive Display, a maze of rooms made entirely out of Lego blocks with themes like Maryland traditions, the ocean, and the fair. Of course, the state fair wouldn’t be complete without farm animal exhibits and classic country fare like funnel cake, ice cream, and corn dogs. And be sure not to miss local attractions like the Riptide Roller Coaster and Maryland Foods Pavilion’s famous Crabby Patty, a crab cake topped with an entire soft shell crab on a freshly toasted bun.

Throughout Zack Mills’ five-year stint at Wit & Wisdom inside the Four Seasons Baltimore, he became known for participating in chef competitions, riding a bike across the state in support of Moveable Feast, and plating up countless crab cakes and other seafood specialties. But in June, he decided it was time to move on from the restaurant.

“No question, leaving Wit & Wisdom was very bittersweet,” Mills says. “Mainly because I was leaving my team and something that I saw grow for so many years. But when a new opportunity came about, it seemed like the right next move.”

Since his final night of service at Wit, Mills has teamed up with longtime friends Nick Schauman of The Local Oyster and Patrick Hudson of True Chesapeake Oyster Co. to begin a new project of their own. Early next year, the trio will debut True Chesapeake Oyster House in the historic Whitehall Mill development along the Jones Falls.

“This is something I’m really going to be able to sink my teeth into,” Mills says. “These guys have such great energy and knowledge of the industry as a whole. I’m excited to work side-by-side with them.”

A native of Davidsonville, Mills has always had a knack for preparing Chesapeake cuisine. He says that he is looking forward to continuing that passion at the new restaurant, which will focus on regional dishes such as rockfish, crab cakes, steamed shrimp, and, of course, loads of Chesapeake Bay oysters farmed by Hudson and his team in Southern Maryland.

“Oysters are one of my favorite things in the world, so the fact that the restaurant will have them at the forefront is something I’m very excited about,” he says. “You’re definitely going to see bits of what I’ve done in the past as far as plating, ideas, and trying to keep it light and whimsical. But we really want to showcase what Maryland is doing for us. That’s something that has always been near and dear to my heart.”

In fact, Mills says the team is hoping to keep the menu “as local as humanly possible,” mentioning that diners shouldn’t expect to see crab options in the middle of winter. That philosophy will also be reflected in the bar program, which will feature regional spirits and local drafts on tap.

Although his style of cooking won’t be changing much, Mills says that diners can expect to enjoy his dishes at a more approachable price point.

“We want to make sure we’re catering to everybody as far as what they want to spend on a meal,” he says. “The prices are going to range pretty significantly, so if you just want to come and have a quick bite and get a couple of oysters and appetizers, you can do that without breaking the bank. Or if you’re having a celebratory dinner, we’ll have a couple of higher-end items, too.”

The Americana-influenced restaurant will feature roughly 100 seats with a large bar and outdoor patio. Mills says that he is looking forward to executing a project of his own from scratch, but, most of all, he is excited to be doing it with Schauman and Hudson.

“We all have one common goal and that’s just to put out a great restaurant,” he says. “Something that is approachable to everybody, and something that’s kind of a party when you walk in. And there’s just an energy about the place. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation to move forward in my career.”

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

Nov. 18: OyFest IV

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave. 12-5 p.m. $10-12. 410-467-0290.

This Saturday, indulge in the Chesapeake Bay’s great bivalve with seasonal shucks at Union Craft Brewing’s fourth annual OyFest. With The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake Oyster Company, enjoy brackish beauties served in a variety of ways—raw, grilled, chowdered—by Baltimore’s finest chefs, including Zack Mills of Wit & Wisdom, Bryan Voltaggio of Aggio, Lou Sumpter of Woodberry Kitchen, and Ben Lefenfeld of La Cuchara. And while champagne and a fine white wine might be the perfect pairing, we can attest to the complimentary nature of a Duckpin pale ale or brand-new Skipjack pilsner, and a hint of live music by garage-folk singer Skribe. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, join the oyster-eating contest slurp down 24 of them as fast as you can. Proceeds benefit the Chefs Cycle for Maryland No Kid Hungry.

 DRINK

Nov. 18: Charm City Meadworks Taproom Grand Opening

Charm City Meadworks, 400 E. Biddle St. 1-7 p.m. Free. 443-961-1072.

Almost a year ago, the crew at Charm City Meadworks put on their bee costumes (literally), tied their barrels to a truck, and moved to Mount Vernon from South Baltimore for a fresh start for their fermented honey drinks. This Saturday, CCM is welcoming patrons to their brand-new taproom, a 6,500-square-foot industrial space equipped with bright stools, shared tables, and more than 15 homebrewed meads. Celebrate the meadery’s new home with seasonal favorites like Retire by the Fire (with hints of vanilla, cocoa nibs, and clove), simple classics like Original Dry (crisp and oaky with a slight acidic finish), collaboration kegs, and guest taps, plus delicious Korean tacos by Dooby’s. 

 SEE

Nov. 18: The Maryland Film Festival’s Behind the Screens Fundraiser

Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. 6-11 p.m. $20-5000. 410-752-8083. 

Nothing is more perfect than watching Netflix on a chilly evening, but this Saturday, learn while you relax with a sneak peek of a new original series and listen to a talk on the influence of streaming services on filmmaking, all to benefit the Maryland Film Festival. At the newly renovated Parkway Theatre, participate in a discussion with independent filmmaker Joe Swanberg and cast members of the hit series Easy, an eclectic comedy about Chicagoans stumbling through the intersecting worlds of love, sex, technology, and culture. Discover how Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu have changed the game, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts to boot.

 HEAR

Nov. 17: Baltimore 4 Puerto Rico

Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 6 p.m. $10-20. 410-244-0899. 

After hearing about Hurricane Maria’s trail of destruction in Puerto Rico, Baltimore locals, organizations, and industries have stepped up to help rebuild the island, including thousands of dollars donated and tens of thousands of supplies assembled for those in need. On Friday night, the city’s support continues with local bands jamming out with a benefit concert at Metro Gallery. Hear Baltimore’s rising artists play their hearts out for a good cause—from Soul Cannon’s experimental indie hip-hop, to electronic R&B duo Chiffon’s mesmerizing slow jams, to Super City’s guitar-driven pop-rock—and uplift Puerto Rico’s residents through the Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund.

 DO

Nov. 19: Trot the Trail 5K

Herring Run Park, 3800 Belair Rd. 8 a.m. $54. 

This Sunday, burn off some calories before you gorge on thick slices of turkey and heaping plates of pumpkin pie. Hosted by Charm City Run and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks as part of their annual $5 5K series, this race gives runners (and walkers) an opportunity to support the community through fitness and family fun for a cheap price (and all proceeds go towards city-wide park programming). Whether you’re an ace marathon racer or a novice jogger, wear your warmest gear and trot upwards of three miles the scenic Herring Run Trail. The weather might be nippy, but the scenic views of urban woodland and Lake Montebello’s beautiful reservoir should help you keep up the pace.  

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

Oct. 6: Maritime Magic

Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, 1417 Thames St. 7 p.m. $110. 410-685-0295.

On Friday night, fulfill all your foodie dreams at one of the best benefits in Baltimore. Underneath the stars against the backdrop of the rippling harbor, sample your way through delectable dishes from more than 80 top area restaurants, including classic favorites like Birroteca, Cunningham’s, and Waterfront Kitchen, and new go-tos like Sandlot, Minnow, and Points South Latin Kitchen. Wash it all down with local beer from Union Craft, Diamondback, and Heavy Seas, to name a few, plus wine and booze from the likes of Old Line Spirits and Lyon Distilling. With a rocking music lineup, silent auction, and annual chefs’ competition to tie it all together, it’ll be an exceptionally memorable night, especially since all proceeds go to support Living Classrooms, one of Baltimore’s longest standing nonprofits for disadvantaged youth and adults.

 DRINK

Oct. 7: Baltimore Craft Beer Festival

Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 12-5 p.m. $15-55. 410-252-9463.

This Saturday, grab your growlers and hop on over to Canton Waterfront Park to celebrate the city’s craft beer boom. This small-batch brew festival features unlimited samplings from more than 40 Maryland breweries, from seasoned veterans The Brewer’s Art, Flying Dog, and Oliver Brewing Co. to up-and-comers like Attaboy, Black Flag, and Hysteria. Don’t miss the homebrew competition with Nepenthe, the beer yoga session led by HopAsana, a feast of local food trucks, and the Battle of the Brewskies band contest. Proceeds support Strong City Baltimore, which works to strengthen neighborhoods through community programs and invested partnerships.  

 SEE

Oct. 7-8: Baltimore Open Studio Tour

Locations vary. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-263-4350.

Calling all art aficionados: This is your chance to peer into the studios of more than 100 area artists and discover where phenomenal art starts. In its 29th year, this citywide event presents local artists with a wide range of styles in every corner of the city, from Woodberry to Brooklyn Park. Explore new and alternative arts spaces, like SpaceCamp and the Baltimore Jewelry Center in Station North, or Terrault in the Bromo Arts District, or Y:Art Gallery in Highlandtown. Get to know local creatives like Annie Howe and her beloved papercuts, Mary Mashburn of local letterpress fame, Taha Heydari and his mesmerizing installations, and Ernest Shaw, who creates some of the city’s most beautiful murals. Presented by the School 33 Art Center in Federal Hill, this self-guided tour with an official map allows art lovers of all kinds to get out and get inspired by Baltimore.

 HEAR

Oct. 7: The Local Oyster’s 2nd Anniversary Party

Mt. Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 7-11 p.m. Free. 844-748-2537.

What’s a better combo than oysters and live music? This Saturday night, one of Baltimore’s favorite party bands is making its way to the Mt. Vernon Marketplace to celebrate the second birthday of our beloved Local Oyster. Having performed at The Kennedy Center, Rams Head Live, and Baltimore City Hall, this Swingin’ Swamis will bring a gumbo of R&B, rock-and-roll, jazz, and world rhythms, while L.O. devotees slurp down ice-cold, award-winnig bivalves and tip back tall pours of oyster stout. With the city’s best shrimp sammy in hand, boogie down to the groovy sounds of this musical sextet with shell-ebrity owner Nick Schauman and cheers to his evolution from roving shucking stand to Mount Vernon mainstay. Long live the Local Oyster! 

 DO

Oct. 7-8: Fells Point Fun Fest

Thames St. at Broadway. Sat. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. 410-675-8900.

In 1966, Fells Point started a small neighborhood festival to fight the proposed highway that would have cut through the heart of the historic ’hood. Thanks to a local outpouring and diehard efforts by the likes of Barb Mikulski, that dreaded road never came, and over the past 51 years, that little festival has grown to mass proportions, reaching as high as 100,000 attendees in 2016. This year, they’re scaling things back to highlight the artists, restaurants, and businesses that made Fells Point great in the first place, while also supporting the revitalization of the neighborhood. Sample snacks from the area’s best eateries, comb the cobblestone streets with local beer in hand, and peruse a handful of local crafters, hawking homemade goods. Maryland bands will be performing from two stages, with revered Fells regulars like the Kelly Bell Band and Sean K. Preston, while the music at local haunts like Cat’s Eye Pub and Admiral’s Cup will be playing into the wee hours of the night. 

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

July 14: Jumbo Gumbo

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave. 5 p.m. $5.

If you haven’t heard the whispers yet, our favorite seafoodie, The Local Oyster, has something new in the works. Think jumbo gumbos, crawfish boil, local oysters (naturally), and the sounds of the Big Easy. We know where we’ll be hanging out when Second Line opens its doors in Remington in early 2018, but this Friday, get an early taste at our beloved Woodberry brewery. Throw back pints of Duckpin, slurp down True Chesapeake oysters, and crush New Orleans-style eats with a special NOLA collaboration between The Charmery and Center Cut Doughnuts. (Beignet scoops, anyone?) To step up the experience, Rufus Roundtree and The B’More Brass Factory will be on hand for that full-on second line vibe. Here’s hoping they’ll even start their own procession around the UCB parking lot.

 DRINK

July 15: Mood Swings at Boordy Vineyards

Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes. 6-9 p.m. $20. 

There’s something about summer that makes us nostalgic. We yearn for the berry pies of our grandmother’s kitchen and the big band music of stereo on hot sticky nights. This Saturday, quench that wistful thirst by making your way to the county for a throwback evening, filled with fine wine and the sounds of old standards echoing across the rolling countryside. At Boordy Vineyards, the 20-plus-piece Mood Swings will be in tow for a show for all ages, with ice-cold whites, summery roses, and warm-weather reds flowing into the night. Get a little tipsy, dig into local ice cream, and dance under the stars. 

 SEE

July 15-16: Baltimore Caribbean Carnival

Clifton Park, 2701 St. Lo Dr. Sat. 12-10 p.m., Sun. 12-9 p.m. Free.

The Baltimore Carribean Carnival might just have the city’s best parade. During this weekend-long celebration of tropical paradise, transport to the islands without even hopping on I-95. Join thousands of attendees to soak up the sounds of steel drums, snack on endless authentic eats, and best of all, see the colorful costumes as you follow this loud, lively parade. 

 HEAR

July 14: My Morning Jacket with Gary Clark Jr.

Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pwky., Columbia. 5:30-11 p.m. $46-76. 

My Morning Jacket is an instant feel-good show. At any given concert, winding jams like “One Big Holiday” will have you forgetting your weekday worries, and a coterie of cover songs will have you crooning to the likes of Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, and Erykah Badu. For one Friday night, catch old MMJ favorites and maybe even a few new hits from James’ latest stellar solo album, Eternally Even. The group will also be joined by guitar virtuoso Gary Clark Jr., whose rock skills are revered by the likes of The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. Simply put, he’s likely to steal the show. Just listen to “Bright Lights” to see what we mean.

 DO

July 14: Bey vs. Ye vs. Jay Dance Party

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. 

We’ve all picked sides during the whole Carter Family debacle over the years. You might side with Jay-Z. Your girlfriend might side with Beyoncé. Her best friend might side with the West-Kardashian clan. (We’ll always stand by Solange.) This Friday at the Ottobar, you can finally pick a winner with a dance-off to support your team. For four hours, get down on the dance floor as DJ Mills spins your favorite tracks from Queen B, Jay, and the crazy-but-genius Kanye. Open to all genders and ages, it’s one of the best dance parties in the city. We’ll definitely be trying to sneak in a stray “Losing You.”

With the opening of Mt. Vernon Marketplace, upscale food halls (think grown-up food courts) have become the next big thing to hit Baltimore’s culinary scene. Located on the site of the historic Hochschild Kohn’s department store warehouse, the Mt. Vernon gastro hub provides a stylish way to eat—and shop—from a multitude of vendors all amassed under one roof. From the industrial-chic vibe to the hustle-bustle atmosphere and free (!) parking, this market mecca is yet another example of why we heart Baltimore. Here are some highlights:

Pinch: This adorable D.C.-based stand makes delicate dumplings, steamed or fried, from scratch daily. We mixed and matched with pork and cabbage, lamb and shredded carrots, and a vegan version crammed with cabbage, carrots, and cilantro (six dumplings for $8). Sides ($2 apiece) are anything but a footnote. Consider some combination of pickled daikon, crisp garlic cukes, and boiled peanuts. Chopsticks are on hand if you want to go pro. Lines can be long, but don’t cave. Sit. Stay. (And play Ping-Pong at Pinch’s table.)

The Big Bean Theory: Beans might be good for your heart, but at this legume-themed spot, they’re also good going down. With winter here, we sampled several house-made soups, including a soul-satisfying cup of yellow split-pea ($5) thickened with butternut squash, parsnips, and carrots; then picked up a quart of Mama’s Rock ’n’ Moroccan Stew, $13, (a tomato-based blend packed with roasted vegetables) for the road. Hours later, it was the star of the dinner table.

The Local Oyster: For a while now, we’ve been following local oysterman Nick Schauman, a one-man bivalve band, and his traveling stand rife with sweet Skinny Dippers and Choptank Sweets (a few bucks a shuck). Thankfully, at this cute countertop, Nick’s stand is now standing still. Schauman has added shrimp, mussels, clams, and even lobster to his lineup. Paging Poseidon.

Cultured: This countertop-cocktail bar is the breakaway effort of Andrew Cole, the former chef from Hampden’s Corner Charcuterie Bar. Create your own charcuterie board or consider a well-composed sandwich. We scarfed down The French Venetian ($9) with spicy house-cured soppressata, nutty Ossau Iraty (French sheep’s-milk cheese), and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all stuffed inside a lovely loaf from Stone Mill Bakery.

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›› Mt. Vernon Marketplace: 520 Park Ave. Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Prices: vary according to vendor. For more information, go to mtvernonmarketplace.com.