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).

While Americans are known to embrace the fake mustaches, noise-making maracas, and massive margaritas that are typically associated with Cinco de Mayo, in Mexico, the fifth of May isn’t as big of a party as one might think.

“Our independence is celebrated on the 16th of September,” explains Cocina Luchadoras owner Rosalyn Vera, whose family hails from Puebla, Mexico. “People have the weekend off and usually there’s a parade for Cinco de Mayo, but it’s not nearly as big as the celebrations on our Independence Day.”

Even so, Vera sees Cinco de Mayo—the anniversary of the Mexicans’ unlikely victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862—as a holiday for Americans to celebrate the contributions that Mexican immigrants have made throughout history. In her case, that means sharing her family’s traditions through food.

“We’re happy to be represented in that way,” she says. “Food unites us—I can always see it in people when they come in.”

This weekend, Vera will climb on board the Wilde Thyme food truck for a collaborative pop-up at Monument City Brewing Company on Saturday before pulling out some of her special recipes for Cinco de Mayo service at her Upper Fells Point restaurant. Among the featured tacos will be shredded tinga de pollo, lamb barbacoa, and cochinita pibil—braised shredded pork with citrus.

In addition to Cocina Luchadoras, plenty of other spots around town are featuring eats and drinks in honor of the holiday.

Clavel: A three-day fiesta is in the works at this beloved taqueria and mezcaleria in Remington. To kick off the holiday weekend, Sinaloa-born chef Carlos Raba will head outside to grill carne asada, al pastor, and cebollitas (grilled green onions) during dinner service on May 3. There will also be a ceviche special, and the bar team plans to shake up cilantro margaritas all weekend long. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the big day, enjoy Clavel’s classic brunch plates, including huevos rancheros and chilaquiles with salsa verde, alongside a selection of tacos from the dinner menu. 225 W. 23rd St. 443-900-8983

La Calle: Chef/owner Valentino Sandoval, a native of Puebla, is offering a pages-long list of specials for his first-ever Cinco de Mayo party at La Calle downtown. Head to the restaurant to chow down on $2 tacos, $4 orders of chips and salsa, $5 nachos, $6 empanadas, and $7 ceviches. Wash down all of the discounted snacks with $2 canned beers, $3.50 bottles, and $4.50 drafts. A signature $5 drink menu includes tequila shots, classic margaritas, micheladas, and red and white sangria. 10 South St. 667-312-2964

La Palapa Grill & Cantina: The doors to this annual blowout in Ellicott City open at 10 a.m. Head to the restaurant early for brunch, or stop by throughout the day to dance to live mariachi music, sip cocktails, and enjoy tacos from an outdoor pop-up grill. A portion of all proceeds from the tent in the front parking lot, which will feature a Red Bull bar, tequila drinks, and DJs spinning all day, will benefit Voices for Children Howard County. 8307 Main St, Ellicott City. 410-465-0070

Nacho Mama’s: Both locations of this Tex-Mex hangout in Canton and Towson will be starting things off early with an “Uno and Dos de Mayo” fiesta May 1-2. From 4-8 p.m., enjoy corn hole, margaritas, and the release of Flying Dog’s Numero Dos dark lager. Swing by throughout the weekend to take advantage of $4 Modelo drafts, $18 Corona buckets, and $15 hubcap margaritas equipped with multiple straws for sharing. 2907 O’Donnell St. 410-675-0898

Papi’s Tacos: This Fells Point staple known for its DIY tacos and antojitos (Mexican street food) is going all out with special sips that will replace its typical all-you-can-drink deals on Sundays. Get in the spirit with $3.50 screwdrivers, mimosas, Bloody Marys, and tequila sunrises. Or, if you’re celebrating with a group, indulge in $17 pitchers of Modelo and Pacifico beer, as well as $23 Corona buckets. As an added bonus, the long-awaited Papi’s location in Hampden has officially opened just in time for Cinco de Mayo—promising plenty of food and drink discounts for a bonafide Sunday funday. Multiple locations including 1703 Aliceanna St. 410-299-8480

Vida Taco Bar: Head toward the massive white tents in Harbor Point for the “Cuatro de Mayo” festival hosted by Vida Taco Bar on May 4. The all-day festivities happening from 12-10 p.m. will include Mexican street food, cocktails made with Sagamore Spirit whiskey and Ilegal mezcal, live DJ entertainment, piñata smashing, and even an outdoor viewing of the Kentucky Derby, which just so happens to fall on the same day. 1401 Point St. 443-835-3474

Woody’s Cantina: Take in the killer waterfront views of Fells Point at this rooftop watering hole, which is celebrating accordingly with a three-day extravaganza. Complimentary Casamigos tequila samples will be flowing on Friday night, followed by bottomless brunch service and Espolon bottle engraving on Saturday. On Cinco de Mayo, show up early to enjoy beat-the-clock specials that start at $2 and increase every hour. Revelers will be able to get in plenty of liquid courage before karaoke kicks off at 2 p.m. 821 S. Broadway. 410-563-6600

Celery juice, turmeric, kombucha, and activated charcoal might sound like items from your local health food store or cold-pressed juice stand. But lately, these ingredients are showing up on area menus as part of a national trend toward more health-conscious cocktails. “Baltimore is a little behind on this movement, but you’re starting to see it more and more,” says Gino Kozera, who just opened coffee and beer cafe Amber in Locust Point. “Trying to use as much natural, non-GMO, and fresh fruit as possible is a part of our ethos.”

Amber highlights drinks concocted with locally made Wild Kombucha flavors such as elderberry in the Gin Fizz or grapefruit-ginger that’s mixed with rye in the Port Authority. There’s also the St. Pablo, a rum drink containing honey and cayenne pepper—ingredients usually associated with a cleanse.

Of course, it should be noted that no alcoholic drink is 100 percent good for you. But national brands such as Ketel One’s new all-natural botanical products with cucumber and fresh-squeezed peach are trying to help consumers drink more responsibly by veering away from artificial flavors. Even a recent Crown Royal commercial encourages its viewers to take a “water break” while watching NFL games.

“Fully embracing wellness and finding ways to live a healthier lifestyle is something you’re seeing more of in the industry,” says Ginny Lawhorn, who runs Baltimore Cocktail Week and the bar at Landmark Theatre in Harbor East (which offers a drink made with activated charcoal). “Bartending is no longer a pay-my-rent-while-I-can job. People are now in it as a career and thinking about their own health and longevity.” Lawhorn’s most recent Cocktail Week included an all-day series of wellness workshops—including a yoga flow followed by conversations centered around nutrition—at R. House hosted by bar manager Amie Ward.

That industry passion is translating to consumers. It’s something we’ve seen in older institutions—like Woodberry Kitchen and Wit & Wisdom, which use fresh juices and even have mocktail menus—and new establishments alike. The recently opened Vida Taco Bar in Harbor Point has a carrot juice cocktail, and The Regal Beagle in Canton makes the Between Two Ferns with celery juice and black pepper and Daytime Drama with a turmeric cordial.

“Just as cuisine has gone farm-to-table, cocktail programs have gone garden-to-glass,” Lawhorn says. “Beets were very popular for a while, turmeric is now, charcoal is a mixed bag of opinions. The overall goal is using little to no sugar while still maximizing flavor.”

As with any trend, there is a limit (we’ve come across distilled non-alcoholic spirits, which gave us a moment of pause) and the pendulum is likely to swing back. But for now, we’re really enjoying feeling like a saint while we sin—and the easier hangovers are certainly a plus.

OPEN

AJ’s on Hanover: Delia Foley’s owners Andrew Carter and Jesse Selke are looking forward to debuting this new neighborhood hangout just across the street from their Irish pub in Federal Hill. The duo has spent the last few months transforming the former South Hanover Street home of Bluegrass Tavern into a brand new concept with rehabbed bars, floors, and fixtures. They plan to open the doors for the first time this Saturday, October 27. The menu helmed by chef Allysa Storms—formerly of Button, now closed for the season in Canton—features elevated pub fare like a Scotch egg cobb salad, flash-fried Brussels sprouts, and bourbon chicken with a cauliflower mash. All dishes will be complimented by a robust bar program featuring craft cocktails and local beer from the likes of Diamondback Beer and Key Brewing. 1500 S.Hanover St.

The Back Yard: Bartenders Lara Sumerson and Mike Cavanagh, who both formerly worked at The Elephant in Mt. Vernon, have breathed new life into the decades-old Patrick’s of Pratt Street space in Hollins Market. Last month, the bar officially debuted as The Back Yard—a neighborhood pub offering eats, drinks, and plenty of flat screens for game-day watch parties. Expect to see local and regional draft beers, a lengthy wine list, and snacks ranging from colorful charcuterie boards to the bar’s signature tinned fish imported from as far as Spain and Portugal. 131 S. Schroeder St.

NEWS

Southside Diner: There are big changes on the horizon for this reliable spot tucked in the Southside Marketplace shopping center off of Fort Avenue in Riverside. A few weeks back, brothers Nick and Steve Karvounis announced that they would be opening a new burger spinoff inside the renovated Cross Street Market next year. In addition to that new project, the family-owned diner will also be expanding with a second location at the Rotunda in Hampden in the coming months. Since its debut in 2012, the diner has become a go-to for breakfast platters, burgers, and and other classic diner fare. The spot will add even more diversity to the Rotunda’s food offerings, which already include The Local Fry, MOD Pizza, and Moby Dick House of Kebab. 711 W. 40th St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

10/28: Maryland Food Truck Week Finale Festival
Throughout the past week, dozens of local kitchens-on-wheels have been roaming the streets in celebration of Maryland Food Truck Week. The festivities will culminate this weekend with a full-blown foodie fest at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Bring the whole family to enjoy live music, trick-or-treating activities, and, of course a lengthy lineup of local food trucks. Favorites expected to post up at the museum’s waterfront lot include The London Chippy, Smoking Swine, The Green Bowl, GoGanics, Pasta La Vista, Bistro Lunchbox, and Quinn’s Ice. A portion of all tips and proceeds will be donated to There Goes My Hero, an organization committed to supporting those impacted by blood cancer. 1415 Key Highway, 12-5 p.m.

10/31: Julia Child-Influenced Dinner and Discussion
If Halloween really isn’t your thing, make your way to Gunther & Co. to spend the evening feasting on five courses inspired by the cooking style of late culinary queen Julia Child. Chef/owner Jerry Trice will serve his homage to the chef while diners listen in on memories and stories from Child’s former assistant, Stephanie Hersh, who will also attend the intimate dinner. Optional wine pairings will be available for an additional $20. 3650 Toone St. 7-9 p.m. 443-869-6874. $75-109.

11/5: Vida Guest Bartender Series Benefiting No Kid Hungry
Starting in November, the first Monday evening of every month will feature a cocktail-filled celebration at Vida Taco Bar in Harbor Point. The spot is launching a guest bartending series that invites some of the city’s top mixologists to take over the bar in support of No Kid Hungry. The first installment next month will spotlight tiki and tequila drinks from local favorite Aaron Joseph and Ezra Allen of the Sagamore Pendry Hotel. A $5 cover will be charged at the door with proceeds benefiting No Kid Hungry’s Chefs Cycle program. 1401 Point St. 7-11 p.m. 443-835-3474. $5.

SHUT

Brio Tuscan Grille: On the heels of the closure of M&S Grill earlier this month, yet another Inner Harbor spot is also making plans to shutter its doors for good. According to the Baltimore Business Journal (BBJ), Ohio-based chain Brio Tuscan Grille is planning to close on November 4. An employee told the BBJ that part of the reason behind the closure was lagging sales due to “ongoing safety concerns downtown.” There is no word yet on what will become of the 250-seat restaurant at Calvert and Pratt streets, or the former M&S Grill space. The closures come at a transformative time for the Harborplace development, which is currently undergoing renovations and lost longtime tenants The Fudgery, Five Guys, and Noodles & Co. in 2018. 100 E. Pratt St. 410-637-3440

CH-CH CHANGES

101 Baltimore: Though this Federal Hill hangout initially debuted as a deli one year ago, it quickly became apparent that 101’s true strengths were its sophisticated snacks, next-level cocktails, and approachable wine offerings—which we recognized with a Best of Baltimore award this year. Now, as the spot begins to hit its stride as a modern neighborhood bistro owner Sean White and his team have changed the name from 101 Deli Bar to 101 Baltimore. The refocused concept features new eats from chef Brian Mahon (think ricotta gnocchi and a watermelon poke bowl), a refreshed local beer lineup from general manager Sam Wyatt, and an expanded wine list crafted by new sommelier Dan Worrell—formerly of Minnow in Riverside. 1118 S. Charles St. 443-682-9480

Vida Taco Bar: Local diners were hyped when this Annapolis-based tacos-and-tequila spot unveiled a new location at Harbor Point earlier this summer. Now, executive chef Josh Brown is gearing up for fall by adding some new flavors to the taco menu. Favorite fillings like Buffalo cauliflower and chilled ahi tuna will be sticking around for the season, and will also be joined by new options like a fried octopus taco with yukon gold potato salad and chipotle aioli, and a sweet potato taco with black beans and pickled red onion. Additionally, the drink menu has been updated with new cocktails like the “24 Carrot,” which highlights Suerte reposado tequila, fresh pressed carrot and apple juice, ginger margarita mix, and a salt-and-pepper rim. 1401 S. Point St. 443-835-8474

OPEN

Baltimore Spirits Company: This acclaimed distillery is officially opening the doors to its new production space and tasting room inside Union Collective this Saturday, September 15. The state-of-the-art facility boasts lots of character with a selection of fun bar tools from Cocktail Kingdom, reclaimed décor and furniture built by the co-owners themselves, and a brand new still that will allow for quadruple the output. Aside from the striking interior, the eco-friendly production space uses a custom geothermal system to sustainably distil its award-winning spirits like Epoch Rye and Shot Tower Gin. 1700 W. 41 St.

Well Crafted Kitchen: Speaking of Union Collective, this farm-to-table pizza purveyor also recently opened inside the space. The business—which started as mobile kitchen inside of a tricked-out 1949 Dodge pickup truck—specializes in wood-fired pizzas topped with everything from arugula and heirloom tomato to apples and caramel. The new headquarters is located just off of the Union taproom, making it easy for beer lovers to grab a snack while hanging out at the brewery. 1700 W. 41 St.

Roggenart: A new location of this heavenly Mt. Washington bakery is now open off of Dobbin Road in Columbia. The new spot continues the bakery’s European-inspired flair, featuring display cases filled with fresh-baked baguettes, flaky croissants, and traditional pain au chocolat. Wash down on all of the eats with coffee drinks including espresso, macchiatos, and frothy lattes. The new cafe marks the second local shop for Serbian-born owner Nem Popov, who also owns a string of bakeries throughout Europe. 6476 Dobbin Center Way, Columbia. 443 583-7854

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/20 & 9/27: Origins Speaker Series
We can’t believe it’s been three years since this sustainable speaker series debuted at Artifact Coffee. This month, the event is celebrating its long run by offering a two-part conversation about local sourcing from both the retail and the farmers’ market point of view. The special program begins on September 20 with an intimate conversation between MOM’s Organic Market CEO Scott Nash and Tracy Ward, executive director of food preservation organization Chesapeake Harvest. The talk will continue one week later on September 27 with special guests David Liker of Gorman Farms in Howard County and Mark Toigo of Toigo Orchards in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. As always, both events will include drinks, appetizers, and a family-style meal with the speakers after the conversation. 1500 Union Ave. 6:30 p.m. $65 for one evening, $120 for both.

9/20: Dining Out For Life
More than 50 restaurants throughout the Baltimore-Metro area—including Hersh’s, Linwoods, Square Meal, Woodberry Kitchen, and Annabel Lee Tavern—are participating in the 25th annual Dining Out For Life fundraiser on Thursday, September 20. In honor of the initiative, the restaurants have vowed to donate 25-50 percent of the day’s dining proceeds to Moveable Feast, an organization that delivers meals to residents living with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. Check out the full list of participating restaurants here, and make a reservation to dine out for a great cause next week.

SHUT

Mueller’s Delicatessen: Yet another iconic deli is shuttering its doors in Charm City. Last week, Mueller’s Delicatessen in Northeast Baltimore announced that it would be closing after 71 years on Harford Road. “We would like to thank all of our loyal customers,” the post reads, adding that the last day of service will be September 23. The news about the decades-old spot—best known for its spaetzle, bratwurst, and other German specialties—comes on the heels of other local deli closures including Lenny’s Delicatessen on Lombard Street, Goldman’s Bakery in Pikesville, and Suburban House on Reisterstown Road. 7207 Harford Rd.

OPEN

Vida Taco Bar: Ever since the Central Avenue Bridge opened earlier this month, diners have enjoyed easy access to eateries in Harbor Point—the 27-acre peninsula that sits in between Harbor East and Fells Point. The most recent addition to the mixed-use development is a new location of Annapolis favorite Vida Taco Bar, which officially opened earlier this week. The strictly tacos-and-tequila menu features creative tortillas stuffed with everything from fried avocado and Buffalo cauliflower to glazed pork belly and soft-shell crab. Wash down all of the eats with colorful cocktails including a classic Paloma, watermelon margarita, and a hibiscus sangria. 1401 Point St., 443-835-8474

Dear Globe Coffee: Since it was founded last year, this local roastery has been winning over coffee fiends with its worldly blends sold at Remington Wine Company, Taps Fill Station, and local pop-up markets around town. Last week, owner LieAnne Navarro opened a brick-and-mortar headquarters for the coffee operation on Antique Row in Mt. Vernon. Swing by to sample the strong java drinks alongside muffins and cookies by local bakeshop Taste This Cake. To celebrate the opening, Bottoms Up Bagels will be on site slinging their signature bagels and sandwiches at the shop July 24-27 from 7-10 a.m. 827 N. Howard St., 443-850-5051

LemonTopia: Pucker up for this sweet pop-up that opened inside Cross Street Market earlier this week. Perfect for summer scorchers, the stall offers refreshing lemonades (think flavors like mint, cherry, and peach citrus) and other lemon-flavored treats created by 11-year-old Jamaria Crump. The young entrepreneur will be behind the counter on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. until school starts back up in the fall. Stop by to indulge in the ultimate summer snack of lemonade paired with cookies, pie bites, cheesecake, and, of course, lemon bars. 1065 S. Charles St.

World of Beer: Adding to the thriving dining scene in Owings Mills—which recently welcomed Stanford Kitchen and will soon see a new Mexican hotspot—is the latest location of this Tampa-based craft beer franchise. World of Beer has officially debuted in the Metro Centre development offering a full food menu and more than 50 brews on tap. Drink your way through the local (think Union, Heavy Seas, Flying Dog, Jailbreak, etc.) and domestic selection while enjoying eats like mac and cheese bites, Margherita flatbreads, and DIY burgers. 10200 Grand Central Ave., Ste. 100, 410-363-1040

COMING SOON

AJ’s on Hanover: After a string of neighborhood closures—including Regi’s Bistro, Rachel New American Cuisine, and Metropolitan—South Baltimore locals will be happy to hear that the team behind Delia Foley’s on South Charles Street has taken over the former Bluegrass Tavern space one block over. Come September, owners Andrew Carter and Jesse Selke will transform the former Lowcountry spot into this community hangout featuring upscale pub grub, moderately priced entrees, oysters, wine, cocktails on tap, and a selection of craft beer. Stay tuned for more details. 1500 S. Hanover St.

NEWS

Chelsea Gregoire Named One of Eater’s Young Guns: It’s been an exciting week for Chelsea Gregoire. The local service industry veteran—who we name Best Bartender in our current “Best of Baltimore” issue on stands July 27—also received national acclaim from Eater this week. Gregoire earned a coveted spot on the publication’s annual “Young Guns” list, which praises food service up-and-comers from cities across the country. Aside from shouting out her work as bar manager at the new Hotel Revival, the piece mentions Gregoire’s consulting business, Drinkable Genius, as well as her work to advocate for women and LGBTQ+ professionals. “More than ever, I want to encourage people to take up their space,” she told Eater. “I’m excited to do what I do and bring people along with me as I go.”

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/19: KoRYEan Pop-Up at Rye
Throughout the past year, Haenyo has invaded local kitchens including Dylan’s Oyster Cellar, Forno, R. House, Cafe Andamiro, and Village Square Cafe to serve its signature Korean-fusion dishes to the masses. Now, the pop-up is celebrating its first birthday in style with a special event at Rye in Fells Point. Head to the bar tonight to sample an a la carte menu of small plates such as yukhoe (beef tartare), shrimp and kimchi mandu, and spicy tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes) paired with Korean-inspired cocktails crafted by the Rye team. 1639 Thames St. 6-11 p.m. 443-438-3455

7/19: Gathering for the Gazette

Tonight, Mick O’Sheas in Mt. Vernon is hosting this trivia fundraiser to support victims of the tragic shooting in the Capital Gazette newsroom last month. All trivia proceeds and donations will benefit the Capital Gazette Families Fund—which aids survivors and families of the victims with funeral costs, grief and trauma counseling, and other expenses that might arise as a result of the tragedy. In true Charm City fashion, many local establishments including Mother’s Grille, DuClaw Brewing, Alexander’s Tavern are helping to support the cause by donating gift cards to be raffled off as prizes at the event. 328 N. Charles St. 6:30-9 p.m. 410-539-7504

SHUT

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

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