RECOMMENDED BYOBS and Cheap Eats

Coming Soon a Fine Dining Section!!!!

OUR RATING SYSTEM

Basically if the restaurant is here, it's made the grade. It may be an excellent price to quality ratio, outstanding service or awesome food that got it here. Price points are as follows:

Expense $=$10-15 per person  $$=$15-20 per person and $$$ = $20+ per person (all include tax and tip)

1621 Aliceana Street (between Bond & South Broadway)

Baltimore

410-522-3940

 $$

One of the best brunches, hands down. The cinnamon rolls and eggs benedict are unbelievable. A great place to share a bottle over lunch. A really nice choice of sandwiches and light fare. The bad news is, if you want to have breakfast or brunch get here early (they open at 7am). The line can get long. You can always bring bubbles and have mimosa's to make up for the wait.

BYOB

246 Burke Ave

Towson

410-823-3326

 $

This place is a great spot for comfort food, great service and warm atmosphere. If you've never had Lebanese food before, this place will turn you into an addict. The Hummus is heavenly, the chicken kabob is fantastic and the Buclava (Lebanese baklava) out of this world. The two sisters who own it are sweeties and hey also have an extensive menu of traditional "American" deli food but what should be revered is the incredible Lebanese specialties. Portions are very generous so bring a big appetite and friends!

BYOB

8801 Baltimore Natl' Pike

ELLICOTT CITY

410-750-2253

 $$

"NEW RESTAURANT!!!!"

Charming, affordable and great food. Not much else to say, you have to experience it for yourself. Not only do they take your bottle, open it with a smile and make recommendations about what might pair well on the menu, but nothing absolutely nothing we tried was disappointing , a rare treat these days where negotiating a menu often seems more like walking through a mind field. Still a well kept secret so the wait isn't too bad - for how long though, we aren't sure... Enjoy

BYOB

Charcoal Deli

22 Church Lane

Cockeysville, MD

410-666-3730

$

Are you a chicken wing addict? This is the place for you, Charcoal Deli has by far the best, most delectable chicken wings you can get your hands on in the Baltimore area. Their BBQ and Pit Beef isn't too shabby either.  They are open year round but be forewarned, it's not a restaurant but a take-out stand. They are also excellent if you need a caterer with grilling savvy. We recommend the Cajun wings, smoky, spicy and sweet - they are the quintessential finger food. Don't order later than 1/2 hour before closing though, they'll pass the burnt stuff off to you if you aren't careful.

BYOB

53 East Padonia Rd (York rd.)

Timonium

410-667-7200

$$-$$$

This is (by our humble standards) the best sushi in the Baltimore area! We love this place. The fish is always supremely fresh and the service is great. Unfortunately, many people feel the same way we do which means there is often a wait. If you are in a rush you can always get carryout or eat at the bar. Try the Volcano roll, it's an amazing taste experience. It's a great place to try a new bubbly. Always a wait on Friday, it's in the 'burbs so be prepared for kids and crowds on a Friday. Best to go after 8pm

BYOB

1615 Sulgrave Ave. (Kelly Ave.)

Baltimore

410-664-2971

$$

Offbeat but good is the best way to describe this eatery. It's not fancy but could be perceived as quirky -romantic. Their entrees are an adventure and the best way to describe the food is healthy California meets the Mediterranean. The service is friendly but sometimes too casual. A good place to try on a night when you've run out of ideas. Service is spotty, but when the planets are aligned, everything is great. October 2003

Located in the Cranbrook Shopping Center

Cockeysville

410-667-6104

$-$$

The best thing about Fazzini's is the food and the fact that it's next to Cranbrook Liquors. If you can get beyond the strip mall ambience and the noise level due to families you can have a great meal here. The specials are usually pricey but the portions are huge, we especially like the fresh calzones, lasagna and homemade desserts. Although we love the food, recently we left without ordering, the wait can get to one on an empty stomach. Go at off hours it's great, peak times you take your chances. Despite the owners surly persona (we've never seen him smile) and the long wait, foods good but stay away from takeout. Something mysterious happens 09/2003

BYOB

11628 Reisterstown Rd

Cherry Valley Shopping Center

Owings Mills/Reisterstown

410-526-5580

$-$$

This is a family operation that serves a hybrid of Latin and Italian cuisine. The house specialty Pollo a la plancha quickly sells out so get there early. The place is small but cozy despite the florescent lighting. Everything is fresh and the portions are generous. The music can get annoying, it's like elevator music with a Latin touch. But the food is great enough to distract you. If you have a sweet tooth, try the Pavé, which is kind of like a fruity tiramisu minus the coffee flavor.

BYOB

908 W. 36th Street (between Elm & Roland Ave.)

Hampden/Baltimore

410-235-2326

$-$$

Big portions, big flavor, big bang for your bucks! This Hamden eatery is well-known for it's Tex-Mex. A great place to try out some really big reds and have a spicy meal. We love their burritos and can't get enough of the nachos. Service is almost overly casual but, at this price, let's not be too difficult shall we? The Chorizo tacos are amazing. A new location is opening soon, terrific. No longer a BYOB, bummer. But still some of the best Mexican style food around.

Located in the Ames Shopping Center

York and Timonium Rd

Towson/Timonium area

J.J.'s is not a fancy place, and that's precisely what we like about it. It's clean, comfortable and the service is friendly and quick. We think it's the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a meal that's good and relax.

Weekends can be busy, but the turnover is usually quick.

On a recent visit both the burger and sandwiches we ordered were disappointing The soup and dessert made up for it though.. Their entrees can be creative and worth experimenting with albeit a little pricey for the surroundings. On the up side, excellent service 09.2003

BYOB

35 Cranbrook Road

Corner of Cranbrook and York Roads COCKEYSVILLE

410-628-6800

$-$$$

When this first opened about a year ago the food was not too hot. Albeit the pretty (very Indian style) decor, the meals were bland and tasteless. Lot's have changed since then. Several recent visits show the kitchen has definitely stepped up to the plate and is turning out some great food. Our opinion is that Indian is comfort food, and what beats a huge brunch followed by a nap on a Sunday? Not many things.

BYOB

Pasta Blitz "Squsito"

5808 Clarkesville Square

Clarksville, Maryland

  $-$$

We only wish this wasn't so far, but hey, if you live in the Columbia, Clarksville area of feel like taking a drive on a pretty day. This is a great final destination. Don't let the cafeteria style ordering fool you, they make great Italian food. On a recent visit the Linguini Alle Cozze (linguini with mussels) tasted as if you were on a virtual visit of Italy.

Terrific prices and you can't beat the wine list (your own).

BYOB

Mamie's

911 W. 36th St. (Roland Ave.)

Hampden, Baltimore

410-366-2996

  $-$$

O.K. so maybe the decor is not your idea of stylish, but it's interesting. This place has a lot of old traditional favorites. A good place to go if you're craving "Mom" style meals. We like the meatloaf and mashed potatoes with gravy. Wednesday night, you can't beat the specials. It's like being in your parents kitchen ,only don't have to eat your vegetables if you don't want to. Hush puppies are highly recommended. Still one of the best values around, although lobster night is packed and they are now a whopping $8 vs $7 a piece. September 2003

BYOB

Ras Doobie's Caribbean Kitchen

213 Penn St

Ridgeley's Delight, Baltimore

410-752-3896

For a cultural experience without the plane ticket and travel expense, this is a must. Outstanding Caribbean food and ambiance. Queen Nzinga and Ras Doobie de Chef have a little slice of heaven where you will find real Jerk Chicken, Pepper Pot, exotic drinks and desserts as well as a pretty and inviting decor that makes you feel right at home. The only caveat is the parking, there's not other way to put it but, terrible. This being said, for some of the best Jamaican food available in Baltimore it's worth the carpool arrangements.09/2001

Rosina Gourmet  

 Canton

2819 O'Donnell Street

410-675-9300

$

One of the most amazing selections of sandwiches on some of the best bread around. Great take out warm entrees as well. When you are looking for the Cadillac of sandwiches, this is the place. Try some country pate, brie and mesclun greens on sourdough or one of their unique "hot" sandwiches. Pricey for sandwiches but way worth it.05/2001

New !!!!

Saigon Remembered

Homeland/ York Rd

5857  York Road

410-435-1300

$$

The entire menu is not enthralling, but it's reasonably authentic Vietnamese food. The star that shines is the Pho - that filling, brimming with spices, fresh veggies and beef, chicken or seafood comforting Vietnamese wonder. At between $7 and $9 dollars it's a relatively inexpensive entree. Be forwarned, though, it's a lot to eat for an appetizer. Better stick with the delectable Spring or Summer rolls and you've got yourself a stellar meal for about $35- 40 for two.

Also, extremely convenient if you are planning to catch a flick at The Senator (it's right across the street.) 01/2002

1427 York Rd (corner of Seminary)

Towson, North Baltimore

410-825-8121

$$

Schezuan House is as authentic Chinese as you can find in the North Baltimore area. The decor is a little tacky and the service can be aggressive but "what a meal". The specials are great, portions huge and everything is fresh, fresh, fresh.

Our favorites are the Orange Beef, Scallops with Vegetables and all the fried rice. Very accommodating, they will adjust the spice, fat and salt content as per your request. You can make reservations, do so because this place rarely sees a slow night!08/2001

Salsa Grill

6642A Security Boulevard

Meadows Park Shopping Center, Baltimore,

410-265-5552

  $$

Although the area isn't picturesque the friendly service and cheerful music takes you on a mini vacation. The food can be good or great depending on what you order, the portions are huge. If you are really hungry this is the place for you. Our favorites are the Ceviche, Seco a la Mortina, and Tamales. Although we didn't try the Lomo Sotado, it smelled divine. The Peruvian specialties are tasty but not for the unadventuresome, be sure your waitress explains the dishes to you to avoid disappointment. 10/2001

Suzie's Soba

1009 W 36th Street

Hamden, Baltimore

410-243-0051

$$

Just for the decor alone, the outside terrace and the amazing Ginger Iced tea you have to try this place. Perfect for a first date (only if you get a spot on the terrace in summer). Suzie is a neat lady who makes awesome food and dispenses rather salty advice along with it.

Perfect for when your stomach is empty and your day's been a bad one. Not the most inspiring wine-list but we hope it will get better. If you can, try the apple pie. Wonderful. We highly recommend the house salad and the soba and smoked salmon with fresh basil dish. 11/2001

Scott's Corner Shopping Center

10249 York Rd near below Warren

Cockeysville, MD

410-666-3100

$$

We like this cafe because the food and service are consistent. You can satisfy a craving for American style Italian food pretty well here. There is always a wait on Friday and Saturday nights so be prepared to be patient. Our recommendation is to go on any other night of the week. It's the perfect place when you don't want to cook and you just want to relax.