Rediscovering Baltimore: I Heart East Side
by Karen Hannon-Greenwald
It’s high time for EZ-Pass, `cause this West Baltimore girl is in love with the East side!
The rejuvenation of Canton, Harbor East, and Highlandtown was undoubtedly the biggest and most welcome surprise when I returned to my beloved Baltimore after 13 years away from home. Although not the neighborhoods I frequented before my departure in the nineties, I confess that I’ve succumbed to their irresistible appeal… repeatedly. Some of my best friends live in Southeast Baltimore and through their tutelage I learned about the cool things to do and places to go: restaurants, theaters, shops, bars, bars, and more bars, with Fells Point getting the nod for most per square mile. Without question, the tight system of cool neighborhoods from East of the harbor out to Greek Town is Baltimore’s “coast” of diverse food, drink, and entertainment options.
The first jewel I discovered is Highlandtown's Creative Alliance at the Patterson Theater. Many big cities have multiple venues for the various forms of art, but “H'town” is home to this single venue for art in all forms. Thrilled by the discovery, I’ve been back several times to see music, comedy, performance art, and indie films in the rescued movie house that oozes quirky cool down to its floorboards. A great place for art adventurers, couples, first dates, and friends, even a lonely heart might be surprised by the interesting mix of offerings at the Creative Alliance.
Did I mention the incredible eateries on the East side? They have it all, every ethnic restaurant from the super hip to neighborhood standbys. In Harbor East trendy “osteria” style dining and drinking establishments like Chingiale and Pazo will please the cosmopolitan gourmand. Ra Sushi is another favorite where people watching is as fun as selecting from the innovative sushi and libations. Let's not forget the traditionally popular Fells Point and Canton neighborhoods and the main thoroughfare between them, Boston Street: home to Baltimore classics like Captain James Landing, Sip & Bite,and Bay Cafe, where you can get something to eat in a pinch and with Baltimore waterfront charm.
My favorite bar is also on Boston Street. A true neighborhood gem, Bartenders defines the best in East Baltimore: unassuming and fun-loving people welcome you with a smile, a wink, and a shot. To refer to Bartenders as simply a bar does no justice to its kickass menu including their inventive, award-winning pizzas. A few blocks North and East, O'Donnell Street and Canton Square (“The Square”) always hums. Possibly sustaining the highest concentration of entertainment in the fewest square feet, Canton Square's roughly two city blocks are home to a variety of establishments including Mama’s on The Half Shell, Nacho Mama’s, and Vaccaro’s Café. Around the corner away from the mayhem, award-winning Jack’s Bistro features amazing cocktails and killer beer menu to complement the tasty seasonal dishes, all served up by friendly staff. The cool thing about East Baltimore is that you can find excellent little restaurants on most street corners, not just in the Square or Fells Point. Venture up into the neighborhoods on foot
Like New York, Boston, and Chicago, Baltimore grew up around immigrant neighborhoods and remains much the same today. As I regain my Baltimore identity, I’ve found my hometown to be a great city.
It’s high time for EZ-Pass, `cause this West Baltimore girl is in love with the East side!
The rejuvenation of Canton, Harbor East, and Highlandtown was undoubtedly the biggest and most welcome surprise when I returned to my beloved Baltimore after 13 years away from home. Although not the neighborhoods I frequented before my departure in the nineties, I confess that I’ve succumbed to their irresistible appeal… repeatedly. Some of my best friends live in Southeast Baltimore and through their tutelage I learned about the cool things to do and places to go: restaurants, theaters, shops, bars, bars, and more bars, with Fells Point getting the nod for most per square mile. Without question, the tight system of cool neighborhoods from East of the harbor out to Greek Town is Baltimore’s “coast” of diverse food, drink, and entertainment options.
The first jewel I discovered is Highlandtown's Creative Alliance at the Patterson Theater. Many big cities have multiple venues for the various forms of art, but “H'town” is home to this single venue for art in all forms. Thrilled by the discovery, I’ve been back several times to see music, comedy, performance art, and indie films in the rescued movie house that oozes quirky cool down to its floorboards. A great place for art adventurers, couples, first dates, and friends, even a lonely heart might be surprised by the interesting mix of offerings at the Creative Alliance.
Did I mention the incredible eateries on the East side? They have it all, every ethnic restaurant from the super hip to neighborhood standbys. In Harbor East trendy “osteria” style dining and drinking establishments like Chingiale and Pazo will please the cosmopolitan gourmand. Ra Sushi is another favorite where people watching is as fun as selecting from the innovative sushi and libations. Let's not forget the traditionally popular Fells Point and Canton neighborhoods and the main thoroughfare between them, Boston Street: home to Baltimore classics like Captain James Landing, Sip & Bite,and Bay Cafe, where you can get something to eat in a pinch and with Baltimore waterfront charm.
My favorite bar is also on Boston Street. A true neighborhood gem, Bartenders defines the best in East Baltimore: unassuming and fun-loving people welcome you with a smile, a wink, and a shot. To refer to Bartenders as simply a bar does no justice to its kickass menu including their inventive, award-winning pizzas. A few blocks North and East, O'Donnell Street and Canton Square (“The Square”) always hums. Possibly sustaining the highest concentration of entertainment in the fewest square feet, Canton Square's roughly two city blocks are home to a variety of establishments including Mama’s on The Half Shell, Nacho Mama’s, and Vaccaro’s Café. Around the corner away from the mayhem, award-winning Jack’s Bistro features amazing cocktails and killer beer menu to complement the tasty seasonal dishes, all served up by friendly staff. The cool thing about East Baltimore is that you can find excellent little restaurants on most street corners, not just in the Square or Fells Point. Venture up into the neighborhoods on foot
Like New York, Boston, and Chicago, Baltimore grew up around immigrant neighborhoods and remains much the same today. As I regain my Baltimore identity, I’ve found my hometown to be a great city.