Definitely Loreley - we go before almost every Bowery show - sit at the bar, good food, great beers

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Loreley
7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Thanks for all the advice / suggestions so far -- I thought that might be the case with Tristan and Cypress. Hadn't ever heard of Amen Street; may check that out in addition, as a few of us are getting in a day early...

So I'm fulfilling my best man duties and coordinating a trip to Charleston for my buddy's upcoming bachelor party. I've been down several times and have, with very few exceptions, been highly impressed across the board with everywhere I've had the chance to eat.

After reading a bunch of previous posts, my question now isn't really about the respective quality of various menus, but more as to atmosphere - think the groom is interested in something skewing towards (for lack of a better word) "trendy" for one nice dinner out.

We're all in our early to mid-30s, so not looking for somewhere where we can high-five, whistle, chest-bump, and generally piss everyone else off around us, but at the same time, it would be nice to find somewhere with a bar where about 10 guys having before-dinner drinks won't stick out like sore thumbs. Opinions on the below (and other favorites) are greatly appreciated.

Casual:

Hank's
Coast (anyone have any experiences with Coast's patio, communal table?)

Others:
Cypress
Tristan (too formal?)
Halls Chophouse (seen a LOT of mixed reviews)
FIG (I've eaten at the bar, but can't say that I took much of a look at the dining area)

Other ideas? Thanks in advance.

There is only no other explanation if you take the editing at face value - read Tom's take on it on the Bravo website. He basically states that though the editing made it look tight (shocker), Jen was the clear unanimous choice and that both of her offerings were way oversalted. I thought she was fantastic all season - shame to see her go - but to suggest, after the ridiculous dishes we've seen the remaining chefs turn out week after week, that anyone is being kept for 'drama' at this point says more about most people on this board's dislike for Michael's personality than anything else.

Ha - the counselor's cabin analogy...now that's funny.

Makes me envy these chefs and their lifestyle - i have a feeling if i ever tried to pick up a girl by complimenting her rabbit-butchering skills, it may not go too smoothly...

I agree with both you guys in terms of him not being up to the caliber of the top four; maybe a notch below - along the same lines of Eli or so.
Terrible disclosure upon being the devil's advocate - I kind of like Mike I., in a skin-crawling, inexplicable way. While I generally can't stand the whole "I'll act like an ass to stand out" mentality, or the past chefs like Stefan, Lisa, Ilan, etc..., watching Mike painfully/awkwardly try to flirt to w/ Jenn and act like a 12 year-old dipshit who can cook is somehow highly entertaining to me. That said, I apparently need to now reassess my life...

Also, was it just me or was the Mike V. and Jenn reciprocal compliment-fest at the judge's table bordering on sparks-a-flying or what?

Funny respnses - I thought it was a collaborative effort, Mike wanted to deconstruct - Brian knew how....also, to advocate for the devil, I think its amusing how everyone thinks Mike's continued presence is purely ratings-based because of their dislike of him. Brian didn't have anything to do with him being near the top of several of the challenges so far....having Daniel Boulud pick his escargot as one of his favorites is an indication that the man can cook.
On a weekly basis, I'd a hundred times rather watch what a talented 'villain' can turn out of the kitchen than a likable hack. He's probably high-middle of the remaining pack, but he definitely still belongs there, i'm just saying....

agree to disagree - who else has prepared a meal with the 'three star michelin' tag or 'i'm almost a little jealous' bestowed on them by someone like English or Bernstein. No one else over the five seasons - including Harold, my personal favorite - had that type of flattery put upon them (and don't blame editing, they wouldn't leave those comments out). I think Hung's the best of the series run thus far and other than Blais, its not really close.

Though Hosea wouldn't be my first pick of a chef this season to choose to frequent (that would be Jeff), I'm a little surprised at all the animosity on these boards. The rivalry/jealousy with Stefan proved pretty justified over the last few episodes, where for me, Stefan went from being a potential victim of shitty editing to an ass determined to laud his skills over Hosea at every point, when they weren't in actuality that far above.

All in all, a fine result - I still hope Ilan is working at a Waffle House somewhere....

Miss Irene's in Fells Point recently (and finally) opened. There are plenty of great offerings in the area, but considering what you're looking for, Irenes (intersection of Thames and Anne Street) is a shade more upscale than the others. They've got some good appetizers, but the rest of the menu might be a little more than your regular "bar food." I've been several times since it opened for drinks and once for dinner and have been pleasantly surprised each time.

Sorry, I only have half an answer for you - I was there mid-July and they said the closing date was going to start on July 26th...unfortunately I can't remember when the re-opening is going to take place...hopefully soon - I'm hungry

I'd highly recommend Tapas Teatro to meet your request - I live in the area and often take out-of-town friends there. I actually enjoy Pazo a great deal too, but not for what you're looking for - it tends to be a more dimly-lit place that I find more appropriate for big groups of friends (if its just two of you, you'll risk being seated borderline on top of other tables and their conversations).
I think TT has enough of a selection to fit both your constraints and if you go early and snag an outdoor table, its a great place to order a few things at a time and linger over a pitcher (or more) of sangria.

Without knowing what type of cusine you're interested in, I immediately think of the back patio of the Ambassador Dining Room (upscale Indian food) for a romantic outdoor setting - there is a fountain and a few benches which are a bit removed from the rest of the area for somewhere to sit and relax after dinner.

Not sure - We tried to go yesterday and they aren't currently open - have posted signs on the doors saying "We will be reopening", "thanks for your concern", "we'll keep you posted," etc... . I hope its not closing, but maybe someone else has better insight as to the situation?

I have to differ with most of the above opinions. Of all the chains, Capital Grille is my favorite. Even on an "off" night, I've still found it preferable to Ruths, etc...

I've always found the steaks to be flavorful and prepared to the correct temp. However, the main reasons I've been a repeat visitor are the cherry pepper calamari and steak tartare - both excellent. (Also - the Stoli Dolis they serve at the bar, while pricey, take the edge off nicely)

I've only been to Flemings twice, with differing experiences. Once we had great service, but a bland, flavorless steak. The second time was the reverse; nicely prepared food, but our server went MIA halfway through the meal - really MIA, to the extent that we had to get the manager, something I can't stand doing, as it makes me feel like a creep.

Anyway, hope you enjoy wherever you end up...

Without question, Blue Moon Cafe. Below is a post of mine on a similar topic about two years ago; since then I've been convinced to go for the fourth time, and it managed to be somehow even worse on all accounts:

"my main one is Blue Moon Cafe. I went with friends, did the wait, sat down for an less than IHOPish meal that had me nauseous for hours. I'm all about second chances, so we waited a year or so and went again with my girl. Again with the wait, only to get very mediocre food and a side of terrible service (and I'm not even picky about service in the first place.)

So, a few weeks ago, I thought the third time would hopefully be a charm and....well, you see where this is headed. My conclusion - this place sucks and there are about a dozen places I'd rather go for breakfast/brunch which I rarely hear mentioned. At the same time, Blue Moon gets the accolades. Agree to disagree, I guess (I know I love one or two places that get crushed on this board), but I don't get the praise or the crowds."

Speaking of those places that I love that get slammed, Tapas Teatro is at the top. Everyone here seems to maybe enjoy the sangria and find the tapas to be, at best, second/third rate. I just love the place - great for dates, groups of friends, etc... - from the drinks to the outdoor seating to the tapas, which I think is easily on par with Jaleo and the other favorably reviewed joints I've been to.

I guess that's what makes this board fun, though.....

Neither of these recommendations are unique to the Baltimore branch, but the Hot Cherry Pepper Calamari appetizer is up there with my favorite preparations anywhere. As for the steaks, I now stick with the Delmonico, having found it to be the most flavorful. I'm getting hungry typing this - enjoy the dinner....

Another guy in his late 20's perspective for the classic drink (echoing what most have already said here):

If the bartender knows what they're doing, get an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan.

Also:
Greyhounds
Gin and Tonics (if they have Hendrick's gin, there's nothing better in the summer, IMO)
Gimlets (Sapphire is my go-to for this)
Johnny Walker Black with a cube or two of ice
Basil Hayden's bourbon also with just ice (not too 'stiff', only 80 proof, I think)
I personally love Dark & Stormy's and don't find them too juvenile, just fun...

Not sure how "classic" or sophisticated this is, but my go-to (when I don't want to think about ordering) is a Jack and Ginger; much less syrupy than a Jack and Coke and hard for even bad bartenders to screw up...

Love Attmans - if its nice out, I can make the hike, but I'm right off of Thames, on the water, so its a bit of a distance when busy. Thanks for all the suggestions so far...

Unfortunately, other than One Eyed Mike's Market, not really. I used to get my grease fix at Philly Gil's before they closed down. I know other people enjoy the place in the South Market with "Baltimore's Best Cheesesteaks", but I'm not much of a fan. I hope that I'm just missing something there, but I kind of doubt it....

So I work in Fells Point and am running out of ideas for places in walking distance to grab carry-out lunches - any hidden places I've been missing or do I just need to start packing more?

The list of places I've exhausted:

Kabobbi
Red Star
Kawasaki Cafe
La Tortilleria
Waterfront Hotel
BOP
One-Eyed Mikes Deli

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Yup. Very reasonable prices, good selection for the space, and I doubt you will find friendlier service then at the Wine Source.

I've also had a great meal and good service when eating at Jack's, but I don't think the above post should be dismissed just because its the "it" place now that everyone seems to want to succeed.
I agree that part of its appeal is the menu's creativity, but to blame the customer for not having the foresight to think that POP ROCKS may be an ingredient in his tuna entree is poor business sense, especially when they're spending $500 + in your establishment. I think the way the situation was handled was the main complaint, not the lack of conventional fare.

I'd also recommend Pazo, but for another fun place in your price point that is unique to Baltimore with a good bar scene and excellent food, you should take a quick cab ride up Charles Street to the Brewer's Art - definitely open on Mondays. Have some drinks in the front area before dinner. It never disappoints me....

www.belgianbeer.com

www.mustangalleys.com

8 regular and 4 duckpin lanes - looks like they're shooting for an upscale pub / comfort food menu also.

I'm REALLY looking forward to the Lemongrass / Tsunami duo. I hope they don't disappoint.

This might not be too helpful, as I'm a Samos (the BYOB place) devotee, but I have had a very poor experience at Ikaros recently (service was fine, but the food was just plain bad on all fronts). I've heard good things about Zorba's, but have yet to break out of my Samos kick long enough to try it.

It is right - both are intended to be opening around September under the same ownership group...I'm looking forward to the additions (and the bowling alley/lounge that is opening up in the building sounds like it could be a fun spot too...)

Rocket to Venus - I'll never go back to Loco Hombre after getting barely mediocre service and pretty bad food for waaay too much money the last time I was there (i.e., asked for shredded cheese with my fajitas and was brought literally a thimble full for what I later saw was $4.00!!)

Rocket to Venus is fun for decent food, good drinks and a mixed crowd - everything from hipsters to Roland Parkers there with family in tow...

Thanks to all for the suggestions - I've got my work cut out for me...

Thanks very much...

I've always liked One Eyed Mikes for the service, food and beers - not sure how I left that off.

I've also never had the chance to try Thai Arroy but haven't had Thai in a while and am always happy to help support good owners....thanks.

Any other ideas out there?

A friend who is briefly going through a bit of a tough time financially is insisting on taking me out to dinner as a thank you / birthday treat. Since she won't take 'No' (or other suggestions) for an answer, I'm trying to think of places Charm City has that are intimate but not too expensive, and would make for a nice evening out - possibly a BYOB or somewhere with a moderate corkage fee, so that I can at least offer to take care of the wine.

So far this morning, I'm drawing a bit of a blank and have only been able to come up with Iggies (which I love, but we've done that to death) or possibly Samos. Anyone else have any suggestions?

Thanks very much in advance...