For the second year in a row, the Restaurant Association of Maryland is hosting a statewide restaurant week. The promotion sees businesses across Maryland offering special deals to customers from Sept. 17 to Sept. 26.
The group’s CEO Marshall Weston said the promotion comes at a time when local businesses are under pressure from multiple sources: an industry-wide labor shortage, COVID-related price hikes on food and other supplies as well as a drop off in foot traffic as coronavirus cases continue to rise.
“We’ve really seen, over the past five weeks almost, the restaurant recovery going in reverse,” Weston said. He hopes the event will be a timely reminder for Maryland customers to support local eateries — and that “we’re not out of the woods” when it comes to the pandemic.
Participants range from Baltimore steakhouses and pizzerias to a coffee shop in Cumberland; businesses don’t need to pay to be listed.
“We really tried to be inclusive,” said Weston.
Here are some highlights. For a full list of specials, click here.
If you’re dining out with young ones, Abbey Burger Bistro may be the place to go. The restaurant is offering a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal for dine-in guests at its Fells Point, Federal Hill, Havre de Grace and Mt. Washington locations. 811 S Broadway, Fells Point and three other locations. 410-522-1428. abbeyburger.com
Fancy a road trip to Western Maryland? Stop on by Cumberland’s Basecamp Coffee to get a free latte with the purchase of any 12 oz bag of beans. 108 Greene St. Cumberland. 240-326-7022. basecampcoffees.com
In Annapolis? The city’s Dangerously Delicious Pies branch will be extending their “Date Night Special” from open to close, Sept. 17-26. Get two slices of savory pie or quiche with two slices of sweet pie and drinks for $22. 212 West St., Annapolis. 410-990-0743. dangerouspiesannapolis.com
For all the brunch fans out there, Miss Shirley’s is offering a two-course breakfast, brunch or lunch prix-fixe menu for $21 at the restaurant’s Inner Harbor, Roland Park and Annapolis locations. 750 E Pratt St., Inner Harbor and two other locations. 410-528-5373. missshirleys.com
If you happen to be on Maryland’s Eastern Shore next week, whiskey and wine bar Oaked 110 is offering a $30 dinner special from Tuesday through Thursday that includes your choice of appetizer, entree and dessert. 300 N. Washington St. Snow Hill. 443-234-5324. oaked110.com
For steak lovers: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse has a three-course dinner for $45 at its Inner Harbor and Pikesville locations. 711 Eastern Ave., Inner Harbor. 410-230-0033 and 1777 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville. 410-837-0033. ruthschris.com
Sporty Dog Creations is offering a buy one, get the second half-off deal on its gourmet hot dogs. Be sure to add some tasty house-made chips to your order. Read more about the mother-daughter enterprise, which recently moved into the former Women’s Industrial Exchange building, here. 333 N. Charles St. (Pleasant Street side). sportydogcreations.com
Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop is offering a sweet $25 special for carryout customers: one whole cake (aside from tiramisu) plus two medium cappuccinos. Available at the Little Italy, Canton and Hunt Valley locations. 222 Albemarle St. and two other locations. 410-685-4905. vaccarospastry.com
Verde, one of Baltimore’s best places for traditional Neapolitan pizza, is serving a three-course dinner menu for $35. And where else in town can you see a bar that still has a pre-Prohibition-era spittoon/urinal built into the base? 641 S. Montford Ave. 410-522-1000. verdepizza.com
