visiting Baltimore aquarium w/kids--lunch spots

[ffxjack]

We're thinking of taking my 3 yr old and newborn up to the aquarium in Baltimore soon. Any suggestions for a decent place for lunch nearby?

Looking for something decent, with plenty of parking, and, of course, kid friendly. Thanks!

A previous thread suggested Mama's on the Half Shell. How far walk/drive is that?

[sweetpotater]

What about that tapas chain restaurant in the Harbor? I think it's called La Tasca. Has anyone tried that?

[LGood]

There is plenty of food at the harbor, but I'd stay away from La Tasca. It's just a bit pricey for the very bland offerings. Also, ESPNZone is right next to the aquarium - terrible food, but plenty for the kids to do.
If you decide on Little Italy, try Amicci's. Very good, casual, and reasonable. Try their house specialty appetizer - it's a bread bowl topped with shrimp and a thick scampi sauce. Enough for 4 to share.

[ffxjack]

Thanks for all the tips everyone!
I think Little Italy sounds like a good idea. The no stroller policy would have been a very unpleasant surprise. Is the parking right at the Aquarium? Maybe we can leave our stroller in the car and then grab it to walk to lunch (my son's a terrible walker).

[DanielK]

Slightly off Chowhound topic, but the Aquarium will CHECK your stroller if you don't want to leave it in the car, and swap it for a backpack if your child is small enough.

There are parking lots in the neighborhood, but no parking right at the Aquarium.

www.aqua.org

[drblog]

Holy moley!

[drblog]

I agree that you should stay away from the Aquarium cafeteria; for that matter you might as well basically stay away from about everything down at the harbor. Little Italy is a great option (Luigi Petti is good) and it's a nice couple of blocks walk. Ruth's Chris steakhouse is also right there.

[hon]

Luigi Petti closed a while ago!

[bolivianita]

Stay far away from the Aquariums cafeteria...its the worst food I have had in my life! Also on a side note The aquarium is discounted fridays after 5pm ($5 vs. $20+) so a late lunch might be something to consider followed by a visit to the aquarium. The water taxi can get you all around in the fells point, harbour area and fort mchenry so your options are expanded beyond the innner harbour.

[cbauer]

Also, remember you can buy your tickets online and also print out a coupon for getting a discount on parking.

On Topic - James Joyce Pub is right around the corner for lunch (it's not just a pub - it has restaurant seating)

[tubman]

Little Italy is only about six blocks away. We've found Sabatino's to be very kid-friendly at lunchtime, and I'm sure any number of the other restaurants there would be, as well. Street parking is easy during the week, or there's a big public garage on President St. which could do double-duty for both the aquarium and Little Italy.

(I don't mean to get off-topic, but note that the Aquarium has a no-stroller policy. Nasty surprise if you're not prepared for it.)

[Hal Laurent]

Mama's is too far to walk, but a short drive.

[Leslie]

Mama's is great but has a no reservation policy. We went for dinner and waited more than 1 1/2 hours for a table. I am not sure about the wait for lunch.