Baltimore Restaurant Week

[rcooperman]

Baltimore's restaurant week is July 26 - August 3. There is a listing at: http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com/

Not being a Baltimore resident I need some help. Any recommendations? Any don't go theres?

[Champagne Girl]

We cancelled our reservation at Bicycle during last year's RW after they called to confirm our reservation. We were informed, during the confirmation call, that we only had the table for 2 hours. I got the feeling that we were being treated as second class citizens because we were coming for RW. Got to keep those profit margins high, huh? Seems it was a little short-sighted. Despite their good reputation, I won't be going there, RW or not.

I have had nice RW meals at Corks and Brasserie Tatin - with the table for as long as I'd like it!

[kelarry]

I think 2 hours is more than reasonable for RW. The establishment was honest & upfront with you. It's neither offensive or unreasonable, considering the sheer volume during RW.

[ko1]

Agreed. They're hardly rushing you and making sure people with later reservations are seated.

[kelarry]

Just wondering if anyone has encountered a time limit set by restaurants during restaurant wk?

[Wangus]

Imposed time limits? No.

On the Aldo's RW menu they state that diners have an hour and a half to eat. We sat and drink some wine for a while before ordering. And by the time everything was finish I'm sure we went over by a little bit, but no one kicked us out.

When Bicycle called me to confirm my reservation, the young lady on the line also told me (like above) that there was a two hour seating limit. The service there is at a pretty standard speed, and getting out in two hours is really not an issue either. We sat, ate, laughed, pretended to be more knowledgable and worldly about food than we really were, and had an all around great time. I think someone noted that we were in there for about an hour and 45 minutes. Service was quite good, and we never felt like second class eaters at all.

So from my experience it seems like places that think they'll be busy may impose time limits. However, as long as the food comes in a timely manner, you really shouldn't have anything to worry about. Both my time-imposed meals were on the weekend and a 7:00 and we never felt rushed at all.

[rudmansjmu]

I go to Bicycle twice a year during Restaurant week. Have yet to be disappointed. Desserts are a 10!
Also worth mentioning that I see no difference in portion size during restaurant week. Have eaten there on other occasions and portions seem the same.

[ko1]

Helmand's, Bicycle, and Brewer's Art look to be the best choices insofar as getting a deal on a really nice restaurant. The Prime Rib is a great pace for steak. You'll get 3 courses and sides with a smaller cut of their signature dish for less than the full portion of the prime rib usually goes for. I would stay away from Little Italy and the small plate places (i.r. Meze, which we love, don't represent a good value for RW. Bicycle will book up particularly early.

[hon]

I think the menu at Yellow Dog looks good!