614065 Wed Apr 22 10:11:36 -0700 2009 15 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 4618311 My college graduation is coming up at the end of may and after the ceremony on their way back to NY and PA my family members want to stop off in Baltimore for lunch. They're looking for a decent sized meal, moderately priced nothing too expensive and because my family tends to be a little more upscale, it can't be a hole in the wall but please I'd love it to be still casual and comfortable. There will be at least 1 vegetarian with us and one younger eater who prefers simple contemporary cuisine, our party will be between 7 and 12 people and if it's at all possible a few of them have requested that the restaurant be on the water or possibly around the inner harbor (possibly little italy?). Please, no McCormick or Philips, thanks all! Wed Apr 22 10:11:36 -0700 2009 75215 hungry_fox 1 4618340 I've only been to Baltimore ten or so times, but I can't think of anything directly on the water that isn't chain central, except for the Rusty Scupper (and even I know that's no good). Seems everything is a chain or a chain-type place. Wed Apr 22 10:20:01 -0700 2009 4618311 92744 invinotheresverde 1 4618391 Mamas on the Half Shell in Canton, great MD seafood, I am sure the vegetarian can find something. They are not on the water but are near it by a few blocks if you all want to walk down afterwards. Baltimore restaurants on the water tend to rely on their view and not their food to get people there. Wed Apr 22 10:34:22 -0700 2009 4618311 12234 hon 1 4618457 I recommend Bay Cafe in Canton. It's not too upscale and they give you plenty of food for your money. The shrimp salad is very good and you can see outside or inside. Wed Apr 22 10:51:44 -0700 2009 4618311 285179 dancinagain 2 4618607 No offense dancinagain, but Bay Cafe is pretty much universally regarded as a bad place to eat, not to mention its status as douche-central. Wed Apr 22 11:39:13 -0700 2009 4618457 48787 davestar 3 4618667 Couldn't have said it better myself! Wed Apr 22 11:52:50 -0700 2009 4618607 256757 abovethewaves 4 4618880 Shrimp salad was the one thing I would go to the Bay cafe for but the last time I had it, it was room temperature and the pasta salad was actually warm, not good. Wed Apr 22 12:43:51 -0700 2009 4618667 12234 hon 5 4620769 Baltimore has lots of good options. I think a place that would hit the mark nicely and allow for a nice Baltimore neighborhood walk is the Dogwood--- Dogwood Gourmet: http://www.dogwoodbaltimore.com/ I've only been a couple of times, but think it's a nice little place in a good part of town. Thu Apr 23 05:12:10 -0700 2009 4618880 47565 baltymoron 5 4621684 I agree. I've had pretty decent shrimp salad at the Bay Cafe Thu Apr 23 09:32:07 -0700 2009 4618880 13033 KAZ 1 4620936 How about Lebanese Taverna in Inner Harbor East? The space is pretty and has windows on the water. They can handle a big crowd. It's very vegetarian friendly, but with lots for meat-eaters, too. It won't break the bank and is still pretty elegant to boot. There is a kids' menu as well. Thu Apr 23 06:25:02 -0700 2009 4618311 70560 pomme de terre 2 4621530 I wish, I go to Lebanese Taverna in Silver spring all the time, the food is unfortunately a little too complex or "weird" for the younger eater. Thu Apr 23 08:56:09 -0700 2009 4620936 75215 hungry_fox 3 4621923 Hmm, too bad. They do have the "pidas" which are basically pizzas. Cinghiale (next door to LT) has a lot of the same good points, but is quite a bit more expensive. Kooper's Tavern (a bit further afield in Fell's Point) is not as fancy as the other two, but serves great pub grub and is near the water. The vegetarian will have to hunt a bit for something, but there are definitely options. Kooper's isn't a showplace inside like the other two, but it's nice enough. Thu Apr 23 10:24:02 -0700 2009 4621530 70560 pomme de terre 4 4622542 I don't believe Cinghiale is open for lunch anyway. Thu Apr 23 12:52:49 -0700 2009 4621923 11669 Hal Laurent 1 4621692 When I first read your post, I thought of Petite Louis' lunch. It sounds like exactly what you describe, great food, a little upscale but comfortable and not too expensive. It is not anywhere near the water though. Thu Apr 23 09:34:15 -0700 2009 4618311 13033 KAZ 1 4621701 Miss Shirley's in the Constellation Energy Building is open for lunch on the weekdays and now on the weekends. Sounds like it suits your needs (well, it's not ON the water but it's close). I haven't been to Peacock Cafe but that is on the water, maybe someone can provide some info. Thu Apr 23 09:36:46 -0700 2009 4618311 151336 BaltoPhilFood 2 4621932 I've only been to Peacock in Georgetown, but I liked it very much! Loved the burger with gorgonzola. Thu Apr 23 10:25:05 -0700 2009 4621701 70560 pomme de terre