Sam's on the Waterfront in Annapolis?

[capicksnw]

Hi all,

Anyone eaten at Sam's lately? My foodie dad and stepmother are coming to visit in September and have requested a waterside dining experience. I took a look at Sam's website and it seems perfect, but I wanted some Chowhounds' opinions. Besides the setting and the menu selection, my dad is gluten intolerant and Sam's offers specifically gluten-free selections (BIG plus). If you folks don't like Sam's, I would appreciate suggestions for:

1) waterside dining within 1.5 hours' drive from Silver Spring
2) gluten-free options
3) creative menu
4) GOOD FOOD!

Thanks!

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Sam's on the Waterfront
2020 Chesapeake Harbour Drive East, Annapolis, MD 21403

[bordeauxfan]

You're right, tough to find creative, GOOD, waterside dining in Annapolis. And sorry but I can't speak directly on gluten-free. The Narrows on the other side of the Bay Bridge is good and waterside but not that creative.

Expanding your search to Baltimore may help. Is water view acceptable? Read the reviews on this board for both Charleston and Cinghiale in the Harbor East section of downtown Baltimore. Expensive but may meet the other criteria.

PS If the September timeframe is Labor Day weekend, that probably rules Baltimore out. The Grand Prix race is going to significant complicate Baltimore dining!

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Cinghiale
822 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

[capicksnw]

Thanks bordeauxfan - both Charleston and Cinghiale look FAB, but the request was to be directly on the Chesapeake. It doesn't have to be Annapolis, but preferably not more than 1.5 hours out of Silver Spring. We've been to The Narrows (meh . . . ) and like the Kentmorr on Kent Island a lot, but would like something a teeny bit more upscale. I know this is a tough one and I do appreciate your ideas!

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Cinghiale
822 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

[bordeauxfan]

The only other places I'd offer up are Hell Point in Annapolis and the Bridges on Kent Narrows. Both serve more creative cuisine than the Narrows. Haven't been to either in over s year though.

[capicksnw]

BTW, the visit is for the end of September, so no Grand Prix complications.

[agarnett100]

you can also try the Severn Inn

[bordeauxfan]

Agreed. Severn Inn has a MUCH better view than Sams, and is easier access from Route 50.

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Severn Inn
1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21409

[capicksnw]

Thanks to both of you for posting, agarnett100 and bordeauxfan. Do either of you have an opinion about whether Sam's or the Severn Inn has better food? The parents are SERIOUS diners and I have read mixed reviews about Severn . . . also, couldn't tell if Severn can do gluten-free options (besides just giving my dad a plain grilled fish with no imagination). Anything to add?

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Severn Inn
1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21409

[agarnett100]

I would call Severn Inn to confirm about gluten-free options

[chowsearch]

Severn Inn is nothing special.

[Jason1]

I think it needs to be stressed that Annapolis is not a SERIOUS restaurant town. In fact, depending on what you're looking for, if you're looking for a 3-4 star large city restaurant, you're just not going to find it, waterfront or otherwise. It's been a few years since I've been to Sam's, and it's good...for Annapolis. As is O'Leary's. Some of the dishes at Level (small plates) are good and creative, but it's very casual and skews young for SERIOUS diners. I'd avoid Harry's Brown's, Aquaterra and the other dated restaurants. I haven't been to Hell Point Seafood yet, but have heard mixed things. But again, not will meet the standards that it seems like you have set.

[laststandchili]

Aaarghhhh I've been holding out hope for Aquaterra based on the menu online.

Any specific concerns? Been considering it for an upcoming anniversary dinner.

I'm in pretty much total agreement about the scene overall in Annapolis. The best we've found recently has been Osteria, and that was merely a good, not stellar experience.

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Osteria
177 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401

[capicksnw]

Okay, sorry about the ALL CAPS - I get your point (seems like you're making fun of me) . . . I want to emphasize that I know I'm not going to find a 3-4 star restaurant outside of DC or Baltimore. I just want a place that has good food (emphasis on seafood), is on the water and that has a chef creative enough to accommodate my dad's food allergy with more than something simply broiled with a side of veg. And I don't necessarily need to be in Annapolis . . .

[Jason1]

It's not on the water, but Level actually lists which dishes are gluten free right on the menu. Hell Point Seafood and O'leary's are both near the water (HP is waterview) and I would think could accomodate you, so you might want to look into them.