Scientifica's top 10 restaurants for Biophysics 2015
To help you make the most of your time at the Biophysical Society's 59th Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Scientifica have come up with our 10 favourite restaurants from the areas surrounding the convention centre.
If you fancy getting away from the exhibition with some great Maryland seafood or American comfort food then we have some suggestions for you to try. We recommend you book any tables well in advance to avoid disappointment. The city's restaurants are likely to be busy with over 7,000 delegates expected to attend this year's event.
1. Phillips Seafood, Seafood, Inner Harbour
Phillips Seafood is a traditional Maryland restaurant with wild crabs, fish and oysters sourced from around the state. Located in the old Pratt Street Power Plant, at the heart of the inner harbour area, this eatery is a well-known landmark in the Baltimore dining scene and very close to the convention centre.
2. Kali's Mezze, Mediterranean, Fells Point
Kali's Mezze is a Mediterranean restaurant and bar selling Greek-inspired tapas dishes and small plates. Found across the harbour from the Baltimore Convention Centre in Fells Point, try the tasting menu to sample a wide range of dishes. This diner also has a happy hour from 4:00 – 6:30 pm.
. La Scala, Italian, Little Italy
La Scala serves high-end Italian cuisine without the huge price tag in the heart of Baltimore's Little Italy. Favourites from the Antipasti menu include Cuori di Carciofi (Artichoke hearts topped with jumbo lump crab meat, capers and lemon butter sauce) and Cozze (Fresh mussels steamed with spicy marinara sauce or garlic butter). They also have an indoor bocce court and happy hour on selected dishes from 4:30 – 7:00 pm Monday to Friday and 3:00 – 8:00 pm on Sundays.
4. China House, Chinese, Canton
China House is an unassuming Chinese restaurant near Patterson Park, just on the other side of Fells Point. Whilst the décor could use a little improvement the quality of the food is great, as is the price.
5. Minato Sushi Bar, Japanese, Mt. Vernon
Minato Sushi Bar is more than just a sushi restaurant, with plenty of other Japanese dishes available on the lunch and dinner menus. Minato is a 30-minute walk straight up North Charles St from the convention centre (or a 10-minute taxi ride). Try it out during happy hour (5:00 – 7:00 pm Monday to Friday) for great deals on sushi and sake.
6. B&O Brasserie, American, Downtown
B&O Brasserie is located in the historic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad headquarters, a couple of streets north of the convention centre. Their menu features American dishes that change on a regular basis to reflect available local ingredients. They also have excellent drinks in the form of fine wines, craft ales and handmade cocktails.
7. Pratt Street Ale House, American, Downtown
Pratt Street Ale House is pretty much opposite the Baltimore Convention Centre. As the name suggests this place is all about great beer, but that doesn't mean their food isn't excellent too. They have great versions of most classic American bar food including burgers, wings and sandwiches. The bar also brews a selection of beers on site, with additional guest ales available. Fill a hole after a hard day at the conference or relax with a few pints until the early hours.
8. Bluegrass Tavern, American, South Baltimore
Bluegrass Tavern serves modern American comfort food with a Southern twist. Try the Creole Mustard BBQ Ribs for a heart-warming stomach filler at this South Baltimore diner. Also, don't forget to get a side of baked Mac N' Cheese which is well worth its $5 price tag.
9. Tortilleria Sinaloa, Mexican, Fells Point
Tortilleria Sinaloa is famous for their freshly made corn tortillas that seem to be in constant production. They serve beautiful traditional Mexican fare at a great price in Upper Fells Point. This spot has won multiple awards from City Paper including "Best Tacos", and as an additional bonus, most of their food is Gluten Free.
10. Thames Street Oyster House, Seafood, Fells Point
Thames Street Oyster House is an excellent raw bar with harbour views (from the upstairs dining room) in Fells Point. They also have wonderful seafood sandwiches and main courses if you fancy something a little more warming. A particularly popular dish is the North Atlantic Monkfish with applewood bacon and lobster sauce.
For more ideas of where to eat and what to do in your spare time at the conference (if you're lucky enough to have any), take a look at Baltimore.org
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