On a hot summer day, is there anything more delightful than al fresco dining? I’m glad you asked because, yes, there is. It’s dining outdoors overlooking the water. And there’s no better place to do that than Annapolis.
The city is situated on an inlet and as such, is surrounded by water. While plenty of local restaurants have water views, here are four that city natives frequently mention as favorites.
Pusser’s Caribbean Grille is located on the harbor side of the Marriott Annapolis Waterfront, at the foot of St. Mary’s Street. Opened in 1994, the restaurant is named after Pusser’s Rum Company, an historic British liquor-maker. The vast indoor dining room is fashioned after a British-style pub and the bar is known for its rum drinks.
For those who prefer an air-conditioned environment, one side of the dining room has a wall of windows that overlooks the harbor. Or, you can sit outside on a long patio that offers a close-up view of the yachts and motor boats as they enter and leave the City Dock.
Pusser’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are weekly menu specials and a Sunday brunch. You can park in the adjacent Marriott lot.
For information, contact Pusser’s, 80 Compromise St., Annapolis, at 410-626-0004.
Chart House Restaurant is one of a 27-restaurant chain that is found throughout the United States. Opened in 1961, the local restaurant picks up on the Annapolis vibe, starting with its location in the Eastport area of the city, a quaint neighborhood filled with quirky, distinctive-looking homes.
The restaurant itself has a bright and airy atmosphere thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass walls that overlook Spa Creek. Parking is available in the adjacent lot. Downtown Annapolis is a short walk away or, to really get into an aquatic state-of-mind, pick up the water taxi from the Annapolis City Dock.
The dining room opens at 4:30 p.m. most days. The menu features seafood, with a daily fresh fish offering. There are also steaks, summer specials, sumptuous deserts and a Sunday brunch. The wine list is extensive.
For information, contact Chart House Restaurant, 300 Second St., Annapolis, at 410-268-7166.
Mike’s Crab House offers the ultimate Maryland dining experience – crabs and beer. Located in Riva, Maryland, just outside of Annapolis, the mood is casual at Mike’s. There’s an indoor dining room with water views, a humongous bar and two outdoor decks overlooking the South River. One deck has a canopy with fans; the other, picnic tables with umbrellas.
Lunch and dinner menus feature an assortment of dishes although the emphasis is on – no surprise — seafood. You can sit on an outdoor deck, order a bushel of the best and crack crabs on paper-wrapped tables with the rest of the patrons.
Live music and karaoke are on tap weekly. Park in the adjacent lot or, if you arrive by boat, tie up on Mike’s boat dock.
Mike’s has been around for 50-plus years, a testament to this family-owned and run place.
For information about Mike’s Crab House, 3030 Riva Rd., Riva, call 410-956-2784.
The Severn Inn is located on the east side of the Naval Academy Bridge. This unique location means that there are glorious views of the U.S. Naval Academy and the city across from the restaurant. You can even spot the dome of the Maryland State House and other local landmarks.
Besides the indoor dining area and bar with water views, the restaurant has a large outdoor deck with tables and umbrellas overlooking the Severn River.
The Severn Inn features fine dining, with lunch, dinner and pub (i.e., “light fareâ€) menus, accompanied by a very nice wine list. A Sunday brunch is also offered.
Parking is on-site, along with free dockage for patron’s boats.
For information about The Severn Inn, 1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Annapolis, call 410-349-4000.
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