Tucked away behind Rowe Boulevard, West Annapolis is protected from the hustle and bustle of city life. Yet, West Annapolis is close enough to downtown Annapolis that it can offer stylish food options, treasured antique finds, and a wealth of businesses suited to your everyday needs. In this post, we honor the West Annapolis restaurants. If nothing else, we hope this post reminds you of how special West Annapolis restaurants really are.

The Canton Restaurant sits at 11 Ridgely Avenue and serves up Chinese American food. Enjoy the large buffet or order off the kitchen menu, with options like Beef with Oyster Sauce and Canton Chicken. Enjoy an Americanized version of classic Cantonese dishes at an average of $11. The restaurant is locally operated. Head to www.thecanontononline.com to see the entire menu.

Though not a restaurant per say, Great Harvest Bread Companyon Ridgely Avenue has become an integral part of West Annapolis. Beloved for savory treats like Pepperoni Rolls and sweet options like Morning Glory Muffins, it’s no wonder so many Annapolitans rely on Great Harvest for carb needs. The store bakes daily specials that are ideal for breakfast, lunch, and part of dinner. Prices range from $3 to $10, depending on the volume of the purchase. Head to www.greatharvestannapolis.com to see February’s menu.

Naval Bagels has two locations: one in Arnold and one on Taylor Avenue, in the West Annapolis Shopping Center. Locally owned and operated, this family-run business has mastered the easy-to-carry food ideal for any time of day (or night). Naval Bagels is highly regarded for the Avocado Delight with avocado, turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, and honey mustard dressing; and the Naval Bagel, with lox, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers. Specialty bagels average at about $6. The bagels are made fresh and in the traditional boil-and-bake fashion. Visit Naval Bagels at www.navalbagelsinc.com to see the full menu.

Regina’s Restaurant is the site for German cuisine fused with American ingredients. The location at 26 Annapolis Street has been serving the community with classic dishes like German Cold Cut Sub, Hot Corned Beef Sandwich, and Goulash for decades. The restaurant specializes in German cuts and types of meat, like bratwurst, weisswurst, knockwurst, and bauernwurst. Regina’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Prices for dinner average about $15. For an extensive menu, see reginasrestaurant.net.

The Mexican Cafe at 609 Melvin Avenue is home to flavorful margaritas and traditional, fresh Mexican food. Try the Tostadas Dinner, Burrito Asada, Vegetarian Enchilada Supreme, or the house-made dips. The Mexican Cafe serves lunch and dinner. Entrees carry a $13 average price tag. Learn more about this locally operated restaurant at www.themexicancafe.com.

We must pay homage to two West Annapolis restaurant staples–b.b. Bistro and Annapolis Gourmet and Deli–that have recently closed. It’s sad to see the local owners and the tasty food go, but here’s to hoping for good replacements!

(Photo courtesy Naval Bagels’ site.)