Downtown Baltimore is draped in sparkly lights for the holidays; a trip to the Inner Harbor is a fun way to jump-start feelings of holiday spirit. However, with COVID cases on the rise, Baltimore City guidelines for businesses are rapidly changing, including a new ban on indoor and outdoor dining and entertainment – which means that supporting your favorite downtown businesses might look different than it has in past years (or even past weeks).
To comply with the new rules, many downtown businesses are shifting gears quickly, trying to stay afloat during this rapidly changing environment. Restaurants are moving to carryout only and venues are developing interesting gift options just in time for the holiday season.
So don’t skip that trip downtown – head to the harbor to check out the sights and to support local businesses. Here are a few ways to do that:
Order Carryout
Though indoor and outdoor dining areas not currently an option, many downtown Baltimore restaurants are open for carryout. Here are a few great options:
Chicken Rico is a Peruvian chicken institution in Baltimore for a reason; their chicken, sauces, and sides are available to take home.
Lunch or dinner at The Capital Grille is always special; it’s a great at-home option, too. The celebrated steakhouse offers a la carte items to take home and has three-course meal options designed for groups of four to six. You can also splurge on a holiday butcher box including meats and/or lobster tails to cook or heat at home. (Those boxes make great gifts, too).
Fogo de Chao also has an extensive to-go menu; you can order specific cuts of fire-roasted meats by the pound, plus side dishes, desserts, and grill-ready steaks.
Tir Na Nog’s Irish classics, like fish and chips and Irish nachos, are available to-go and for delivery. The pub’s menu also includes a variety of sandwiches and burgers and – as a bonus – Mexican fare.
Miss Shirley’s brunch is terrific at home (and so is lunch or dinner). The Inner Harbor café offers an extensive to-go and delivery menu, including everything from cinnamon danish biscuits to crab-stuffed omelets.
Tin Roof’s menu – stacked with fun food like quesadillas and wings – is available to-go and by delivery.
Go Shopping
The Downtown Partnership is hosting a holiday pop-up shop at Center Plaza from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays. While there, you can pick up items from a variety of local small businesses, like Mount Royal Soap Company, Chase Street Engraving, and Cuples Tea.
Miss Shirley’s has a bunch of swag for sale: your favorite brunch fan will love a t-shirt or hat. The café also allows shoppers to fund meals for first responders – a great way to give back this season.
Baltimore Soundstage merch is a terrific gift for music fans feeling withdrawn from the lack of live shows – and a good way to support the venue. Soundstage sells tons of t-shirts, gaiters, bandanas, and even koozies. All proceeds from one of the shirts – the “Soundstage STAFF BENEFIT crew tee” – go directly to the Soundstage staff.
Tin Roof has tons of apparel choices, including t-shirts, tanks, hats, gaiters, and stickers.
Gift cards are always a great idea, too! Most local businesses offer some type of gift certificate – and some have deals when you purchase, like Fogo de Chao, which gives you an additional $25 gift card for every $125 purchased, $75 for every $300 and $100 for every $400 purchased.
Where to Park when Heading Downtown for this Holiday Season
When you’re heading downtown to spread some cheer – and support businesses – this holiday season, get your trip off on the right foot by parking at Harbor Park Garage.
Harbor Park is conveniently located at 55 Market Place. Easily accessible from I-83 and other major routes in and out of the city, the garage is right next door to Power Plant Live! and Baltimore Soundstage and an easy walk to the harbor itself and a variety of downtown restaurants, bars and attractions.
Harbor Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is clean, well-lit, and highly conscious of sanitation and guidelines related to keeping the space safe during COVID. Harbor Park is staffed by a friendly, knowledgeable crew who are happy to answer questions about where to go, what to do and how to get there, or about the garage’s policies and approach to management during COVID.
For more information about Harbor Park Garage, visit https://backup.harborparkgarage.com/