At a Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City hearing on Thursday, more than 25 restaurants stood before the board with applications for new or transferred liquor licenses.
This hearing came on the same day officials confirmed that Gov. Wes Moore removed most members of Baltimore City’s liquor board. Along with this shakeup, the board announced in a Thursday release that it will partner with the Neighborhood Services Unit within the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office — a move, said Liquor Board Executive Secretary Douglas Paige in the release, that the board hopes “will allow for an unprecedented level of accountability for those not following the law,” as well as the ability to “protect communities against non-violent criminal activity and nuisance behaviors.”
Below is a list of 11 restaurants whose liquor licenses were approved at Thursday’s hearing and are now one step closer to opening their doors in Baltimore.
Bar Jinju
The operators of Baltimore chain The Local Fry will open a restaurant currently trading as Bar Jinju under Jinjoo, LLC. Helmed by Local Fry owners Kevin and Liz Irish, as well as creative development partner Chris Richards, the new restaurant will offer globally inspired small plates and cocktails in Fells Point.
“They’re very food-centric with their multiple restaurant locations,” said Stephan Fogleman, the lawyer representing the Irishes and Richards, during the hearing. “They’re excited to do it with a liquor license.” 1900 Aliceanna St.
Fins on Madison
Lisa Markiewicz, a retired Baltimore City Public School teacher, will turn her old Mount Vernon restaurant Waterstone Bar & Grille into a new concept. According to the lawyer representing the restaurant, Pete Prevas, Fins will boast a “beach motif,” with menu items like wings and coconut shrimp.
Markiewicz also owns several extended-stay apartments above the restaurant, which she rents to traveling medical professionals. As such, Prevas said during the hearing, “she needs the restaurant to be a lowkey establishment.”
“It’s totally a neighborhood type of operation,” he added. “This will will not be an out of out of control place. It’ll be quite the opposite.” 307-11 W. Madison Ave.
Hampden arcade restaurant
Two-time wine bar licensee Glenroy Laing will open a restaurant and bar in Hampden, for which the trade name is currently pending. Fogleman, who also represented Laing during the hearing, said that the establishment will be “arcade game themed,” and will serve burgers, wings, salads and other American bar fare.1113 W. 36th St.
Charles North lounge
Under the limited liability company 1813 Sips, LLC, business partners Catherine Carmen Borg, Megan Kathryn Elcrat and Amrita Kaur Dang will open a new bar and lounge with live entertainment in the former Trip’s Place nightclub space. The new business, which was approved by the board with a pending trading name, will host both private and public events.1813 N. Charles St.
Lime & Salt
Cesar Flores, owner of this pre-existing Odenton Taqueria, will soon open a second location in Riverside. At the new digs, guests can expect a similar menu of Mexican culinary offerings — Odenton menu highlights include street tacos, mole enchiladas and a lineup of six margaritas. 1747-49 Belt St.
The team behind La Cuchara will open an Italian concept in Hampden. (Handout)
Italian restaurant in Hampden
From the owners of Jones Falls Area Basque restaurant La Cuchara will soon come an Italian restaurant in Hampden. While the concept was approved with a pending trade name, it will operate under the limited liability company Seppia, LLC.
According to business partners Jacob and Amy Lefenfeld, the restaurant will focus on regional Italian cuisine, with a menu that will change seasonally. During the hearing, Jacob Lefenfeld said that the menu will lean “a little bit more south in the summertime” and “a little north of Italy in the wintertime.” 901 W. 36th St.
Spice Kitchen West African Grill
After a stint at R. House, this West African restaurant chain will open its first brick-and-mortar Baltimore location in Canton. The restaurant will focus on well-spiced suya-style meats, flavored with peanuts and gentle heat, including steak, lamb chops and chicken. 2400 Boston St.
Thai Restaurant
This 40-year-old Thai eatery, formerly based in Waverly, will reopen in Abell under family business owner Nuttawood Metawiparee of Royal Thai, LLC. In their new home, the Waverly Town Hall, the Metawiparee family will get back to business as usual after being closed for nearly two years.
“Thai Restaurant,” said Fogleman, who also represented Metawiparee during the hearing, “has been a real community resource and has served thousands of folks in the community.” He added, “The Metawiparees are just excited to get back open for business.” 3100 Greenmount Ave.
The Walker Sports Bar
Philadelphia native William Walker will bring a new sports bar to Federal Hill. The Walker will specialize in smashburgers, cocktails and 15 different flavors of chicken wings. 902 S. Charles St.
Tropical 95° Bar & Grill
In the former Violetville Roadway Inn building, business partners Jose Ruiz and Julio Maltez will open a 75-seat restaurant with live entertainment. Tropical 95° Bar & Grill will operate under the limited liability company Tres Amigos, LLC. 1401 Bloomfield Ave.
Vertice
With restaurant Vertice, business partners Salil and Meenu Choudhary will make “much-needed improvements” to the Mid-Town Belvedere building that formerly housed Charles Corner Pizza, Deli & Grocery. 1301 N. Charles St.
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