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    Explorer's Lounge

    3.3 (40 reviews)
    Closed 6:30 am - 10:00 AM, 4:30 pm - 9:00 PM

    Explorer's Lounge Photos

    EXPLORER'S LOUNGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Touristy
    Classy
    Casual
    Quiet

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    Evelyn C.

    My husband and I were staying at the Royal Sonesta in Baltimore for our anniversary weekend. Explorer's Restaurant/Lounge is in the hotel on the 2nd floor so on our first night after a couple of hours driving, we decided to make it to the lounge before happy hour ended (it was a Friday/HH ends at 7pm). To start, I got a strawberry mojito which was really good. Tyre the bartender made it with fresh strawberries and mint. My husband got a Stella. We ordered wings and the chorizo flatbread. You can't go wrong with wings so they were good but to our surprise, our favorite was the chorizo flatbread - now this I would order again (even if it's somewhere else lol). We stayed a bit longer and I had 2 Hawaiian Martinis (OMG) and my husband (I think) got Jameson. The martinis were just PERFECT!!! We had a great time meeting new people that sat next to us; from locals to people travelling there for business. If you're in the area or staying at Royal Sonesta, give Tyre a visit. He was very nice and service was great. Thank you !

    Half Dozen Oysters
    A. C.

    (2/20/2014) Went for Restaurant Week to try out the Explorers Lounge at the Harbor Court Hotel. The feel is decidedly too rich for your blood. Prices are steep, best come at happy hour for $5 wine/$4 beers/half-off apps. The service seemed overwhelmed by the number of people dining-in, and mentioned that they're not used to being that busy; started off attentive, ended up having to get up and flag someone down at the bar for our desserts and check. Started with a few apps to share: Truffle Fries (earthy, crispy, shoestring white potato); Wild Mushroom Arancini (tart-creamy with goat cheese, savory, deep-fried to a crunchy dark brown); Harbor Court Honey Wings (deep-fried crunchy large wings with a dunk in a slightly spicy sticky sweet and savory sauce, like Korean fried chicken), "the best I've ever had" remarked one of our diners. The Spiced Pear Salad came with a warm savory tart of Saga Blue Cheese frisee, chicory, walnuts, and a sweet-tart red wine vinaigrette, really nice mix of warm fruit and "meaty" cheese with the cool crisp bitter lettuces. Honey Braised Shortribs were meaty and fork-tender, cannellini toothsome and flavorful, soaking up the meat juices. Braised Lamb Shank was a large bone-in portion, savory, herb-scented jus. I personally could've done without the Sweet Potato Gnocchi (but I'm not a gnocchi fan, in general, those gummy dough balls). Desserts were serviceable, very sweet, not much by way of subtle. If you need an after dinner sweet, they fit the bill. We'll be back to get our Out of Africa on with discounted libations and small plates. Probably the closest we'll get to the Ngong Hills.

    Double Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and Cheesecake.
    Alex K.

    I came here for the Valentine's Day Dinner. The main course was delicious, but the appetizer was pretty average. I had the Avocado & Arugula Bruschetta as my first course and it was average; it had way too many onions, the bread was chewy, and there was little balsamic on it. For my second course, I had the Grilled Hanger Steak, which was delicious and would recommend. The dessert was great except for the dry chocolate cake.

    Crab and Corn Chowder "fresh corn, lump crab, old bay". I literally found 2 pieces of corn in this "chowder". Very Watery.
    Alicia B.

    We went here for restaurant week. Not sure why they even advertised. Very disappointing - will not return. Lack of staff, overcooked steak, couldn't cut through the crust on the apple dessert. Can't make this stuff up.

    American breakfast : eggs bacon hash browns toast coffee and juice choice of fruit instead of potatos
    Megan R.

    My uncle was staying at the hotel and we met him here for a brunch. I ordered blueberry pancakes and they were really good. Crispy, fluffy, yet the blueberry Weren't soggy. The coffee was fresh and had a nice strong flavor. Eggs were good but not outstanding. All and all the food was good and it was a nice environment for a relaxing breakfast. The decor is fun and makes you feel like you've stepped a bit back in time to some sort of old hotel. The service was a bit lacking. The staff, while nice enough, weren't exactly running to take anyone's order or make sure you needs were met. If your in the hotel and don't want to leave it's a convenient and solid choice for a nice meal.

    We stayed at the Royal Sonesta on a business trip. We'd been going out to local places for breakfast but one day it rained torrentially so we decided to stay in and just have breakfast at the hotel at Explorers, on the 2nd Fl. According to the front desk they don't always have a breakfast buffet but they do have ala carte. My husband is a big fan of breakfast buffets (and we've been to very good ones at other hotel restaurants) so we went with that option. It was a bad move. I felt like I was getting the type of mediocre free breakfast buffet you'd normally get at a Hampton Inn except I paid $25pp for it. The French toast was chewy, the potatoes were soft and bland. The eggs, bacon, sausage were just ok. So if you're coming here for breakfast, I'd probably go for ala carte. At least it'll be fresh and cheaper.

    Thanksgiving menu

    Had Thanksgiving dinner here. They offered a set menu with good vegetarian options. It was pricey at $42 but the food was very good. The portions were just right too. Some places offer vegetable dishes and you get something that isn't seasoned well or with barely cooked vegetables. Not the case here. Everything was flavorful and done well.

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    7 years ago

    Had appetizers and enjoyed. Nice hotel restaurant. Friendly staff. Prices reasonable.

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    13 years ago

    Delicious food. Maybe a little pricey but that is hotel food for you! The sweet potato fries were dreamy.

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    10 years ago

    Food and service was good. The atmosphere is nice and relaxing. A pleasant surprise for a hotel restaurant.

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    14 years ago

    Dreadful, soulless, over priced typical hell hole of a hotel bar. Why do people put up with this? $16 for one drink?

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    Blackwall Hitch

    Blackwall Hitch

    3.9
    (1k reviews)
    0.5 mi
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    I'd definitely return, though I don't live in Baltimore, which complicates things a bit :P…read more The overall experience was great. I met up with a friend here, with her husband and kids and my husband, and we had a great time. We didn't realize there would be live music, so it was a bit loud at first, but we got used to it. (The trumpet got a bit loud at times, but that's how such instruments can be!) My friend and I both got a cup of the crab chowder, which was tasty, if a bit weird-looking when the oil separated in it. I got a crab cake, and it didn't seem special compared to other crab cakes I've had, perhaps a bit dry too, but it was definitely fresh. I also went rogue and got a watermelon drink that was good enough where multiple would be dangerous! Everyone seemed to like their food, and my husband even tried clam strips and enjoyed them! The food came pretty quickly, so it's a nice choice if you're bringing kids (or hungry adults).

    I stopped in here after visiting the BMA for an early dinner as it was walking distance from the…read moremuseum. It's right on the harbor so depending on where you are seated you may be able to get dinner with a view. Reservations were easy to obtain and I was able to be promptly seated once I arrived. The staff were friendly and my server was attentive. I ordered the crispy fish sandwich and was pleasantly surprised at the portion size. The meal was delicious and I left full. Highly recommend if you're at the harbor.

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    Blackwall Hitch
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    B&O American Brasserie

    B&O American Brasserie

    3.8
    (656 reviews)
    0.5 mi
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    We were staying at the Lord Baltimore Hotel around the corner and since our hotel did not have a…read morerestaurant, it was quite convenient to come to the Kimpton Hotel. Since it was New Year's eve, there were few patrons or maybe this is the usual scene? Don't know. But there are some comfy couches by the front in which a young couple with a baby was nursing. Another couple was just finishing up dinner and started to head out. We were the only two diners for about 20 minutes before another couple came in for dinner. There were also about two or three people at the bar. So basically a very quiet place. No one at the hostess stand, only a woman at the bar. She eventually sat us and took our order. Things were slow but not so slow that I would complain. I would surmise that most of the staff was off that evening. Food was also slow in coming so there might have been a small crew in the kitchen as well. We ordered the mezze appetizer. Nothing to rave about. It was just a plate with vegetables and hummus. We both got the wagyu burger and fries. The whole meal was quite decent. The meat was cooked to the correct temperature and the fries were crispy. It was quite filling for me. Maybe it was NYE but everything was quiet and nice.

    This is now called the Morely. My guest and I went on a Saturday night around 7:30 and were the…read moreonly people there. The waiter informed us that they only had half of the entrees listed. Luckily, one was crab cakes which my guest said were very good. We saw one couple come in and leave right away. By the time we were finished, there was one other two top and four people watching the soccer game.

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    The upstairs dining room of the B&O Brasserie.
    The upstairs dining room of the B&O Brasserie.
    Brunch Burger
    Brunch Burger
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    The Charles

    The Charles

    4.0
    (124 reviews)
    0.4 mi
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    So fun! Had some beers and watched the Os game! Will definitely be going back again soon! Service…read morewas great also!

    It's been a long time since I've been to this spot! I dropped in for brunch with my cousin on an…read moreearly Saturday afternoon. Given my experience with DC and other parts of MD, I was determined to contact them ahead of time and make sure I would have a spot for brunch. But after some contact on IG, they said it's just walk-ins and I would most likely get a table with no effort or wait. I was concerned... but they were right! So we got settled immediately and started ordering. Our gracious server asked for drinks, which have a bottomless option during brunch. We could pick from mimosas, crushes, sangria and bloody marys. I tried everything but the bloody marys, and while they were good, whew there was a lot of ice in the mimosa... I'm not used to ice there, so it threw me off but it was still good! The REAL highlight was the food... the item I got changed my life: Crab. Cake. Eggrolls. They came with this amazing sweet chili sauce and were so filling and delicious! I also got chicken & waffle sliders to go that had a nice kick and the waffle texture was great! My cousin enjoyed his food as well. Also, shout out to the bagel wall that's on the way to the bathroom. It had great options and all the fixings! If I wasn't full I would've gotten one myself. I will return here for brunch.

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    The Charles
    Sangria, bang bang shrimp, crab egg rolls, Brussel sprouts
    Sangria, bang bang shrimp, crab egg rolls, Brussel sprouts
    Outside

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    Outside
    Rooted Rotisserie

    Rooted Rotisserie

    4.7
    (171 reviews)
    1.2 mi
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    The food is superb, the service is warm, friendly, inviting and genuine. The experience mirrors…read moredinner at a family friend's home. The vision is community centric and the focus is contributing to the neighborhood. Bravo!!' We will be back - often! ** secret tip - Chicken Pot Pie Special only on Fridays is beyond description!!Take home a treasure next Friday!!!

    I've been waiting to give Rooted Rotisserie a try since this opened. One Friday night my husband…read moreand I were kid-free, so we decided to give them a go. I was very pleased with my experience! The inside is small but cozy. I believe that it is a converted row home. Family pictures hang all over the walls, displaying a deep and strong legacy. Music floated throughout the restaurant and we could see the chef plating every meal. We were visited by what I assumed was the manager several times during the night, making sure we were enjoying our experience. The wait staff was very nice and personable. The chef was also a very nice gentleman and boy, can he cook! We ordered the duck confit, lamb shoulder, crab dip, and wings, and honestly, everything brought something different to the table.The duck confit was tender, flavorful, and cooked beautifully. The lamb shoulder was incredibly juicy and packed with flavor. The crab dip was rich, creamy, and definitely something I'd order again. And the wings were the perfect addition, crispy, seasoned well, and full of flavor. Rooted Rotisserie definitely loved up to the hype! If you're looking for a spot with elevated comfort food with plenty of flavor, Rooted Rotisserie is definitely worth checking out! You will not be disappointed! Note: Reservations are highly recommended.

    Photos
    Interior as viewed from the window seat
    Interior as viewed from the window seat
    Creamy, cheesy Mac and cheese
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    This curry chicken salad touched my soul!!

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    This curry chicken salad touched my soul!!
    Topside

    Topside

    4.0
    (396 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$$

    Unmatched views, chic decor, comfy seats, and attentive servers…read more I came in for a few drinks with a colleague. We didn't get any food but were allowed to sit at a 4-top by the window. It was a very pleasant time, and we enjoyed the view of beautiful Mount Vernon. Our server was very well-timed and attentive without being overbearing. I hadn't been there in a while, but l will make a point to come back again soon!

    Baltimore, MD (Mount Vernon) - perched on the 14th floor of the Hotel Revival, Topside overlooks…read morethe Washington Monument and boasts stunning wrap-around views of the Baltimore skyline, with an aesthetic that's clean, bright and vibes modern-Deco. A respectably curated menu carries dishes that are inventively accessorized and beautifully plated, but the quality was somewhat hit or miss, and seems to aim for a level of upscale ambition that comes close but doesn't always quite match the intent in execution. I ordered the duck breast upon our server's recommendation and was happy with that choice, along with the creamy deviled crab. Others at my table seemed to enjoy their steak frites and the market fish special (walleye). The "artisanal" breads & spreads platter arrived on a lovely tea tray, but was far from luxe, I'm afraid, consisting of butter, yellow mustard, commercial-grade olive tapenade, thin jam, and an uninspired selection of dry breads. The Duchess of Bedford would roll over in her grave. Service was kind but rather slow, but if you're here to enjoy the view, you might appreciate the unharriedness. But this really is a gorgeous location for a meal or sunset cocktails. Topside's proximity to Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra) and the Lyric - both about a half mile away - also makes this an attractive pre-concert/theater spot to grab a bite or cocktail. Furthermore, it is located right by the Walters Art Museum and the George Peabody Library of the Peabody Institute, both worth visiting if you're killing time in the area.

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    Bar area
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    Duck Breast (lobster creamed corn, wild mushrooms, zucchini)
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    QG’s Clockwork Restoration

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    4.2
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    Ended up here on an evening when we were staying at an Inner Harbor Hotel. It wasn't particularly…read morebusy, but all of the tables were still waiting to be cleared. There wasn't much speakeasy going on, but it was a nice vibe. Server/bartender was very friendly and helped me choose a local beer from among the offerings. Both of my companions got cocktails which were apparently very tasty. I wasn't super hungry so I got an appetizer portion of brussell sprouts which were delicious. One companion got a burger, but they aren't "camera eats before I do" folks so I didn't get any pictures. Maybe next time.

    #CynBites #ThisFeedsMySoulStatusConferred…read more Fried Pickles Thinly sliced house-made pickles. Lightly breaded, perfect of breading to pickle ratio. Golden brown and crispy. The dipping sauce has a slight amount of spice kick that compliments the pickles well. Absolutely delicious. Cheesesteak Egg rolls These are huge! Stuffed full of steak and cheesy goodness. The red peppers were still crisp and not mushy. Excellent flavors on the steak. The dipping sauce add to the flavors. Fried Goat Cheese Balls Panko breading feel to the outside coating, perfectly golden fried, and a nice crunch. The goat cheese inside was creamy with herbs. The balsamic drizzle brought all of the flavors together. Nicely done. Smash Burger The burger patties were thick and juicy. Lots of google perfectly melted cheese. Bacon was perfectly fried, and fit on the entire burger from each edge of the bun. The brioche bun was toasted, leaving the inside soft and warm. Medium temperature was accurately prepared. Delicious. All of the food was surprisingly delicious for a bar. Definitely Baltimores best kept secret. Check them out and tell Macy I sent you!

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    Skip the deviled eggs if you are averse to mustard.
    Skip the deviled eggs if you are averse to mustard.
    QG’s Clockwork Restoration
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    Explorer's Lounge - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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