You don't need a reason to go to Baltimore. Okay, you do, and we're not talking about cultural tourism inspired by <em>The Wire</em>. We're talking about the Red Sox and Yanks both coming to town this week. And while you're up there, you'll want to swing by these new and notable eating and drinking dugouts. It's what Cal would want.
You prefer to start game night like any other night: with a cocktail. Here at the newly converted B&O Railroad headquarters, you'll find bourbon mixed with housemade cola, rye blended with fig jam and liquid smoke, and happy hour microbrews for $3. Pair them up with mac and cheese croquettes or meatball sliders. It sure beats Amtrak food.
At the just-opened Federal Hill retreat, the menu runs to the exotic—Veal Sweetbread Tater Tots, antelope loin, rabbit pâté, even wild boar tacos (like Germany by way of Mexico). It's just like that time you went hunting with Cheney, only with two bars and about two dozen bourbons.
You've always felt your first-inning dog could use a little something extra: like more protein. Attman's, long your favorite Baltimore deli, has set up shop inside Camden Yards, and they're dishing up the classic frank wrapped in bologna. Because meat is your favorite condiment.
After nine innings of jeering Jeter and downing hot dogs, there's one thing you want: another hot dog. These gourmet dogs come in 14 varieties like the Cuban (with Virginia ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese and pickle) and the Late Night Dog (with bacon, fried egg and sautéed mushrooms). There's also homemade bison jerky, so you won't have to go meat-free during the ride home.
Start your post-game meal at the Federal Hill tavern with one of 15 kinds of burgers—among them the ostrich burger with blue cheese and the Peanut Butter Burger, with Roseda beef, bacon and peanut butter. And wrap up with boozy shakes made with Gifford's ice cream. Think Baileys ice cream with Jameson and whipped cream. Basically, summer in a glass, Dublin-style.
