Restaurant Rundown in Catonsville, MD

This post has been in draft form for entirely too long, so it’s time to share. During the holidays last year, I found that I was eating out more than usual–often at some really tasty places. Surprisingly, Catonsville, MD has turned out to be quite the culinary hot spot–who knew?!?! Let’s dig in (pun intended).

Catonsville Gourmet Market–The food here is good and I would go back, but I’m not doing cartwheels. The atmosphere is cozy, service is good, and there’s a section in the back of the restaurant that sells seafood that looks yummy and fresh. I would recommend a reservation because it’s not that big. But a huge score is that there is a parking lot behind the restaurant and it’s free.

Dusenberg’s–I can’t say enough good things about this place. The food is awesome, the portions are huge, and the environment is ‘classic.’ They serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch; everything from beignets and specialty omelettes to the ‘Chesapeake Club’ that I enjoyed–shrimp salad topped with lump crab dip. The only down side is they don’t take reservations and they only have about 12 tables in the whole place. Because it’s such a popular spot–rightfully so–be prepared to wait. Street parking only.

Regions–The food here was very good and everyone in my party loved what they ate. Unfortunately, because it’s been so long I don’t remember what anyone had, myself included. I know it was off the specials menu and it was seafood (so I like seafood, I live in Maryland!). They do not have a liquor license so you will need to bring your own wine. And for a mere $5, yes $5, they will uncork it for you. (Yes, I’m being facetious.) The only true ‘negative’ I have to say about this restaurant is that they have a very strict 2-hour dining limit. We were a party of 3 women catching up and 2 hours after the start of our reservation we were brought the bill and politely told that our table was needed for another party. To be fair, this is mentioned on their website, but seriously??? Get ready to get in, eat, and get out.

Ship’s–I haven’t actually been to this restaurant, but I have heard good things.

Bonus review: This place isn’t in Catonsville, but it was good enough that I have to give it a shout out.

La Palapa–Seriously, they have a mariachi band, need I say more? If you can handle really spicy food, get the stuffed jalapeños, they’re worth the burn. I am a chimichanga girl and I was not disappointed in the least. This restaurant is located in downtown Ellicott City and parking was a NIGHTMARE. Yes, it was holiday time and Santa was in town until midnight on the night we went, but oh my–took me about an hour to park. The restaurant parking lot only holds about 9 cars. There are lots all around and street parking for free. I parked about half a mile away in front of someone’s home and one of my friends parked in the lot of an apartment complex–shhh, don’t tell. All that said, a super fun atmosphere, good food, and apparently a popular happy hour spot.

While on the subject of yummy food and restaurants, and since I stepped out of Catonsville, I may as well step out of Maryland. My recent reviews of my stay in Miami Beach were less than kind, though truthful; but there were a few bright spots. I went to a restaurant called Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine. I know it sounds odd and maybe they should consider a name change, but put that out of your mind–the food is awesome and so is the sangria. They are known for their roast pork which unfortunately, they were sold out of, so they recommended the pork chops–divine. And there were two of them, along with perfectly cooked plantains and black beans.

The other culinary crib worth mentioning was in South Beach–Van Dyke’s Cafe on Lincoln Road. The warm Brie appetizer alone was worth the traffic riddled cab ride. Coupled with pineapple mojitos and lobster stuffed ravioli, you can’t go wrong. Plus, I got to wear flip-flops and a sundress in March, only to return to snow in MD 2 days later, it was a nice reprieve.

There you have it. The review that took 4 months. Enjoy!