1002 Light St., 410/539-7344,
www.regisamericanbistro.com [1]
HOURS: Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–midnight, Fri. 11 a.m.–1:45 a.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m.–1:45 a.m., Sun. 9:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
COST: Most entrées between $10–20
This always-hopping bistro has been popular since before Federal Hill became one of the city’s thriving next-generation neighborhoods, and part of the reason has been the consistently satisfying food. Mundane items like tater tots (a minor sensation in Baltimore [2] these days) take on a new life when covered with brie and bacon—as do huge slabs of meatloaf served with onion straws and a demi-glaze. (There are also plenty of lighter entrées here.)
The dining room is very cozy, but the outdoor seating right on busy Light Street is where the real social scene can be found (especially at Sunday brunch). One of the neighborhood’s notable residents, Jenna Bush (daughter of former President George W. Bush), is a semi-regular here.
Links:
[1] http://www.regisamericanbistro.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/baltimore/discover-baltimore