402 Key Hwy., 410/727-3678,
www.selectrestaurants.com/rusty [1]
HOURS: Sun.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–midnight, brunch Sun. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
COST: Most entrées more than $20
At the base of Federal Hill rises this longtime Inner Harbor eatery, which was one of the first big restaurants to take advantage of the great views of the then-new Harborplace [2] gained from the south side of the harbor. The view is still the main reason to come to this big, corporate operation, though the (expensive) food can be surprisingly well-handled, and the Sunday brunches are a favorite of many locals.
The best views are from the upper patio deck, so pass through the nautically themed main dining rooms and head for the stairs. There’s live music most weekends (generally piano), and this is a lively, bustling place, so don’t plan on a quiet, sedate evening here.
Links:
[1] http://www.selectrestaurants.com/rusty
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/baltimore/baltimore-s-best-sights/more-great-baltimore-sights/harborplace