Thames Street Oyster House Awards

Thames Street Oyster House Restaurant Review:

Thames Street Oyster House is that Holy Grail of Baltimore gastronomy: the really good seafood restaurant that is chef-driven --- not part of a chain, in other words --- with not-too-astronomical prices. Casual yet classy, it boasts simple, evocative bistro décor (white-and-black tile, bentwood chairs, raw bar selections written on a handsome mirror), a romantic courtyard patio strung with white lights, and an intelligently put-together menu of seasonal, sustainably sourced fare. Executive chef Eric Houseknecht has provided a variety of price points, from salads and sandwiches (including a buttery lobster roll) to such entrées as seared Block Island scallops over green apple-and-walnut risotto, and blue crab, potato gnocchi, fresh English peas and yellow squash. To sample the best of the raw bar offerings, high rollers can order lush “shellfish towers” that change daily. Wines, specialty cocktails and artisan brews, including some fine locals, stand ready to accompany your meal. Desserts are seasonal; try the peach cobbler made with the farmers market's freshest in summer, or a sumptuous bread pudding to ward off winter's chill. Need more to love? Head for the upstairs dining room, which offers pretty harbor views.