The Mt. Washington Tavern

The Mt. Washington Tavern Restaurant Review:

Mount Washington was rocked when its popular gathering place was gutted by fire on Halloween 2011. Would the lacrosse crowd, which once collected in the bar to swap stories, or the neighborhood regulars, who headed for the dining rooms for everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to prime rib, ever get their home-away-from-home back? The owners swore they would rebuild, and just over a year later welcomed diners back to a new and improved restaurant. The redesign provides a more open floor plan --- goodbye to the old warren of multi-level rooms --- and a handsome traditional décor that celebrates its Maryland roots with such touches as racing silks from Pimlico, horseracing murals and Chesapeake Bay decoys. There are three bars, including an upstairs Sky Bar that opens onto a seasonal deck. The menu is American and seafood-focused; even the ample array of sandwiches tempts with favorites like an oyster po’ boy and the tavern Reuben. Entrées are special occasion ready, offering sea scallops carbonara and prosciutto-wrapped wild caught rockfish. Brunch brings dishes like stuffed honey-ham biscuits, a Belgian waffle, and a Charm City Benedict with lump crab. The Tavern is a little fancier than its earlier incarnation, but locals should find its welcome as warm.