Penny Black Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Baltimore

This restaurant owned & operated by the same family since 1976 that covers all the bases that make your Fells Point dining experience a very pleasantly exciting home run having one foot in the future & the other in the past the restaurants management really knows what the customers want on many levels when coming in for service

Thanks to Chef John (Virginian at heart; Chicagos Culinary Institute In the brains) "Pennyblack" has historical menu favs like steam shrimp, broiled crab cake sandwiches (selling at the lowest market value on the block I shall add) But also non traditional new items like "Mason Dixon" a sweet BBQ chicken sandwich, crab tomato bisque and upside down cobbler.

Working front house you will find the owners bartending from time to time, that's if they aren't busy keeping your Friday evening pleasure factory at full speed,Eliza & Johnny both professional bartenders. I dare you to clock them with a fancy drink request because they make Karate Kid's Mr.Meagee catching flys with chopsticks look like President Biden on a skateboard .

Some of the best fells point servers are on the clock for example a local paper is currently researching in Baltimore's service industry circuit to find staff who does the best financially in hopes to find out why aren't folks going into the service industry. I can tell you if you hustle "Pennyblack" Servers command $5,000+ in tips each month.

Those of you that had a 2nd rate experience please come on back for lunch or dinner; ask for David to be your server and we will get you...

I can't imagine a better bit of luck than we had in just "dropping in" at Penny Black this past Friday. The staff immediately made us feel like regulars that had been gone too long, and the vibe of the restaurant was comfortable. With thankfully no TV's in sight, conversation and music (a range that included the Beatles singing in German and French cover of "Happy Together") set the tone. The bar offers a good selection of draft beers, heavy on the rich Baltimore offerings, a more than respectable list of wines by the glass, and solid cocktail service. The food was a revelation, coming from a small, but very diverse, menu. When a simple Caesar salad makes you sit up and take notice, you know that you're enjoying the work of people who take pride in their product. Trust me, this is the place you've wanted to find, the intimate little corner bistro, close to but a world away from the tourist noise, with welcoming service and amazing value for your dollar. I almost hesitate to tell people about it, having seen other gems in the past overrun and quality start to fade with the crowds. But the family that owns and runs Penny Black truly seems to "get it", and I feel that the pride that they take in their little corner of the world will keep this a destination restaurant for us for a long...

The Penny Black Food Review

During my recent visit to The Penny Black, I had the pleasure of trying their crab cakes, fresh-cut fries, and coleslaw. The crab cakes were a standout, showcasing fresh ingredients and a perfectly crisp exterior. They were flavorful, moist, and seasoned just right, making them the highlight of my meal.

The fresh-cut fries were a delightful accompaniment, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—exactly what you'd expect from a well-executed fry. However, the coleslaw fell short for me. It was fresh, but unfortunately, it lacked the depth of flavor that could have made it a more memorable side.

What truly shone during my visit were the drinks. I had the Bichon and the Chia Old Fashioned, both of which were exceptional. The Bichon was refreshing and perfectly balanced, while the Chia Old Fashioned offered a unique twist on a classic, with flavors that were both bold and nuanced. These drinks elevated the overall experience and are a must-try for anyone visiting.

In summary, The Penny Black delivers on its promise of quality food and exceptional drinks, though there’s some room for improvement with the sides. I’ll definitely be returning for those crab cakes...