travelgirl2

Hi. Looking for a place to take a group of a dozen college kids out to dinner in Baltimore. Any suggestions? Not worried too much about price. Not all like crabs, so that's probably out. The only thing I can think of is maybe an Italian place?? Thanks!

PeaceOut

What part of town? Donna's cafe has a nice menu. It is near Johns Hopkins U, in Charles Vilage.

The Rusty Scupper is not for "foodies", but I have entertained my share of college kids there and the food was good. Location is great, with harbor views. Free parking.

Italian is usually a good choice, but I don't know of a particular restaurant to recommend.

I would not do McCormick's as I think it is way over-priced for what you get.

travelgirl2

Thanks PeaceOut. The area doesn't matter, as we'll have transportation. I will check out Donn's and the Rusty Scupper.

fourfortravel

Maybe Amicci's for Italian? The restaurant is family-owned, low key and with reasonable prices. The food is basic and pretty good, as well.

travelgirl2

Thanks fourfortravel.. After looking at Yelp, I thought Amicci's looked like a good possibility at very reasonable prices, but it had some bad reviews too, so I am glad to have you confirm the food is pretty good.

Sassafrass

Zee Mean Bean is a great little place in Fells Point. It is in an old row house style place. You could reserve the second floor, which would hold about a dozen, I think. This would work for any age - just funky enough to be interesting, intimate setting, menu with wariety in both choice and preparation. I've eaten there several times - the food is always excellent.

Gertrude's in the Baltimore Museum of Art is also really nice, upscale, but not fussy, great food, but not too pricey either. I've eaten there many times - always good, except for cold slaw and I don't like their version. Their fish and steak dishes are very good.

A wonderful Cajun place is Ethel and Ramones in Mount Washington area. It is very tiny, in an old house, so you must reserve for that many people. This would be a great choice if the location works for you. Food is authentic and really good, prices are reasonable. I love this place.

You can check them out on line - see their menus.

If you want recs for pubs, I know a few that have very good food, but they tend to be noisy.

I could also rec two really upscale (fabulous food, but expensive) places if you are interested.

PeaceOut

Italian is probably your best idea. The menu pleases nearly everyone., and it's usually a lively vibe. Not stuffy usually.

flirtinfilly

Rusty Scupper is very touristy. Amicci's or Germano's in Little Italy are good choices. Mr Rains Fun House in the American Visionary Museum is eclectic but cool, especially if you can sit on the deck. The Wine Market has a wonderful menu- something for everyone, and the food is excellent. Porters pub or Bluegrass in Federal Hill would give you that local corner bar feel with some good food options.

Enjoy you visit - just don't park in a residential zone!

travelgirl2

Thank you so much for all the suggestions! We were thinking we'd go Italian, but then I ran across a place I thought would be perfect. Well, perfect except for one thing - price. DH and I talked it over and he said he'd be fine with spending a small fortune, as long as I didn't show him the bill. With that in mind, I made the reservation. We ended up with 17 people! The kids were adorable and very excited for a fun night out. We went to Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse in the Inner Harber area. The waiters walked around with huge skewers of more than a dozen types of meats. Each diner had a card with green on one side and red on the other. If your card showed green, they would bring you meat. Red meant 'nothing for me right now'. They also had a huge salad bar for those so inclined. We ate and ate until we could eat no more. Some people found room for dessert, although I can't imagine how. When the waiter brought the check, I snatched it up, signed it, pocketed the receipt, and we were done. All happy, DH included!

PeaceOut

17 guests! Those college visits can get expensive, non? That was nice of you. I am sure the kids loved it.