I second Rockfish . . . Great food, friendly staff, and ample parking.

Have a great time in Annapolis!

My first choice would be the "Wild Orchid", and second choice "O'Leary's" for seafood. Both are in Eastport.

Hi Guys,

Now that I am back, I wanted to post to say thanks. Fodors was suggested to me roughly a year back by someone I respect and whose advice I have always heeded to, and it really has been an amazing site. You guys didn't fail me either, and your suggestions of various restaurants really added to the trip (my wife does the itinerary.... I simply don't have the time).

So, we had a fabulous spanish dinner at Jalapenos that was complete with six different tapas (jamon queso, tortilla espanola, alcahofas, ceviche, culetita riojan, and chorizo cantimpalo) and a catalan paella. What we specially liked was the surprisingly nice atmosphere inside (when you see it from the outside, you know what I mean) and that one of the owners (the spanish gentleman) took personal attention to our dinner. Fantastic place. Then next morning, we had fabulous donuts at Carlson's! Whosoever suggested it was right on the mark. We also had a lunch at Lemongrass, a dinner at Pusser's Caribbean grill, a breakfast at Chuck and Ruth's Delly (where --by mistake!-- I tried to sit in the governor's area), another lunch at Cafe Normandie, and a dinner at an Italian restaurant whose name I no longer recall. As we were sitting at the airport on the way home, my 11 year old said we had eaten Spanish, Italian, French, Thai, Caribbean, and American food during our stay (whosoever asked me what type of food we like, here is your answer). For the record, we did go to Galway Bay for Irish food but their A.C. was not working, and at 85+ temps, we had little choice but to politely leave the place We supplemented all these with many cups of coffee and drinks at Hard Bean Coffee House during our walks around town.

We loved Annapolis and environs. However I must add that I slightly cheated. Instead of spending four days in DC (this was work for me, vacation for my family) and then four complete days in Annapolis, we spent the time in DC as planned but then spent a day in beautiful Alexandria, two days in Annapolis, and a final day in DC's National Gallery of Art. I think Annapolis is great (fabulous history, great ambiance, culture, and class) but unless one is into sailing etc (we did do a cruise in the harbor but someone else was doing all the work), two days seemed enough. If there is one thing I would change about the whole trip, it is perhaps to do it during the July 4th week. With regards to any "surprise" element, I was definitely surprised by the elegance of the Naval Academy's campus that could easily rival some European locales.

So, that's it for my trip "report" But here are some photos that may interest some of you:

http://tinyurl.com/43lbqr

Have fun and happy 4th!

I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed my hometown and Jalapenos!!

Come back again and we'll tell you what other places to visit that will add to your visit!!
LN

LN, Thanks. I visit DC quite often and will likely take your advice.

Side note:

Anyone remember Calientes? It was a loooong time ago-post Jalapenos. Now that was a neat place-great vibe!

You know Caliente's does ring a bell but perhaps you could refresh some thoughts on it. Where was it?

Hi LN!

Caliente used to be where El Toro Bravo is now. It really was the best burrito place in the area...(sighing wistfully).

Remember the big pitcher of pour your own margaritas they kept up by the checkout? At least I think it was margarita (wasnt 21 yet). And the chips were the first to come along that were tasty and not greasy.

We were so disappointed when they closed. El Toro was good but nothing like Caliente. Caliente was a little hole in the wall and there was always a line out the door of folks waiting to get in. Totaly not a place one driving by would be like, "Hmm, lets try that!" It was like a secret for locals only! Again, great vibe!

Comfy is exactly correct about Jalapenos in Annapolis. On the outside, it looks like a dive in an ugly strip mall next door to a dollar store. But inside the decor is tasteful and the food is wonderful and a step or two up from your typical Mexican fare.

Isn't El Toro Bravo closed now? It seemed to be when I drove past it a couple times last winter.

Hi GeorgeW! Oh, it totally could be! I moved away in 2003 for school and havent gone by the place on my vists back to the area.

Where they spanish restaurants or south american? What I liked about Jalapenos is that majority of their dishes/tapas etc were Spanish (I like South American food too but I don't like to eat chinese food in mongolian restaurants). And that the Asturian owner was gracious and nice. They must be doing well because I bet the rents are low and the place was packed on a weeknight.

Anyway, you guys are lucky to live in a cool city. I also live in a cool, cosmopolitan city but we don't have boats in our downtown!!

Ohhhhh comfyshoes if you like tapas and you havent already been you simply must try Jaleo next time youre in DC.

http://www.jaleo.com/downtown.htm

NG, Thank you. I have tried it twice in past trips to DC. It is excellent and not too expensive.

I remember now!!

Caliente and El Toro were on West Street almost across from Rams Head. To my knowledge El Toro and Caliente were Mexican whereas Jalapenos is Spanish. The owner of Japapenos has opened another restaurant Caribbean style called Mojitos (I believe) and the people who own and operate Jalapenos are great - the one is the manager whose always so nice.

Annapolis has come into its own with restaurants. Jaleo is a wonderful spot in DC.