Are there any Baltimore natives out there that could recommend a good restaurant or two around the Inner Harbor area? I'm looking for a place to host a party for some clients, so it has to be nice (but not stuffy). Would like great food and a nice but informal atmosphere. Would need to host a private party there because there would be so many people (about 100). Does not have to be right at the Inner Harbor area, but within a 10 minute drive. Quality of the food and service is more important than the most popular, flashy place with the tourists.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Never go wrong with the rojo lobster

I wish I could help you, but when I think of the Inner Harbor, I think of tourists. How about a private boat trip? There are several charters that leave from the Harbor. My cousin had her wedding and reception on one, and while the food wasn't fantastic, it is a lot of fun to get out on the water, which makes the food less important.

Or, Little Italy might have some restaurants that fit your need, and you can't get much closer to the Inner Harbor.

Federal Hill, Cambden Yards, Canton and Fell's Point are a few of the neighborhoods close to the Inner Harbor

Sorry, I don't have any specific suggestions!

The Hyatt I stayed in on the inner harbor had a couple of restaurants. Other than that all I remember wer Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen -type places. We alwasy had to leave the area for decent eats.

I don't know a restaurant specifically, but the Mt Vernon neighborhood might be another neighborhood to look at.

Tio Pepes == the greatest.

Tio Pepes is a great recommendation. It's Spanish food and reservations are recommended. It's in the basement of a building, so is not very impressive (but is formal once you're inside-nice casual, or sportcoat for men, some people are in suits). Another good recommendation right in the harbor is McCormick & Schmick's (one of the chain, also called McCormick & Kuleto's on west coast). Excellent seafood in a harbor-front location (in the Pier 5 restaurant). Business casual dress.