A Love That is More Than Love: Annabel Lee Tavern

Annabel Lee Tavern
601 S. Clinton Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 522-2929
www.annabelleetavern.com

With a posh yet relaxing atmosphere and an always-satisfying menu complete with exciting weekly specials, it’s no wonder the Annabel Lee Tavern is the restaurant where EatDrinkBaltimore.com was conceived.

The Meal

Caesar Salad : with house Caesar dressing, onion foccaccia croutons and four cheeses: $7
Generous portion; creamy, delicious. What can I say? It was just a great salad.

Filet Mignon: with mushroom risotto: $19.95
I desperately wanted to try the New York strip steak special, but so did everyone else—it was sold out. Luckily, our server indulged my request to prepare the filet mignon without its usual cheese stuffing. When it comes to steak, if it’s cooked properly, it will be delicious and the Annabel Lee served up a perfectly-executed example of just that. Although I had been provided with a steak knife, I got halfway through my meal before Ryan reminded me to use it. The beef was so tender that I was able to eat it with my butter knife!

I have ordered risotto at several restaurants in the Baltimore area; one bite of this mushroom risotto put them all to shame. It is absolutely the best risotto I’ve ever had. Ever. It was creamy, but not too heavy, with a pleasant, savory flavor.

The Experience

The Annabel Lee is perfect for a date and won’t break the bank. The prices were astonishingly reasonable for the quality of the food. Although it was packed as always, I never felt ignored or neglected by the waitstaff. They were friendly and accommodating and the food arrived in a timely fashion with great timing between courses.

Everything just works here. The atmosphere is lively and friendly and suited to any age group. The low lighting and deep colors on the walls envelop the room with a cozy warmth that is romantic and welcoming. The ’20s-style music being subtly piped throughout the room further establishes the charming, special and intimate ambiance of the space.

The only reason this restaurant isn’t a 5 out of 5 on my scale is because I have yet to successfully order a special from the menu—my choice has been sold out on two occasions. With food this delicious, I will happily return to try again.

Stacy’s Rating: