BISTRO POPLAR
www.bistropoplar.com
Fine French cuisine in an elegant, relaxed bistro setting. Open for dinner Thursday through Monday. In the summer, Bistro Poplar opens at noon on Sundays with brunch specials. Sunday nights features tapas (small plates). Check their website for special events. Reservations recommended. Join Bistro Poplar’s Facebook page.Watch Bistro Poplar on YouTube.
• Voted “Best French” and “Best Tapas” (Sunday nights only) by readers of What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine for 2014. And that’s Bistro’s flounder pictured on the cover.
• Named to Best Chefs America, a guide to top chefs across the nation, in 2013.
• Winner of 2013 and 2012 “Free State’s Finest” awards from Maryland Life Magazine as the best “Fine Dining” restaurant on the Lower Eastern Shore.
• Chef Ian Campbell was named a 2011 finalist for Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland. He was one of only five finalists and the only one on the Eastern Shore.
• Named “Best of the Eastern Shore” for “Best French Restaurant” five years running (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009) by What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine. Also named “Best Seasonally Inspired Menu” in 2010.
• Winner of the Judges’ Choice 1st Place award for “Best Crab Specialty Dish” for Crab Spring Roll in the 2013 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Winner of the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice 1st Place awards for “Best Crab Dip” in the 2012 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Winner of the People’s Choice 1st Place Award for “Best Crab Cake” in the 2010 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Bistro Poplar was one of five finalists in Maryland’s Favorite Restaurant category in the Maryland Restaurant Association’s ‘best of the best’ Stars of the Industry awards program. It was the only Eastern Shore restaurant to make the cut in 2010.
• “The restaurant creates delectable dishes,” the Daily Times writes, noting the green tomatoes and crab hash appetizer, the peppercorn-crusted bison rib-eye, and the broccoli rabe (“a complete triumph”). Read the full story.
• Winner of both the Judge’s Choice and the People’s Choice 1st Place Awards for “Best Crab Specialty” (for spicy crab salad in a ginger crepe) in the 2009 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Named “Best of the Eastern Shore” for “Best French Restaurant” by What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine, 2015.
BLACK WATER
429 Race Street
Serving up coffee (hot and iced) from two local roasteries — Rise Up and Cambridge’s own Night Kitchen — as well as baked goods (don’t miss the homemade pop tarts), breads, and light fare. In a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of downtown.
CANVASBACK RESTAURANT & IRISH PUB
420 Race Street
410.221.7888
The dean of restaurants in revitalized downtown Cambridge, Canvasback has been around for more than a decade. Located in a 100-year-old building that for many decades housed an expansive Woolworth’s department store for many decades, the building was restored by current owners Tony and Marion Thomas to bring back the original tin ceilings and other features.
The extensive menu encompasses regional, French, Italian, and Irish dishes, with a focus wherever possible on using fresh, organic ingredients and making sure that every dish is made to order. During the summer months, Chesapeake steamed crab feasts are available with reservations for parties of four or more. The restaurant’s extensive wine list includes a label bottled exclusively for Canvasback by Rutherford Vineyards in California.
The restaurant includes the casual Coolahan’s Pub, which features a fireplace and music on some Saturday evenings. Canvasback is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Take-out sandwiches with chips and a soft drink are also available.
SURFSIDE SALLY’S
420 Race Street
443.382.0310
Surfside Sally’s keeps it simple, with conventional bar fare you and a few specialty items to enjoy while you watch the game, play a game of pool, or enjoy live entertainment.
CREEK DELI
106 Market Square
(410) 228-1161
Serving breakfast and lunch. Deli sandwiches and more.
DON CHUY MEXICAN TAQUERIA
411 Academy St.
410.228.2969
Open for lunch and dinner, Don Chuy specializes in tacos and a wide range of Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
THE HIGH SPOT
305 High Street
410.228.7420
The High Spot serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, and breakfast starting at 8am Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The menu focuses on classic pub fare with an emphasis on fresh and local ingredients. Breakfast features Rise Up coffee and healthy and decadent options. For lunch and dinner, look for dishes such as buffalo oysters, build-your-own burgers, crab cakes, bangers and mash, shrimp and grits, and bison tacos. Chef Patrick Fanning comes from Sobo’s Wine Beerstro in Salisbury, and was featured in the 2012 People to Watch by What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine. The owners see the High Spot as a neighborhood hang-out — a place to bring the family for an affordable meal, a place to head for a girls’ night out, a place to watch the game. Make your reservations at 410.228.7420.
• Winner of the Judges’ Choice award for Best Crab Dip in the 2014 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Voted “Best Happy Hour” and “Best Craft Beer Selection” by readers of What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine for 2014.
• Winner of Best Small Business 2013 from the Dorchester County Department of Economic Development.
• Chef Patrick Fanning was named Business Person of the Year by the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce for 2013.
• Chef Patrick Fanning is one of five finalists for 2012 Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland. He is the only finalist on the Eastern Shore.
• The High Spot was named as “Best Happy Hour” in the 2013 “Best of the Eastern Shore” awards by What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine.
• Chef Patrick Fanning was named the 2013 “Business Person of the Year” by the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce.
• The High Spot was named “Best Gastropub” in the 2012 “Best of the Eastern Shore” awards by What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine.
• Chef Patrick Fanning was named one of the 2012 People to Watch by What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine.
• The High Spot won second place “People’s Choice” awards for “Best Crab Cake” and “Best Crab Soup” (Crab & Corn Soup) in the 2012 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
JIMMIE & SOOK’S RAW BAR & GRILL
527 Poplar Street
410.228.0008
Jimmie & Sook’s on Facebook
Get a taste of Eastern Shore living at this spot the locals rave about. Started by a Dorchester County native who comes from a family of watermen, the restaurant incorporates authentic Eastern Shore recipes from the owner’s grandmother. Specialties include meatloaf stuffed with spinach and goat cheese and chicken pot pie. Don’t miss the raw bar with oysters, mussels, shrimp, and more. (The restaurant’s name, by the way, refers to the name for a male crab - jimmie - and female crab - sook.) Serving lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.. Live music on weekends, too. Check the Jimmie & Sook’s website or Facebook page for the latest events.
Owner Amanda Bramble was the first “American Character” featured on Tom Brokaw’s Dispatches from the Road” on USA Network. Learn more about Amanda’s incredible story of how she opened a successful restaurant — with the help of a strong community — in the midst of a shaky economy. Click here to watch the video and read her profile.
• Winner of the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice 1st place awards for Best Cream of Crab Soup in the 2014 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off. Winner of Judge’s Choice award for Best Crab Specialty for their crab salad.
• Winner of the 2013 and 2012 “Free State’s Finest” awards issued by Maryland Life Magazine as the best “Family Dining” restaurant on the Lower Eastern Shore.
• Winner of the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards for “Best Crab Cake” in the 2013 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off. Winner of People’s Choice award for “Best Cream of Crab Soup.”
• Winner of the Judge’s Choice Award for “Best Crab Specialty Dish” (mango crab salad) in the 2012 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Winner of the Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice first-place awards for “Best Cream of Crab Soup” three years running (2012, 2010, 2011) in the Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Winner of People’s Choice 1st Place for “Best Crab Dip” in 2011 and 2010 in the Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Named “Best of the Eastern Shore 2010” for “Best Raw Bar” byWhat’s Up Eastern Shore magazine!
• Jimmie & Sook’s cream of crab soup was named one of the top 10 in Maryland by the Baltimore Sun.
• “It was the best cream of crab soup we’ve had anywhere, no question…. Come to Jimmie & Sook’s because it’s a good place to start rediscovering downtown Cambridge, which is experiencing an impressive renaissance.” Excerpts from a review in the Daily Times. Read the whole review.
• Winner of both the Judge’s Choice and the People’s Choice Awards for “Best Crab Soup” in the 2009 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
KATIE MAE’S COUNTRY SHOPPE
516 Poplar Street
443.477.6413
Offering hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, dinner platters, and Amish-made desserts. Meals range from meat loaf to chicken and dumplings to grilled cheese sandwiches. Carry out; delivery also available. Also featuring Amish-style furniture, crafts, and home decor.
NIGHT KITCHEN
410 Race Street
410.271.5821
Inside the Shops at Magnolia Grove, Night Kitchen offers microbatch roasted coffee and spice blends. See the roasting lab on the premises. Roaster Taylor Hale brings a unique sense of flavor and origin. “Life is too short for bad coffee.”
NOSE 2 TAIL
433 Race Street
COMING SOON! Nose 2 Tail is a new venture for Patrick Fanning, chef at The High Spot, and Brett Summers, the developer who has meticulously restored a number of downtown buildings. Nose 2 Tail will be a BBQ restaurants/charcuterie with house-cured meats and such dishes as Caroline-style baby back and country ribs as well as brisket and Eastern Shore-style chicken. They’ll be featuring sauces from nearby Crabi Gras, and there will also be a butcher shop. Keep up with Patrick’s progress by liking Nose 2 Tail on Facebook. At the moment there is no firm date for a possible opening of this project.
OVERFLOW CAFE
400 Muir Street
443 477.6291
www.overflowcafesite.com
Serving specialty coffee drinks, pastries from Bay Country Bakery, sandwiches, soups, and more. Hosts several community events, including Open Mic Night on Thursdays, Family Movie Night on Fridays, and tutoring for local schoolchildren. “A gathering place for people to experience community while building into the community.”
PORTSIDE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
201 Trenton Street
410.228.9007
Sit on the spacious deck overlooking charming Cambridge Creek and feel your troubles melt away. Watch the boats pass through the drawbridge. Great crab and seafood dishes. Come by land or by boat. Home of the official Ravens Nest #17.
• Winner 2nd Place two years running (2011, 2010) in People’s Choice for “Best Crab Dip” as well as 2nd Place in People’s choice for “Best Cream of Crab Soup” in the 2011 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Winner of the People’s Choice 2nd Place Award for “Best Crab Specialty” (crab bruschetta) in the 2009 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
RAR BREWING
504-506 Poplar Street
443.225.5664
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Realerevival
Twitter: twitter.com/reale_talk
10-barrel craft brewery with 1,500-square taproom in downtown Cambridge. RAR’s craft brews include Nanticoke Nectar and Bucktown Brown. Also offering upscale pub fare and sushi. In the warm weather, enjoy sitting by the huge front windows that open up. Ask about a tour of the brewing operation.
• Voted “Best Draft Beer” by readers of What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine for 2015.
• Voted “Best Craft Beer” by readers of What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine for 2015.
• Voted “Best Microbrewery” by readers of What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine for 2015.
ROCK LOBSTAH
315 Gay St.
443.477.6261
Like Lobster, Beer, Oysters, Shrimp, and FUN? Then this is the place for you!! Fresh Seafood in a relaxed, fun setting is what we offer. NOW OPEN!!
SNAPPER’S WATERFRONT CAFE
112 Commerce Street
410.228.0112
www.snapperswaterfrontcafe.com
Snapper’s on Facebook
A wide range of American and Island cuisine, Maryland seafood, and Southwestern cooking. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Come by car or by boat—dock alongside the public wharf for free. Free wireless.
• Winner of the People’s Choice 1st Place Award for “Best Crab Dip” in the 2009 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Winner, 2008 Taste of Cambridge, Judge’s Choice for Crab Soup; 2nd Place in Popular Choice for Crab Dip.
STOKED WOOD-FIRED EATERY
413 Muir Street
443.477.6040
Award-winning Chef Patrick Fanning of The High Spot opened his second restaurant in downtown Cambridge in spring 2013. Stoked features wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more. Stoked also features craft beers and specialty cocktails.
• Winner of the Judges’ Choice 1st Place award for Best Vegetable Crab Soup in the 2014 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
• Voted “Best Wings” by readers of What’s Up Eastern Shoremagazine for 2014.
• Voted “Best Wings” by readers of What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine for 2015.
• Winner of Best Small Business 2013 from the Dorchester County Department of Economic Development.
• Winner of the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice 1st Place awards for “Best Specialty Crab Soup” for Crab Gazpacho in the 2013 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off.
THE WINE BAR
414 Race Street
410.221.1960
Wine bar is located inside this wine, cheese, and chocolate shop with gourmet foods and gifts. Enjoy a glass of wine at the bar (don’t miss the custom bar top created by local artist Michael Rosato) and choose from a wonderful assortment of cheeses, meats, pates, and more. Join The Wine Bar Facebook page.
MORE DINING …
Just minutes from downtown, don’t miss great and fresh seafood (ask about their “Bay on a Bun”) and lots of microbrews at Ocean Odyssey (316 Sunburst Highway/Route 50; 410.228.8633,www.toddseafood.com. Open seasonally.)
For more fine dining less than five minutes from downtown, try Blue Point Provision Company or Water’s Edge Grill at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay (100 Heron Boulevard at Route 50; 410.901.1234). For dining throughout Dorchester County, see the listings on the Dorchester Tourism website.