Annapolis

Annapolis Cinema and Grill * 410/266-8437

Reason to go: A better value and a whole lot better than coagulated cheese and stale chips.

Something to think about: It's not haute cuisine, but it's a heck of a lot tastier than the metroplex.

Annapolis School of Cooking * 410/263-2895

Reason to go: You'll learn to cook gourmet dishes at home.

Something to think about: Less need to go out!

Café Normandie * 410/263-3382

Reason to go: Great sauces!

Something to think about: Large dinner portions leave little room for the great desserts.

El Toro Bravo * 410/267-5949

Reason to go: If you want south-of-the-border, this food kicks that Chihuahua's butt.

Something to think about: Don't confuse festive with fancy or chic.

49 West * 410/626-9796

Reason to go: A casual & comfortable café with light fare, eclectic art and cool tunes. Kick back and relax!

Something to think about: If you're in a hurry, be prepared for your blood pressure to elevate!

Galway Bay * 410/263-8333.

Reason to go: It's cheaper than flying to Ireland.

Something to think about: Parking competition is tedious.

India's * 410/263-7900

Reason to go: It ain't Irish!

Something to think about: It's Indian!

Joss Cafe & Sushi Bar * 410/263-4688

Reason to go: Good things in small packaging, plus, this is one dish you'll be hard-pressed to make at home.

Something to think about: If you need personal space, try Wyoming.

Lapp's (The Farm Restaurant) * 410/573-0770

Reason to go: A winning philosophy backed by a committed staff and grandmom's cooking.

Something to think about: You may consider carpooling; parking at the Harbour Center can be a bear.

McGarvey's * 410/263-5700

Reason to go: Fun and good food in an historic setting.

Something to think about: If you like your meat pink, play it safe and order rare.

Mexican Cafe * 410/626-1520

Reason to go: Good, inexpensive, fun food without any pretenses. Olé!

Something to think about: Uptight Felix Ungers may have difficulty digesting the casual atmosphere and carefree presentation.

Middleton Tavern * 410/263-3323

Reason to go: A favorite taste of history.

Something to think about: The waiting is the hardest part.

Northwoods * 410/268-2609

Reason to go: It's any night but Saturday, and you want to celebrate.

Something to think about: You'll need to hit the gym to make up for this one!

Paul's Homewood Cafe * 410/267-7891

Reason to go: Traditional Greek favorites and imaginative cuisine.

Something to think about: Due to limited seating, groups of 30 or more might want to consider the catering menu.

Piccola Roma Restaurant * 410/268-7898

Reason to go: Fine Italian food and service - personalized.

Something to think about: You pay for the privilege.

Romano's Macaroni Grill * 410/573-1717

Reason to go: Good food, good value and great acoustics.

Something to think about: Claustrophobes and those fearing Who concerts should plan to dine off-peak.

Arnold

Deep Creek Restaurant * 410/974-1408

Reason to go: Getting there is just the start of the fun.

Something to think about: Get your compass and road map; it only takes once.

Cape St. Claire

Broadneck Grill * 410/757-0002

Reason to go: Be sure and check out the weekly specials for a great value and really good Mexican food.

Something to think about: Don't wait if you like to dine late.

Crownsville

Rudy's Tavern * 410/849-8058

Reason to go: A rare find. A restaurant/bar that hasn't succumbed to the commercialization of the 21st century.

Something to think about: Martha Stewart it ain't, and I hate Styrofoam.

Davidsonville

Spring House * 410/798-0086

Reason to go: Eclectic country cooking with a Cajun rhythm.

Something to think about: Whether you dine-in or take-out, you need to pull over.

Deale

Calypso Bay * 410/867-9787

Reason to go: Catch a ray of sun and remember summer.

Something to think about: It's not haute cuisine, but it's good.

Happy Harbor Inn * 410/876-0949

Reason to go: When you want the real thing in a market increasingly riddled with clone-like chains.

Something to think about: No white gloves or pretenses.

Skipper's Pier * 410/867-7110

Reason to go: Impress your out-of-town friends by knowing the insiders' favorites.

Something to think about: You'll have a heck of a time finding it the first time.

Eastport

Chart House * 410/268-7166

Reason to go: Beautiful views, pleasant ambiance and a menu full of great dishes.

Something to think about: Special promotions come and go.

O'Leary's Seafood * 410/263-0884

Reason to go: Fine dining with creative dishes and really fresh fishes.

Something to think about: It ain't cheap!

Edgewater

Adams: The Place for Ribs * 410/956-2995

Reason to go: Finger-lickin' good barbecue and cozy atmosphere.

Something to think about: If you need quiet deliberation to enjoy your meal, try the library.

Edgewater Restaurant * 410/956-3202

Reason to go: A true "family" restaurant serving down-home, hearty food with a smile. Plus, delicious oysters and crab cakes.

Something to think about: Jenny Craig would pass out if she so much as caught a whiff of this place.

Surfside 7 * 410/956-8075

Reason to go: Fun, sun and crabs with a view of the South River.

Something to think about: While the temptations are plentiful, please be a responsible drinker and driver.

Galesville

The Inn at Pirate's Cove * 410/867-2300

Reason to go: Location, location, location.

Something to think about: Depending on where you live, the location isn't always convenient.

Wagner's Steamboat Landing * 410/867-7200

Reason to go: The views are glorious and the crab is delicious.

Something to think about: You pay a premium.

Lusby

Guido's Pizza * 410/326-0040

Reason to go & something to think about: Great for the whole family.

Vera's White Sands * 410/586-1182

Reason to go: There's no place like it anywhere.

Something to think about: If you're in a hurry, try a franchise.

Mayo

Old Stein Inn * 410/798-6807

Reason to go: Every day is Oktoberfest.

Something to think about: Vegetarians and dieters will not likely be overwhelmed with menu options.

Parole

Cantina d'Italia * 410/224-1330

Reason to go: Good traditional Italian cooking with some personal touches.

Something to think about: Parking can be a real pain, but they're soon to move from Harbour Center.

Double T Diner * 410/571-9070

Reason to go: A plethora of food cravings can be unleashed.

Something to think about: Turnover is big business. If you want to hang out, stop by at 3am.

Fred's * 410/224-3575

Reason to go: A taste of nostalgia and those yummy crab cakes.

Something to think about: Trendy it's not, and the dinner rush is usually over by 7:30pm.

Giolitti's * 410/266-8600

Reason to go: Delicious whether you eat there or take home.

Something to think about: Many, many temptations.

Jalapeños * 410/266-7580

Reason to go: Mexican and Spanish treats.

Something to think about: Overcome your preconceptions; it's all a facade.

Pasadena

Riverdale Restaurant * 410/647-9830

Reason to go: Chesapeake country cooking in a casual setting that has stood the test of time.

Something to think about: There's some serious frying going on and appetizers are probably overkill, unless you are really hungry.

Shady Side

Brick House * 410/867-3400

Reason to go: Comfortable, laid-back atmosphere.

Something to think about: Don't order soft-shells out of season.

Tilghman Island

Harrison's Chesapeake Inn * 410/886-2121

Reason to go: Out on the water all day, you work up an appetite.

Something to think about: Harrison's country cooking sticks to your ribs.