Hot Spots: M&S Grill

Anchoring the western end of Harborplace’s Pratt Street pavilion, it opens onto the crossroads of downtown’s tourist district, at Pratt and Calvert streets. Given that we’re smack in the middle of Light City week, I figured I’d duck in for a cocktail at this casual barroom that’s centrally situated to view the festival. The space’s design cues mimic McCormick & Schmick’s—lots of dark wood paneling and trim, brass fixtures and tiled floors.

There’s a large dining room, plenty of outdoor seating that overlooks the harbor, and a snug barroom that includes bar seating, high-top tables and some booths.

The view from a barstool here allows one to see all the action outside at this busy intersection that is the gateway to Harborplace and the Inner Harbor.

If you’re there for happy hour (weekdays 3:30 to 7pm), some great deals can be had, like rail cocktails for $4, a three-cheese spinach dip for $3, a superb $5 cheeseburger, and $5 crispy fish tacos. If you’re lucky, jovial bartender Stephen will be on duty to take your order and keep you entertained.

I took advantage of the happy hour deal and ordered up a bourbon & soda and settled in to watch the crowds begin to gather just outside the door as the Light City festival opened up for the evening.

So, if you find yourself needing a brief respite from the festivities this week, I recommend a stop-in.

And after the festival ends, it’s always a nice place to drop in after work for happy hour.
{M&S Grill, 201 E. Pratt Street, Downtown}