Located at 1400 Light Street, the Rowhouse Grille hopes it can attract Federal HIll residents and visitors to leave the beaten path around Cross Street Market and head further south for a unique dining experience.
"We like the location its far enough away from Cross Street but close enough that it's not like a destination. So we're just going for it," says co-owner Patrick Dahlgreen
So far their hopes have been fulfilled. Although the restuarant has not begun serving food, business according to has been brisk since they opened last Thursday with naught but a liquor license and newly purchased booze.
"We had a very good turnout all weekend. So, we're very happy," he says.
The restaurant takes its name from its a location -- a Baltimore rowhouse -- and stretches the length of the building. The first floor includes a bar, HDTV and seating for 55 people with dining for around 32 people. The second floor will eventually feature a lounge bar with female servers dressed in black.
"Downstairs is more bar casual with hardwood everywhere a little upscale. Upstairs we have 24-foot ceilings and gas fireplace with a granite bar. It looks like a house but its an upscale bar. People can dress up for the lounge or go casual downstairs. We want to offer both choices," Dahlgren says.
The restaurants menus are seasonal and rotating featuring what Chef Damon Krauskauscus calls "fun bar food." "We'll have a small bar menu with wings with different sauces or you can get a burger and that will be on the four to seven item bar food menu. Our full menu is an eclectic version of a seasonal menu," Dahlgren says.
Once the restaurant completes its soft lauch phase, he says, there will be seating for about 100 diners.
Source: Patrick Dahlgren, co-owner
Writer: Walaika Haskins