Annabel Lee Tavern like the Edgar Allen Poe poem waxes and wanes between romantic, cozy restaurant and eerie pub. Kurt Bragunier left Mount Vernon?s The Brewer?s Art, where he worked as general manager for seven years, to open Annabel Lee, a corner bar with affordable, delicious cuisine, in early December. Chef Mark Littleton from Lulu?s Off Broadway mans the kitchen and has rightfully earned a following among Baltimore?s foodies.
» The scene: You?ll be hooked on Annabel?s ambiance with just one foot inside the door. A tiered, table-worthy mahogany bar takes up the front of the candlelit, dark-purple walled pub. Of the seven tiny tables available, couples will grab the lovers? nest in a dark alcove and the table below the mantel and a striking Poe portrait, staring at diners. A quote from the Annabel Lee poem in elegant script completes the scene. Like Poe, down-tempo big band music from bygone eras are charming and creepy.
» The pour: The infamous Ressurrection Ale from The Brewer?s Art, served in a good-sized, glass goblet for only $3, is the hands-down highlight of the Tavern?s eclectic beer offerings, including Czechvar Hoegarden, Sam Smith Taddy Porter and Blue Point Hoptical Illusion, with a stronger hoppy aftertaste than Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, also on the menu. Being a true Baltimore bar, Annabel Lee of course serves Natty Boh. A well-rounded wine list provides great complements to any meal on the menu.
» The taste: Our hearty and spicy cream of crab and blue cheese and mushroom soups ($5) were phenomenal, boasting large chunks of crab lumps, endless thinly sliced mushrooms and just enough crumbled blue cheese. Tasting the mushroom soup was tasting ecstasy when the cold cheese began to melt into the creamy yet light broth and the mountain of fresh, tender mushroom slices.
Chef Littleton isn?t afraid to go heavy on the spices and it works well. In fact, we wished our sweet potato fries ($4), which conquered new territory by tasting more like a dessert than side dish, had more Cajun spices to balance the honey butter and brown sugar it was tossed in. The fries are sweet and creamy inside. The best were the crispier cuts piled on top.
Our outstanding, flavorful spinach ravioli in Florentine tomato pesto ($12) and roasted orange roughy tacos with a slightly sweet housemade pico de gallo sauce and rice ($9.75) propelled Annabel Lee far beyond typical neighborhood bar fare.
» The finishing touch: The Edgar Allen Pate, a carbon copy of perfect chocolate fudge, is a work of art, plated with sprinkled powdered sugar, streaks of raspberry sauce, two dollops of whipped cream and fresh mint leaves.
» Don?t miss: The single red roses. The legendary Poe Toaster leaves one red rose on Poe?s grave in the night on his birthday while raising a glass of cognac.
» Why you will go: A quality meal for an affordable price at a unique, quiet local joint always hits the spot.
» Why you won?t: It?s off the beaten path.
If you go
» Where: 601 S. Clinton St.,
Baltimore
» Info: 410-522-2929,
annabelleetavern.com
