If you blink, you?ll probably miss it.
Clayton?s Tavern, an unassuming pub in Federal Hill, sits across from Domino?s Pizza and the Light Street Branch of the Enoch Pratt Library. If a friend hadn?t suggested it, I would have never walked inside.
After a couple of pre-dinner drinks, we decided to stay in the downstairs to eat. Clayton?s also has an upstairs dining room, which is a bit quieter and more sophisticated, with white tablecloths and soft music. But the cherry wood bar tables and exposed brick walls downstairs suited us just fine, making for a cozy atmosphere.
We started with nachos. Even with a party of four, the massive appetizer was intimidating. A heaping pile of fresh, crisp nachos with steaming, gooey cheddar cheese, fresh sliced olives, chopped tomatoes and shredded chicken was placed in front of us. Two blobs of sour cream and guacamole sat on top, beckoning us to dip. It was the perfect appetizer. The nachos ? every last one ? were devoured in five minutes.
My classic cheeseburger was cooked to perfection and smothered in melted fresh cheddar cheese. It was served on a fresh sourdough roll, a welcome change from the sometimes stale buns you get at fast-food restaurants. My fries were crispy and salty.
The breaded, fried chicken tenders we ordered were also served with fries, and were tender, juicy and seasoned ? pretty much your typical bar food.
Although we thought we had made a home run with traditional bar fare, the lobster ravioli sounded too good to pass up. And it was. Served in a vodka and cream sauce with asparagus and tomatoes, the pasta was tender and soft, stuffed with fresh lobster. The sauce was full-bodied and went perfectly with the plate.
Although Clayton?s offers all homemade desserts ? except cheesecake ? we opted to save this part of the meal so it would impress us the next time, which will definitely be in the near future.
If you go
Clayton?s Tavern
1236 Light St., Federal Hill
410-837-4440
» Who you?ll see: Baltimore City residents
» What you?ll eat: Traditional bar fare and a few surprises
» What you?ll drink: Draft beer
» What you?ll spend: $30 for two
