Iron Rooster)
As we pack away our swimsuits and pull out sweaters, it’s time to indulge in the Bay’s autumn harvest. It’s the season for dishes that simmer slowly in pots and fill kitchens with warmth and savory aromas. To find foods that take the chill out of the air, head to these family-friendly restaurants.
Iron Rooster | Annapolis
Near Ego Alley awaits a charming place that specializes in comfort food with a twist. You can eat breakfast all day long feasting on chicken and pancakes, French toast, and waffle tacos. Must-try main dishes include Low Country shrimp and cheddar grits, chicken ravioli alfredo and cheesesteak eggrolls. Finish your meal with Roostarts, a modern spin on Pop-Tarts made with ingredients that change with the season. A kids’ menu is available.
iron-rooster.com/iron-rooster-annapolis
Killarney House | Davidsonville
Say goodbye to chilled gazpacho and hello to hot beef stew or potato leek soup. Taking a seat near the stone fireplace offers a view of the rustic pine walls and antique farm tools hung as décor. Sheperd’s pie, meatloaf with mushroom gravy, bacon grilled cheese and slow-cooked pot roast are fall favorites. Live Irish music sets the mood for adult family members to sample from the list of 50 whiskies and eggnog cocktails. killarneyhousepub.com
Luisa’s Cucina Italiana | Chestertown
When you walk into this rustic-modern eatery, you’re greeted with the aroma of simmering tomato sauce, aromatic herbs and a wood-fired pizza oven. Dip a chunk of fresh-baked bread into a bowl of steamed mussels or four-cheese crab dip. Count on authentic Italian cuisine of seafood, veal and chicken dishes accompanied by pasta made in house.
Old Stein Inn | Edgewater
Cozy wooden tables indoors and a biergarten outside create a perfect setting to celebrate Oktoberfest and savor German cuisine in this family-owned restaurant. Start with a big Bavarian pretzel, potato pancakes or cheesy spaetzle for everyone while adults peruse the long list of beer, wine and schnapps. Ultimate comfort food choices: sausages with sauerkraut, pork schnitzel with gravy or braised short rib sauerbraten with gravy, pretzel dough dumplings and red cabbage. oldstein-inn.com
Rude BBQ | Easton
At the four picnic tables out front or the eight tables indoors, you could satisfy your comfort food cravings on the meats alone: tender ribs, juicy pulled pork, succulent chicken and smoked brisket. But the homemade sides steal the show with flavor, namely oversized onion rings, gooey mac and cheese, potato salad and baked beans. The kids can nibble on corn muffins and Sloppy Joe sliders while parents sip Bourbon slushies. The cast-iron apple cobblers are divine. rudefoodco.com
