The BoatHouse Canton is an upscale eatery at Tindeco Wharf.

NEW BOSTON STREET RESTAURANT
ON SITE OF THE FORMER BAY CAFE
 
By Eddie Applefeld
 
It opened in April of this year and enjoyed a great summer. It was difficult not to, with its prime location on the Canton waterfront.

It’s The BoatHouse Canton at 2809 Boston Street, Tindeco Wharf, the site of the former Bay Cafe.

When you walk up to the front door, after getting out of your car in the adjacent free parking lot, the first thing you’ll see is the fabulous view: The harbor, the boats and the buildings fronting the water.

For me, that would be a restaurant I’d want to visit.

This time of year, outside dining is not offered, but once inside you’ll be able to view the harbor from almost every seat.

There’s also a heated enclosed patio waterside, so if you arrive about 5 p.m. — or even earlier in the winter — you can watch the sunset. If you’re inside you can pretend it’s 80 degrees on the water.

If you’re the adventurous type you can arrive by boat. Either your own or the water taxi which stops about a five-minute walk away.

When I dined there recently it was my first visit. I was lucky to get a tour
from Hanly, the Marketing Manager. If not for her I might have never known
there is an upstairs used for overflow dining and private parties.

From there you can look down at the water. However during the holiday season I can imagine that space is used very often, so obviously you need to call in advance to book it. Hanly is your contact.

Before I went there, the restaurant was described to me as “sophisticated casual.” Still, your imagination can run wild when thinking about what the Canton residents who frequent the place might wear. But I think you’d be comfortable in anything, anything appropriate for a night out, that is.

The BoatHouse Canton, on the site of the former Bay Cafe in Balto. Harbor.

For reservation purposes, you should make one if you have a party of 10 or more. Also, weekends would be a good time to have one, though there is ample seating: 240 inside, and when the outside is open, another 260.

By the way, the former island theme when it was the Bay Cafe is gone.

But outside is very popular. And it is dog-friendly, so bring Fido with you if you like.

The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, plus there’s live music Wednesday and Friday nights. You’ll find six TVs inside and two outside.

During my visit I had a sampling of entrees. That is usually not available
but since I was there on “official business” I was offered a special treat.

I had some ahi tuna, mussels, calamari, grilled salmon, and the hanger steak, typically a one-to-one-and-a-half-pound cut of beef similar to flank steak and prized for its flavor.

Sounds like a lot, but trust me, I had small portions of each. Everything
was terrific but I especially liked the steak and salmon.

I was told almost everything, except the bread, is made from scratch.

I was also fortunate to meet the chef to express my gratitude. His name is Matt Campbell and he has extensive kitchen experience.

I would recommend you check out The Boathouse Canton. I know you’ll
find it a very good dining experience.

Let me also suggest that while you’re there you try the honey Old Bay grilled BoatHouse wings and the build-your-own salad. Those were two dishes I was told to try on my next visit — a person can eat just so much at one sitting! — so I had to forego those two selections this time.

The BoatHouse Canton (A Waterfront Grille) at Tindeco Wharf. (VoB Photo/Eddie Applefeld)

They come highly recommended from a very good source, a prominent food critic no less.

The restaurant is owned locally by a husband and wife team. Call 410.773.9795 or go to boathousecanton.com online.

For a second visit check out the same owners’ Fairfield Inn & Suites on South President Street, which is advertised to be Baltimore’s first green hotel.
 
mistermedia@comcast.net
 
Editor’s note:  A Marylander since day one, Towson University graduate and member of the local media for over 30 years, Eddie Applefeld is currently handling promotions at WCBM TalkRadio (680AM).  (For his complete thumbnail biography, click “Staff” under the Main Menu at left.)