Eats and Drinks
Best Cheap Restaurant
Michael's Steak and Lobster House
6207 Eastern Ave., (410) 633-6485
Michael's is straight-up old-world Baltimore, from the brown color scheme to the washed-out nautical prints to the Ditka-ish guy in the corner. They don't go in much for "ambience" or "fusion" or the other buzz concepts of the modern restaurateur. They let their low prices and friendly service do the talking. True, the offerings range up to a $25 surf and turf, but forget the "lobster" part of Michael's name and you'll still find a cargo hold's worth of belly-filling meals. There are some 90 items available for between $1.75 and $9.95, from generously sized salads and sandwiches ($3 for a club!) to Greek and Italian staples and full chicken and pork dinners.
To experience Michael's properly, check out one of the restaurant's weeknight dinner specials. On Monday you can get a 20-ounce prime-rib dinner for $8.95; Tuesday you can get the prime rib, or a 11/2-pound lobster for a buck more. The food is good, the portions are robust, and the staff treats people like people, not walking cash machines. But plan in advance for this Twilight Zone trip down Mobtown's memory lane: Michael's may not be listed on the Internet, but lots of East Baltimoreans know about it and pack the place on those weeknights.
Other Awards for Best Cheap Restaurant:
Tortilleria Sinaloa, 9/17/2008
Eastern House, 9/19/2007
Port Truck Stop, 9/20/2006
Faidley Seafood, 9/22/2004
Holy Frijoles, 9/17/2003
Caribbean Kitchen, 9/18/2002
Silk Road Café, 9/13/2000
Woman's Industrial Exchange, 9/17/1997
All Awards for Michael''s Steak and Lobster House:
Best Soft-Shell Crabs, 9/13/2000