In Good Taste

Open & Shut: Brewhouse No. 16; Joe Squared News; Lenny’s Harborplace Closes

Restaurant openings, closings, and recent news.

OPEN:

Brewhouse No. 16: Mt. Vernon locals have been awaiting the arrival of this brewpub since plans were announced over a year ago, and last week it finally made its debut. The unique spot is housed in a former Baltimore City firehouse and contains remnants such as brass sliding poles, high ceilings, and elaborate subway tile. Menu items from owner/brewmaster Ian Hummel and executive chef Adam Snyder emphasize locally sourced ingredients, with offerings ranging from small-batch beers made on site with foraged fruit to burgers topped with preserved seasonal tomatoes. 831 N. Calvert St. 410-659-4084

Hollywood Diner Backlot Food Truck Park: The iconic Hollywood Diner, which originated as a set built for Barry Levinson’s 1982 film Diner, has sat vacant on the corner of Holliday and Saratoga streets for years now, but organizers from The Gathering Project have recently taken over the property to create Baltimore’s first food truck park. Using the diner as its centerpiece, the park started serving lunch earlier this week and is expected to begin hosting special community events in the coming months. Guests are invited to peruse the eats from local food truck vendors and enjoy their meals inside the diner, which still boasts original ’50s-inspired booths and a soda fountain counter. 400 E. Saratoga St.

COMING SOON:

The Elephant: Under new ownership, the elegant special occasion restaurant once known as The Brass Elephant will now operate simply as The Elephant. New owners Steve and Linda Rivelis, who were married in the space in the ’80s, bought the Mt. Vernon landmark earlier this year, and have been working to restore it back to its former glory ever since. While the famed spot is doing away with its nattily dressed waiters and brass railings, it’s slated to reopen with additions like a new color scheme and a revamped oyster bar in early 2016. Stay tuned for more updates as the reimagined look progresses. 924 N. Charles St.

Iron Rooster: Known for its homemade pop tarts, chicken and waffles, and free (yes, we said free) bacon, this Annapolis favorite is expanding into Charm City with a second location in the former Farmstead Grill space at Canton Crossing. Slated for a mid-November debut, the spot will serve its claim-to-fame breakfast all day and highlight boozy brunch cocktails including its signature “Bacon Bloody Mary.” 3721 Boston St., 410-990-1600

Sweetgreen: With a focus on seasonal soups, salads, and bowls, this DIY spot is all the rage in D.C. and soon the trendy eatery will join the likes of Cava Mezze, Nando’s Peri-Peri, and Jimmy Johns on the bottom floor of the Hyatt Place Baltimore Hotel in Harbor East. Be sure to mark your calendar for the grand opening on November 12, because Sweetgreen is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from opening day to the Living Classrooms Foundation. 1306 Fleet St.

CH-CH CHANGES:

Joe Squared: Upon realizing that its longtime Station North home was too difficult to maintain, owner Joe Edwardsen made the decision to move this neighborhood pizza joint to a more modern space one block east. While Joe Squared will continue to serve the fixture’s signature square pies, its new home allows for twice as many seats and features a downstairs performance venue for frequent live music showcases. The new location—which was partially funded by a Kickstarter campaign that raked in upwards of $400,000—is expected to open any day now. 33 W. North Ave

SHUT:

Lenny’s: With recent closures including La Tasca, Phillip’s, and Edo Sushi, it seems like the eateries in Harborplace are dropping like flies. The once-booming restaurant and retail destination saw yet another closing last month when Lenny’s delicatessen shut its doors. A variety of factors—such as the rise of Harbor East, the new Shake Shack across the street, and Harborplace’s loss of foot traffic—contributed to the closure. There’s no word yet on what will become of the space, but if a craving for a loaded corned beef sandwich strikes, the deli’s three other locations in the area are still going strong.