Pub Grub

The newest corner bar to join the resto-pub trend is Annabel Lee Tavern [601 S. Clinton Street, Canton, 410-522-2929]. You know, the kind of watering hole that also has amazing food. Certainly, go for drinks but stay for the food. The cozy spot, whose name is an homage to Edgar Allan Poe's poem Annabel Lee, has a nice selection of bottled beers and brews on tap and wines by the bottle or glass. There's a TV at the bar, but it's usually turned off unless patrons request otherwise, creating a relaxed, homey atmosphere. But whether you grab a seat at the bar or the few tables in the back, don't overlook the impressive fare delivered by chef Mark Littleton, formerly of the defunct Lulu's Off Broadway—like the garlicky, horseradish-y crab dip with toasted pita triangles ($8.50), lamb burger sliders with cheddar and smoked bacon served with addicting fries doused in brown sugar and cayenne, and blue-cheese slaw ($10.50); and the wonderful orange roughy tacos with pico de gallo ($9.75). And when have you been to a bar that serves a decadent triple-chocolate pâté ($6.50) and French press coffee (from High Grounds) in pretty cups that owner Kurt X. Bragunier finds in thrift shops?