Beefing Up

Puffs & Pastries has transitioned into the Baltimore Burger Bar (830 W. 36th St., 410-878-1266) with owner Anisha Jagtap using her culinary talents for savory fare. This isn't your typical burger joint, however. With a few tables on the front porch, there's room to stay, though bigger groups will have to do carry out. The menu (without prices) is handwritten on a blackboard, with sides, sauces, and vegetarian and specialty burgers changing weekly. We had the $15 combo which included a juicy, grass-fed beef burger, a beverage, and two sides or oven-baked fries. Among that week's side choices were an heirloom tomato salad with blue cheese, an Asian noodle salad, and a roasted potato salad with Old Bay. You can test out interesting relishes and salsas, too, like the Malibu carrot pipérade—a fantastic mix of sautéed onions, chili peppers, and carrots. Or pay a bit extra for special toppings like a fried egg, bacon, or Brie. There's no such thing as a plain burger here.