Neighborhood: Fells Point

623 S Broadway Baltimore MD 21231

https://www.lacallerestaurant.com

A night out at La Calle.

I had a fun dinner with my favorite girls in real estate this weekend. We all take turns selecting a new restaurant and this months pick from V was La Calle. She visited a few times prior and wants you guys to know that the brunch here is A-MAZE-ING. You need to go and you must have the tres leches French toast. So much so that she brunched here for Mothers Day. Any momma will tell you that we’re particular about our Mother’s Day eats, so thats saying something.

A Moment I’ll Never Forget.

I do not know why I feel the need to open this by telling yall about my embarrassing moment of the evening because it has absolutely nothing to do with this restaurant experience, but here we go. I parked at the corner of Fleet and Broadway. Rushing - because I’m rudely late at this point - I jump out of the car without giving myself the once over. I bend the corner happy about how my emerald dress is flowing in the light summer breeze when this gentleman passerby greets me mid stride. It’s not the greeting that throws me, it’s the MAJOR enthusiasm behind it as his eyes widen which catches my attention. However, he is giving full eye contact so i’m not alerted or alarmed. Just surprised by his surprise. I chalk it up to him just being an exuberant guy and/or he assumed I was someone else. No worries. Behind him, a couple walks by and they seem to be sending a weird or nervous energy. I cant decipher which, so I internalize it for safety sake and continue on. Then, I saw it. A quick glance in the window of History & Coffee as I walk by tells me exactly why the gentleman was so delighted and the couple may have been actually serving judgy energy.

The entire upper half of my dress is unbuttoned.

Those people saw every thing God gave me between my neck and my navel. They probably thought I was a lady of the damn night. I’m gleeful about the way the bottom half of the dress was flowing meanwhile the top half was portraying me as a friendly streetwalker!

FIX. IT. JESUS!

Wheew! Glad I got that off my chest (no pun intended) because it’s been replaying in my head for the last 48 hours. Anyway - on to the tacos and tequilas!

Inside La Calle: Ambiance, Art and Atmosphere.

I walked into La Calle. First impression, “Mmmm this is open and beautiful.” While there is an employee standing there at the greeters stand, he does not speak nor ask if I need help being seated. No worries. I spot my crew and find my way.

We are seated at the far end of their backlit, camel colored leather banquette. We are next to a sightly mural of Frida Kahlo. It is the famous self portrait we’ve all seen but it stands out to me for some reason this time. Then I realize it’s captivating me because the portrait is in grayscale. I’ve never seen anything related to Frida’s work in greyscale, only the complete opposite, explosive color. This art choice works perfectly with the rest of restaurants aesthetic.

I have a proud plant addiction so my next eye-gasm happens at the plant selection. We are seated right next to these alluring and healthy snake and umbrella tree plants. Ive fallen in love with the planters they were in, so if yall see them available for purchase anywhere, please call me asap!! No, seriously. Call me. Immediately. Please.

As I type this, I can not remember if music was playing or just background chatter, but I do recall having to ask for things to be repeated and feeling like I was yelling a bit across the table to chat. However it was not annoyingly loud. The bar area was simple yet eye catching with two televisions displaying a basketball game at each end. A main focal point in the space opposite the entrance is the open kitchen. I. love. an. open. kitchen! I did not get a photo as it was busy with waiters who looked to be taking their jobs very seriously. But all of the clean stainless steel and the occasional uprising of a flame was pretty to watch.

Food and Drinks.

My order:

Guacamole and Chips - It didnt quite hit the mark for me as I prefer more seasoning and red onions, however it was not bad. I will say I will try it one more time only because the menu description did not seem to match what I received. In taste - my order seemed to be missing red onions, jalapeños, and mango/pomegranate toppings. Admittedly, I did not actually look to see if those things were missing. But it did taste like those things were missing.

Pescado Frito Tacos - (Fish tacos) Loved. I’m a sauce/condiment girl and the roasted chipotle mayo was delicious and had a good kick to it without dominating. The taco itself was the perfect balance of soft and crunchy. Not messy at all. Loved that.

Carnitas de Pato Tacos - (Duck Tacos) Loved. I foresee me returning here and this will likely be the thing that makes me. The duck was so tender and the mole sauce - chefs kiss.

La Medicina (cocktail) - I ordered this at the recommendation of our watchful and informative waiter. I informed him that I do not like sweet drinks and this was what he came up with. This one contained mezcal and ginger. I’m a sucker for ginger in any form. The drink was pretty and delicious. Felt artful and thoughtfully made. Not like someone just threw some liquors in a glass. Ive never had an issue paying asking price for a drink. I just ask that the quality matches the dollar. From me and my whole dinner group - La Calle did that consistently!

Group Feedback.

M: My street corn (Elote), duck tacos, flan, and pink Guayaba (cocktail) - excellent. You can feel a little rushed if your entire party doesn’t arrive on time - by management - that is. Our waiter was perfect and attentive.

V: Ceviche, pork belly tacos, and tres leches were great. So were the cocktails. Prices very reasonable.

- I can attest to that tres leches - I would take a late night drive for that alone!

K: My chips w/ cheese (Queso Fundido) and 2 shots in that sexy glass were good.

Final Thoughts.

Should you go? Absolutely. Food, drinks, atmosphere and customer care was all on point. This is a good casual restaurant with a nice upscale feel. Great for dinner with friends, significant other or the entire family!

Exploring neighborhoods through food is one of the many ways I stay in the know of Baltimore. If you’re thinking about making a move here, let’s chat.

Table for Erika in Baltimore: La Calle