Rat Pack Retro

After 20+ years of living in Baltimore, I’d heard mentions of this old-school classic neighborhood steakhouse, and had driven past it a number of times, noticing its distinctive, Swiss chalet-style façade with gingerbread trim. I recently finally got a chance to see what’s behind those black double doors.

A photographer friend was organizing an all-boys dinner for approximately 25 or so gents, many in the photography, newspaper and journalism business—dubbed whimsically, the “Friendly Sons of St. Michael’s.”

Ducking in off the sunny street, I was immediately enveloped in a cool, dark sea of swank, starting with the comfortable and masculine barroom, where I ordered a perfectly mixed, chilled-to-perfection vodka martini.

Looking around, I took note of the wooden paneling, metallic frosted mirrored walls, and deep, tufted red leather booths—all set off with a vaguely nautical theme. There are several dining rooms, all featuring wooden paneling and tables with wooden captain’s chairs.

The menu is classic steakhouse fare– entrées include lamb, chicken, veal, and seafood options, as well as Greek and Italian dishes. Specials include a 24-ounce roast prime rib ($14.95), a 1 ½ pound whole Maine lobster ($24.95), and a stuffed filet mignon with crab imperial topping it ($19.95). The potato salad and the “Greek style” green beans, made with red tomato sauce, peppers, and onions, are especially interesting side dish offerings. And I’m a sucker for classic desserts like lemon meringue pie and scrumptious chocolate layer cake ($5 each).                                                        So, if you’re looking to break away from the normal and step back in time to an experience that would do the Rat Pack proud, take the drive straight out Eastern Avenue and step into Michael’s. {Michael’s Steak & Lobster House, 6207 Eastern Ave., Essex}