Mother’s Grille – Federal Hill

The first time I visited Mother's Grille in Federal Hill was when I was about 7 months pregnant with Baby Jack. My husband and I were up visiting Baltimore, checking out the various neighborhoods, deciding where to live and where we'd call home in a few more months.

It was a busy Saturday afternoon service, but we were able to snag a tiny table in the corner of a smaller dining space, separated from another dining space and a bar area, and from what I remember, the rooms were crowded and dark. The food was decent and the service was good. I know that we each had burgers, and mine had lump crab over top, and Michael's had crab salad. We both enjoyed our visit, and thought it was a neat little spot in a great neighborhood.

Fast forward to today, 7 months later, and we're officially residents here in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore, MD. Since moving here a month ago, Michael, Jack and I have visited the newly renovated and revamped Mother's on Charles St. here in Fed Hill a few times.

First of all, the dining space is so much better. The dining room and the bar area are still separate, which I like since we have a couple of kids, the family-friendly dining room is wide open, light and airy. No more separations and dark crowded settings. There's an outdoor eating area, and an incredible purple patio, which will be absolutely perfect for Ravens season.

The first time I stepped foot into the revamped space a couple of weeks ago, I was so confused, and excited. Confused because I didn't know that they had closed down and changed the place. I wasn't here for it, so I wasn't made privy to it. And excited because I love what they've done with the place, and the menu.

The menu is extensive. Like, seriously extensive. It ranges from typical bar fare, like nachos, chicken fingers, wings and burgers to more "fancy" dishes, like 4 varieties of steamed mussels, homemade soups, a whole variety of huge, fresh salads, fresh catch of the day and more.

Plus, they took their "typical" bar fare, and jazzed that up too. I'm talking like 20 varieties of wings, and 25 takes on burgers. On the burger and wing note, they've got something called the 20/20 Club, where if you try all 20 burgers and the original 20 burgers from their first menu, (they'll explain this to you there), you'll receive a free T-shrit get your name on their wall, and receive 10% off wing and burger orders in the future. Needless to say, Michael and I are both working our way, slowly but surely, through the 20/20 club burgers and wings. But more on that later.

So on that first time back a couple of weeks ago, Michael, Jack and I were seated quickly and it was apparent that they were all good with having a baby. I'm so pleasantly surprised with how awesome people have been around here about seating us with an infant, and not rolling their eyes or being snide about it. So, thank you Mother's, for joining the ranks of awesome places to eat as a family here in Federal Hill. Plus, they have paper on the tables and cups of crayons for coloring fun.

Anyway, like I said, we were seated right away, and were left to pour over their mouthwateringly amazing menu. What to do, what to do!? I decided right then and there that I wanted to join the 20/20 Club, and little to my knowledge, my hubby was already part of the club! WHAT!? I need to catch up!

He and I both decided to start with a specialty Bloody Mary. They're so good, you guys. Apparently they start with a pre-made mix, but then jazz it up with hot sauces and even some A-1, and of course, Old Bay. The backs of my cheeks are really puckering as I'm writing this, remembering how amazing it was... OH man.

We both decided to get wings for our main course. Michael chose the Buffalo Garlic, classic hot wings with a garlic twist, and I went with the Sriracha BBQ, sweet and tangy BBQ with a chili & garlic kick. Both came with house-made blue cheese dressing and celery.

The wings were great. Michael's Buffalo Garlic were what's up... I was almost sorry I didn't get that kind. Next time, I assure you, I'll be getting them. The Sriracha BBQ were awesome too, don't get me wrong, I just LOVED the Buffalo Garlic.

This visit became the first of MANY visits to follow.

The next time we went, I was pretty gung-ho on working my way through the burgers for the 20/20 Club, and went with the Chi-Town, with mustard, ketchup, hot peppers and sweet pickles. So good... SO good... The meat was cooked nicely, and wasn't dry at all. The hot peppers and sweet pickles went nicely together, as they tend to do on Chicago-style hot dogs, and man I was glad I went this route.

Our latest trip to Mother's was on a whim, and what a wonderful whim it was. I decided NOT to continue on my 20/20 Club quest with this meal, but Michael did.

Instead of wings or a burger, I went with their Black & Blue salad: spinach tossed in homemade blue cheese dressing with crispy bacon & red onions, blackened chicken, crumbled blue cheese and cherry tomatoes.

Michael followed suit with blue cheese, and went with the Bleu Cheese Blast, a burger with melted bleu cheese, onion straws and a spicy aioli mayonnaise.

We were both more than happy with our selections, and once again, left Mother's Grille with fully bellies, a happy baby and vows to come back soon. Very soon. Maybe next time we'll try something from their breakfast menu!