The café, known for its modern take on Mediterranean dining — including inventive hummus varieties, lamb tagines, and fresh panini and salad platters — will open inside the Anthem House apartment complex at 900 E. Fort Ave. in early spring 2026, according to a Tuesday news release.

“We’re thrilled to bring Cafe Fili to Locust Point and become part of the Anthem House community,” said owner Ziad Maalouf in the release. “Our vision has always been to create gathering spaces that enhance the neighborhoods we serve, and this expansion represents an exciting evolution of our concept with the addition of our evening mezze program.”

Founded in 2017, Café Fili first opened at 816 Cathedral St. in Mount Vernon before expanding to Washington, D.C. The Riverside café will offer all-day service, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, in what the company describes as “a welcoming atmosphere designed to serve both residents and the broader Locust Point community.”

Maalouf said the company plans to open two additional Baltimore locations later in 2026, with broader regional growth expected in 2027.

Have a news tip? Contact Jane Godiner at jgodiner@baltsun.com or on Instagram as @Jane.Craves.

On Friday, Skipjack’s Crab House took to Facebook to share that its location at 7703 Belair Road will close as a result of the property’s lease not being renewed. Open since 2009, the restaurant will shutter Dec. 7.

“This place has been so much more than just a restaurant. It’s been a home — where families gathered, friends celebrated, and so many special memories were made around great food & crabs and of course laughter,” the post reads. Addressing the restaurant’s staff, the post adds, “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You’ve been the soul of this restaurant.”

The brand’s other restaurant under the Skipjack’s name, Skipjack’s Crab Deck at Middle River’s 818 Bowleys Quarters Road, will remain open.

“While this chapter is coming to an end, our story isn’t over,” the post reads. The team added that in Middle River, “you will find a welcoming atmosphere that made our original spot so special.”

Have a news tip? Contact Jane Godiner at jgodiner@baltsun.com or on Instagram as @Jane.Craves.

The Horse You Came In On Saloon, located at 1626 Thames St., was the backdrop of a series of pictures shared in a now-deleted Instagram post, depicting two people dressed as Nazi soldiers and performing salutes both inside and outside the bar, captioned “The woke reich.”

The post quickly circulated on social media, with several Facebook reviews referring to The Horse You Came In On as a “Nazi bar” before reviews became disabled.

Owner Eric Mathias confirmed the visit in a Saturday Facebook post, in which he reported that “They took photos of themselves saluting, and were courteous enough to tag us and associate us with their stupidity.” He wrote that the costumed patrons have “zero connection” to the bar, adding that “it’s obvious that they came to provoke, antagonize and unfortunately heist quality oxygen that others could be using.”

“My staff is not to blame for the beliefs of these people …” reads the post. “This too will pass and the truth + forward action always win. We’re open for business, come visit us, meet my incredible people and make your own judgement.”

On Yelp as of Tuesday afternoon, reviews were temporary disabled as the company “work[ed] to investigate the content you see here reflects actual consumer experiences rather than recent events.”

Established in 1775, The Horse You Came In On is known as Baltimore’s oldest saloon, as well as the scene of the last sighting of Edgar Allan Poe.

Neither the social media user, nor representatives from The Horse You Came In On, responded to requests for comment.

On Sunday, the user reposted one of the photos, writing in her caption that Instagram had removed the original post.

Have a news tip? Contact Jane Godiner at jgodiner@baltsun.com or on Instagram as @Jane.Craves.

Another Broken Egg Cafe

The Elkridge outpost of this national breakfast chain will serve a free “Patriot French Toast” combo meal with coffee to veterans, active-duty and retired service members all day. 7700 Hearthside Way, Elkridge; 443-733-3752; anotherbrokenegg.com

BIBIBOP Asian Grill

This regional, Korean-inspired build-your-own-bowl chain will offer free bowls for veterans and active-duty military with proof of service. 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia; 410-310-3853; bibibop.com

Bubbakoo’s Burritos

With proof of service, both veterans and active-duty military can receive a free taco trio at national Mexican restaurant chain. Multiple locations across Maryland; bubbakoos.com.

Bubba’s 33

Veterans get a free lunch or a voucher to use at national bar bite restaurant chain Bubba’s 33 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Veterans Day. 7305 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie; 410-760-7427; bubbas33.com

Chicken Salad Chick

Maryland’s only location of this chicken salad chain, in Westminster, will offer all veterans and active-duty military a free meal, complete with one side and a regular-sized fountain drink, on Veterans Day. 255 Baltimore Blvd., Westminster; 410-861-6401; chickensaladchick.com

Golden Corral

Tuesday is the 25th anniversary of Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night, during which military retirees, veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members or reservers receive a free dinner from 4 p.m. until close. Multiple locations across Maryland; goldencorral.com

Harris Teeter in Locust Point

Harris Teeter

Holders of both military ID and a VIC store savings card will receive 11% off their grocery carts on Veterans Day. Multiple locations across Maryland; harristeeter.com

Maryland National Parks

All visitors can see 18 Maryland National Park Service sites, including Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and Fort McHenry, free of charge on Veterans Day. A complete list of sites is available on the National Park Service website. Multiple locations across Maryland; nps.gov

Maryland Transit Administration

The MTA will offer free rides for all U.S. military veterans, active-duty military and members of the National Guard and Reserves across all models of Maryland public transit. 410-539-5000; mta.maryland.gov

Sport Clips Haircuts

Service members and veterans can receive a free haircut at any participating Sport Clips locations. Multiple locations across Maryland; sportclips.com

Starbucks

All day Tuesday, Starbucks will pour military service members and their spouses free tall-sized brewed coffee, hot or iced, free of charge. Multiple locations across Maryland; starbucks.com

Wendy’s

With proof of U.S. Military service, veterans and active-duty military can get a free breakfast combo — featuring any breakfast sandwich, seasoned potatoes and a beverage. This offer is only available at locations operated by hospitality company Flynn Group — a complete list is available on the Flynn website. Multiple locations across Maryland flynn.com/wendys

Have a news tip? Contact Jane Godiner at jgodiner@baltsun.com or on Instagram as @Jane.Craves.

Last month, Wheeler, owner of the Federal Hill bar Locals Only, was hit with a $3,000 fine by the Baltimore City Board of Liquor License Commissioners for four violations of providing live entertainment without authorization. His lawyer called the penalty a “serious” blow to the bar’s operating costs.

In Baltimore, restaurants and bars must obtain a license to host live entertainment, including bands, DJs, standup comedy or magic acts. Many business owners say the licensing process can be lengthy, complicated, and costly.

“In an entertainment district, where you have other places that can do [live music] … it’s going to be tough to be competitive,” said Wheeler, who was also previously a partner of Mad River Bar & Grille and The Charles Baltimore. He estimated that on the average weekend, the difference in sales between service with and without a DJ can range from 25% to 50%.

Baltimore City’s Board of Liquor License has heard 25 alleged cases of providing live entertainment without authorization through October, more than eight times the number during the same period last year. Alleged violators include both restaurateurs operating without a license and license holders who fail to follow the board’s specific guidelines.

“I recognize the process can be … maybe made easier for the layperson,” said Justin Williams, director of permitting and developing services and interim executive director of the Baltimore City Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals. “I want to try to be helpful. We want this to happen in the city, too.”

How does this work?

To legally provide live entertainment, business owners must begin with an application to the BMZA. Recommended materials for this initial application include a letter of approval from the neighborhood or community association, as well as architectural drawings and health and safety inspections.

Next comes a Zoning Appeals hearing, where Wheeler has found himself “stuck” — he said he and his lawyer have been attempting to get on the hearing docket since the beginning of 2025, and Locals Only is still without its live entertainment authorization.

“My concept is ‘pizza and vibes,'” said Wheeler. “There’s really no vibes without music.”

Williams said he was surprised to hear about Wheeler’s case and that it’s unusual for the process to take more than a few months. He looked into the matter and said he didn’t find any records of recent filings from Locals Only. He suggested that the paperwork might have been done improperly.

When businesses face roadblocks, Williams added, “I try to jump in, even if it’s on the applicant side … and say, ‘Here’s what we really need and sorry we weren’t clear enough on the front end.'”

But some Baltimore City restaurateurs argue that even if a hearing date is booked speedily, the process of acquiring all of the necessary application materials can feel grueling and tedious. And the consequences of these wait times, said Hampden community advocate and independent permit consultant Will “Lou Catelli” Bauer, can be costly.

“Months matter. Months are money,” Catelli said. “Every month, you’re paying rent, and it’s important to small businesses that they can maximize their revenue each month — not based off of some outdated and bureaucratic process that doesn’t really make much sense to many people.”

Krista Cushman, owner of Hamilton Hills live music bar and pizzeria Micky’s Joint, agrees.

“Over the last few years, everything has gotten more expensive and more challenging,” she said.

The cost of maintaining a live entertainment license add-on of $500 per year, along with battling high entertainment fees and the recent near-doubling of liquor license fees from $1,320 to $2,336 this year, can compound the issue. “There’s no payment plan — you just need that big, old four-figure chunk of change,” Cushman said.

Williams said he hopes that during his tenure at the mayor’s office, he can make the process clearer for businesses. The board could potentially require two separate approvals through public hearings, involving a revision process that would involve “review[ing] data and engag[ing] in more conversations with stakeholders,” he said in a statement.

More pitfalls abound

The parameters of live entertainment as defined by the city are broader than restaurateurs might think. According to Baltimore City conditional-use authorization application documents, it can include a “musical act (including karaoke), theatrical act (including standup comedy), play, revue, dance, magic act, disc jockey [or] similar activity.”

“If you do a bingo night, if you do a trivia night [or] if you have a DJ, that’s live entertainment,” said Catelli. “A lot of businesses don’t realize that all those things fall under the category.”

Misunderstandings about the parameters of the live entertainment license also persist.

Terence Dickson, owner of Terra Cafe in Barclay, built the restaurant’s “Jerk Garden” — an enclosed outdoor dining room with a sliding door — with the hopes of insulating sound and minimizing disturbance in the surrounding Barclay neighborhood. However, Dickson claims that he has been visited by the liquor board, which is in charge of enforcement, “at least 20 or more times … or maybe even 30” times in the past year.

To further reduce noise during concerts, Dickson has moved his stage and sound system to Terra Cafe’s indoor area, where he hopes to reduce the number of noise complaints. The Jerk Garden is still open for business, with screens televising the indoor performance around the outdoor dining space.

“I came up with something,” said Dickson. “We’re being creative.”

What’s at stake?

Many local restaurant owners argue that live entertainment is integral to Baltimore’s ethos. Cushman, of Micky’s Joint, said the thought of the scene dwindling due to application and enforcement “really breaks my heart.”

“In this day and age … it’s really nice to see people actually out and connecting with each other,” she added. “There can be this assumption that a live entertainment license equals nightclub and craziness and bad news … but it’s not necessarily like that.”

Have a news tip? Contact Jane Godiner at jgodiner@baltsun.com or on Instagram as @Jane.Craves.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, which boasts over 250 global locations, is moving into a storefront in the Shoppes at Nottingham Square shopping center, located at 5272 Campbell Blvd. While an opening date has not yet been publicized, “Coming Soon” signage outside the property indicates its impending arrival.

At Dave’s, find fried chicken sandwiches and tenders spiced with five different levels of heat — from “No Spice” to “Reaper” — as well as loaded french fries and milkshakes.

“And our goal became clear,” reads the “About” section on the Dave’s Hot Chicken website. “Make juicy, spicy, hot chicken that will ‘Blow Your Mind.'”

Have a news tip? Contact Jane Godiner at jgodiner@baltsun.com or on Instagram as @Jane.Craves.

Bajeko Sekuwa, with locations across the United States, as well as Nepal, Australia, and Dubai, will soon open at 710 Concourse Drive in the mixed-use development, Greenleigh. While a menu for the location is not yet public, offerings include meat-based sekuwa and vegetarian platters, as well as entire sections dedicated to momos and tandoori items.

“With 48 years of rich heritage, Bajeko Sekuwa has become a symbol of culinary excellence, recognized globally for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and a warm dining experience,” reads a biography on the restaurant’s website.

The restaurant was originally founded as a stall in Nepal’s capital city by Dinanath Bhandari, who customers referred to as “Baje,” the Nepali term of endearment for “grandpa.” The page adds, “As we celebrate our legacy, we’re thrilled to share the flavors of Nepal with the world.”

According to a Friday Facebook post by design company Architectural Design Works, Bakejo Sekuwa is “Coming down [to] the ‘Home Stretch'” of opening day.

Have a news tip? Contact Jane Godiner at jgodiner@baltsun.com or on Instagram as @Jane.Craves.

A Thursday news release from the Maryland State Fire Marshal reported that a fire at UnWined on the Water, located at 285 Plum Point Road, likely originated “towards the rear of the restaurant, including the rear deck patio” at approximately 1:10 a.m. The release said the fire spread “rapidly through the restaurant” as a result of high winds. Forty firefighters from local departments were dispatched 30 minutes later and brought the fire under control in roughly two hours.

The release deemed the restaurant a total loss, with the collapse of the building’s roof and both stories of internal floors resulting in an estimated $1 million in damage. Deputy state fire marshals are still investigating the cause of the fire; however, the release said “there is no evidence of a criminal act, and all potential accidental causes are being considered.”

In a Thursday Facebook post from UnWined, the restaurant team alluded to the restaurant’s potential reopening, promising to share “updates and progress reports” as they “navigate” the disaster.

“Please keep our UnWined family in your thoughts and prayers…. I consider all of you family,” the post reads. “For now, let’s all look forward to the day we will gather here again, gaze upon a new and improved UnWined on the Water and dance until we can’t dance anymore!”

Have a news tip? Contact Jane Godiner at jgodiner@baltsun.com or on Instagram as @Jane.Craves.

The space at 1101-03 W. 36th St. was formerly home to neighborhood Greek restaurant Souvlaki, whose owner was evicted in July. Although the new restaurant does not yet have a trading name, owner Yongdeng Chen is operating under Hama Sushi, LLC., according to records published by the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City. Stephan Fogleman, who represented the licensees during the hearing, said that the Chen family will choose a different name for the new restaurant due to the presence of a similarly named Yama Sushi Bar in Hampden’s Green Spring Tower Square.

A sample menu shared with the board by Chen boasts teapots of dobin mushi broth, skewers of yakitori and specialty rolls stuffed with tuna, salmon and yellowtail.

“I consider [the menu] pretty expansive,” said Fogleman during the hearing. “They know what they do.”

Have a news tip? Contact Jane Godiner at jgodiner@baltsun.com or on Instagram as @Jane.Craves.

Timbre plans to move into a three-story, 30,000-square-foot property at 900 S Wolfe St., which has been unoccupied since 2020, according to a Wednesday news release from the brand. Billed as a “one-stop-shop for all things wellness,” the space, which is targeting an opening next year, will include fitness studios, healthy dining spots and luxury retail goods.

The idea stemmed partially from “a desire to uniquely transform this important Fells Point property,” said co-founder Andrea Shelby, who previously launched local health clubs Federal Hill Fitness and MV Fitness. “Timbre will be a place for genuine connection; we’re building something Baltimore hasn’t seen before but will feel like it’s always belonged there.”

The business aims to host more than 10 businesses by completion but has secured four already: DRIP’T Studios for vinyasa yoga, REV Cycle Studio for strength and recovery classes, Ritual for various forms of contrast therapy and Scent Lab for perfumed home goods.

Other potential tenants, according to the release, include “a MedSpa, boxing studio, physical therapy clinic, and other individual wellness practitioners specializing in modalities like acupuncture, mental health, massage, and Reiki.”

Have a news tip? Contact Jane Godiner at jgodiner@baltsun.com or on Instagram as @Jane.Craves.