Rusty Scupper, seafood bliss

Rusty scupper

402 Key Hwy.

Phone: 410-727-3678

Price: $18-$24

Location: Inner Harbor

Hours: Sun.: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.:11:30a.m.-10p.m.

Fri., Sat.: 11:30 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Isolated from the brouhaha of the main Inner Harbor square, the Rusty Scupper sits atop the Inner Harbor marina with a spectacular view of the docks. A plain entranceway and maze-like path around the piers shield this gem of a restaurant from tourists but once inside, the decor is regal, the food is grand and the long haul will be worth it for seafood fans.

Almost all seats in the restaurant offer picturesque views of the Inner Harbor and downtown Baltimore. Adding to the maritime theme, the walls are covered with sailing paraphernalia and nautical trinkets adorn end tables and shelves. On the staircase leading up to the restaurant there are televisions showing sports events from around the globe, which doesn't seem to fit with the seafaring atmosphere, but is appreciated by all the patrons waiting in the weekend lines who all seem to be sports fans.

A pricey seafood restaurant, out of range for most college students, Rusty Scupper offers traditional Maryland and Chesapeake Bay cuisine. From oysters to calamari to crabs, the chefs attempt to highlight the Atlantic and Eastern shore seafood. The specialty here is the staple food for Baltimoreans: crab cakes. Although the crabs are prepared in only two ways; soups (creamy and vegetable based) or lump crab cakes style, quality compensates for a lack of quantity on the menu.

Served fresh daily are North Atlantic salmon, Chesapeake rockfish, swordfish and a more eclectic fish, mahi-mahi, along with other fish specials of the day. There is also a raw fish bar serving up oyster, shrimp and crab cake individually or in combinations. However the menu is not too extensive and fish specials sell out quickly on most Friday and Saturday nights. And you're out of luck once the fishes are gone because the kitchen only orders enough fish for one day and doesn't keep reserves in the freezer.

Besides fish and bottom crawlers, there is filet mignon, steak and chicken dishes. However the non-seafood based dishes are few and far between, so if you're not a fan of fish, Rusty Scupper is not for you. Vegetarians will have even fewer options with only house and Caesar salads on the menu. So if you're a vegetarian looking for a filling meal, I highly advise staying away from Rusty Scupper.

The crowd is older because of the steep prices. Most entrees are priced above $20 and with appetizers, drinks and extras the tab can quickly add up. However, if you're looking for fine dining and are in the mood for some fresh fish Rusty Scupper hits the spot. Just be sure to get there early.