🎵 Now Playing: “Ain’t Misbehavin’” – Fats Waller

My first visit to The Bygone was an experience I’ll never forget. Located on the 29th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in Harbor East, I felt like royalty from the moment I walked through the doors.

As we entered the hotel, we were greeted by a host who guided us to a private elevator reserved for restaurant guests. The elevator alone set the tone for the evening. Its walls were covered in deep burgundy tufted velvet, accented by polished gold railings. Before I had even seen the restaurant, I already felt like I had stepped into another era.

When the elevator doors opened on the 29th floor, we were welcomed into an elegant waiting area that immediately caught my attention. Hanging on the wall was a large black-and-white photograph of Baltimore’s Pratt Street Power Plant in a gold vintage frame. If you’ve read my previous post about the Titanic exhibition, you’ll recognize the building immediately. It looked completely different than it does today, and seeing that photograph reminded me once again how much Baltimore continues to evolve while still honoring its history. Before being escorted to our table, we were offered a complimentary coat check. Then came my favorite part of the evening. The view.

Our table overlooked Harbor East and downtown Baltimore. Sitting near the corner overlooking Aliceanna Street, I could see the city stretching in every direction. Looking out over downtown, I saw a Baltimore that continues to reinvent itself. Historic buildings stand beside modern skyscrapers. A restaurant inspired by the Roaring Twenties is filled with people from every background celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, and milestones. It was a reminder that Baltimore is constantly writing its next chapter.

The restaurant embraces a Roaring Twenties aesthetic, and you can feel it in every detail. The décor is elegant and the service made the evening even more memorable. Our waiter, dressed in a tailored suit, knew the menu inside and out. He walked us through each course and made thoughtful recommendations throughout the meal. We started with our choice of still or sparkling Saratoga water served in its signature cobalt blue bottle, a small detail that made the evening feel even more luxurious. Before our appetizers arrived, our waiter surprised us with a complimentary palate opener. I wish I could remember exactly what it was because it was very good. Sometimes it’s the unexpected touches that leave the biggest impression.

Now, let’s talk about the food.

We started with the Maryland crab dip served alongside warm pretzel bites. As a Baltimore native, I don’t take crab dishes lightly, we’re known for our seafood, so my expectations were high. Thankfully, The Bygone delivered. Pairing the rich crab dip with soft pretzel bites was something I had never experienced before, and it worked beautifully. For my entrée, I ordered the Maryland crab cake with shareable sides of macaroni and cheese, onions, and mushrooms. Before I even get to the crab cake, I have to talk about those onions and mushrooms. When I say that dish was delicious, I mean it. I’ve been craving it ever since. It was perfectly seasoned, rich, and flavorful without overpowering the rest of the meal. The crab cake itself was everything you’d hope for in Maryland. Every dish felt intentional.

What this dinner taught me wasn’t just that Baltimore has excellent restaurants but it reminded me that food reflects a city’s identity. Baltimore is a true foodie city. Whether you’re grabbing carryout from your favorite neighborhood spot, enjoying authentic international cuisine, or celebrating a special occasion at a fine dining restaurant, there’s something here for everyone. I think many people outside the city don’t picture Baltimore as a destination where you can dress up and enjoy an upscale dining experience, but The Bygone challenges that perception. It proves that Baltimore offers elegance just as effortlessly as it offers blue crabs and pit beef.

As beautiful as the restaurant was, I couldn’t help but think about its inspiration. The Bygone pays tribute to the glamour of the 1920s, a decade often remembered for its lavish parties, jazz music, and Art Deco style. But it was also a time when opportunities and public spaces were not equally accessible to everyone. Sitting there as a Black woman celebrating life in my own city, I found myself reflecting on that contrast. Had this actually been the 1920s, someone like me may not have been welcomed into a space like this.

That realization didn’t take away from the evening. If anything, it made it more meaningful. It reminded me how far we’ve come while acknowledging there’s always more progress to be made. Sharing a meal in a restaurant inspired by another era became about more than fine dining, it became a moment of gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for being able to experience Baltimore on my own terms.

If there’s one thing this evening taught me, it’s that culture is sometimes found around a dinner table, in the conversations you have, the skyline you admire, and the history that quietly lingers in the background of a beautiful meal.

Until next time,

Signed, A Baltimore Native