Port Tobacco, Maryland, might just be one of the smallest towns you’ll ever encounter; as of the 2020 census, it boasts a population of just 18. But, while undoubtedly small, this town - or perhaps more accurately, this village - also lays claim to one of the oldest ghost stories in the United States. This story about an ill-fated sailor and his loyal dog companion inspired the name of The Blue Dog Restaurant and Saloon, where a haunting story and some incredible meal offerings come together for a one-of-a-kind experience!
According to the legend, an American soldier returning from the Revolutionary War stopped into a tavern in Port Tobacco for a drink. A man named Henry Hanos overheard the soldier bragging about having a hefty sum of gold and the deed to a large estate, and followed the soldier and his dog out of the pub.
Hanos waylaid the soldier and his companion on the road and murdered them both, but buried the gold and the deed beneath a holly tree. He intended to return and collect it later, but when he tried, he was confronted by a huge, ghostly blue dog.
The dog scared Hanos so badly that he never returned for his prize. He passed away a few days later, but the ghostly dog is said to stand guard over his master’s grave to this day.
The saloon, located just a short way from the spectral haunt of the dog, offers a constant rotation of special menu items, as well as Southern Maryland staples for a down-home feeling that never gets old.
Legend has it that the ghost of the blue dog can still be heard howling on cool evenings, so be sure to listen out for it as you enjoy your meal on the patio!
If you’re as thrilled as we are about the possibility of bumping into a ghost during your meal, be sure to check out this other famously haunted eatery in Maryland!
There’s A Christmas Restaurant In Maryland And It’s Absolutely Delightful
Nick's House of Ribs in Ocean City, Maryland, transforms into a festive winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering a magical dining experience.
'Tis the season for holiday displays and you can find some in the least likely of places. And one of those places is Nick's House of Ribs in Ocean City, Maryland, my favorite Christmas restaurant in the state. During the holiday season, this festive eatery transforms into a sparkly winter wonderland full of twinkling lights, dangling ornaments, and more. Read on to see the magical photos and consider visiting this holiday season for an enchanting Christmas dinner in Maryland!
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You'll find Nick's House of Ribs at 14410 Coastal Highway in Ocean City, Maryland. Here's what the restaurant looks like from the outside...
Staying true to its name, Nick's House of Ribs is known for its giant racks of ribs. There are many other menu items as well, including seafood, salads, and more. Plus, the drinks aren't too shabby either. It's arguably one of the best restaurants in Ocean City, Maryland.
During the holiday season, this Christmas restaurant in Maryland gets all decked out in a dazzling display that's as festive as can be. Towering nutcrackers meet you at the doors and a sea of ornaments hangs overhead around the restaurant.
Of course, there's a Christmas tree and even a train garden inside the restaurant. Kids especially love watching the train chug along this adorable track. This is certainly one of the most family-friendly Christmas restaurants in Maryland!
Are you ready to dine at this Maryland Christmas restaurant? For more information about this festive eatery, including the menu and hours, visit the official website of Nick's House Of Ribs in Ocean City, Maryland. You can also stay up to date with the live music schedule and more by following Nick's official Facebook page.
It's hard to *cut it* in the culinary world, and that's if everything is working for you. Statistics vary, but out of one million restaurants in the US, only eight percent are Black owned -- and of that eight percent, just 2,800 are owned by Black women. That's less than a third of one percent.
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But statistics didn't deter Jasmine Norton, chef-owner of The Urban Oyster in Baltimore, the first female- and Black-owned oyster bar in Maryland. As a multi-hyphenate chef with an impressive resume of awards and recognitions, Norton has (ahem) made waves in the culinary world, rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a Black female chef in America.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our 2024 Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
Photo provided by Jasmine Norton
As a child, Norton fell in love with raw oysters. "From the moment my dad urged me to try an oyster as a small child I loved them!" However, as she grew older, she realized that these delicious briny morsels were generally only offered at fine dining restaurants, requiring "a certain dining attire" and making them inaccessible to the masses. And she wanted to bring oysters to the masses.
"I decided I would like to fill the void for people like myself who love and appreciate oysters and all things seafood but in a more relaxed environment as well as not just raw," she explains.
Creating a space for everyone, especially in the African American community, was important to Norton, as this group has historically been tasked with oystering and shucking, but not always enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Food is an excuse for folks to gather together and break bread -- or, you know, shuck oysters. With The Urban Oyster, Norton has created a space where curiosity and creativity commingle in every option on the menu. To that end, you'll find a robust menu of chargrilled oysters with different flavor profiles that "are sure to satisfy the pickiest eater," Norton promises.
Those with an aversion to raw oysters will be delighted by the cornucopia of chargrilled options on the menu; The Urban Oyster's Bacon BBQ oysters are a local favorite that's garnered something of a cult following among foodies, while the Teriyaki oysters will make you wonder why *all* oysters aren't smothered in a sweet-and-salty sauce.
Innovation infuses the rest of the menu at The Urban Oyster, too, with the Lobster Corndog an unexpected surprise and the Red Snapper Nuggets (served with a sweet chili sauce) a popular choice for even the pickiest palates.
The Urban Oyster has been warmly embraced by the Baltimore community, proving that anything can be "accessible" if it's positioned as such.
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"As a restaurant owner, my favorite part of the job is seeing the joy and satisfaction on our guests' faces. There's something incredibly rewarding about knowing that we’ve created a space where people can come together, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories," Norton says.
In fact, this sense of community is just as important to Norton as the menu. "Developing relationships with our guests and being a part of their special moments, whether it's a birthday celebration or a casual dinner out, gives me a profound sense of fulfillment," she says.
For Norton, this community connection isn't just about creating a meaningful dining experience, it's about being part of her larger community: Baltimore, Maryland, the Northeast, the US. To this end, The Urban Oyster prioritizes using locally sourced ingredients from nearby farmers and producers: "This not only supports local agriculture but also ensures that our guests enjoy the freshest and highest-quality food." Norton adds that sustainability informs her decisions as a small business owner, as does a commitment to hiring and training "within the community."
As for the kids slurping oysters and having their own "I want to be a chef when I grow up" moments, The Urban Oyster has participated in the offering of scholarship funding and mentorship programs for aspiring chefs and hospitality students. Additionally, Norton, in collaboration with Dole Food Group, recently lead a 12-week culinary program to assist children of the Boys and Girls club on how to cook and kitchen safety, because "sharing our expertise helps nurture the next generation of culinary talent," Norton says.
Because, when you add it all up, a small business's success relies on more than just a great concept and smart planning -- and Norton knows this. "[At Urban Oyster], we aim to be more than just a dining destination; we want to be a positive force in our community, supporting and enriching the lives of those around us." Let's all "cheers" an oyster to that!
Many thanks to Jasmine Norton, Executive Chef and Owner of The Oyster Bar for sharing the story of this small business in Maryland. Learn more and support this Maryland restaurant by visiting The Urban Oyster website.
Of course, The Urban Oyster is one of many amazing businesses in Maryland that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Maryland, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Maryland on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.
