Barrett's On The Pike Opens In Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — A restaurant specializing in American fare is opening in Bel Air this week. Barrett's on the Pike will officially open on Tuesday, May 28.

"Our focus is fresh food," Paul Silberman, general manager of Barrett's on the Pike, said. Crab cakes and steak are among the menu items, he said, presenting the concept to the Harford County Liquor Control Board at its most recent meeting.

"The focus is really on the service and craveable food," said Silberman. He mentioned starters like "fantastic crab soup" and "entrees to die for" and said there will also be a "nice little wine list" and craft cocktails.

"Our restaurant in Hunt Valley is a grill, so we're kind of heavy on the grill," he added.

The owners of Barrett's on the Pike also started Barrett's Grill in Hunt Valley and Glyndon Grill near Reisterstown, according to The Aegis. Silberman was the general manager at Barrett's Grill.

"Our menu will be very similar to the Hunt Valley menu, but we're a bit more casual in the appearance of the restaurant," Silberman told Bel Air Patch in an email. "Our menu will feature classic American fare with the same level of service we provide at our other locations."

Silberman said he lives close by and knew the restaurant would provide something new for locals.

"Bel Air seemed like a logical spot because I'm a resident and there isn't anything like us here," said Silberman, who is also a 10 percent owner in the business.

Before it opened, the owners of Barrett's on the Pike substantially updated the interior at Bel Air Plaza. The space used to be occupied by the Stone's Cove Kitbar, which went out of business.

There was a $250,000 minimum capital investment required for the liquor license, and the business owners put more than $700,000 into the restaurant, including $350,000 in kitchen and dining room updates, according to Joseph Snee, the attorney representing Barrett's on the Pike.

Snee told the Harford County Liquor Control Board at its May 22 meeting that there would be a staff of 50 serving people at the restaurant, where employees would be trained to serve alcohol and all under 40 would be carded. The liquor board granted the restaurant its liquor license.

Barrett's on the Pike is located at 588 Baltimore Pike. Hours are Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.