Restaurant Weeks And Craft Beverages Starts July 13 In HoCo

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Try out some new dishes and innovative drinks during Howard County Restaurant Weeks and Craft Beverages, which runs from July 13-26. More than a dozen establishments are participating and will be offering creative menus for every taste and budget.

Be sure to contact businesses first before you go in case the coronavirus has impacted their hours, organizers noted. All participating businesses are following state and local coronavirus precautions and restrictions, according to event organizers. Curbside and delivery options are available for the first time ever.

“Howard County Restaurant Weeks could not come at a better time as restaurants are trying to recover from the loss of business during the pandemic. We encourage people to get out and support the restaurants that mean so much to our communities," said Marshal Weston Jr, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland, in a news release.

The first restaurant week concept originated in New York City in the early 1990s. Howard County began its own version of Restaurant Weeks in 2008 in the hopes of giving locally owned and operated restaurants a boost during their slower seasons.

During this special week, menus can range anywhere from $15 or less for a two-course lunch to $45 for a four-course dinner, not including tax or tip. Restaurants can still sign up to participate. For more information, visit hocorestaurantweeks.com.

“Summer Restaurant Weeks is always a busy time for restaurants in Howard County,” added Joe Barbera, proprietor of Aida Bistro & Wine Bar. “As a founding member of HoCo Restaurant Weeks, we believe it is even more important than ever to demonstrate to new and existing customers that restaurants are open and able to offer fresh new menu ideas, in a safe environment."

Participating restaurants are as follows, but more may still join in:

• AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar
• Beef Brothers
• Cured 18th & 21st
• Great Sage
• Houlihan's Columbia
• Hudson Coastal
• The Iron Bridge Wine Co
• Kelsey's Restaurant
• Kloby's Smokehouse
• Lib's Grill Maple Lawn
• Ranazul
• Rathskeller
• Seasons 52
• The Elkridge Furnace Inn
• The Kings Contrivance
• The White Oak Tavern
• The White House Caterers
• Tino's Italian Bistro & Wine Bar
• Mutiny Bar & Restaurant - Elkridge
• Mutiny Pirate Bar & Island Grille - Pasadena
• Xenia
• The Walrus Oyster House & Ale