Ruxton Prime Steakhouse: Another Innovative Effort from Atlas Restaurant Group
Baltimore is getting a jazzy new steakhouse /entertainment venue this week, and for those who miss the sizzle of the defunct Fleming’s location in Harbor East, this creative combination on Aliceanna Street should hit all the right notes.
The Ruxton Prime Steakhouse is the newest concept from Atlas Restaurant Group. Designed by award-winning Patrick Sutton, the space features wood paneling, velvet banquettes, and custom made blown glass chandeliers inspired by the Jazz Age. The menu, curated by Chef Partner Aaron Taylor, features dry aged steaks along with seasonal seafood dishes. The wine list is composed of wines from California, along with those from France, Italy, and Spain.
“This is our first steakhouse concept,” explained Chef Partner Aaron Taylor, as he talked with us about the pairing of The Ruxton Prime Steakhouse with The Order of the Ace music lounge.
“We’ve done a revamp of what used to be the Fleming’s space. We really wanted it to look different from what it was before. It’s going to become very recognizable. I think it’s probably one of the nicest restaurants that we have.
“Our food is very focused on shareable (appetizers), and then rolling into a steakhouse-like take on some classic steakhouse dishes, reinvented. A little more of a modern approach and from a unique perspective.”
We asked Chef Taylor if he considers The Ruxton to be an upscale improvement over Fleming’s? (Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar closed its 20-year-old Baltimore location in December 2020 – one day after Mayor Scott imposed enhanced city-wide Covid-19 restrictions.)
“I wouldn’t use the word upscale, but we incorporated a lot more attention to the details of the build out. We really went over the top, I would say.”
And their target audience?
“We already have a great base clientele that we hope we continue to expand upon as our company grows. And of course, we would love to see the return of the Fleming’s crowd. We’d like to see everybody!”
Given that our preview of The Ruxton occurred during a VIP reception last Saturday evening, we can’t speak directly to the menu – or to the music for that matter. The place was packed with a boisterous crowd of easily recognizable faces, making both conversation and music listening a bit of a challenge. Access to the ridiculously well-stocked bar was also a near impossibility. Plus, we left a tad early. After all ~ it was a Sunday School night.
We can tell you the Hors d’ourvers which were served were simply delicious. The prawns were enormous; the lobster had a delightfully delicate flavor; and the mini crab cakes would do any Marylander proud. Themed-cocktails were also offered, but again, we never got close to the bar.
As for the build out, the Ruxton has a definite jazz-era vibe. In another time, one could easily imagine the likes of Cab Calloway clinking champagne glasses with Billie Holiday.
Chatting with a few of my colleagues, it was generally agreed that The Ruxton Prime Steakhouse and the Order of the Ace will require a more thorough investigation. Reader reviews/comments about the new venues would certainly be appreciated. So, too, would an evening out at the ritzy establishment, where I could wear a pin-striped suit and my felt fedora.
GENERAL INFORMATION for THE RUXTON:
OPENING DATE: March 4th, 2024
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday- Friday: Lunch: 11:30AM-2:30PM; Happy Hour: 4PM-7PM; Dinner 4PM-10PM
Saturday: 4PM-11PM
Sunday: 4PM-10PM
ADDRESS: 720 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21202
TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 6,500 sq ft
SEAT COUNT: 188
KEY TEAM MEMBERS:
Culinary Director: Aaron Taylor
Executive Chef: Austin Shamosh
Head of Mixology: Andrew Nichols
Designer: Patrick Sutton
GENERAL INFORMATION for ORDER OF THE ACE:
OPENING DATE: March 4th, 2024
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Sunday – Thursday: 5PM-12AM (Live music 6PM-10PM)
Friday & Saturday: 5PM-1:30AM (Live Music 8PM-12AM)
ADDRESS: 720 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21202
SEAT COUNT: 40
KEY TEAM MEMBERS:
Head of Mixology: Andrew Nichols
Head Bartender: Mark Menzel
Designer: Patrick Sutton
Enjoy a few more photos of The Ruxton and the Order of the Ace, credit Charlotte Nagey/Atlas Restaurant Group
Anthony C. Hayes is an actor, author, raconteur, rapscallion and bon vivant. A one-time newsboy for the Evening Sun and professional presence at the Washington Herald, Tony’s poetry, photography, humor, and prose have also been featured in Smile, Hon, You’re in Baltimore!, Destination Maryland, Magic Octopus Magazine, Los Angeles Post-Examiner, Voice of Baltimore, SmartCEO, Alvarez Fiction, and Tales of Blood and Roses. If you notice that his work has been purloined, please let him know. As the Good Book says, “Thou shalt not steal.”