Sullivan’s Steakhouse home to a great meal

There’s very little in the world of dining out that compares to going to a really good steakhouse.

If cooked just the way you like it, it can be the perfect topper to your day.

We are fortunate to have many fine steakhouses downtown.

Actually in just about a three block area, I can count six.

This feature will concentrate on one of them, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, located at 1 East Pratt St.

Sullivan’s is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and for dinner only on weekends.

And I will tell you now, I strongly suggest a reservation, yes even for the weekdays.

I have been there twice in the last month and both times – one at lunch, one at dinner – the dining rooms were full.

When I arrived for dinner I was seated in about 10 minutes. Right away, I thought it was because they recognized me. Turns out, it was the time of my reservation so they sat me like they would do for anyone else. If you don’t mind, I’ll go with the former explanation.

And let me alleviate the fear many of you have for going downtown, mainly parking. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people, and friends, whining about not wanting to go downtown to eat because there is no parking. Where am I going to park? Where am I going to park? Shut up.

First of all, Sullivan’s has valet parking after 5 and there is a parking lot, the Light Street Garage, less than half a block away.

There may be limited time left for this, but in the warmer months you can dine on the patio.  Personally that isn’t my favorite spot to eat at Sullivan’s. I prefer the elegance of either dining room – one in the bar area and another in the main room.

There is an open kitchen so you can watch your steak being prepared. I like to

make faces at the cooks thinking it will get them off their rhythm.

Hasn’t worked yet.

The bar has TV’s, no doubt for sporting events, and live music Tuesday thru Friday evenings.  Thursday through Sunday there is a Happy Hour in the bar area, which offers a limited menu, with the $7 hamburgers a big hit.

Least you think Sullivan’s is just a steakhouse, oh no, no, no.  Other items of note include salmon, tuna, crab legs, lobster tail, a Thai beef salad, soup, salads, sea bass and chicken.  I’m sorry but when I eat here I have to order one of the steaks. After all the sign outside reads “Sullivan’s Steakhouse,” not “Sullivan’s House of Tuna,” or “Sullivan’s the Place for Crab Legs.”

It doesn’t mean those items aren’t any good, indeed they are. But if I go to Sabatino’s I’m ordering Italian. Are we clear on that point?

All steaks are hand cut in house. And as I already said, you can watch your meal being cooked, which I don’t like. I’m thinking those guys in the kitchen know what they’re doing.  They can work just as well without me staring at them.

Besides, they don’t come to my work and watch me.  And in case you’re wondering how the restaurant got its name, as I was, it was named after famed Boxer John L. Sullivan. Why? I don’t know?

Here’s another reason visit to Sullivan’s Steakhouse: You are already downtown so just cross Light Street and enjoy a walk along the inner harbor promenade.

Think about visiting one of its many attractions, which include the Science Center, Aquarium, and the Top of the World Observation Level in the World Trade Center.

You can reach Sullivan’s at 410-962-5503 or at sullivanssteakhouse.com.