buy 'em by the bag

buy 'em by the bag

Baltimore Sun photo by by Monica Lopossay / April 25, 2008

RIP Little Tavern. The last of these throw back hamburger stands just closed in Baltimore after holding on for so many decades. The closing is ironic given that sliders are such a hot trend, popping up on the menus at corner bars and pricey bistros.

Small square hamburgers were Little Tavern's stock in trade. They came with mustard, pickles, and the tiniest onions you could imagine. You didn't just buy one or two at a time, you bought 'em by the bag. And they were terrific.

The Little Tavern chain wasn't exclusive to Baltimore. It didn't even start here. But it fit right in and became a local institution. With so much change and newness around town lately, it's sad to lose a place that was such a Baltimore institution. It's places like that that helped Baltimore become Charm City.

So cherish the things we still have left. Go have lunch at Pollock Johnny's at Lexington Market. Support your local Arabber. Hang out someplace your grandparents might have loved and make it your own.

-mike