A few questions from a Texan

[Ravenblue]

As a 'tourist', when I came over from England for a couple of games in Novemeber i'd definitely agree with Mista T about Mother's for after the game. I had a great time in there, despite travelling alone.

In terms of watching the game saturday night, I found the Pratt Street Ale House near the convention centre to be a lot of fun the Saturday I was there. The divided rooms give a feel of intimacy, with many tvs showing various sports live and there was a lot of available seating. From the pizza I had the food is decent and there was a wide selection of beers.

[HoustonRaven]

Ugh.

T, you know I like you but Max's having "outdated TV's"? There isn't a TV in the joint that isn't smaller than 47" and all are 1080p.

Texans Chick, I will post something later today from the perspective of someone who actually goes to and embraces the city of Baltimore on a regular basis. Baltimore (the city, not the suburbs) was my home before coming to Houston.

My fellow Ravens brethren mean well, but with respect to them, there is more to the city than the touristy / generic stuff close to the stadium. You CAN get a feel for the city in a couple of days and it's found in the neighborhoods, not the harbor.

[Texans_Chick]

OK, Texas Chick Steph, here are some short and sweet answers. Because my answers will be the most correct and accurate posted, please deposit six packs of Lone Star, Abita Amber, and Shiner Bock when you visit our tailgate party in Lot J.

So, then, what I need to ask is what is the best way to transport bottled beer on a plane?

Though Shiner Bock is fine, Lone Star is not acceptable unless you like drinking tin can.

My gameday beer of choice is St Arnold's of various types or my buddy Stemp's homebrew. St Arnold is the patron saint of beer, and the St Arnold brewery is located in downtown Houston. (worth a visit). St. Arnold's throws a fabu tailgate a couple of rows from mine, and I think some folks from St. Arnolds will be coming to the game. Maybe they know the best way to transport it. I will ask. For game day, I am fond of their Amber Ale.

[pyite32]

Ugh.

T, you know I like you but Max's having "outdated TV's"? There isn't a TV in the joint that isn't smaller than 47" and all are 1080p.

Texans Chick, I will post something later today from the perspective of someone who actually goes to and embraces the city of Baltimore on a regular basis. Baltimore (the city, not the suburbs) was my home before coming to Houston.

My fellow Ravens brethren mean well, but with respect to them, there is more to the city than the touristy / generic stuff close to the stadium. You CAN get a feel for the city in a couple of days and it's found in the neighborhoods, not the harbor.

Texans_Chick, I agree with houston. I live in the city and don't have an outdated perception of it unlike the suburban fans posting here. (Sorry T, no offense intended). Anyway along the water from (closest to the stadum in this order Federal Hill -> Inner Harbor -> Harbor East -> Fells Point -> Canton, there is not one area that I would be affraid to walk at night.

Best places for local craft beers,
Max's on broadway (Fell's Point),
Mahaffey's Pub (corner of Binney St, and Dillon St in Canton)
The Brewer's Art (Mt. Vernon, Monument St)
Abbey Burger Bistro (Federal Hill, cross St.)
Pratt St. Ale House (Downtown, near convention center Pratt St.)

Best local craft beer brands, Heavy Seas (Catonsville, MD), Flying Dog (Frederick, MD), Brewers Art (Baltimore, MD), Dogfish Head (Milton, DE), Flying Fish (Cherry Hill, NJ)

National Bohemian used to be a local baltimore beer and is still an icon, it is a pilsner and is made by the same people who make Papst now. I am suspicious that it is exactly the same beer in a different package, b/c they taste exactly he same.


Other than that please refer to my post from earlier below.

There are no longer any crappy blocks between the harbor and Fells, with the growth of "Harbor East" it's a nice walk.

My suggestion:
If you are here Saturday, walk around the harbor through Harbor east to Fell's Point and bar hop/walk around. For Crab Cakes go to Thames St. like houston said, they are the best in Fells, or if you keep walking Mama's on a Half Shell in Canton serves a mean crab cake. Basically it's best to stick to a seafood specific restaurant as it will usually be fresher. For good Beer, go to Max's, Bertha's has some good Mussels, there a lot's of decent bars there with good food. The thing that's really nice about Baltimore is we have multiple culinary schools down town and not enough fancy restaurants for all the chefs to work, so there is a lot of good food at the neighborhood bars.

Sunday, walk the other way around the harbor to Federal Hill, go to the area near Cross St. Market. Lot's of bars with people pre-gaming, plus it's an easy walk across one of the two bridges to the Stadium when you are ready.

My reviews:
Cross St Market: No where to sit, really good seafood counter service and 32 Oz beers

Mother's: Worth checking out the mayhem but a little crowded and overpriced for my tastes. They are one of the only bars open before 10 AM however and won't get crowded until after 10. They have a decent breakfast menu.

McGerk's: Best Cheese Steaks in town, other than that a pretty normal bar that will be crowded.

Now if you walk up the side st along Cross St. On the McGerk's side:
Stalking Horse: It's a vodka bar but they have a few decent beers, and basic bar fare. It will not be too crowded and you should be able to get a seat at one of the 2 bars or a table.

Abbey Burger Bistro: This is my favorite place down there, not too crowded, the food is fantastic. They have a great selection of beers, plus alcoholic milk shakes!! To find this place go up the st past McGerk's along the side of Cross St. Market, after you pass Stalking Horse there will be a wide alley where you will see a velvet rope, that is the entrance. They don't open until 10:30 I think though, so go there for lunch.

[Texans_Chick]

BTW, are Houston fans still over-confident about
winning?

Has not been my experience. How can you be over-confident about a win when everybody is picking against your team that has never beaten the Ravens. We're just mostly hoping for the statue, hold the ball too long Flacco to show up instead of the big play Flacco.

That being said, the pressure is squarely on the Ravens. Few expect anything of the Texans on the road. However, if you believe in momentum, and if you look at Football Outsiders numbers, the Texans had the most efficient performance of Wild Card weekend--offense, defense, special teams. They played their sort of new normal game that they have to play with Yates in. The Texans won their first playoff game, in a soul crushing way, where many folks thought they would be one and done.

This team has a lot of character and no quit, experienced coaching on both sides of the ball--you have that, you have a fighter's chance. Yates isn't an experienced guy, but if you complete TWO 80 yard 4th quarter scoring drives in your first NFL road start that end up being game winners, you don't totally suck. Actually TJ's YPC numbers in limited snaps are greater than Flacco's. And now he has his get out of jail free card option in Andre Johnson back.

You guys probably know better than most what leads to early playoff success for rookie quarterbacks: Defense and a running game. Unlike most teams that have that formula, the Texans offensive scheme when executed well, is very quarterback friendly. One of the biggest problem the Texans have had in its history is playing with one of the worst defenses in the league. This year that's been fixed--an amazing story given that they had little off season, were changing schemes and learning through game situations.

Hey can someone tell me why Ravens special teams has fallen off this year relative to the last two years?

[pyite32]

Hey can someone tell me why Ravens special teams has fallen off this year relative to the last two years?

If you could tell us that we would be eternally grateful....

[Texans_Chick]

The group thing. I am hoping to meet up with a bunch of my Texans tailgate friends. Any place big enough to tell folks to meet, easy to find?

[pyite32]

The group thing. I am hoping to meet up with a bunch of my Texans tailgate friends. Any place big enough to tell folks to meet, easy to find?

On Game day, I would tell them to meet you at either Cross St Market (South Charles and East Cross St), or Mother's (1113 S. Charles St). Then if you want to go check out the tailgating, just walk down Ostend until you hit Lot H. There will be plenty of police directing traffic if you need to ask for directions

[FearTheRaven]

On Game day, I would tell them to meet you at either Cross St Market (South Charles and East Cross St), or Mother's (1113 S. Charles St). Then if you want to go check out the tailgating, just walk down Ostend until you hit Lot H. There will be plenty of police directing traffic if you need to ask for directions

I will be at Cross St Market on gameday and I will greet them with some boo's. It's all in good fun. Seriously, like others have said it's a nice tailgate spot along with Mothers and an easy walk toward lot H, then over the bridge to the stadium.

If you want some authentic seafood or some of the best sushi in town to go along with a 32 oz draft beer stop by Cross St Market.

[HoustonRaven]

Alright Steph, here is the break down I promised. Mrs. HoustonRaven and I are making the trip as well so we will look out for you around town ....

1. Seafood, crab cakes in Inner Harbor area for groups of people to go to. No sense us traveling very far from the tourist areas because 1. We won't be in town long; 2. Most Texans couldn't tell the difference between a great crab cake and a bad one though Houstonians do appreciate quality food. Local craft beers a must because otherwise what is the point of traveling anywhere.

Baltimore is not like Houston. It's small. Very small. Within the city limits, you can easily one of the other neighborhoods for a far better crab cake than anything right around the Harbor. If you're hell bent on staying close to the Harbor, Phillips seems to be where out-of-towners do tend to go. I agree with you that Houstonians know a good restaurant or two so on that note, you need to branch out -- Thames Street Oyster House, One-Eyed Mikes, Ryleighs, etc -- all local places around the Harbor and a far better crab cake than anything you'll find in the Harbor.

Pyite gave a superb list of craft beers earlier in the thread. Max's on Broadway (or simply Max's), by far, has the best selection with the widest variety in the city, but the other places he mentioned are good as well. Max's is like Ginger Man or Han's Beir Haus on steroids and has over 100 beers on tab, and 1,000 more in bottles. My personal favorite is Resurrection Ale by Brewers Art. You must also have a National Bohemian though (called "Natty Boh" in Bmore) while you're in town. It's the Lone Star of Baltimore and just like Lone Star, has a puzzle under the cap!

2. A good place to watch the Denver-Patriots game Saturday night. Close to Inner Harbor where most people are staying. I won't be in town by then, but I have friends who will be. I think we can all agree on that go Tebow thing for this week.

Again, Max's on Broadway. Conservatively, 30-35 TV's all in HD and the beer selection is amazing. The surrounding neighborhood is very safe and it's very much like West U or Montrose -- eclectic and vibrant, with a variety of cuisines and bars.

3. Texans fans appreciate a good tailgate. Our team very much supports tailgating because in the early years all we had was David Carr and beer. And there was never enough beer for that. I know of some Texans tailgates I direct out- of-towners to who are friendly and welcoming to opposing fans. Are there any particular Ravens tailgates that you would feel good about directing Texans fans to? I have a Redskin fan friend who says that Redskin tailgating blows, but that the food quality, party for the Ravens is big fun.

Having sampled both a Texans and Ravens tailgate numerous times, the Texans are far and away a much better tailgating experience so be prepared to be let down a bit. Baltimore has it's own style and many people like it, but if you're a foody like I am (and judging by your post, you like a good beer), it's nothing close to what the Texans put on. I will leave it to others to give you that advise.

4. Best places to go post game? At Reliant, there's no areas close by that people walk to because there is nothing worth walking to outside of the Reliant complex. Any places not particularly safe to go?

Mother's in Federal Hill is a great place to go post-game. Walking distance to and from the stadium and in a very safe neighborhood.

Just don't walk west of Russell Street very far and you'll be ok in terms of a safe neighborhood. If you're in the Harbor, Harbor East, Federal Hill, Canton or Fells Point you're doing just fine and will be safe.

[Mista T]

Texans Chick, I will post something later today from the perspective of someone who actually goes to and embraces the city of Baltimore on a regular basis. Baltimore (the city, not the suburbs) was my home before coming to Houston.

My fellow Ravens brethren mean well, but with respect to them, there is more to the city than the touristy / generic stuff close to the stadium. You CAN get a feel for the city in a couple of days and it's found in the neighborhoods, not the harbor.

and

Texans_Chick, I agree with houston. I live in the city and don't have an outdated perception of it unlike the suburban fans posting here. (Sorry T, no offense intended).

Hey guys: With all due respect to your unique perspectives as a city insider and a frequent traveler to the downtown, you apparently were too quick to try to show me up , as a suburbanite with my "limited" knowledge of the secret, non-touristy jewels of the City. Next time, first read what the young lady wrote; then respond. She wants the touristy areas!

Read it and weep:

In any event, I am looking for suggestions of the following:

1. Seafood, crab cakes in Inner Harbor area for groups of people to go to. No sense us traveling very far from the tourist areas because 1. We won't be in town long; 2. Most Texans couldn't tell the difference between a great crab cake and a bad one though Houstonians do appreciate quality food.

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As to:

Ugh.

T, you know I like you but Max's having "outdated TV's"? There isn't a TV in the joint that isn't smaller than 47" and all are 1080p.

Things must have changed since I lsat went in there, a few years ago. I stand corrected! Score one for you, pal

[HoustonRaven]

Read it and weep

She's used to Houston. And Houston is a town where "going to another neighborhood" is a practice that involves getting in a car and driving 10-15 minutes.

[Texans_Chick]

She's used to Houston. And Houston is a town where "going to another neighborhood" is a practice that involves getting in a car and driving 10-15 minutes.

That is true. Also true that we don't walk anywhere. Last time I was in Baltimore, I paid zero attention to how we got to places because my group was just following a local around.

Thanks ever so for the kind people in this thread.

[flraven]

Thanks ever so for the kind people in this thread.

That's why Baltimore is called Charm City.

[Texans_Chick]

Alright Steph, here is the break down I promised. Mrs. HoustonRaven and I are making the trip as well so we will look out for you around town ....

Thanks for your help, hope to see you. Generally speaking, my gameday attire is varied, but very uh recognizable. Unique is the kind word for it. Ridiculous is the less kind word. Look for the most Texany Texans chick you could ever fathom and that is likely me.

[Ravenswintitle]

So, then, what I need to ask is what is the best way to transport bottled beer on a plane?

Though Shiner Bock is fine, Lone Star is not acceptable unless you like drinking tin can.

My gameday beer of choice is St Arnold's of various types or my buddy Stemp's homebrew. St Arnold is the patron saint of beer, and the St Arnold brewery is located in downtown Houston. (worth a visit). St. Arnold's throws a fabu tailgate a couple of rows from mine, and I think some folks from St. Arnolds will be coming to the game. Maybe they know the best way to transport it. I will ask. For game day, I am fond of their Amber Ale.

Good luck with this one. I'm sitting on a plane now and I fly a lot. You can't take liquids anymore so your only option would be to check it and I suspect the pressure would not be kind to the bottles. Just buy some when you land.

[HoustonRaven]

Thanks for your help, hope to see you. Generally speaking, my gameday attire is varied, but very uh recognizable. Unique is the kind word for it. Ridiculous is the less kind word. Look for the most Texany Texans chick you could ever fathom and that is likely me.

Will definitely keep an eye out for you then.

If you're as "rabid" of a fan as you claim, you're definitely going to feel more comfy (relatively) in the various neighborhoods around the Harbor and not the Harbor itself.

[Mista T]

my gameday attire is varied, but very uh recognizable. Unique is the kind word for it. Ridiculous is the less kind word. Look for the most Texany Texans chick you could ever fathom and that is likely me.

Post a photo! (We just added the photo upload feature to this board)

[Texans_Chick]

Post a photo! (We just added the photo upload feature to this board)

Ha. I'm such a newbie on this MB, I'm not allowed to even have an avatar. Though I take pictures with folks on gameday, I'm not much of a post pictures of myself person.

[Ravenswintitle]

Ha. I'm such a newbie on this MB, I'm not allowed to even have an avatar. Though I take pictures with folks on gameday, I'm not much of a post pictures of myself person.

Don't be shy, I'll post it for you