Opening a restaurant is no easy feat, throw in a world health crisis and all bets are off. But when it comes to food, you can’t keep a good idea bottled up. We are taking this time to celebrate the courageous entrepreneurial spirit and give new restaurants who dared to open during the COVID-19 pandemic a shout out. You can join in the celebration by visiting and enjoying their culinary achievements.
Josef’s Cheesecake
28601 Marlboro Ave #106 Easton | 410-690-8859
Gregory James loves to cook, and what better food is there to make than cheesecake? Named for the owner’s father, Josef’s held their grand opening on June 1, 2021 and sold out their first day! James doesn’t just make cheesecakes, he gets innovative with ingredients. Individual-sized cheesecakes come in flavors like Lemon Blueberry, Red Velvet Raspberry, and Cinnamon S’mores (Sin-a-bomb S’mores). The confections maker also caters to dietary restricted friends with keto, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Roma Alla Pala
2A S. W. Street, Easton | 410-770-9701
Roma Alla Pala opened in February 2021 serving Roman-style pizza for take away by the whole pie or by single slice. For those wondering what “Roman style” pizza is, think light and airy crust, like a focaccia bread. On top, Roma adds fresh ingredients such as basil leaves, arugula, and broccoli rabe. Yes, broccoli on pizza!
Playa Bowl
28601 Marlboro Ave., Easton | 410-690-8497
Opening in January 2021, Playa Bowl serves up healthy fruit bowls, oatmeal bowls, and smoothies. Pick a base of acai berries, coconut, chia, or any of their other bases, then add fruit such as bananas, blueberries, mango, and more. They’re fruity and healthy. This is a great place to take your vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friends, too.
The Spaghetti House Italian Restaurant
28614 Marlboro Ave., Easton | 410-819-6650
Not to be confused with the Old Spaghetti Factory chain, The Spaghetti Factory Italian Restaurant is a locally owned eatery that opened in February 2021 and serves Italian cuisine in a family-centric atmosphere. Kids and adults will enjoy the “Build You Own Pasta” menu that allows you to get creative with choices of pasta, sauce, and ingredients. Buon Appetito!
Legal Assets
22 S. Harrison St., Easton | 443-746-2178
Legal Assets is the endeavor of local restauranteurs David and Valerie Clark of 208 Talbot and Bo, Dianne, and Chooch Oristian of the Doc’s family of restaurants. The bar and restaurant opened December 2020 and serves craft food and spirits like Oyster Pot Pie and Shrimp & Grits at lunch, and Seafood Risotto and Duck Sausage Bolognaise on the dinner menu. Tasty vegetarian and vegan items round out the offerings. Catch their Sunday Brunch featuring a signature Bloody Mary, plus an extensive wine and cocktail list.
Rude Burger
4 S. Aurora St. | 833-HOW-RUDE
Brothers Brett and Tim Cureton, owners of Rude BBQ and Rise Up Coffee, opened Rude Burger in July 2020. The “Rude” name derives from their idea that burgers and barbeque are simple, rudimentary foods that anyone can enjoy. Hence, the brothers branded the businesses “Rude Burger and Rude BBQ”. Brett Cureton, a Baltimore Culinary College graduate, brings three decades of cooking experience to his menu which includes big, juicy burgers smothered in toppings like Kimchi, Maryland crab, pineapple, and smoked ketchup, plus milkshakes, bourbon slushies, and craft beers. Order a tray of Rude Fries topped with cheese sauce, caramelized onions, and Rude sauce!
Chesapeake Seafood Market
1216 S. Talbot St., St. Michaels | 410-745-5056
The Chesapeake Seafood Market opened in May 2021, just in time for the summer season. The Higgins family have been in the restaurant and seafood business for more than 30 years. The market carries a wide variety of fresh seafood such as rockfish, clams, scallops, oysters, flounder, and of course, blue crabs. Their counter menu includes lobster rolls, soft-shell crab sandwiches, and other seasonal favorites. Order your steamed crabs today!
Tilghman Island Inn Restaurant
21384 Coopertown Rd, Tilghman | 410-886-1170
New owners, and newly renovated, the Tilghman Island Inn’s menu has been carefully curated by owner-chef, Tom Green, former Executive Chef at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The restaurant is contemporary, yet casual, with Chesapeake Bay-side seating and menus influenced by local produce, seafood, and premium dry-aged beef of the Eastern Shore, plus Inn-grown produce from their greenhouse and garden. Signature menu items include the Grilled Romaine Salad with Fried Oyster “Croutons” and Potato Gnocchi with Shrimp & Chicken.
Come take a bite!
