A Twist on American Cuisine in Fells Point
Nestled in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Fells Point neighborhood, Twist Restaurant offers a unique dining experience that blends familiar American comfort food with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. The restaurant aims to create a memorable meal by infusing classic dishes with unexpected, but complementary, tastes.
What sets Twist apart from other restaurants in the area? For starters, it’s BYOB, which means you can bring your favorite wine or beer to enjoy with your meal (there’s a small corkage fee). Online reviews consistently praise the food, with many customers raving about the creative menu and fresh ingredients. The service also gets high marks, with diners noting the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff. Finally, the ambiance contributes to a special and unique dining experience.
Twist Restaurant distinguishes itself through its innovative menu, attentive service, and welcoming BYOB policy, creating a memorable dining experience despite occasional inconsistencies.
Menu and Cuisine
If you’re looking for a place where classic American comfort food gets a vibrant Mediterranean makeover, Twists Restaurant is worth checking out. From the spices to the cooking methods, Twists manages to seamlessly blend familiar flavors with the bright, bold tastes of the Mediterranean.
American Cuisine with a Mediterranean Twist
The menu is a fusion of American staples and Mediterranean ingredients, creating a diverse selection that appeals to a wide range of tastes. You might find a juicy Mediterranean Lamb Burger alongside a perfectly executed Steak Frites, or a California Omelet with a sprinkle of za’atar.
Popular Dishes and Customer Favorites
Customers rave about several dishes in particular. The Lamb Shank is a consistent favorite, slow-cooked to tender perfection and infused with aromatic Mediterranean spices. The burgers are also a hit, each one a unique blend of flavors and textures. And let’s not forget the brunch options, which are a must-try, especially on a lazy Sunday morning.
The Mediterranean twist comes from carefully selected spices and cooking techniques that elevate each dish. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are clearly a priority, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Brunch Menu
Speaking of brunch, Twists’ brunch menu is a delightful array of omelets, pancakes, and other breakfast staples, each with its own unique flavor combinations. It’s no wonder that brunch is such a popular time to visit, especially on Sundays.
Be sure to ask about any signature brunch dishes that are highly recommended. You might discover a new favorite that you’ll be craving long after your visit.
Dining experience and ambiance
When you walk into a restaurant, you’re not just there for the food. You’re also buying an experience. Here’s what people are saying about the overall atmosphere at Twists.
Atmosphere and Decor
The interior design at Twists is meant to add to your enjoyment of the meal. The designers have used lighting, colors, and decor to create a particular mood. It’s not just about the tables and chairs; it’s about creating a space that feels special.
Twists has a few unique architectural details that make it stand out. There’s some interesting artwork on the walls, and the seating is arranged to give you a sense of privacy without feeling isolated. The layout encourages conversation and makes the whole place feel inviting.
Customer Experience
Most customers feel that Twists provides an enjoyable and comfortable dining experience. The restaurant aims to create an ambiance that’s both elegant and welcoming.
Many reviewers point out that Twists really knows how to create a memorable experience. It’s a place you might choose for a casual dinner with friends, but it’s also popular for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. People appreciate the attention to detail and the way the restaurant makes them feel.
One reviewer said, “The ambiance is just perfect. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and really enjoy your meal.” That seems to be the general consensus: Twists offers more than just good food; it offers a complete dining experience.
Service and Staff
When it comes to dining out, service can make or break the experience. At Twists, reviews reveal a mix of experiences, from rave reviews about attentive staff to concerns about over-attentiveness and gratuity policies.
Positive Service Experiences
Many diners praise the staff at Twists for their attentiveness and professionalism. Reviewers often mention the staff’s willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Details like prompt drink refills, knowledgeable menu recommendations, and a genuine desire to please contribute to the positive atmosphere.
Some reviewers call out specific staff members by name, like Earl, whose exceptional service made their meal particularly memorable. If you’re planning a visit, you might even consider requesting a table in Earl’s section for a potentially enhanced experience.
Negative Service Experiences
While many appreciate the attentiveness, some customers have found the owner or manager’s frequent check-ins to be a bit much. While intended to ensure satisfaction, these frequent interruptions can be perceived as intrusive and disruptive to the flow of the meal. Diners looking for a more relaxed and private experience might find this over-attentiveness off-putting.
Another recurring issue in the reviews revolves around gratuity. Several customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the 20% gratuity automatically added to bills, even for smaller parties. Clear communication regarding gratuity policies is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a positive customer experience. Transparency in pricing and billing practices helps build trust and prevents any unwelcome surprises at the end of the meal.
Business Owner Responses
One encouraging aspect of Twists is the business owner’s engagement with customer feedback. The owner actively responds to reviews, demonstrating a commitment to addressing both positive and negative comments. This responsiveness shows that customer opinions are valued and taken seriously.
For example, in response to positive reviews, the owner often expresses gratitude and acknowledges the staff’s hard work. When addressing concerns, the owner typically offers apologies, explanations, and promises to address the issues internally. This willingness to engage with feedback and take corrective action can significantly impact customer perception and loyalty.
BYOB policy and corkage fee
Twist Restaurant is a BYOB establishment, which means you can bring your own beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage to enjoy with your meal.
Some customers love the flexibility of a BYOB restaurant. You’re not limited to what the restaurant offers, and you can bring a special vintage or a favorite six-pack that you know you’ll enjoy. On the other hand, BYOB can mean extra planning, extra packing, and sometimes, a corkage fee.
Corkage fee details
Twist charges an $8 corkage fee for each bottle you open. If you bring three bottles of wine, expect to pay $24 on top of the price of your meal. If you bring a six-pack of beer, you’ll be charged $48 to open them.
Some diners may think $8 is reasonable, while others may balk at the extra charge, especially if they’re also paying for appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
Tips for BYOB diners
If you’re planning to take advantage of Twist’s BYOB policy, here are a few tips:
- Call ahead. Policies can change, so before you load up your cooler, call Twist and confirm the BYOB and corkage fee policies.
- Think about pairings. Check out the menu online, and choose beverages that will go well with the food you plan to order.
- Pack responsibly. Make sure your bottles and cans are packed securely so they don’t break or spill on the way. And remember to bring a bottle opener!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are hidden restaurants called?
Hidden restaurants go by a few names, depending on their particular vibe. Some are called “speakeasies,” harking back to the Prohibition era and often featuring a secretive entrance and craft cocktails. Others might be referred to as “underground restaurants” or “secret supper clubs,” emphasizing their exclusive or hard-to-find nature. The common thread is that they offer a unique, often intimate dining experience away from the mainstream.
Why is it called a revolving restaurant?
A revolving restaurant gets its name from its defining feature: a rotating platform that provides diners with a panoramic view. This rotation allows guests to experience a 360-degree vista of the surrounding area without ever leaving their seats. The mechanism is usually subtle and slow, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience while showcasing the scenery.
What restaurant did Ashton Kutcher own?
Ashton Kutcher was an investor in a now-closed Italian restaurant called Dolce. It was a partnership with several other celebrities and had locations in Los Angeles and Atlanta. While Kutcher wasn’t the sole owner, he was actively involved in promoting the restaurant and was often seen dining there. However, Dolce has since closed its doors, but it remains a notable part of celebrity-owned restaurant history.
To Conclude
Twist Restaurant offers a unique and generally satisfying dining experience in Fells Point. Its American cuisine, touched with Mediterranean flair, provides a welcome departure from the usual fare. The BYOB policy allows for a personalized and often more affordable dining experience, and the attentive service, when consistent, elevates the meal.
That said, inconsistencies in service and questions regarding gratuity policies are areas Twist should address to further enhance its reputation and ensure customer satisfaction. Transparency and consistent execution are key to building trust.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Twist remains a worthwhile destination for those seeking a flavorful and personalized dining experience. If you’re looking for something a little different in Fells Point, Twist is definitely worth a try. Just be sure to confirm the gratuity policy before you order.