Cheap Eats 2009: Punk's Backyard Grill

Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Cynthia Hacinli , Ann Limpert , Kate Nerenberg , Rina Rapuano

Great food, low prices, lots of fun.

Punk's Backyard Grill

2188 Annapolis Mall
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-571-7744

Cuisines:
American

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
None nearby

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Rowdy

Reservations:
Not needed

Special Features:
Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Shrimp skewers with mango salsa and pita; sausage-and-pepper sub; Gorgonzola burger; sweet-and-sour cucumbers; mac' and cheese; Key-lime pie; ice cream sandwich; sangria.


 

Reader's Rating:
No Reader Reviews

Why go: This high-concept fast-casual spot is like walking into a patio cookout—umbrellas, grill smoke, and all. And although the words “thrifty” and “locavore” don’t often go together, here they amount to a mission statement. Area purveyors supply the sausages, beef, even the ice cream; the sangría is made with Tempranillo and Triple Sec; and nothing tops $10.

What to get: Sangría; shrimp skewers with mango salsa and buttery, salt-sprinkled pita; sausage-and-pepper sub; burger with Gorgonzola on a glossy bun; sweet-and-sour cucumbers with dill; white-cheddar mac and cheese; Key-lime pie; an ice-cream sandwich with two chocolate sugar cookies and one of four rotating flavors of Gifford’s ice cream.

Best for: A break from shopping; a cheap alternative to lunch or dinner in downtown Annapolis.

Insider tip: Many of the meats are locally sourced, but the chicken sandwich and chicken skewers smack of fast food.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

>> See all 2009 Cheap Eats restaurants here