Ian Morrison–son of owners Ray and Joie Morrison, and a trained chef–is carrying on the family tradition of haggis and Scotch eggs at this convivial eatery. The place has charm, from the tiny sidewalk cafe with potted petunias to the dark-wood interior with a fireplace. Another draw is the list of microbrews and imports. Even more awe-inspiring is the single-malt Scotch roster–it runs several dozen strong with entries from the Lowlands, the north, and Speyside.
Those draughts and drams demand rib-sticking fare, and the Royal Mile delivers with solid pub classics–beef-and-Guinness pie, beer-batter fried cod and chips, and Welsh rarebit. The kitchen has winning modern moments, too: crisply fried chicken breast with cream gravy, rich three-cheese penne with pancetta and Parmesan bread crumbs, and strip steak grilled on a cedar plank with mustard aïoli.
Royal Mile Pub, 2407 Price Ave.; 301-946-4511. Atmosphere: Quirkily romantic. Entrées: $7.15 to $17.95. Bottom line: One of the most inviting addresses in town for drinks and dinner. Open Friday through Sunday for lunch, daily for dinner.
