Punk's Backyard Grill
2188 Annapolis Mall
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-571-7744
Neighborhood: Annapolis
Cuisines: American
Opening Hours:
Open for lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday 11 to 9, Friday and Saturday 11 to 10.
Price Range: Inexpensive
Dress: Informal
Noise Level: Rowdy
Reservations: Not Needed
Website: http://www.punksbackyardgrill.com
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.
Why go: This fast-casual operation looks destined to become a chain, but sipping good rum punch under an umbrella and making a tasty meal of skewered meats, well-conceived salads, or camera-ready burgers is hard to resist. Some ingredients come from local and sustainable farms, the kind of sourcing seldom found in a place that costs less than Applebee’s.
What to get: Grilled shrimp with mango salsa; a juicy burger made from sustainably raised meat and capped with aged cheddar; buttery, crumb-topped mac and cheese; ice-cream sandwich of Gifford’s ice cream between two fresh-baked cookies; rum punch or sangría.
Best for: A break from shopping; a light lunch or dinner with the kids.
Insider tip: The skewers are small, so you’ll want to round out your meal with a couple of sides.
>> See all 2010 Cheap Eats restaurants here