When looking for a dining spot in Annapolis, your choices are abundant with a number of popular selections found on nearly every street. Full of local flavor behind the facades of the historic buildings, Annapolis is a charming city that introduces itself to you by way of its discreet restaurants and warm service. Located on the corner of Fourth Street and Severn Avenue, Lewnes’ Steak House is a chophouse for locals that is proudly run by locals.
Courtesy of Lewnes Steakhouse
Serving Annapolitans since 1921, this Eastport staple is family owned and that is apparent to all who visit Lewnes’ for a memorable experience.
Forged by hard work and a love for the community, the Lewnes Family has built a landmark restaurant off of what Sam Lewnes started back in 1921. At the age of 14, Sam Lewnes left Greece for New York in 1906 and eventually made Annapolis his home in 1913. With quaint beginnings selling sandwiches, tobacco, ice cream and more, this prominent corner in Eastport has been transformed from a neighborhood stop to a place for celebration and special occasions.
Courtesy of Lewnes Steakhouse
Wood-paneled walls, subtle library lighting, and white tablecloths set the tone for this handsome and classic steak house that has a comfortable lived-in feel. Always welcoming and accommodating, the team at Lewnes’ boasts unparalleled service beginning at their host stand and carrying onto the dining table where servers clad in white jackets design the Lewnes’ experience for you. As the first restaurant in Annapolis to serve USDA Prime Grade cuts, the menu is finely curated to offer a limited selection of classic options.
We have been to Lewnes’ for the last few years for my husband’s birthday since we moved to Annapolis and even though Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is just on the other end of the block, we always prefer a local place instead of a chain restaurant. In making the reservation, you’ll be asked if you’re celebrating a special occasion and if you mention a birthday, anniversary, etc, they’ll actually remember. I’ve always been impressed with this because there are so many times when the notes that you add into the online reservation site don’t actually carry over to the restaurant.
Courtesy of Lewnes Steakhouse
When diving into the menu options, don’t be hesitant to engage the guidance of your server. During our last visit, we had a table of 8 and our server masterfully put together an appetizer platter for the table while walking us through the different cuts and the different side dishes. We had a large group, but if you’re just dining for two, you can always try a number of side dishes by ordering half portions. Your meal is served with a plump loaf of onion bread – crispy on the outside and spongey on the inside. Sidelined with cold butter, this duo was definitely worth a mention.
All of Lewnes' cuts are cooked in butter and prepared in top broilers reaching upwards of 1800 degrees. They are more than happy to use less or more butter and there are rumors of a delicious peppercorn and decadent béarnaise sauce that you can also request. Beautifully marbled and cooked to perfection, the prime cuts melt and separate under the touch of the knife. It is also worth mentioning that the crab cake is one that rivals even the best in Annapolis. Nearly every restaurant has a crab cake (it wouldn’t be Maryland if they didn’t…), but this one proudly stands by the “no filler” promise.
Courtesy of Lewnes Steakhouse
Known for its hefty wine selection, the wine cellar is something to take a peek at with over 450 different offerings. Lewnes’ has earned the “Best Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator every year since 2007.
Finish off a fabulous dinner only Lewnes' can provide with their famous brownie sundae or hop on the Water Taxi across Spa Creek to Ego Alley and stop into Downtown for some ice cream.
Reservations are suggested, but not required. There are two levels of dining rooms that can accommodate intimate parties or large gatherings.