Strong ties unite the residents of Little Italy
Neighborhood Series
Just a short stroll east from the Inner Harbor, the crowds and commotion of downtown Baltimore give way to blocks of brick row houses proudly displaying Italian flags and advertisements for small cafés and ristorantes. Brightly-colored storefronts, wrought-iron benches and pots of flowers line the quiet streets, while on every corner a different delicious aroma wafts from one of over 20 charming eateries. Overhead, archways of festive Christmas lights spell out the words "Little Italy," marking the entrance into an ethnic Baltimore neighborhood full of old-world character, charm and taste.
Originally founded by immigrant railroad workers in the late 1800s, Little Italy has grown into a tight-knit community situated between two of Baltimore's greatest attractions: Fells Point and the Inner Harbor.
"Most people think [Little Italy] is very far away, but it's really only a block away from the Inner Harbor," said Alexandra Clavert, a 17-year-old Fells Point resident. In fact, a mere five-minute walk from the Collegetown shuttle's Inner Harbor stop will take any student into the heart of Little Italy. More adventurous visitors can even hop on one of the Harbor's water taxis or horse-drawn carriages and enjoy the sights of the Harbor on their way there.
The various attractions of the Inner Harbor combined with the allure of Fells Point's nightlife may explain why Little Italy is not a more frequent destination for young people.
However, among some college students, certain restaurants have developed into local legends.
According to Amanda Barrett, the manager of Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop, "Lots of college students come through [Little Italy] for all-you-can-eat nights." Barrett is referring to "Monday night specials," where groups of students flood Vaccaro's family style dining area for unlimited amounts of cannolis, cassatas, tiramisu, gelato, cappuccino and almost any type of sundae or pastry imaginable for under $13. Teri Montanga, a frequent diner at Ciao Bella Restaurant, also noted that in an effort to attract young customers, "Some of the other restaurants like Sabatino's stay open very late, sometimes [until] 3 a.m.," making Little Italy an ideal stop for a meal before or after a night out on the town.
Originally founded by immigrant railroad workers in the late 1800s, Little Italy has grown into a tight-knit community situated between two of Baltimore's greatest attractions: Fells Point and the Inner Harbor.
"Most people think [Little Italy] is very far away, but it's really only a block away from the Inner Harbor," said Alexandra Clavert, a 17-year-old Fells Point resident. In fact, a mere five-minute walk from the Collegetown shuttle's Inner Harbor stop will take any student into the heart of Little Italy. More adventurous visitors can even hop on one of the Harbor's water taxis or horse-drawn carriages and enjoy the sights of the Harbor on their way there.
The various attractions of the Inner Harbor combined with the allure of Fells Point's nightlife may explain why Little Italy is not a more frequent destination for young people.
However, among some college students, certain restaurants have developed into local legends.
According to Amanda Barrett, the manager of Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop, "Lots of college students come through [Little Italy] for all-you-can-eat nights." Barrett is referring to "Monday night specials," where groups of students flood Vaccaro's family style dining area for unlimited amounts of cannolis, cassatas, tiramisu, gelato, cappuccino and almost any type of sundae or pastry imaginable for under $13. Teri Montanga, a frequent diner at Ciao Bella Restaurant, also noted that in an effort to attract young customers, "Some of the other restaurants like Sabatino's stay open very late, sometimes [until] 3 a.m.," making Little Italy an ideal stop for a meal before or after a night out on the town.
Be the first to comment on this story