Bar Vasquez, Baltimore, Maryland

This is a really lovely East Harbor eatery that has really exceptional food, but also a great atmosphere.  I went with my husband's sister and her husband and we shared a number of dishes.  My favorite was the calamari, which is battered and lightly fried, served with a red pepper aoili, so very traditional, but oh so delicious.  Pictured is the shrimp ceviche and in the crab toasts, both of which were perfectly prepared, fresh and balanced.  We had a couple of salads, which did not disappoint, and for dessert, the passion fruit flan is hands down the best flan I have ever had. If you can't go for dinner, check out this dessert.
The soaring restaurant space — once a warehouse dating to the 1880s — hasn't changed structurally since it was gutted and transformed into a restaurant space. But the interior is inviting and there are lots of separate spaces to choose from.
There is a lounge with couches and a casual dining space on the lower level. Upstairs is more formal, with the scrolled wrought-iron railing allowing views of the action below.
The unique thing about Bar Vasquez is the live music.  There is a stage on the first floor, featuring acts like a classical flamenco guitarist and a tango trio. The music is lively, but it doesn't overwhelm conversations.