Step back in time in the most delicious way possible at the following diner in Maryland. This 1950s and 60s themed spot offers juicy burgers, fries, and more, all in a nostalgic atmosphere. Next time you're seeking a unique dining experience, hop in the car and head to this Western Maryland gem.
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Alder St Diner recently opened in Oakland and has received rave reviews thus far.
It's hard to *cut it* in the culinary world, and that's if everything is working for you. Statistics vary, but out of one million restaurants in the US, only eight percent are Black owned -- and of that eight percent, just 2,800 are owned by Black women. That's less than a third of one percent.
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But statistics didn't deter Jasmine Norton, chef-owner of The Urban Oyster in Baltimore, the first female- and Black-owned oyster bar in Maryland. As a multi-hyphenate chef with an impressive resume of awards and recognitions, Norton has (ahem) made waves in the culinary world, rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a Black female chef in America.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our 2024 Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
Photo provided by Jasmine Norton
As a child, Norton fell in love with raw oysters. "From the moment my dad urged me to try an oyster as a small child I loved them!" However, as she grew older, she realized that these delicious briny morsels were generally only offered at fine dining restaurants, requiring "a certain dining attire" and making them inaccessible to the masses. And she wanted to bring oysters to the masses.
"I decided I would like to fill the void for people like myself who love and appreciate oysters and all things seafood but in a more relaxed environment as well as not just raw," she explains.
Creating a space for everyone, especially in the African American community, was important to Norton, as this group has historically been tasked with oystering and shucking, but not always enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Food is an excuse for folks to gather together and break bread -- or, you know, shuck oysters. With The Urban Oyster, Norton has created a space where curiosity and creativity commingle in every option on the menu. To that end, you'll find a robust menu of chargrilled oysters with different flavor profiles that "are sure to satisfy the pickiest eater," Norton promises.
Those with an aversion to raw oysters will be delighted by the cornucopia of chargrilled options on the menu; The Urban Oyster's Bacon BBQ oysters are a local favorite that's garnered something of a cult following among foodies, while the Teriyaki oysters will make you wonder why *all* oysters aren't smothered in a sweet-and-salty sauce.
Innovation infuses the rest of the menu at The Urban Oyster, too, with the Lobster Corndog an unexpected surprise and the Red Snapper Nuggets (served with a sweet chili sauce) a popular choice for even the pickiest palates.
The Urban Oyster has been warmly embraced by the Baltimore community, proving that anything can be "accessible" if it's positioned as such.
"As a restaurant owner, my favorite part of the job is seeing the joy and satisfaction on our guests' faces. There's something incredibly rewarding about knowing that we’ve created a space where people can come together, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories," Norton says.
In fact, this sense of community is just as important to Norton as the menu. "Developing relationships with our guests and being a part of their special moments, whether it's a birthday celebration or a casual dinner out, gives me a profound sense of fulfillment," she says.
For Norton, this community connection isn't just about creating a meaningful dining experience, it's about being part of her larger community: Baltimore, Maryland, the Northeast, the US. To this end, The Urban Oyster prioritizes using locally sourced ingredients from nearby farmers and producers: "This not only supports local agriculture but also ensures that our guests enjoy the freshest and highest-quality food." Norton adds that sustainability informs her decisions as a small business owner, as does a commitment to hiring and training "within the community."
As for the kids slurping oysters and having their own "I want to be a chef when I grow up" moments, The Urban Oyster has participated in the offering of scholarship funding and mentorship programs for aspiring chefs and hospitality students. Additionally, Norton, in collaboration with Dole Food Group, recently lead a 12-week culinary program to assist children of the Boys and Girls club on how to cook and kitchen safety, because "sharing our expertise helps nurture the next generation of culinary talent," Norton says.
Because, when you add it all up, a small business's success relies on more than just a great concept and smart planning -- and Norton knows this. "[At Urban Oyster], we aim to be more than just a dining destination; we want to be a positive force in our community, supporting and enriching the lives of those around us." Let's all "cheers" an oyster to that!
Many thanks to Jasmine Norton, Executive Chef and Owner of The Oyster Bar for sharing the story of this small business in Maryland. Learn more and support this Maryland restaurant by visiting The Urban Oyster website.
Of course, The Urban Oyster is one of many amazing businesses in Maryland that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Maryland, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Maryland on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.
Maryland tends to fall under the radar when it comes to lists of the best restaurants in the U.S. Of course, any local will tell you that the Old Line State has just about any cuisine you could desire, especially when you factor in our proximity to Washington D.C. Today's feature spot is relatively new to the Baltimore dining scene, and it made its way onto The New York Times's Best Restaurant List. Come with us as we explore Little Donna's.
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Little Donna's / Facebook
There's a lot that makes Little Donna's stand out, despite fitting in so seamlessly to its physical location on Bank Street. It's named in honor of the chef's grandmother, Little Donna from Yugoslavia, known for welcoming family and friends to her kitchen for a made-from-scratch meal. Today, head chef Robbie Tutlewski continues this legacy of caring for others through homemade food.
Little Donna's / Facebook
If you're in the mood for something hearty, opt for one of the Tavern Pies. These are a nod to Chicago, where the chef attended culinary school, and include unexpected toppings such as crumbled sausage, shaved garlic, or crushed corn chips.
Little Donna's / Facebook
Every single dish on the menu is worth trying, and, as popular opinion has proven, lives up to the restaurant's hype. Start your experience with the Housemade Pickle Plate or perhaps the Serbian Pancakes, which include local crab and warm farmer cheese filling. Another must-try dish features pierogies with sauerkraut and sausage.
Little Donna's / Facebook
Those with a sweet tooth would be remiss to skip dessert; a rotating menu of options ranges from melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies to warm apple hand pie and a flourless chocolate brownie parfait.
Pro tip: Reservations are highly recommended; however the bar area and outdoor dining area are first-come, first-served. To learn more about what you can look forward to when you visit, head on over to Little Donna's online.
