Atlas Insider: Founder Alex Smith’s Favorites Revealed

As the Founder of Atlas Restaurant Group, I have the unique privilege of sampling every dish on the menus across our diverse range of properties.

Whether it’s a classic staple or a seasonal special, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into each and every dish.

Over the years, there are certain items that have captured my heart and taste buds, dishes that I find myself gravitating towards time and time again.

Here’s a list of some of my personal favorites, in the order that these restaurants opened or joined the Atlas portfolio:

At Ouzo Bay, I love to experience a little bit of everything, and my go-to combination perfectly represents the restaurant’s Greek-inspired coastal cuisine. The Australian Lamb Chops are juicy and tender, always grilled to perfection. Pairing it with the Dover Sole—a delicate, buttery fish that’s flown in fresh from Holland daily—creates a custom surf and turf experience. The freshness and quality of the ingredients make these dishes stand out.

Loch Bar’s Maryland Crab Cakes are a tribute to Baltimore’s culinary heritage, packed with sweet, lump crab meat and just enough seasoning to let the seafood shine. I often pair these with a selection of fresh shellfish—whether it’s oysters, shrimp, or clams. And of course, a Grapefruit Crush is the perfect refreshing beverage to enjoy alongside these dishes.

At Tagliata, the culinary team takes pride in their pasta dishes, and the daily specials never disappoint. I always make it a point to try what the chef has prepared, as the fresh ingredients and inventive flavors make each dish a hit. On the regular menu, the Chicken Marsala is a personal favorite. The tender chicken, served with a rich, velvety Marsala wine sauce and earthy mushrooms, pairs beautifully with a robust Tuscan red wine.

Italian Disco brings a fun and lively vibe to the traditional Italian-American pizza parlor, and I always go for their 18-inch New York style pizza. The crust is perfectly thin and crispy, just the way I like it. To start, the Shrimp Spiedini, skewered shrimp with a spicy kick from Calabrian chili, is a perfect appetizer that sets the stage for the pizza to come.

There’s something special about dining al fresco at Ouzo Beach, and the Chicken Souvlaki is my go-to order. The skewers of marinated chicken, grilled pineapple, red peppers, and onions are not only delicious but also perfectly suited to the waterfront setting. The accompanying curry sauce adds a burst of flavor that ties the dish together beautifully.

The Choptank in Fells Point offers a quintessential Maryland experience with its Steamed Crabs. There’s nothing better than sitting on the patio with a dozen crabs and an ice-cold Coors Light, savoring the sweet, succulent crab meat with each bite. It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy the local flavor.

Monarque offers a dining experience steeped in French tradition, and I often start with the Lyonnaise Salad—a classic combination of frisée, lardons, and a perfectly poached egg, all dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The Chicken Paillard, a tender, thinly pounded chicken breast served with a luscious beurre blanc sauce, is a dish that I find myself ordering repeatedly. To accompany my meal, I usually choose a dirty Chopin Martini or let the sommelier recommend a French wine that complements the flavors on my plate.

Watershed is the place to be before and after Ravens home games, and nothing hits the spot like their Cheesesteak. The sandwich is loaded with tender, thinly sliced steak, melted American and provolone cheeses, and sautéed onions, all packed into a soft roll. Paired with a few cold Miller Lites, it’s a meal that’s perfect for game day.

Perennial offers a creative and flavorful menu, and the Fried Lobster Tail appetizer is a standout. The lobster is coated in a light, crispy batter and served with honey butter and lemon lavender salt, creating a dish that’s rich and full of flavor. The Utz-Crusted Sea Bass is another favorite—the crunchy potato chip coating adds a delightful texture to the tender, flaky fish.

The Waterfront Hotel offers a laid-back, casual dining experience, and I always go for the Black Angus Burger with tater tots. The burger is juicy and flavorful and depending on my hunger level, I’ll customize it with a single, double, or even triple patty. The crispy, golden tater tots are the perfect side, adding a nostalgic touch to the meal.

The Oregon Grille is all about indulgence, and I always start with the Potato Skins and Caviar appetizer. The combination of crispy potato skins and delicate caviar is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. For my main course, I go for the 18oz Dry-Aged Prime Cowboy Ribeye—a perfectly cooked steak that’s full of rich, beefy flavor. Paired with a robust California red wine, it’s a meal that’s truly unforgettable.

As a Maryland native, soft shell crab season is something I look forward to every year, and The Choptank Annapolis does it right. Their version features a crispy, tender Soft Shell Crab stacked between slices of fried green tomatoes, creating a dish that’s full of contrasting textures and flavors. It’s a true taste of Maryland that I can’t get enough of.

While in Philadelphia, I usually stick with my Loch Bar tried-and-true favorite—the Maryland Crab Cakes. Made with fresh, sweet crab meat and just enough filler to hold them together, these cakes are a taste of home. Sometimes, I like to mix it up by ordering the Maryland Crab Cake Sandwich instead, which offers the same delicious flavors in a handheld format.

Order of the Ace is a perfect spot for enjoying live jazz while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails. I usually leave the decision to the talented mixologists, who never fail to surprise me with their inventive whiskey cocktails. Whether it’s a classic Old Fashioned or a creative signature concoction, the drinks here are always a highlight of my visit.