Matthew's 1600: A Place To Chill in Catonsville

Head west on Frederick Road toward Ellicott City, and there you'll find Matthew's 1600: an oasis from the summer heat.

"Beat the Heat," its marquee states. "We'll Cook. You Enjoy Our A/C."

That's a message posted by Matthew Parsons, who is the manager, and the restaurant and bar's namesake.

"It was put up during the heat of last week," he said, noting that the cool atmosphere inside and the ample parking outside are draws for customers during the summer.

But it's the food that keeps them coming back.

Specials Tuesday afternoon in the large, open dining room and bar included whole Maine lobster with two sides and a small salad for $17.99, and a roast beef sandwich with sautéed onions, mushrooms, barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese, also with a side, for $10.99.

But these specials are constantly changing, and might not even be on the list of specials tonight, he explained at about 3:20 pm.

What you will likely find tonight are regular menu items such as crabcake dinner, chicken crepes, pan-seared scallops and the grilled wild mushroom, or tenderloin entree salads.

Enjoy seared ahi tuna or chipotle fondue appetizers at the bar, or before dinner.

This is a family business, run by Parsons' mother, Lori Parsons, since 1979. Remember Russell's 1600? It was the same restaurant, named after Lori Parson's elder son, said Matthew Parsons.

The business is located at 1600 Frederick Road and is open seven days per week for lunch, dinner and special occasions in its four banquet rooms.

For more information, call 410-788-2500.