By Laura Walter

“Hey, don’t forget, I want to eat outdoors at the Atlantic Hotel at least once this year.”

“Well, let’s do it now!”

My partner was right. Now was the perfect time to eat good food in a beautiful town. I grinned as we walked down the historic Main Street of Berlin, Md., now with a destination in mind. It was a festival night, and live music followed us right to our table.

The Drummer’s Café brings fine dining onto the wraparound porch and wide patio of the Hotel Atlantic (also known as the historic Atlantic Hotel), built in 1895. For over a century, Berlin has been a solid stop on the way to Ocean City, with its ups and downs, and the hotel has echoed those waves. The restaurant name harkens back to the “drummers,” or salespeople who rented transportation from the hotelier’s stables.

Today, downtown Berlin enjoys its revival as a fantastic daytrip town—or weekend trip, as this column is about a hotel’s restaurant.

Indoor and outdoor seating is available, but the Drummer’s Café extends outdoor options as long as possible. Situated at the narrow side of a city block, the wide patio fits into the overall square—bustling with foot traffic and curious, exploring drivers. The porch and patio are great in summer, while the glassed-in rooms provide climate control in more severe temperatures.

Rocking chairs and Adirondack chairs let guests enjoy happy hour wherever they want—I’ve even seen electric blankets lined up for guests to use. It’s the homiest way to savor a fancy hot chocolate, an adult beverage, or an autumnal a pumpkin spice martini, salted caramel white Russian or apple cider mimosa.

Although tempted by the swanky, tasty-sounding entrees (broiled crabcakes, salmon or filet mignon with butter and crispy fried onions), we wanted to try so many dishes that we ordered several appetizers instead (probably equaling the same price).

What to choose? Sriracha-dusted hot wings? Baked brie with fruit? Mussels served with sausage, white wine, shrimp and baguette?

We landed on filet mignon kabobs with crispy potato and onions; crab dip with chips and pico de gallo; calamari with crispy breading and three sauces; a big caesar salad; and two fountain sodas.

There is great joy in sharing a smorgasbord with a loved one. We spent the next half-hour savoring the meal, passing the plates back and forth, reaching for another bite of crab dip, enjoying the peaceful calm of dusk. Eventually, our little table by the greenery was covered in white plates, nearly empty once again.

We were too full for dessert, although the café’s homemade concoctions plus an Irish coffee would’ve been a capital conclusion. Homemade pastries and a rotating menu of individual cheesecakes have definitely caught my eye.

But that’s for another day, and we stepped back onto the sidewalk to continue our way into the night.

The hotel and the Drummer’s Café are located at 2 N. Main Street, Berlin, Md. Learn more at (410) 641-3589 and www.atlantichotel.com.

Bay to the Beach: Byways is a regular column in which we explore interesting places and projects on the Delmarva Peninsula. Videos and more photos at baytobaynews.com/bay-to-the-beach-byways