Treaty of Paris Restaurant: Why This Annapolis Basement is Actually Worth the Hype

Walk into the Maryland Inn at the top of Main Street in Annapolis and you'll feel the floorboards groan. It’s old. Like, 1770s old. If you aren't looking for it, you might miss the stairs leading down into the brick-walled belly of the building. That’s where you find the Treaty of Paris restaurant, a place that honestly feels more like a time capsule than a standard dining room.

History here isn't just a marketing gimmick on a laminated menu.

The walls are thick, original 18th-century masonry. The lighting is intentionally dim, catching the glint of brass and the dark polish of wood. It’s the kind of spot where you half-expect to see a Continental Congressman arguing over a bowl of oyster stew. But is it just a tourist trap for people visiting the Naval Academy?

Actually, no.

It’s surprisingly legit. While many historic taverns in colonial towns lean heavily on "ye olde" vibes while serving frozen fries, this place tries to bridge the gap between 1783 and 2026. It’s named, of course, after the 1783 Treaty of Paris which officially ended the Revolutionary War. That’s a heavy legacy to carry. Annapolis served as the temporary capital of the United States back then, and the delegates who ratified that treaty—men like Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe—likely walked these exact hallways.

What Actually Happened Down Here?

People get the history mixed up constantly. To be clear: the Treaty of Paris was signed in Paris (shocker, I know). It wasn't signed in this basement. However, the delegates stayed at the Maryland Inn. They lived, breathed, and—crucially—drank here. When you sit in the Treaty of Paris restaurant, you are sitting in the 1776 King of France Tavern area.

The vibe is distinct.

📖 Related: Novotel Perth Adelaide Terrace: What Most People Get Wrong

It’s subterranean but doesn't feel cramped. It feels secure. There’s a massive fireplace that dominates the room, and if you’re lucky enough to snag a table near it on a cold January night, you’ll understand why the 18th-century elite loved this place. It was the "it" spot for political networking long before LinkedIn existed.

The Menu: Not Just Hardtack and Ale

You might expect the food to be archaic. It isn’t.

They do the Maryland classics, because honestly, you’d get run out of town if you didn't serve a decent crab cake in Annapolis. The "Treaty of Paris" Crab Cake is the big draw. It’s mostly jumbo lump meat with just enough binder to keep it from falling apart when the fork hits it. No heavy breading. No filler nonsense.

• The Cream of Crab Soup: This is the local litmus test. It’s heavy on the sherry and dusted with Old Bay.
• Rockfish: Usually pan-seared and served with seasonal greens.
• Prime Rib: A nod to the traditional English tavern roots of the building.

Prices are what you’d expect for a historic landmark. You’re paying for the atmosphere as much as the protein. Is it the cheapest meal in the city? Not even close. But it’s one of the few places where the "historic" label feels earned rather than bought at a craft store.

The King of France Tavern Connection

If you ask locals about the Treaty of Paris restaurant, they’ll often call it the "King of France." That’s the name of the tavern portion within the space. For decades, this was one of the premier jazz spots on the East Coast.

The acoustics are wild.

👉 See also: Magnolia Fort Worth Texas: Why This Street Still Defines the Near Southside

Because of the low ceilings and the brick, the sound carries in a way that’s intimate, almost visceral. Charlie Byrd, the legendary jazz guitarist, basically lived here. He performed regularly for years, cementing the restaurant's reputation as more than just a place for history buffs—it became a destination for serious musicians.

Even today, when there isn't live music, the ghost of that era lingers. You can almost hear the bass lines bouncing off the foundation stones. It gives the room a "cool" factor that other colonial restaurants lack. Most historic spots feel like museums where you aren't allowed to touch anything; this feels like a place where people actually lived and had a good time.

Why Annapolis Still Obsesses Over This Place

Annapolis is a town of layers. You have the Naval Academy midshipmen in their crisp whites, the lobbyists in their power suits, and the "townies" who have lived there for generations. They all collide at the Maryland Inn.

The Treaty of Paris restaurant works because it doesn't try too hard.

It’s comfortable in its own skin. The service is typically formal but not stuffy. It’s the kind of place where you take your parents when they come to visit, or where you go for an anniversary when you want to feel "grown up." There’s a certain gravity to the room. When you're surrounded by two-hundred-year-old stone, your modern problems—emails, traffic, Wi-Fi speeds—sorta just fade into the background.

The Realities of Dining in a Basement

Let’s be real for a second.

✨ Don't miss: Why Molly Butler Lodge & Restaurant is Still the Heart of Greer After a Century

If you’re claustrophobic, the Treaty of Paris restaurant might be a challenge. The ceilings are low. There aren't many windows. If you’re looking for a bright, airy, "Instagrammable" brunch spot with neon signs and plants hanging from the ceiling, this isn't it.

It’s dark. It’s moody. It smells faintly of old wood and expensive wine.

Also, accessibility can be a bit of a nightmare. Those "charming" historic stairs are steep and narrow. There are ways around it, but the building was designed before ADA was even a dream, so navigating it requires a bit of patience.

Surprising Details Most People Miss

Look at the walls. No, really look at them.

You’ll see different types of stone and brickwork that tell the story of the building’s expansion over the centuries. The Maryland Inn started as a small structure and grew into the "flat iron" shape it has today. The restaurant sits at the literal foundation of that growth.

1. The Wine Cellar: They have a legitimate collection. Given the environment—cool, dark, stable temperatures—it’s actually the perfect place to store high-end bottles.
2. The Ghost Stories: Every old building in Annapolis claims to be haunted. The Treaty of Paris is no different. Staff have stories about "Nellie," a former guest or worker depending on who you ask, who supposedly makes her presence known in the kitchen area.
3. The Signature Drink: Don't just order a Bud Light. Ask for something classic. A Manhattan or an Old Fashioned feels right in a room like this.

How to Do the Treaty of Paris Right

If you’re planning to visit, don't just show up and hope for the best. Annapolis gets crowded, especially during Navy football games or boat show weekends.

• Make a reservation. Seriously. The room isn't huge, and it fills up fast with hotel guests and locals.
• Dress the part. You don't need a tuxedo, but you'll feel out of place in flip-flops. Think "smart casual."
• Take the tour. If the host isn't too busy, ask about the history of the room. Most of the staff are surprisingly well-versed in the building's lore.

The Treaty of Paris restaurant isn't just a place to eat; it’s a place to absorb the weight of the American story. It’s where the formalities of the old world met the grit of the new one. You’re eating in a room that saw the birth of a nation's government. That's a pretty cool side dish for your crab cake.

Actionable Steps for Your Visit

1. Check the Calendar: Look for nights when they have live jazz. It transforms the experience from a quiet dinner to a high-energy evening that mimics the 1970s heyday of the King of France Tavern.
2. Start at the Top: Grab a drink at the main level bar first, then descend the stairs. It makes the transition into the "basement" feel more dramatic.
3. Order the Seafood: While the steaks are good, you’re in the capital of the Chesapeake. Stick to the rockfish, the crab, and the oysters. The "Treaty of Paris" recipe for crab cakes is one of the more consistent versions in the city.
4. Explore the Inn: After dinner, walk through the lobby of the Maryland Inn. The portraits and artifacts on the walls provide the context you need to appreciate the meal you just had.
5. Parking Hack: Don't even try to park on Main Street. Use the Hillman Garage. It’s a short walk, and you won't lose your mind circling the block for forty minutes.

Dining at the Treaty of Paris restaurant is about slowing down. In a world that moves way too fast, there is something deeply grounding about eating a meal in a room that hasn't changed much since the 1700s. It reminds you that things last. It reminds you that history isn't just in books; sometimes, it’s under your feet, built into the very stones of the wall next to your table.