5 Reasons Why Nick's Fish House Is Baltimore's Must-Visit Waterfront Gem In 2025
As of late 2025, Nick's Fish House is entering a dynamic and exciting new chapter, solidifying its status as one of Baltimore's premier waterfront dining destinations. After years of successful operation, the popular Port Covington establishment has undergone a significant transition, with its property being acquired by the restaurant's long-time operators, a team known for running some of the most celebrated establishments on the Delaware shore. This pivotal change signals a major commitment to the restaurant's future, promising substantial upgrades, a renewed focus on fresh, high-quality seafood, and an even better experience for patrons seeking the best steamed crabs and Patapsco River views in South Baltimore.
This deep dive explores the freshest updates, the powerhouse team behind the new ownership, and the compelling reasons why Nick's Fish House remains an essential stop on the Baltimore food scene, especially as the surrounding Baltimore Peninsula development continues its transformative growth. The combination of a beloved local institution and experienced new leadership is setting the stage for a truly unforgettable dining experience in the coming season.
The New Era: A Profile of the Powerhouse Operators
The biggest news surrounding Nick's Fish House is the sale of its real estate property, which was acquired by the restaurant's long-time operators: Jim Weisgerber, Eric Sugrue, and Steve Montgomery. This move ensures that the restaurant, a staple in the area for years, will continue to thrive under the guidance of seasoned hospitality veterans who have a proven track record of creating successful, high-volume dining concepts. Their collective experience brings a wealth of expertise in managing popular waterfront venues and delivering exceptional regional cuisine.
Jim Weisgerber and Eric Sugrue: A Legacy of Coastal Excellence
The trio's reputation is built on their success with iconic coastal establishments. Jim Weisgerber is widely recognized for his work with Bethany Blues, a highly popular barbecue restaurant with locations in Bethany Beach and Lewes, Delaware. Eric Sugrue is a key figure behind Big Fish Restaurant Group, which operates a number of successful concepts, including the highly-regarded Big Fish Grill and is heavily involved with the culinary direction. Steve Montgomery is the principal operator of The Starboard in Dewey Beach, a legendary Delaware beach bar and restaurant known for its energetic atmosphere and strong community presence.
This combined leadership—bringing the successful "beach" concept to the "Charm City" waterfront—is a major boon for Nick's Fish House. Their acquisition of the property from Sagamore Ventures, a key player in the Baltimore Peninsula development, for $750,000 in a recent transaction, signals a deep, long-term commitment to the location and its future.
The operators are not merely maintaining the status quo; they have publicly announced plans for expansion and upgrades to the site. This investment is aimed at enhancing the guest experience, improving facilities, and ensuring the restaurant can meet the demands of the rapidly growing Baltimore Peninsula neighborhood. The future of Nick's Fish House is clearly focused on elevated quality and expanded capacity.
What to Expect: Revamped Menu and Waterfront Upgrades
The new ownership is immediately focusing on two key areas that will directly benefit diners: the menu and the physical dining environment. These planned changes are what make a visit to Nick’s in 2025 a fresh experience, even for long-time patrons.
A Fresher Focus on Seafood Quality
Perhaps the most exciting culinary update is the planned revamped menu set to launch in the upcoming spring season. The new focus is squarely on quality fresh fish and seafood, leveraging the expertise and supply chain of their partners at the Eastern Shore-based Big Fish group. This collaboration promises to elevate the freshness and variety of the seafood offerings, making the already popular dishes even better.
While the classic Maryland staples that Nick's is famous for will remain—including the best steamed crabs in town, the signature crab cakes, and the expansive cold seafood platter—the new menu will likely introduce new, innovative dishes that reflect the high standards of the operators' other successful restaurants. Diners can still look forward to:
- Steamed Crabs: The quintessential Maryland experience.
- Crab Cakes: Jumbo lump crab meat, a regional favorite.
- Cold Seafood Platter: Featuring raw oysters, clams, peel-and-eat shrimp, and king crab.
- Fish and Chips: A classic pub-style favorite.
- Craft Cocktails and Local Beers: A robust drink menu to complement the waterfront setting.
Site Improvements and Enhanced Waterfront Dining
The physical location itself is slated for significant improvements. The property sale was explicitly followed by announcements of expansions and upgrades to the site. These improvements are designed to better serve the continually developing area, which is rapidly transforming into a major urban hub. While specific blueprints are pending, the site improvements project is confirmed to be underway, focusing on the 0.76-acre area south of E. Cromwell Street and Insulator Drive. This means patrons can anticipate:
The goal is to enhance the already stunning waterfront deck, which is the restaurant’s most celebrated feature. The casual, lively atmosphere and the breathtaking views of the Patapsco River and the Baltimore Peninsula skyline—especially during sunset—are the core of the Nick's Fish House experience, and the upgrades will only amplify this unique charm.
Nick's Fish House: A Baltimore Peninsula Anchor
Nick's Fish House holds a unique position as one of the original and most enduring dining establishments in the area now known as the Baltimore Peninsula. This neighborhood, formerly known as Port Covington, is undergoing a massive, multi-billion dollar transformation into a mixed-use development featuring new offices, residential buildings, public parks, and a vibrant retail and dining scene.
The Port Covington Legacy
For years, Nick's was a beacon of casual waterfront dining in an industrial area, serving as a popular spot for locals and boaters at the nearby Port Covington Marina. As the broader development took shape, the restaurant remained a constant, providing a familiar and accessible place for fresh seafood and cold drinks. Its location at 2600 Insulator Drive places it right at the heart of this revitalization, making it a crucial anchor for the entire waterfront district.
More Than Just Crabs: The Full Experience
While the steamed crabs and crab cakes are the main draw, Nick's Fish House is celebrated for the complete dining package. It’s a place for:
- Live Music: The restaurant frequently features live musical acts, adding to the festive, vacation-like atmosphere.
- Boater Access: Its proximity to the marina makes it a perfect stop for boaters cruising the Patapsco River and the Inner Harbor.
- Event Venue: With its spacious layout and stunning views, it is a popular venue for parties and events.
- Casual Vibe: The atmosphere is intentionally relaxed and welcoming, a perfect contrast to the more formal dining options in the city.
The long-term operators’ decision to purchase the property is a strong vote of confidence in both the restaurant's brand and the future of the Baltimore Peninsula. By committing to a revamped menu, site improvements, and maintaining the casual, authentic atmosphere, Jim Weisgerber, Eric Sugrue, and Steve Montgomery are ensuring that Nick's Fish House will remain a beloved Baltimore institution for years to come. Whether you're a local craving a bushel of steamed crabs or a visitor looking for the quintessential Baltimore waterfront experience, Nick's Fish House is poised to deliver its best season yet.
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