FOOD REVIEW: Hightopps Backstage Grille

I’ve always been a big believer in veering off the beaten path. 

There is something to be said about supporting the little guy, and I’ve found that some of my most genuine experiences have been the result of doing just that.  Needless to say, when it comes to my selection of dining establishments, my philosophy remains and thus a visit to one of Timonium’s most-frequented bars was not exactly my idea of fun. 

The bar I speak of is none other than , and after mustering up the will to brave the crowds and assimilate with the masses, I came to find that sometimes popularity is well-deserved.

When you drive by Hightopps, it is hard not to notice the sheer size of its many sprawling features. What shocked me, however, was, once inside, it actually seems to get even bigger. As you move through the space, it seems every door leads to yet another widespread room housing a variety of entertainment.

The rather secluded front dining area opens into a spacious bar housing several pool tables, which in turn opens into a sort of semi-covered lounge, which then leads to yet another outdoor patio. It seems Hightopps is expecting a pretty full house just about every night, and I have to say they the restaurant has taken measures to keep its clientele  comfortable.

I’ve heard plenty about the great drink specials at Hightopps and, yes, there are plenty, but any place can offer cheap beer or fancy rails so for me, it always comes down to the food. Hightopps keeps its menu relatively small, with just two pages of options. But those options do include a number of dishes that show far more creativity and ambition than your average watering hole.

Take, for example, the chipotle scallop appetizer seared and set over rice pilaf, or the pistachio-crusted salmon topped with lemon cream sauce. Hightopps could no doubt offer a menu of deep-fried everything or simply serve some burgers and chips and still turn a profit, but instead it chooses to go the extra mile.

As always, the menu matters only if the chefs know how to execute.  I have served my time in the kitchen business, and I can tell right away when the chefs aren’t invested in their food. This was not one of those times.  Dish after dish I sampled came out cooked properly and seasoned just right.

Those Chipotle Scallops were seared just enough to seal in the flavor and topped with a surprisingly subtle chipotle sauce. My roast beef brisket was tender and juicy, and the jambalaya was not only surprisingly flavorful, but actually included fresh okra (and, yes, that is a good thing).

Add to that some of the better wings in town and selections of homemade pizzas, and you have a dining scene worthy of praise. I’m not going so far as to start doling out Michelin stars here, but it is refreshing to see that there are still places that pay as much attention to the “Grille” as they do the “Bar.”

So my accolades aren’t exactly going to make or break Hightopps.  For years this impressive bar and grille has been a hotspot for Timonium’s own and local celebrities alike. Whether you’re looking to shoot some pool, catch a live band, sit in on open mic night, or like me, just trying to find a good bite to eat, Hightopps has you covered. It almost pains me to say it, but this is one place where you can go ahead and believe all the hype. 

Editor's Note: This article was edited by Towson Patch editor Tyler Waldman because of a possible conflict of interest. Lutherville-Timonium editor Nick DiMarco worked at Hightopps Backstage Grille for three years.

(Side note: Not mentioned in the article is that Hightopps Backstage Grille revamped its menu several weeks ago.)