Dimples Bar & Grill, the Philadelphia-style cheesesteak joint that landed in Locust Point late last year, is gearing up for a second act in Fells Point, the owners say. Mary and Armand Miles plan to take over the former Riptide space and say they are aiming for an opening by the end of the summer, with an eye on being fully up and running by football season. If it all comes together, the move would drop another Philly-inspired option into a waterfront neighborhood that has seen a mix of new arrivals and recent closures.
Dimples Locks In A Prime Spot On Thames Street
The new Dimples is slated for 1718 Thames St. in Fells Point and will serve cheesesteaks, Philadelphia hoagies, wings, and smashburgers, with rolls shipped in from Amoroso’s, according to WBAL. The owners told the outlet they expect to submit a liquor license application in the coming weeks and are planning live entertainment, DJs, business happy hours, and ladies-night events. If approvals move quickly, they say they want the spot to function as a game day hangout and late-night stop, not just a grab-and-go counter.
Locust Point Roots And Philly Details
Mary and Armand Miles opened the original Dimples at 1401 E. Clement St. in Locust Point in November 2025 and run the kitchen as a family operation, The Baltimore Banner reports. The outlet notes that the couple brings in rolls from Amoroso’s in the Philadelphia area and hand-slices ribeye for the sandwiches, details they point to when they talk about authenticity. The Miles say rising beef prices and other costs have squeezed margins, but they are banking on that authenticity, plus a stronger bar program, to keep customers coming back.
A Vacancy On Thames Street
The Thames Street address has been empty since Riptide announced in January 2025 that it would close after six years in business, a shutdown that joined a recent string of closures in the neighborhood, CBS Baltimore reported. Riptide’s co-owner told local reporters that the pandemic, a dip in weekend crowds, and concerns about the area’s reputation all played into the decision to lock the doors. For Dimples, the long-vacant spot is a chance to grab both neighborhood regulars and the tourist traffic that still makes its way to Fells Point’s cobblestone stretch.
Owners Are Betting On Football, Drinks And DJs
According to WBAL, the Miles want the Fells Point location open in time for football season and will seek a liquor license so they can pour beer and host events. Their pitch blends the takeout counter model with a neighborhood bar vibe, complete with DJs, live performances, and theme nights to keep the weeknights from going quiet. If the license process and build-out cooperate, Dimples could end up anchoring one of the more visible storefronts along Thames Street.
What To Expect
Dimples is part of a recent wave of Philly-style entrants onto Baltimore’s food scene and will be one to watch as it brings Amoroso-roll cheesesteaks and a music-heavy program to the waterfront, local outlets note. Early response to the Locust Point original has been positive, and neighbors say they are curious to see how the concept plays into Fells Point’s shifting bar and restaurant lineup, according to Baltimore Fishbowl.
