ATMOSPHERE: Cozy dining area with fireplace and separated from bar

HOURS: Open 7 days a week. (Mon – Thurs. from 11:30am - 12 midnight; Fri. & Sat. until 1 a.m.; Sun until 10 p.m.) Bar open until 2 a.m. Sun. – Thurs.; Fri. & Sat. until 4 a.m.

PARKING: Small parking lot or side street parking

CREDIT CARDS: All major cards

This cozy restaurant with its warming fireplace is the perfect spot for leisurely dining. The large, popular bar is separated from the main dining room so order your favorite libation before, during or after dinner. We started with our favorite, Compari, while perusing the menu.

From the starters we chose the Maryland Crab Cakes (2 for $6) followed by Seafood Bisque ($4). The House Salad, which precedes the entrée, is an attractive combination of greens, cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers served with your choice of eight different dressings on the side.

One of the specials of the week was a Grilled Skirt Steak with Jack Daniels whiskey and onion sauce – an interesting treatment for $17. Another special available was Catfish Filet ($16) with grilled vegetables and herbs served with roasted potatoes. For a light dinner, there was a Cobb Salad with Bleu Cheese vinaigrette.

From the regular menu we chose Veal Medallions a la Fox (a house specialty) with a sauce of Portobello mushrooms and Gorgonzola cheese ($15.95). These were four, round, tender pieces of veal covered with the rich sauce. Our choice of potato was the delicious, deep-fried, waffle-cut offering. Served with the entrees are a medley of fresh vegetables.

You can also enjoy pizza ($7.95) for the sausage and bacon topping. Grilled chicken and shrimp toppings also are available.

The Inn also has an Early Bird Special served Mondays through Fridays from 4 until 6 p.m. (Sat. from 4 p.m. until 5:30, and Sun. from 3 until 5 p.m.). This includes a choice of appetizer and entrees ranging from half a Roasted Chicken with potato or rice to Shrimp and Broccoli with Penne Pasta ($10.95). All entrees include vegetables (except the pasta dishes), dessert and coffee or tea. (Credit card minimum of $15.)

For dessert we tried the special dessert of the evening, Caramel Granny Apple ($4). It was a fine choice. Another dessert, Strawberry & Rhubarb Pie (also $4), had just the right combination of sweet and tart flavors – you can also have this a la mode.

If you are looking for a cozy place for dinner a deux on Valentine’s Day, make your reservations at The Sly Fox. Now!