Best Restaurants in Annapolis
Restaurants' individual food items are graded. (best ice cream is at bottom)
Revised 25 March 2019
Also see our website, "Best Crabcakes in Annapolis," at:
tastetestersclub.blogspot.com/best-crabcakes-in-annapolis-best-crab.html
See all our sites about Annapolis food:
1. Best Restaurants in Annapolis (this site)
2. Best Crabcakes in Annapolis
3. Best Cream of Crab Soup in Annapolis
4. Best Key Lime Pie in Annapolis
5. Best Ice Cream in Annapolis
Note that all crab cakes use crab from a can, except the very few places where noted below as "FRESH." Ironically, some not fresh are better due to far better recipes.
Adam's Ribs - best ribs and chicken
2019, dinner time (note: ribs are best when freshly cooked at 11 A.M.!)
ribs, not hot B+
chicken, hot A
pulled pork C
rolls C-
pork tacos B
refried beans on tacos B+
extra crispy fries B+
baked beans B
mash B-/B
gravy B/B+
combo mash and gravy B/B+
onion rings B+
2008, lunch time
a. ribs. A+
b. chicken. A+
c. crab cakes. B
d. fried rib with buffalo sauce. B++
e. gator (hot) wings C-
f. brisket sandwich (lean brisket only here) B+
g. rolls, if hot A
h. cornbread C-, with butter B-
i. slaw B/B+
j. bbq sauced shrimp with bacon wrapped and grilled B-
Abert Yau's East-West Bistro, Pasadena, MD
a. soup: crab and fresh asparagus A
b. soup: hot and sour (best ever hot and sour) A
c. crispy hot duck (cooking oil flavor) B
d. grouper with black bean sauce A-
e. veges with grouper B+
Amish Restaurant (see Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market below)
Annapolis Smokehuse - best pulled pork
a. pulled pork. B+
b. brisket. dry: B-/B. wet: B
c. ribs. C+/B-
d. smoked chicken, whole pieces. leg: B. thigh: B-
d. hushpuppies. C+
e. slaw. B/B+
f. brussel sprouts. B-
g. kale. A-
h. fried corn. B+
Annie's Paramount Steakhouse (across bridge from Annapolis, on Eastern shore)
a. crab imperial: first time: A; second time by one of our group: D/C
b. best coffee (according to one in group)
Bay Woods Bistro (private retirement community cafe)
a. beef and vege soup, without beef C
b. same soup with beef D+/C-
c. cheeseburger (bun B/B+, beef B, but add salt and pepper, pak (as a package all together): B, but with salt and pepper: B+
d. hot fries B
e. slaw (too much mayo) C/C+
f. reuben sandwich (pastrami, thin deli sliced B-/B; sour kraut is very sour C-; thousand island dressing, buttered grilled marble bread B/B+, white, prob. swiss cheese) total: B-/B
g. chicken salad C+
h. chicken salad sandwich B-
Holiday menu - Memorial Day:
i. bbq chicken, grilled C+
j. grilled dogs C+/B-
k. corn on cob C+
Desserts: they serve mostly Main Ingredient's; specifically:
1. key lime pie (from Sysco distributor) slilghtly pudding like with cheap fake cream on top. B/B+
2. soft serve vanilla ice cream C+/B-
3. (dry) chocolate swirl cheesecake B
4. carrot cake (alone: B, frosting with nuts alone B+) combined: B+
5. chocolate chip cookie C/C+
6. fudge brownie with big choc chunks B++
Annapolis Yacht Club:
MARCH 2019:
arctic char, with sauce of lemon peppercorn vinagret: B/B+, but with 2018 white cream A
cast iron chocolate chip cookie B/B+, with vanilla ice cream B+
bok choy C/C+
cous cous C
carrots, sliced B/B+
cream of crab soup: B/B+ top liquid; with crab at bottom: B+/A-, with 2/3T of sherry: liquid alone B+, with 2/3 T of sherry including crab at bottom: B+/A-. Note: any more sherry than 2/3 T per 10 oz soup is too strong!
NOTE ON SHERRY MEASUREMENTS:
1. .67T per 10 oz = 3.3% sherry in soup x 20% max ABV (alcohol by volume) = .66% ABV (note that most sherry is 17-19% ABV).
2. Tested with sherry at 1.8% ABV: far too strong!
3. Tested with brandy at same volume per #1 above (3.3% brandy in soup) x 40% max ABV = 1.3% ABV (far too strong! and flavor even worse; so, with less brandy than sherry, it's clear that brandy is not as good a mix as sherry with crab soup).
4. In future, do legal "non-alcoholic" volume of .5% ABV. This equates to about 55-61% of a T (tablespoon) of sherry per 10 oz soup (at 17-20% ABV sherry). Thus, the serving size would be slightly over 1/2 T = .5% ABV.
5. If making non-alcoholic hard liquor flavored ice cream, add 1/4 T per 10 oz of ice cream for .5% ABV. If using sherry, use 1/2 T per 10 oz of ice cream. (Sherry has about 1/2 the ABV of liquor like bourbon and vodka: 17-20% vs 35-40%.)
2018:
rockfish, charbroiled B/B+
halibut C-
2015-2016
waffle (about 1 inch thick and 4 inches in diameter, made on cast iron Rugged XI waffle maker, using Sysco waffle batter; cook at 250 for 90 seconds). A+
sausage patty. B+
bacon A-
french toast with white Texas Toast, if moist inside: (request that!) B/B+, with berry compote and chantilly cream A-
french toast with wheat bread (it was also not moist inside, thus it was overcooked) C+
cherry breakfast pastry C
crab cake. (strong canned flavor) B-
crab cake sandwich with brioche bun. B
citrus black grouper B+
smoked salmon. C
omelette. B+ (It's made to order: We recommend this egg mix for the omelette, with clarified butter: with tomato, onion, mixed cubed peppers. Request no cheese inside - as waiting for it to cook destroys the needed moistness for the eggs.) After flipping omelette, sprinkle grated cheese on top and within seconds lift it out so the egg doesn't overcook inside. The grated cheese will continue melting on your plate).
porterhouse steak: New York strip part, closer to bone B, outer portion C; fillet mignon portion B/B+
crab omelette (strong canned crab flavor) B-
crab imperial. B
flounder francais. B+
veges that come with flounder. A
cream of crab soup, with crab meat on bottom (can flavor). B++; with sherry: B++/A-
raw oysters B-
salmon. total: B/B+
cream sauce with salmon: A-
salmon alone: B-
lobster seafood pot pie C+
filet mignon (not chargrilled) B/B+
risoto with mushrooms B++
baked potato, old D-
side salad C+, with creamy raspberry vinegrette B+
key lime tart (pie) (among best in town) B
nutty buddy ice cream cone C
chilean sea bass B/B+
cous cous (like cram corn) C+/B-
fresh green beans B-
roasted tomato B
white bread roll C
nutty brown bread D
Boatyard Grill
a. crab cakes FRESH (one of very few places using fresh crab). spices rather bland B/B+
b-1. crab cake sandwich, with tartar sauce (thick brioche bun alone C+): B+/A-
b-2. same sandwich Without tartar sauce: B/B+
c. cream of crab soup. (uses too little crab), strong parm cheese flavor: B
d. slaw B-/B
e. sweet potato fries. B+
f. house tartar sauce. A
f. key lime pie (too mild of lime flavor and pudding texture) B-
g. Smiths, Maryland cake (layers of chocolate). B/B+
h. flounder BLT (fried flounder D+, seasoned in breaded crust, too little fish, too crispy, yet fresh fish). total sandwich: B/B+
i. dessert nachos (raspberry and chocolate syrups with ice cream: A (if no ice cream: C-)
j. burger: (meat alone: B+, flavor: A). total package: A-
k. fried oysters (best in town we've had): A-
l-1. Grand Mariner french toast alone B/B+
l-2. with syrup B+
l-3. with mandarin orange slices B/B+
l-4 with mandarin orange slice and dry cranberry pieces B++
m. fish and chips (fresh cod but super crisp panko coating has bad texture C- and B flavor; total: C+
n. fries B-
NEXT TRY:
1. open faced crab dip "samwich" (artichoke, spinach, onion, parm cheese dip, open on ciabatta bread) with melted cheddar and tomatos.
2. key west fish sandwich - mahi, onion kaiser roll, lemon aioli, sauteeed peppers, onion, mushroom, havarti cheese
3. Rastafarian porch chop with Jamacain rub topped with mango chutney, and crab mac & cheese
4. baby back ribs with mango bbq sauce
5. Annapolitan (omelette): 3 eggs, lump crab, chopped tomato, scallion, mornay sauce
6. big fat scallop with black pepper, sugar, salt, pan seared with balsamic reduction
7. Halibut love point, tossed with lump crab and citrus butter
8. "a nice fish sandwich" fresh fillet of day. with lemon pepper, brioche roll, red pepper aioli, lettuce
9. grits
10. reuben: delic corned beef, slaw or kraut, 1k dressing, swiss cheese, panini fried, thick rye
11. shrimp and grits
12. crab benedict with asparagus and tomatoes
13. pepperjack grits (same as grits above?)
Cafe Normandie
a. duck mousse (duck liver) B+/A
b. sliced bagette A-
c. mini bread loaf. B
d. trout almondine B
e. frog legs with garlic (best non-fried legs ever) B+
f. pistachio cheesecake B
g. roast duck with raspberry sauce: meat: C- to B-; with skin A-, with sauce B+
h. fried sweet potato B-
i. green beans and carrots B
j. cherry clafoutis (baked dessert with fruit (cherries today) B/B+
k. gapaschio : cold tomato soup with cilantro and garlic, celery, and jalapenos. B/B+
l. chocolate eclair C+/B-
NEXT TIME: lamb rack with rosemary
Cake and Cream (Main St.)
a. chocolate ice cream b - -
Cantlers, Riverside
a. grilled rockfish. B+
b. burger (the meat is B-). overall: B+
c. crab cakes FRESH (too cooked on outside, dry, when we had it). B
d. slaw. C-
e. crab (too salty).D
f. shrimp (too salty). D
Carrol's Creek - best cream of crab soup
2019:
a. cream of crab soup: BEST WE'VE FOUND: A+ (best with 1/2 T of sherry per 10 oz soup = .5% ABV (alcohol by volume, also considered max amount to be "non-alcoholic"). Any more sherry tastes too strong.
b. shrimp stuffed with crab, bacon-wrapped. 50% crab meat. A-
c. sirloin, marinated, red wine reduction, said menu, but server said it came with classic demiglaze: caternet, dijon, shallot. BEST SIRLOIN EVER HAD. A -
d. fruit cobbler B
e. coffee chocolate chip ice cream with glazed donut in a pudding: B/B+
f. caramel bourbon sauce for pudding: A, BEST DESSERT SAUCE EVER.
g. bread C-
TRY:
tenderloin sandwich $13
jumbo lump sandwich $14
TRY DINNER STARTERS:
cumin lamb rack $15
crab artichoke dip and bread 12
TRY ENTREE:
Filet mignon 36
TRY DESSERTS:
creme brulee 8.50
decadent cake 8.50
cheesecake 8.50
choc and peanut butter banana 8.50
2014:
a. cream of crab soup. BEST WE'VE FOUND A+
b. crab cakes (from can, but still very good). A-
c. rockfish (best we've found, perfect, buttery crust for it, but rockfish isn't our favorite as it's like a cross between halibut and mahi - a bit too dense for our likes. If you like denser fish, this is great. B+/A-
Checkerburgers (in Crofton, 11 miles away)
a. Champ (meat is D). overall: B+
b. Checkerburger with cheese. B-
c. fries. B
d. choc shake. B-
e. strawberry shake. D
Chick and Ruth's, Main St., breakfasts: Bs and Cs
a. crab cake. C-
b. sausage. C
c. scrapple, egg, with swiss cheese. D
Deep Creek, Arnold, MD
a. crab cake (from Venezuela, on Ice, like Jerry's Seafood in Bowie - better than all other local places) A+
b. crab imperial (crab with mayo) B+
c. panko fried fresh flounder B-/B
d. key lime pie B-/B
e. bread A-
f. twice baked potato (mixed with cheese inside) A-
g. vege medley (a strong spice) C
h. salad with flounder B
Dock Street Pub
a. crabcakes B-/B
Edgewater Restaurant
a. rockfish, fresh, broiled. B/B+
b. soft shell crab. B-/B
c. crab cakes (mild spice flavor, very faint canned flavor) B/B+
d. slaw (mayo flavor) B-
e. Okra. B+
f. green beans. B-
g. tartar sauce. B+
h. clam chowder B+, with sherry B+/A-
i. cream of crab soup (right amount of crab) A-, with sherry A
j. coctail sauce for shrimp B+
k. orange colored cheese balls with crackers B/B+, with roll C
l. fries B+
m. fresh, broiled orange roughy B
n. green beans B
o. crab imperial (strong canned flavor, needs mayo) B-
p. rolls, dark wheat A
q. rolls, white, soft B+
r. baked potato B
s. fried chicken (like grocery store made) B-
t. house apple sauce B+
u. candied beets B
v. potato salad (best) A
w. stewed tomato B/B+
Famous Dave's (we've tested it elsewhere, but not in MD; it's a national chain)
a. roast chicken. B
b. bbq chicken. B
c. ribs. C+
G & M (in Lithicum, MD)
a. scallops (best ever) A
b. broiled fresh flounder (best ever). A
c. crab cakes, can flavor, as nearly all have. B
d. cream of crab soup, medium spicy for heat B+
e. shrimp (in combo plate) C-
f. slaw C
g. roll (stale in Feb 2015: C, fresh in July 2015:) B-
h. mashed potato: D
i. gravy C-
j. steak fries, if hot A-
k. fried haddock (thick batter D+, fish alone C). total: C
l. house apple sauce A
m. house potato salad C
n. house key lime pie (like pudding and with bad, artifical lime flavor) D-
o. fresh red snapper, lemon sauce with pomegranite seeds: grade B. (dry on one side - overcooked fish alone: C. Flavor grade B. overall with sauce C+
p. corn fiesta (onions, peppers, corn) B-
Gioletti's Italian Market
2019:
Suppli (fried roll with cheese and rice) B, with marinara B
Aronciti (same with meat): still to try
marinara alone B
Porchetta: pork, broc, Oniion, cheese on bagette: still to try
Vege sub: panini with eggplant, lettuce, mozz, and tomato on focacia: still to try
Zapp's potato chips - jalapeno kettle chips B
Grumps
MARCH 2018:
blue berry pancakes, overcooked B+
sausage links, from Nick's Deli B--
hollandaise sauce B/B+
crabcakes and eggs B+
crabcake mixed with chopped tomato, no canned flavor B+
muffin C+
grits B/B+, with butter B
OCTOBER 2016:
a. french toast (cinnamon flavor) B
b. blueberry pancakes A-
c. banana nut pancake (needs more banana flavor, but at least it has natural flavor) B
d. sausage link (from Nick's Deli) A-
e. sausage patty B+
f. garlic fries, strong: first time: B/B+, second time: A-
g. malted waffle, large C
h. waffle with corned beef hash B-/B
i. corned beef hash C
j. malted waffle C
k. burger: angus burger meat B/B+, bun B+, total: B+
l. crab sandwich (spices don't work for sandwich). buttered bun: A-, lettuce and tomato. bistro sauce (which is peach colored) C-
overall grade for crab sandwich: B
m. crabcakes B/B+
n. Chicken fried steak (Vickie's) B-/B alone; with gravy B+
o. sausage gravy alone B
p. fried eggs (average) C
q. biscuits (margarine cooked with it, unfortunately) B
r. biscuits with gravy B+
s. grits (second best in town, after Iron Rooster; however, having less cream, some will like this one better) B+/A-
t. plain pancakes C+
u. pork chops (dark meat by bone: b/B+, white C-/C; overall C+
v. sauateed spinach B-
w. green beans, slightly cooked, fresh B
x. mash C
y. mash with gravy D+
DON'T GET FISH AND CHIPS - NOT OWN BATTER, PLUS MAHI (too dense)!
TRY NEXT TIME:
Note made Oct 2016:
1. chicken pot pie
2. SALISBURY STEAK
3. potato pancakes
4. slaw
5. baked beans
6. Karla's mac and cheese
7. grilled mahi sandwich
Note made March 2018:
vegie lovers omelette (with sauteed fresh mushroom, tomato, onion, green pepper)
guacamole huevos (guac, spinach, egg on marble rye toast)
pork chop and eggs
bisquit and gravy
shepards pie - special
Hogs to go - (in D.C., not Annapolis; but we listed it here as we don't have a site for D.C. restaurants yet)
a. brisket D
b. brisket with sauce C
c. pulled pork C-
d. pulled pork with sauce B-
e. ribs D (like Annapolis Smokehouse)
f. ribs with sauce C+
g. chicken D
h. chicken with sauce C-
i. cornbread D+
j. sweet potato pie A-
House of Hunan
a. sweet and sour fish: fresh orange roughy in red sweet and sour sauce; light battered and fried, thin fish B+/A-
b. dumpling appetizer, with steamed chicken inside: C+
c. Tom's Special eggplant: light, batter fried shrimp in chef's special sauce B+/A-
FUTURE:
all 3 ducks have no seasoning, but their own sauces:
1. Hunan duck: boned duck with brocolli, snow pea, mushroom, bamboo shoot in chef's special sauce. it's sweet, better than Hong Kong, chef says.
2. Peking Duck: well done, crispy skin, with hoisen sauce (shrimp sauce) and pancakes, whole duck.
3. Hong Kong duck (roasted)
4. tangy pheasant slices, hot spicy sauce.
5. seafood asparagus: shrimp, scallop, orange roughy, sauteed with asparagus, napa and snow peas in black bean sauce
Iron Rooster
MARCH 2018 (most of items in October 2016 below are gone!)
grits in 2019 (best ever had: made with cream and chicken stock plus a little salt) A
crab benedict in 2018: B (last time had it, in 2015, an A)
crab cake B (also an A in 2015)
pop tarts:
brown sugar B/B+
chocolate banana B/B+
mixed berry: still to try
2019: brioche french toast, light and fluffy, with batter of vanilla beans and apples: B with maple bourbon butter B+ total, with not real maple syrup B/B+ total
fried apple pie C-, with vanilla bean ice cram C+, with sauce B-
NEXT TIME:
grits again and always!!
mixed berry pop tart
COWBOY meatloaf (poached egg with it is gone, after 2016:)
cornbread waffle (A+ in 2016)
2015 and OCTOBER 2016:
challah french toast B+
crab cake benny (seared jumbo lump crab cake, beefsteak tomatoes, hollandaise, micro greens, light dusting of old bay, english muffin) 2016: A+. 2018: B
chicken and dumpling soup B+
shrimp and grits B/B+
grits (best ever) A+
fried potato A-
warm monkey bread (light cinnemon bread alone: B-) B-/B
pancakes B+
BLT and egg (with pork belly, lettuce, fried green tomato, garlic aioli, egg, broche bun) C/B-
brioche bun A-
fried green tomato A-
ranchers benny (fried green tomato, boursin cheese, roasted corn salsa, roasted poblano sauce -- too strong of a verde sauce), poached egg, hollandaise, english muffin) C
roasted pork belly IN 2016: C
corned beef hash (1/4 inch cubes corned beef: A- in their regular hash browns alone: A-), total: B+/A-
house made country sausage links B-/B
scrapple (best ever) B
bacon B
hazlenut choco flourless cake A- (test again)
brown sugar pop tart A-
orange, mango pop tart C
brocolli B/B+
crab stuffed avocado appetizer (chipotle aioli in crab with side of roasted corn salsa and fresh cut parseley) A/A+
crab A
mixed veges: sauteed, white onion, shredded carrot, corn A
2016: meatloaf, with good spices B+ (jack pepper pan gravy B+, poached egg A, fried leeks, garlic smashed red bliss potatoes). total: A- (maybe different recipe now, as egg is now gone)
pork chop (root beer and honey glazed) B-, with a few bites near bone A-; overall: B
shrimp and grits (best grits ever, but needs more seasonings) B+
smoked brisket benny (jalapeno cornbread waffle, fresh tomato salsa, carm onions, poached egg, hollandaise) (brisket with seasoning B+/A-), cornbread waffle, no jalapeno flavor: A) total: A+
fried, sliced breakfast potato B
fries C
brussel sprouts B
pecan torte (pie) A-
pop tarts:
a. orange banna mango B-
UNFORTUNATELY GONE FROM MENU AFTER 2016:
DINNER:
dinner benedict (grilled 8 oz. filet mignon, toasted brioche, poached egg, buttered asparagus, tarragon hollandaise)
BREAKFAST:
iron benny (grilled beef tenderloin, carmalized onion, roasted crimini mushrooms, poached egg, bernaise sauce, crispy fried leeks, English muffin)
Jack's Chinese - tied for best crab cakes
a. crab cakes: A (the spices they use make this amazing)
b. Hong Kong roast duck (not Crispy Duck) B+
c. Orange chicken. B+
d. Crispy Duck. D+/C-
Jalapenos
MARCH 2019:
mild guac, same as below: A
jalapeno and cheese poppers B/B+
rolls B+
mole sauce: B+/A-
APPETIZERS:
Pato a la levantina: duck breast, sauteed and oven roasted with orange liquor reduction and cashews served medium rare: B-. With squeeze orange juice over it: B+
a. "chulatitas de cordero con mezcal:" lamb chops marinated with mezcal herbs, grilled, over roasted potatoes with jalapeno pesto sauce A-/A
b. appetizer: "chuletitos a la riojana:" lamb chops served over papas con rastas, topped with sauteed onion, tomato, and pimento: A
MARCH 2018:
Trout: "Trucha al caldillo relleno:" resh trout with sweet guajillo pepper, tomto, onion, bay leaves, flavored with rum and seafood broth A-
lamb rack: Cordero de castilla: lamb rack chops marinated with olive oil, herbs and garlic, grilled, topped with piquillo butter (lamb rack with red colored sauce of Spanish herbs) B+
Rack of lamb, rubbed with rosemary and served over black mole A+
lamb alone A-
sourdough bread B/B+
paella rice B
mash potato B
mild guacamole (avocado, cilantro, onion, tomato) A
hot guacamole (same plus jalapeno peppers) B+
DESSERT: banana and whipped cream chimichanga B/B+
OCTOBER 2016
a. trout (sauteed with salsa and herbs on top). A+
b. seafood paella: B+ (rice with it: A)
c. sourdough roll alone B/B+
c-2 sourdough roll with butter A
d. rice C+
e. trucua compesina rellena (clear cut trout with serrano ham (thinly shaved ham sandwiched in middle of fish, with manghego cheese (not visible) and piquillo pepper, finished with white wine and lemon butter sauce) fish alone B-/B, total: B+
f. salmon a la Navarra: salmon sauted with lemon (small chunks), capers, and finished with white wine B+
g. marinated black olives B-/B
h. marinated green olives B-
i. paella:
scallops B
shrimp B+
clams C+
fish C/C+
rice B+; but if hot: perhaps A-
j. lamb rack, special, marinated in beer, olive oil, and herbs, with tomato masa sauce (corn flour in the tomato sauce?) plus green "specs" A+
k. halibut chef's special: chargrilled B+/A-
l. polenta under halibut A
m. veges with halibut: carrot, zuch, croc, green peppers, slightly cooked, with seasoning C
TRY LATER:
all bold faced above, plus:
a. Carne Asada: rib eye steak, basted with lemon juice and butter, toped with roasted poblano pepper, Onion, and Tomato
b. Cituleta de cendo: grilled center cut pork chop (not as good as rib cut in general, not served here): marinated with vege and sesame oil, garlic, shallots, peppercorn, honey, and thyme
c. (poblano) chile relleno - get cheese only, at night only (still made as cheese only vs option with chicken and cheese)
d. pescado indio (tilapia - too strong of a freshwater fish): flash fried, crusted with plantain, grilled and served over rice and black bean sauce
e. pescado veracruz (tilapia) sauteed with tomato, pepper and white whine, and something else
Jerry's (outside Annapolis) - tied for best crab cakes
a. crab "bomb." A+
b. fried crab cakes. B+
c. beer battered halibut. C-
Kevin and Mike's at Market Place
a. fried chicken. when freshly cooked. B-/B, but C- if only warm. Adding: sweet chili sauce: B+/A-.
Adding bourbon sauce (their second best sauce): B/B+
b. fries. B-
c. gelato. C+
d. crab cake C-
e. crabcake sandwich (with mayo, lettuce, cheap bun) B-
f. fried oyster (worst in town, but they try, using fresh oysters): C-/D+
g. cream of crab soup (worst in town). D+
h. fish and chips - don't get: distributor breaded, using frozen floundera.
Ledo Pizza
a. supreme. (crust only a C+). overall: B+
b. kids'spaghetti with marinara sauce, sauce only: C++
c. goatcheese/jalapenos/anchovies pizza. B
Lobster Rolls (Main St.)
a. lobster roll (on mayo with bun) C++
TRY LATER:
clam chowder
Les Folies
French bagette and butter A-
duck confit (nice crust, very little if any seasoning flavor) B+
lentils B/B+
field greens B-
escargo butter (with green specs and butter) A-/A
Denver sole B
crab cake (canned flavor, no seasoning flavor, dry) B
green beans, thin, buttered B+
carrots B-
mash potatoes B/B+
DESSERTS:
begnet C, with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce B-
chocolate mousse cake with mint and raspberries A - -
pican pie A (BEST EVER, MADE BY A FRENCH GUY IN BALTIMORE).
pecan pie crust C -
Main and Market
all grades 2016 and earlier, except where indicated:
2019: bread (big roll). B+
2019: fish and chips (cod in 2019 is an upgrade to last couple years of swai, which was a rather mushy fish compared to cod; the smooth batter is beaten too long; for better batter see Sam's Waterfront.). (used to be A with cape capensis fish and perhaps different batter pre-2016). Now: Total grade here: B/B+
2019: chocolate mousse pie A-/A
2019: decadent cake: B+
2016:
bisquit. A
salmon, herb-crusted. A
h. crab cake (strong canned flavor) B-
i. crab cake sandwich. B+
j. fried chicken. D
k. meatloaf with pork and beef, and Hungarian gravy. C++
l. mashed potatos, lumpy. C++/B-
m. citrus scallops. B+ (best are at G&M, Lithicum)
n-p. n/a
q. clam chowder B++
r. Hungarian mushroom soup A, dipped in bread A+
s. blackened salmon B/B+, with tomato and avocado B+
t. mash potatoes (creamy and much garlic) B/B+
u. filet mignon B/B+
v. crab sauce (strong canned flavor) with filet mignon C+
w. bread B
x. grilled asparagus A
y. rice with peas, carrots and corn C
DESSERTS:
1. Kentucky Derby pie (nuts and choc; like big choc chip cookie) B-
2. strawberry/blueberry pie. B-
3. chocolate custard. B- -
4. chocolate mousse pie. A
5. decadent chocolate cake. B/B+
6. choc swirl cheesecake D+
7. raspberry mousse pie D+ (but choc crust is A-)
8. key lime pie (like pudding, with only a little condensed milk: C, crust C. Total: C
9.chocolate cannoli cake (cake alone B-/B), with canoli: B+, frosting alone A, canoli alone B, crust B+
10. carrot cake (alone: B, frosting with nuts alone B+) combined: B+
AT BAY WOODS ON MEMORIAL DAY 2016, LIKELY FROM MAIN INGREDIENT:
11. chocolate chip cookie C/C+
12. fudge brownie with big choc chunks B++
Mission BBQ
MARCH 2018:
brownie C-/C
stuffed jalapeno B/B+
carrot cake (not fresh, too moist when not fresh) C-
OCTOBER 2016:
whole chicken B-/B
spare ribs B-/B
baby back ribs B+
baked beans C+
pulled pork alone B
with 4 of the 6 sauces very good:
(best sauces:
honey heat A
bay bbq B+/A-
smoky mountain A
KC B+
Memphis Belle B
Texas C
fries B
cornbread B-/B
seasonal peach cobbler B++ SERVED MAY AND JUNE
wet end brisket (too dry) C+
lean brisket C+
slaw B+
potato salad B+
mash B+
mac and cheese (5 cheese) B/B+
wet brisket sandwich (bun C-) total grade, with tupelo honey heat sauce: B
LATER GET:
caramel bread pudding A SERVED THANKSGIVING TO LATE DECEMBER
seasonal strawberry shortcake
later try:
pulled chicken (marinated thighs)
sausage #1
sausage #2
turkey slices
Miss Shirley's Cafe
MARCH 2018:
grits with diced bacon, mascarpone and heavy cream, chives and tomato B
cornbread with cajun spices, alone B/B+, pepper butter alone A-, combo A-
hash browns A-
SLIDERS:
ciabatto rolls, alone B+
a. pork and egg B/B+ (pork alone B/B+, scrambled egg B+
b. bacon, cheese, and egg B
c. pepper, egg, spinach, and goat cheese A-
CRABCAKE BENNY: (needs an English muffin - next time order that as a side and add items below to it!)
crabcake alone A
fried green tomato alone B/B+
has no muffin
greens A
poached egg, dusted A
combo B+
combo with bad hollandaise sauce B+
OCTOBER 2016:
a. coconut challah french toast (with coconut cream cheese inside and coconut flakes; challah bread [too thick] dipped in almond scented egg mix, stuffed with coconut cream cheese, and flaked coconut, with strawberries and bruleed bananas; ask for on side: cinnamon and powdered sugar, not on it, which is standard) (if thinner bread it would be higher grade) B+/A-
b. hashbrowns A-
c. apple smoked bacon B+/A-
d. n/a
e. jalapenio peach jam (tasted like apricot) C
f. omellete of the month: crab cake, asparagus, cherry tomato, fried green tomato, corn relish, old bay hollandaise sauce - same as crab cake benny with fried green tomato, but as an omellete (needs cheese but the sauce replaces it somewhat): B+
g. cornbread (with peach jalapeno jam) A
h. cornbread alone A-/A
i. grits with diced bacon, marscapone, chives, tomato, and heavy cream B+/A- (best grits however are at Iron Rooster)
j. grits with no bacon B
k. pancake B/B+
l. bisquits with benne seed, corn, and jalapeno peach jam (similar to apricot) B-, and with peppadew butter C
m. Nana's grilled cheese: white cheddar and havarti (thick slices, not melted enough), bacon, yellow and red tomato, sourdough bread cooked in too much butter for 2 of the 3 of us (1 liked that) B
n. fried green tomato B
o. crab cake A
Try: crabcake benedict
crab cake sandwich
TRY: CRAB cake and egg and muffin
Try: crab cake sandwich
Osteria
call for daily entrees: 410-267-7700
a. sea bass. A+
b. dessert: citrus panna cotta A-
TRY LATER:
a. duck breast with blueberries, mint, port wine reduction
b. lamb chops with rosemary and white wine reduction
c. chocolate hazelnut cake
Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market
FOOD ITEMS RATING B+ OR ABOVE ARE RATED FIRST, HERE:
a. meatloaf. with only ketchup sauce A-
b-1. meatloaf alone. B-/B
b-2 gravy alone D
b-3 gravy over meatloaf with tomato sauce C
c. strawberry preserves (they also sell it to take home!) A+
d. dinner rolls. fresh: A-/A; if stale (such as 26 May 2016) C-
e. stuffing and gravy B+
f. grits B
At Beiler's Bakery outside the restaurant itself: B+ and A's:
h. glazed donut (second best we've had in the U.S., after Krispy Kreme). B++
i. apple fritter (2nd best we've found in the U.S. after Moore's Donuts, now closed in Payson, Utah). A -
j. blueberry fritter (best we've found in the U.S.) A-
k. peach fritter B+
FOOD INSIDE restaurant: BELOW B+ GRADE ARE LISTED HERE:
a. french toast B-
b. scrapple. B-
c. what toast. C
d. blueberry pancakes. C
e. chicken pot pie (actually chicken and dumplings - with no crust) B
f. chicken pot pie, chicken alone. C+. dumplings alone B
g. peas C
h. mashed potatoes C-
i. gravy D/D+
j. cinemon twist. C
At Beiler's Bakery, items that rated below B+:
k. cake donut. C
l. raspberry-glazed donut C++
m. all other donuts. C
n. chocolates. C
o. strawberry shortcake. D+/C-.
Red Hot and Blue
older, 2003 test
a. ribs A
b. chicken B
c. brisket (wet end not requested) C+
d. pulled pork B+
e. hushpuppies A+
f. catfish B
g. slaw A-
h. baked beans B-
i. cornbread muffins A-
Royal Farms (convenience store)
a. fried chicken. B
Sam's on the Waterfront
new chef January 2018, so all items below are different or discontinued, except where updated 2019:
2019:
a. fish and chips - cod A+, batter B+ (best on East coast we've had!) total: A
b. lobster roll: B. (Notes: buttered and grilled Texas toast with it: B++, lobster and sauce of lemon juice, lemon rine, and mayo) B-.) Best lobster roll of the 2 we've had in Annapolis.
c. cream of crab soup B-
d. key lime pie (from distributor): C+/B-
e. salad C- (slightly withered greens but not good taste anyway in the combo of items)
NEXT TIME TRY:
a. crab cakes $29
b. crab cake sandwich 15
c. brulee 8
Sunday: 1/2 price wings and 1/2 price Kobe burger
2017, but most of these are gone as of 2018:
b. slaw, best in Annapolis A
c. fries, thin B/B+
d. teriyaki salmon C, sauce C
e. tartar sauce too much pickle flavor C+
f. mash with yellow curry sauce B+
g. sauteed spinach with curry sauce B+/A-
h. lamb "strips" (chops) with yellow curry sauce A-
i. moon pie, house made, flourless choc cake, layered A-
TRY: CRAB CAKES
Severn Inn
about 2015:
Cream of crab soup A+
bread and butter A
fried oyster (too much breading) C
crab cake (canned flavor, weak spices) B-/B
corn peppers with crab cake C+
fried green tomato with crab cake C+
lobster stew B-/B
fries B+
rockfish, sauteed B- (top 2, with Carols Creek, but rockfish is dense and fishy everywhere. They prep it well here with onion and cilantro)
TRY LATER HERE:
1. tomato bisque with amber 16 cheddar in multi grain bread
2. fried flounder
Shake Shack (nearest one: in D.C.)
burger A- (meat B/B+, bun A-/A, plus cucumbers, T, O, shake sauce and mayo)
fries, crinkle B+/A-
Stan and Joe's Saloon
a. reuben (bread-buttered rye toast A, pastrami: strips and chunks A, white slaw, yellow (Swiss) cheese, total: A
b. fish and chips (frozen cod C-/C) batter B/B+ total: B
c. tartar (mayo-y) C
d. fries alone B-B, with old bay B
e. slaw (mayo-y) C/C+
f. chipotle mayo (hot) C+
g. onion rings B+
h. crabcake alone B/B+
i. crabcake sandwich (bun B) B/B+
try:
1. Thurs-Fri-Sat Prime rib
2. 3 sliders with angus, bacon, cheese, and potato buns
3. maybe try: cheese steak stogie (egg rolls with thin steak and onion and cheese)
4. stan's big dipper sandwich - thin prime rib, with sauteed onion, mushrooms and provolone
Stony River
DESSERTS:
2019: key lime pie (best in Annapolis) A-/A (2nd best now is at Adams Taphouse Grill).
2018: chocolate fudge cake B/B+, with mediocre syrup, combo B
2019: carrot cake B/B+
TRY THERE:
ribeye
prime rib
mushroom meatloaf
BBQ ribs
trout
Vin's 909
2019:
bread A
olive oil (brand: Antiqua Italia): A
OG arugala salad (fried shallots, goat cheese, arugala, white valsamic vinagrete) A
Pizzas:
family allium Chive oil, whole roasted garlic, fontina, mozzarella, Parmagiano Reggiano, buttered leeks, applewood smoked bacon, tellicherry pepper crème fraiche B+
charcooterie B
spotted pig Soppressata, wild boar meatballs, tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and provolone C+ (with boar meatballs: C+/B-
favorite of one tester in past: "envious pig:" tomato, pesto vinagrette, ricotta cheese, spec? shallots
try in future: spatzel with pork belly
DESSERTS:
creme de pot, chocolate (pudding, too dense, dark) B
butterscotch pudding: good texture, no flavor of butterscotch C+
RESTAURANTS STILL TO TRY:
Chesapeake Seafood in Edgewater (call: is this a fish market only? 410-956-8956)
Cafe Bretton, Severna Park
Chris's Charcoal Pitt (Greek plus American)
Newnes Steakhouse (best steak in the city)
Ruths Chris
O'Leery's
Nordstram's Cafe - salmon, etc.
Mehzanoda (2nd best Italian after Osteria: seafood, and pastas, on Richie Highway, in Arnold, MD)
House Bar and Grill
Voted as non-favorites:
Ice cream:
Jo-Jo
a. chocolate ice cream: B - -
b. strawberry: C
c. black raspberry C+
d. mint choc chip C+
e. butter pecan B - - /C+
f. pistachio C+
Restaurants:
Grace Garden, Odenton, MD (outside Annapolis)
a. flounder battered in wok with sauce and veges. C+/B-
c. egg drop soup. C
d. orange chicken. D+
e pork belly seshuan. D
f. fried rice. D
Philips Seafood. C+/D
Continued, voted as C's and Below:
McGarvey's
OB's Prime
Middleton Tavern
O'Brians
Mike's Restaurant and Crab House
The Italian Market Restaurant
Castlebay Pub
Abertos Italian in Glyn Byrnie
Ice cream shops:
(worth testing again are bold faced - buy single scoop:)
Annapolis Ice Cream Co.(our fave ice cream place in Annapolis)
MARCH 2018:
Chocolate B-/B
Chocolate banana B/B+
Chocolate orange B+
2015-2016:
a.banana B+
b. mint choc chip C++
c. strawberry B
d. strawberry oreo (their best ice cream) A-
e. blueberry C
f. chocolate B-
g. raspberry B
h. chocolate coconut B
i. butter pecan D
j. maple walnut (too little maple flavor) C-
k. raspberry chocolate chip C+?
l. coconut B-
m. coffee chip (strong) B-
n. nutella strawberry B
Brewster's Ice Cream
a. mint chip B+
b. cherry vanilla D -
c. chocolate C
d. strawberry C-
e. maple walnut C
f. peach C-
g. Hershey's special dark chocolate B
h. chocolate butter pecan C-
i. Orange sherbet B+
j. butter pecan (ice cream alone C+, with nuts:) B+
k. black cherry B+
l. coconut pineapple B+
Hershey's Ice Cream (Storm Brothers in March 2018)
a. chocolate B-
b. butter pecan C-
c. black cherry C-
d. maple walnut C-
(in 2015 Hershey's ice cream was tested at Hard Bean Coffee Cafe with following results:)
a. chocolate C+
b. coffee (mild) A-
c. butter pecan C+
e. strawberry C?
Kilby (cake and cream)
a. chocolate B - -
b. butter pecan B-
c. black raspberry C
d. coffee ice cream B-?
Kilwins
butter pecan (better ice cream than Brusters, but Bruster's has much better pecans - Kilwins are soft). butter pecan with nuts B+
butter pecan ice cream alone B/B+
chocolate B+
coffee B- -
Peruvian chocolate C-
maple B- (in March 2018, voted C+)
mint choc chip B
pistachio C
strawberry B-
swiss chocolate C-
Vanderweiss? from Delaware dairy at 188 Main St.
maple nut C-
chocolate C+
butter pecan C - - -
Best chocolate ice cream in town:
MARCH 2018 test:
Kilwins B
Hershey's B-
Annapolis Ice Cream Co. B-/B
Vanderweiss? from Delaware, at Mason's Lobster rolls on Main C+
2015:
1. Haagen Dazs (grocery store) A
2. Trader Joes (Double Rainbow brand) A -
3. Kilwins (regular chocolate) B+
Jack and Jill (at Hard Bean Coffee Cafe) choc brownie B/B+
(Note: this brand replaces their Hershey's creamery they used till spring 2015, which rated B-/B)
4. Kilby's B
5. Firenzes (gelato stand in market place) regular chocolate B
6. Storm Bros now has Hershey's Creamery Ice cream; when test was done in 201 we had it at Hard Bean Coffee Cafe) B-/B
7. Annapolis Ice Cream Company B-
8. Turkey Hill All Natural (grocery store) B-
9. Brusters Hershey's special dark Choc B- (tested separately from most of the others on this test)
Annapolis Ice Cream Co. chocolate orange (B- (tested separately from this list)
10. Brusters regular choc C+ (tested separately from most of the others)
11. Kilwin's Swiss C
12. Frenzes (gelato stand in Market Place). Choc hazlenut C
13. Friendly's (grocery store) C
14. Kilwin's Peruvian C-/C
15. Turkey Hill regular (grocery store) C-
BUTTER PECAN TEST:
MARCH 2018:
Kilwins C+
Hershey's C-
Annapolis Ice Cream Co. C - -
Vanderweiss (at Mason's Lobster Roll) C - - -
BEST ANNAPOLIS FOODS TO GET AGAIN PLUS NEW ONES TO TRY:
Cream of crab soups to try:
grumps
boatyard
federal pub
McGarvey's pub
other downtown pubs
Carrol's Creek
Cream of Crab Soup A+
TRY:
tenderloin sandwich $13
jumbo lump sandwich $14
TRY DINNER STARTERS:
cumin lamb rack $15
crab artichoke dip and bread 12
TRY ENTREE:
Filet mignon 36
TRY DESSERTS:
creme brulee 8.50
decadent cake 8.50
cheesecake 8.50
choc and peanut butter banana 8.50
Adam's Ribs
ONLY GO 11 A.M.! for ribs: A
chicken A
key lime pie B++
Vin 909
bread (best in Annapolis) A
olive oil (Antiqua Italia) A
arugla salad A+
(try other 2 salads!)
Le Folie
2018 and 2019: pecan pie - best in Annapolis, made by French guy in Baltimore.
2018: chocolate mousse cake with mint and raspberries A - -
Severn Inn
Cream of Crab soup A+
bread and butter A
Normandie Cafe
Lunch, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. try:
Cream of crab soup
basquaise omel.
eggs florentine omel.
crab benedict
apple and cheddar omel
seafood omel
crabcake sandw
veal francais
roast chicken with rosemary au jus (dark?)
Dinner:
quail $28
rack of lamb with rosemary rub $32
crabcakes $32
Grumps
cream of crab soup
crab cake platter (I've only had it in sandwich - too little)
bacon cheese anus burger
make a Grump burger at 5 Guys: sauteed O and M, dijon, swiss, L, T, mayo)
Sam's on the Waterfront
fish and chips (fish A+, chips B+/A-: thin, excellent fries)
TRY:
a. crab cake
b. crab cake sandwich 15
c. brulee 8
d and e: Sunday: 1/2 price wings and 1/2 price Kobe burger
AYC:
arctic char only if white cream sauce
cream of crab soup maybe again
Shake Shack (nearest one: in D.C.)
burger A- (meat B/B+, bun A-/A, plus cucumbers, T, O, shake sauce and mayo)
fries, crinkle B+/A-
Jalapeno
again:
rack of lamb, rubbed with rosemary, over black mole A+
trout sauteed with salsa and herbs on top A+
TRY:
a. Carne Asada: rib eye steak, basted with lemon juice and butter, toped with roasted poblano pepper, Onion, and Tomato
b. Cituleta de cendo: grilled center cut pork chop (not as good as rib cut in general, not served here): marinated with vege and sesame oil, garlic, shallots, peppercorn, honey, and thyme
c. (poblano) chile relleno - get cheese only, at night only (still made as cheese only vs option with chicken and cheese)
d. pescado indio (tilapia - too strong of a freshwater fish): flash fried, crusted with plantain, grilled and served over rice and black bean sauce
e. pescado veracruz (tilapia) sauteed with tomato, pepper and white whine, and something else
Boatyard
TRY:
1. open faced crab dip samich (artichoke, spinach, onion, parm cheese dip, open on ciabatta bread) with melted cheddar and tomatos.
2. key west fish sandwich - mahi, onion kaiser roll, lemon aioli, sauteeed peppers, onion, mushroom, havarti cheese
3. Rastafarian porch chop with Jamacain rub topped with mango chutney, and crab mac & cheese
4. baby back ribs with mango bbq sauce
5. Annapolitan (omelette): 3 eggs, lump crab, chopped tomato, scallion, mornay sauce
6. big fat scallop with black pepper, sugar, salt, pan seared with balsamic reduction
7. Halibut love point, tossed with lump crab and citrus butter
8. "a nice fish sandwich" fresh fillet of day. with lemon pepper, brioche roll, red pepper aioli, lettuce
9. grits
10. reuben: delic corned beef, slaw or kraut, 1k dressing, swiss cheese, panini fried, thick rye
11. shrimp and grits
12. crab benedict with asparagus and tomatoes
13. pepperjack grits (same as grits above?)
14. ribs
15. crab benedict
16. cream of crab soup
Lobster Rolls, Main St.
clam chowder
Annapolis Ice Cream Co.
orange chocolate i.c.
Federal Pub - new for us
cream of crab soup
fish and chips
pecan pie
McGarvey's Pub - new for us
cream of crab soup
key lime pie
fish and chips
pecan pie
at least 2 other downtown pubs, including Dockside:
get same items as above, if have them
Iron Rooster
a. grits again and always!! Gilster Maryland Stoneground is on package. boil with cream and chicken stock and little salt)
b. mixed berry pop tart
c. after 3 pm: COWBOY meatloaf (poached egg with it is gone, after 2016:)
4. cornbread waffle (A+ in 2016)
5. french toast again, this time with brie inside plus bacon candy with it
6. country fried steak (ribeye), after 3 pm
7. bourbon marinated pork belly after 3 pm
8. BLT and E with garlic aioli
9. shrimp and grits again: poached, white wine,T, O, chipotle butter - may be different than before when had it at B+
10. crab hash
11. Run rooster run: bacon, egg, cheddar, brie on bagette
Osteria
had in 2015, and called in 2019 - they still have these:
Chilean sea bass again A (or similar Corvina with orange infused olive oil carmalized into it! plus escarole (with an "a" in Italy - a wilted green, like kale and cabbage)
citrus panna cotta A-
Main and Market
Hungarian mushroom soup with bread A+
herb crusted salmon A
grilled asparagus A
ask for soup of day, normally not cream of crab
choc mousse pie A-
decadant cake B+
Amish Cafe
meatloaf with only ketchup sauce (no gravy) A-
stuffing and gravy B+
dinner rolls (if fresh:) A-/A
Beiler's Bakery
glazed donut A-
blueberry fritter A
apple fritter A
Mission BBQ
Caramel bread pudding (Thanksgiving to end of Dec)
Peach cobbler (May-June)
Stony River
Key Lime pie A-
try:
mushroom meatloaf
ribeye
ribs
trout
Miss Shirley's
crabcake
crabcake benedict (B+ with no muffin; add muffin to make better!)
slider: get only the version with pepper, egg, cheese, spinach A-
coconut challah french toast: leave off cinamon and powdered sugar or put on side!: B+/A-
Crabcake sandwich
Stan and Joe's Saloon
reuben with slaw A
