The Diamondback Tavern in Ellicott City gets a positive post from guest blogger Robert of Cross Keys on Dining at Large. He talks up the "testudo" -- a sandwich with pulled pork, sauteed bananas, onion, and avocado that someone had mentioned to me. (Although I can't find the comment now.)
To date, I have gotten mixed, although pretty skeletal, reports on the Diamondback like these. I have a Restaurants.com coupon to use.
If you're adventurous enough for the testudo, consider other unusual sandwiches like the bulgogi panini at Riverside Coffee.
4 comments:
Their shepherd's pie is the worst implementation of the dish in history. In fact, it may be the worst implementation of any entree, ever.
I've been there twice. I found the restaurant is better than the food, if that makes sense. The food wasn't bad, and I like their commitment to local ingredients, but I haven't found the food to be particularly memorable either. Below is the review I left on TripAdvisor after our first time:
"I was kind of nervous about the location, tucked onto a windy street in Ellicott City's historic Main Street, particularly since we had my elderly mother with us. But dropping her off proved to be no problem at all, nor was finding convenient parking in the lot across the street. The dining room was booked for a private event, but the bar area proved to be very pleasant and had roomy seating. Our server/bartender Dustin was very knowledgeable and charming throughout the evening. They have a good draft selection including popular and local favorites. My wife was pleased to see they had Scotch eggs and was sure to order some for an appetizer. My mother commented on the fresh onion rings and was informed that almost everything was made in house. My mother enjoyed her flaky fish and chips (is everybody serving them with just one large fillet now?) My wife really enjoyed her savory brisket sandwich. I wish I had enjoyed my meal. I ordered the Low Country Shrimp and Grits. The grits were buttery and had a good texture, but the shrimp had tough skin. Perhaps that is how they are supposed to come out in this particular dish, but I just felt like they had spent too long under a heat lamp. So my dish may not have been great, but when we go back next time, I'll order something else, because we enjoyed the entire experience enough that we want to spend more time exploring their menu."
Agreed. Been there several times. Was great when they first opened. Food was fresh. Interesting menu. So I had high hopes. But since then, food has gotten progressively worse. We won't be going back.
I too had a restaurants.com coupon and took the family on a Wednesday night. I was disappointed. It's not that the restaurant was all bad - it has a number of very good points, but it's so uneven as to be frustrating.
+) Very well decorated - comfortable chairs, nicely laid out.
-) No one ever came to the reception desk in the entrance. I had to hunt down the bartender
+) A very nice wine/beer list
-) Our waiter seemed to be the only one on duty and he was distractable. He gave us menus, but no kids menus and no specials menus - I had to ask for them.
+) The crab dip appetizer was really good. The Edamame was good as well.
-) Our waiter took so long to get back to us after we ordered drinks and appetizers that the appetizers came out before we had ordered our entrees
+) My son lvoed his Italian sub
-) My fish & chips was horrible - greasy and bland at the same time.
+) My daughter liked her burger
-) A side of spinach was drowned in wine flavor.
-) Waited 15 minutes for the waiter to bring the check.
My wife summed it up by saying: The service was overwhelmed and the kitchen is trying too hard and should just stick to plainer tavern food.
There are plenty of other pubs/taverns in this area - give this one a miss.
Post a Comment