Dining@Large: Finally, the Maggie's review - Elizabeth Large blogs about memorable meals, dining trends, comings and goings on the restaurant scene and more.

I know you've been waiting all week for this one. Our Shallow Thought Wednesday guru John Lindner, as promised, reviews Maggie's. Here's John. EL

I’ve been wrestling with how to accurately describe Maggie’s in Westminster.

Based on my first meal there, a dinner, I’d have called Maggie’s Carroll County’s Peter’s Inn, lighter on the inventiveness, but with gloriously more seating and decidedly less corner in its bar. Oh, and let’s not forget, plentiful convenient parking. ...

An alleged McDaniel College hangout, Maggie’s vibe consistently strikes me more as local stronghold where middle-age regulars rule.

And after several visits, I suspect the regulars are a forgiving bunch. My meals there have ranged from remarkable to merely commendable – which ain’t bad, but Maggie’s tempts me to expect more.

But who cares? This is one of the best restaurants I’ve found in Carroll County. It is not impeccable, nor does it strive to be. It’s menu doesn’t overreach nor is it timid.

Ambience: Like Peter’s, its interior wears aristocratic decrepitude like an old hunting jacket -- proudly, but not loudly. Along with a formal dining room and informal bar seating, you have two outdoor dining areas: one a parking lot vista, the other abutting but not exactly open to a sidewalk. While I haven’t seen anyone light up, tables in the parking lot dining area included ashtrays. How rebel-forces is that?

Service adds to the family vibe. I saw one waitress sharing photos of the kids with a couple at another table; I’ve seen others greet patrons with hugs.

In the past two visits we had the same server; she was competent and came with a working clutch – knowing when to engage and disengage our table.

Maggie's is more than the sum of her parts. Her food stars blink: 2 1/2 one day, 3 or higher the next. But throw in climate, service, and setting, and Maggie’s is a trustworthy stop and an even better hangout if you can return often enough to work your way into its gestalt, and vice versa.

I’d take Bucky and the indomitable Mrs. Bucky there should they find room in their schedule. Nuff said.

Comments

jl, that is one sweet piece of writing.

Posted by: Laura Lee | July 1, 2009 10:01 AM

(standing ovation)

Posted by: Eve | July 1, 2009 10:40 AM

I've never thought of Maggie's as a college hangout either. It is on the other side of Westminster from McDaniel. I really don't know if there are any college hangouts in Westminster. When I was in college, the guys I knew who went there usually did their bar-hopping in Fells.

Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | July 1, 2009 10:54 AM

Again, jl, I am in awe of the way you wield words.

Maggie's sounds like a perfect place...I'm going to have to rethink my itinerary, deleting two stops and adding Maggie's with you and the Hamilton Tavern with the good professor.

Ummmm...

Posted by: Bucky | July 1, 2009 11:05 AM

Posted by: Bucky | July 1, 2009 11:06 AM

Posted by: Bucky | July 1, 2009 11:07 AM

Great job, jl! I agree with Bucky.

Posted by: PCB Rob | July 1, 2009 12:48 PM

Maggie's is like my Cheers on Friday nights and often through the week. Crabcakes are phenom. And yes, servers are smart and give this restaurant a family feel.

Posted by: Joyce Muller | July 2, 2009 9:39 AM

Mr. L, I probably won't drive all the way to Westminster just to sample Maggie's, but I surely do love your masterfully done review. Job well done!

Posted by: Dottie | July 2, 2009 11:26 PM

Maggie's a Great Place to
Relax, Meet Friends, Dine and
Unwind. I feel your review
demonstrates those characteristics. That is what we are about. Thank you for
your comments. Jim

Posted by: Jim Breuer | July 3, 2009 10:30 AM

July 1, 2009

Finally, the Maggie's review

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