Sometime in the relatively distant past, there was a restaurant in the Campus Hills shopping center called the Campus Cafe. If my memory serves well, it was an attractive place, with a bar and separate dining room. Pricewise it was on par with other local white tablecloth places and the menu was a relatively simple Maryland bill of fare featuring some pastas, some seafood, and a few steaks. On my one and only visit, I ordered a chicken stir fry that was on the specials board that evening. On tasting the gelatinous glop that was placed before me, I decided that it was time for me to declare war on the Bel Air area dining experience.
I am not a gourmet. I am a food snob. I like food. Actually, I love food. Good food. Food with great taste and texture that contains evidence that the persons who prepared it have a deep connection with what they put on the plate. Or in the basket. Or on a piece of wax paper. Or wrapped in foil.
That evening in Campus Hills made me think, just because we live in exurbia, don’t we deserve food that tastes and looks as good as what one can find anywhere else in this megalopolis that extends from Boston to DC? It’s the same with food packaging. The care and precision that go into preparing exceptional food should be matched by how it’s presented and preserved. That’s why I admire companies like the most professional cartoning machine manufacturer, who ensure products are not only protected but also presented in ways that reflect the quality inside. Attention to detail matters, whether on the plate or in the package.
Living in greater metropolitan Bel Air should not mean that my corned beef sandwich is dry, my pizza reheated, my sub roll soft and mushy. Thus, my future writing here in The Daggerwill be based on the premise that if a local eatery says they are famous for their Philly style cheese steaks, they better look and taste like a Philly cheese steak. Or at least come close. Readers are invited to pipe in whether they agree with or are annoyed by what I have to say. Hopefully, we will all come to some sort of agreement about where and how to grab a great meal without having to travel out of Harford County.
I am going to get things rolling in my next posting by revisiting two local establishments that have the look and feel of a classic New Jersey silver diner and will give you my take on whether they meet my standards for what should be rolling out of the kitchen and onto the table. Please feel free to chime in beforehand if you wish: When you think of diner food, where do you go and why?
Meantime, I will scrounge up some quarters for the table side jukebox after I peruse the pastry case.
I will be interested if you can find any good, non-portion controlled, (ie chainstore grub Chilis, TGIF,Outback, etc,etc,), food WITH taste in the area.
How about a decent cheesestaek sub in Harford County, does it exist?
I await your reports with napkin tucked into my shirt and fork /knife in my hands. Good luck in your quest.
I agree with George re: not too many good quality non-chain restaurants in Harford County. I travel a lot, and thus wonder why does Harford lack gastropubs and/or a winebar that offers outdoor seating.
A gastropub offers high quality food, much of it based on traditional pub grub recipes but better. Gastropubs are becoming more popular in the U.S., opening primarily in urban areas frequented by young professionals. They offer a great selection of alcoholic beverages along with gourmet meals. It would not be unusual to find a microbrewery working out of a gastropub.
Please someone find investors and open up a gastropub to fill the void in Harford County!
for a good cheesesteak at a good price try Sam”s Deli in Havre de Gracei have been going there for years
Best Cheesesteak…Gus’ Pizza in Edgewood.
Best Pizza…toss up-LaCucina and Nonnies in HdG.
Diner/ Greasey Spoon – I can’t say it’s the best but it does the trick, The Bridge Diner.
I agree with Nonnie’s as the best Pizza (their meat lovers is to die for) but I think the best cheesestake is the Musical In in Aberdeen. And by the way, if you want good down home cooking (liver & onions, chicken pot pie, yankee pot roast, etc.) go west on Bel Air Ave in Aberdeen to the end. In travel Lodge is Grumpy’s Bar & Grille. Cookin just like mom’s for a fair price !!!!! They have a good ruben as well. Most of the recipe’s are the owner Vickie’s mother’s.
Route 40 Dinning
Have you actually eaten at Grumpy’s? The food is nasty and the hotel is filled with drug addicts? Quite a combo!
Grumpy Gourmet,
I would be interested in hearing what you have to say about the diner on 40 the just underwent new Management. used to be the old clover leaf,it’s across the street from 7-11 on rt 40 in Aberdeen.
I am going to guess that you haven’t really eaten at Grumpy’s. First off, the hotel and restaurant are two separate entities. The hotel guests, whatever they are have nothing to do with a well run place like this one. There are a lot of regulars who would disagree with you about the quality of the food. A “Joanne’s Cheese Steak” is to die for. If you got nasty food there I would guess that you carried it in.
Gus’s does have great cheesesteak! Sapore di Mare in J-towne has good pizza – thin crust, not a lot of sauce, and good amount of toppings as requested. Pat’s is good too!
Can’t wait for some honest comments about local eats.
I don’t know where I would go for “true” diner food, other than the Bel Loc, which is exactly your point–you need to leave the county. The “diner” that Bel Air has, the Double T, is nauseating to me.
Moved to HDG about eight years ago and was disappointed by the food situation mainly because of the lack of variety (in general though mainly lack of ethnic food) and quality. The grocery store Weis for those used to better and fresher food choices is especially frustrating. I have a special beef (no pun intended) with whoever owns this store as I ate something that was tainted with botulism. They sent me a note in the mail a month later. Freshness is not their forte so check those dates!
Anyway, after eating out quite a bit over the years here is my personal feedback.
MacGregors and Tidewater Grille are very average-nothing really ever bad, but nothing that begs repeating the experience- though I do again and again and again. Shameful since they have the best locations in town.
Laurrapin Grille is consistently excellent in terms of flavor and creativity; everything is fresh and cooked perfectly.
La Cucina has some of the best pizza I have ever tasted and their entrees, if you can afford it, are delicious, and authentically Italian.
Aquatica was amazing and whatever happened is a loss for those who like myself enjoyed every meal. I have never tried Bulle Rock yet, but if the chef is there I certainly will. His food was the opposite of pre-packaged, unfresh etc. so obviously someone has a bit of a personal grudge.
Chiapparellis is a welcome addition as the two other places before were inconsistently average. I don’t appreciate frozen veges ever, but especially when dining at a nice restaurant.
I have frequented all of these places with the exception of the last one repeatedly so my feedback is certainly honest and hopefully accurate. Any comments appreciated.
The best cheesesteak for for flavor and quality is Buontempo Bros. in Bel Air (while lacking in weight/meat, I do prefer flavor/quality). Those picking Gus’, Pat’s and Musical Inn must be picking them based on weight alone, because the quality really lacks at all 3 of those places. On a side note, for those traveling to or through Dover, DE, try Bella Villa – 1053 North Dupont Highway (in the shopping center adjacent to Dover Downs). Their cheesesteak blows away anything in Harford County, and dare I say, even Philly!
On the subject of pizza, Buontempo Bros and Italian Sensation in Bel Air, and Nonnie’s in HdG are my favorites. Once again, not a fan of Gus’ or Pat’s.
I think Slices in the Bel Air Plaza has the best pizza. The sauce is just perfect and they mound it with cheese. We need a Grottos here!
I agree Buontempo Bros does have a pretty good sub. I also think Fritzies serves up a decent cheesesteak. In my opinion, I compare all cheeseteaks to Pizza Johns in Essex. To have a good CS, you gotta have a good,tosted roll, anything else, is just sub par.
I also like the Open Door Cafe. They have some pretty good eats there, when compared to most of the standard, no flavor, Bel Air offerings.
The most nagging question in my feeble mind is, if the food establishments in Bel Air are so average and or tasteless, why is it on any Friday night, you have to wait 1.5 hours to be seated.
Is it because there is nothing else or because we have lost our sense of taste for what good food really is?
I watch the show on the Food network, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and wish that someone would open a quality joint like that here in Bel Air. If the shows producers asked, I really don’t think I could give them a local location to consider. You?
Oh, and for breakfast in Bel Air, my suggestion is Greek Village or the Ball Park. Decent food, good service, reasonably priced.
I really think I am looking forward to reading this column!
Great to see so many comments so far. We will deal with cheesesteaks and pizzas at some point. And the question of why restaurants here are so crowded even if many of us believe the food is nothing special is an interesting one and needs to be discussed as well. For next week though, I would like to keep the discussion limited to diners. What do we expect of a diner and do any local ones live up to those expectations. I will pipe in next week with my take.
Also, as I have given more thought to how this column will develop, perhaps we will also open it up to food in general. Are we getting quality at local markets? Will the opening of Wegman’s raise the bar? Might we see Whole Foods or Trader Joe coming to our area? Have the Kleins changed the supermarket game here by becoming Shoprite?
Oy!!! So much food. And only 24 hours per day to eat.
Musical Inn in Aberdeen has AWESOME cheesesteak subs
I have never had anything other than a very good to great meal at Basta Pasta in the Crossroads shopping center. I also think it is an excellent bargain for all that is included in the price of a meal. I also can highly recommend the moussaka at Piatsa in Edgewood.
We love Basta Pasta. Been to Piatsa and my wife got the moussaka and loved it. The spinich pie was not so hot. Frozen spanikopita at Costco is better.
I totally agree with what your saying. I always find myself LONGING for good food here. I LOVE Clarence’s Cajun food for a good seasoned experience, without the 100’s of people surrounding you. I also have to say that I have not had a great cheesesteak around here either 🙁 so I will be waiting to see what you come up with.
I love the Double T for diner food. And of all the Double Ts and other NJ style diners around, Bel Air’s Double T is the cleanest, friendliest, best priced diner around and has the best food. The quality is always good, the quantity is over sized and the tast is great. For table cloth dining I love Open Door and Scotto’s; sometimes Bone Fish Grill. I would add Liberatore’s but their wait staff needs some serious retraining. (food is good though). The absolute best sub is Tamberino’s and Box Hill has the best crab cake. ‘Have not been to our new Famous Dave’s but hear it is not up to par with the others.
i’ve written a few ‘food reviews’ for the Dagger, with my brother, Guy, and I have to say about 85% of the places mentioned by folks so far in this column are shit holes.
There is much better food in the county than these people give it credit for. The Bridge Diner is a dump, dirty, and not that good. Just up the road from it is the Bayou, which is one of the finest eateries in the county, day in and day out, ask the locals, the ones who’ve supported it for as long as it’s been open.
For breakfast that is unsurpassed in quality and price, and price here is astoundingly reasonable, try Geneva Farms and ditch the Ballpark.
Fritzie’s, now there’s a chiseler for you, fries are burned beyond recognition and when you bring it to the owner’s attention he shrugs and wipes his hands on the apron.
There are other reviews Guy and I have made in Dagger, if you care to, please read them.
We are not snobs, we are just like most folks who go out now and then to eat a good meal, in nice surroundings at a fair price. There is much gouging going on in many restaurants in the county, and that’s a bad mark.
There are also places who add on stuff that you didn’t get, and when you bring it to their attention you are told, “Oh, yes, that’s a mistake, we’ll correct it.”
But how many of us just let it go, and it all adds up to places that rip you off.
And if you’re on a date, or with friends, you don’t want to be the one who pipes up about an overcharge. Well sir, it doesn’t bother me a bit to point it out if folks are padding the bill. And when it happens, they will continue their ploy, until more folks out them. Just sayin’.
Also, in Havre de Grace, a good friend recommended breakfast at the Chesapeake Grill, and it was terrific, again referring to quality and cost.
Guy and I went to Clarence’s in Edgewood a few years ago and it was vapid and tasted like chalk, didn’t get the feeling it was honest to God ‘traditional gumbo’.
Clarance’s used to be very good but lately he doesn’t seem to put any effort into the meals. His formerly excellent sauces are bland at best, bad at worst. We used to be regulars but just stopped going lately.
To paraphrase George Carlin, “You know what New York style deli means? It means you’re not in New York.”
Sams Deli in Havre de Grace makes a really good cheesesteak sub and the best Italian subs. Sams has no seating, you simply walk in, order, pick up and leave. In my very humble opinion, Clarence’s of New Orleans is horrible. I have eaten their twice with my spouse for a total of 4 meals and we weren’t pleased with any of them.
Finally! The one complaint from everyone moving to Maryland from New Jersey is that all the restaurants in Harford are sub par cheap imitations of good eating establishments. In NJ you can drive 10 minutes in any direction and hit five Zagat rated establishments. What many people on this board and in the area don’t understand is what they think is good food is really just either bland, poorly cooked, or improperly seasoned generic food stuffs.
What you really lack in Harford county is proper ethnic establishments run by first or second generation immigrants that really know how to cook and how to serve food because its in their blood. The cuisine is their culture. Nothing makes me more suspect about eating in an Italian restaurant where the wait staff doesn’t even know how to pronouce the menu items and then proceeds to “correct” me when I say it right.
The trend I’ve seen in the area are just a bunch wannabe specialty establishments that have chosen to expand their menus to cater to the “tastes” of the area. For example a true Greek restaurant should not be serving Pizza. Nor should a Chinese restaurant have BBQ ribs on the menu. If I want nasty pizza I’ll get Little Caesers. If I’m in the mood for artery clogging fryer dregs I’ll slide into a KFC.
I look forward to this column and will be sure to point out the highlights to my fellow Northern epicurists for their review. Hopefully we can evolve the local food arguements beyond who has the best crab cakes.
One complaint? Our new New Jersey neighbors complain about everything down here in the “South”. Housing, shopping, traffic, schools, proximity to New York. Since Maryland is so beneath their living standards I often wonder why move at all? Two words.. Government Paycheck. I look forward to you and your Northern epicurist educating me on the topic of “good food”.
Well, Contrarian, you’re right we do have issues with housing, shopping, traffic, roads, etc. But the topic here is food.
Now as far as my “Government paycheck” goes, yes I moved with my job. And if I had ten+ years in as a corporate sellout specializing in products and services unlike any other industry and my company moved its operations to another state, I’d probably uproot my family to follow a good paying stable job (even if it came with a 5% paycut). There’s nothing wrong with being a civil servant and engineering and sustaining high tech products to the service men and woman of this nation. And I’d dare say the lines at all the government job fairs make the statement that many other people would like that government check too.
There’s some talk above about where all the good restaurants have disappeared to. Well, there could be a lot of reasons for a good establishment to go under. The market and tastes may change, the money coming in may drop below viable levels forcing a closure, or the owners might just be ready to get out of the business and no one steps in to take over (or worse the people that takeover change things so much that its “just not the same anymore” and business stops all together.) Now here is where Hardford county has a chance to shine. Those government paychecks from Ft. Monmouth alone amounted to $3 Billion in the NJ state economy. No one’s crying over that increased revenue I’m sure. But we’re decerning connoisseurs and won’t spend our hard earned dollars on substandard food (or service) more than once. So the existing establishments in the area and any new ones have to bring their A game to earn our business. That’s what we call a market shift.
As for my Northern tastes, well, I travel all over this great country (and the world) to earn my government check and I’ve developed a love for foods from all regions of the globe. I’m apt to squeal in delight seeing biscuits and gravy and grits on a breakfast menu as I am to for for a third round of meat at a Brazillian or Portugeuse BBQ. I’ll tuck in for fish and chips, haggis, or baggers and mash as soon as I’ll pick up my chopsticks and sample a expertly prepared plate of sushi and sashimi. Real German Bratwurst? Southern Pit Beef BBQ with a side of sauce? Bring it, and pass the paneer pakora and lamb moglli when you get a chance.
I’d like to challenge the people posting here (and Mr. Schatz) to talk not only about how good the food tastes but how its prepared and served. What are the flavors and ingredients and presentation that make one cheeseteak better than another? Is the service good, fast, and friendly? Or am I going to sacrifice an hour out of my life to grab a lunch special sandwich that’s basically a slice of supermarket ham on white bread with some unidentifiable cheese but claims to be New York Deli quality?
Jerseyboy..”Now as far as my “Government paycheck” goes, yes I moved with my job. And if I had ten+ years in as a corporate sellout specializing in products and services unlike any etc, etc,” One might argue that the DOD and the thousands upon thousands of contractors/subcontrators/sub, subcontractors is in itself a Corporate welfare program. There is a thin line between Corporate sellout and Corporate welfare. Yes, your paycheck adds money to the Maryland economy and you can thank me as a tax paying contributor to your paycheck.
The job fairs mentioned in your post are simply an indicator of 1)the number of unemployed people looking for a job 2)the number of people looking for a better paying job 3)career-change 4)Who wouldn’t want to ride the gravy train?
Fixing the waste, fraud and abuse (I just love that talking point)is beyond your paygrade so I will turn back to the topic at hand. Food.
I am looking forward to an educational and spirited discussion about food. Welcome to the County.
Hey JerseyBoy!
Time to smell the roses. This isn’t New Jersey! Those of us who chose to work and live here made a decision to live in Maryland for a myriad of reasons. Not the least of them for me was that in two tours in New Jersey, I came to dislike the snobby New York bedroom attitudes of the locals. I was at Ft Mushmouth long enough to totally detest the area, its restaurants and God forbid the drivers.
Welcome to Maryland. Become a Marylander or go on back. I for one don’t give a damn one if we lose every single one of you. The long term effect for the Army is that the Signal Corps would finally get some fresh ideas from the new folk who would replace each and every one of you. We welcome the spaces that come with BRAC but the faces are leaving a lot to be desired.
Choice – you were given a choice to either move with your job or lose your job. Chose – you chose to move with your job to the great State of Maryland.
Option – I95N/295N/New Jersey.
You may be somewhat right, but there’s a pretty decent Indian place on 924 in Emmorton. Sizzling Bombay — Medium pricey, but good.
Great, just great. If I wanted this attitude, I’d go to Chowhound
What ever happened to Aquatica? They had a wonderful restaurant with a great wine list on Route 40 just before Havre de Grace. Amazing food, always a delighful meal there. Then they decided to move downtown and go upscale. Bad move! They got dragged down with disputes from the neighbors and couldn’t get a liquor license and just faded from sight. Too bad, one of the great dining experiences in Harford gone. I hope the chef is cooking somewhere, the guy was a food artist.
The owner and head chef of the Aquatica let his arrogance and bullheadednes put him out of business. The price to quality/quantity equation was upside down. You could get a good meal in there but it was never worth the price. That particular chef is now the executive chef at Bulle Rock. If you haven’t been there in a while I would suggest that you not try it now. Charley Lion ran that kitchen and it was simply marvelous. When the Aquatica guy came in Charley left. Less than a month later the food in there ws all prepackaged and pre prepared. You could get a better meal by buying a frozen dinner at Klein’s and tossing it into the microwave. By the way, Charley Lion is now at Magreggor’s in Havre de Grace and I would bet you can really get a good meal in there now.
That’s interesting. I’d always heard that the issue w/the “new” Aquatica was that the condo owners didn’t want a restaurant in that area thinking that it would be loud at night. Never thought that the food wasn’t worth the cost there but just my opinion. It was our favorite place to go actually when it was on Rte 40. Heard that there are a couple similar menu items at Bulle Rock that he had at Aquatica. Would be curious to try and see about the quality firsthand.
What has happened to Bittner’s in Churchville? Used to be a busy place with decent food at a reasonable price. The last few times I was there the service was lacking, the food terrible and the prices were higher. Sign of the times?
When Kay passed away, Bitner’s died with her.
Right! What did happen to Bittner’s?
Many times I traveled from Havre de Grace to Bel Air for a cheese steak sub from the original Maria’s. If you grew up in Bel Air you know the one. It was on Office Street where the courthouse sits now. Then it moved to Benson. Same family for over 30 years ran it. Does anyone know if it is open somewhere else?
Thanks for starting this Paul. I will try something unique and stick to the subject that you introduced. We have 2 diners operating quire well here in Aberdeen. The New Ideal diner has been in the same spot for lots of years and was a favorite stopping point for diplomats on the way from DC to NYC. In its glory days the New Ideal was the place to go for any meal and all important business for Aberdeen was conducted there. The later years have been tough on the New Ideal but you can still get a well prepared meal for a reasonable price. The other has had many different iterations over the years. At one time it was the Clover Leaf and has recently reopened under new management. I have only been in once since it reopened but the food was OK and the prices great. Once the new place gets over the start ups I hope to try it again.
Tamberino’s Pizza & Subs in Hickory has a great cheese-steak sub. I usually go there to eat when in the area.
Buontempo Brothers and Sean Nolan’s are the two best places to eat in Bel Air, and they are right across the street from each other. The rest of the places barring chain establishments around here are awful.
This column should also address the growing trend of rising menu prices and reduced portions or ‘extras’. We keep a folder with carry/take out menus in the house and peruse them from time to time and often there are menus that are several months to a couple years old (because we don’t order often) and when you check the website or make your order the prices have gone up (that’s normal), but when you get the food, the portion is smaller, the sides gone, or the quality reduced. I really started to notice this in the last 2 years as the economy crumbled. I will single out Season’s for example, who opened in the Festival. My wife and I used to enjoy ordering their “check and rib combo” with a couple sides when we lived in Cockeysville. However, at the time (2 years ago) it was $3 cheaper, and when we got the pasta side, the container was half filled with lettuce with pasta on top. The same goes for many other places we have ordered from. It’s only hurting them as we order out even less than before, and Seasons’ is off our list of go-to places. I’ll will give a word of reccommendation for Three Brothers in Edgewood/Abingdon. Pretty decent food, if a little pricey.
I still lament the local eateries that are just a memory now. I’d give anything just to have Reuben’s Susie-Q’s, a burger from the Harvey House, some excellent chinese food from the Four Happiness Inn or french fries with gravy from the Bel Air Bowl. Bel Air is becoming a town of chain restaurants, and that’s a sad thing. I love nothing better than a Mom & Pop place or something that’s just a tad more original. Seems that alot of these chains offer the same menu with a different sign out front.
Best Pizza: Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza on Concord Pike in Wilmington, DE. Keeping with the Route 40 theme and a liitle more local: La Cucina Italian Restaurant on Washington Street in Havre de Grace (geat veal too!).
But absolutely no place can make a cheesestek that can compare to good old Tony Luke’s on Oregon Ave in Philly.
I agree with you Pizza Man, I was trying to stay in this state. 🙂
I like the roast pork and broccli-rabe sub from Tony Lukes, Pat’s and Geno’s are overrated toursit traps. Would’nt it be nice to have a joint like TL’s in Bel Air?
New Jersey in Maryland – We eat at Seasons a lot in the old Bel Air Roller Rink site. Isn’t Seasons out of Jersey? For taste, we like Manny’s pizza next to Giant in Forest Hill. I’ve always wanted to try New Ideal Diner in Aberdeen – it’s been around forever.
forgot this – we were going to try Gus’s in Bel Air but he won’t take pick up orders over the phone. Hopefully he has online ordering by now or he’s gonna lose business, at least mine.
Let’s not forget the food served up by the Greeks in “The Hole” located underneath the Vaughn Hotel. The crab cakes were to die for.
Wargo’s pit beef sandwiches are nothing to sneeze at either.
How about Cinelli’s Subshop in HDG? Remember that place? The subs were enormous, and reasonable in price, too.
I remember Cianelli’s Sub Shop…my Grandmother & Grandfather owned it …..I have alot of memories from the late sixties and early seventies there at the shop….the best subs ever !
Hi Jersey Guy…
don’t listen to the NJ haters, I moved here from NY 15 yrs ago…the folks here just bitch – no matter what, they need someone to beat up on, it’s just easy to beat up on you now with so many coming, but it’s like that anywhere – I’ve moved a lot and will be again soon.
Personally I like Fortunato’s Pizza I think there’s one in Bel Air, I go to the one in Edgewood. A Wegman’s supermarket is going up soon, I used to go to the one in Timonium because they had “NY” food…
good luck and no worries…maybe if enough NJ folks don’t like the food here they will open a “NJ” restaurant…wait and see how many MD’ers go to it…you can’t deny NJ/NY food is excellent and everyone loves good food.
Why doesn’t anyone ever admit that there are plenty of lousy restaurants in NJ/NY? When you have more to choose from, there’s going to be more good ones, but also more dumps.
And with your attitude (“the folks here just bitch – no matter what, they need someone to beat up on”), I hope you move on quickly.
My thoughts exactly Phil. In tow tours of one year each at Fort Mushmouth I had some absolutely lousy meals and some really great ones. The best every time was a diner in Neptune. I still think we have the right mix for the current demographic her in the County. If you’re looking for high end classy (pricey) with big plates and little food yo can go to Baltimore, DC, or Philadelphia. If you want a memorable, good meal, reasonable price meal try Joseph’s or slightly out of the County Williamsburg Inn. By the way the same family who owned and operated the New Ideal owned the Williamsburg at one time.
There are great, no chain places all over the County and we don’t need to cross the Delaware to get a great meal.
Ahh, Chinese Food! Bel Air used to be a Chinese Utopia with Four happiness, Young China, and The Silver Palace. But all we have for good Chinese food is Kim Wah. More’s the pity.
I think Young China was the best we had, and I do agree with Kim Wah as the best of what we have now.
It’s not in Harford County, but if you want a good cheesesteak, check out The Real Thing in Towson. The owner used to work at Geno’s in Philly, and the cheesesteaks are perfect! Real nice guy too.
The place is right across from Towson Commons. Just a hole in the wall joint, but well worth the trip.
I love the Real Thing. It was better when I worked in Towson. Now I am in Perry Hall and it is a little further to go for lunch. Try Cafe Italia next to the 7-11 on Pleasantville Road in Fallston. The guy says their rolls come from Philadelphia. Different from the Real Thing but very, very tasty.
I’ve had a cheesesteak from The Real Thing years ago, and it was realy good. Too bad the place is in Towson. I’d have to say the best local cheesesteak is Tamberino’s. And I love their hot turkey platters. When I was a kid, I lived for Read’s Drugs hot turkey sandwich with a cherry Coke. Those were the days . . .
What no mention of Kresge’s or White Coffe Pot??
Don’t forget Ginos for a Gino Giant. I hear someone just opened a new Ginos in King of Prussia PA……ROADTRIP!
The best Chinese and sushi in the county is Chopstix in Forest Hill. No comparison to anything else in the county.
I agree, and they recently got their liquior license, good for them.
Other old eateries from Bel Air’s past; Poland’s Lunch Counter, Richardson’s Drug Store, Kenmore Inn, and Hickory Inn.
Cafe Italia in next to the 7-11 on Pleasantville Road has one of the best cheesesteaks in the area and I love my steak subs.
They also have the most God-awful crab cakes I have ever had anywhere. Inedible.
I am looking forward to learning about all the “Local” eateries in HC. I’ve been looking for a good locally owned place, tired of the generic food-in-a-box type places.
Having lived in Harford County for all of my 29 years, and the following is my “Best Of” list for Harford County:
Chinese Food: Lee’s Hunan in Aberdeen
Cheesesteak Subs: Buontempo Bros. on Main Street in Bel Air
Panini’s: Noni’s Brick Oven Pizzeria in Havre de Grace, MD
Homestyle Dinners: Mami’s Cafe in Aberdeen
Sushi: Toki Sushi in Bel Air
Pizza: La Cucina’s in Havre de Grace
Italian: The Olive Tree in Aberdeen
Lunch/Lite Fare: Ritz Cafe in Havre de Grace
Pub Food: Coakley’s in Havre de Grace & Sean Bolans in Bel Air
I’d also recommend Red Pump Cafe in Havre de Grace for general, all-around good carry-out eats. They’re very affordable and have some uncommon things on the menu, like pork kebabs and fried eggplant as a side item. Their pit beef isn’t bad either, for not being true pit beef. Great little often-overlooked place to eat, IMO.
Just one foodie’s humble opinion.
I meant to say that Red Pump Cafe is in Bel Air, not HdG, sorry!
Judging by the responses here, minus a little off topic neighborhood bickering, it sounds to me that the folks here in HC are jonesin for some decent quality eats as well as discussion and interaction. I am looking forward to the column and up coming discussions. I would like to see someone,(hint, hint), like the Dagger, set up a forum for Harford County Foodies. There could be sections there for the different kind of foods offered, whos the best, the worst, whos service sucks, who is over priced, best ethnic, etc. There could be a section on Farmers Market selcetions, whats in season, best roadside stand. A recipe section, both looking for and posting what you have made that is good. A question and answer section, “how much beef do I need for 26 guests?” etc. Caterers, carryouts, cooking classes could all have a section with folks telling what they like and dont like about the various topics. There could even be an “out of town section” where people could post favorite joints they have visited while traveling. If you are going somewhere, you could ask the readers what is a good place to visit. I know I would be a regular reader, there already are several posts here that have me ready for a roadtrip to give a new place a try. What say you?
I’m new to town. Where’s the best cup of coffee? I usually grab mine at Wawa’s. Sometimes at Royal Farm.
I live near the Ballpark. Not that impressive. The missus and I are quite fond of HdG’s Laurrapin Grille: Not too pricey, not too loud, and not the same fare everyone else offers; besides, it’s good. Used to like La Cucina; concerned it’s getting overpricey. Also fond of The Lodge in Hickory. Picked up a huge bottle of odd Belgian beer with dinner one night: nice touch. Can get rather loud at times; but the food’s very good.
I really miss WAWA coffee from Main Street in Bel Air. The coffee was great and the place was always busy.
Unfortunately, WaWa stores are investing in locations that can provide areas for gas pumps. I used to frequent the HdG Wawa on Juniata, until it was abruptly closed and replaced by a M&P convenience store (which in my opinion, never measured up to the quality of WaWa). From what I remember, there wasn’t much notice to their long time employees either. Here today; gone tomorrow.
I like anything from Silver Spring Mining Co., and I also agree about The Lodge, Coakley’s, the Bayou, and Basta Pasta.
And Golden Schezuan in Bel Air Town Center, and Lee’s Hunan in Beards Hill for Chinese!
To Regulardude123
Have you not been to Pairings or Open Door? Where have you been?
And that is only 2
Thanks for the reco’s Kathy, haven’t been to these places, but willing to check them out. I was recently at Silver Spring Mining Co., mediocre at best food with POOP quality service. (sorry if that offends anyone) The waitress did not return with my change, despite walking past me for 10 minutes. When I inquired, she forgot I even paid. 2nd time I wasn’t pleased there. Agree with comments about the Lodge, decent chow/beer selection; Coakley’s is way overrated, loud, trashy clients and mediocre service. Haven’t been to Bulle Rock lately or McGregors.
I appreciate everyone’s reviews of where to eat.
My friends and I have a good relationship with the waiters and bartenders at Silver Spring in the bar area, so they always take care of us with freebies in addition to the cheap deals on nights like Wed and Tues, with ribs specials, and on Wed night in the bar only they have a specialty pizza appetizer thats to die for. I like how they do their chicken magothy sandwich, and I LOVE their grilled chicken salad with peppercorn parmesean dressing!
I think it depends on who your waiter is, and what you are looking to get out of it that makes a difference.
I’m sure Gary Rissling owner of Silver Spring Mining Co. appreciates his staff giving you “freebies” and you accepting them. Maybe you should ask Gary if it’s alright with him?
I have worked in other bars, and many establishments allow the bartenders to occassionally give out a free shot or beer or what have you to a select few guests each week.
We spend hundreds of dollars per montht there on food and drink (probably $250 to $300), so I dont feel bad for accepting maybe $20 worth of free shots and beers a month.
I didn’t think of it from a stealing perspective, like I said having worked in the bar/restaurant scene before its not unusual for an owner or manager to allow some “promo/freebie” allowance $ to the bar staff to increase the # of and keep regular guests.
If this is not the case there, I am sorry to hear that, but I am not sorry for “accepting” them like I am a criminal.
But you don’t know whether or not Gary Rissling approves of the “freebies” now do you?
Freebies are no big deal. All good bartenders know how to take care of customers. After all, they receive at least $.50 to $1.00 tip for a beer, which is about 25% or more. Waiters/Waitresses make an average 15% – 20%. The least the bartender can do is take care of a good customer.
Getting back to Silver Spring Mining Co., if you guys really know “Gary Rissling,” please let him know some on his waitstaff need more training.
In many restaurants, the waitresses give a portion of their tips to the bartender…for obvious reasons.
As a former manager of SSMC, I wanted to clarify the rules regarding “freebies”, better known to management as the table in the computer named “Promo”. When a staff member wants to buy a table or guest a drink (no food), they are required to ring up whatever the drink is under Promo. Servers can’t access the check without manager approval, but bartenders have access. Managers are required to frequently check the total on the Promo check against the sales % for that business day, and close it out at their discretion. Gary encourages promos (within reason of course) and uses it himself on a daily basis. I hope this clears up any theft concerns for you 🙂
To HarCoResident:
I was particularly disregarding those two Chinese restaurants. Gross! AND no selection.
I know a few other people on here mentioned Lee’s, and based upon how busy it always is, I doubt it is that gross or whatever you think.
Golden Schezuan has a huge menu!….like 6 double-sided pages with 20 items per side of the page….I mean thats including the one drinks page and the soups and sides page…..but I would say it has atleast 75-100 menu entree selections….?
No, it is not a Zagat-rated Chinese authentic restaurant in either case, but for places that offer a somewhat decent, cozy, quiet place to eat compared to Grand Buffet at the Festival!…I pick either of these two.
Once again, trying to stay with the subject introduced by Paul: I had breakfast at the recently reopened Vancheri’s in Havre de Grace. Vancheri’s has been around since the beginning of time. The big differences from the former to the present are: 1) the lunch counter is gone and the single grill has been replaced with a kitchen. The second big difference is that you can’t write your name in the grease on the windows anymore. The food this morning was tasty, inexpensive, more than adequately sized and extremely well served. Although technically not a diner, this place, which only offers breakfast and lunch fits that category better than any other.
I would suggest that everyone try this place on Union Ave. The owners, Becky and Carroll Fitzgerald are the owners of the Lantern Queen and have expanded their realm to include Vancheri’s. I will certainly be going back soon.
Dave, are they on Washington Street? Interesting how HDG has managed to keep an old time local place alive. You would hope or thing that there would be at least one lunch counterish place in Bel Air.
Vancheri’s is on Union. It’s across and slightly below the old Ken’s Steak House. The other really great thing about this place is the ability to run into and mix with the Havre de Grace old timers. You will be entertained.
Cafe D’Italia in Fallston (Pleasantville Rd) makes excellent, simple, fresh Italian.
I remember CIANELLI’S SUB SHOP too. Camila would ALWAYS send me home from the shop with a paper sandwich bag filled to the top with candy for free. My mother would get so mad at her and say your gonna rot his teeth out. She would look at me with a smile and reply they’re just his baby teeth. I am now 32 years old and everywhere I go people read my last name and mention the shop. Even in NYC. I am so proud to be a Cianelli. There is now a new edition to our family, Ethan Thomas Cianelli. Born on March 30, 2011.