Address: 209 S. Talbot St, Saint Michaels, MD 21663, Email: [email protected], Phone: (410) 745-8005

Please follow us on Gab, Minds, Telegram, Rumble, Truth Social, Gettr, Twitter

The springs and falls in Talbot County are especially remarkable for days of what most people would consider perfect weather, with clear blue skies, breezes, and a temperature not too hot or cold, but warm enough to eat outside. On such a day, the day before Mother's Day, my daughter and I decided to try a new St. Michaels restaurant, new to us anyway, about which we had heard many good things. The site is one which has had many incarnations so in some ways we had indeed eaten there before, but not under the present ownership.

We arrived around 5:30, a little before the dinner rush. A harried server met us at the door, asking if we had a reservation, which we did not. She apologized, saying it was a busy night and the hostess had not yet arrived. I said we would be happy to sit up at the bar. Then suddenly she led us to a table in a small alcove near the door, where there was a huge opened window, so that it was almost like being on a screened-in porch. I thanked her for what to me was a perfect table, and we ordered our drinks.

My daughter had a mocktail called a Spicy Hibiscus Fizz. I started out with a Prickly Pear Spritz, very refreshing. We ordered a giant pretzel as an appetizer, which reminded me of the breads of Germany and Austria. It came with a beer cheese dip which, along with the pretzel, would have fed me for days as a single person.

Even as we realized that we would never be able to finish the pretzel, the server appeared and we had it boxed. I must say that our server and everyone working there was very attentive, and even the manager came around to make sure we were pleased with the fare. And I had told no one that I was writing a review.

Anyway, we ordered our main courses. My daughter ordered a mac and cheese with lobster, which ended up being exactly what it purported to be.

I have no idea how good it was because it was rapidly devoured with great alacrity before I could ask for a bite. Meanwhile I had ordered the Tavern Smash Burger. It was tasty as well. The fries accompanying it were real, that is, made from real potatoes, and crispy.

As you see, it was served upon a tray, not a plate, quite casual, although silverware and cloth napkins were at hand, if needed. After we finished most of our food, we ordered dessert. I decided to forgo dessert and sample another cocktail. This time I asked to try the Empress Martini and it more than compensated for renouncing dessert.

The dessert my daughter ordered was worth the price of admission in itself. It was some kind of raspberry cheesecake, very rich and creamy. I confess to having a few bites.

I must say that the price of a hearty meal is twice what it was ten years ago, but that cannot be helped in this economy, with restaurants failing up and down the street. We are just glad that great chefs are still willing to take a chance on St. Michaels. Please do stop by the Talbot Street Tavern. It is one of the few places around here opened past 10 pm, if you happen to be out and about and want to stop for a nightcap.

‘NO AD’ subscription for CDM!  Sign up here and support real investigative journalism and help save the republic!