I came here on a whim with my husband. I've frequented businesses in this area and was always curious when I've seen people walk in and Friday night I finally had the opportunity to check it out! We walked in and felt welcomed immediately. The restaurant is unassuming from the exterior but when you walk in, you're in for a treat. We decided to sit at the bar, and it was just the vibe we needed. Low-key but friendly. Drinks: We arrived at the tail end of happy hour, which is two dollars off select drinks. We got two glasses of wine. Food: My husband got a Caesar salad and I got a house salad for starters. They were both good. I ordered the bacon and crab pasta, which was hearty. My husband got the salmon, which he also enjoyed. It's definitely a cute date spot or place to eat with the family. There's something for everyone. read more

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Allison's is your quintessential locally-loved family restaurant - good eats, intimate settings, and sweet customer service! Admittedly, the first time I visited Allison's, I didn't have high hopes - I originally wanted to go next door to Mamma (Nonna) Angela's for my Italian craving, but the group I was with was adamant about coming here instead. Well, I'm glad they did, because everything I had here was five stars and then some! From the bread, pasta, steak to the seafood, everything that graced my pretty little lips here was delicious (and served in huge portions)! I've now been to Allison's three times, and every time I come back, the offerings seem to get even better. I also appreciate how cheap the drinks here are - under $10 for a glass of wine outside of happy hour? Sign me up please! But seriously though, if you're looking for a solid spot to grab some yummy Italian (and American) fare while on your way to Waugh Chapel to go shopping, I definitely recommend Allison's Restaurant. read more

Cute little Italian spot. Gentlemen who sat us was charming. Waitress was new and couldn't recommend anything on the menu. Ended up getting spaghetti. It was okay. My spouse got the lemon dish and that was yummy. Waitress didn't fill up bread or drinks which was not cool but we gave her a pass since she was new. Over all good. Ambiance was nice. read more

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Finished a long day at Six Flags and was sick of eating overpriced fried food. Found Allison's online, called ahead and they graciously squeezed our party of 8 in, last minute on a Saturday evening. Food was AMAZING! I highly recommend the fried mozzarella and the marinara sauce was some of the best I have EVER had! So fresh and bright. I had braised beef ravioli special and it was delicious with the perfect amount of spice! My daughter loved the meat sauce. We had cannolis, profiteroles, and strawberry ice cream pie and there wasn't a single bite left!! Prices were amazing!! We fed 8 people, 2 appetizers, and 3 desserts at it was $200. Highly recommend!! Super friendly waitstaff, too!! read more

It's a small place with a big game! I love everything I eat here...lasagna, lemon chicken, beef tips, and Shrimp Provençal. Don't miss this restaurant! read more

Nice service, delicious lemon chicken and pasta. Restaurant ambiance was so so. It was dark and looked a bit tired.

I had the shrimp, crab and artichoke with pasta. It was excellent. The breading on the mozzarella sticks was perfectly light. The service was excellent. read more

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The Mrs and I have been waiting to visit Allison's restaurant for awhile and finally got our chance. Having read previous reviews, I wasn't turned off by the strip mall. It's not visually appealing, especially considering what you get once you enter those doors, but it's not nearly as bad as some reviews made it seem. Inside however? Wow. Allison's is definitely a hidden gem. The restaurant is clean, with a wonderful ambiance. Allison's has an extensive wine menu, but the real MVP is the food. I had the Cajun pasta, which came with italian sausage, grilled shrimp over penne pasta and a delicious cream sauce. All I can say is m: WOW. My GF had chicken limone, which was equally delicious. Throw in the fact that I had fried green tomatoes as an appetizer, and a deliciously citrus South African wine that paired excellently with our meals... Allison's will definitely be seeing me again. read more

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Didn't know what to expect when invited there. Was so pleasantly surprises. Our dinners were wonderful. Our server told us she was brand new & she was great. Can't wait to go back. Reasonable prices as well. read more

Food is outstanding. Very authentic. Nice local place to eat, family friendly. I recommend read more

Good Italian and other options at reasonable prices. Service very good. Ambiance good.

The cornbread was very good as was the Reisling we ordered, though it was very difficult to open up the wine bottle. We volunteered to do so as the lovely (but overwhelmed) server could not. As it turns out it did not have a cap nor was it a corked bottle. Very odd - might have been a manufacturer defect. But that's hardly the restaurants fault. What was however, was the oyster platter. I am a seafood lover and I probably had over 100 oyster platters in my life - Im in my 50s so I'm not exaggerating. And this was by far the worst one I've ever had. Tasteless over cooked small oysters - only 5 - although that turned out to be fine because of how bad they tasted. And it was served with a very small serving of bland coleslaw also. Who skimps on coleslaw? I thought that was weird too and had hoped maybe it's taste could offset the disappointing oysters but no such luck. The French fries were fine but you don't go out to dinner for French fries, right? And you may be thinking, well why would you order seafood at a non seafood restaurant? I did because it was a featured special that so I reasoned that it could not be bad, even if not great. I was wrong. The only reason we went to this restaurant was because the very good Nonna Angela's in the same strip mall had an hour wait. But if you go, know that the clam chowder (soup if the day) was ok as are the desserts - at least the two we had. The cannoli from Vacarros was actually very good. Maybe the trick there is to just eat the cornbread abs get dessert! That's why I have a 3 star rating not 1. And maybe more basic food there is better as there are some very good reviews here. But an entree as bad as the oyster platter was bad should never be served, never mind be featured an evening "special." read more

Hmm monthly dinner with the male parental and we need to try something new! Neither of us are wanting any chain, so I check out thee YELP to help a chica out. So Allison's is located in this random strip mall, you can't see if from the main road, but if you see a BK you have hit the right spot. The place is unassuming, and you would have no idea what to expect just by looking on the outside. The place is quaint, and it wasn't too crowded. They appear to have specials pretty regularly, and they looked delish. The menu is fair sized, it changes for lunch/dinner. Service was prompt, and attentive. Bread basket had some sort of herb bread and this bomb cornbread. I loved it's sweetness, just the way I think it should be. On this night I ended up with fettuccine Aurora, that has shrimp, lump crab, spinach and artichokes in a pink sauce. The dish was a perfect size, the proteins were plentiful, and it was seasoned nicely. Here is the goof, I totally ordered something else! I ordered the Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage and somehow got this. The funny thing is I didn't care because it was just so good! My dad ordered the Chicken Limone which he said was just as good. He totally cleared his plate. Pretty cool neighborhood spot, I'd definitely come back and try something else, probably the specials! read more

Allison's Restaurant - Fettucine Aurora - New American Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

Absolutely super food and staff. The atmosphere is very pleasant quiet. Very clean. The food is super.

Went to Allison's because it was geographically desirable and we heard their Lasagna entree was supberb. How wrong we were. After being seated in a claustrophobic child care dining room a very inexperienced waitress took our drink orders. Wine and bread was good. The pink (aurora) sauce was no more than a broth. No color or thickness. When asked if this was the Aurora sauce the waitress said thats how the chef makes his sauce. The lasagna entree was nothing but a bowl of red sauce with cheese on top. One noodle floating. Had to eat with a soup spoon. Never Again. read more

The service was good. Servers nice and food was fine. Not an exceptional experience but I will go again. Nothing negative just average. read more

You won't be disappointed! Always delicious and always great service! Tonight we had the fried green tomatoes for an appetizer. I had my usual lasagna which is served hot and the layers are portioned evenly and seasoned perfectly. They include a side of sautéed carrots, mushrooms and onions that are addictive. My Husband got the chicken parm which he said was great! Then there's the bread... treat yourself and get the bread! We appreciate C and the other waiter for exceptional service! read more

A delicious meal, which has a homecooked taste & feel, at a reasonable price is a rarity these days. Allison's Restaurant should be supported & cherished for this reason. read more

Best restaurant in Crofton, Maryland! ...yeah, I said it. This place is a guaranteed good meal. Don't let the old shopping mall scare you off. This is a diamond in the rough, my friends. I ordered the penne alla vodka special which was pretty good. My mom's dish was the salmon which was excellent! So tender. Our waiter made our meal exquisite, he was so attentive & thoughtful. Our mealtime was even running a bit over their working hours but he offered for us to stay as long is it took. I would return for another meal here in a heartbeat. This place deserves all the awards. read more

Allison's Restaurant - Lemme alla vodka - New American Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

Haven't been in couple of years. Cute place. Very good food every time we went. Miss Them. Hopefully can go back again soon. read more

One of the best places I have ever eaten. Food is incredible. Service is always amazing. How is this place not constantly packed? Literally have not ever had a bad experience. EVER. read more

Stopped in for dinner before going to the bowling alley. If you sit in the bar area they have another menu just for the bar. I ordered the spaghetti carbonara if your a carbonara fan this is the place you need to try. The first time I got this it was good but this time it was even better has lots of bacon and garlic with some onion chucks that are awesomely good. The only thing that could probably top it would be to add a few peas to the dish. And if you are thinking about desert get the lemon cake it is very moist. read more

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Allison's is a small family operated Italian restaurant. The food is outstanding. We had the house lasagna and the fettuccine Aurora. Both were outstanding. The fettuccine Aurora had 5 very large shrimps, crab, spinach and artichokes. All were balanced well. The lasagna was the cheeeeeeeesest I have ever had. It was rich and flavorful. Definitely a winner. The bread was good too. The cornbread was very dense but still moist. Service was excellent. Matt was wonderful. read more

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Honestly fuck Bill H. Allison's is a great spot food is delicious. If you hadn't had the carbonara do yourself a favor.

Oi my belly! We have been meaning to try out this place for literally years. Sorry we only got around to it now. Friendly and helpful service but not overly so. The food was really good and reasonably priced as was the wine. My husband's spaghetti and meatballs was standard he said. But my fettuccine with jumbo lump crab and bacon was very flavorful and yummy. The only issues was not really jumbo lump--or it was and it was shredded and chopped up so tiny and not very much of it. They're better off describing as with crab and bacon because when you say "jumbo lump", I expect jumbo pieces of crab. The other issue was they didn't give me bread...and my husband's garlic bread was so darn good that we asked for more so I could sop up the goodness in my pasta dish. So of course we ordered the limoncello cake and chocolate mousse cake to go. Had bites of both and they're good. We'll be back! read more

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Food was pretty great. Chicken Limone was on point. Would definitely venture back. Service was a little slow because it was so jam-packed but it was worth the wait. Waiters were pretty good as well. Food was delicious plus bread to munch on while you wait!!!! Would definitely come back. read more

Allison's Restaurant - Chicken Limone - New American Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

This place is simply amazing. I've tried several items on the menu, but the "chicken limone" is my go to order. I also tried the tomato and crab soup which was equally delicious. The lighting in the restaurant is just right. Love this place! read more

Allison's Restaurant - Chicken Limone - New American Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

Really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. The service was great and everything was nice and clean during COVID.

Small place located in a strip mall along with a Rite Aid and Burger King. The strip mall is on the part of Defense Highway that intersects with Rt. 301/Rt.3. There is more than enough parking available in the lot. The decor is plain yet intimate. The service is typically prompt and attentive. The menu is somewhat limited BUT from the appetizers to the entrees and desserts, everything is cooked with a lot of care and attention to detail. They may not have 100 things to choose from but they have mastered the menu options that exist. - Their fried mozzarella is very tasty and nice sized. - Steak and cheese sub is obviously not authentic but a cleaner and more balanced sandwich with nice flavors. Steak is tender and well seasoned - The Chop House Salad and Chicken Grill and Fried Brie Salad are both money. Nice portion sizes, fresh veggies, perfectly prepared chicken......soo wonderful! Healthy eating tastes great! - The lasagna is one of the best I've had. Probably better than my mom's (and if my mom knew how to use a computer she'd read this and kill me). Great flavors working together in perfect harmony. The chef knows how to season his food. While this spot is garnering more attention, it's still very much a hidden gem. Bonus: They usually have coupons floating around in the local paper as well as on their website. Great food plus savings? Yes please! read more

THEY have some of the best food in Maryland. Incredible service and Food and the cost point is amazing. Small and Quaint place with a BIG Time Menu with great variety. The bartenders are quick to suggest specials and they cogently explain the menu. Give this place a try you will not be disappointed. Salute to Chef Jim and his team. read more

I want so badly to give this place 5 stars because everything was so wonderful, from the service to the food, BUT I got food poisoning and if you've ever had it you know how I feel. I ordered the basil pesto pasta with sausage and shrimp and am sure that's what made me sick. My husband ordered the chicken Parmesan and hasn't had any problem - and both were delicious! I tried it get him to try mine multiple times, but thank good he was too full from his! We also shared fried mozzarella and a side salad. We went for Mother's Day and the staff was wonderful. We also brought my 8 month old daughter and they were so nice to her and she was well behaved so that helps too. I know food poisoning is rare, so I would certainly still recommend. Unfortunately I don't think we will be back though, as I'm sure you could understand why! read more

Allison's Restaurant - Fried mozzarella - New American Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

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My friend and I wanted to try a new place for dinner last night, so we found this place on Yelp and decided to check it out. I think they're somewhat new, so I would come back to try them again. I wouldn't say there was anything wrong with our experience last night, but we also weren't wowed. The sever was very friendly, but everything was "amazing" or "so good" and "delicious" and we felt her raves didn't meet out expectations. The crab and tomato soup was literally tomato soup with lump crab meat. The friend green tomatoes were pretty thin and really fried and the pasta dishes were just pasta. Nothing crazy about them, although they were both good. We got lot of bread, but no extra butter when we asked for it (twice) and it was a little concerning to see one of the waitresses disappear with our bread basket & reappear with it, by entering and exiting a door marked "Restrooms" I asked her about it and she said the door lead to the restrooms but also connected to the kitchen. Might want to think about relabeling the door though... Lastly, once my card was swiped and the bill returned for me to sign, I wasn't given a pen, and there was no one to be found for quite some time, until I could get one. Kind of vital to end the transaction at the end of the meal. read more

Pretty damn good for the area. It is a fairly small establishment in a mediocre looking strip 'mall' But the outside doesn't hint that the place is actually decent inside. The restaurant is pretty small, but does have a bar side as well. I went on Saturday evening, around 630 - and all tables were either full or reserved (which I found surprising - there were Several reserved tables). I sat at the bar (full menu available). The menu is not very large, but has the basics of a family owned Italian restaurant. We got: turkey minestrone soup (near thanksgiving), Caesar salad, bruschetta, fried mozzarella, crab + lobster ravioli, lasagna, and lemoncello cake. The soup had good flavor, but was certianly not 100% made in house, salty and very similar taste - "semi-homemade'. VERY little turkey. Caesar salad was noticeably light on the dressing as well. Bruschetta was not to my personal liking, I prefer heavy on tomato. This was a lighter version, with pesto instead of basalmic. Fried mozzarella was VERY generously sized. The outside was perfectly crisp and tasted like comfort food. It is basically a brick of cheese on top of garlic bread, breaded and fried. Crab/lobster ravioli was okay, but again, light on the meat. Lasagna was good. noodles firm, meat amount adequate :) it came with a small amount of unusually paired vegetables that were fresh (unlike those in the soup)... just strange w the lasagna. Lemon cake was good. We were served by Jessica, at the bar (she was a bartender too) and she was EXCELLENT. Patrons seem like a mix of regulars and are very friendly. Food is good but not memorable beyond the fried mozz. I'd still return, it is like a nicely dressed family establishment and I like the welcoming atmosphere : ) read more

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There were six of us and we had a reservation. We were promptly seated, water placed on the table, drink orders taken and bread delivered. The bread basket contained corn bread that was great! The drinks came quickly. We ordered oysters and fried green tomatoes as an appetizer. Both were very good. Our server, Faith, was very attentive. She explained the specials and took our orders. All six dishes arrived in a very timely manner. The food was delicious. Both my wife and I had tilapia and shrimp. The other members of our party all said their meals were delicious as well. We've been here before and we will be back again. read more

Looked forward to a lovely Skirt Steak with mixed greens. Due to medical reasons, I haven't had greens since 2/21. The steak was perfectly cooked. It ended there. I think they mixed up the chop salad with this one. Lots of corn (I like) and beautiful chopped tomatoes (I totally despise). Neither items mentioned tomatoes on the menu. The dressings, plural, were something that was similar to gravy, even being warm. And a very garlic laden creamy type dressing. So for me, it came without usable dressing. I also ordered spaghetti and sausage, which looks perfect. I haven't gotten into it, but it should be fine. Allison's has delicious meals. Fresh and beautifully prepared. I am not sure what happened here. I will dine again, but I'll check the boxes before I leave the parking lot. read more

Terrible service. I sat at table for more than twenty minutes... no server, nothing. People who arrived after me were served good and drinks. I finally got up and left! read more

My husband and I went to Allison's for dinner on Friday evening. The restaurant was busy which seemed positive. We waited for a table as we did not want to sit at the bar. We were seated and our server took our order....i asked what was in the soup and the server seemed very confused by my question and she had to go to the kitchen to ask the Chef. The food was very delightful...very good flavors, very fresh and skilfully prepared. The service was a slow and the service staff seemed a bit flustered. We will return at another time. read more

Seemed racist when I went. My boyfriend and I sat down for about 20 minutes before even being greeted.

I've wanted to try this restaurant for a while now. I've heard great things via word of mouth and the ratings have stayed pretty consistent. My parents and I came in on a Saturday around the time they opened. We were the only people in the restaurant, which was nice. The restaurant is pretty small, but has a decent bar area and there's quite a bit of seating on right side of the restaurant. Our server came over about a minute or so after we sat down. She was very nice and was attentive throughout our meal. Our server took our drink orders and brought us a basket with focaccia bread, cornbread, and butter. I didn't eat the cornbread but the focaccia was delicious. After we received our drinks, it was time to order. I ordered the Balsamic Chicken (balsamic tomatoes, balsamic glaze, basmati rice and asparagus) and a side Caesar salad. The caesar salad came out first. It was a standard salad: lettuce, croutons, and sprinkles of cheese. Everything was fresh, but I wish it had more dressing on it. A majority of my lettuce was completely dry. I'm not sure it was worth the $6.00. When my entree came to the table, I noticed a dark brown hair stick in my rice. I immediately brought it to my servers attention. She apologized and set it back to the kitchen to get new rice and to have my meal re-plated. My meal was fine, but I felt like it was a dish I could have made at home and it would have tasted the same. There was nothing wrong with the meal - everything was cooked perfectly - I just wasn't completely blown away. It was average, at best. My dad ordered the Linguine Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp (sautéed shrimp, fresh tomatoes, garlic and white wine butter sauce.) He thought the dish was great. The dish had plenty of shrimp, and he raved about the garlic and white wine butter sauce all night. There was no take-out box for him! He pretty much licked his bowl clean! My mom ordered the Chicken Parmesan (with angel hair pasta, marinara, and broccoli.) She thought the chicken was delicious, but was disappointed that her broccoli was cold (butter wouldn't even melt on it.) The portion of the chicken parmesan was huge. She took more than half of it home to eat the next day. Overall, my parents really liked their meal, which is why I'm giving 4 stars. I took one star off because of the hair in my food and I thought my meal was average. It'll probably be a while before I go back. I'm not completely writing the place off, though. I would definitely order something other than the balsamic chicken. I would love to pop in for lunch to see what kind of choices they offer. read more

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Best bartenders, wait staff and great food. Never go wrong eating here a favorite go to for me and my friends.