The atmosphere of this little main street restaurant is as comfortable and cozy as grandma's kitchen. Very clean and welcoming. The staff is kind and friendly like you've know each other forever. One of the owners, Joel even ventured out of the kitchen to make table conversations patrons and ask us how the special was. Now...this special was exactly that. A special treat of savory and decadent flavors seldom found in this area. Jägerschnitzel. a German dish featuring a pounded, breaded and fried meat cutlet (pork) topped with a rich mushroom gravy, often called "hunter's schnitzel ". It was amazing. Michelin star flavor. If you are a "Foodie", do not pass this place up. read more

Dempseys Grille - Jägerschnitzel - Diners Near Me - Middletown, Maryland

We have been venturing to Dempsey's for several years for the good greasy breakfast food. But after the last visit, I am out. Why? Simple: Ridiculous expensive menu. $4 for a simple coffee? How about $3? $5 to add a protein to your omelette? How about $3? I'll be honest: I was annoyed by the presumptive pricing. You're not a five star breakfast place; you're a diner. Start charging like it. I wish Dempsey's the best if they can find the clientele to pay their prices. I won't be one of them. And I can imagine there are others who think like me but don't say anything. And you can think I'm being a cheapskate all you want. Everyone know what appropriate pricing looks like. And everyone has to watch their dollar, especially in the current economy. #reality Lower your prices and get the word out and people will come back. ‍ read more

This was a cute, cozy spot for breakfast. The waitress was absolutely lovely--pleasant, attentive, and very helpful. Parking was easy, with a lot conveniently located just around the corner. We ordered the Greek omelet and the lite fare with a sausage patty. The Greek omelet was made with fresh spinach, onion, tomato, and feta cheese--loaded with veggies and plenty of feta, and cooked perfectly. The lite fare came with two eggs, tomato, avocado slices, toast, and a choice of meat. I ordered my eggs over medium with wheat toast and a sausage patty. When I asked for hot sauce, they brought both Pete's hot sauce and their house-made hot sauce. I loved their hot sauce so much, but unfortunately they were sold out, so I wasn't able to purchase any. I'm hoping to stop by again later to grab some. Overall, this is definitely a place I would return to. read more

See all

Long wait to get a drink order. Long wait for food with only 4 tables seated. 2 of 4 meals came out and by the time the other 2 arrived, the first 2 were finished. Food itself was not good. Pancakes tasted like baking soda or powder, sausage tasted off. Not what it used to be, unfortunately. read more

I had breakfast at Dempsey's on Tuesday morning with my aunt Janet. We both had creamed chipped beef gravy over biscuits and eggs over easy. Our food was excellent! The coffee was good and the service was great. Worth the 10 minute drive from Frederick. read more

Recent breakfast, eggs were cooked as ordered, didn't know there was extra charge for onions and peppers with home fries. Sausage patty was undercooked and under seasoned. Coffee was very weak. Waitress very nice. Will not be returning, too bad it's very convenient. read more

What a gem to find in Middletown MD... we came to golf at Maryland National Golf Club and stopped by for lunch. The place is newly renovated and looks great! The owner is also so helpful and friendly. You can tell that he loves food and the people who come... it feels like you're heading to your friend's house for delicious meal! We had the Reuben and Steak and Cheese with hot relish and tater tots! Absolutely amazing! We also got the chocolate chip pancake and it was so large and fluffy and perfectly cooked. I can't wait to come back try the breakfast platters! Come check it out if you are out here for golf! Bonus: the owner and his dad makes his own hot sauces and crab seasoning and they are amazing! But be aware they are spicy! Made with Carolina reapers! read more

See all

I got the biggest hotcake ever with large juicy fresh blueberries. Biscuits and gravy and patty melt with onion rings...all familiar breakfast stuff wonderfully prepared. We loved everything. The best part was however, the soup that the owner brought for us to try...sausage and kale soup. Wow! What a great soup. This is a must stop for anyone in the area. I would definitely come back for a soup and sandwich next time. Friendly people, comfortable ambience, excellent food. read more

See all

Since a year has gone by, decided to try and see if they have improved. Upon entering noticed there was only one other couple in the restaurant. Wife and I both ordered subs. The waitress definitely had a lack of enthusiasm. The food and drinks were delivered to our table. The subs had great taste and the fries were hot. The waitress never returned to refill our drinks or check to see if we needed anything. I had to flag her down to request boxes to take our remaining food home. At this point we were the only customers in the restaurant. Then when I went to pay the bill, she noticed I was paying with a check card and advised me that there would be a service fee for not paying cash. I didn't see this posted in the restaurant anywhere. I also noticed they changed for fried onions on the subs. Needless to say we will never be returning to this restaurant. read more

Awesome local diner in charming Middletown. We stopped in for dinner on a sultry summer evening. The staff was so friendly and sweet, and we were served promptly. The menu is large and has all the expected diner fare, plus some surprises. We had the coconut shrimp, onion rings, BLT, fries, and patty melt. The food was great, and was served promptly. They serve home-cooked diner fare, so set your expectations accordingly. My granddaughter had a slice of apple pie for dessert, and the crust was flaky and tender, with a spicy apple filling. Just like grandmas! The owner stopped by our table to chat and see how we were enjoying the meal. He really cares about the business and the community! He mentioned that they had some challenges with breakfast service when he took over the restaurant, but the situation is improving. We can't wait to go back! read more

First time in Maryland & passed this place on the way to Antietam. Chipped beef gravy was out of this world. Corned beef hash also very good. Owner was very friendly. They make & bottle their own hot sauce - the beet one is unlike anything I've ever tasted; we bought a bottle to take home. We will definitely return, if we are ever in this part of the country again. read more

Food was good, and the service was prompt. It's worth a return visit. I would recommend Dempsey's to anyone.

We used to love coming to Dempsey's for breakfast. We came shortly after ownership change and had a great meal. However our most recent experience it took over 30 minutes to get our food, it was given to the wrong table, then when we got it it was cold and missing food. No one offered to refill drinks and over half the employees are basically children with little guidance. We were ignored when we went to check out and when we mentioned that the food was cold and missing they were like oh well? Sad to see Dempsey's become such a disappointment. read more

Wanted to try something different for breakfast outside our area. We found Dempseys through Yelp and decided to give it a try. Love the overall ambience and feel of Dempseys. Great portion sizes. Clean restaurant. Good service. read more

See all

I have been going to Fempseys for a few years now. The original owners had great food and service. The second owners the food was OK and service was good. Now I went there Sunday it was Mother's Day for an early breakfast. I noticed that the usually staff was not there. Apparently Dempsey has been sold again for the third time that I am aware of. So we sat down a young waiter came over and we order coffee and juices. He brought them over and then. Egan the order process. I ordered sausage gravy and biscuits and it came with eggs and order the eggs over easy. My partner ordered Eggs Benedict. The waiter left and then came right back with questions. For me was what type of toast I wanted with my gravy? I said your menu says it comes with biscuits! And he said "oh!". Then he went back to the counter then 30 second later he came back and asked my partner how he would like his eggs on his Eggs Benedict? Now there is only one way and that's poached! So being nice with no attitude he said poached. The food was brought out by the cook. My food was not what I ordered they gave me chopped beef gray and biscuits and the eggs where over easy but over done and had cheese on them. The biscuits look like they where made the day before and burnt. My partners Eggs Benedict was not much better. Now Eggs Benedict comes with Canadian bacon this had deli sliced ham...REALLY!. The eggs where half hardly poached with excessive butter on them. The holindiase sauce looked and tasted like packetsauce not home made. VERY BAD FOOD! So still being polite I tried the the chipped beef and was just awful! And the same with the Eggs Benedicts. We never finished eating the rest of the meal! The waiter came back and asked how things were. I said not good and he said good and I said you don't understand the food is awful he said "ok" and I take would take the check and he walked away. Now the manager/owner was there and during our visit he walked around greeting and talk to a few customers customers that where in that early in the morning but never once approached us. And never came over to offer his apologies or even comp a portion of the check. And I had to go to the counter and wait to pay the check that was not given to us. The food and service was horrible and awful!!!!!! Unless they change their service and get a good cook in they are doomed for failure and I will never co.e back again. And I will let all my friends know how it was. Good luck Dempsey's! read more

I was hopeful. Unfortunately, the last two times I've come the service has been bad, food very bland, and with the open kitchen - uncomfortable you can see mistakes read more

Dempsey's was a disappointment today. Arrived at 10:40am and sat at the bar. Guy walks in shortly after me and sits down next to me. We both order at the same time. My order is simple, one piece of French toast, one order of breakfast meat. Wait patiently since I see that the restaurant is busy. 30 minutes later guy next to me gets his order. I ask about the status of my order, not once or twice but three times. I don't get an answer other than that it's being dropped on the grill at that moment. Obviously, they lost my order and noone even followed up when I was sitting for 30 minutes waiting on it. No apology or explanation as to what went wrong. Nothing. It's just business as usual... read more

When we arrived, it was not that busy yet. It took over 40 minutes for us to get our meals. The wait staff do not communicate with each other. They don't come by and ask if you need refills and they don't check on you at all. Lunch was good and the macaroni salad was delicious, but I would not come back Management needs to really step up training read more

Service was slow, waited 1 hour for breakfast. Kitchen is small, the servers do not communicate about the time, I would not recommend to go.

Great food and service! Would recommend it all day long. I'll definitely come back You cannot ask for more read more

Dempseys Grille - Entrance - Diners Near Me - Middletown, Maryland

The new ownership needs to regroup and fast. What used to be one of our favorite places is going down hill. Staff is friendly. Service unbearably slow and disjointed. I was told the breakfast cook is out. Waited an hour for an omelette, cottage cheese, and 2 scrambled eggs. Very stressful. Not likely to return until they figure things out. read more

Dempseys has become our Friday hangout for breakfast. Their food taste fresh and homemade. If you are in a rush, don't go here.!!! Good food shouldn't be rushed. Slow down relax enjoy each other's company, life is too short to rush. Staff is friendly even on their worst day. Joe and Egor are awesome, and our waitress Victoria was good too. read more

Dempseys Grille - Southern omelet - Diners Near Me - Middletown, Maryland

We came for brunch on a Saturday. We arrived a smidge before noon. They were busy but we did not have to wait for a table. The menu is simple but good. My English muffin had no butter and the waiter forgot my husband's coffee. But the staff was great and fixed both things right away. We saw some lunch food come out that looked delicious so we can't wait to come back again. Unfortunately I forgot my phone in the car so we have no pictures to share. read more

Our first time at Dempsey's in Middletown, MD was top class. Our waitresses Skyler & Terry were phenomenal! The suggestions they made were spot on. We had the Salmon BLT salad with lemon dressing and the chili. Terri had suggested to get honey mustard dressing to go with the salad and it was perfectly paired. It ramped up the flavor 10x and it was like a delicious party in your mouth. The restaurant was quaint, and had a "family" type feel. This was our first time here but will NOT be the last! Do yourself a big favor and make the trip to Dempsey's in Middletown, MD, you will be so glad you did! 5 STARS for sure! read more

Don't bother! Specials are a lie. Hand cut fries = frozen. Had no chicken. No wait staff. Paid $22 for a beer battered cod sandwich and got a greasy, frozen rectangle, deep fried, of the poorest quality on a plain open-faced bun. The place was cute and could be a gem but clearly poor management serving garbage. read more

My partner and I came in for Sunday brunch and waited over an hour for our order. We asked when our order would be up, and were told there were two other orders ahead of ours. I have a lot of patience for the people who work at restaurants, and I understand that Sunday brunch is often very busy, but waiting over an hour for toast and gravy is ridiculous. Eventually we left without receiving our order. Their food may very well be amazing, but the service is definitely lacking. read more

Great breakfast spot. Lots of locals. Expect a wait if you have more than two in your party. Food is good, served fast, served hot.

We really wanted to like this place. It's local and we just moved into the area and were looking for that special down home breakfast place. Unfortunately there are too many issues here. On a good note the staff is very friendly and there is clearly a "local" vibe to Dempsy's. The coffee was good, my wife's eggs were done right and were nice and hot (greek omelet plus avocado), and my bacon was crisp an tasty. But the negatives drown out the goodness. The coffee is servered one-small-cup-at-a time with interminable waits between refills. There's no cream or sugar on the table so you wait for that too. With the overwhelmed staff it took forever to get coffee (their t-shirts say it all: "please be patient, there's only two of us". (To the owner, serve coffee by the carafe and put sugar, sweetener, and cream on the table. Far less visits to the table by the wait staff.) My belgian waffle was limp and smothered in butter. Not a crisp bit anywhere. There was no syrup or jam on the table, so again more repeat visits to the table after flagging down one of the wait staff. . There you have it. There's not enough staff to meet customer demand as they are laid out. A few simple things could fix this but perhaps it's a cost issue. We might come back and try again, but probably not a a peak time on a Saturday morning. read more

Super disappointed. What a great place that represented small town vibes has been ruined my the new owners. The kitchen was a complete shit show and disarray, and they were not even busy. They only offer limited breakfast menu. So sad such a great place has gone down hill so fast. Stay away!!!! read more

A charming old-school diner with very good food, great prices and friendly service. It's a small town diner so if you're in a hurry, don't come here because it's a place for one to relax while waiting for your food. I will come back for lunch the next time I'm in Middletown. read more

See all

Wonderful small diner made beautiful by Middletown people and venue. Great value with tasty recipes developed with locally sourced food and beverages. Always satisfied and often carrying out leftovers. read more

Fox News playing at the bar...anyway, I digress. Party of 5 and 2 of us ordered sandwiches with fries. I immediately check my fries; they're cold and I inform the food carrier that I'll need new ones. He then leaves without allowing the other person time to determine if their fries are also cold (they were). She's stuck with cold fries that she doesn't eat because nobody checks back with us. Her sandwich was a BLT that had only half a piece of bacon on half of the sandwich. The owner checks in very quickly if she needed coffee without noticing her food was untouched while the rest of us were almost done. He didn't stay long enough for her to mention it. She only gets a chance to mention this when the server brings the check. The server does do something about it on the check but she didn't eat anything. Can't imagine ever going back. read more

We wandered to Middleton Maryland. As we drove through town we decided to let's have lunch. Dempsey's Grille was on the right. So we parked (the lot is next to the restaurant easy access)! We started with hot cocoa and coffee (it will be a mystery who ordered each) Onion Rings started us off. My wife got soup and a sandwich (she said both were amazing. I tried the soup, it was amazing) I had a shocking Saturday lunch of Fish and Chips. All the food was amazing. The thing was the place was also cheap! What a really wonderful stop!!!! read more

Dempse's Grille is situated on Main St., in the heart of Middletown, Md. This grille boasts a comforting and homey feel. The staff greet you upon arrival and are very helpful with recommendations. Once the food comes, your taste buds will be very satisfied. I had the Ruben and fries for dinner, then went back for breakfast. I had the waffle and bacon and fresh, hot coffee. The portions are large, the food is great, and the owners are wonderful! Go to Dempsey's , say hi to the owners and enjoy the restaurant and food! read more

Great food and service. The owner was so friendly! A local gem in the rough! The taco wrap and great. The environment is comfortable and cozy-almost like I'm sitting in my own dining room to eat. read more

Dempseys Grille - Diners Near Me - Middletown, Maryland

Showed up, waited at the front door. It's a small, narrow tenant space. There were roughly 5 tables available out of about 20. After waiting a few minutes someone finally told us to seat ourselves. Perhaps a sign would help? Sat down and waited a normal amount of time for a menu. Was asked what drink we would like. We then waited 10 minutes and never received our drinks. It was not that busy and based on the actions of the server it appears that we were completely forgotten about. The server went to other tables, walked right past us, and started helping serve other people at the bar. If you have time to help other people get their drinks you could easily bring us ours. I walked out. I will not be returning and I live in the area. Maybe they will correct their training when locals no longer frequent their business and it suffers financial losses. That is if the manager even recognizes the issues as he was too busy chatting up a table rather than looking around to see who is or isn't being served etc. Complete lack of management. read more

Breakfast today at Dempsey , ordered scrambled eggs, biscuit and home fries, simple enough. 25 minutes later, I received a plate with a biscuit, ham and overcooked home fries, with no eggs . I asked one of the staff were are the eggs , two minutes later I got my eggs. I thought it was funny until I tasted the food. The biscuits were perfect, the breakfast ham was overcooked , hard and burnt in the ends , home fries were so greasy it looked like it was deep fry , I could not eat it. Eggs were bland. I was expecting a wonderful breakfast experience but ended up very disappointed. read more

Small, clean restaurant with simple food. I had an omelette; it was quite good. There were 10 tables (2-6 seats) and 8 counter seats. Food arrived quickly. It looks like they don't give checks at the end of the meal? You just go up to the register to pay when you are ready (I think, we just did what everyone else was doing). read more

Dempseys Grille - Southern omelet - Diners Near Me - Middletown, Maryland

A cozy eatery in a small town with GREAT value prices. Went here twice on a weekend (Sat breakfast and Sun lunch) as we were hiking in the area. After a sampling from both menus, definitely good enough to come back for the following: - Great prices for the amount of food = value (probably due to small town) - Friendly service We got an enormous amount of food and everyone liked what they had - the French toast being a table favorite. The only thing that surprised me was that they didn't have burgers! And we were craving one for lunch after our hike. Sandwiches were still solid and a nice craft beer selection (no draft just bottles). read more

See all

I was in town for a wedding on a Sunday and was looking for some quick cheap food to bring out while a couple of us were helping set up the wedding venue. Saw that this diner had a good looking menu so decided to come out and give this place a shot. Many of the food options were super cheap! The service was attentive and kind as well. I ordered a bagel with cream cheese and country ham and American cheese, and my boyfriend got their 6 inch roasted beef sub. Both were pretty reasonably sized sandwiches and we enjoyed eating it as both were flavorful and tasty. My boyfriend's sub also came with chips. All in all, was quite satisfied with our meal! read more

See all