Stopped into Elliott's Kitchen on a Sunday around 3 PM--prime football time with both the…read moreCommanders and Ravens playing--so I expected the bar to be buzzing. Oddly enough, it was pretty quiet, but they do have the games on for anyone looking for a low-key spot to watch.
We were seated within 5 minutes, which I appreciated. Our server, Patrick, was... okay. Not terrible, but definitely felt new to serving. We didn't get the rundown of the daily specials (yet overheard them being given to the booth behind us), and a few small service details slipped through--but I'm giving him grace based on his newness.
One thing I noticed from Yelp reviews is that bread is usually served automatically. We had to request it, especially after seeing tables seated after us get theirs first. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable.
We ordered several appetizers, and honestly, they were filling enough to be a full meal:
* Ribs - Flavorful, tender, and genuinely falling off the bone. The portion sizes were a bit inconsistent--some pieces were cut shorter than others--but the texture was on point. I'd definitely return for these.
* Brussels Sprouts - Patrick didn't mention they were shareable, which would've been helpful. I did like the flavor, but in hindsight I'm glad we pivoted to...
* Crab Dip - This one missed for me. The flavor leaned more tuna-ish than crab-forward. Not my preference, but you may feel differently.
* Shrimp in Spicy Butter - Definitely spicy, but somehow still flavorless. More like spicy water than a seasoned butter sauce. The one bonus? They were served piping hot--exactly how I like my food.
* French Fries - Hand-cut and tasty. A solid win.
Unfortunately, everything except the shrimp came out lukewarm, which took away from dishes that could've been great. Temperature matters!
On the drink side, though? Hits all around.
The fresh-pressed beet juice was fantastic, and the sweet tea was also on point.
We skipped dessert only because we were full, but I'm already planning to come back specifically to try it--along with the ribs and fries again.
Overall, I'm hoping this was just an off day. Elliott's Kitchen has potential, and I'd like to see it shine on the next visit