Great spot if you like your food greasy, drowning in cheese, and huge. Staff wears pajama pants which is... supposed to be cute I guess? If you're a slob, you'll probably love it.
(2)
Victoria Z.
What a fun place with lots of character. I sat outside on the picnic tables since I had my dog with me. I opted for the all day breakfast menu which was pretty good, but what hit it home for me was the milkshakes!
(3)
Lauren A.
This is such an adorable restaurant! I visited here last weekend because one opened up in Crofton close to my work, and I wanted to try the Annapolis one out while I was already in the area. We came in around lunchtime, and it was packed; I'm surprised they even had seating for us. The decor is colorful and fun, you can tell it's meant to be a very casual and relaxed atmosphere. The servers were all wearing pajama bottoms, which I thought was awesome. In addition, the employees were all very attentive and friendly, not a single complaint here. The wait for the food (which was reasonably priced) wasn't bad, and my whole group loved everything they ordered. I got the mimosa shake (which was as fabulous as it sounds; it was like a creamsicle), and an order of french toast and sausage. The french toast was great! Big, fluffy pieces with tasty cinnamon butter. All in all it was a good experience, and I most definitely plan to visit the Crofton location soon.
(5)
SallyAnn C.
Interesting Place. Stopped in for a burger. Didn't know anything about the place so I thought I'd give it a whirl. It is fairly small inside and very loud dispute the fact it wasn't crowded. I was a little turned off by the staff wearing pajamas, looks sloppy and unprofessional not too mention a little gross. I did enjoy my guacamole burger. Much to my surprise it was made with a real fresh mashed up avocado not the premade green goo some places use and it had a beautiful and delicious home grown ripe tomato. Very good. I will go back for breakfast sometime since the food was good and that's the point of eating out.
(4)
Em P.
Neat atmosphere and lots of choices. The veggie burger was a little mushy but the milkshake was delicious. They messed up on my husband's sandwich and put mayonnaise on it which was disappointing. I would give this place another try but hopefully next time it's better!
(3)
Ed K.
Walked in...no greeting, no will be right with you, no just a second. Stood at the counter to order for five solid minutes while servers ran around, the cashier was on the phone (which rang after I'd been standing there!)...not a word. Finally just turned around and left. I've had mediocre food there, though their sausage is quite good. The help just isn't friendly, organized, or efficient.
(1)
Rob N.
Wouldn't go at any other time than breakfast not much of an outside seating area benches overseeing the beauty of a car park! The staff do wear their PJ's to work!
(3)
Turkey B.
This is a great breakfast place with a really friendly atmosphere. I would not recommend as much for lunch or dinner, with the major exception of their burgers. They have awesome burgers, but if you takeout, be prepared they are super light on the fries for some reason. Seriously, you get like 7.
(4)
Jim G.
I've only been there on Saturday mornings, and it is a fun, lively place. It was busy, but not too crowded at 9:30 - our wait literally about 2 minutes. The ordering process is not the most intuitive for the new comer - you come in, and walk straight to the back and give your order to a cashier. Then you will find a seat, and they will bring your breakfast to the table. Last time I was there, we got a rubber duckie as our place holder! That's just one aspect of the charming and family friendly environment the place is - lots of spontaneous decor lets you know you are in a mom and pop neighborhood place, not some chain. Now for the food - it was delicious. We had both had breakfast combos of eggs, bacon, and in lieu of toast, we were able to substitute some blueberry pancakes - fluffy, fruity, and mmmmmgood. And you can choose from a mismatched set of coffee cups and serve yourself as much as you'd like. And for the cost of a meal at a chain like Cracker Barrel or Bob Evans, this is the real deal family place. I've only been a few times, but it's one of my favorite breakfast spots!
(5)
Gretchen O.
I don't know how anyone can give this place a bad review. Maybe if you have a stick up your @ss or need 5 star dining for breakfast because you're from San Diego, this place is not for you. Though I'd venture to guess if that's the case, then Annapolis isn't for you. Perhaps if you don't understand their seating system, you should open your own restaurant and do it better...or go back to school to learn how to remember numbers (or visuals, in case you're not a numbers person), cause it's really not that difficult to remember to look for a shark. OK, off the ranting. We come here for breakfast probably once a month as a treat, and we just love it. The food is consistently good, and their coffee is awesome. We really like the chicken and waffles and biscuits and gravy. And since the waitstaff is in pajamas, we don't feel the need to get dressed up either...half the time, we come here for breakfast, then come home and crawl back into bed.
(5)
Kalila W.
Grumps was goooood. I loved the theme - very laid back just kinda "whatever/laid back/just relax and eat" atmosphere. I loved the waiters and staff all in pajamas and the toy they give you with your table number. The staff was friendly (i was glad the pj's didn't MAKE them lazy - they were great). I loved the decor and that little fun facts about the place AND the food were written here and there on the walls (i think i saw a couple menu recipes too!) The ordering process is kinda weird - you have to order BEFORE you even sit down. So as newbies, my bf and I had to stand awkwardly by the counter and kind of in the way (because the place aint THAT big and more people were entering.) We literally were not allowed to sit at our reserved table to decide what to eat. Wasn't diggin that - 1/2 star off. This ordering process also means that if you decide you want something else during your meal, you have to go up to order it (and possibly wait in a long line to do so) - another 1/2 star off for that. The FOOD is amazing. French toast done well with cinnamon honey butter which was scrumptious. The corned beef hash was on point. The fresh fruit was indeed fresh. No complaints on either side. Would love to go back and try more of the menu, OR even have the same thing. They do offer a good variety of options.They also had some interesting cocktails and adult milkshakes on the menu (and written on the walls) that ARE available for breakfast...(ahem).
(4)
Maggy S.
I really wanted to love this neighborhood joint, but after many visits, I'm finally sick of its lousy breakfasts. The final straw was our guaranteed last visit when we were served cold pancakes, the wrong food, frozen (tasted microwaved) potatoes, flavorless omelette, and watery salsa. next time I'll just make my own breakfast at home. We used to go here a few times a month but now have a solemn vow: no more breakfast at Grumps. I haven't tried other food there. To their discredit, they don't read or respond to customers' reviews.
(1)
Jason R.
Tried it again... again not so good. Walked in and the hostess was texting and including the other coworkers in their pajamas...( when I'm in my pajamas in the middle of the day usually means I haven't showered yet !) Our order took longer than it should have considering it wasn't very busy. The Quesadilla was made with very plain roasted chicken and very little of it ; two small pieces on my last slice. The french fries were soggy and greasy and tasted like nothing really. The banana nut pancakes were good but they were out of nuts. Leaving I noticed there was a supermarket not 500 feet away... they probably have nuts I would think. The cheeseburger wasn't worth the money... had and interesting taste, my sister didn't finish it and said why is this a local favorite? Maybe the breakfast fare is better.
(1)
Mor R.
Really yummy place for breakfast! I came here to meet a friend, and he had already had breakfast so he drank coffee while I ate. I was a little puzzled by the pajamas (did the waitresses sleep there, or was it just super casual Friday?) but as soon as I entered the restaurant is started to make sense. It looks like someone went to their 5 year old granddaughter and asked her to decorate the place. Really interesting decor, very fun. The food was also very good. I had the blueberry pancakes with strawberries on top along with creamed potatoes. The potatoes were interesting, and the blueberry pancakes were delicious! It wasn't the season for strawberries, but they were still a nice addition. We had a very friendly waitress who brought us our food. We stayed for a while, and enjoyed their outdoor seating. Highly recommended!
(4)
MT D.
We've lived in Annapolis for years, but this was my first time at Grumps. I had my two little ones and no help, so I was worried our brunch would be a disaster. Not so, the staff was great, the food came immediately and was delicious. So good, my two hellions sat quietly and ate for a good 20 minutes. I highly recommend the kids pancakes and French toast, as well as the Eggs Benedict. We sat outside, and were joined by some very friendly dogs out for brunch with their people. The atmosphere inside is a little hectic but it works for a primarily breakfast spot. Really loved it. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Morgan C.
Things I would do different: 1.) order off the menu and order a set meal. When you start getting creative with what you want, it's starts getting stupid costly. Example: Want an egg white omelette with healthier sides= Build Your Omelet ($9.99), Egg Whites (+$1.29), Side of fruit instead of potatoes (+$1.49)...and that omelet had no cheese. Side of bacon? +$3.99. Meanwhile, my off the menu hashbrown Omelet was around $8.50. 2.) Tip on the table after you've ordered. I made the mistake of tipping my standard 18%-20% when I paid for our food. But after thinking about it, I realized that was a suckers move. You stand in line to order your food, you get your own drinks, and they drop the food off at your table. So really, this shouldn't be a standard full service tip. At least if you tip on the table, you can decide if the staff has put in the effort for a standard tip. When our food came out it looked good. Mine was wrong, and I hadn't noticed the mistake before the server saw it and took it back to correct the issue (judging by how quickly it was back, I assume he grabbed the wrong the plate). After that the food was good. Nothing super special, but good, straight forward food. Coffee mugs were a bit dirty, I picked through the pile until I found a clean one. But everyone that works there was friendly and I left full and happy. It's been weeks since I drafted this review, and I'm glad I waited to submit. Because I would have given them two stars. I felt cheated by the cost and the amount of tip I left. But looking back on it, it's not the restaurants fault. They have a format within which they work, and once you know that format you'll feel better about operating within the restaurant. Hopefully my two things I would have done differently will be helpful to people that eat there.
(3)
Sarah M.
This is an adorable little diner and I'm glad we stopped in. The walls are decorated with silly signs and homemade chalkboards with little tidbits of info about the items on the menu. The kids had mini cheeseburgers and fish sticks. The fish (halibut) was cooked perfectly and the boys loved them! I had the pot pie. The crust was beautiful and perfect, one of the best flaky pastry crusts I've had actually. But the inside was a letdown, and was mushy and fairly bland, and extremely buttery. Hubs had the Clarke burger and sweet potato fries and he really enjoyed it. The vanilla shake was okay, kind of disappointing for the price. We will be back if we're in the area again.
(4)
Elizabeth W.
I just paid $13+ for a mahi salad that really was just a bowl of yellow lettuce and white lettuce bones, just a trace of peppers and almost no mahi. Ripoff.
(1)
Andy P.
I love this place!! The variety of fresh dishes and sides for breakfast is terrific. I like bringing out of towners because it blows 'em away. The funky decor makes for a totally relaxed atmosphere. I like that you stand in line to order your food, no messing around with unreliable or overworked wait staff. Yet there is always someone there to help with questions or promptly clear dishes as needed. Oh , and they bring the food to you promptly. So, you get all the advantages of a wait staff without the , err, wait. Amazingly, even on busy mornings, I've never had to wait long for a table. And it's not a large place. Coffee is self serve and seems to be all you can drink. This is great because I can start with 1/2 cup and add a bit of warm coffee at will. A stunning combination of totally chill atmosphere and fabulously fresh food. One of these days I'm going to try lunch.
(5)
Christine C.
They wear pajamas, let you seat yourself and make you feel like you are in your own kitchen except with service where someone is cooking and cleaning for you. The ambiance is fun and screams of south Florida and beaches. I love it, it's cute. The food is good and the breakfast is great! Food is very homey, feels like I cooked it myself on some occasions but without having to do dishes. The biggest thing I wish they would change is real butter... a girl needs real butter and real syrup. Many people are regulars here and I like that about the place.
(3)
Elias R.
Great place for a casual quick breakfast! The staff was friendly and energetic (btw, they are supposed to be in their pajamas, it's sort of the point of the place) and the chicken fried steak was solid. It's not real hard to do a chicken fried steak but up north here I've define try seen it done wrong. Great price too!
(4)
Ashley D.
I've been here a couple of times for breakfast and once for lunch, over the past 3 years. The decor is fun and the owners are friendly, however the food is so-so and the waitstaff are extremely unfriendly. There are many other places in Annapolis to get a better breakfast and much better service.
(1)
Ken R.
I highly recommend this establishment be renamed Asinine Cafe. You walk in, your given a number, then you wait in a long line that only progresses if your table is open. What in the...?? It was explained to us by an odd employee that this is because the owner doesn't want people hanging around outside. He'd rather have them crowd the inside and disturb the people who are eating. Again What in the....? This makes no sense. What is also confusing is having a space on my bill for a tip. Are you serious? I stand in line to order my food and you want a tip? Heres' my tip: RETHINK YOUR SYSTEM. If you have to explain it to 90% of the people walking in, its not a system; its an asinine set of rules that make no sense. After standing in line for 30 minutes, we waited another 30+ minutes for our food to arrive. The pancakes were chewy and the corned beef hash was a festival of salt. Not to mention the portions were on the slim side. Honestly, you can make better at home and probably do. The place is a mess. Both figuratively and literally. I won't even start with the decor because its too easy. However, the floor was a mess and sticky in places. Bits of food from tables were left on the ground and I had the pleasure of seeing a woman put her dog on the table out in front. Yes, this is a very classy joint. (sic) One positive thing: our server, an older woman, was pleasant and seemed to be the only employee who had common sense. It is beyond reason why this place is busy.
(1)
Scott A.
Excellent crabcake sandwich. Fries were a little too greasy. Birch beer from the fountain is almost worth a star on its own. Friendly service.
(4)
David M.
Great breakfasts!! You will know this if you try to go on a Saturday or Sunday morning and the line is almost to the door. Employees wear pajamas for their uniform. The food similar in style, but MUCH better in comparison to a typical diner (way better than Double T) The defining fact that made this place win a spot in my heart: There are 3 shakers on each table: Salt, Pepper & Old Bay. Enough said.
A nice day in Annapolis with my best girl friend Caren... what more could I ask for? We went to lunch at Grumps Cafe and we sat outside on a picnic table enjoying our bloody mary and marmosa's. It was so nice, I decided to extend my vacation and stay a little longer. Whoo hoo. Good choice! Caren had a big juicy hamburger and I enjoyed my beloved chicken quesidilla. Delish!! The workers in their p.j.'s matched our attire at the moment of total laziness and our attitude of 'who really cares'? Loved the rubber chicken we received with our order number on it. Such a nice day. Nice day indeed. To top it off, I went inside and they were baking the most savory sweet cinnamon smelling buns and I almost indulged in one. My own cinna-buns screamed "NO!!!!!!" Next time, my friends, next time. I haven't quit thinking about that fresh, sweet smell since. Yum Yum. I am drooling now.
(4)
Heath N.
Atmosphere, staff, and the food make grumps a great place to start your day.
(4)
Patrick H.
You gotta love a place where the staff comes to work in their pajamas. Grump's Cafe, located in the Bay Ridge Plaza, just at the entrance to Quiet Waters Park is one of those local institutions which has surprisingly escaped "Yelpdom" thus far. Not that Grumps needs any more business. You'll know you're there by the throngs of Hikers and Bikers who park at Hillsmere Plaza for a quick bite at Grump's and then slink into Quiet Waters Park WITHOUT paying the entrance fee. If I wasn't so damned lazy I'ld do it too. For those of you who just can't seem to rear your sleepy head out of bed at a respectable hour, Grump's serves breakfast until 4PM, and breakfast is definitely the draw here. Nothing fancy, but it's all done well. Sort of a cross between a good diner and southern home cooking. Grump's does not disappoint. I love the Grumps system. Stand in line to order and then the lovely cashier will give you a small rubber chicken with a number on it (yes, you did read that correctly) and when a table becomes available, you are whisked to your seat where your food arrives shortly thereafter. If your obnoxious, like me, you can use your rubber chicken, complete with squeaky noise device, to hail your server. The table next to us was delighted by my antics. Grumps is also open for lunch and dinner serving up heaping helpings of homestyle grub featuring salads, sandwiches, burgers and more and even a complete section on the menu dedicated to "Melts"... you know, tuna melt, turkey melt, Cuban pork melt. The decor is kitschy and campy as you might expect. If you are in the neighborhood, Grump's is just the place to go for a casual and fun meal. Oh, and Grump's does sell adult beverages, too. In case you want to just have breakfast then go back to bed.
(4)
Cam B.
Really good food, especially the hashbrowns dusted with Old bay. Entertaining decor and I guess thats why the staff wear pajama's (I'm still unsure about this). Waiting for a table can be a little awkward considering there's no waiting area.
(4)
Geoff E.
If Main Ingredient is busy or the Back Porch Cafe is closed and we are uninspired to venture far from Eastport (but not downtown), we come here for weekend brunch and it gets the job done. It's short order cooking with many ingredients that are canned or pre-made, but they do a decent job with it. The more impressive dishes are the sweeter ones, like pancakes and french toast. They make a cinnamon compound butter for the fluffy, fruit-studded pancakes that is good. The lesser impressive are the more savory egg dishes, in which they use canned mushrooms for their omelet fillings, fall short on the hash browns, and accompany with grocery store white bread toast. The atmosphere is quirky verging on dirty. Everyone is in their pajamas, there's crazy crap all over the walls, and there is multiple colors of paint splattered all over the walls and floors. I'm all for dives, but cleanliness is an issue for me, So that's it - nothing special, nothing dreadful. Just a little short order restaurant in a strip mall that seems to keep the neighborhood happy. Stop in if in the area, but I probably wouldn't travel for this one.
(3)
Kate M.
Grump's has pretty darn good breakfast, served relatively fast considering it's made to order. You may have to wait for a table on a busy Saturday morning but it is typically well worth it.
(4)
Megan F.
A little expensive, but great food and excellent ambiance.
(4)
Linda P.
As our last meal on our weeklong vacation, it was lovely to have a nice picnic table we could eat at with our dog. The waitstaff even brought out a big bowl of ice water. The corned beef and eggs might be canned, but it was still pretty good. (I'm incredibly excitable about 'real' fresh corned beef hash) My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed the chicken fried steak and a Beer. On a Sunday. Before noon. (Blue laws take that!) We will definitely come back here next trip.
(4)
Russell S.
Grumps is perfect... If a clinical level of OCD isn't a problem for you. While cleanliness and 'neat' isn't their thing, they serve some of the best breakfast food in Annapolis. In a strip mall in Eastport, it's easily missed unless you're a local or steered into it. It's crowded on Saturday and packed even more on Sunday, and customer service can wane a bit with so many people - I waited 15 min for a glass of orange juice, and butter & syrup were apparently hard to come by in any usable portion size. That said, the pancakes were perfect, the bacon substantive, the eggs done just as requested, and overall had a great experience. If you're already on Main St and standing in front of Chick & Ruth's, stay there and eat. If for some reason you want to try something different, check out Grumps.
(5)
Stephanie G.
I am in town from San Diego seeing family and they all seemed to love this place. I have no clue as to why they talk so highly of this place. The process to order your food and sit yourself makes no sense at all. Not to mention this place is hot and humid inside. Doesn't people have air conditioning?! My husband and I ordered two waters and breakfast for around 24.00 and we only took two bites off each our plates. The chicken and waffles are frozen chicken strips with one waffle for 10,00 hahaha, I had french toast and ended up with two pieces of bread just heated on the grill and threw on a plate. The food is decently below average, and way over priced for what your actually getting. Everyone that works here should Just stay in bed and never open this place up again
(1)
Peter C.
This is a fun ecclectic place. Staff wears pajamas and you get a bath squeaky toy to save your table. The food is ok, not great and they have TV news shows on in the morning.. Not my favorite atmosphere, but... OK. Gets busy on the weekends so you may have to wait. Outside tables are fun to bring your dog along.
(3)
Mas W.
I keep stopping in on occasion just to see if things have changed. They haven't. The atmosphere is so loud, you can't have a casual conversation without yelling. The staff all seemed very nice but overly stressed out except for the people at the front texting waiting to ambush the next person that walks in. I don't mind the wait on the food. It is reasonable for made to order. Only be prepared that the food may be cold or just wrong. I'll stick to my usual breakfast place. They remember who you are and what you like. Msg me if you want to know the name. This review is about Grumps.
(1)
Leslie Z.
Fantastic atmosphere, So much better coming to small business where the good is fresh and people are nice. Food is unique and delicious.
(5)
Danielle C.
Everyone here is so kind, hard working, willing to do anything they can to make the customers happy. The food is always phenomenal. Oh and breakfast all day :) always a plus. Love grumps cafe!!
(5)
Linda J.
My breakfast Experience: Salsa from a jar, nuff said. Not even warmed to try to con me. Really disinterested service folks, who never smiled. At all. The whole time. You can see there are regulars, and it's very casual so kids can cope with it well. Maybe we need to try dinner, but the whole concept just didn't click to me. Just appeared to be a cheap idea to decorate a diner to look "homey", but if I want homey, I'll stay home.
(2)
Alyx F.
Made a pit stop in Annapolis to visit a friend and she took us to Grumps. My first impressions were that I absolutely loved that it was called Grumps and that it was awesome that everyone got to wear their pajamas as their work attire. That being said, the food was pretty mediocre, but it was a nice place to get something in our stomachs and to catch up. I got the corned beef hash, and it was alright, but I don't think I would get it again.
(3)
Laura F.
Who are these highty tighty georgetown stick up their butt people giving this place a bad review? they have the most original milkshakes and amazing breakfast food and sandwiches. I've been coming here forever and a trip to visit home isn't complete until I come here. Love ittt!
(5)
S C.
This place is consistently good breakfast. My dude loves the sausage gravy from here. The only bummer is the chicken and waffles is just frozen chicken tenders. Everything else I have had has been stellar. And birch beer on the soda machine.
(4)
Nina U.
Don't be scared. Honestly the first time I walked in here was on a crowded weekend morning and the line was just intimidating and too long for my appetite to hold out. So I came back on another day and used an awesome Living Social coupon to enjoy lunch for half price. We walked up to the counter to order brunch and then served ourselves coffee in an eclectic cup with just the right cream and sugar like I was standing at my own kitchen counter. The entire place has a very homey feel with the best signs and sayings. There's splatter paint on the floors and randomness. It has a very laid back vibe, so much so that all the servers wear pajama pants to work. But don't let that fool you because they are very focused and take care of their customers. I was impressed with my breakfast and the option of ordering drinks from the bar....you know that ordering a drink for breakfast only postpones your hangover right?? ;-) I actually enjoy eating in this ambiance more than the other breakfast places around. Grumps. It makes me happy.
(4)
Abby H.
Grumps is definitely an experience, the decor is crazy and the staff wander around in pajamas. I've been here twice now and both time have had a pleasant, though not amazing, experience. The order of things is definitely a little confusing, receive table number when you walk in, then go up to order and then go find your table where your food is brought out to you. Drinks are completely self-serve after you order (unless you're getting something from the bar *cough* mimosa *cough*). In terms of the food, it's not bad, but it's not great. I would definitely stick to ordering something straight from the menu rather than try to get fancy. I've had biscuits and gravy, the breakfast club and a bite of the avocado burger and all were tasty. I'd say this place is on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of breakfast/brunch places in Annapolis, but you have to go once just for the crazy dining experience.
(3)
Brad A.
I got a kick out of reading the other reviews for this place. It's another Annapolis, make that EASTPORT icon, and you need to have a laid-back attitude and a bit of a sense of humor to enjoy this place. If you want a structured environment and quick, traditional service, there are other places to go. The waitresses here are in t-shirts and pajama bottoms, and most of the patrons just a step above that. You're either down with this or you're not. If not, please don't complain; go find another place. Yeah, you order at the cash register, pay, and then wait. It's casual, cheap, and easy going. Nothing fancy. Just good, basic food and drinks, and good, basic people. Strip mall location. Funky decor. Love it or leave it. If you're from DC, save us the trouble; you'll never get it.
(3)
E. Barrett A.
If TGI Friday's forgot to take it's meds and it had a baby with a crappy strip mall sandwich shop, the baby would be Grumps. As far as the atmosphere and the decor looks like a t-shirt slogan writer moved over to interior design for a brief moment and having failed miserably, returned to the T-shirt shop leaving the job half done. The service was Grumpy that's for sure...but not in that sassy fun "oh no you didn't" kind of way, but rather a "I hate my life...when does this shift end...if only I'd stayed in school" kind of way. The menu looks great (which really sets you up...maybe, just maybe the food will rescues the skitzophrenic strip mall decor and maudlin staff) We ordered breakfast and lunch. The portions were small and over cooked....there were strange additions (lettuce on the philly steak?) and the topper, was a bug on the lunch meat sandwich. Hey, bugs happen....no big deal...but when we complained, they simply removed the bug and returned the same sandwich. Crazy. I was desperately hopping to find an affordable approachable alternative to most of the touristy places in the area. So far no luck.
(1)
Christie D.
We were very impressed with Grumps and we would definitely go back! The decor and service is unique and fun! We went for a brunch and our group of 4 all loved our meals! Its refreshing to find a more unique dining concept that offers great food at great prices.
(4)
Stephen S.
Great atmosphere. The food was good but we gave it only two stars because there was a clump of hair under our pancakes. They, however, we're very apologetic though they should have comped the pancakes or provided something free for a recovery. Also they have enough wait staff that they should just have folks order from their table rather than the somewhat unusual way they have of greeting you, making you order your food from a counter, and then finding your seat. It's just unnecessarily complicated. They would also (potentially, if the service is good) get better tips if folks paid at the end of their meal rather than at the beginning.
(2)
Keith L.
The concept here is fun....and the coffee good....BUT the food is horrible, lifeless and has no creativity at all. Breakfast meats are low quality and the pancakes are worse than McDonalds. There are no unique items to choose from in the horribly boring menu. I have no idea why people give this good ratings. Smash some eggs on the sidewalk next to road kill and you will get a better breakfast. Not a place if you truly appreciate good food.
(2)
Frank R.
The ambience is horrible....First you stand in line caferteria style and pay for your food and then you find your table from the matching toy given to you. The lines were long and more than the available tables, so the first few times I went there I ordered carryout. Note I said the first few times because the food is simply excellent. I've eaten pancakes, waffles and omelette and all were good. Now if you are a vistor or from the greater Annapolis area visiting Eastport, stop by the food is worth it. For me I am a sit down, drink a cup of coffee and eat my breakfast while reading on my tablet type person and this was not the place for that. So I am unfairly giving a 3 star rating because I am sure for some its higher simply because the food is so good but its was not enough to take me from the Denny's of the world.
(3)
Shonzi R.
Not Impressed...Again. My mother, sister and I stopped in for lunch hoping for a nice meal. Waited fifteen minutes for our food; which is a little to long for it not being very busy and knowing the owner is on the premises. My Mother's banana nut pancakes were pretty good but...they were out of the nuts( there is a grocery store 500 feet away ). My sister's hamburger wasn't that good. I would say poor quality meat. My chicken Quesadilla was really bad, they use "plain" roasted chicken and very little of it ( my last slice had only two cubes of chicken on it..so in total 2-3 ounces of chicken for an $8 app?) I also ordered french fries which were soggy and must have been sitting under the heat lamp for a while because they were a greasy mess. I have been in the restaurant business for a long time and know when things are half assed. I can also tell if the oil in the fryer hasn't been changed as well. The whole time we were there the hostess/bus girl was on her phone texting and showing the other workers (wearing pajamas...silly). This was my third... and last visit to this local favorite. Not interested in seeing people in pajamas cleaning my table... ( If I'm in my pajamas during the morning/afternoon that usually means I haven't showered !).
(1)
Rick H.
Had my 1st visit to Grumps today. The Hamburger was one of the better ones I have had in years. The Hamburger Bun was you Daddy's burger bun. I will be back. Though I felt the prices were a little high.
(4)
Mark M.
The Bubba and a Big Ol' Screwdriver are a nice way to start the day. Not too shabby.
(4)
Theo L.
Great brunch spot I've been hitting for 5 years or so. Just tried the chipotle Benedict. Excellent combo of favors. I'll keep going back
(4)
Darina O.
I don't get why people crowd this place! First of all, the food is beyond ordinary. There is nothing on the menu that's worth what you are paying for it. No kick to the menu items at all. Plain and tasteless. Second, the system of ordering is just stupid! You walk in and they give you a number - a dirty kids toy with a hand written number on it gets placed on your future table. You go to the register and order, but before you order you should tell the register person "the code"-your number. My friend and I were so confused! We didn't even pay attention to what number they assigned to us. We had to go back, find the waitress and find out what number we had. You stand in a long line and wait for your order to be taken while there is about a dozen of waiters hanging around with nothing to do. All they do is pick up the dishes and bring you food. You serve yourselves the beverages. So dumb! Seriously, it just doesn't make any sense! there are more stuff members than is necessary. What the f@ck does the owner think he's doing? It's just ridiculous!
(1)
Rob G.
Tasty local spot with character. The sandwiches are reliably on point and they've got a good thing going for breakfast. Definitely good for families and an inexpensive meal. Some say the best burger in annapolis (not just the poster below, but friends of mine as well) and while good, I think I'd have to give that title to Davis Pub.
(5)
Janet K.
I have to start with a bit of a rant... To me, 4 or 5 stars generally means a restaurant that makes their dishes from scratch using quality ingredients. Sometimes I'll rate a place 4 or 5 stars for one or two particular items that stand out as exceptional even if their other stuff is lacking (see Ruby Tuesday, Arby's, etc) I don't care if the place is a hole in the wall, a dive or a Michelin rated gem, it is the freshness and quality of the food that wins me over. Grump's is a family owned and run place that has been in business quite awhile now and has been very good for the area. They were the only place open during Hurricane Isabel, not only offering badly needed hot coffee, but letting customers help out in the kitchen to get people fed. They are great people. However, their food is almost completely pre-made, pre-packaged, fast food/Sisco kind of fare. I know that they advertise their slaw as being made there (and it's not bad) and their chili (which is dreadful) but by and large, things come out of a bag, a box, or the freezer. Unlike JR.C, I had the WORST hamburger there I've ever had and never tried another one. Unless they have completely changed since then, it was a frozen, possibly even pre-cooked dried out mess with a chemical aftertaste. A short trip to Eastport will get you better burger at Davis' Pub. There is nothing that I've had over the years that I could rate above 3 stars and a lot I could rate lower. Today we tried the sweet potato fries which came out burned--twice--and I mean inedible. A short trip down the street to Main Ingredient will get you sweet potato fries that are actually good. The salads are expensive and light on ingredients except lettuce. A short trip down the other street will get you a great salad at half the price from Adam's Ribs. I generally don't go for breakfast, but the couple of times I have tried have also not been great--pancakes far inferior to those around the corner at Main Ingredient. Sandwiches are sad with bread that just crumbles apart the minute you touch it. The mayo tastes cheap. (and these babies cost a pretty penny too...) What Grump's is great for is a "quickie" If it is not busy, you can get in and out in a flash, which cannot be said for other restaurants in the area. It is almost as fast as McDonald's and yeah, ok, I suppose it is better than they are. I am rating 3 stars instead of 2 because they are great people who deserve the business from people who are not as picky as I am. I am sorry to be so negative. I wish there was something on the menu that I have tried that I could heartily recommend, but mostly it is just very mediocre food, very convenient. As much as they are loved in the neighborhood it would be a terrible shame to lose them, but then again, for the purpose of this site, I think it is important to be honest.
(3)
Peter S.
It's kinda fun for the kids but I find the food pretty uninspired and expensive. Sure its a fun atmosphere but its the food that will make you come back - so therefore, I won't go back unless the kids bug me. And I agree, the wait staff can be pretty indifferent to rude.
(2)
Tom L.
We stopped by Grump's a few weeks ago and had a decent brunch, considering that we only found this place because we stopped and asked a complete stranger at another local strip mall. I only wish they'd stop trying so hard to project the cool/laid-back image. Positives: - No lines on a Sunday! Although to be fair, it was a 3-day (Sat-Mon) holiday. - The egg bay ridge (eggs benedict with crab and tomatoes) was actually tasted decently crabby, especially given how little crab was visible to the naked eye. - The poached eggs were done right! It's crazy how hard it is to get decent poached eggs. Negatives: - Canned fruit salad. Ick. - Hollandaise sauce tasted like it came from a sauce packet. - The tomatoes made the whole dish slightly watery, soaking through the english muffins. - This is really nitpicking but I really hate the feathery edges of poached egg whites. The lack of polish in the food actually works with the image they're trying to project, and I'm somewhat surprised that I liked this place. I'd definitely recommend Grump's over, say, Eggspectation if you're in the mood for eggs benedict or variations thereof.
(3)
Emily S.
The atmosphere is great here! Really funky and colorful, its a fun place to come for breakfast. The menu is interesting and they serve huge portions. Love the bottomless cups of coffee too; you get to choose a random mug and one of the many different roasts, and get up as much as you want to refill. Definitely want to try coming for another meal during the week sometime, the non breakfast items and happy hour specials look exciting.
(4)
Josh D.
This place was better than ok the first time I ate there. This time the eggs were incredibly over cooked & the potatoes were under cooked. Not great.
(2)
Erin D.
Because I live nearby, this is a good place to grab a quick breakfast at a decent price. The food is pretty good, not fabulous but better than fast food or the diner. My boyfriend loves the gravy and biscuits, and the chicken-fried chicken is good too. The five dollar burger deal during the week is an awesome cheap dinner. For the most part, the service has been quick and friendly. The one complaint I have about this place is that one of the servers/ hostesses is extremely rude. Every time I've been there she has clearly not wanted to be there, and has been rude, pushy, or impatient. Despite the positives, it's honestly kept me from going back too often. It's too bad, because the food is good and I love supporting local businesses.
(3)
Anna J.
If you want to go out to breakfast in your pj's you'll fit right in at Grumps. Quirky decor, decent menu, quick service. Last time I went, I took a British friend looking for a genuine American breakfast experience. She's a daring gal and tried the Chicken Fried Steak, fried eggs and grits. I wouldn't have been so daring, but nice to see that kind of good home cookin' on the menu. My breakfasts there are always tasty. My only complaint is the lack of good juice.
(4)
Shane N.
Went here for the breakfast on the recommendation of a native Annapolitan. The food was pretty good, but I could do without most of the shtick. We went on a Sunday morning about 10 o'clock. It was pretty busy and things were pretty hectic. The system of the way you order, get your table, and get your food did not help with this. The place is very chaotic and apparently that is by design. The staff run around wearing their pajamas, apparently most people sleep in sweat pants and t-shirts. That is fine and kind of quirky. When you walk in, you are handed a menu by a host/hostess. He will show you some kind of toy (ours was a rubber shark) with a number on it. After you order, that toy will be placed on the table where you are to sit and the staff will bring your order to that table. Next the host/hostess will direct you to a counter on the other side of the place where you order your food. While standing in line to order you can look over the menu. Of course when it is your turn to order the cashier asks you for the number that was on your toy. The host didn't tell us to remember the number, but luckily we did. You order and pay the cashier. Then you go and look for a table with your toy on it. Our toy wasn't on a table, so we went to the host who told us our table would be ready next. Eventually we found our shark on a table. There was also another toy on our table, so we had to get rid of that so our server wouldn't get confused. I found this whole system to be annoying. Also, I hate these semi-fast food places where you don't know what is self-serve and what had has waitstaff service. I wish they would just pick full waitstaff service or full self-service. How do you tip these places? I also already paid at the register with my credit card before the food and service. It is just not a very good system. Now that I got that out of the way, on to the food. I ordered something called the Bubba. It was three eggs, three pieces of french toast or three pancakes, and three pieces of sausage or bacon. They had other options similar to this that came in a group of two or just a single of each item. I chose scrambled eggs, french toast and bacon. The scrambled eggs were very well done. They were not too runny. The bacon was also well done, although it was not the highest quality bacon. It was very thin and narrow as well. The french toast was good. Nothing to write home about. It came with this cinnamon butter that was very good. Overall the food would be close to a 3.5. Maybe a 4 if they would use some quality bacon. The whole set up just annoyed me too much. I will most likely go back. I might try lunch or dinner sometime.
(3)
Denise R.
Stopped here at about 3:00 for a late lunch. Ordered 2 appetizers and 2 beers. Beers were not "beer cold" and the appetizers took about 15-20 minutes to get to our table. There was only 2 other tables that had customers and they had already ordered and been served. About 10 minutes till 4, when they close, they smoked the place up by cleaning the grill and we couldn't even finish our food because it stunk so bad. Not only that but they turned peopled away before they were "technically" closed. What in the world is wrong with this place???? Really??? You are going to stink the place up and clean the grill while you have patrons??? Asked to speak to the manager, and the "key holder" Nick showed up and had no idea why we were complaining, and did nothing to try to rectify the situation? Won't be going back ever!!!! And recommend take your money to McDonalds...Done!!!!
(1)
G J L.
Noisy, busy, crowded, neat wall decor, wait staff wear pajamas, terrific fresh coffee, and some really delicious food. The perfect hole-in-the-wall place for breakfast.
(4)
Marita C.
Great fun, great food! A bit of a wait but definitely worth it. We came for breakfast but will come back to try lunch.
(4)
Katie W.
Grumps is a fun and unique place to grab breakfast, lunch, a light dinner, or a quick bite. Like it's name, Grumps likes to surprise you with its set up and ambiance. You arrive and all the waiters are wearing their own pajamas. All day. You'll see Homor Simpson flannel pants, Bunny p'js, or your boring old Pink sweats. Interesting idea, but do you really want someone serving you food in the pajamas. Yes, I'm sure they're clean and all, but what do YOU do in your pj's? Lay around when your sick, get intimate, sweat in bed, throw on after a long day of hard work - you don't want these ideas when someone is serving you food at a restaurant. Upon arrival you stand in line and are handed a rubber toy, be it a Stegosaurus, hipppo, or ant eater with a number written on it. You order your food at the cash register, give them your number and find yourself a table. The food is pretty good here. They have a good variety of breakfast food, sandwiches, and salads. Plus some tasty cookies and muffins. They just started being open for dinner. There is also alcohol served here. The mimosas are quite tasty and are cheap! Good for take out as well. So if you don't mind Pajama clad wait staff with messy hair, this place isn't so bad! Good for a quick week day lunch or Sunday brunch!
(3)
Mike N.
Weird. The food is completely average. Nothing more, nothing less. But the whole concept is weird. Staff in PJs is gross! How do I know they didn't actually roll out of bed, piss and then bring me my food all while wearing those dumb pants? The creepy toys should be replaced and given to the patron at the counter after ordering.
(2)
Courtney Q.
Super fun atmosphere - extremely casual. The staff wears PJ's and you feel like you could be wearing them too and it would be more than fine. We were just in town for 1 day so we only went once but we were happy with the food and enjoyed the fun atmosphere. For anyone new, it helps to know that when you go they assign you to some kind of plastic animal with a number on it that you need to remember, then you go and wait on line and order your food.and by the time you are done waiting on line, your plastic animal is somewhere holding a table for you. Then you wait at your table for your food to be served.
(4)
Bernice R.
I always order the chicken fried steak for breakfast. Yum. Coffee is good and I love the grits! Had this as a dinner once and it was cold and terrible - can't explain why. That was the only bad experience I had there. The server was serving us and another table, which I believe were members of her family because she kept tending to them and not us! She was playing with a baby who I guess was hers? Our food took forever and she never checked on us. We did tell them that our food took way too long and they were nice to offer a free sundae as dessert (we didn't really want a dessert but accepted it anyway). Nice gesture I suppose. Anyway, always a fun place for a weekend breakfast...in and out within a half hour because we eat fast! We went there to try their burgers for the first time and we were super pleased! Big, juicy burger on a soft fresh bun. Fantastic!! I will be going there again whenever I have a greasy burger craving! Better than 5 guys!
(4)
Leslie Z.
Fantastic atmosphere, So much better coming to small business where the good is fresh and people are nice. Food is unique and delicious.
(5)
Shonzi R.
Not Impressed...Again. My mother, sister and I stopped in for lunch hoping for a nice meal. Waited fifteen minutes for our food; which is a little to long for it not being very busy and knowing the owner is on the premises. My Mother's banana nut pancakes were pretty good but...they were out of the nuts( there is a grocery store 500 feet away ). My sister's hamburger wasn't that good. I would say poor quality meat. My chicken Quesadilla was really bad, they use "plain" roasted chicken and very little of it ( my last slice had only two cubes of chicken on it..so in total 2-3 ounces of chicken for an $8 app?) I also ordered french fries which were soggy and must have been sitting under the heat lamp for a while because they were a greasy mess. I have been in the restaurant business for a long time and know when things are half assed. I can also tell if the oil in the fryer hasn't been changed as well. The whole time we were there the hostess/bus girl was on her phone texting and showing the other workers (wearing pajamas...silly). This was my third... and last visit to this local favorite. Not interested in seeing people in pajamas cleaning my table... ( If I'm in my pajamas during the morning/afternoon that usually means I haven't showered !).
(1)
Rick H.
Had my 1st visit to Grumps today. The Hamburger was one of the better ones I have had in years. The Hamburger Bun was you Daddy's burger bun. I will be back. Though I felt the prices were a little high.
(4)
Mark M.
The Bubba and a Big Ol' Screwdriver are a nice way to start the day. Not too shabby.
(4)
Theo L.
Great brunch spot I've been hitting for 5 years or so. Just tried the chipotle Benedict. Excellent combo of favors. I'll keep going back
(4)
Megan F.
A little expensive, but great food and excellent ambiance.
(4)
Erin D.
Because I live nearby, this is a good place to grab a quick breakfast at a decent price. The food is pretty good, not fabulous but better than fast food or the diner. My boyfriend loves the gravy and biscuits, and the chicken-fried chicken is good too. The five dollar burger deal during the week is an awesome cheap dinner. For the most part, the service has been quick and friendly. The one complaint I have about this place is that one of the servers/ hostesses is extremely rude. Every time I've been there she has clearly not wanted to be there, and has been rude, pushy, or impatient. Despite the positives, it's honestly kept me from going back too often. It's too bad, because the food is good and I love supporting local businesses.
(3)
Anna J.
If you want to go out to breakfast in your pj's you'll fit right in at Grumps. Quirky decor, decent menu, quick service. Last time I went, I took a British friend looking for a genuine American breakfast experience. She's a daring gal and tried the Chicken Fried Steak, fried eggs and grits. I wouldn't have been so daring, but nice to see that kind of good home cookin' on the menu. My breakfasts there are always tasty. My only complaint is the lack of good juice.
(4)
Victoria Z.
What a fun place with lots of character. I sat outside on the picnic tables since I had my dog with me. I opted for the all day breakfast menu which was pretty good, but what hit it home for me was the milkshakes!
(3)
Lauren A.
This is such an adorable restaurant! I visited here last weekend because one opened up in Crofton close to my work, and I wanted to try the Annapolis one out while I was already in the area. We came in around lunchtime, and it was packed; I'm surprised they even had seating for us. The decor is colorful and fun, you can tell it's meant to be a very casual and relaxed atmosphere. The servers were all wearing pajama bottoms, which I thought was awesome. In addition, the employees were all very attentive and friendly, not a single complaint here. The wait for the food (which was reasonably priced) wasn't bad, and my whole group loved everything they ordered. I got the mimosa shake (which was as fabulous as it sounds; it was like a creamsicle), and an order of french toast and sausage. The french toast was great! Big, fluffy pieces with tasty cinnamon butter. All in all it was a good experience, and I most definitely plan to visit the Crofton location soon.
(5)
SallyAnn C.
Interesting Place. Stopped in for a burger. Didn't know anything about the place so I thought I'd give it a whirl. It is fairly small inside and very loud dispute the fact it wasn't crowded. I was a little turned off by the staff wearing pajamas, looks sloppy and unprofessional not too mention a little gross. I did enjoy my guacamole burger. Much to my surprise it was made with a real fresh mashed up avocado not the premade green goo some places use and it had a beautiful and delicious home grown ripe tomato. Very good. I will go back for breakfast sometime since the food was good and that's the point of eating out.
(4)
Em P.
Neat atmosphere and lots of choices. The veggie burger was a little mushy but the milkshake was delicious. They messed up on my husband's sandwich and put mayonnaise on it which was disappointing. I would give this place another try but hopefully next time it's better!
(3)
Kalila W.
Grumps was goooood. I loved the theme - very laid back just kinda "whatever/laid back/just relax and eat" atmosphere. I loved the waiters and staff all in pajamas and the toy they give you with your table number. The staff was friendly (i was glad the pj's didn't MAKE them lazy - they were great). I loved the decor and that little fun facts about the place AND the food were written here and there on the walls (i think i saw a couple menu recipes too!) The ordering process is kinda weird - you have to order BEFORE you even sit down. So as newbies, my bf and I had to stand awkwardly by the counter and kind of in the way (because the place aint THAT big and more people were entering.) We literally were not allowed to sit at our reserved table to decide what to eat. Wasn't diggin that - 1/2 star off. This ordering process also means that if you decide you want something else during your meal, you have to go up to order it (and possibly wait in a long line to do so) - another 1/2 star off for that. The FOOD is amazing. French toast done well with cinnamon honey butter which was scrumptious. The corned beef hash was on point. The fresh fruit was indeed fresh. No complaints on either side. Would love to go back and try more of the menu, OR even have the same thing. They do offer a good variety of options.They also had some interesting cocktails and adult milkshakes on the menu (and written on the walls) that ARE available for breakfast...(ahem).
(4)
Maggy S.
I really wanted to love this neighborhood joint, but after many visits, I'm finally sick of its lousy breakfasts. The final straw was our guaranteed last visit when we were served cold pancakes, the wrong food, frozen (tasted microwaved) potatoes, flavorless omelette, and watery salsa. next time I'll just make my own breakfast at home. We used to go here a few times a month but now have a solemn vow: no more breakfast at Grumps. I haven't tried other food there. To their discredit, they don't read or respond to customers' reviews.
(1)
Jason R.
Tried it again... again not so good. Walked in and the hostess was texting and including the other coworkers in their pajamas...( when I'm in my pajamas in the middle of the day usually means I haven't showered yet !) Our order took longer than it should have considering it wasn't very busy. The Quesadilla was made with very plain roasted chicken and very little of it ; two small pieces on my last slice. The french fries were soggy and greasy and tasted like nothing really. The banana nut pancakes were good but they were out of nuts. Leaving I noticed there was a supermarket not 500 feet away... they probably have nuts I would think. The cheeseburger wasn't worth the money... had and interesting taste, my sister didn't finish it and said why is this a local favorite? Maybe the breakfast fare is better.
(1)
Sarah M.
This is an adorable little diner and I'm glad we stopped in. The walls are decorated with silly signs and homemade chalkboards with little tidbits of info about the items on the menu. The kids had mini cheeseburgers and fish sticks. The fish (halibut) was cooked perfectly and the boys loved them! I had the pot pie. The crust was beautiful and perfect, one of the best flaky pastry crusts I've had actually. But the inside was a letdown, and was mushy and fairly bland, and extremely buttery. Hubs had the Clarke burger and sweet potato fries and he really enjoyed it. The vanilla shake was okay, kind of disappointing for the price. We will be back if we're in the area again.
(4)
Mor R.
Really yummy place for breakfast! I came here to meet a friend, and he had already had breakfast so he drank coffee while I ate. I was a little puzzled by the pajamas (did the waitresses sleep there, or was it just super casual Friday?) but as soon as I entered the restaurant is started to make sense. It looks like someone went to their 5 year old granddaughter and asked her to decorate the place. Really interesting decor, very fun. The food was also very good. I had the blueberry pancakes with strawberries on top along with creamed potatoes. The potatoes were interesting, and the blueberry pancakes were delicious! It wasn't the season for strawberries, but they were still a nice addition. We had a very friendly waitress who brought us our food. We stayed for a while, and enjoyed their outdoor seating. Highly recommended!
(4)
MT D.
We've lived in Annapolis for years, but this was my first time at Grumps. I had my two little ones and no help, so I was worried our brunch would be a disaster. Not so, the staff was great, the food came immediately and was delicious. So good, my two hellions sat quietly and ate for a good 20 minutes. I highly recommend the kids pancakes and French toast, as well as the Eggs Benedict. We sat outside, and were joined by some very friendly dogs out for brunch with their people. The atmosphere inside is a little hectic but it works for a primarily breakfast spot. Really loved it. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Morgan C.
Things I would do different: 1.) order off the menu and order a set meal. When you start getting creative with what you want, it's starts getting stupid costly. Example: Want an egg white omelette with healthier sides= Build Your Omelet ($9.99), Egg Whites (+$1.29), Side of fruit instead of potatoes (+$1.49)...and that omelet had no cheese. Side of bacon? +$3.99. Meanwhile, my off the menu hashbrown Omelet was around $8.50. 2.) Tip on the table after you've ordered. I made the mistake of tipping my standard 18%-20% when I paid for our food. But after thinking about it, I realized that was a suckers move. You stand in line to order your food, you get your own drinks, and they drop the food off at your table. So really, this shouldn't be a standard full service tip. At least if you tip on the table, you can decide if the staff has put in the effort for a standard tip. When our food came out it looked good. Mine was wrong, and I hadn't noticed the mistake before the server saw it and took it back to correct the issue (judging by how quickly it was back, I assume he grabbed the wrong the plate). After that the food was good. Nothing super special, but good, straight forward food. Coffee mugs were a bit dirty, I picked through the pile until I found a clean one. But everyone that works there was friendly and I left full and happy. It's been weeks since I drafted this review, and I'm glad I waited to submit. Because I would have given them two stars. I felt cheated by the cost and the amount of tip I left. But looking back on it, it's not the restaurants fault. They have a format within which they work, and once you know that format you'll feel better about operating within the restaurant. Hopefully my two things I would have done differently will be helpful to people that eat there.
(3)
Ed K.
Walked in...no greeting, no will be right with you, no just a second. Stood at the counter to order for five solid minutes while servers ran around, the cashier was on the phone (which rang after I'd been standing there!)...not a word. Finally just turned around and left. I've had mediocre food there, though their sausage is quite good. The help just isn't friendly, organized, or efficient.
(1)
Jim G.
I've only been there on Saturday mornings, and it is a fun, lively place. It was busy, but not too crowded at 9:30 - our wait literally about 2 minutes. The ordering process is not the most intuitive for the new comer - you come in, and walk straight to the back and give your order to a cashier. Then you will find a seat, and they will bring your breakfast to the table. Last time I was there, we got a rubber duckie as our place holder! That's just one aspect of the charming and family friendly environment the place is - lots of spontaneous decor lets you know you are in a mom and pop neighborhood place, not some chain. Now for the food - it was delicious. We had both had breakfast combos of eggs, bacon, and in lieu of toast, we were able to substitute some blueberry pancakes - fluffy, fruity, and mmmmmgood. And you can choose from a mismatched set of coffee cups and serve yourself as much as you'd like. And for the cost of a meal at a chain like Cracker Barrel or Bob Evans, this is the real deal family place. I've only been a few times, but it's one of my favorite breakfast spots!
(5)
Gretchen O.
I don't know how anyone can give this place a bad review. Maybe if you have a stick up your @ss or need 5 star dining for breakfast because you're from San Diego, this place is not for you. Though I'd venture to guess if that's the case, then Annapolis isn't for you. Perhaps if you don't understand their seating system, you should open your own restaurant and do it better...or go back to school to learn how to remember numbers (or visuals, in case you're not a numbers person), cause it's really not that difficult to remember to look for a shark. OK, off the ranting. We come here for breakfast probably once a month as a treat, and we just love it. The food is consistently good, and their coffee is awesome. We really like the chicken and waffles and biscuits and gravy. And since the waitstaff is in pajamas, we don't feel the need to get dressed up either...half the time, we come here for breakfast, then come home and crawl back into bed.
(5)
Danielle C.
Everyone here is so kind, hard working, willing to do anything they can to make the customers happy. The food is always phenomenal. Oh and breakfast all day :) always a plus. Love grumps cafe!!
(5)
Linda J.
My breakfast Experience: Salsa from a jar, nuff said. Not even warmed to try to con me. Really disinterested service folks, who never smiled. At all. The whole time. You can see there are regulars, and it's very casual so kids can cope with it well. Maybe we need to try dinner, but the whole concept just didn't click to me. Just appeared to be a cheap idea to decorate a diner to look "homey", but if I want homey, I'll stay home.
(2)
Elizabeth W.
I just paid $13+ for a mahi salad that really was just a bowl of yellow lettuce and white lettuce bones, just a trace of peppers and almost no mahi. Ripoff.
(1)
Andy P.
I love this place!! The variety of fresh dishes and sides for breakfast is terrific. I like bringing out of towners because it blows 'em away. The funky decor makes for a totally relaxed atmosphere. I like that you stand in line to order your food, no messing around with unreliable or overworked wait staff. Yet there is always someone there to help with questions or promptly clear dishes as needed. Oh , and they bring the food to you promptly. So, you get all the advantages of a wait staff without the , err, wait. Amazingly, even on busy mornings, I've never had to wait long for a table. And it's not a large place. Coffee is self serve and seems to be all you can drink. This is great because I can start with 1/2 cup and add a bit of warm coffee at will. A stunning combination of totally chill atmosphere and fabulously fresh food. One of these days I'm going to try lunch.
(5)
Christine C.
They wear pajamas, let you seat yourself and make you feel like you are in your own kitchen except with service where someone is cooking and cleaning for you. The ambiance is fun and screams of south Florida and beaches. I love it, it's cute. The food is good and the breakfast is great! Food is very homey, feels like I cooked it myself on some occasions but without having to do dishes. The biggest thing I wish they would change is real butter... a girl needs real butter and real syrup. Many people are regulars here and I like that about the place.
(3)
Elias R.
Great place for a casual quick breakfast! The staff was friendly and energetic (btw, they are supposed to be in their pajamas, it's sort of the point of the place) and the chicken fried steak was solid. It's not real hard to do a chicken fried steak but up north here I've define try seen it done wrong. Great price too!
(4)
Ashley D.
I've been here a couple of times for breakfast and once for lunch, over the past 3 years. The decor is fun and the owners are friendly, however the food is so-so and the waitstaff are extremely unfriendly. There are many other places in Annapolis to get a better breakfast and much better service.
(1)
Russell S.
Grumps is perfect... If a clinical level of OCD isn't a problem for you. While cleanliness and 'neat' isn't their thing, they serve some of the best breakfast food in Annapolis. In a strip mall in Eastport, it's easily missed unless you're a local or steered into it. It's crowded on Saturday and packed even more on Sunday, and customer service can wane a bit with so many people - I waited 15 min for a glass of orange juice, and butter & syrup were apparently hard to come by in any usable portion size. That said, the pancakes were perfect, the bacon substantive, the eggs done just as requested, and overall had a great experience. If you're already on Main St and standing in front of Chick & Ruth's, stay there and eat. If for some reason you want to try something different, check out Grumps.
(5)
Stephanie G.
I am in town from San Diego seeing family and they all seemed to love this place. I have no clue as to why they talk so highly of this place. The process to order your food and sit yourself makes no sense at all. Not to mention this place is hot and humid inside. Doesn't people have air conditioning?! My husband and I ordered two waters and breakfast for around 24.00 and we only took two bites off each our plates. The chicken and waffles are frozen chicken strips with one waffle for 10,00 hahaha, I had french toast and ended up with two pieces of bread just heated on the grill and threw on a plate. The food is decently below average, and way over priced for what your actually getting. Everyone that works here should Just stay in bed and never open this place up again
(1)
Laura F.
Who are these highty tighty georgetown stick up their butt people giving this place a bad review? they have the most original milkshakes and amazing breakfast food and sandwiches. I've been coming here forever and a trip to visit home isn't complete until I come here. Love ittt!
(5)
S C.
This place is consistently good breakfast. My dude loves the sausage gravy from here. The only bummer is the chicken and waffles is just frozen chicken tenders. Everything else I have had has been stellar. And birch beer on the soda machine.
(4)
Bernice R.
I always order the chicken fried steak for breakfast. Yum. Coffee is good and I love the grits! Had this as a dinner once and it was cold and terrible - can't explain why. That was the only bad experience I had there. The server was serving us and another table, which I believe were members of her family because she kept tending to them and not us! She was playing with a baby who I guess was hers? Our food took forever and she never checked on us. We did tell them that our food took way too long and they were nice to offer a free sundae as dessert (we didn't really want a dessert but accepted it anyway). Nice gesture I suppose. Anyway, always a fun place for a weekend breakfast...in and out within a half hour because we eat fast! We went there to try their burgers for the first time and we were super pleased! Big, juicy burger on a soft fresh bun. Fantastic!! I will be going there again whenever I have a greasy burger craving! Better than 5 guys!
(4)
Peter C.
This is a fun ecclectic place. Staff wears pajamas and you get a bath squeaky toy to save your table. The food is ok, not great and they have TV news shows on in the morning.. Not my favorite atmosphere, but... OK. Gets busy on the weekends so you may have to wait. Outside tables are fun to bring your dog along.
(3)
Mas W.
I keep stopping in on occasion just to see if things have changed. They haven't. The atmosphere is so loud, you can't have a casual conversation without yelling. The staff all seemed very nice but overly stressed out except for the people at the front texting waiting to ambush the next person that walks in. I don't mind the wait on the food. It is reasonable for made to order. Only be prepared that the food may be cold or just wrong. I'll stick to my usual breakfast place. They remember who you are and what you like. Msg me if you want to know the name. This review is about Grumps.
(1)
Harrison B.
Great spot if you like your food greasy, drowning in cheese, and huge. Staff wears pajama pants which is... supposed to be cute I guess? If you're a slob, you'll probably love it.
(2)
Linda P.
As our last meal on our weeklong vacation, it was lovely to have a nice picnic table we could eat at with our dog. The waitstaff even brought out a big bowl of ice water. The corned beef and eggs might be canned, but it was still pretty good. (I'm incredibly excitable about 'real' fresh corned beef hash) My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed the chicken fried steak and a Beer. On a Sunday. Before noon. (Blue laws take that!) We will definitely come back here next trip.
(4)
Alyx F.
Made a pit stop in Annapolis to visit a friend and she took us to Grumps. My first impressions were that I absolutely loved that it was called Grumps and that it was awesome that everyone got to wear their pajamas as their work attire. That being said, the food was pretty mediocre, but it was a nice place to get something in our stomachs and to catch up. I got the corned beef hash, and it was alright, but I don't think I would get it again.
(3)
Nina U.
Don't be scared. Honestly the first time I walked in here was on a crowded weekend morning and the line was just intimidating and too long for my appetite to hold out. So I came back on another day and used an awesome Living Social coupon to enjoy lunch for half price. We walked up to the counter to order brunch and then served ourselves coffee in an eclectic cup with just the right cream and sugar like I was standing at my own kitchen counter. The entire place has a very homey feel with the best signs and sayings. There's splatter paint on the floors and randomness. It has a very laid back vibe, so much so that all the servers wear pajama pants to work. But don't let that fool you because they are very focused and take care of their customers. I was impressed with my breakfast and the option of ordering drinks from the bar....you know that ordering a drink for breakfast only postpones your hangover right?? ;-) I actually enjoy eating in this ambiance more than the other breakfast places around. Grumps. It makes me happy.
(4)
Abby H.
Grumps is definitely an experience, the decor is crazy and the staff wander around in pajamas. I've been here twice now and both time have had a pleasant, though not amazing, experience. The order of things is definitely a little confusing, receive table number when you walk in, then go up to order and then go find your table where your food is brought out to you. Drinks are completely self-serve after you order (unless you're getting something from the bar *cough* mimosa *cough*). In terms of the food, it's not bad, but it's not great. I would definitely stick to ordering something straight from the menu rather than try to get fancy. I've had biscuits and gravy, the breakfast club and a bite of the avocado burger and all were tasty. I'd say this place is on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of breakfast/brunch places in Annapolis, but you have to go once just for the crazy dining experience.
(3)
Brad A.
I got a kick out of reading the other reviews for this place. It's another Annapolis, make that EASTPORT icon, and you need to have a laid-back attitude and a bit of a sense of humor to enjoy this place. If you want a structured environment and quick, traditional service, there are other places to go. The waitresses here are in t-shirts and pajama bottoms, and most of the patrons just a step above that. You're either down with this or you're not. If not, please don't complain; go find another place. Yeah, you order at the cash register, pay, and then wait. It's casual, cheap, and easy going. Nothing fancy. Just good, basic food and drinks, and good, basic people. Strip mall location. Funky decor. Love it or leave it. If you're from DC, save us the trouble; you'll never get it.
(3)
Courtney Q.
Super fun atmosphere - extremely casual. The staff wears PJ's and you feel like you could be wearing them too and it would be more than fine. We were just in town for 1 day so we only went once but we were happy with the food and enjoyed the fun atmosphere. For anyone new, it helps to know that when you go they assign you to some kind of plastic animal with a number on it that you need to remember, then you go and wait on line and order your food.and by the time you are done waiting on line, your plastic animal is somewhere holding a table for you. Then you wait at your table for your food to be served.
(4)
Ken R.
I highly recommend this establishment be renamed Asinine Cafe. You walk in, your given a number, then you wait in a long line that only progresses if your table is open. What in the...?? It was explained to us by an odd employee that this is because the owner doesn't want people hanging around outside. He'd rather have them crowd the inside and disturb the people who are eating. Again What in the....? This makes no sense. What is also confusing is having a space on my bill for a tip. Are you serious? I stand in line to order my food and you want a tip? Heres' my tip: RETHINK YOUR SYSTEM. If you have to explain it to 90% of the people walking in, its not a system; its an asinine set of rules that make no sense. After standing in line for 30 minutes, we waited another 30+ minutes for our food to arrive. The pancakes were chewy and the corned beef hash was a festival of salt. Not to mention the portions were on the slim side. Honestly, you can make better at home and probably do. The place is a mess. Both figuratively and literally. I won't even start with the decor because its too easy. However, the floor was a mess and sticky in places. Bits of food from tables were left on the ground and I had the pleasure of seeing a woman put her dog on the table out in front. Yes, this is a very classy joint. (sic) One positive thing: our server, an older woman, was pleasant and seemed to be the only employee who had common sense. It is beyond reason why this place is busy.
(1)
Scott A.
Excellent crabcake sandwich. Fries were a little too greasy. Birch beer from the fountain is almost worth a star on its own. Friendly service.
(4)
Rob N.
Wouldn't go at any other time than breakfast not much of an outside seating area benches overseeing the beauty of a car park! The staff do wear their PJ's to work!
(3)
Turkey B.
This is a great breakfast place with a really friendly atmosphere. I would not recommend as much for lunch or dinner, with the major exception of their burgers. They have awesome burgers, but if you takeout, be prepared they are super light on the fries for some reason. Seriously, you get like 7.
(4)
David M.
Great breakfasts!! You will know this if you try to go on a Saturday or Sunday morning and the line is almost to the door. Employees wear pajamas for their uniform. The food similar in style, but MUCH better in comparison to a typical diner (way better than Double T) The defining fact that made this place win a spot in my heart: There are 3 shakers on each table: Salt, Pepper & Old Bay. Enough said.
A nice day in Annapolis with my best girl friend Caren... what more could I ask for? We went to lunch at Grumps Cafe and we sat outside on a picnic table enjoying our bloody mary and marmosa's. It was so nice, I decided to extend my vacation and stay a little longer. Whoo hoo. Good choice! Caren had a big juicy hamburger and I enjoyed my beloved chicken quesidilla. Delish!! The workers in their p.j.'s matched our attire at the moment of total laziness and our attitude of 'who really cares'? Loved the rubber chicken we received with our order number on it. Such a nice day. Nice day indeed. To top it off, I went inside and they were baking the most savory sweet cinnamon smelling buns and I almost indulged in one. My own cinna-buns screamed "NO!!!!!!" Next time, my friends, next time. I haven't quit thinking about that fresh, sweet smell since. Yum Yum. I am drooling now.
(4)
Heath N.
Atmosphere, staff, and the food make grumps a great place to start your day.
(4)
Frank R.
The ambience is horrible....First you stand in line caferteria style and pay for your food and then you find your table from the matching toy given to you. The lines were long and more than the available tables, so the first few times I went there I ordered carryout. Note I said the first few times because the food is simply excellent. I've eaten pancakes, waffles and omelette and all were good. Now if you are a vistor or from the greater Annapolis area visiting Eastport, stop by the food is worth it. For me I am a sit down, drink a cup of coffee and eat my breakfast while reading on my tablet type person and this was not the place for that. So I am unfairly giving a 3 star rating because I am sure for some its higher simply because the food is so good but its was not enough to take me from the Denny's of the world.
(3)
Stephen S.
Great atmosphere. The food was good but we gave it only two stars because there was a clump of hair under our pancakes. They, however, we're very apologetic though they should have comped the pancakes or provided something free for a recovery. Also they have enough wait staff that they should just have folks order from their table rather than the somewhat unusual way they have of greeting you, making you order your food from a counter, and then finding your seat. It's just unnecessarily complicated. They would also (potentially, if the service is good) get better tips if folks paid at the end of their meal rather than at the beginning.
(2)
Keith L.
The concept here is fun....and the coffee good....BUT the food is horrible, lifeless and has no creativity at all. Breakfast meats are low quality and the pancakes are worse than McDonalds. There are no unique items to choose from in the horribly boring menu. I have no idea why people give this good ratings. Smash some eggs on the sidewalk next to road kill and you will get a better breakfast. Not a place if you truly appreciate good food.
(2)
Marita C.
Great fun, great food! A bit of a wait but definitely worth it. We came for breakfast but will come back to try lunch.
(4)
G J L.
Noisy, busy, crowded, neat wall decor, wait staff wear pajamas, terrific fresh coffee, and some really delicious food. The perfect hole-in-the-wall place for breakfast.
(4)
Shane N.
Went here for the breakfast on the recommendation of a native Annapolitan. The food was pretty good, but I could do without most of the shtick. We went on a Sunday morning about 10 o'clock. It was pretty busy and things were pretty hectic. The system of the way you order, get your table, and get your food did not help with this. The place is very chaotic and apparently that is by design. The staff run around wearing their pajamas, apparently most people sleep in sweat pants and t-shirts. That is fine and kind of quirky. When you walk in, you are handed a menu by a host/hostess. He will show you some kind of toy (ours was a rubber shark) with a number on it. After you order, that toy will be placed on the table where you are to sit and the staff will bring your order to that table. Next the host/hostess will direct you to a counter on the other side of the place where you order your food. While standing in line to order you can look over the menu. Of course when it is your turn to order the cashier asks you for the number that was on your toy. The host didn't tell us to remember the number, but luckily we did. You order and pay the cashier. Then you go and look for a table with your toy on it. Our toy wasn't on a table, so we went to the host who told us our table would be ready next. Eventually we found our shark on a table. There was also another toy on our table, so we had to get rid of that so our server wouldn't get confused. I found this whole system to be annoying. Also, I hate these semi-fast food places where you don't know what is self-serve and what had has waitstaff service. I wish they would just pick full waitstaff service or full self-service. How do you tip these places? I also already paid at the register with my credit card before the food and service. It is just not a very good system. Now that I got that out of the way, on to the food. I ordered something called the Bubba. It was three eggs, three pieces of french toast or three pancakes, and three pieces of sausage or bacon. They had other options similar to this that came in a group of two or just a single of each item. I chose scrambled eggs, french toast and bacon. The scrambled eggs were very well done. They were not too runny. The bacon was also well done, although it was not the highest quality bacon. It was very thin and narrow as well. The french toast was good. Nothing to write home about. It came with this cinnamon butter that was very good. Overall the food would be close to a 3.5. Maybe a 4 if they would use some quality bacon. The whole set up just annoyed me too much. I will most likely go back. I might try lunch or dinner sometime.
(3)
Denise R.
Stopped here at about 3:00 for a late lunch. Ordered 2 appetizers and 2 beers. Beers were not "beer cold" and the appetizers took about 15-20 minutes to get to our table. There was only 2 other tables that had customers and they had already ordered and been served. About 10 minutes till 4, when they close, they smoked the place up by cleaning the grill and we couldn't even finish our food because it stunk so bad. Not only that but they turned peopled away before they were "technically" closed. What in the world is wrong with this place???? Really??? You are going to stink the place up and clean the grill while you have patrons??? Asked to speak to the manager, and the "key holder" Nick showed up and had no idea why we were complaining, and did nothing to try to rectify the situation? Won't be going back ever!!!! And recommend take your money to McDonalds...Done!!!!
(1)
Katie W.
Grumps is a fun and unique place to grab breakfast, lunch, a light dinner, or a quick bite. Like it's name, Grumps likes to surprise you with its set up and ambiance. You arrive and all the waiters are wearing their own pajamas. All day. You'll see Homor Simpson flannel pants, Bunny p'js, or your boring old Pink sweats. Interesting idea, but do you really want someone serving you food in the pajamas. Yes, I'm sure they're clean and all, but what do YOU do in your pj's? Lay around when your sick, get intimate, sweat in bed, throw on after a long day of hard work - you don't want these ideas when someone is serving you food at a restaurant. Upon arrival you stand in line and are handed a rubber toy, be it a Stegosaurus, hipppo, or ant eater with a number written on it. You order your food at the cash register, give them your number and find yourself a table. The food is pretty good here. They have a good variety of breakfast food, sandwiches, and salads. Plus some tasty cookies and muffins. They just started being open for dinner. There is also alcohol served here. The mimosas are quite tasty and are cheap! Good for take out as well. So if you don't mind Pajama clad wait staff with messy hair, this place isn't so bad! Good for a quick week day lunch or Sunday brunch!
(3)
Mike N.
Weird. The food is completely average. Nothing more, nothing less. But the whole concept is weird. Staff in PJs is gross! How do I know they didn't actually roll out of bed, piss and then bring me my food all while wearing those dumb pants? The creepy toys should be replaced and given to the patron at the counter after ordering.
(2)
E. Barrett A.
If TGI Friday's forgot to take it's meds and it had a baby with a crappy strip mall sandwich shop, the baby would be Grumps. As far as the atmosphere and the decor looks like a t-shirt slogan writer moved over to interior design for a brief moment and having failed miserably, returned to the T-shirt shop leaving the job half done. The service was Grumpy that's for sure...but not in that sassy fun "oh no you didn't" kind of way, but rather a "I hate my life...when does this shift end...if only I'd stayed in school" kind of way. The menu looks great (which really sets you up...maybe, just maybe the food will rescues the skitzophrenic strip mall decor and maudlin staff) We ordered breakfast and lunch. The portions were small and over cooked....there were strange additions (lettuce on the philly steak?) and the topper, was a bug on the lunch meat sandwich. Hey, bugs happen....no big deal...but when we complained, they simply removed the bug and returned the same sandwich. Crazy. I was desperately hopping to find an affordable approachable alternative to most of the touristy places in the area. So far no luck.
(1)
Christie D.
We were very impressed with Grumps and we would definitely go back! The decor and service is unique and fun! We went for a brunch and our group of 4 all loved our meals! Its refreshing to find a more unique dining concept that offers great food at great prices.
(4)
Janet K.
I have to start with a bit of a rant... To me, 4 or 5 stars generally means a restaurant that makes their dishes from scratch using quality ingredients. Sometimes I'll rate a place 4 or 5 stars for one or two particular items that stand out as exceptional even if their other stuff is lacking (see Ruby Tuesday, Arby's, etc) I don't care if the place is a hole in the wall, a dive or a Michelin rated gem, it is the freshness and quality of the food that wins me over. Grump's is a family owned and run place that has been in business quite awhile now and has been very good for the area. They were the only place open during Hurricane Isabel, not only offering badly needed hot coffee, but letting customers help out in the kitchen to get people fed. They are great people. However, their food is almost completely pre-made, pre-packaged, fast food/Sisco kind of fare. I know that they advertise their slaw as being made there (and it's not bad) and their chili (which is dreadful) but by and large, things come out of a bag, a box, or the freezer. Unlike JR.C, I had the WORST hamburger there I've ever had and never tried another one. Unless they have completely changed since then, it was a frozen, possibly even pre-cooked dried out mess with a chemical aftertaste. A short trip to Eastport will get you better burger at Davis' Pub. There is nothing that I've had over the years that I could rate above 3 stars and a lot I could rate lower. Today we tried the sweet potato fries which came out burned--twice--and I mean inedible. A short trip down the street to Main Ingredient will get you sweet potato fries that are actually good. The salads are expensive and light on ingredients except lettuce. A short trip down the other street will get you a great salad at half the price from Adam's Ribs. I generally don't go for breakfast, but the couple of times I have tried have also not been great--pancakes far inferior to those around the corner at Main Ingredient. Sandwiches are sad with bread that just crumbles apart the minute you touch it. The mayo tastes cheap. (and these babies cost a pretty penny too...) What Grump's is great for is a "quickie" If it is not busy, you can get in and out in a flash, which cannot be said for other restaurants in the area. It is almost as fast as McDonald's and yeah, ok, I suppose it is better than they are. I am rating 3 stars instead of 2 because they are great people who deserve the business from people who are not as picky as I am. I am sorry to be so negative. I wish there was something on the menu that I have tried that I could heartily recommend, but mostly it is just very mediocre food, very convenient. As much as they are loved in the neighborhood it would be a terrible shame to lose them, but then again, for the purpose of this site, I think it is important to be honest.
(3)
Peter S.
It's kinda fun for the kids but I find the food pretty uninspired and expensive. Sure its a fun atmosphere but its the food that will make you come back - so therefore, I won't go back unless the kids bug me. And I agree, the wait staff can be pretty indifferent to rude.
(2)
Patrick H.
You gotta love a place where the staff comes to work in their pajamas. Grump's Cafe, located in the Bay Ridge Plaza, just at the entrance to Quiet Waters Park is one of those local institutions which has surprisingly escaped "Yelpdom" thus far. Not that Grumps needs any more business. You'll know you're there by the throngs of Hikers and Bikers who park at Hillsmere Plaza for a quick bite at Grump's and then slink into Quiet Waters Park WITHOUT paying the entrance fee. If I wasn't so damned lazy I'ld do it too. For those of you who just can't seem to rear your sleepy head out of bed at a respectable hour, Grump's serves breakfast until 4PM, and breakfast is definitely the draw here. Nothing fancy, but it's all done well. Sort of a cross between a good diner and southern home cooking. Grump's does not disappoint. I love the Grumps system. Stand in line to order and then the lovely cashier will give you a small rubber chicken with a number on it (yes, you did read that correctly) and when a table becomes available, you are whisked to your seat where your food arrives shortly thereafter. If your obnoxious, like me, you can use your rubber chicken, complete with squeaky noise device, to hail your server. The table next to us was delighted by my antics. Grumps is also open for lunch and dinner serving up heaping helpings of homestyle grub featuring salads, sandwiches, burgers and more and even a complete section on the menu dedicated to "Melts"... you know, tuna melt, turkey melt, Cuban pork melt. The decor is kitschy and campy as you might expect. If you are in the neighborhood, Grump's is just the place to go for a casual and fun meal. Oh, and Grump's does sell adult beverages, too. In case you want to just have breakfast then go back to bed.
(4)
Cam B.
Really good food, especially the hashbrowns dusted with Old bay. Entertaining decor and I guess thats why the staff wear pajama's (I'm still unsure about this). Waiting for a table can be a little awkward considering there's no waiting area.
(4)
Geoff E.
If Main Ingredient is busy or the Back Porch Cafe is closed and we are uninspired to venture far from Eastport (but not downtown), we come here for weekend brunch and it gets the job done. It's short order cooking with many ingredients that are canned or pre-made, but they do a decent job with it. The more impressive dishes are the sweeter ones, like pancakes and french toast. They make a cinnamon compound butter for the fluffy, fruit-studded pancakes that is good. The lesser impressive are the more savory egg dishes, in which they use canned mushrooms for their omelet fillings, fall short on the hash browns, and accompany with grocery store white bread toast. The atmosphere is quirky verging on dirty. Everyone is in their pajamas, there's crazy crap all over the walls, and there is multiple colors of paint splattered all over the walls and floors. I'm all for dives, but cleanliness is an issue for me, So that's it - nothing special, nothing dreadful. Just a little short order restaurant in a strip mall that seems to keep the neighborhood happy. Stop in if in the area, but I probably wouldn't travel for this one.
(3)
Kate M.
Grump's has pretty darn good breakfast, served relatively fast considering it's made to order. You may have to wait for a table on a busy Saturday morning but it is typically well worth it.
(4)
Darina O.
I don't get why people crowd this place! First of all, the food is beyond ordinary. There is nothing on the menu that's worth what you are paying for it. No kick to the menu items at all. Plain and tasteless. Second, the system of ordering is just stupid! You walk in and they give you a number - a dirty kids toy with a hand written number on it gets placed on your future table. You go to the register and order, but before you order you should tell the register person "the code"-your number. My friend and I were so confused! We didn't even pay attention to what number they assigned to us. We had to go back, find the waitress and find out what number we had. You stand in a long line and wait for your order to be taken while there is about a dozen of waiters hanging around with nothing to do. All they do is pick up the dishes and bring you food. You serve yourselves the beverages. So dumb! Seriously, it just doesn't make any sense! there are more stuff members than is necessary. What the f@ck does the owner think he's doing? It's just ridiculous!
(1)
Rob G.
Tasty local spot with character. The sandwiches are reliably on point and they've got a good thing going for breakfast. Definitely good for families and an inexpensive meal. Some say the best burger in annapolis (not just the poster below, but friends of mine as well) and while good, I think I'd have to give that title to Davis Pub.
(5)
Tom L.
We stopped by Grump's a few weeks ago and had a decent brunch, considering that we only found this place because we stopped and asked a complete stranger at another local strip mall. I only wish they'd stop trying so hard to project the cool/laid-back image. Positives: - No lines on a Sunday! Although to be fair, it was a 3-day (Sat-Mon) holiday. - The egg bay ridge (eggs benedict with crab and tomatoes) was actually tasted decently crabby, especially given how little crab was visible to the naked eye. - The poached eggs were done right! It's crazy how hard it is to get decent poached eggs. Negatives: - Canned fruit salad. Ick. - Hollandaise sauce tasted like it came from a sauce packet. - The tomatoes made the whole dish slightly watery, soaking through the english muffins. - This is really nitpicking but I really hate the feathery edges of poached egg whites. The lack of polish in the food actually works with the image they're trying to project, and I'm somewhat surprised that I liked this place. I'd definitely recommend Grump's over, say, Eggspectation if you're in the mood for eggs benedict or variations thereof.
(3)
Emily S.
The atmosphere is great here! Really funky and colorful, its a fun place to come for breakfast. The menu is interesting and they serve huge portions. Love the bottomless cups of coffee too; you get to choose a random mug and one of the many different roasts, and get up as much as you want to refill. Definitely want to try coming for another meal during the week sometime, the non breakfast items and happy hour specials look exciting.
(4)
Josh D.
This place was better than ok the first time I ate there. This time the eggs were incredibly over cooked & the potatoes were under cooked. Not great.
(2)
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Address :Bay Ridge Plz,117 Hillsmere Dr
Annapolis, MD, 21403
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey, Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Harrison B.
Great spot if you like your food greasy, drowning in cheese, and huge. Staff wears pajama pants which is... supposed to be cute I guess? If you're a slob, you'll probably love it.
(2)Victoria Z.
What a fun place with lots of character. I sat outside on the picnic tables since I had my dog with me. I opted for the all day breakfast menu which was pretty good, but what hit it home for me was the milkshakes!
(3)Lauren A.
This is such an adorable restaurant! I visited here last weekend because one opened up in Crofton close to my work, and I wanted to try the Annapolis one out while I was already in the area. We came in around lunchtime, and it was packed; I'm surprised they even had seating for us. The decor is colorful and fun, you can tell it's meant to be a very casual and relaxed atmosphere. The servers were all wearing pajama bottoms, which I thought was awesome. In addition, the employees were all very attentive and friendly, not a single complaint here. The wait for the food (which was reasonably priced) wasn't bad, and my whole group loved everything they ordered. I got the mimosa shake (which was as fabulous as it sounds; it was like a creamsicle), and an order of french toast and sausage. The french toast was great! Big, fluffy pieces with tasty cinnamon butter. All in all it was a good experience, and I most definitely plan to visit the Crofton location soon.
(5)SallyAnn C.
Interesting Place. Stopped in for a burger. Didn't know anything about the place so I thought I'd give it a whirl. It is fairly small inside and very loud dispute the fact it wasn't crowded. I was a little turned off by the staff wearing pajamas, looks sloppy and unprofessional not too mention a little gross. I did enjoy my guacamole burger. Much to my surprise it was made with a real fresh mashed up avocado not the premade green goo some places use and it had a beautiful and delicious home grown ripe tomato. Very good. I will go back for breakfast sometime since the food was good and that's the point of eating out.
(4)Em P.
Neat atmosphere and lots of choices. The veggie burger was a little mushy but the milkshake was delicious. They messed up on my husband's sandwich and put mayonnaise on it which was disappointing. I would give this place another try but hopefully next time it's better!
(3)Ed K.
Walked in...no greeting, no will be right with you, no just a second. Stood at the counter to order for five solid minutes while servers ran around, the cashier was on the phone (which rang after I'd been standing there!)...not a word. Finally just turned around and left. I've had mediocre food there, though their sausage is quite good. The help just isn't friendly, organized, or efficient.
(1)Rob N.
Wouldn't go at any other time than breakfast not much of an outside seating area benches overseeing the beauty of a car park! The staff do wear their PJ's to work!
(3)Turkey B.
This is a great breakfast place with a really friendly atmosphere. I would not recommend as much for lunch or dinner, with the major exception of their burgers. They have awesome burgers, but if you takeout, be prepared they are super light on the fries for some reason. Seriously, you get like 7.
(4)Jim G.
I've only been there on Saturday mornings, and it is a fun, lively place. It was busy, but not too crowded at 9:30 - our wait literally about 2 minutes. The ordering process is not the most intuitive for the new comer - you come in, and walk straight to the back and give your order to a cashier. Then you will find a seat, and they will bring your breakfast to the table. Last time I was there, we got a rubber duckie as our place holder! That's just one aspect of the charming and family friendly environment the place is - lots of spontaneous decor lets you know you are in a mom and pop neighborhood place, not some chain. Now for the food - it was delicious. We had both had breakfast combos of eggs, bacon, and in lieu of toast, we were able to substitute some blueberry pancakes - fluffy, fruity, and mmmmmgood. And you can choose from a mismatched set of coffee cups and serve yourself as much as you'd like. And for the cost of a meal at a chain like Cracker Barrel or Bob Evans, this is the real deal family place. I've only been a few times, but it's one of my favorite breakfast spots!
(5)Gretchen O.
I don't know how anyone can give this place a bad review. Maybe if you have a stick up your @ss or need 5 star dining for breakfast because you're from San Diego, this place is not for you. Though I'd venture to guess if that's the case, then Annapolis isn't for you. Perhaps if you don't understand their seating system, you should open your own restaurant and do it better...or go back to school to learn how to remember numbers (or visuals, in case you're not a numbers person), cause it's really not that difficult to remember to look for a shark. OK, off the ranting. We come here for breakfast probably once a month as a treat, and we just love it. The food is consistently good, and their coffee is awesome. We really like the chicken and waffles and biscuits and gravy. And since the waitstaff is in pajamas, we don't feel the need to get dressed up either...half the time, we come here for breakfast, then come home and crawl back into bed.
(5)Kalila W.
Grumps was goooood. I loved the theme - very laid back just kinda "whatever/laid back/just relax and eat" atmosphere. I loved the waiters and staff all in pajamas and the toy they give you with your table number. The staff was friendly (i was glad the pj's didn't MAKE them lazy - they were great). I loved the decor and that little fun facts about the place AND the food were written here and there on the walls (i think i saw a couple menu recipes too!) The ordering process is kinda weird - you have to order BEFORE you even sit down. So as newbies, my bf and I had to stand awkwardly by the counter and kind of in the way (because the place aint THAT big and more people were entering.) We literally were not allowed to sit at our reserved table to decide what to eat. Wasn't diggin that - 1/2 star off. This ordering process also means that if you decide you want something else during your meal, you have to go up to order it (and possibly wait in a long line to do so) - another 1/2 star off for that. The FOOD is amazing. French toast done well with cinnamon honey butter which was scrumptious. The corned beef hash was on point. The fresh fruit was indeed fresh. No complaints on either side. Would love to go back and try more of the menu, OR even have the same thing. They do offer a good variety of options.They also had some interesting cocktails and adult milkshakes on the menu (and written on the walls) that ARE available for breakfast...(ahem).
(4)Maggy S.
I really wanted to love this neighborhood joint, but after many visits, I'm finally sick of its lousy breakfasts. The final straw was our guaranteed last visit when we were served cold pancakes, the wrong food, frozen (tasted microwaved) potatoes, flavorless omelette, and watery salsa. next time I'll just make my own breakfast at home. We used to go here a few times a month but now have a solemn vow: no more breakfast at Grumps. I haven't tried other food there. To their discredit, they don't read or respond to customers' reviews.
(1)Jason R.
Tried it again... again not so good. Walked in and the hostess was texting and including the other coworkers in their pajamas...( when I'm in my pajamas in the middle of the day usually means I haven't showered yet !) Our order took longer than it should have considering it wasn't very busy. The Quesadilla was made with very plain roasted chicken and very little of it ; two small pieces on my last slice. The french fries were soggy and greasy and tasted like nothing really. The banana nut pancakes were good but they were out of nuts. Leaving I noticed there was a supermarket not 500 feet away... they probably have nuts I would think. The cheeseburger wasn't worth the money... had and interesting taste, my sister didn't finish it and said why is this a local favorite? Maybe the breakfast fare is better.
(1)Mor R.
Really yummy place for breakfast! I came here to meet a friend, and he had already had breakfast so he drank coffee while I ate. I was a little puzzled by the pajamas (did the waitresses sleep there, or was it just super casual Friday?) but as soon as I entered the restaurant is started to make sense. It looks like someone went to their 5 year old granddaughter and asked her to decorate the place. Really interesting decor, very fun. The food was also very good. I had the blueberry pancakes with strawberries on top along with creamed potatoes. The potatoes were interesting, and the blueberry pancakes were delicious! It wasn't the season for strawberries, but they were still a nice addition. We had a very friendly waitress who brought us our food. We stayed for a while, and enjoyed their outdoor seating. Highly recommended!
(4)MT D.
We've lived in Annapolis for years, but this was my first time at Grumps. I had my two little ones and no help, so I was worried our brunch would be a disaster. Not so, the staff was great, the food came immediately and was delicious. So good, my two hellions sat quietly and ate for a good 20 minutes. I highly recommend the kids pancakes and French toast, as well as the Eggs Benedict. We sat outside, and were joined by some very friendly dogs out for brunch with their people. The atmosphere inside is a little hectic but it works for a primarily breakfast spot. Really loved it. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Morgan C.
Things I would do different: 1.) order off the menu and order a set meal. When you start getting creative with what you want, it's starts getting stupid costly. Example: Want an egg white omelette with healthier sides= Build Your Omelet ($9.99), Egg Whites (+$1.29), Side of fruit instead of potatoes (+$1.49)...and that omelet had no cheese. Side of bacon? +$3.99. Meanwhile, my off the menu hashbrown Omelet was around $8.50. 2.) Tip on the table after you've ordered. I made the mistake of tipping my standard 18%-20% when I paid for our food. But after thinking about it, I realized that was a suckers move. You stand in line to order your food, you get your own drinks, and they drop the food off at your table. So really, this shouldn't be a standard full service tip. At least if you tip on the table, you can decide if the staff has put in the effort for a standard tip. When our food came out it looked good. Mine was wrong, and I hadn't noticed the mistake before the server saw it and took it back to correct the issue (judging by how quickly it was back, I assume he grabbed the wrong the plate). After that the food was good. Nothing super special, but good, straight forward food. Coffee mugs were a bit dirty, I picked through the pile until I found a clean one. But everyone that works there was friendly and I left full and happy. It's been weeks since I drafted this review, and I'm glad I waited to submit. Because I would have given them two stars. I felt cheated by the cost and the amount of tip I left. But looking back on it, it's not the restaurants fault. They have a format within which they work, and once you know that format you'll feel better about operating within the restaurant. Hopefully my two things I would have done differently will be helpful to people that eat there.
(3)Sarah M.
This is an adorable little diner and I'm glad we stopped in. The walls are decorated with silly signs and homemade chalkboards with little tidbits of info about the items on the menu. The kids had mini cheeseburgers and fish sticks. The fish (halibut) was cooked perfectly and the boys loved them! I had the pot pie. The crust was beautiful and perfect, one of the best flaky pastry crusts I've had actually. But the inside was a letdown, and was mushy and fairly bland, and extremely buttery. Hubs had the Clarke burger and sweet potato fries and he really enjoyed it. The vanilla shake was okay, kind of disappointing for the price. We will be back if we're in the area again.
(4)Elizabeth W.
I just paid $13+ for a mahi salad that really was just a bowl of yellow lettuce and white lettuce bones, just a trace of peppers and almost no mahi. Ripoff.
(1)Andy P.
I love this place!! The variety of fresh dishes and sides for breakfast is terrific. I like bringing out of towners because it blows 'em away. The funky decor makes for a totally relaxed atmosphere. I like that you stand in line to order your food, no messing around with unreliable or overworked wait staff. Yet there is always someone there to help with questions or promptly clear dishes as needed. Oh , and they bring the food to you promptly. So, you get all the advantages of a wait staff without the , err, wait. Amazingly, even on busy mornings, I've never had to wait long for a table. And it's not a large place. Coffee is self serve and seems to be all you can drink. This is great because I can start with 1/2 cup and add a bit of warm coffee at will. A stunning combination of totally chill atmosphere and fabulously fresh food. One of these days I'm going to try lunch.
(5)Christine C.
They wear pajamas, let you seat yourself and make you feel like you are in your own kitchen except with service where someone is cooking and cleaning for you. The ambiance is fun and screams of south Florida and beaches. I love it, it's cute. The food is good and the breakfast is great! Food is very homey, feels like I cooked it myself on some occasions but without having to do dishes. The biggest thing I wish they would change is real butter... a girl needs real butter and real syrup. Many people are regulars here and I like that about the place.
(3)Elias R.
Great place for a casual quick breakfast! The staff was friendly and energetic (btw, they are supposed to be in their pajamas, it's sort of the point of the place) and the chicken fried steak was solid. It's not real hard to do a chicken fried steak but up north here I've define try seen it done wrong. Great price too!
(4)Ashley D.
I've been here a couple of times for breakfast and once for lunch, over the past 3 years. The decor is fun and the owners are friendly, however the food is so-so and the waitstaff are extremely unfriendly. There are many other places in Annapolis to get a better breakfast and much better service.
(1)Ken R.
I highly recommend this establishment be renamed Asinine Cafe. You walk in, your given a number, then you wait in a long line that only progresses if your table is open. What in the...?? It was explained to us by an odd employee that this is because the owner doesn't want people hanging around outside. He'd rather have them crowd the inside and disturb the people who are eating. Again What in the....? This makes no sense. What is also confusing is having a space on my bill for a tip. Are you serious? I stand in line to order my food and you want a tip? Heres' my tip: RETHINK YOUR SYSTEM. If you have to explain it to 90% of the people walking in, its not a system; its an asinine set of rules that make no sense. After standing in line for 30 minutes, we waited another 30+ minutes for our food to arrive. The pancakes were chewy and the corned beef hash was a festival of salt. Not to mention the portions were on the slim side. Honestly, you can make better at home and probably do. The place is a mess. Both figuratively and literally. I won't even start with the decor because its too easy. However, the floor was a mess and sticky in places. Bits of food from tables were left on the ground and I had the pleasure of seeing a woman put her dog on the table out in front. Yes, this is a very classy joint. (sic) One positive thing: our server, an older woman, was pleasant and seemed to be the only employee who had common sense. It is beyond reason why this place is busy.
(1)Scott A.
Excellent crabcake sandwich. Fries were a little too greasy. Birch beer from the fountain is almost worth a star on its own. Friendly service.
(4)David M.
Great breakfasts!! You will know this if you try to go on a Saturday or Sunday morning and the line is almost to the door. Employees wear pajamas for their uniform. The food similar in style, but MUCH better in comparison to a typical diner (way better than Double T) The defining fact that made this place win a spot in my heart: There are 3 shakers on each table: Salt, Pepper & Old Bay. Enough said.
(5)Marie L.
Amazing food. Amazing decoration. Fantastic service! EPIC UNIFORMS! Love, love, love GRUMPS!
(5)Tonya H.
A nice day in Annapolis with my best girl friend Caren... what more could I ask for? We went to lunch at Grumps Cafe and we sat outside on a picnic table enjoying our bloody mary and marmosa's. It was so nice, I decided to extend my vacation and stay a little longer. Whoo hoo. Good choice! Caren had a big juicy hamburger and I enjoyed my beloved chicken quesidilla. Delish!! The workers in their p.j.'s matched our attire at the moment of total laziness and our attitude of 'who really cares'? Loved the rubber chicken we received with our order number on it. Such a nice day. Nice day indeed. To top it off, I went inside and they were baking the most savory sweet cinnamon smelling buns and I almost indulged in one. My own cinna-buns screamed "NO!!!!!!" Next time, my friends, next time. I haven't quit thinking about that fresh, sweet smell since. Yum Yum. I am drooling now.
(4)Heath N.
Atmosphere, staff, and the food make grumps a great place to start your day.
(4)Patrick H.
You gotta love a place where the staff comes to work in their pajamas. Grump's Cafe, located in the Bay Ridge Plaza, just at the entrance to Quiet Waters Park is one of those local institutions which has surprisingly escaped "Yelpdom" thus far. Not that Grumps needs any more business. You'll know you're there by the throngs of Hikers and Bikers who park at Hillsmere Plaza for a quick bite at Grump's and then slink into Quiet Waters Park WITHOUT paying the entrance fee. If I wasn't so damned lazy I'ld do it too. For those of you who just can't seem to rear your sleepy head out of bed at a respectable hour, Grump's serves breakfast until 4PM, and breakfast is definitely the draw here. Nothing fancy, but it's all done well. Sort of a cross between a good diner and southern home cooking. Grump's does not disappoint. I love the Grumps system. Stand in line to order and then the lovely cashier will give you a small rubber chicken with a number on it (yes, you did read that correctly) and when a table becomes available, you are whisked to your seat where your food arrives shortly thereafter. If your obnoxious, like me, you can use your rubber chicken, complete with squeaky noise device, to hail your server. The table next to us was delighted by my antics. Grumps is also open for lunch and dinner serving up heaping helpings of homestyle grub featuring salads, sandwiches, burgers and more and even a complete section on the menu dedicated to "Melts"... you know, tuna melt, turkey melt, Cuban pork melt. The decor is kitschy and campy as you might expect. If you are in the neighborhood, Grump's is just the place to go for a casual and fun meal. Oh, and Grump's does sell adult beverages, too. In case you want to just have breakfast then go back to bed.
(4)Cam B.
Really good food, especially the hashbrowns dusted with Old bay. Entertaining decor and I guess thats why the staff wear pajama's (I'm still unsure about this). Waiting for a table can be a little awkward considering there's no waiting area.
(4)Geoff E.
If Main Ingredient is busy or the Back Porch Cafe is closed and we are uninspired to venture far from Eastport (but not downtown), we come here for weekend brunch and it gets the job done. It's short order cooking with many ingredients that are canned or pre-made, but they do a decent job with it. The more impressive dishes are the sweeter ones, like pancakes and french toast. They make a cinnamon compound butter for the fluffy, fruit-studded pancakes that is good. The lesser impressive are the more savory egg dishes, in which they use canned mushrooms for their omelet fillings, fall short on the hash browns, and accompany with grocery store white bread toast. The atmosphere is quirky verging on dirty. Everyone is in their pajamas, there's crazy crap all over the walls, and there is multiple colors of paint splattered all over the walls and floors. I'm all for dives, but cleanliness is an issue for me, So that's it - nothing special, nothing dreadful. Just a little short order restaurant in a strip mall that seems to keep the neighborhood happy. Stop in if in the area, but I probably wouldn't travel for this one.
(3)Kate M.
Grump's has pretty darn good breakfast, served relatively fast considering it's made to order. You may have to wait for a table on a busy Saturday morning but it is typically well worth it.
(4)Megan F.
A little expensive, but great food and excellent ambiance.
(4)Linda P.
As our last meal on our weeklong vacation, it was lovely to have a nice picnic table we could eat at with our dog. The waitstaff even brought out a big bowl of ice water. The corned beef and eggs might be canned, but it was still pretty good. (I'm incredibly excitable about 'real' fresh corned beef hash) My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed the chicken fried steak and a Beer. On a Sunday. Before noon. (Blue laws take that!) We will definitely come back here next trip.
(4)Russell S.
Grumps is perfect... If a clinical level of OCD isn't a problem for you. While cleanliness and 'neat' isn't their thing, they serve some of the best breakfast food in Annapolis. In a strip mall in Eastport, it's easily missed unless you're a local or steered into it. It's crowded on Saturday and packed even more on Sunday, and customer service can wane a bit with so many people - I waited 15 min for a glass of orange juice, and butter & syrup were apparently hard to come by in any usable portion size. That said, the pancakes were perfect, the bacon substantive, the eggs done just as requested, and overall had a great experience. If you're already on Main St and standing in front of Chick & Ruth's, stay there and eat. If for some reason you want to try something different, check out Grumps.
(5)Stephanie G.
I am in town from San Diego seeing family and they all seemed to love this place. I have no clue as to why they talk so highly of this place. The process to order your food and sit yourself makes no sense at all. Not to mention this place is hot and humid inside. Doesn't people have air conditioning?! My husband and I ordered two waters and breakfast for around 24.00 and we only took two bites off each our plates. The chicken and waffles are frozen chicken strips with one waffle for 10,00 hahaha, I had french toast and ended up with two pieces of bread just heated on the grill and threw on a plate. The food is decently below average, and way over priced for what your actually getting. Everyone that works here should Just stay in bed and never open this place up again
(1)Peter C.
This is a fun ecclectic place. Staff wears pajamas and you get a bath squeaky toy to save your table. The food is ok, not great and they have TV news shows on in the morning.. Not my favorite atmosphere, but... OK. Gets busy on the weekends so you may have to wait. Outside tables are fun to bring your dog along.
(3)Mas W.
I keep stopping in on occasion just to see if things have changed. They haven't. The atmosphere is so loud, you can't have a casual conversation without yelling. The staff all seemed very nice but overly stressed out except for the people at the front texting waiting to ambush the next person that walks in. I don't mind the wait on the food. It is reasonable for made to order. Only be prepared that the food may be cold or just wrong. I'll stick to my usual breakfast place. They remember who you are and what you like. Msg me if you want to know the name. This review is about Grumps.
(1)Leslie Z.
Fantastic atmosphere, So much better coming to small business where the good is fresh and people are nice. Food is unique and delicious.
(5)Danielle C.
Everyone here is so kind, hard working, willing to do anything they can to make the customers happy. The food is always phenomenal. Oh and breakfast all day :) always a plus. Love grumps cafe!!
(5)Linda J.
My breakfast Experience: Salsa from a jar, nuff said. Not even warmed to try to con me. Really disinterested service folks, who never smiled. At all. The whole time. You can see there are regulars, and it's very casual so kids can cope with it well. Maybe we need to try dinner, but the whole concept just didn't click to me. Just appeared to be a cheap idea to decorate a diner to look "homey", but if I want homey, I'll stay home.
(2)Alyx F.
Made a pit stop in Annapolis to visit a friend and she took us to Grumps. My first impressions were that I absolutely loved that it was called Grumps and that it was awesome that everyone got to wear their pajamas as their work attire. That being said, the food was pretty mediocre, but it was a nice place to get something in our stomachs and to catch up. I got the corned beef hash, and it was alright, but I don't think I would get it again.
(3)Laura F.
Who are these highty tighty georgetown stick up their butt people giving this place a bad review? they have the most original milkshakes and amazing breakfast food and sandwiches. I've been coming here forever and a trip to visit home isn't complete until I come here. Love ittt!
(5)S C.
This place is consistently good breakfast. My dude loves the sausage gravy from here. The only bummer is the chicken and waffles is just frozen chicken tenders. Everything else I have had has been stellar. And birch beer on the soda machine.
(4)Nina U.
Don't be scared. Honestly the first time I walked in here was on a crowded weekend morning and the line was just intimidating and too long for my appetite to hold out. So I came back on another day and used an awesome Living Social coupon to enjoy lunch for half price. We walked up to the counter to order brunch and then served ourselves coffee in an eclectic cup with just the right cream and sugar like I was standing at my own kitchen counter. The entire place has a very homey feel with the best signs and sayings. There's splatter paint on the floors and randomness. It has a very laid back vibe, so much so that all the servers wear pajama pants to work. But don't let that fool you because they are very focused and take care of their customers. I was impressed with my breakfast and the option of ordering drinks from the bar....you know that ordering a drink for breakfast only postpones your hangover right?? ;-) I actually enjoy eating in this ambiance more than the other breakfast places around. Grumps. It makes me happy.
(4)Abby H.
Grumps is definitely an experience, the decor is crazy and the staff wander around in pajamas. I've been here twice now and both time have had a pleasant, though not amazing, experience. The order of things is definitely a little confusing, receive table number when you walk in, then go up to order and then go find your table where your food is brought out to you. Drinks are completely self-serve after you order (unless you're getting something from the bar *cough* mimosa *cough*). In terms of the food, it's not bad, but it's not great. I would definitely stick to ordering something straight from the menu rather than try to get fancy. I've had biscuits and gravy, the breakfast club and a bite of the avocado burger and all were tasty. I'd say this place is on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of breakfast/brunch places in Annapolis, but you have to go once just for the crazy dining experience.
(3)Brad A.
I got a kick out of reading the other reviews for this place. It's another Annapolis, make that EASTPORT icon, and you need to have a laid-back attitude and a bit of a sense of humor to enjoy this place. If you want a structured environment and quick, traditional service, there are other places to go. The waitresses here are in t-shirts and pajama bottoms, and most of the patrons just a step above that. You're either down with this or you're not. If not, please don't complain; go find another place. Yeah, you order at the cash register, pay, and then wait. It's casual, cheap, and easy going. Nothing fancy. Just good, basic food and drinks, and good, basic people. Strip mall location. Funky decor. Love it or leave it. If you're from DC, save us the trouble; you'll never get it.
(3)E. Barrett A.
If TGI Friday's forgot to take it's meds and it had a baby with a crappy strip mall sandwich shop, the baby would be Grumps. As far as the atmosphere and the decor looks like a t-shirt slogan writer moved over to interior design for a brief moment and having failed miserably, returned to the T-shirt shop leaving the job half done. The service was Grumpy that's for sure...but not in that sassy fun "oh no you didn't" kind of way, but rather a "I hate my life...when does this shift end...if only I'd stayed in school" kind of way. The menu looks great (which really sets you up...maybe, just maybe the food will rescues the skitzophrenic strip mall decor and maudlin staff) We ordered breakfast and lunch. The portions were small and over cooked....there were strange additions (lettuce on the philly steak?) and the topper, was a bug on the lunch meat sandwich. Hey, bugs happen....no big deal...but when we complained, they simply removed the bug and returned the same sandwich. Crazy. I was desperately hopping to find an affordable approachable alternative to most of the touristy places in the area. So far no luck.
(1)Christie D.
We were very impressed with Grumps and we would definitely go back! The decor and service is unique and fun! We went for a brunch and our group of 4 all loved our meals! Its refreshing to find a more unique dining concept that offers great food at great prices.
(4)Stephen S.
Great atmosphere. The food was good but we gave it only two stars because there was a clump of hair under our pancakes. They, however, we're very apologetic though they should have comped the pancakes or provided something free for a recovery. Also they have enough wait staff that they should just have folks order from their table rather than the somewhat unusual way they have of greeting you, making you order your food from a counter, and then finding your seat. It's just unnecessarily complicated. They would also (potentially, if the service is good) get better tips if folks paid at the end of their meal rather than at the beginning.
(2)Keith L.
The concept here is fun....and the coffee good....BUT the food is horrible, lifeless and has no creativity at all. Breakfast meats are low quality and the pancakes are worse than McDonalds. There are no unique items to choose from in the horribly boring menu. I have no idea why people give this good ratings. Smash some eggs on the sidewalk next to road kill and you will get a better breakfast. Not a place if you truly appreciate good food.
(2)Frank R.
The ambience is horrible....First you stand in line caferteria style and pay for your food and then you find your table from the matching toy given to you. The lines were long and more than the available tables, so the first few times I went there I ordered carryout. Note I said the first few times because the food is simply excellent. I've eaten pancakes, waffles and omelette and all were good. Now if you are a vistor or from the greater Annapolis area visiting Eastport, stop by the food is worth it. For me I am a sit down, drink a cup of coffee and eat my breakfast while reading on my tablet type person and this was not the place for that. So I am unfairly giving a 3 star rating because I am sure for some its higher simply because the food is so good but its was not enough to take me from the Denny's of the world.
(3)Shonzi R.
Not Impressed...Again. My mother, sister and I stopped in for lunch hoping for a nice meal. Waited fifteen minutes for our food; which is a little to long for it not being very busy and knowing the owner is on the premises. My Mother's banana nut pancakes were pretty good but...they were out of the nuts( there is a grocery store 500 feet away ). My sister's hamburger wasn't that good. I would say poor quality meat. My chicken Quesadilla was really bad, they use "plain" roasted chicken and very little of it ( my last slice had only two cubes of chicken on it..so in total 2-3 ounces of chicken for an $8 app?) I also ordered french fries which were soggy and must have been sitting under the heat lamp for a while because they were a greasy mess. I have been in the restaurant business for a long time and know when things are half assed. I can also tell if the oil in the fryer hasn't been changed as well. The whole time we were there the hostess/bus girl was on her phone texting and showing the other workers (wearing pajamas...silly). This was my third... and last visit to this local favorite. Not interested in seeing people in pajamas cleaning my table... ( If I'm in my pajamas during the morning/afternoon that usually means I haven't showered !).
(1)Rick H.
Had my 1st visit to Grumps today. The Hamburger was one of the better ones I have had in years. The Hamburger Bun was you Daddy's burger bun. I will be back. Though I felt the prices were a little high.
(4)Mark M.
The Bubba and a Big Ol' Screwdriver are a nice way to start the day. Not too shabby.
(4)Theo L.
Great brunch spot I've been hitting for 5 years or so. Just tried the chipotle Benedict. Excellent combo of favors. I'll keep going back
(4)Darina O.
I don't get why people crowd this place! First of all, the food is beyond ordinary. There is nothing on the menu that's worth what you are paying for it. No kick to the menu items at all. Plain and tasteless. Second, the system of ordering is just stupid! You walk in and they give you a number - a dirty kids toy with a hand written number on it gets placed on your future table. You go to the register and order, but before you order you should tell the register person "the code"-your number. My friend and I were so confused! We didn't even pay attention to what number they assigned to us. We had to go back, find the waitress and find out what number we had. You stand in a long line and wait for your order to be taken while there is about a dozen of waiters hanging around with nothing to do. All they do is pick up the dishes and bring you food. You serve yourselves the beverages. So dumb! Seriously, it just doesn't make any sense! there are more stuff members than is necessary. What the f@ck does the owner think he's doing? It's just ridiculous!
(1)Rob G.
Tasty local spot with character. The sandwiches are reliably on point and they've got a good thing going for breakfast. Definitely good for families and an inexpensive meal. Some say the best burger in annapolis (not just the poster below, but friends of mine as well) and while good, I think I'd have to give that title to Davis Pub.
(5)Janet K.
I have to start with a bit of a rant... To me, 4 or 5 stars generally means a restaurant that makes their dishes from scratch using quality ingredients. Sometimes I'll rate a place 4 or 5 stars for one or two particular items that stand out as exceptional even if their other stuff is lacking (see Ruby Tuesday, Arby's, etc) I don't care if the place is a hole in the wall, a dive or a Michelin rated gem, it is the freshness and quality of the food that wins me over. Grump's is a family owned and run place that has been in business quite awhile now and has been very good for the area. They were the only place open during Hurricane Isabel, not only offering badly needed hot coffee, but letting customers help out in the kitchen to get people fed. They are great people. However, their food is almost completely pre-made, pre-packaged, fast food/Sisco kind of fare. I know that they advertise their slaw as being made there (and it's not bad) and their chili (which is dreadful) but by and large, things come out of a bag, a box, or the freezer. Unlike JR.C, I had the WORST hamburger there I've ever had and never tried another one. Unless they have completely changed since then, it was a frozen, possibly even pre-cooked dried out mess with a chemical aftertaste. A short trip to Eastport will get you better burger at Davis' Pub. There is nothing that I've had over the years that I could rate above 3 stars and a lot I could rate lower. Today we tried the sweet potato fries which came out burned--twice--and I mean inedible. A short trip down the street to Main Ingredient will get you sweet potato fries that are actually good. The salads are expensive and light on ingredients except lettuce. A short trip down the other street will get you a great salad at half the price from Adam's Ribs. I generally don't go for breakfast, but the couple of times I have tried have also not been great--pancakes far inferior to those around the corner at Main Ingredient. Sandwiches are sad with bread that just crumbles apart the minute you touch it. The mayo tastes cheap. (and these babies cost a pretty penny too...) What Grump's is great for is a "quickie" If it is not busy, you can get in and out in a flash, which cannot be said for other restaurants in the area. It is almost as fast as McDonald's and yeah, ok, I suppose it is better than they are. I am rating 3 stars instead of 2 because they are great people who deserve the business from people who are not as picky as I am. I am sorry to be so negative. I wish there was something on the menu that I have tried that I could heartily recommend, but mostly it is just very mediocre food, very convenient. As much as they are loved in the neighborhood it would be a terrible shame to lose them, but then again, for the purpose of this site, I think it is important to be honest.
(3)Peter S.
It's kinda fun for the kids but I find the food pretty uninspired and expensive. Sure its a fun atmosphere but its the food that will make you come back - so therefore, I won't go back unless the kids bug me. And I agree, the wait staff can be pretty indifferent to rude.
(2)Tom L.
We stopped by Grump's a few weeks ago and had a decent brunch, considering that we only found this place because we stopped and asked a complete stranger at another local strip mall. I only wish they'd stop trying so hard to project the cool/laid-back image. Positives: - No lines on a Sunday! Although to be fair, it was a 3-day (Sat-Mon) holiday. - The egg bay ridge (eggs benedict with crab and tomatoes) was actually tasted decently crabby, especially given how little crab was visible to the naked eye. - The poached eggs were done right! It's crazy how hard it is to get decent poached eggs. Negatives: - Canned fruit salad. Ick. - Hollandaise sauce tasted like it came from a sauce packet. - The tomatoes made the whole dish slightly watery, soaking through the english muffins. - This is really nitpicking but I really hate the feathery edges of poached egg whites. The lack of polish in the food actually works with the image they're trying to project, and I'm somewhat surprised that I liked this place. I'd definitely recommend Grump's over, say, Eggspectation if you're in the mood for eggs benedict or variations thereof.
(3)Emily S.
The atmosphere is great here! Really funky and colorful, its a fun place to come for breakfast. The menu is interesting and they serve huge portions. Love the bottomless cups of coffee too; you get to choose a random mug and one of the many different roasts, and get up as much as you want to refill. Definitely want to try coming for another meal during the week sometime, the non breakfast items and happy hour specials look exciting.
(4)Josh D.
This place was better than ok the first time I ate there. This time the eggs were incredibly over cooked & the potatoes were under cooked. Not great.
(2)Erin D.
Because I live nearby, this is a good place to grab a quick breakfast at a decent price. The food is pretty good, not fabulous but better than fast food or the diner. My boyfriend loves the gravy and biscuits, and the chicken-fried chicken is good too. The five dollar burger deal during the week is an awesome cheap dinner. For the most part, the service has been quick and friendly. The one complaint I have about this place is that one of the servers/ hostesses is extremely rude. Every time I've been there she has clearly not wanted to be there, and has been rude, pushy, or impatient. Despite the positives, it's honestly kept me from going back too often. It's too bad, because the food is good and I love supporting local businesses.
(3)Anna J.
If you want to go out to breakfast in your pj's you'll fit right in at Grumps. Quirky decor, decent menu, quick service. Last time I went, I took a British friend looking for a genuine American breakfast experience. She's a daring gal and tried the Chicken Fried Steak, fried eggs and grits. I wouldn't have been so daring, but nice to see that kind of good home cookin' on the menu. My breakfasts there are always tasty. My only complaint is the lack of good juice.
(4)Shane N.
Went here for the breakfast on the recommendation of a native Annapolitan. The food was pretty good, but I could do without most of the shtick. We went on a Sunday morning about 10 o'clock. It was pretty busy and things were pretty hectic. The system of the way you order, get your table, and get your food did not help with this. The place is very chaotic and apparently that is by design. The staff run around wearing their pajamas, apparently most people sleep in sweat pants and t-shirts. That is fine and kind of quirky. When you walk in, you are handed a menu by a host/hostess. He will show you some kind of toy (ours was a rubber shark) with a number on it. After you order, that toy will be placed on the table where you are to sit and the staff will bring your order to that table. Next the host/hostess will direct you to a counter on the other side of the place where you order your food. While standing in line to order you can look over the menu. Of course when it is your turn to order the cashier asks you for the number that was on your toy. The host didn't tell us to remember the number, but luckily we did. You order and pay the cashier. Then you go and look for a table with your toy on it. Our toy wasn't on a table, so we went to the host who told us our table would be ready next. Eventually we found our shark on a table. There was also another toy on our table, so we had to get rid of that so our server wouldn't get confused. I found this whole system to be annoying. Also, I hate these semi-fast food places where you don't know what is self-serve and what had has waitstaff service. I wish they would just pick full waitstaff service or full self-service. How do you tip these places? I also already paid at the register with my credit card before the food and service. It is just not a very good system. Now that I got that out of the way, on to the food. I ordered something called the Bubba. It was three eggs, three pieces of french toast or three pancakes, and three pieces of sausage or bacon. They had other options similar to this that came in a group of two or just a single of each item. I chose scrambled eggs, french toast and bacon. The scrambled eggs were very well done. They were not too runny. The bacon was also well done, although it was not the highest quality bacon. It was very thin and narrow as well. The french toast was good. Nothing to write home about. It came with this cinnamon butter that was very good. Overall the food would be close to a 3.5. Maybe a 4 if they would use some quality bacon. The whole set up just annoyed me too much. I will most likely go back. I might try lunch or dinner sometime.
(3)Denise R.
Stopped here at about 3:00 for a late lunch. Ordered 2 appetizers and 2 beers. Beers were not "beer cold" and the appetizers took about 15-20 minutes to get to our table. There was only 2 other tables that had customers and they had already ordered and been served. About 10 minutes till 4, when they close, they smoked the place up by cleaning the grill and we couldn't even finish our food because it stunk so bad. Not only that but they turned peopled away before they were "technically" closed. What in the world is wrong with this place???? Really??? You are going to stink the place up and clean the grill while you have patrons??? Asked to speak to the manager, and the "key holder" Nick showed up and had no idea why we were complaining, and did nothing to try to rectify the situation? Won't be going back ever!!!! And recommend take your money to McDonalds...Done!!!!
(1)G J L.
Noisy, busy, crowded, neat wall decor, wait staff wear pajamas, terrific fresh coffee, and some really delicious food. The perfect hole-in-the-wall place for breakfast.
(4)Marita C.
Great fun, great food! A bit of a wait but definitely worth it. We came for breakfast but will come back to try lunch.
(4)Katie W.
Grumps is a fun and unique place to grab breakfast, lunch, a light dinner, or a quick bite. Like it's name, Grumps likes to surprise you with its set up and ambiance. You arrive and all the waiters are wearing their own pajamas. All day. You'll see Homor Simpson flannel pants, Bunny p'js, or your boring old Pink sweats. Interesting idea, but do you really want someone serving you food in the pajamas. Yes, I'm sure they're clean and all, but what do YOU do in your pj's? Lay around when your sick, get intimate, sweat in bed, throw on after a long day of hard work - you don't want these ideas when someone is serving you food at a restaurant. Upon arrival you stand in line and are handed a rubber toy, be it a Stegosaurus, hipppo, or ant eater with a number written on it. You order your food at the cash register, give them your number and find yourself a table. The food is pretty good here. They have a good variety of breakfast food, sandwiches, and salads. Plus some tasty cookies and muffins. They just started being open for dinner. There is also alcohol served here. The mimosas are quite tasty and are cheap! Good for take out as well. So if you don't mind Pajama clad wait staff with messy hair, this place isn't so bad! Good for a quick week day lunch or Sunday brunch!
(3)Mike N.
Weird. The food is completely average. Nothing more, nothing less. But the whole concept is weird. Staff in PJs is gross! How do I know they didn't actually roll out of bed, piss and then bring me my food all while wearing those dumb pants? The creepy toys should be replaced and given to the patron at the counter after ordering.
(2)Courtney Q.
Super fun atmosphere - extremely casual. The staff wears PJ's and you feel like you could be wearing them too and it would be more than fine. We were just in town for 1 day so we only went once but we were happy with the food and enjoyed the fun atmosphere. For anyone new, it helps to know that when you go they assign you to some kind of plastic animal with a number on it that you need to remember, then you go and wait on line and order your food.and by the time you are done waiting on line, your plastic animal is somewhere holding a table for you. Then you wait at your table for your food to be served.
(4)Bernice R.
I always order the chicken fried steak for breakfast. Yum. Coffee is good and I love the grits! Had this as a dinner once and it was cold and terrible - can't explain why. That was the only bad experience I had there. The server was serving us and another table, which I believe were members of her family because she kept tending to them and not us! She was playing with a baby who I guess was hers? Our food took forever and she never checked on us. We did tell them that our food took way too long and they were nice to offer a free sundae as dessert (we didn't really want a dessert but accepted it anyway). Nice gesture I suppose. Anyway, always a fun place for a weekend breakfast...in and out within a half hour because we eat fast! We went there to try their burgers for the first time and we were super pleased! Big, juicy burger on a soft fresh bun. Fantastic!! I will be going there again whenever I have a greasy burger craving! Better than 5 guys!
(4)Leslie Z.
Fantastic atmosphere, So much better coming to small business where the good is fresh and people are nice. Food is unique and delicious.
(5)Shonzi R.
Not Impressed...Again. My mother, sister and I stopped in for lunch hoping for a nice meal. Waited fifteen minutes for our food; which is a little to long for it not being very busy and knowing the owner is on the premises. My Mother's banana nut pancakes were pretty good but...they were out of the nuts( there is a grocery store 500 feet away ). My sister's hamburger wasn't that good. I would say poor quality meat. My chicken Quesadilla was really bad, they use "plain" roasted chicken and very little of it ( my last slice had only two cubes of chicken on it..so in total 2-3 ounces of chicken for an $8 app?) I also ordered french fries which were soggy and must have been sitting under the heat lamp for a while because they were a greasy mess. I have been in the restaurant business for a long time and know when things are half assed. I can also tell if the oil in the fryer hasn't been changed as well. The whole time we were there the hostess/bus girl was on her phone texting and showing the other workers (wearing pajamas...silly). This was my third... and last visit to this local favorite. Not interested in seeing people in pajamas cleaning my table... ( If I'm in my pajamas during the morning/afternoon that usually means I haven't showered !).
(1)Rick H.
Had my 1st visit to Grumps today. The Hamburger was one of the better ones I have had in years. The Hamburger Bun was you Daddy's burger bun. I will be back. Though I felt the prices were a little high.
(4)Mark M.
The Bubba and a Big Ol' Screwdriver are a nice way to start the day. Not too shabby.
(4)Theo L.
Great brunch spot I've been hitting for 5 years or so. Just tried the chipotle Benedict. Excellent combo of favors. I'll keep going back
(4)Megan F.
A little expensive, but great food and excellent ambiance.
(4)Erin D.
Because I live nearby, this is a good place to grab a quick breakfast at a decent price. The food is pretty good, not fabulous but better than fast food or the diner. My boyfriend loves the gravy and biscuits, and the chicken-fried chicken is good too. The five dollar burger deal during the week is an awesome cheap dinner. For the most part, the service has been quick and friendly. The one complaint I have about this place is that one of the servers/ hostesses is extremely rude. Every time I've been there she has clearly not wanted to be there, and has been rude, pushy, or impatient. Despite the positives, it's honestly kept me from going back too often. It's too bad, because the food is good and I love supporting local businesses.
(3)Anna J.
If you want to go out to breakfast in your pj's you'll fit right in at Grumps. Quirky decor, decent menu, quick service. Last time I went, I took a British friend looking for a genuine American breakfast experience. She's a daring gal and tried the Chicken Fried Steak, fried eggs and grits. I wouldn't have been so daring, but nice to see that kind of good home cookin' on the menu. My breakfasts there are always tasty. My only complaint is the lack of good juice.
(4)Victoria Z.
What a fun place with lots of character. I sat outside on the picnic tables since I had my dog with me. I opted for the all day breakfast menu which was pretty good, but what hit it home for me was the milkshakes!
(3)Lauren A.
This is such an adorable restaurant! I visited here last weekend because one opened up in Crofton close to my work, and I wanted to try the Annapolis one out while I was already in the area. We came in around lunchtime, and it was packed; I'm surprised they even had seating for us. The decor is colorful and fun, you can tell it's meant to be a very casual and relaxed atmosphere. The servers were all wearing pajama bottoms, which I thought was awesome. In addition, the employees were all very attentive and friendly, not a single complaint here. The wait for the food (which was reasonably priced) wasn't bad, and my whole group loved everything they ordered. I got the mimosa shake (which was as fabulous as it sounds; it was like a creamsicle), and an order of french toast and sausage. The french toast was great! Big, fluffy pieces with tasty cinnamon butter. All in all it was a good experience, and I most definitely plan to visit the Crofton location soon.
(5)SallyAnn C.
Interesting Place. Stopped in for a burger. Didn't know anything about the place so I thought I'd give it a whirl. It is fairly small inside and very loud dispute the fact it wasn't crowded. I was a little turned off by the staff wearing pajamas, looks sloppy and unprofessional not too mention a little gross. I did enjoy my guacamole burger. Much to my surprise it was made with a real fresh mashed up avocado not the premade green goo some places use and it had a beautiful and delicious home grown ripe tomato. Very good. I will go back for breakfast sometime since the food was good and that's the point of eating out.
(4)Em P.
Neat atmosphere and lots of choices. The veggie burger was a little mushy but the milkshake was delicious. They messed up on my husband's sandwich and put mayonnaise on it which was disappointing. I would give this place another try but hopefully next time it's better!
(3)Kalila W.
Grumps was goooood. I loved the theme - very laid back just kinda "whatever/laid back/just relax and eat" atmosphere. I loved the waiters and staff all in pajamas and the toy they give you with your table number. The staff was friendly (i was glad the pj's didn't MAKE them lazy - they were great). I loved the decor and that little fun facts about the place AND the food were written here and there on the walls (i think i saw a couple menu recipes too!) The ordering process is kinda weird - you have to order BEFORE you even sit down. So as newbies, my bf and I had to stand awkwardly by the counter and kind of in the way (because the place aint THAT big and more people were entering.) We literally were not allowed to sit at our reserved table to decide what to eat. Wasn't diggin that - 1/2 star off. This ordering process also means that if you decide you want something else during your meal, you have to go up to order it (and possibly wait in a long line to do so) - another 1/2 star off for that. The FOOD is amazing. French toast done well with cinnamon honey butter which was scrumptious. The corned beef hash was on point. The fresh fruit was indeed fresh. No complaints on either side. Would love to go back and try more of the menu, OR even have the same thing. They do offer a good variety of options.They also had some interesting cocktails and adult milkshakes on the menu (and written on the walls) that ARE available for breakfast...(ahem).
(4)Maggy S.
I really wanted to love this neighborhood joint, but after many visits, I'm finally sick of its lousy breakfasts. The final straw was our guaranteed last visit when we were served cold pancakes, the wrong food, frozen (tasted microwaved) potatoes, flavorless omelette, and watery salsa. next time I'll just make my own breakfast at home. We used to go here a few times a month but now have a solemn vow: no more breakfast at Grumps. I haven't tried other food there. To their discredit, they don't read or respond to customers' reviews.
(1)Jason R.
Tried it again... again not so good. Walked in and the hostess was texting and including the other coworkers in their pajamas...( when I'm in my pajamas in the middle of the day usually means I haven't showered yet !) Our order took longer than it should have considering it wasn't very busy. The Quesadilla was made with very plain roasted chicken and very little of it ; two small pieces on my last slice. The french fries were soggy and greasy and tasted like nothing really. The banana nut pancakes were good but they were out of nuts. Leaving I noticed there was a supermarket not 500 feet away... they probably have nuts I would think. The cheeseburger wasn't worth the money... had and interesting taste, my sister didn't finish it and said why is this a local favorite? Maybe the breakfast fare is better.
(1)Sarah M.
This is an adorable little diner and I'm glad we stopped in. The walls are decorated with silly signs and homemade chalkboards with little tidbits of info about the items on the menu. The kids had mini cheeseburgers and fish sticks. The fish (halibut) was cooked perfectly and the boys loved them! I had the pot pie. The crust was beautiful and perfect, one of the best flaky pastry crusts I've had actually. But the inside was a letdown, and was mushy and fairly bland, and extremely buttery. Hubs had the Clarke burger and sweet potato fries and he really enjoyed it. The vanilla shake was okay, kind of disappointing for the price. We will be back if we're in the area again.
(4)Mor R.
Really yummy place for breakfast! I came here to meet a friend, and he had already had breakfast so he drank coffee while I ate. I was a little puzzled by the pajamas (did the waitresses sleep there, or was it just super casual Friday?) but as soon as I entered the restaurant is started to make sense. It looks like someone went to their 5 year old granddaughter and asked her to decorate the place. Really interesting decor, very fun. The food was also very good. I had the blueberry pancakes with strawberries on top along with creamed potatoes. The potatoes were interesting, and the blueberry pancakes were delicious! It wasn't the season for strawberries, but they were still a nice addition. We had a very friendly waitress who brought us our food. We stayed for a while, and enjoyed their outdoor seating. Highly recommended!
(4)MT D.
We've lived in Annapolis for years, but this was my first time at Grumps. I had my two little ones and no help, so I was worried our brunch would be a disaster. Not so, the staff was great, the food came immediately and was delicious. So good, my two hellions sat quietly and ate for a good 20 minutes. I highly recommend the kids pancakes and French toast, as well as the Eggs Benedict. We sat outside, and were joined by some very friendly dogs out for brunch with their people. The atmosphere inside is a little hectic but it works for a primarily breakfast spot. Really loved it. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Morgan C.
Things I would do different: 1.) order off the menu and order a set meal. When you start getting creative with what you want, it's starts getting stupid costly. Example: Want an egg white omelette with healthier sides= Build Your Omelet ($9.99), Egg Whites (+$1.29), Side of fruit instead of potatoes (+$1.49)...and that omelet had no cheese. Side of bacon? +$3.99. Meanwhile, my off the menu hashbrown Omelet was around $8.50. 2.) Tip on the table after you've ordered. I made the mistake of tipping my standard 18%-20% when I paid for our food. But after thinking about it, I realized that was a suckers move. You stand in line to order your food, you get your own drinks, and they drop the food off at your table. So really, this shouldn't be a standard full service tip. At least if you tip on the table, you can decide if the staff has put in the effort for a standard tip. When our food came out it looked good. Mine was wrong, and I hadn't noticed the mistake before the server saw it and took it back to correct the issue (judging by how quickly it was back, I assume he grabbed the wrong the plate). After that the food was good. Nothing super special, but good, straight forward food. Coffee mugs were a bit dirty, I picked through the pile until I found a clean one. But everyone that works there was friendly and I left full and happy. It's been weeks since I drafted this review, and I'm glad I waited to submit. Because I would have given them two stars. I felt cheated by the cost and the amount of tip I left. But looking back on it, it's not the restaurants fault. They have a format within which they work, and once you know that format you'll feel better about operating within the restaurant. Hopefully my two things I would have done differently will be helpful to people that eat there.
(3)Ed K.
Walked in...no greeting, no will be right with you, no just a second. Stood at the counter to order for five solid minutes while servers ran around, the cashier was on the phone (which rang after I'd been standing there!)...not a word. Finally just turned around and left. I've had mediocre food there, though their sausage is quite good. The help just isn't friendly, organized, or efficient.
(1)Jim G.
I've only been there on Saturday mornings, and it is a fun, lively place. It was busy, but not too crowded at 9:30 - our wait literally about 2 minutes. The ordering process is not the most intuitive for the new comer - you come in, and walk straight to the back and give your order to a cashier. Then you will find a seat, and they will bring your breakfast to the table. Last time I was there, we got a rubber duckie as our place holder! That's just one aspect of the charming and family friendly environment the place is - lots of spontaneous decor lets you know you are in a mom and pop neighborhood place, not some chain. Now for the food - it was delicious. We had both had breakfast combos of eggs, bacon, and in lieu of toast, we were able to substitute some blueberry pancakes - fluffy, fruity, and mmmmmgood. And you can choose from a mismatched set of coffee cups and serve yourself as much as you'd like. And for the cost of a meal at a chain like Cracker Barrel or Bob Evans, this is the real deal family place. I've only been a few times, but it's one of my favorite breakfast spots!
(5)Gretchen O.
I don't know how anyone can give this place a bad review. Maybe if you have a stick up your @ss or need 5 star dining for breakfast because you're from San Diego, this place is not for you. Though I'd venture to guess if that's the case, then Annapolis isn't for you. Perhaps if you don't understand their seating system, you should open your own restaurant and do it better...or go back to school to learn how to remember numbers (or visuals, in case you're not a numbers person), cause it's really not that difficult to remember to look for a shark. OK, off the ranting. We come here for breakfast probably once a month as a treat, and we just love it. The food is consistently good, and their coffee is awesome. We really like the chicken and waffles and biscuits and gravy. And since the waitstaff is in pajamas, we don't feel the need to get dressed up either...half the time, we come here for breakfast, then come home and crawl back into bed.
(5)Danielle C.
Everyone here is so kind, hard working, willing to do anything they can to make the customers happy. The food is always phenomenal. Oh and breakfast all day :) always a plus. Love grumps cafe!!
(5)Linda J.
My breakfast Experience: Salsa from a jar, nuff said. Not even warmed to try to con me. Really disinterested service folks, who never smiled. At all. The whole time. You can see there are regulars, and it's very casual so kids can cope with it well. Maybe we need to try dinner, but the whole concept just didn't click to me. Just appeared to be a cheap idea to decorate a diner to look "homey", but if I want homey, I'll stay home.
(2)Elizabeth W.
I just paid $13+ for a mahi salad that really was just a bowl of yellow lettuce and white lettuce bones, just a trace of peppers and almost no mahi. Ripoff.
(1)Andy P.
I love this place!! The variety of fresh dishes and sides for breakfast is terrific. I like bringing out of towners because it blows 'em away. The funky decor makes for a totally relaxed atmosphere. I like that you stand in line to order your food, no messing around with unreliable or overworked wait staff. Yet there is always someone there to help with questions or promptly clear dishes as needed. Oh , and they bring the food to you promptly. So, you get all the advantages of a wait staff without the , err, wait. Amazingly, even on busy mornings, I've never had to wait long for a table. And it's not a large place. Coffee is self serve and seems to be all you can drink. This is great because I can start with 1/2 cup and add a bit of warm coffee at will. A stunning combination of totally chill atmosphere and fabulously fresh food. One of these days I'm going to try lunch.
(5)Christine C.
They wear pajamas, let you seat yourself and make you feel like you are in your own kitchen except with service where someone is cooking and cleaning for you. The ambiance is fun and screams of south Florida and beaches. I love it, it's cute. The food is good and the breakfast is great! Food is very homey, feels like I cooked it myself on some occasions but without having to do dishes. The biggest thing I wish they would change is real butter... a girl needs real butter and real syrup. Many people are regulars here and I like that about the place.
(3)Elias R.
Great place for a casual quick breakfast! The staff was friendly and energetic (btw, they are supposed to be in their pajamas, it's sort of the point of the place) and the chicken fried steak was solid. It's not real hard to do a chicken fried steak but up north here I've define try seen it done wrong. Great price too!
(4)Ashley D.
I've been here a couple of times for breakfast and once for lunch, over the past 3 years. The decor is fun and the owners are friendly, however the food is so-so and the waitstaff are extremely unfriendly. There are many other places in Annapolis to get a better breakfast and much better service.
(1)Russell S.
Grumps is perfect... If a clinical level of OCD isn't a problem for you. While cleanliness and 'neat' isn't their thing, they serve some of the best breakfast food in Annapolis. In a strip mall in Eastport, it's easily missed unless you're a local or steered into it. It's crowded on Saturday and packed even more on Sunday, and customer service can wane a bit with so many people - I waited 15 min for a glass of orange juice, and butter & syrup were apparently hard to come by in any usable portion size. That said, the pancakes were perfect, the bacon substantive, the eggs done just as requested, and overall had a great experience. If you're already on Main St and standing in front of Chick & Ruth's, stay there and eat. If for some reason you want to try something different, check out Grumps.
(5)Stephanie G.
I am in town from San Diego seeing family and they all seemed to love this place. I have no clue as to why they talk so highly of this place. The process to order your food and sit yourself makes no sense at all. Not to mention this place is hot and humid inside. Doesn't people have air conditioning?! My husband and I ordered two waters and breakfast for around 24.00 and we only took two bites off each our plates. The chicken and waffles are frozen chicken strips with one waffle for 10,00 hahaha, I had french toast and ended up with two pieces of bread just heated on the grill and threw on a plate. The food is decently below average, and way over priced for what your actually getting. Everyone that works here should Just stay in bed and never open this place up again
(1)Laura F.
Who are these highty tighty georgetown stick up their butt people giving this place a bad review? they have the most original milkshakes and amazing breakfast food and sandwiches. I've been coming here forever and a trip to visit home isn't complete until I come here. Love ittt!
(5)S C.
This place is consistently good breakfast. My dude loves the sausage gravy from here. The only bummer is the chicken and waffles is just frozen chicken tenders. Everything else I have had has been stellar. And birch beer on the soda machine.
(4)Bernice R.
I always order the chicken fried steak for breakfast. Yum. Coffee is good and I love the grits! Had this as a dinner once and it was cold and terrible - can't explain why. That was the only bad experience I had there. The server was serving us and another table, which I believe were members of her family because she kept tending to them and not us! She was playing with a baby who I guess was hers? Our food took forever and she never checked on us. We did tell them that our food took way too long and they were nice to offer a free sundae as dessert (we didn't really want a dessert but accepted it anyway). Nice gesture I suppose. Anyway, always a fun place for a weekend breakfast...in and out within a half hour because we eat fast! We went there to try their burgers for the first time and we were super pleased! Big, juicy burger on a soft fresh bun. Fantastic!! I will be going there again whenever I have a greasy burger craving! Better than 5 guys!
(4)Peter C.
This is a fun ecclectic place. Staff wears pajamas and you get a bath squeaky toy to save your table. The food is ok, not great and they have TV news shows on in the morning.. Not my favorite atmosphere, but... OK. Gets busy on the weekends so you may have to wait. Outside tables are fun to bring your dog along.
(3)Mas W.
I keep stopping in on occasion just to see if things have changed. They haven't. The atmosphere is so loud, you can't have a casual conversation without yelling. The staff all seemed very nice but overly stressed out except for the people at the front texting waiting to ambush the next person that walks in. I don't mind the wait on the food. It is reasonable for made to order. Only be prepared that the food may be cold or just wrong. I'll stick to my usual breakfast place. They remember who you are and what you like. Msg me if you want to know the name. This review is about Grumps.
(1)Harrison B.
Great spot if you like your food greasy, drowning in cheese, and huge. Staff wears pajama pants which is... supposed to be cute I guess? If you're a slob, you'll probably love it.
(2)Linda P.
As our last meal on our weeklong vacation, it was lovely to have a nice picnic table we could eat at with our dog. The waitstaff even brought out a big bowl of ice water. The corned beef and eggs might be canned, but it was still pretty good. (I'm incredibly excitable about 'real' fresh corned beef hash) My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed the chicken fried steak and a Beer. On a Sunday. Before noon. (Blue laws take that!) We will definitely come back here next trip.
(4)Alyx F.
Made a pit stop in Annapolis to visit a friend and she took us to Grumps. My first impressions were that I absolutely loved that it was called Grumps and that it was awesome that everyone got to wear their pajamas as their work attire. That being said, the food was pretty mediocre, but it was a nice place to get something in our stomachs and to catch up. I got the corned beef hash, and it was alright, but I don't think I would get it again.
(3)Nina U.
Don't be scared. Honestly the first time I walked in here was on a crowded weekend morning and the line was just intimidating and too long for my appetite to hold out. So I came back on another day and used an awesome Living Social coupon to enjoy lunch for half price. We walked up to the counter to order brunch and then served ourselves coffee in an eclectic cup with just the right cream and sugar like I was standing at my own kitchen counter. The entire place has a very homey feel with the best signs and sayings. There's splatter paint on the floors and randomness. It has a very laid back vibe, so much so that all the servers wear pajama pants to work. But don't let that fool you because they are very focused and take care of their customers. I was impressed with my breakfast and the option of ordering drinks from the bar....you know that ordering a drink for breakfast only postpones your hangover right?? ;-) I actually enjoy eating in this ambiance more than the other breakfast places around. Grumps. It makes me happy.
(4)Abby H.
Grumps is definitely an experience, the decor is crazy and the staff wander around in pajamas. I've been here twice now and both time have had a pleasant, though not amazing, experience. The order of things is definitely a little confusing, receive table number when you walk in, then go up to order and then go find your table where your food is brought out to you. Drinks are completely self-serve after you order (unless you're getting something from the bar *cough* mimosa *cough*). In terms of the food, it's not bad, but it's not great. I would definitely stick to ordering something straight from the menu rather than try to get fancy. I've had biscuits and gravy, the breakfast club and a bite of the avocado burger and all were tasty. I'd say this place is on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of breakfast/brunch places in Annapolis, but you have to go once just for the crazy dining experience.
(3)Brad A.
I got a kick out of reading the other reviews for this place. It's another Annapolis, make that EASTPORT icon, and you need to have a laid-back attitude and a bit of a sense of humor to enjoy this place. If you want a structured environment and quick, traditional service, there are other places to go. The waitresses here are in t-shirts and pajama bottoms, and most of the patrons just a step above that. You're either down with this or you're not. If not, please don't complain; go find another place. Yeah, you order at the cash register, pay, and then wait. It's casual, cheap, and easy going. Nothing fancy. Just good, basic food and drinks, and good, basic people. Strip mall location. Funky decor. Love it or leave it. If you're from DC, save us the trouble; you'll never get it.
(3)Courtney Q.
Super fun atmosphere - extremely casual. The staff wears PJ's and you feel like you could be wearing them too and it would be more than fine. We were just in town for 1 day so we only went once but we were happy with the food and enjoyed the fun atmosphere. For anyone new, it helps to know that when you go they assign you to some kind of plastic animal with a number on it that you need to remember, then you go and wait on line and order your food.and by the time you are done waiting on line, your plastic animal is somewhere holding a table for you. Then you wait at your table for your food to be served.
(4)Ken R.
I highly recommend this establishment be renamed Asinine Cafe. You walk in, your given a number, then you wait in a long line that only progresses if your table is open. What in the...?? It was explained to us by an odd employee that this is because the owner doesn't want people hanging around outside. He'd rather have them crowd the inside and disturb the people who are eating. Again What in the....? This makes no sense. What is also confusing is having a space on my bill for a tip. Are you serious? I stand in line to order my food and you want a tip? Heres' my tip: RETHINK YOUR SYSTEM. If you have to explain it to 90% of the people walking in, its not a system; its an asinine set of rules that make no sense. After standing in line for 30 minutes, we waited another 30+ minutes for our food to arrive. The pancakes were chewy and the corned beef hash was a festival of salt. Not to mention the portions were on the slim side. Honestly, you can make better at home and probably do. The place is a mess. Both figuratively and literally. I won't even start with the decor because its too easy. However, the floor was a mess and sticky in places. Bits of food from tables were left on the ground and I had the pleasure of seeing a woman put her dog on the table out in front. Yes, this is a very classy joint. (sic) One positive thing: our server, an older woman, was pleasant and seemed to be the only employee who had common sense. It is beyond reason why this place is busy.
(1)Scott A.
Excellent crabcake sandwich. Fries were a little too greasy. Birch beer from the fountain is almost worth a star on its own. Friendly service.
(4)Rob N.
Wouldn't go at any other time than breakfast not much of an outside seating area benches overseeing the beauty of a car park! The staff do wear their PJ's to work!
(3)Turkey B.
This is a great breakfast place with a really friendly atmosphere. I would not recommend as much for lunch or dinner, with the major exception of their burgers. They have awesome burgers, but if you takeout, be prepared they are super light on the fries for some reason. Seriously, you get like 7.
(4)David M.
Great breakfasts!! You will know this if you try to go on a Saturday or Sunday morning and the line is almost to the door. Employees wear pajamas for their uniform. The food similar in style, but MUCH better in comparison to a typical diner (way better than Double T) The defining fact that made this place win a spot in my heart: There are 3 shakers on each table: Salt, Pepper & Old Bay. Enough said.
(5)Marie L.
Amazing food. Amazing decoration. Fantastic service! EPIC UNIFORMS! Love, love, love GRUMPS!
(5)Tonya H.
A nice day in Annapolis with my best girl friend Caren... what more could I ask for? We went to lunch at Grumps Cafe and we sat outside on a picnic table enjoying our bloody mary and marmosa's. It was so nice, I decided to extend my vacation and stay a little longer. Whoo hoo. Good choice! Caren had a big juicy hamburger and I enjoyed my beloved chicken quesidilla. Delish!! The workers in their p.j.'s matched our attire at the moment of total laziness and our attitude of 'who really cares'? Loved the rubber chicken we received with our order number on it. Such a nice day. Nice day indeed. To top it off, I went inside and they were baking the most savory sweet cinnamon smelling buns and I almost indulged in one. My own cinna-buns screamed "NO!!!!!!" Next time, my friends, next time. I haven't quit thinking about that fresh, sweet smell since. Yum Yum. I am drooling now.
(4)Heath N.
Atmosphere, staff, and the food make grumps a great place to start your day.
(4)Frank R.
The ambience is horrible....First you stand in line caferteria style and pay for your food and then you find your table from the matching toy given to you. The lines were long and more than the available tables, so the first few times I went there I ordered carryout. Note I said the first few times because the food is simply excellent. I've eaten pancakes, waffles and omelette and all were good. Now if you are a vistor or from the greater Annapolis area visiting Eastport, stop by the food is worth it. For me I am a sit down, drink a cup of coffee and eat my breakfast while reading on my tablet type person and this was not the place for that. So I am unfairly giving a 3 star rating because I am sure for some its higher simply because the food is so good but its was not enough to take me from the Denny's of the world.
(3)Stephen S.
Great atmosphere. The food was good but we gave it only two stars because there was a clump of hair under our pancakes. They, however, we're very apologetic though they should have comped the pancakes or provided something free for a recovery. Also they have enough wait staff that they should just have folks order from their table rather than the somewhat unusual way they have of greeting you, making you order your food from a counter, and then finding your seat. It's just unnecessarily complicated. They would also (potentially, if the service is good) get better tips if folks paid at the end of their meal rather than at the beginning.
(2)Keith L.
The concept here is fun....and the coffee good....BUT the food is horrible, lifeless and has no creativity at all. Breakfast meats are low quality and the pancakes are worse than McDonalds. There are no unique items to choose from in the horribly boring menu. I have no idea why people give this good ratings. Smash some eggs on the sidewalk next to road kill and you will get a better breakfast. Not a place if you truly appreciate good food.
(2)Marita C.
Great fun, great food! A bit of a wait but definitely worth it. We came for breakfast but will come back to try lunch.
(4)G J L.
Noisy, busy, crowded, neat wall decor, wait staff wear pajamas, terrific fresh coffee, and some really delicious food. The perfect hole-in-the-wall place for breakfast.
(4)Shane N.
Went here for the breakfast on the recommendation of a native Annapolitan. The food was pretty good, but I could do without most of the shtick. We went on a Sunday morning about 10 o'clock. It was pretty busy and things were pretty hectic. The system of the way you order, get your table, and get your food did not help with this. The place is very chaotic and apparently that is by design. The staff run around wearing their pajamas, apparently most people sleep in sweat pants and t-shirts. That is fine and kind of quirky. When you walk in, you are handed a menu by a host/hostess. He will show you some kind of toy (ours was a rubber shark) with a number on it. After you order, that toy will be placed on the table where you are to sit and the staff will bring your order to that table. Next the host/hostess will direct you to a counter on the other side of the place where you order your food. While standing in line to order you can look over the menu. Of course when it is your turn to order the cashier asks you for the number that was on your toy. The host didn't tell us to remember the number, but luckily we did. You order and pay the cashier. Then you go and look for a table with your toy on it. Our toy wasn't on a table, so we went to the host who told us our table would be ready next. Eventually we found our shark on a table. There was also another toy on our table, so we had to get rid of that so our server wouldn't get confused. I found this whole system to be annoying. Also, I hate these semi-fast food places where you don't know what is self-serve and what had has waitstaff service. I wish they would just pick full waitstaff service or full self-service. How do you tip these places? I also already paid at the register with my credit card before the food and service. It is just not a very good system. Now that I got that out of the way, on to the food. I ordered something called the Bubba. It was three eggs, three pieces of french toast or three pancakes, and three pieces of sausage or bacon. They had other options similar to this that came in a group of two or just a single of each item. I chose scrambled eggs, french toast and bacon. The scrambled eggs were very well done. They were not too runny. The bacon was also well done, although it was not the highest quality bacon. It was very thin and narrow as well. The french toast was good. Nothing to write home about. It came with this cinnamon butter that was very good. Overall the food would be close to a 3.5. Maybe a 4 if they would use some quality bacon. The whole set up just annoyed me too much. I will most likely go back. I might try lunch or dinner sometime.
(3)Denise R.
Stopped here at about 3:00 for a late lunch. Ordered 2 appetizers and 2 beers. Beers were not "beer cold" and the appetizers took about 15-20 minutes to get to our table. There was only 2 other tables that had customers and they had already ordered and been served. About 10 minutes till 4, when they close, they smoked the place up by cleaning the grill and we couldn't even finish our food because it stunk so bad. Not only that but they turned peopled away before they were "technically" closed. What in the world is wrong with this place???? Really??? You are going to stink the place up and clean the grill while you have patrons??? Asked to speak to the manager, and the "key holder" Nick showed up and had no idea why we were complaining, and did nothing to try to rectify the situation? Won't be going back ever!!!! And recommend take your money to McDonalds...Done!!!!
(1)Katie W.
Grumps is a fun and unique place to grab breakfast, lunch, a light dinner, or a quick bite. Like it's name, Grumps likes to surprise you with its set up and ambiance. You arrive and all the waiters are wearing their own pajamas. All day. You'll see Homor Simpson flannel pants, Bunny p'js, or your boring old Pink sweats. Interesting idea, but do you really want someone serving you food in the pajamas. Yes, I'm sure they're clean and all, but what do YOU do in your pj's? Lay around when your sick, get intimate, sweat in bed, throw on after a long day of hard work - you don't want these ideas when someone is serving you food at a restaurant. Upon arrival you stand in line and are handed a rubber toy, be it a Stegosaurus, hipppo, or ant eater with a number written on it. You order your food at the cash register, give them your number and find yourself a table. The food is pretty good here. They have a good variety of breakfast food, sandwiches, and salads. Plus some tasty cookies and muffins. They just started being open for dinner. There is also alcohol served here. The mimosas are quite tasty and are cheap! Good for take out as well. So if you don't mind Pajama clad wait staff with messy hair, this place isn't so bad! Good for a quick week day lunch or Sunday brunch!
(3)Mike N.
Weird. The food is completely average. Nothing more, nothing less. But the whole concept is weird. Staff in PJs is gross! How do I know they didn't actually roll out of bed, piss and then bring me my food all while wearing those dumb pants? The creepy toys should be replaced and given to the patron at the counter after ordering.
(2)E. Barrett A.
If TGI Friday's forgot to take it's meds and it had a baby with a crappy strip mall sandwich shop, the baby would be Grumps. As far as the atmosphere and the decor looks like a t-shirt slogan writer moved over to interior design for a brief moment and having failed miserably, returned to the T-shirt shop leaving the job half done. The service was Grumpy that's for sure...but not in that sassy fun "oh no you didn't" kind of way, but rather a "I hate my life...when does this shift end...if only I'd stayed in school" kind of way. The menu looks great (which really sets you up...maybe, just maybe the food will rescues the skitzophrenic strip mall decor and maudlin staff) We ordered breakfast and lunch. The portions were small and over cooked....there were strange additions (lettuce on the philly steak?) and the topper, was a bug on the lunch meat sandwich. Hey, bugs happen....no big deal...but when we complained, they simply removed the bug and returned the same sandwich. Crazy. I was desperately hopping to find an affordable approachable alternative to most of the touristy places in the area. So far no luck.
(1)Christie D.
We were very impressed with Grumps and we would definitely go back! The decor and service is unique and fun! We went for a brunch and our group of 4 all loved our meals! Its refreshing to find a more unique dining concept that offers great food at great prices.
(4)Janet K.
I have to start with a bit of a rant... To me, 4 or 5 stars generally means a restaurant that makes their dishes from scratch using quality ingredients. Sometimes I'll rate a place 4 or 5 stars for one or two particular items that stand out as exceptional even if their other stuff is lacking (see Ruby Tuesday, Arby's, etc) I don't care if the place is a hole in the wall, a dive or a Michelin rated gem, it is the freshness and quality of the food that wins me over. Grump's is a family owned and run place that has been in business quite awhile now and has been very good for the area. They were the only place open during Hurricane Isabel, not only offering badly needed hot coffee, but letting customers help out in the kitchen to get people fed. They are great people. However, their food is almost completely pre-made, pre-packaged, fast food/Sisco kind of fare. I know that they advertise their slaw as being made there (and it's not bad) and their chili (which is dreadful) but by and large, things come out of a bag, a box, or the freezer. Unlike JR.C, I had the WORST hamburger there I've ever had and never tried another one. Unless they have completely changed since then, it was a frozen, possibly even pre-cooked dried out mess with a chemical aftertaste. A short trip to Eastport will get you better burger at Davis' Pub. There is nothing that I've had over the years that I could rate above 3 stars and a lot I could rate lower. Today we tried the sweet potato fries which came out burned--twice--and I mean inedible. A short trip down the street to Main Ingredient will get you sweet potato fries that are actually good. The salads are expensive and light on ingredients except lettuce. A short trip down the other street will get you a great salad at half the price from Adam's Ribs. I generally don't go for breakfast, but the couple of times I have tried have also not been great--pancakes far inferior to those around the corner at Main Ingredient. Sandwiches are sad with bread that just crumbles apart the minute you touch it. The mayo tastes cheap. (and these babies cost a pretty penny too...) What Grump's is great for is a "quickie" If it is not busy, you can get in and out in a flash, which cannot be said for other restaurants in the area. It is almost as fast as McDonald's and yeah, ok, I suppose it is better than they are. I am rating 3 stars instead of 2 because they are great people who deserve the business from people who are not as picky as I am. I am sorry to be so negative. I wish there was something on the menu that I have tried that I could heartily recommend, but mostly it is just very mediocre food, very convenient. As much as they are loved in the neighborhood it would be a terrible shame to lose them, but then again, for the purpose of this site, I think it is important to be honest.
(3)Peter S.
It's kinda fun for the kids but I find the food pretty uninspired and expensive. Sure its a fun atmosphere but its the food that will make you come back - so therefore, I won't go back unless the kids bug me. And I agree, the wait staff can be pretty indifferent to rude.
(2)Patrick H.
You gotta love a place where the staff comes to work in their pajamas. Grump's Cafe, located in the Bay Ridge Plaza, just at the entrance to Quiet Waters Park is one of those local institutions which has surprisingly escaped "Yelpdom" thus far. Not that Grumps needs any more business. You'll know you're there by the throngs of Hikers and Bikers who park at Hillsmere Plaza for a quick bite at Grump's and then slink into Quiet Waters Park WITHOUT paying the entrance fee. If I wasn't so damned lazy I'ld do it too. For those of you who just can't seem to rear your sleepy head out of bed at a respectable hour, Grump's serves breakfast until 4PM, and breakfast is definitely the draw here. Nothing fancy, but it's all done well. Sort of a cross between a good diner and southern home cooking. Grump's does not disappoint. I love the Grumps system. Stand in line to order and then the lovely cashier will give you a small rubber chicken with a number on it (yes, you did read that correctly) and when a table becomes available, you are whisked to your seat where your food arrives shortly thereafter. If your obnoxious, like me, you can use your rubber chicken, complete with squeaky noise device, to hail your server. The table next to us was delighted by my antics. Grumps is also open for lunch and dinner serving up heaping helpings of homestyle grub featuring salads, sandwiches, burgers and more and even a complete section on the menu dedicated to "Melts"... you know, tuna melt, turkey melt, Cuban pork melt. The decor is kitschy and campy as you might expect. If you are in the neighborhood, Grump's is just the place to go for a casual and fun meal. Oh, and Grump's does sell adult beverages, too. In case you want to just have breakfast then go back to bed.
(4)Cam B.
Really good food, especially the hashbrowns dusted with Old bay. Entertaining decor and I guess thats why the staff wear pajama's (I'm still unsure about this). Waiting for a table can be a little awkward considering there's no waiting area.
(4)Geoff E.
If Main Ingredient is busy or the Back Porch Cafe is closed and we are uninspired to venture far from Eastport (but not downtown), we come here for weekend brunch and it gets the job done. It's short order cooking with many ingredients that are canned or pre-made, but they do a decent job with it. The more impressive dishes are the sweeter ones, like pancakes and french toast. They make a cinnamon compound butter for the fluffy, fruit-studded pancakes that is good. The lesser impressive are the more savory egg dishes, in which they use canned mushrooms for their omelet fillings, fall short on the hash browns, and accompany with grocery store white bread toast. The atmosphere is quirky verging on dirty. Everyone is in their pajamas, there's crazy crap all over the walls, and there is multiple colors of paint splattered all over the walls and floors. I'm all for dives, but cleanliness is an issue for me, So that's it - nothing special, nothing dreadful. Just a little short order restaurant in a strip mall that seems to keep the neighborhood happy. Stop in if in the area, but I probably wouldn't travel for this one.
(3)Kate M.
Grump's has pretty darn good breakfast, served relatively fast considering it's made to order. You may have to wait for a table on a busy Saturday morning but it is typically well worth it.
(4)Darina O.
I don't get why people crowd this place! First of all, the food is beyond ordinary. There is nothing on the menu that's worth what you are paying for it. No kick to the menu items at all. Plain and tasteless. Second, the system of ordering is just stupid! You walk in and they give you a number - a dirty kids toy with a hand written number on it gets placed on your future table. You go to the register and order, but before you order you should tell the register person "the code"-your number. My friend and I were so confused! We didn't even pay attention to what number they assigned to us. We had to go back, find the waitress and find out what number we had. You stand in a long line and wait for your order to be taken while there is about a dozen of waiters hanging around with nothing to do. All they do is pick up the dishes and bring you food. You serve yourselves the beverages. So dumb! Seriously, it just doesn't make any sense! there are more stuff members than is necessary. What the f@ck does the owner think he's doing? It's just ridiculous!
(1)Rob G.
Tasty local spot with character. The sandwiches are reliably on point and they've got a good thing going for breakfast. Definitely good for families and an inexpensive meal. Some say the best burger in annapolis (not just the poster below, but friends of mine as well) and while good, I think I'd have to give that title to Davis Pub.
(5)Tom L.
We stopped by Grump's a few weeks ago and had a decent brunch, considering that we only found this place because we stopped and asked a complete stranger at another local strip mall. I only wish they'd stop trying so hard to project the cool/laid-back image. Positives: - No lines on a Sunday! Although to be fair, it was a 3-day (Sat-Mon) holiday. - The egg bay ridge (eggs benedict with crab and tomatoes) was actually tasted decently crabby, especially given how little crab was visible to the naked eye. - The poached eggs were done right! It's crazy how hard it is to get decent poached eggs. Negatives: - Canned fruit salad. Ick. - Hollandaise sauce tasted like it came from a sauce packet. - The tomatoes made the whole dish slightly watery, soaking through the english muffins. - This is really nitpicking but I really hate the feathery edges of poached egg whites. The lack of polish in the food actually works with the image they're trying to project, and I'm somewhat surprised that I liked this place. I'd definitely recommend Grump's over, say, Eggspectation if you're in the mood for eggs benedict or variations thereof.
(3)Emily S.
The atmosphere is great here! Really funky and colorful, its a fun place to come for breakfast. The menu is interesting and they serve huge portions. Love the bottomless cups of coffee too; you get to choose a random mug and one of the many different roasts, and get up as much as you want to refill. Definitely want to try coming for another meal during the week sometime, the non breakfast items and happy hour specials look exciting.
(4)Josh D.
This place was better than ok the first time I ate there. This time the eggs were incredibly over cooked & the potatoes were under cooked. Not great.
(2)