Only once had a bad meal served here and they took care of it immediately. Mistakes happen and Main Cup rectified it at once. Great salads, sandwiches and soups. Deserts are just too good. Servers are always attentive and knowledgable. We don't eat there often, but we are never disappointed when we do.
(5)
Bill B.
Always enjoy my meals here. Great take out also. On this day though not sure how the staff figures out who is taking care of bar customers. Looks like waitresses and waiters just jump behind the bar at random? Wait staff is for tables, and bartenders tend the bar....simple, no? Next note... I order mushroom soup and the steak and fries. "Would you like the soup out first?" Really......everyone wants the soup out first when ordering a main course. The soup is under appetizers, as in what comes out first. How hard is this? It's hard notty order the crab cake here. It should be noted that the crab cake is as good or better than Dutches Daughter which thinks it serves the best seafood in Frederick. NOT. Mushroom soup....delicious. Sat for a while as it started to form a skin, but it was good. Stark and fries were good. I had the feeling the steak sat a little as it was closer to room temp than off the grill. Asked for mustard and steak sauce. Came after I had finished lunch. Waitress Katie never came back until the meal was over with the mustard. Then says "I found the last bottle of steak sauce in the place." Really... The place is wall to wall with woman eating salad for lunch and you pretend you were taking 20 minutes to find the last bottle of steak sauce. Never got a refill on Iced Tea. Yes, I'll be back, yes I will ask for a different waitress If Katie S is who approaches. So overall today....food 3, wait staff 1= 2. Shroyers Tavern a better experience for lunch in the valley
(2)
Scott D.
I like the atmosphere, the service is always fast and friendly. The beer, wine, and mixed drinks selection are also good. I mostly visit for a couple libations. I have had the appetizers 5 times there since they opened and have never been impressed with any of them. I will try an entree someday, though.
(3)
Kim M.
Left after being ignored for 25 minutes. #sometimesiminvisible Never given a menu. Oh well...won't be back.
(1)
Sherb H.
Great local dining. Not a gourmet place, but live music, great service, and quaint location. Parking stinks, but it's all good. crab cake was good. Again, it is great to have a quick place to get to a decent bite to eat. Good for families or date night.
(4)
Nicole R.
Great atmosphere, service and food. Several dining areas, including a cafe/coffee shop and a few outdoor tables. Plenty of parking in this semi-rural town. A true gem!
(4)
Heijin M.
I love this place! If only it were closer! We have dined here twice when heading out to Antietam Battlefield or nearby wineries. The food is very good and reasonably priced. The patio area is wonderful and the indoor area is very quaint. If The Main Cup were closer I would definitely be a regular!
(4)
Jason H.
Pleasantly surprised by this place. The inside was bigger than I expected. If the weather is nice you must sit or their patio. I had the petite ravioli and chicken. Honestly one of the best ravioli dishes I've ever had. Also had the hot crab dip for a starter which was also excellent. I recommend this place for a casual dinner with friends or a fun date with you favorite gf/bf.
(5)
Meg S.
Tasty food, attentive and courteous staff, welcoming atmosphere, and fair prices. I have gone for years and will continue to go to this great local restaurant!
(5)
Kim R.
I recently visited this little gem visiting my aunt and uncle. It was quite the treat in this historic little town. The building was previously a meat packaging plant. With it's exposed brick and open ceiling, it has an industrial feel full of history. You will find a lovely menu with so many great options, not because it is pages and pages, but because everything sounds so tasty. I ordered the cobb salad (due to a salad craving). It was certainly meal worthy! I left feeling very satisfied and I can eat! The vegetables were beautiful and the chicken done perfectly. Also, the service and prices were great! I highly suggest this is a dining option while you are visiting or just driving through!
(5)
Tim H.
Went there for Mothers day brunch. Great food Lobster sandwich, crab cakes were very good and they had a very good shrimp salad sandwich. My wife had "hash browns" they looked like they chopped up French fries and they were dried out could not really eat them. The rest of our meal was great! The place has a great atmosphere and is much bigger inside then it looks. Prices were good too. We will be back for sure
(4)
Alex M.
The best independent coffee shop I've been to in Maryland. Located in quaint Middletown, MD just minutes from Hwy 70 and the mall in Frederick, they have traditional coffees and their own selection of specialty lattes. Cinnamon bun and Samoa lattes iced and hot are both great choices.
(5)
Corey W.
This is our local gem of a restaurant. We go here when we can't think of anywhere else to go; not sure why we don't go here more. The service is always great and you really feel the small town love from all at the restaurant. Good beers on tap and they typically have some great specials.
(4)
Kristie R.
A great place to eat! This is my favorite burger and ruben place. Truly everything I've had has been good. The wait staff is friendly and attentive. The food and atmosphere are relaxed and kid friendly. They have the Smith Island cake and the coffee is pretty good as well.
(4)
Johnny M.
Great place to entertain family and friends. Not sure if it's worth the trek to middletown just to go, but if your passing through I wouldn't miss it. In an era of bagged iceberg lettuce, and prepackaged fried "chicken," The Main Cup sets its self apart with fresh ingredients. Oh, and their coffee is pretty good too. Kid friendly, and the atmosphere is outstanding.
(4)
Linda N.
Always good food and service when we go here for lunch, the spinach dip is excellent as is the tomato bisque soup. Lively but comfortable night time scene as well.
(5)
Dana Z.
What an amazing find. Seriously. The whole Frederick area is so over looked as far as amazing restaurants go. The only reason people from DC come to dine in Frederick is Volt, but there are so many other good places! This be one, yo! Of course, it's not exactly on the same level as Volt so I'm not comparing it to them... but I got to try a lot of things on the menu since I came here with a large group. Starters... hummus...good... but not as good as the spinach dip. Sooooo good. And cocktails? They got em. Lots of em!! Specialty ones too... like the lemonade martini. I had the crab cakes... which might be one of my favorite foods ever (after pizza, of course, duh) They were huge and with lots of crab!! I could only finish one of them. I was debating on that or the balsamic glazed salmon, but I'll have to go back and try that one next time. Our server was really nice. When we asked her if she put the gratuity on the check she went "oh, I never do that" (huh, really?) and our party was 8 people... but we gave her 20%+ cause she rocked :-) I'd totally come back!!! One of my new favorite, and affordable places in the Fredneck-neck of the woods!
(5)
Bern B.
Friends of mine love this place and brought me here and it's obvious to why they love it. Very nice setting and friendly waitress. The menu selection was great, variety of salads, sandwiches, and more but I wasn't overwhelmed. I had the California club sandwich which was very good and sweet potato fries which were the best I have ever had. We shared the chocolate volcano dessert which was delicious. I will definitely return to try more dishes on this menu.... Next on my list is the loaded grilled cheese with tomato bisque, my friend really enjoyed that.
(4)
Jon P.
Great place to eat in Frederick County. As someone else wrote... This is not Volt. I'll second that so don't interpret the 5 star that way. The food though is very good. We eat here regularly and are rarely disappointed. The soups are excellent. I often have the BLT at lunch. This is an appropriately packed sandwich with a health portion of bacon. The Ahi tuna appetizer is outstanding; pair with a salad and it makes a great meal. The strip is very good - not prime, but not prime-priced either. The pizza looks nothing like NY pizza, but is pretty good. My daughter love it; so often get a slice The wife loves the quiches. I went this morning and had the breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel. Outstanding. Oh, and the owner is a terrific guy.
(5)
Greg L.
Excellent meaty crab cake. Quesadillas tasty but a little greasy. More salad dressing varieties than you can shake a stick at. I'm happy. 4 stars
(4)
Ann H.
Stopped here for a nice late lunch after a day at Antietam Battlefields. Our group had a crab cake sandwhich with sweet potato fries, spinach salad and club sandwhich. Very fresh tasting! Great service. We sat on the patio. Nice little gem of a place in this very historic area.
(4)
Maranda B.
Best chicken and corn chowder. I'd eat it every day if they had it! Bread pudding melts in my mouth. I can't get enough of it! Pizza is pretty darn good too. Dempsey's Grille down the street has better crab cakes, but the slider crab and burger platter is still a good buy.
(5)
Richard M.
I really enjoyed this restaurant! Loved how they had devils backbone beers on tap. Great menu. One of the better Reuben's I have had. The buffalo chicken dip and pita chips is spot on. The atmosphere was pleasant, service was friendly and all the staff that I saw strived to show the customer a good time. Nice sized bar, plenty of dining area. Nothing I can really complain about!
(5)
Jeremy R.
The place looks small and unassuming from the outside but is beautiful and quite large inside. The food was delicious (we had a pizza and the sandwich surf and turf combo) and the service was excellent. My only minor knock is that it was a bit pricey for the area.
(5)
Caroline N.
I was in town staying with family for Thanksgiving weekend. We all visited The Main Cup on 11/29/14 for lunch. It had a nice ambiance, the exposed brick added to the historic feel. Overall, this place was OK. Nice beer list, decent food, but nothing spectacular. We ordered the Hot Crab Dip for the table. The herbed pita triangles were very tasty, however, the "hot dip" was lukewarm on the edges and actually refrigerator cold in the middle. I ordered an appetizer salad with ranch dressing on the side and the Mushroom Pizza. The ranch dressing seemed home made and was quite tasty the salad was a good mix of spring greens, carrots, red onions, cucumbers and grape tomatoes. As for the pizza. It was a decent size for a personal pizza, but, it was nothing to write home about. The crust was limp and lacked flavor, the sauce was just OK, and some of the mushrooms were a bit undercooked. I requested, and added, some garlic powder, hot pepper flake, and Parmesan cheese after I tried my first slice, which really helped out the overall flavor of the pizza. The other people in my party seemed to enjoy their meals. My mother-in-law swears by the chicken quesadillas and says she orders them every time she comes. My sister-in-law said her burger was good, but she ordered it without lettuce, tomato, and onion and it came with tomato on it. My wife got the pesto chicken sandwich and said it was tasty, but she said the thick bread made it very awkward to eat. Overall, the server was nice and attentive, our waters were always full, and the service was fast. Not a bad experience, but not the best food. For the area, it's a decent choice.
(3)
Susan W.
Owned by a wonderful chap who used to own a restaurant in Manhattan, this is metropolitan cuisine in a small town. The restaurant winds through a beautiful old building. They have a wonderful coffee bar in the front, a well tended bar in the back and plenty of seating throughout. The service is good. The salmon strawberry salad will blow your mind.
(5)
Higgledy J.
McDonalds would be a better choice. Unless of course you like flies with your meal. Or you prefer bad service. In addition, the food is way overpriced considering the quality, and portion size. There is no reason to give a second thought about The Main Cup.
(1)
D W.
The Main cup is inviting. The staff is friendly and helpful. The food is good and they have a variety of dishes on the menu to choose from. Family oriented.
(4)
Victoria Z.
Lately, we've been venturing just outside of Frederick for a change of pace. For the longest time I was under the impression that the Main Cup was just a coffee joint, and I am not a coffee drinker. Luckily, a coworker convinced me otherwise. Later, I had to convince my mother in law that it was just not a coffee place so we could take some family there, too. We've always enjoyed the specialty drinks and service has consistantly been top notch. Definitely a little gem in Middletown.
(5)
Sandra K.
What happened to The Main Cup? I used to come here frequently in the past but had not been in quite a while. Where are the cozy couch corners? Where is the "book room"? Where is the dessert display? We ordered a onion straw appetizer, the quiche and a chicken Ceasar side salad, a cup of chili, a cup of mushroom soup with a Ceasar side salad. Our Italian sodas came right away. The chai latte that was ordered took forever and the water only came after I asked. Then an appetizer, we never ordered, arrived at the table. Our appetizer came but we never got appetizer played and the dressing dripped all over the table as we shared. Then the chicken Ceasar salad came but the other Ceasar salad never made it. The bowls of chili and cream of mushroom soup took forever to arrive. My soup was lukewarm. I was already done with my soup once the side salad came out and it only came out after I asked about it. The quiche was lukewarm as well and just a crust less egg custard with some vegetables thrown in. Not very tasty. Our server was courteous but not friendly. The price we paid was in no relationship to the quality of food and service we received. Very disappointed in tonight's experience.
(2)
Christine R.
I have been to this restaurant about ten different times and have always had a good experience. Their blackened chicken salad is excellent.
(4)
Steve G.
My go-to place for lunch after hiking just about anywhere on the AT through Maryland. Part coffee-shop, part brewpub. Recently renovated. Coffee: awesome Bacon cheeseburger: awesome Chili: who puts carrots in chili? The Main Cup does. I can't stand carrots, so I don't like it, but I suppose if carrots are your cup of tea, you might like it more than I did. Oh, and they have a wide variety of teas.
(4)
Kelley B.
This place was great. I was there about a month ago and just now getting to write the review. The staff was helpful and the food was delivered fast! I had an intense workout before going to the Main Cup and was pleasantly surprised at the size of the meal (perfect amount for an athlete) and it was reasonable priced. The atmosphere was nice and had a homey feel to it. I would def. recommend trying this place if you are in the area and will go there again when I am in Fredrick next!
(5)
George G.
We enjoyed a delightful meal with family on a recent Friday night. Wait staff is very accommodating and knowledgable of menu products. The only food item not so good were the French fries tasted greasy. I should have ordered their sweet potato fries instead. My favorite is their blackened chicken salad which has a perfect house dressing. The carrot cake was perfect and the coffee well I had four large mugs ...simply delicious.
(4)
Shannon S.
Expected a cafe, but was a beautiful restaurant. Had the Mediterranean salad and it was delicious -- dried tomatoes and figs set it apart from a simple Greek. Yum!!
(5)
Sarah T.
I was in the area to attend an extended family wedding, and really, I wasn't expecting much for food on this trip. But. The Main Cup blew me out of the water. There really wasn't a bad note. The seating was plentiful and comfortable. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The service was personal and attentive, and our server's recommendations were spot on. The food came quickly, was DELICIOUS, and the prices were reasonable. I wanted to go back the next day, but due to family obligations, we didn't have time. I had a shrimp salad sandwich on a croissant and a sweet potato bisque, both daily specials. Possibly the best versions of those items I've ever had. The shrimp in the shrimp salad were quite sizeable and very fresh, where each one is a good mouthful, not the tiny one that are normally in shrimp salad. The bisque was just perfect, warm and heartening and... gone. My dining parner had a crab cake sandwich and sweet potato fries. I preferred my sandwich, and he preferred his, so that's all good. The sweet potato fries were amazing, and I'm not even that into them usually. They were crisp but not hard, and perfectly salted and flavorful. We would have fought over them, but actually there were enough that we had some leftover, and that's saying something. Also, they have comfortable and clean bathrooms. So rare. I wish this place were closer to me, but it gives me something to look forward to for other family gatherings. Uh, besides family, of course!
(5)
K C.
I love the main cup. I've been here a few times when I am in Middletown. The staff is extremely friend very nice people. The jazzy fries are the best cheese fries I've ever had. I also really like the Mediterranean salad loved it. I had the cobb salad and it too was great. Let's see I had the Loaded Burger and the Cheeseburger good burgers. Excellent prices.
(5)
Bruce E.
Lunch was very good. Crab dip white pizza and Caesar salad were large size warm and quite yummy. Will go again. Word of mouth accurate. Get basil on white pizza
(4)
Alph G.
Get the bruschetta!!! It's amazing!!! Also the tres leche is out of this world. I would skip the buffalo chix dip though, it's pretty plain. I would def return.
(4)
Jeff J.
We found the Main Cup by referral, a friend of mine loves it there and told me about it a few years ago. I had previously thought it was just a coffee joint. Since then we have gone many times, it has become our go-to restaurant for date nights and family meal. My favorite item on the menu is the mahi-mahi sandwich, my wife gets the quesadilla or salad.We occasionally end up with something we don't like, such as the spinach dip (it isn't good, kind of mayonaisey), or the onion straws (gooey soft and very oily, not crisp). The fish & chips is usually a great dish, although one time it was actually cold and unpaletable. No worries, the waitress took it off my bill and brought me something else. The desserts are always delicious, the coffee is okay - better than Folgers not as good as Zeke's. The staff aren't always the most friendly but mostly pleasant, and all in all we keep going back because we love it there.
(4)
Heather M.
Are you looking for a place where you can kick back, relax, work on your laptop with free Wi Fi, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea? Do you want to have lunch with a few close friends and enjoy expertly made food ranging from amazing crab cakes to homemade burgers? Are you trying to unwind in the evening and want to sit at the bar, enjoy a glass of wine and chat with your spouse? Or, are you a larger group wanting to meet somewhere and eat at the same time? Main Cup has all this and more and can fit just about everyone's budget or need. Their menu ranges from amazing salads, pasta, burgers, vegetarian choices, crab cakes, tempura and more. They have a website that shows their lunch and dinner menus. The service has become much more efficient than when they opened 5 years ago and everyone is friendly, happy and polite. You will see the owners working hard during all hours: serving food, cleaning or making sure everyone has what they need. The only two complaints: the hour that they open, 8am. Many coffee places in the neighboring towns open earlier but given that parking (#2 problem) is at a premium, it's hard to just park and make a quick jaunt into the shop to get a cup of coffee. They have a parking lot behind the restaurant but you share it with a few other businesses so at lunch and dinner hours it's full. You can park on Washington Street and Main Street, but they fill up at certain times, also. You have to really drive around to find a spot during premium eating out hours (lunch and dinner on weekends). During the summer they have local artists who play their music and you can also enjoy eating outside on their patio.
(5)
HJ E.
Great little place to stop at on the way to the creamery or cider mill. Coffee, tea, burgers, salads - all good. Have not had anything here that I didn't enjoy. If you're in the area, this is your best place for a quick meal or caffeine fix.
(3)
Brigid A.
The Main Cup is a beautiful restaurant with delicious Bistro food and an excellent burger. BUT their service is terrible. The waitstaff is friendly but everything takes FOREVER. My family never eats there if we have anywhere else that we have to be on time. I regularly wait 15 minutes to even place an order and I'm sad to say up to an hour for simple dishes like the afore mentioned burger. Getting drink refills etc? Lets just say my husband quickly figured out he'd have more luck taking his glass to the bar and asking for a refill there instead of waiting for the waitstaff to notice, let alone refill his glass. I really wish they'd get their act together with their service.
(3)
Mike K.
Having read the reviews, I was expecting a wonderful experience. I did not get one. The coffee was great, but the rim of my cup was dirty. I ordered a club Sandwitch and fries. The Sandwitch was good, but the fries were cold on arrival. The building was cute and well kept. I was disappointed no one greeted me on arrival, just a sign saying to seat myself. I felt rushed during the meal with the waitress bringing me my bill before I had finished half my Sandwitch. The waitress was polite, but seemed overworked. On leaving, again no one said thanks or even goodbye. For the price I was disappointed.
(2)
Shawn H.
This place couldn't be much cooler. I love the plush, leather seating near the bar. The food is very good and the people working there are really friendly. If you're in the area, it's worth stopping for coffee or food.
(4)
Happy G.
Most of the food here was delicious and the atmosphere was nice. However those are the only positives. The hostess barely said hello through the scowl on her face. The servers while nice seem to be the slowest and most disorganized bunch ever. Our waitress barely spoke above a whisper making it impossible to hear her. Our food made it to the table before half our drinks. It took over 35 minutes for my mom to get her hot tea and my dad never got his drink, just water. If you want a refill I suggest ordering before you sit down because we were not offered any until our meal was over. We waited another 18 minutes to get a box and the check. While the renovations are nice (bring a jacket because its now super drafty & cold) the owners have failed to fix the piece that matters most outside of the food: service & organization. The majority of the food is good but the burgers aren't great and for some reason are served with the thimble sized ketchup so make sure you ask for extra, although you probably won't get it until after the check. Skip this place and go to Valley Grill Sports Bar where the food is awesome and the service is stellar. I won't ever go back to the lame cup.
(2)
Ken S.
A great place to relax and enjoy your meal. Great ambiance, excellent food. I recommend the Strawberry Salmon Salad. Don't leave without trying the carrot or cheese cake!
(4)
Audrey W.
I love historic Downtown Middletown, Maryland. It is one of the reasons my family recently moved 9 miles from the East side of Frederick County. We all live in a beautiful quaint valley that is a community based on families and friendship. The Main Cup shouldn't be a daily stop for me, but it can be at times. It's more then a coffee house. 100 years ago, C.F. Main had his ice cream there. The business grew regionally. It was a butcher shop too. Lots of history (think Camp David) and it's a pretty cool building in general. I dig it too because of its free wireless internet, 3 seating areas, so one is always right if you are dining with beer and wine and cocktails in hand, with the family and kids, working alone, or hosting a small meeting or party there. And, it as a very nice outdoor patio. They say "Come and experience our great coffee, delicious food and glorious history." I would say yes, it's a definate stop if you are on Alternate 40 or worth the trip just to dine, or stop by on the way to pumpkins, hayrides, nurseries or the several local state parks... My favorite menu item? Build Your Own Bruschetta Pita triangles, herb marinated tomatoes, olive tapanade and chevre cheese ~ $7.99 My hubby's: Tarragon Chicken Salad With grapes and walnuts in a creamy tarragon dressing served on a bed of lettuce ~ $8.50 My healthy gourmet 8 year olds: Grilled Vegetable Sandwich Portobella mushrooms, eggplant, onions, roasted tomatoes, pesto and provoloone on a ciabatta. $8.99 or Mini Pork Sandwiches when she is feeling plain. And my son? He will take the Kid's Menu Burger, PB&J, Pasta or Pizza anyday as long as it's followed by their hot fudge brownie ice cream sundae thingy always brought with a smile. Service is slow. But you know what? Who cares. It's Middletown, and we live there for a reason.
(4)
Julaine N.
The wait for service and food can be a little long sometimes, but I love this place for a casual lunch. The salads are delicious, and they have one of the best burgers in the area. The atmosphere is wonderful.
(4)
Paul O.
Only had a minute for a couple appetizers - the onion straw and crab dip were very good - chips with the dip were awesome. Bartender Jerry gave some local flare while being very helpful. Will definitely go back for dinner.
(5)
Ed B.
While visiting friends in Middletown, we went to The Main Cup for a late breakfast and early lunch. The coffee was excellent, although my particular espresso drink (an Almond Joy latte) was too sweet for my tastes. We stayed for lunch on the comfortable couches in the bar area. I ordered the daily special, which was a balsamic chicken salad wrap with fries, and it was very tasty. The tortilla was served cold... I would have preferred a heated tortilla, but that's just my personal preference. The buildings are part of a renovated former dairy, and the place is steeped in history. A very worthwhile place to check out in the heart of historic Middletown!
(4)
Darina O.
What a great place for vegetarians who do not expect much from a place in a very little town! My husband and I were blown away by the warmth and the food selection the place has to offer. The wait stuff is super polite, positive and nice. The place has a great atmosphere, very homely and inviting. We will definitely be back when we are in the area! I wish we had a place like this here in DC, I would be there every day!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Deac S.
Only once had a bad meal served here and they took care of it immediately. Mistakes happen and Main Cup rectified it at once. Great salads, sandwiches and soups. Deserts are just too good. Servers are always attentive and knowledgable. We don't eat there often, but we are never disappointed when we do.
(5)Bill B.
Always enjoy my meals here. Great take out also. On this day though not sure how the staff figures out who is taking care of bar customers. Looks like waitresses and waiters just jump behind the bar at random? Wait staff is for tables, and bartenders tend the bar....simple, no? Next note... I order mushroom soup and the steak and fries. "Would you like the soup out first?" Really......everyone wants the soup out first when ordering a main course. The soup is under appetizers, as in what comes out first. How hard is this? It's hard notty order the crab cake here. It should be noted that the crab cake is as good or better than Dutches Daughter which thinks it serves the best seafood in Frederick. NOT. Mushroom soup....delicious. Sat for a while as it started to form a skin, but it was good. Stark and fries were good. I had the feeling the steak sat a little as it was closer to room temp than off the grill. Asked for mustard and steak sauce. Came after I had finished lunch. Waitress Katie never came back until the meal was over with the mustard. Then says "I found the last bottle of steak sauce in the place." Really... The place is wall to wall with woman eating salad for lunch and you pretend you were taking 20 minutes to find the last bottle of steak sauce. Never got a refill on Iced Tea. Yes, I'll be back, yes I will ask for a different waitress If Katie S is who approaches. So overall today....food 3, wait staff 1= 2. Shroyers Tavern a better experience for lunch in the valley
(2)Scott D.
I like the atmosphere, the service is always fast and friendly. The beer, wine, and mixed drinks selection are also good. I mostly visit for a couple libations. I have had the appetizers 5 times there since they opened and have never been impressed with any of them. I will try an entree someday, though.
(3)Kim M.
Left after being ignored for 25 minutes. #sometimesiminvisible Never given a menu. Oh well...won't be back.
(1)Sherb H.
Great local dining. Not a gourmet place, but live music, great service, and quaint location. Parking stinks, but it's all good. crab cake was good. Again, it is great to have a quick place to get to a decent bite to eat. Good for families or date night.
(4)Nicole R.
Great atmosphere, service and food. Several dining areas, including a cafe/coffee shop and a few outdoor tables. Plenty of parking in this semi-rural town. A true gem!
(4)Heijin M.
I love this place! If only it were closer! We have dined here twice when heading out to Antietam Battlefield or nearby wineries. The food is very good and reasonably priced. The patio area is wonderful and the indoor area is very quaint. If The Main Cup were closer I would definitely be a regular!
(4)Jason H.
Pleasantly surprised by this place. The inside was bigger than I expected. If the weather is nice you must sit or their patio. I had the petite ravioli and chicken. Honestly one of the best ravioli dishes I've ever had. Also had the hot crab dip for a starter which was also excellent. I recommend this place for a casual dinner with friends or a fun date with you favorite gf/bf.
(5)Meg S.
Tasty food, attentive and courteous staff, welcoming atmosphere, and fair prices. I have gone for years and will continue to go to this great local restaurant!
(5)Kim R.
I recently visited this little gem visiting my aunt and uncle. It was quite the treat in this historic little town. The building was previously a meat packaging plant. With it's exposed brick and open ceiling, it has an industrial feel full of history. You will find a lovely menu with so many great options, not because it is pages and pages, but because everything sounds so tasty. I ordered the cobb salad (due to a salad craving). It was certainly meal worthy! I left feeling very satisfied and I can eat! The vegetables were beautiful and the chicken done perfectly. Also, the service and prices were great! I highly suggest this is a dining option while you are visiting or just driving through!
(5)Tim H.
Went there for Mothers day brunch. Great food Lobster sandwich, crab cakes were very good and they had a very good shrimp salad sandwich. My wife had "hash browns" they looked like they chopped up French fries and they were dried out could not really eat them. The rest of our meal was great! The place has a great atmosphere and is much bigger inside then it looks. Prices were good too. We will be back for sure
(4)Alex M.
The best independent coffee shop I've been to in Maryland. Located in quaint Middletown, MD just minutes from Hwy 70 and the mall in Frederick, they have traditional coffees and their own selection of specialty lattes. Cinnamon bun and Samoa lattes iced and hot are both great choices.
(5)Corey W.
This is our local gem of a restaurant. We go here when we can't think of anywhere else to go; not sure why we don't go here more. The service is always great and you really feel the small town love from all at the restaurant. Good beers on tap and they typically have some great specials.
(4)Kristie R.
A great place to eat! This is my favorite burger and ruben place. Truly everything I've had has been good. The wait staff is friendly and attentive. The food and atmosphere are relaxed and kid friendly. They have the Smith Island cake and the coffee is pretty good as well.
(4)Johnny M.
Great place to entertain family and friends. Not sure if it's worth the trek to middletown just to go, but if your passing through I wouldn't miss it. In an era of bagged iceberg lettuce, and prepackaged fried "chicken," The Main Cup sets its self apart with fresh ingredients. Oh, and their coffee is pretty good too. Kid friendly, and the atmosphere is outstanding.
(4)Linda N.
Always good food and service when we go here for lunch, the spinach dip is excellent as is the tomato bisque soup. Lively but comfortable night time scene as well.
(5)Dana Z.
What an amazing find. Seriously. The whole Frederick area is so over looked as far as amazing restaurants go. The only reason people from DC come to dine in Frederick is Volt, but there are so many other good places! This be one, yo! Of course, it's not exactly on the same level as Volt so I'm not comparing it to them... but I got to try a lot of things on the menu since I came here with a large group. Starters... hummus...good... but not as good as the spinach dip. Sooooo good. And cocktails? They got em. Lots of em!! Specialty ones too... like the lemonade martini. I had the crab cakes... which might be one of my favorite foods ever (after pizza, of course, duh) They were huge and with lots of crab!! I could only finish one of them. I was debating on that or the balsamic glazed salmon, but I'll have to go back and try that one next time. Our server was really nice. When we asked her if she put the gratuity on the check she went "oh, I never do that" (huh, really?) and our party was 8 people... but we gave her 20%+ cause she rocked :-) I'd totally come back!!! One of my new favorite, and affordable places in the Fredneck-neck of the woods!
(5)Bern B.
Friends of mine love this place and brought me here and it's obvious to why they love it. Very nice setting and friendly waitress. The menu selection was great, variety of salads, sandwiches, and more but I wasn't overwhelmed. I had the California club sandwich which was very good and sweet potato fries which were the best I have ever had. We shared the chocolate volcano dessert which was delicious. I will definitely return to try more dishes on this menu.... Next on my list is the loaded grilled cheese with tomato bisque, my friend really enjoyed that.
(4)Jon P.
Great place to eat in Frederick County. As someone else wrote... This is not Volt. I'll second that so don't interpret the 5 star that way. The food though is very good. We eat here regularly and are rarely disappointed. The soups are excellent. I often have the BLT at lunch. This is an appropriately packed sandwich with a health portion of bacon. The Ahi tuna appetizer is outstanding; pair with a salad and it makes a great meal. The strip is very good - not prime, but not prime-priced either. The pizza looks nothing like NY pizza, but is pretty good. My daughter love it; so often get a slice The wife loves the quiches. I went this morning and had the breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel. Outstanding. Oh, and the owner is a terrific guy.
(5)Greg L.
Excellent meaty crab cake. Quesadillas tasty but a little greasy. More salad dressing varieties than you can shake a stick at. I'm happy. 4 stars
(4)Ann H.
Stopped here for a nice late lunch after a day at Antietam Battlefields. Our group had a crab cake sandwhich with sweet potato fries, spinach salad and club sandwhich. Very fresh tasting! Great service. We sat on the patio. Nice little gem of a place in this very historic area.
(4)Maranda B.
Best chicken and corn chowder. I'd eat it every day if they had it! Bread pudding melts in my mouth. I can't get enough of it! Pizza is pretty darn good too. Dempsey's Grille down the street has better crab cakes, but the slider crab and burger platter is still a good buy.
(5)Richard M.
I really enjoyed this restaurant! Loved how they had devils backbone beers on tap. Great menu. One of the better Reuben's I have had. The buffalo chicken dip and pita chips is spot on. The atmosphere was pleasant, service was friendly and all the staff that I saw strived to show the customer a good time. Nice sized bar, plenty of dining area. Nothing I can really complain about!
(5)Jeremy R.
The place looks small and unassuming from the outside but is beautiful and quite large inside. The food was delicious (we had a pizza and the sandwich surf and turf combo) and the service was excellent. My only minor knock is that it was a bit pricey for the area.
(5)Caroline N.
I was in town staying with family for Thanksgiving weekend. We all visited The Main Cup on 11/29/14 for lunch. It had a nice ambiance, the exposed brick added to the historic feel. Overall, this place was OK. Nice beer list, decent food, but nothing spectacular. We ordered the Hot Crab Dip for the table. The herbed pita triangles were very tasty, however, the "hot dip" was lukewarm on the edges and actually refrigerator cold in the middle. I ordered an appetizer salad with ranch dressing on the side and the Mushroom Pizza. The ranch dressing seemed home made and was quite tasty the salad was a good mix of spring greens, carrots, red onions, cucumbers and grape tomatoes. As for the pizza. It was a decent size for a personal pizza, but, it was nothing to write home about. The crust was limp and lacked flavor, the sauce was just OK, and some of the mushrooms were a bit undercooked. I requested, and added, some garlic powder, hot pepper flake, and Parmesan cheese after I tried my first slice, which really helped out the overall flavor of the pizza. The other people in my party seemed to enjoy their meals. My mother-in-law swears by the chicken quesadillas and says she orders them every time she comes. My sister-in-law said her burger was good, but she ordered it without lettuce, tomato, and onion and it came with tomato on it. My wife got the pesto chicken sandwich and said it was tasty, but she said the thick bread made it very awkward to eat. Overall, the server was nice and attentive, our waters were always full, and the service was fast. Not a bad experience, but not the best food. For the area, it's a decent choice.
(3)Susan W.
Owned by a wonderful chap who used to own a restaurant in Manhattan, this is metropolitan cuisine in a small town. The restaurant winds through a beautiful old building. They have a wonderful coffee bar in the front, a well tended bar in the back and plenty of seating throughout. The service is good. The salmon strawberry salad will blow your mind.
(5)Higgledy J.
McDonalds would be a better choice. Unless of course you like flies with your meal. Or you prefer bad service. In addition, the food is way overpriced considering the quality, and portion size. There is no reason to give a second thought about The Main Cup.
(1)D W.
The Main cup is inviting. The staff is friendly and helpful. The food is good and they have a variety of dishes on the menu to choose from. Family oriented.
(4)Victoria Z.
Lately, we've been venturing just outside of Frederick for a change of pace. For the longest time I was under the impression that the Main Cup was just a coffee joint, and I am not a coffee drinker. Luckily, a coworker convinced me otherwise. Later, I had to convince my mother in law that it was just not a coffee place so we could take some family there, too. We've always enjoyed the specialty drinks and service has consistantly been top notch. Definitely a little gem in Middletown.
(5)Sandra K.
What happened to The Main Cup? I used to come here frequently in the past but had not been in quite a while. Where are the cozy couch corners? Where is the "book room"? Where is the dessert display? We ordered a onion straw appetizer, the quiche and a chicken Ceasar side salad, a cup of chili, a cup of mushroom soup with a Ceasar side salad. Our Italian sodas came right away. The chai latte that was ordered took forever and the water only came after I asked. Then an appetizer, we never ordered, arrived at the table. Our appetizer came but we never got appetizer played and the dressing dripped all over the table as we shared. Then the chicken Ceasar salad came but the other Ceasar salad never made it. The bowls of chili and cream of mushroom soup took forever to arrive. My soup was lukewarm. I was already done with my soup once the side salad came out and it only came out after I asked about it. The quiche was lukewarm as well and just a crust less egg custard with some vegetables thrown in. Not very tasty. Our server was courteous but not friendly. The price we paid was in no relationship to the quality of food and service we received. Very disappointed in tonight's experience.
(2)Christine R.
I have been to this restaurant about ten different times and have always had a good experience. Their blackened chicken salad is excellent.
(4)Steve G.
My go-to place for lunch after hiking just about anywhere on the AT through Maryland. Part coffee-shop, part brewpub. Recently renovated. Coffee: awesome Bacon cheeseburger: awesome Chili: who puts carrots in chili? The Main Cup does. I can't stand carrots, so I don't like it, but I suppose if carrots are your cup of tea, you might like it more than I did. Oh, and they have a wide variety of teas.
(4)Kelley B.
This place was great. I was there about a month ago and just now getting to write the review. The staff was helpful and the food was delivered fast! I had an intense workout before going to the Main Cup and was pleasantly surprised at the size of the meal (perfect amount for an athlete) and it was reasonable priced. The atmosphere was nice and had a homey feel to it. I would def. recommend trying this place if you are in the area and will go there again when I am in Fredrick next!
(5)George G.
We enjoyed a delightful meal with family on a recent Friday night. Wait staff is very accommodating and knowledgable of menu products. The only food item not so good were the French fries tasted greasy. I should have ordered their sweet potato fries instead. My favorite is their blackened chicken salad which has a perfect house dressing. The carrot cake was perfect and the coffee well I had four large mugs ...simply delicious.
(4)Shannon S.
Expected a cafe, but was a beautiful restaurant. Had the Mediterranean salad and it was delicious -- dried tomatoes and figs set it apart from a simple Greek. Yum!!
(5)Sarah T.
I was in the area to attend an extended family wedding, and really, I wasn't expecting much for food on this trip. But. The Main Cup blew me out of the water. There really wasn't a bad note. The seating was plentiful and comfortable. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The service was personal and attentive, and our server's recommendations were spot on. The food came quickly, was DELICIOUS, and the prices were reasonable. I wanted to go back the next day, but due to family obligations, we didn't have time. I had a shrimp salad sandwich on a croissant and a sweet potato bisque, both daily specials. Possibly the best versions of those items I've ever had. The shrimp in the shrimp salad were quite sizeable and very fresh, where each one is a good mouthful, not the tiny one that are normally in shrimp salad. The bisque was just perfect, warm and heartening and... gone. My dining parner had a crab cake sandwich and sweet potato fries. I preferred my sandwich, and he preferred his, so that's all good. The sweet potato fries were amazing, and I'm not even that into them usually. They were crisp but not hard, and perfectly salted and flavorful. We would have fought over them, but actually there were enough that we had some leftover, and that's saying something. Also, they have comfortable and clean bathrooms. So rare. I wish this place were closer to me, but it gives me something to look forward to for other family gatherings. Uh, besides family, of course!
(5)K C.
I love the main cup. I've been here a few times when I am in Middletown. The staff is extremely friend very nice people. The jazzy fries are the best cheese fries I've ever had. I also really like the Mediterranean salad loved it. I had the cobb salad and it too was great. Let's see I had the Loaded Burger and the Cheeseburger good burgers. Excellent prices.
(5)Bruce E.
Lunch was very good. Crab dip white pizza and Caesar salad were large size warm and quite yummy. Will go again. Word of mouth accurate. Get basil on white pizza
(4)Alph G.
Get the bruschetta!!! It's amazing!!! Also the tres leche is out of this world. I would skip the buffalo chix dip though, it's pretty plain. I would def return.
(4)Jeff J.
We found the Main Cup by referral, a friend of mine loves it there and told me about it a few years ago. I had previously thought it was just a coffee joint. Since then we have gone many times, it has become our go-to restaurant for date nights and family meal. My favorite item on the menu is the mahi-mahi sandwich, my wife gets the quesadilla or salad.We occasionally end up with something we don't like, such as the spinach dip (it isn't good, kind of mayonaisey), or the onion straws (gooey soft and very oily, not crisp). The fish & chips is usually a great dish, although one time it was actually cold and unpaletable. No worries, the waitress took it off my bill and brought me something else. The desserts are always delicious, the coffee is okay - better than Folgers not as good as Zeke's. The staff aren't always the most friendly but mostly pleasant, and all in all we keep going back because we love it there.
(4)Heather M.
Are you looking for a place where you can kick back, relax, work on your laptop with free Wi Fi, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea? Do you want to have lunch with a few close friends and enjoy expertly made food ranging from amazing crab cakes to homemade burgers? Are you trying to unwind in the evening and want to sit at the bar, enjoy a glass of wine and chat with your spouse? Or, are you a larger group wanting to meet somewhere and eat at the same time? Main Cup has all this and more and can fit just about everyone's budget or need. Their menu ranges from amazing salads, pasta, burgers, vegetarian choices, crab cakes, tempura and more. They have a website that shows their lunch and dinner menus. The service has become much more efficient than when they opened 5 years ago and everyone is friendly, happy and polite. You will see the owners working hard during all hours: serving food, cleaning or making sure everyone has what they need. The only two complaints: the hour that they open, 8am. Many coffee places in the neighboring towns open earlier but given that parking (#2 problem) is at a premium, it's hard to just park and make a quick jaunt into the shop to get a cup of coffee. They have a parking lot behind the restaurant but you share it with a few other businesses so at lunch and dinner hours it's full. You can park on Washington Street and Main Street, but they fill up at certain times, also. You have to really drive around to find a spot during premium eating out hours (lunch and dinner on weekends). During the summer they have local artists who play their music and you can also enjoy eating outside on their patio.
(5)HJ E.
Great little place to stop at on the way to the creamery or cider mill. Coffee, tea, burgers, salads - all good. Have not had anything here that I didn't enjoy. If you're in the area, this is your best place for a quick meal or caffeine fix.
(3)Brigid A.
The Main Cup is a beautiful restaurant with delicious Bistro food and an excellent burger. BUT their service is terrible. The waitstaff is friendly but everything takes FOREVER. My family never eats there if we have anywhere else that we have to be on time. I regularly wait 15 minutes to even place an order and I'm sad to say up to an hour for simple dishes like the afore mentioned burger. Getting drink refills etc? Lets just say my husband quickly figured out he'd have more luck taking his glass to the bar and asking for a refill there instead of waiting for the waitstaff to notice, let alone refill his glass. I really wish they'd get their act together with their service.
(3)Mike K.
Having read the reviews, I was expecting a wonderful experience. I did not get one. The coffee was great, but the rim of my cup was dirty. I ordered a club Sandwitch and fries. The Sandwitch was good, but the fries were cold on arrival. The building was cute and well kept. I was disappointed no one greeted me on arrival, just a sign saying to seat myself. I felt rushed during the meal with the waitress bringing me my bill before I had finished half my Sandwitch. The waitress was polite, but seemed overworked. On leaving, again no one said thanks or even goodbye. For the price I was disappointed.
(2)Shawn H.
This place couldn't be much cooler. I love the plush, leather seating near the bar. The food is very good and the people working there are really friendly. If you're in the area, it's worth stopping for coffee or food.
(4)Happy G.
Most of the food here was delicious and the atmosphere was nice. However those are the only positives. The hostess barely said hello through the scowl on her face. The servers while nice seem to be the slowest and most disorganized bunch ever. Our waitress barely spoke above a whisper making it impossible to hear her. Our food made it to the table before half our drinks. It took over 35 minutes for my mom to get her hot tea and my dad never got his drink, just water. If you want a refill I suggest ordering before you sit down because we were not offered any until our meal was over. We waited another 18 minutes to get a box and the check. While the renovations are nice (bring a jacket because its now super drafty & cold) the owners have failed to fix the piece that matters most outside of the food: service & organization. The majority of the food is good but the burgers aren't great and for some reason are served with the thimble sized ketchup so make sure you ask for extra, although you probably won't get it until after the check. Skip this place and go to Valley Grill Sports Bar where the food is awesome and the service is stellar. I won't ever go back to the lame cup.
(2)Ken S.
A great place to relax and enjoy your meal. Great ambiance, excellent food. I recommend the Strawberry Salmon Salad. Don't leave without trying the carrot or cheese cake!
(4)Audrey W.
I love historic Downtown Middletown, Maryland. It is one of the reasons my family recently moved 9 miles from the East side of Frederick County. We all live in a beautiful quaint valley that is a community based on families and friendship. The Main Cup shouldn't be a daily stop for me, but it can be at times. It's more then a coffee house. 100 years ago, C.F. Main had his ice cream there. The business grew regionally. It was a butcher shop too. Lots of history (think Camp David) and it's a pretty cool building in general. I dig it too because of its free wireless internet, 3 seating areas, so one is always right if you are dining with beer and wine and cocktails in hand, with the family and kids, working alone, or hosting a small meeting or party there. And, it as a very nice outdoor patio. They say "Come and experience our great coffee, delicious food and glorious history." I would say yes, it's a definate stop if you are on Alternate 40 or worth the trip just to dine, or stop by on the way to pumpkins, hayrides, nurseries or the several local state parks... My favorite menu item? Build Your Own Bruschetta Pita triangles, herb marinated tomatoes, olive tapanade and chevre cheese ~ $7.99 My hubby's: Tarragon Chicken Salad With grapes and walnuts in a creamy tarragon dressing served on a bed of lettuce ~ $8.50 My healthy gourmet 8 year olds: Grilled Vegetable Sandwich Portobella mushrooms, eggplant, onions, roasted tomatoes, pesto and provoloone on a ciabatta. $8.99 or Mini Pork Sandwiches when she is feeling plain. And my son? He will take the Kid's Menu Burger, PB&J, Pasta or Pizza anyday as long as it's followed by their hot fudge brownie ice cream sundae thingy always brought with a smile. Service is slow. But you know what? Who cares. It's Middletown, and we live there for a reason.
(4)Julaine N.
The wait for service and food can be a little long sometimes, but I love this place for a casual lunch. The salads are delicious, and they have one of the best burgers in the area. The atmosphere is wonderful.
(4)Paul O.
Only had a minute for a couple appetizers - the onion straw and crab dip were very good - chips with the dip were awesome. Bartender Jerry gave some local flare while being very helpful. Will definitely go back for dinner.
(5)Ed B.
While visiting friends in Middletown, we went to The Main Cup for a late breakfast and early lunch. The coffee was excellent, although my particular espresso drink (an Almond Joy latte) was too sweet for my tastes. We stayed for lunch on the comfortable couches in the bar area. I ordered the daily special, which was a balsamic chicken salad wrap with fries, and it was very tasty. The tortilla was served cold... I would have preferred a heated tortilla, but that's just my personal preference. The buildings are part of a renovated former dairy, and the place is steeped in history. A very worthwhile place to check out in the heart of historic Middletown!
(4)Darina O.
What a great place for vegetarians who do not expect much from a place in a very little town! My husband and I were blown away by the warmth and the food selection the place has to offer. The wait stuff is super polite, positive and nice. The place has a great atmosphere, very homely and inviting. We will definitely be back when we are in the area! I wish we had a place like this here in DC, I would be there every day!
(5)