Absolutely loved the meal and wine tonight. Entire meal was delicious, starting with wine tasting and great bread. Filet was a large portion and perfectly prepared. Lobster also very good. Even my daughters pasta was perfect - there isn't a formal kids menu but they have dishes readily available. The owner/chef stopped by our table twice to ask for feedback and advise us of future menu possibilities. A little on the pricey side but well worth it!
(5)
B A K.
Had carryout burger and lobster bisque. Burger was thick and made to order (med/rare)Nothing outa this world, just ok. Lobster bisque was horrible. Tasted nothing like lobster or crab, which was suppose to be in there but we found a only few bits. It was fishy tasting and the broth was as if they used steak sauce in it! Not good and sad to say I will not be back.
(1)
Janet C.
We had a wonderful experience at Drover's. Wine tasting at your table is a wonderful thing. The fried calamari is divine with a basil and a tomato aioli. The steaks were tasty and the Maryland wine selection is extensive. Kevan, owner and chef, personally greeted us. When he found out that we initially wanted to come on a Monday, the only day they are closed, for my husband's birthday; Kevan, his wife, and host broke out in beautiful song in honor of his special day. It was an amazing dining experience and we wish this lovely couple all the best.
(5)
Joe M.
This place has great food and service! The place has a nice atmosphere too, the chef/owner makes a point to come out and introduce himself and the staff is friendly and helpful.
(5)
Elaine T.
As I'd heard mixed reviews of this place, I was a bit leary, but we were a party of 4 over the weekend and "they" really wanted to try it. Okay then. We began with a drink in the bar, where we watched California Chrome fail to make Triple Crown history. Ah, sad. But then it was off to our table, led by our trusty waiter Carter. We ordered two apps: Prince Edward Island mussels and the artisan bread basket. The mussels were excellent - tender, plentiful and swimming in a perfect garlicky sauce. The bread was served with a yummy fruit-butter mix and a small crock of crab dip, both delicious. However, it would be a real stretch to call the bread itself "artisan" -- 3 slices of rustic white and 2 or 3 of wheat, nothing very special. Each couple then shared a wilted romaine salad which was fantastic. The main courses, ranging from seafood to angus beef, were all very rich -- creamy bases and sauces seem to be the chef's specialty. (This isn't the place to come for a plain steak/chop and baked potato. ) Finally, dessert: One chocolate ganache cake and one cheesecake topped with mango sauce -- though no mango was evident. Carter, our waiter, was fun, personable, and more than competent. Including one bottle of wine, the bill was $150 per couple , pre-tip. That's not a cheap date. And in the boonies of Mount Airy, it seems very close to wrong, despite the deliciousness. Would I go back? Yes...perhaps sometime. But the price point vs. atmosphere will give me pause.
(4)
Kate A.
This place is easy to miss, located on a quiet stretch of highway, with very little advertising. I couldn't be happier that I didn't. The decor is fairly nice and my waiter was very friendly, but where Drover's really shines is the food, which is some of the best I've ever had. You can tell the chef really knows what he's doing. My lobster bisque was perfectly seasoned. My black angus filet was incredibly flavorful, and I could probably have cut it with a butter knife if I'd really wanted to. Finishing it off was a heavenly crem bru le, which is honestly difficult to describe with words. Seeing (and smelling) the other guests fishes, it seems like everything Drover's serves is equally excellent. Despite the excellence of the restaurant, there was only one couple there when I went on a Tuesday, which I suppose is because of the location. Do yourself a favor and pay a visit to this undiscovered local gem. I promise you won't regret it.
(5)
Brian M.
Meh. I dined here with my wife, mother, and father on a recent Wednesday evening. The restaurant is very quaint and inviting. We were offered a wine tasting at our table, but were miffed when we learned the bottle of white included in the tasting was the last one. Explain to me why you would uncork your last bottle for a tasting. Don't you want to follow the tasting up by selling me a bottle of wine? Our soup and appetizers included seasonal pumpkin bisque, calamari, and fried oysters. All were excellent. They featured prime rib this evening, yet we were informed by our waiter they did not have any left. This was false! Entrees were good but forgettable since I cannot remember anyones entrees but mine, Salmon pasta. Back to the prime rib, my mother attempted to order it, but was informed they were out. However, just prior to paying our check, "friends" of the chef showed up for dinner. The chef came out to greet them and in the course of discussion the menu, the prime rib came up. To which the chef stated, "i should have enough for two if you want the entree". So we skipped dessert, paid our check, and left. they are trying, and the food that we had was quite good, but the overall experience was marred by mis-steps and mis-information.
(2)
Sebastian T.
Don't miss this hidden gem
(5)
Bill S.
This is truly off the beaten path. Its in a residential area, within a stones throw of 70. Its very easy to get to, and if your not looking for it, will sail right by. I had Mothers Day dinner there with my wife and my parents, and my Dad remembers it as an old biker bar. From the outside, it kind of resembles that - from the inside, its the polar opposite. Its small, friendly, relaxing, and very classy. It is not cheap, with four adult meals and a childrens Mac & Cheese totalling $118, without the drinks. The food is wonderful, the portions large, the service fantastic, the atmosphere memorable. If your going to ask her to marry you, this is the place. At least it will set the mood. They pride themselves on being all Maryland. Every Maryland wine, with several of them I have had before at the Maryland Wine Fest. The seafood is all Chesapeake bay, the meat all Maryland Farms, and all the trimmings local. I know that I will go back, with just the wife next time. I can't say it will be anytime soon, due to the general cost. The only downside to the place is the prices - you do get what you pay for, but average joe citizen can't do this place on a regular basis. They do have a kids menu, but its not for the little ones.
(5)
Mike D.
Awkward, dark, cramped. Lobster bisque was awful. They try to fufu up their dishes too much.
(1)
Kris P.
I cannot believe everyone does not make it to Drovers on a regular basis. The food is beyond good. We started with cocktails in the bar. Very friendly bartender. Great drinks. Headed into the restaurant and had the grilled romaine salad - best there is. Waitress suggested a good wine and let us taste few options before picking one. We had the Land and Sea - steak perfectly cooked with perfect seasoning, succulent lobster tail, wild rice and veggie side - and the seared scallops with lobster ravioli. Great service and food. Don't let the quiet location and slow business fool you. If you like great food, this is a place not to be missed.
(5)
Alena F.
I love to support the local business', but I'm hoping that this place comes out of their growing pains soon. Let me first say that there was no air conditioning so we were miserably hot - we probably could have stayed another couple hours but we were so uncomfortable, we decided to go home. I met some girlfriends here for a girls night out and I was not thrilled - the bartender (although we were informed he was really a waiter acting like a bartender) was horrible, we had to wait FOREVER once we ordered our drinks and he kept disappearing. He was panicking like he had a packed bar, but there were 7 of us total in the bar and we were only eating appetizers. That being said - the food WAS delicious! We had the calamari, the wings, the crab dip and the sliders and they were all delicious. I looked at the dinner menu and there wasn't a whole lot to choose from and it looked a little pricey, but the entrees sounded good. I may try them again in a few months just to see if they are improving - they have great potential!
(2)
antoin k.
What a disappointment. Went with great expectations after reading the reviews only to be severely disillusioned. We started out with the free tasting of wines. The wines were all Maryland Wines and universally horrible (at least the three we were served). The wines were reminiscent of two to three dollar bottles and not any better. We were proudly informed that the wines were $8.00 per glass or up to $30 per bottle. When I expressed dismay about the price and quality I was informed that depending on the bottle, donations were made to various cancer and medical research organizations. I guess a noble cause but appears to be a gimmick to get premium prices for schlock wine. Wonder how much actually gets donated. The food itself was also a disappointment in that for the price paid it should have dazzled instead of the fizzle it was. Will not go back.
(1)
Laura B.
I really wanted to love this place. It is lovely. The outside patio is adorable, with all sorts of flowers and plants. The bar is beautiful. But, alas, my lunch totally sucked. I ordered a Rueben. Simple enough, right? Not so much. It looked like an open faced raft with dried plastic melted on top. The fries, which appeared to be hand cut, were undercooked, white and hard. Oh, and they were tasteless too. When I order a classic sandwich like a Rueben, I don't want it screwed with. You feel me? I want traditional rye bread. Not a raft of tasteless whatever-that-was. Honestly guys. Why mess with perfection? Bottom line, I totally hated it. But, I wanted to love it, so I may give them another chance. If you go, ask for a description of the item you are ordering. My friend ordered a salmon BLT and the salmon was raw. I thought it was smoked, but she said it was raw and asked the waiter to cook it for her. Again, let's not get all fancy on our arses! Just do the thing well and people will come back for more.
(1)
Brenda S.
Off the beaten path but easy to find, Drover's just opened under new management in November, and it's off to a great start! Its claim to fame is fresh, mostly-local ingredients and the most extensive offering of Maryland wines anywhere. Unfortunately, Maryland wines are not always wonderful (ahem), and Drover's serves them exclusively. We tried a flight of reds for $11 and were offered three tastes of what the restaurant had already open. The first two were, um, not great (no names, I'm trying to be nice here), but the third one, from Cove Point, was quite good and hit the right note with our wonderful food. I love the concept of eating--and drinking--locally, but Drover's should take a step back and realize that starting their guests off with an awful wine (sorry, but it was) is not helping their business. They could treat wines the way they do beers: offer local brews along with some non-local favorites. I would suggest choosing only the best wines from the Maryland wineries they are trying to promote; if it doesn't taste good, don't carry it. (Please note, this is the opinion of three people in our party, not just mine, and we are not wine snobs, just like a decent glass of the stuff.) But the food is another story! Drover's lunch menu looks more like small plate fare than grill food, and that's the way we ordered. I had a scrumptious seafood chowder. The waiter explained it was tomato-, not cream-based (so not what I usually think of as chowder), but it was love at first bite. Lots of corn and other delicious veggies along with bits of crab, scallop, and shrimp in a spicy, rich broth. I almost licked the bowl. Our party was delighted with the sliders and Drover's dip, both very nicely done. Sandwich orders come with fries; go ahead and spend the extra $1.50 for the sweet potato ones, which arrived hot, crunchy and delicious. (Note to Drover's: please just skip the pink styrofoam tomato slice. Those of us who like to eat locally know when tomatoes are in season, and it's not March.) I also enjoyed a baby wedge and blue cheese salad. I expected iceberg and it was, but it was the youngest, freshest, GREENest iceberg I have ever eaten, served with a scrumptious blue cheese and bacon dressing, in just the right amount. (So nice to be served a dressed salad that didn't cry out for a life preserver.) We finished up by sharing a respectable tiramisu along with some surprisingly good decaf coffee. The staff (waiter, food manager, and chef) were all very engaging and seemed excited about their new establishment and eager to please. And we WERE pleased, with almost everything. A couple of small matters: Drover's, please consider more comfortable chairs--yours are hard and, well, cold (due to the metal backs); maybe keeping the room a bit warmer would help. And the fake-brick wallpaper seems out of place in a restaurant that serves food as classy as yours. Business was a little slow during our visit, but I'm betting that will change soon, as more people find about this place, only about 20 minutes from Ellicott City and well worth the trip. We will definitely be back.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Chris H.
Absolutely loved the meal and wine tonight. Entire meal was delicious, starting with wine tasting and great bread. Filet was a large portion and perfectly prepared. Lobster also very good. Even my daughters pasta was perfect - there isn't a formal kids menu but they have dishes readily available. The owner/chef stopped by our table twice to ask for feedback and advise us of future menu possibilities. A little on the pricey side but well worth it!
(5)B A K.
Had carryout burger and lobster bisque. Burger was thick and made to order (med/rare)Nothing outa this world, just ok. Lobster bisque was horrible. Tasted nothing like lobster or crab, which was suppose to be in there but we found a only few bits. It was fishy tasting and the broth was as if they used steak sauce in it! Not good and sad to say I will not be back.
(1)Janet C.
We had a wonderful experience at Drover's. Wine tasting at your table is a wonderful thing. The fried calamari is divine with a basil and a tomato aioli. The steaks were tasty and the Maryland wine selection is extensive. Kevan, owner and chef, personally greeted us. When he found out that we initially wanted to come on a Monday, the only day they are closed, for my husband's birthday; Kevan, his wife, and host broke out in beautiful song in honor of his special day. It was an amazing dining experience and we wish this lovely couple all the best.
(5)Joe M.
This place has great food and service! The place has a nice atmosphere too, the chef/owner makes a point to come out and introduce himself and the staff is friendly and helpful.
(5)Elaine T.
As I'd heard mixed reviews of this place, I was a bit leary, but we were a party of 4 over the weekend and "they" really wanted to try it. Okay then. We began with a drink in the bar, where we watched California Chrome fail to make Triple Crown history. Ah, sad. But then it was off to our table, led by our trusty waiter Carter. We ordered two apps: Prince Edward Island mussels and the artisan bread basket. The mussels were excellent - tender, plentiful and swimming in a perfect garlicky sauce. The bread was served with a yummy fruit-butter mix and a small crock of crab dip, both delicious. However, it would be a real stretch to call the bread itself "artisan" -- 3 slices of rustic white and 2 or 3 of wheat, nothing very special. Each couple then shared a wilted romaine salad which was fantastic. The main courses, ranging from seafood to angus beef, were all very rich -- creamy bases and sauces seem to be the chef's specialty. (This isn't the place to come for a plain steak/chop and baked potato. ) Finally, dessert: One chocolate ganache cake and one cheesecake topped with mango sauce -- though no mango was evident. Carter, our waiter, was fun, personable, and more than competent. Including one bottle of wine, the bill was $150 per couple , pre-tip. That's not a cheap date. And in the boonies of Mount Airy, it seems very close to wrong, despite the deliciousness. Would I go back? Yes...perhaps sometime. But the price point vs. atmosphere will give me pause.
(4)Kate A.
This place is easy to miss, located on a quiet stretch of highway, with very little advertising. I couldn't be happier that I didn't. The decor is fairly nice and my waiter was very friendly, but where Drover's really shines is the food, which is some of the best I've ever had. You can tell the chef really knows what he's doing. My lobster bisque was perfectly seasoned. My black angus filet was incredibly flavorful, and I could probably have cut it with a butter knife if I'd really wanted to. Finishing it off was a heavenly crem bru le, which is honestly difficult to describe with words. Seeing (and smelling) the other guests fishes, it seems like everything Drover's serves is equally excellent. Despite the excellence of the restaurant, there was only one couple there when I went on a Tuesday, which I suppose is because of the location. Do yourself a favor and pay a visit to this undiscovered local gem. I promise you won't regret it.
(5)Brian M.
Meh. I dined here with my wife, mother, and father on a recent Wednesday evening. The restaurant is very quaint and inviting. We were offered a wine tasting at our table, but were miffed when we learned the bottle of white included in the tasting was the last one. Explain to me why you would uncork your last bottle for a tasting. Don't you want to follow the tasting up by selling me a bottle of wine? Our soup and appetizers included seasonal pumpkin bisque, calamari, and fried oysters. All were excellent. They featured prime rib this evening, yet we were informed by our waiter they did not have any left. This was false! Entrees were good but forgettable since I cannot remember anyones entrees but mine, Salmon pasta. Back to the prime rib, my mother attempted to order it, but was informed they were out. However, just prior to paying our check, "friends" of the chef showed up for dinner. The chef came out to greet them and in the course of discussion the menu, the prime rib came up. To which the chef stated, "i should have enough for two if you want the entree". So we skipped dessert, paid our check, and left. they are trying, and the food that we had was quite good, but the overall experience was marred by mis-steps and mis-information.
(2)Sebastian T.
Don't miss this hidden gem
(5)Bill S.
This is truly off the beaten path. Its in a residential area, within a stones throw of 70. Its very easy to get to, and if your not looking for it, will sail right by. I had Mothers Day dinner there with my wife and my parents, and my Dad remembers it as an old biker bar. From the outside, it kind of resembles that - from the inside, its the polar opposite. Its small, friendly, relaxing, and very classy. It is not cheap, with four adult meals and a childrens Mac & Cheese totalling $118, without the drinks. The food is wonderful, the portions large, the service fantastic, the atmosphere memorable. If your going to ask her to marry you, this is the place. At least it will set the mood. They pride themselves on being all Maryland. Every Maryland wine, with several of them I have had before at the Maryland Wine Fest. The seafood is all Chesapeake bay, the meat all Maryland Farms, and all the trimmings local. I know that I will go back, with just the wife next time. I can't say it will be anytime soon, due to the general cost. The only downside to the place is the prices - you do get what you pay for, but average joe citizen can't do this place on a regular basis. They do have a kids menu, but its not for the little ones.
(5)Mike D.
Awkward, dark, cramped. Lobster bisque was awful. They try to fufu up their dishes too much.
(1)Kris P.
I cannot believe everyone does not make it to Drovers on a regular basis. The food is beyond good. We started with cocktails in the bar. Very friendly bartender. Great drinks. Headed into the restaurant and had the grilled romaine salad - best there is. Waitress suggested a good wine and let us taste few options before picking one. We had the Land and Sea - steak perfectly cooked with perfect seasoning, succulent lobster tail, wild rice and veggie side - and the seared scallops with lobster ravioli. Great service and food. Don't let the quiet location and slow business fool you. If you like great food, this is a place not to be missed.
(5)Alena F.
I love to support the local business', but I'm hoping that this place comes out of their growing pains soon. Let me first say that there was no air conditioning so we were miserably hot - we probably could have stayed another couple hours but we were so uncomfortable, we decided to go home. I met some girlfriends here for a girls night out and I was not thrilled - the bartender (although we were informed he was really a waiter acting like a bartender) was horrible, we had to wait FOREVER once we ordered our drinks and he kept disappearing. He was panicking like he had a packed bar, but there were 7 of us total in the bar and we were only eating appetizers. That being said - the food WAS delicious! We had the calamari, the wings, the crab dip and the sliders and they were all delicious. I looked at the dinner menu and there wasn't a whole lot to choose from and it looked a little pricey, but the entrees sounded good. I may try them again in a few months just to see if they are improving - they have great potential!
(2)antoin k.
What a disappointment. Went with great expectations after reading the reviews only to be severely disillusioned. We started out with the free tasting of wines. The wines were all Maryland Wines and universally horrible (at least the three we were served). The wines were reminiscent of two to three dollar bottles and not any better. We were proudly informed that the wines were $8.00 per glass or up to $30 per bottle. When I expressed dismay about the price and quality I was informed that depending on the bottle, donations were made to various cancer and medical research organizations. I guess a noble cause but appears to be a gimmick to get premium prices for schlock wine. Wonder how much actually gets donated. The food itself was also a disappointment in that for the price paid it should have dazzled instead of the fizzle it was. Will not go back.
(1)Laura B.
I really wanted to love this place. It is lovely. The outside patio is adorable, with all sorts of flowers and plants. The bar is beautiful. But, alas, my lunch totally sucked. I ordered a Rueben. Simple enough, right? Not so much. It looked like an open faced raft with dried plastic melted on top. The fries, which appeared to be hand cut, were undercooked, white and hard. Oh, and they were tasteless too. When I order a classic sandwich like a Rueben, I don't want it screwed with. You feel me? I want traditional rye bread. Not a raft of tasteless whatever-that-was. Honestly guys. Why mess with perfection? Bottom line, I totally hated it. But, I wanted to love it, so I may give them another chance. If you go, ask for a description of the item you are ordering. My friend ordered a salmon BLT and the salmon was raw. I thought it was smoked, but she said it was raw and asked the waiter to cook it for her. Again, let's not get all fancy on our arses! Just do the thing well and people will come back for more.
(1)Brenda S.
Off the beaten path but easy to find, Drover's just opened under new management in November, and it's off to a great start! Its claim to fame is fresh, mostly-local ingredients and the most extensive offering of Maryland wines anywhere. Unfortunately, Maryland wines are not always wonderful (ahem), and Drover's serves them exclusively. We tried a flight of reds for $11 and were offered three tastes of what the restaurant had already open. The first two were, um, not great (no names, I'm trying to be nice here), but the third one, from Cove Point, was quite good and hit the right note with our wonderful food. I love the concept of eating--and drinking--locally, but Drover's should take a step back and realize that starting their guests off with an awful wine (sorry, but it was) is not helping their business. They could treat wines the way they do beers: offer local brews along with some non-local favorites. I would suggest choosing only the best wines from the Maryland wineries they are trying to promote; if it doesn't taste good, don't carry it. (Please note, this is the opinion of three people in our party, not just mine, and we are not wine snobs, just like a decent glass of the stuff.) But the food is another story! Drover's lunch menu looks more like small plate fare than grill food, and that's the way we ordered. I had a scrumptious seafood chowder. The waiter explained it was tomato-, not cream-based (so not what I usually think of as chowder), but it was love at first bite. Lots of corn and other delicious veggies along with bits of crab, scallop, and shrimp in a spicy, rich broth. I almost licked the bowl. Our party was delighted with the sliders and Drover's dip, both very nicely done. Sandwich orders come with fries; go ahead and spend the extra $1.50 for the sweet potato ones, which arrived hot, crunchy and delicious. (Note to Drover's: please just skip the pink styrofoam tomato slice. Those of us who like to eat locally know when tomatoes are in season, and it's not March.) I also enjoyed a baby wedge and blue cheese salad. I expected iceberg and it was, but it was the youngest, freshest, GREENest iceberg I have ever eaten, served with a scrumptious blue cheese and bacon dressing, in just the right amount. (So nice to be served a dressed salad that didn't cry out for a life preserver.) We finished up by sharing a respectable tiramisu along with some surprisingly good decaf coffee. The staff (waiter, food manager, and chef) were all very engaging and seemed excited about their new establishment and eager to please. And we WERE pleased, with almost everything. A couple of small matters: Drover's, please consider more comfortable chairs--yours are hard and, well, cold (due to the metal backs); maybe keeping the room a bit warmer would help. And the fake-brick wallpaper seems out of place in a restaurant that serves food as classy as yours. Business was a little slow during our visit, but I'm betting that will change soon, as more people find about this place, only about 20 minutes from Ellicott City and well worth the trip. We will definitely be back.
(4)