The Buttersburg Inn--Union Bridge

One of the things I really wanted to do with this blog is introduce people to some local places I love. This place is so high on that  list, it would be hard to displace it! So I feel like I wouldn't be doing it justice if I didn't share the details.

The first Valentine's Day I lived with Left-brain, my now-husband, we came to the Buttersburg Inn, located in Union Bridge. Left-brain was a bit dubious on it at first, but I loved it, and we mark special occasions by going there. Our anniversary was last night and he knew where I'd want to go.

Upon first glance, it looks like a simple, small-town restaurant, and maybe that is why I was initially attracted to it, since I grew up in a small town and we didn't even have a fast-food place til 1990, when I was in junior high, so, going out to dinner meant a small, local restaurant, a little bit grungy, but with fantastic food! And this place is the same. Small tables sit underneath walls full of local memorabilia and seasonal decorations. It really is a delight for the senses. Regulars come in and out, and it feels very homey.

This is supported by the staff. I've never been in that one of the owners didn't come around and say hi and ask how our food was. They take an active interest in whether or not you are enjoying the time spent with them. The wait staff is always very nice; our waitress last night even went out of the way to talk to our infant daughter, VERY COOL!  I can't tell you the last time that happened in any other restaurant I've been in, and it does feel like they genuinely want you there and want to forge a relationship with you as a customer.

And the food. I don't know what else to say but that it's good! I've never had a bad meal. The core menu is not fancy, mostly solid good homemade food at a reasonable price, but they always have something really interesting on special; some days, it's rabbit, other days, prime rib, their website even mentions hog maw as a special. I get their country-fried steak a lot; I have spent time in the South and I have the belly to show that I've had a few good country-fried steak, and this is the best one I've had outside of the South. I paired it with mashed potatoes and a side salad last night, such a tasty dinner! My husband had the Delmonico steak. He is normally VERY picky about his steak and really wasn't sure if the Buttersburg could make it how he liked, but he said it was great. From Left-brain, that's a huge compliment.

There is a lot of hype on their desserts, and, from personal research into the topic, it's well-deserved. You can order ice cream to pie to cake, all well-made. My personal favorite is the Jewish Apple Cake, but we had a great apple dumpling last night, and that might be my new favorite; the pastry had a pleasant flavor, not too floury, and it melded into the apple, and, topped with ice cream, it was a delicious end to a nice dinner.

The prices are very reasonable--dinner for two was $42, but Left-brain did get a steak and extra sides, and a good steak is worth its weight in gold. The Union Bridge location might be considered out of the way for suburban DC residents, but it's worth the drive, and the ride up 75 or out 140 is a pretty one, especially in the fall. They take reservations on holidays, but you can usually get a table on any other night.

I know I am new at the reviewing businesses, but PLEASE do yourself a favor and travel out to this great place!

Their website

The Buttersburg Inn is located at  9 N Main St, Union Bridge, MD 21791. Their phone is 410-775-9939. Serving Tuesday through Wednesday, 7AM-8PM, Thursday through Saturday, 7AM-830PM, Sunday 9AM-3PM.

Where have I been?

I know it has been almost a year since I updated this blog. Shortly after I set it up, a few months, we found out that we were having a baby and, so, most of my time has been spent dealing with this life change. I am on bedrest now, but am due in the next 4 weeks, so am hopeful that I can get back and actually contribute to this.

One of the things that I really miss about not being able to be so active is that I am going to miss out on the best parts of  the War of 1812 commemoration.  Before I was placed on bedrest, I really wanted to go to some of these activities, they look like a lot of fun, and a chance to explore Maryland history.  I know, growing up, we were taught that the Star Spangled Banner was written in Maryland, and that the battle for Ft. McHenry took place here, but the rest was glossed over. It would be nice to actually learn more, and I love the idea of seeing the tall ships sail into Baltimore Harbor; to me, it reminds me that the past isn't as far away as we tell ourselves it is. I thought I would share this information, in case someone hasn't seen it on TV (it's been on on the Baltimore stations, but there seems to be a disconnect between Baltimore and DC in regards to sharing events) and might like to go.

So that is all for today. I do promise to make more of an effort, I want to share all the ways we play here in Maryland, all the yummy tastes of our states, the things that make us special. I hope you will join me.