This is a cozy gem of a place. It may just become our go-to place in the neighborhood. I got two of the small-plate specials - tuna flatbread and rock shrimp hash. Both were excellent. The flatbread had slices of jalapeno and lots of cilantro and a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinaigrette - an interesting sweet/herby/spicy combination of flavors. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable. We sat in the bar, but the dining room looks nice too. Must sit outside in the summer as they have a big deck.
(4)
Dad F.
Yuck. One of the worst overall experiences you can imagine! Food was barely average. Way over priced and the worst part was the service. The service was dreadful. Why ever go back I couldn't tell you! To top it off, I thought I left my phone and ran back. I started to enter what I believed was a back entrance and almost went into the kitchen. DISGUSTINGLY FILTHY! I saw a tray of chicken breasts sitting out on a tray. Its obvious they pre-cook the chicken!!!!!
(1)
Michele H.
Loved this place! Like other reviewers, we've lived in Columbia for a long time and just found out about this place. We went for dinner on a Saturday night and sat in the lounge where they had a live jazz trio playing. The place had a great vibe. The food was delicious, the service was great and the atmosphere was fabulous. We will definitely be going back soon!
I've only been here once, but our experience was great. We shared the crab dip which was creamy, cheesy and full of great crab flavor, and they served it with a soft warm baguette. We then both ordered the burgers which were big, juicy, fresh and delicious. My wife had it served with the fries which were great, and I had the house made chips which were also great. The patio area was nice and relaxing. We've wanted to come here ever since we moved to columbia since our favorite wine and beer store is right next door! I would definitely come back here for lunch or dinner.
(4)
Summer C.
Love this place. We try to get back there often. Great food. Good wine & beer selection. Great service. Relaxed atmosphere. Clean. Casual, laid back. Love to grab a spot on the leather couch with my sweetie and relax. Have recently moved but will make the trip back for LeeLynn's Go there!
(4)
Tiffani N.
I went looking for a brunch menu (no longer offered) but left satisfied with appetizers and lunch. This is a cute little bistro-like restaurant near Centennial Park. I've noticed it for years but never took the time to try it out until now. We sat outside because it was an awesome day for October so I didn't have a chance to check out the decor in the actual restaurant. The tables and chairs are plastic, but the gazebo and trees keep the area shaded nicely and give you the right ambiance to dine alfresco. The waitress was a gem and suggested several items. We settled on the mild buffalo wings, chicken quesadillas and soup & sandwich. The soup I ordered was their delicious Cream of Crab. It is amazing and I'm very picky about my Cream of Crab! Filled with jumbo lump crab meat, sprinkled with old bay and the best buttery, creamy stock. I'd go back just for this soup when it's colder because they brought it out steaming. I love when I actually get my soup hot and not lukewarm! I paired it with the Turkey Club and it was a lot for just a half sandwich. I had to take some home. The wings were also very good, with enough meat and a bit of kick to the sauce. The quesadillas were a real surprise. We liked them so much we added another order. They were nice and crisp on the outside with marinated, blackened chicken, tomato dices and cheese blend. The chipotle ranch and fresh pico de gallo (filled with cilantro) added even more flavor. Great neighborhood restaurant right off 29.
(4)
Chris G.
I like their food, but twice now, both times when sitting outside on their lovely patio, we were forgotten and had to chase down the hostess to get us service, utensils, etc. Ironically, as we were finishing up our meals, service came alive and the busboy tried to take our meals away from us!
(2)
Peter H.
Really don't understand the raves for this place. Tried the burger, just okay. The Mac and cheese, uhm....okay. The chicken...poor, had that frozen chicken taste. After this week of dinning out I am ready to stay home and cook and enjoy better meals.
(2)
Adrienne M.
I found this place on yelp when searching for a vegetarian restaurant for my brother-in-law and we decided to check it out.it has a handful of things for vegetarians and more meals for the Reston us! My in-laws live nearby and new about it but hadn't tried it until tonight! The place was great! Thumbs up by all. The wait was about 30 minutes for a party of 5 on a Friday night (not bad) and we enjoyed waiting in the comfortable lounge- where many folks were eating. Everyone enjoyed their meals, the small plates were great, perfect salads and the powerhouse sandwich was a big winner! My father in-Law will get it again! The bar staff and wait staff were great! You should try it too!
(5)
Jon M.
Great food and specials.
(4)
Bill W.
I have come to enjoy going here and have never been disappointed. Fine dining? No. But a good meal? Yes. Try the Cream of Crab Soup. Very good! A meal itself.
(4)
Jeremy J.
Went back again today. The salmon club sandwich was very good (bacon, chipotle mayo). We prefer to go here for lunch because their sandwich selection is varied and interesting, plus they have a really nice outdoor patio area. My kids love their mac-and-cheese.
(4)
Natalie F.
Came here for dinner last week with my friend and her daughter. This place looks like it could be really really good. There are things on the menu that sound amazing. Unfortunately I wasn't really impressed with what I got. It was a shrimp salad sandwich on a butter croissant, which I found to be messy and didn't really make sense to me. The shrimp salad was a little bland and could have used some more old bay. The coleslaw was fabulous. My friend got breaded eggplant which was fantastic! I should have gotten that. The other interesting thing about the menu was that they offer "small plates" which basically entails only about 3 to 5 bites. Their "small plates" where like small entrees! I think they got the tapas thing a little backwards. We did have a delicious apple crisp dessert that was divine! The atmosphere is a little older and sub duded. They have a quite little outdoor patio with a beautiful bar, it looks like it would be a lot of fun for happy hour in the summer. Service was pretty good but overall, kind of eh.
(3)
Leeann D.
LeeLynn's is a neighborhood find for sure. It does not look like much from the outside because it is attached to a liquor store and sits right on 108 but once you are there it is quite nice on the inside and on the patio. Arrived at 8 pm on a Friday night so we waited about 35 minutes in the bar. The mixed alcoholic drinks were in a very small glass. You do not get much for your money. The sangria is strong and delicious and the on tap beer selection is good for so few options. Sat in the patio for dinner. Started our meal with the muscles and they were bland at best. The bread was good and made great toast for dipping in the sauce. The sauce lacked flavor. For dinner I had the Powerhouse sandwich. It is a vegetarian sandwich with homemade hummus. It was very light and very good. My boyfriend had the blackened chicken penne pasta. The chicken was not blackened and the sauce lacked flavor. It needed spice...so much so that we asked the waiter for some red pepper flakes and he said they did not have any. We should have asked for the blackening spice they put on the chicken but I am afraid they do not make it fresh as the chicken did not have any spice on it. I would describe this restaurant as freezer to fryer. It do not think they take the time to make a good meal. The food seems to be slapped together quickly. The service was terrible. He was a young kid that had a section inside and outside. He tried to do a good job but his section was too big. I blame management for this, not our waiter. The table next to us was clearly over served. I do blame the waiter for this. He kept bringing these 3 men beer. The were loud and laughing that one of the men could not walk. He was slurring and he drove out of the restaurant. This experience makes me sad as this restaurant is in my neighborhood and i have many guests coming in from out of town and was looking for a great restaurant to show off Columbia. LeeLynn's is not it.
(2)
Chris V.
talk about hidden! i've lived in the area for 7 years, never knew it was here. Once i finally found it i can say it's a favorite. good food, good service, and nice decor. i like that it's hidden so it does'nt get packed. yes i've had better food and yes i've been in better looking places but it's a fair price and i'm usually a few drinks in before the food arrives so i'm usually pretty happy. great place for outdoor dining andhave a few.
(4)
Mike F.
Giving 4 stars because the food is well prepared. Service can be slow, but this isn't a fast food place. Take your time and enjoy the outdoor dining. The leelynn burger and wings - great!!
(4)
Mike H.
1st time here and won.t be the last. I make a great burger but if I need a burger fix I'm on the way to LeeLynn's
(5)
Brian S.
While the desserts and main courses were quite good during our visit to LeeLynn's, We were pretty disappointed with the appetizers and wine selection. Our appetizer of humus was pretty generic and the wine list varied greatly from the superior list posted online. It looks like the restaurant has kept a 2011 wine list online judging by the vintage of the white wines listed online. The wine selections available at our dinner were either marked up bottom of the barrel wines available by the glass (Eco Domani Pinot Grigio, Blackstone Merlot, etc.) or over $75 bottles of wine.
(2)
Cindy C.
will defently be back there again. Must have fish taco's. also had the roasted squash penne and crab dip. all of it very good. the penne had lots of flavor and was just really nice to have something that was not just strong in one flavor. the fish taco's i could go on about. fish was moist i felt healthy eating it.
(4)
Emily L.
I've been a longtime fan of Leelynn and have enjoyed a wide variety of foods here. I have had some good things, and some not so good things, but the majority of the food items have been very good. One of my favorite items is their cream of crab soup. It's one of the best I've ever had. It's a nice creamy, crabby, but flavorful soup that I just suck right down. It has a nice hint of sherry, which really highlights the crab and the cream. It also has the right consistency, which many places sometimes fail to provide. I also enjoy their burgers, especially the Leelynn's burger. It's a nice big slab of meat that is cooked perfectly to your request (I prefer mine medium rare) and has a lovely set of toppings. I particularly like the onion straws and the sauce that goes on the burger. Their fried green tomatoes are to die for!! I just love the goat cheese that is crumbled on top and in between the tomatoes. It's just heaven. Now I did mention that there have been some things that I didn't like there. I had their fish tacos and while the fish itself was prepared nicely, I didn't like the toppings put on it. They were just bland and not very flavorful. I don't know if they still have it, but at one time they had a delicious brownie sandwich that had mint chocolate chip ice cream in it. I haven't looked at their dessert menu in a while, so they might not have it any more, but it was so good!! (Leelynn's owner/manager, if you see this and the mint chocolate chip ice cream brownie thing is not on the menu, please bring it back.) It is that good!! I really enjoy the outside eating area of Leelynn's. It's such a nice little patio that isn't too overpowered by 108 just a couple hundred feet away.
(5)
Yvy A.
Left church hungry for some "real food" (no Outback or Friday's, ya know?) and Yelp came to the rescue! The pictures looked legit so we gave it a whirl. I don't know why this place doesn't have five stars. First off, don't let the location or exterior throw you. Once you walk in, the outdoor patio is awesome! Next, the food was amazing. The crab cake was super lumpy and full of flavor. The cream of crab soup was just as delicious. Our server was friendly and attentive. We'll probably be back every Sunday!
(5)
Eric T.
This location was a welcome surprise during my long stay in Columbia. Located just off of Columbia Road and Old Annapolis, its a hidden gem that you have to sort of either look hard for or accidentally discover. In my case, it was the latter. Parking at night can be sort of cumbersome. Although the lot is large, it is quite dark in some areas. I parked closer to the restaurant in a space at an awkward angle. Entering into the restaurant during the evening hours can be slightly confusing, considering that you don't know if there is a hostess area or not. Since I was dining alone, it wasn't hard for me to figure out where the bar area was. The customer service at the bar area was stellar! The draft selection was hoppy, and the pasta entree was exceptional. One of the best that I've ever had in Maryland, and was cooked thoroughly and served promptly. Kind of saddened that I discovered this location on my final night in the Columbia area. Otherwise, I would have been here more often.
(4)
Jane A.
Decided to meet my boyfriend for a drink before we took his sister to dinner in Columbia. This place sounded nice and reasonable. The door is really hard to find if you're walking from the parking lot. I was confused but someone at an outside table pointed me in the right direction. I was seated at the bar by a female greeter that clearly did not want to be there. I grabbed the corner seat knowing my boyfriend was coming, plus there were either people sitting or staking their claim on most other seats. I ordered a margarita just before happy hour ended. It was very good. While I sat and waited another man sat with me and we got chatting, as he was waiting on his friend as well. A few minutes later my boyfriend arrived and grabbed the seat to my left. Our new friend stepped to the restroom. His drink was in plain view and everything, however the hostess told this couple that that seat as well as the one next to it were open. I ended up standing in order for this guy to have a seat when he came back. The attention to detail was lacking but I guess she didn't care. The place was a lot louder than I expected. There was a guy on the guitar, the bartenders were too busy meaning they needed help, it was eclectic for sure. It wasn't what I was looking for originally but it did the trick. It was near impossible to get the bartenders' attention to order another drink or get the check. We get the check and they put our tab together with the tab of the guy and his friend. It took almost 15 minutes to get their attention and get it sorted out. The menu looked good, with a lot of gluten free options, and the drink was good but I think the service could be better.
(3)
Jackie A.
Cuts corners, feeds you frozen & overpriced. Truly a disappointment. I started my meal off with their crab soup - lacking any depth, a bag of frozen veggies, the juice of canned tomatoes, the barest hint of spice and not Old Bay, topped with a clump of appealing, lump crabmeat; the star of this appetizer. Pork Schnitzel, at $11, arrived as three (varying in size, from small to smaller) barely there thin slices of a fried hard, crusted pork, served atop mushy, sickening sweet cabbage and tiny bits of apple. At about this time, I was thinking that a McDonald's cheese burger would taste real good right now. The homemade chips on the hubby's plate, were hard, crunchy& tasteless, curvy cardboard chips. This meal left me feeling gipped.
(2)
Anita W.
I tried Leelyn's for the first time this past Saturday and I have to say I was not disappointed. My friend and I sat outside in the courtyard/patio area and it was so nice and quaint. We had the crab dip, which was amazing and I got the quesadilla, which was also very good and she got the Leelyn's burger and that was good also. For dessert we shared the heath bar bread pudding, which is to die for. We also tried the orange crush cocktail, which was delish. Everything that we ate and drank at this place was so good. My only complaint is that the hostesses seemed a little unorganized and took to long to seat patrons even though there was plenty of seating available. However, the food was worth it and our server was great. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Sandy H.
First time today for lunch with Hubby and we both had the Leelynn's Burger which was very tasty. We sat inside instead of the patio area due to the humidity. I would definitely go back again. The only downfall - I had an half hour lunch break and the service was a bit slow, however you can't rush good cooking and good food. Absolutely worth giving a try if you are looking or a tasty burger for lunch. I haven't tried any other items yet from the menu, since this was my first time.
(4)
Nichole Y.
To be completely honest I only come here for the LeeLyns's burger but it's good enough to be the only reason. The burger comes with house made chips that are equally as yummy. In the spring and summer the outdoor patio is a perfect little spot with the exception of rt 108, just ignore it, there are no cozier options in Columbia. Burger and a beer are a safe and delicious bet here.
(4)
Larissa J.
This place was a bit hard to find but once we got there it was pretty tasty and I am not sure if that is only because we had a pitcher of Sangria before our meals! All I can remember is that the homemade chips were pretty dang tasty and we also dined with two young ladies (3 and 5) and there were enough options for them as well so I would say we may go back. Love that they had an outdoor option as well!
(3)
Ms B.
I finally made it here after living down the street for 8 yrs. The reviews made me come. Once we found the entrance, the server came to greet us. It was empty in the dining room so I knew our food would come quickly. Nothing special about the decor so I focused on the menu. There was a nice amount of options. We chose the cream of crab soup. This soup was amazing. I'm going to forget about the rest of what we ordered because that part was average. That Leelynn burger and order of old bay wings were just ok. The soup was the winner. We loved it!!! They put crab meat on top and the soup was hot. The flavor was perfect. I've been places that served it with half the container of old bay in it. I'm from Baltimore and we love old bay but too much of anything can ruin a dish. My cream of crab was made perfectly. Other restaurants need to come here and learn how it should be done. I will return for the soup.
(4)
Chris L.
Don't judge a book by its cover, when you first roll up here the only thing you see is Allview Liquors LOL! Sharing the building is a nice bar/restaurant with a large outdoor patio. Expect food much better than pub grub. LeeLynn's offer some fine beers on tap including Maryland's Flying Dog and Delaware's Dogfish Head 60min IPA, but $6.50 for a pint wasn't cheap. Full bar, and on Wednesday evenings all bottles of wine are half price. I highly recommend the house-made potato chips! Five bucks gets you a large basket of rosemary scented fresh hot chips with a side of chipotle mayo, so yummy salty delish with the beer. Ok I confess I have a thing for potato chips, but never mind me. LeeLynn does indeed specialize in last year's trend of small plates, altho I found them not especially small nor especially cheap at $10ish each. I made a meal of two small-plate weekly specials: fried oysters on a fruit/veg relish, and a pappardelle pasta with summer squash, sausage and goat cheese. Both were excellent, this was gourmet food served in a bar, not some old pub grub. My dining companion had the LeeLynn salad, a huge bowl (not even remotely a small plate :) of mesclun, peppers, beans, corn, tomato and onion with cheese and blackened chicken on top, a meal in itself and quite a bargain at $13. Our waiter wasn't memorable in a good or bad way, just OK. If you can manage it, visit during happy hour (for half-price beer) on a not-so-humid day (for a table outside).
(3)
Reezle W.
Leelynn's is a beautiful little out of the place with great patio seating. It is elegantly decorated and intimate. We started with a hummus platter which came with pita, and generous helpings of kalamata olives, roasted red pepper and cucumber. I got the daily soup, a smoky tomato abd basil soup and wow! It had a great smoky flavor. My fiancee got their burger with bacon and I had a bite. It was so delicious. I couldn't tell at first which layer was bacon and which was burger there was so much bacon. Their homemade chips were super crunchy-that elusive burnt chip you dig for in the store bought brands. They weren't very salty, which I suppose can go either way, good or bad. I enjoyed them. I had their power house with avocado. It was very well made, every thing was balanced. I really enjoyed the side salad it came with. It was fresh and not just an obligatory side.
Looking for something to eat after I did afternoon errands!! Did not have much time looking for a place I want to go. So hungry, that it this place is closest to my home. The food was great. The services was good and friendly..!
(3)
Larry H.
Strange location in a residential neighborhood with no direct exit from the highway that it's right beside... Somewhat odd little menu of seasonally rotating small plates style dishes along with exactly 5 entrees and 5 sandwiches... Outdoor patio seating not far from cars whizzing by on the nearby highway... And located right next to a liquor store... But somehow it works! LeeLynn's is one of those oddball little local neighborhood places that somehow is better than the sum of its individual elements. If you want a little out of the way escape from suburban chain restaurants, with reasonably good food, incredibly friendly wait staff, cold drinks, and outside seating... LeeLynn's has a loyal local following and is definitely worth a try.
(3)
Jody Z.
Cute restaurant, looks like it would be a great spot for an outdoor happy hour in nice weather; however, for dinner I was not crazy about the menu options. There were a handful of sandwich and entree options, but nothing really stood out to me. Tons of appetizer "small plates", but I want dinner not wings and dips. I had a crabcake sandwich, which was good but no comparison to Timbuktu. My husband had a fish dish that he liked. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't memorable. I would like to go back for happy hour sometime when I'd be up for sharing some of those appetizers.
(3)
Milton H.
Fish tacos were fan-tas-tic!! I recommend them highly. Even though it is not a stuff to capacity taco jt is sufficiently filling. Get it!!
(4)
d s.
food is good, but bartenders , have personality of table grape and not very freindly and they acted like they were swamped and look confussed and not nowing what they were doing. and di not treay customers very nice. Customer service is very importent,
(1)
Risa H.
The food was really good! The food was flavorful, fresh, and plated with flair. Our server was very nice and helpful as well. I will definitely return.
(4)
Cesca N.
I really like this place. Went on a Saturday night, loved the outdoor seating with couches. One couple had their dog with them, I'm not even a dog person and I thought this was fab. Got the fish tacos, fabulous. Even my leftovers the following day were fab.
(4)
Feather D.
Love this place. Dinner has never been spoiled at lee Lynn's. They have a great menu, love the Lee Lynn salad and Lee Lynn burger. My husband share both and always have leftovers. In the spring, summer and fall you can enjoy dinner outside. In the winter you can choose between the dinner area or the lounge. We prefer the lounge. Whatever your preference, atmosphere is great. Highly recommend.
(5)
Pam B.
LeeLynn's is one of our favorite local restaurants. We always sit in the lounge/bar area because of its warm, lovely atmosphere. It has a neighborhood feel with excellent wine and delicious food. I especially like the small plates - my very favorite is the Ahi Tuna. It's the best I've had anywhere.
(5)
SL F.
In an effort to have dinner at a local, non-chain restaurant for once, after Googling a couple of possibilities in Ellicott City and checking out the Yelp reviews for LeeLynn's, I decided to give this a go. Our server was polite but non-existent, and the overall customer service of our experience left my boyfriend and I disappointed. They didn't even have menus or glasses for us when we arrived because they apparently ran out, and when we ordered, the food left much to be desired. The old bay wings appetizer was overly fried, extremely dry, and just didn't taste good. I didn't finish them and didn't even take the remaining wing home, which is super uncharacteristic of me because wings and pizza are my thing, and I hate to throw food away. I'm someone that even eats aged food and risks food poisoning because I hate to waste it (and I have been a victim of food poisoning on multiple occasions). When our food came, my boyfriend felt ok about his crab cake, but I had to send my hamburger back because the bacon on it looked raw. I asked for a new order without bacon, from another server since our server was nowhere to be found. Once the new burger came, it simply didn't do anything for my taste buds and I also left the rest of it at the restaurant for the trash. The temperature of the burger was lukewarm at best; the fries tasted good, but what fries don't. Our server never asked how everything was or if the new burger was better. The only thing I enjoyed was the ambiance; the jazz musician playing nearby (we sat outside) was a real nice feature. I will never come here again nor would I recommend it to anyone. Honestly, I would have had a better experience at one of your run-of-the-mill, fast-food chain such as Chick-fil-A. As others have noted, the location is a bit strange as well.
(1)
Lori R.
This place is kind of a hidden gem in Dorsey. They have a great selection of food and beers. Their crab cakes a phenomenal and the staff is really nice! I have come here several times now and plan to keep going. They also have trivia cards on all the tables which are a lot of fun!
(5)
K D.
The LeeLynn buger is awesome! Never had any issues. Love it. Wings are good but when I ask for extra crispy...that is what I want. I dont think its only a LeeLynn issue. This seems to happen 99% at places that serve wings. Dont get me wrong, LeeLynns is a great place to dine in Columbia. One of the better choices. I just want items served how I order them. I and my family are LeeLynn fans.
(4)
Lisa B.
We have been going to LeeLynns for several years. The food is very good, especially the crabcakes. I'm a Maryland girl and these are the best! The burgers are also good. I subtracted 1 star because the service is spotty - sometimes good, sometimes not so good. They tend to freak out if it's very busy and get orders wrong or service becomes very slow. But the food still brings us back. We like the atmosphere in the bar area.
(4)
Kia L.
Okay, I work there, so this may come off as very biased, but its NOT! Leelynn's is definitely the hidden gem of Ellicott City/Baltimore. My roomate found this place for us off of craigs (for job openings) otherwise I would've never known the greatest mac n cheese known to man. And what a sad (wo)man I would've been. But yes, the mac n cheese (with tasso ham) is EXTRAORDINARY. There has been one time where it wasn't up to my standards, but for the most part its perfectly cooked and gooey. The ham and pepper jack is such a unique blend of flavors. I really cannot describe the kind of orgasm my mouth experiences when I eat this. It's a huge portion, too! GET IT! They have some of the tastiest and favorite food I've ever had in my life. I've tried a couple of things from there, but I definitely recc: quesadillas (best I've ever had and I hate tomatoes, but I devour these things like it's my job), blackened chicken wrap, smoked gouda mashed potatoes. chicken and proscuitto pannini (LUNCH ONLY..one of the best sandwiches I've ever had), and their bbq salmon (although, the execution could be more inspired, still yummy). It's a tiny little restaurant, but it's intimate and has outdoor seating which gets really popular during kind seasons. I love eating here and I love working here!!!
(5)
Robert S.
We like the food! Little pricy, but not unreasonable. But... service is exceptionally spotty. Sometimes it's good, but most of the time we have to ask repeatedly for items, endure exceptionally long waits for simple things (the check!), etc. Servers are polite, but slow and prone to disappearing acts. It's very local for us, and we want to like it... yet we're always just a little disappointed. If you're going to drive anyway, Victoria's Gastro Pub is a much better bet.
(3)
Harry E.
a wonderfully interesting little cafe type restaurant. An eclectic mix of small plates keeps the menu fresh and tantalizing. We got the hummus and mixed veggies with peta, blackened chicken quesadilla. Both very tasty but the Hummus was the winner by far. Also every crab dish was out of this world! Crab soup with huge honks of crab, jumbo lump back fin crab cakes also very fresh and tasty. Cannot wait to return!
(5)
Matt B.
Have been a regular until recently. The new menu lacks the variety and originality of the former one and the wine by the glass prices have gotten too boring an pricy.
(2)
Kelly J.
I don't dislike this restaurant but I don't love it either. I normally come here to meet and catch up with old co-workers. I love the unique menu and though I am not a picky eater I do know a few people who are and they don't offer anything on the menu for those kinds of people. They had a buffalo chicken salad that I fell in love with but the next time I went they said it was only a one time item. I understand that happens but I hate it was a restaurant does a special once in a blue moon and then you fall in love with it...oh well, I'll just have to hope it's back again the next time I meet up there. If it wasn't for my group, I don't think I would have picked this restaurant on my own. I enjoy the dishes but not enough that makes me want to come back. The staff is a little rude and non-existent at times. It took us 35 minutes one night to get our check after we had asked for it twice.
(3)
Brandon B.
Will have to try and go back, I don't remember what we ate, but it was good. Service was very friendly also.
(4)
K Sera S.
To say this place has evolved from its GL Shacks days is like saying that humanity has evolved from our single-cell amoeba days. So, umm...yes, it has really changed! Although they saved some "Shacks favorites" on the menu (wings, and good ones), they have created totally new menus for both the lounge area and the more formal (but not stuffy) dining room area. I can only speak for the lounge and patio, but can't imagine the dining room is all that much different. They have very good happy hours, a fine selection of microbrews and a surprisingly nice selection of wine (not incredible, but solid). The homemade potato chips ought to be outlawed--they are so good and so hard to stop eating. The sandwiches are generously stuffed, and so will you be! The patio is a relative rarity in the Columbia area, so it's quite popular.
(3)
Rodge B.
The ONLY reason to go here is for the Shacks wings carried over on the menu from the days when it was GL Shacks. Top 5!
(4)
Carolyn M.
A client took me to dinner in Ellicott City, MD and I feared for the standard chain restaurant. I thought we had to go to Olive Garden - oh the fear in my heart - but was delighted to pull up to LeeLynn's a local establishment who my client remembers as an old liquor store back when she was a kid. I was pleased with the menu that offered many vegan/vegetarian dishes like tempura veggies, hummus platter, roasted vegi platter, numerous salads, and the power sandwich which I had. The Power Sandwich was stuffed full of mixed greens, sprouts, avocado, and tomato. A big side salad was served with it and the bread was full of whole grains and very fresh. Enjoy this power dinner if you are ever in the area. Eat well, Carolyn be well, carolyn
(5)
Veronica V.
I ate here for the first time last night and over all, I was very pleased. First of all, it's a great place to eat dinner with family or close friends because the idea is to get a bunch of small plates and to share everything; I love this because I'm the kind of person who has a hard time deciding what to get and this way I get to have a little bit of everything. But even if you go here with a co-worker or something (ie. sharing food would be weird/inappropriate), the small plates are designed so that you can eat two or three on your own. My favorite dishes were the cream of crab soup and the crab tower (which was AMAZING.) My family also ordered the scallops (they were delicious too), the mac n' cheese (I didn't have any but they loved it), and the pork special (again, didn't have it, but my brother enjoyed it.) I also had the creme brulee for dessert and I think I made the right choice because it was far better than what the rest of my family ordered (the raspberry chocolate mousse and the brownie sundae.) The only thing I could really complain about was that service was a little slow, but they did look sort of understaffed so that might've been the reason why. I'd definitely eat here again though.
(4)
Matthew K.
Came for dinner with friends (they love the place), and they introduced us to this little place shoved into a random corner in ecity. Our friends ordered for us, since they were familiar with the menu, but it ended up being a very very rich/heavy meal. mac&cheese - fantastic. the chips... yummy. the crab dip - standard but good. the beef was ok, as was the tuna. nothing incredibly memorable, but good. great wine list, and we picked a great argentinian wine. the ambience was great, and the waitress knew exactly how much to interact with us. we ended up spending 3 hours talking and eating and drinking, and i never felt like we were waiting for the waitress, but she was always there when we needed her. I kept my expectations pretty low coming in after reading the reviews, but besides everything being way too heavy, i left very satisfied. 3 for food, +1 for ambience and service.
(4)
HowChow B.
I ate delicious macaroni and cheese at LeeLyn's Dining Room in Ellicott City, but I wish that I had had something more. There is nothing more exciting or ephemeral than the trend of "small plate" restaurants. They're not just for tapas anymore, and little dishes -- with smaller prices and the chance for imagination, simplicity or surprise -- invite you to make your own magic dinner. LeeLyn's offers itself up as our local upscale "small plate" joint, and we started strong with mac and cheese was really delicious. Creamy and thick without grease. That's fun eating, but the magic never picked up again. We ate the crab dip. The pretzel bread was interesting. But we didn't finish the salad -- something that got lost when the greens acquired the Latin touch of corn, onions and beans, the almost-Asian topping of almost-crisp noodles (tortilla strips?), and a drench of creamy dressing. I had sat down with high hopes and really wanted to order something more. But we were $30 invested already, and Mrs. HowChow pointed out that the menu wasn't "small plates." It was appetizers. Good appetizers, maybe. But nothing more than wings, crab dip, tuna, tempura vegetables, and on. I almost split a crab cake because other folks seemed to be enjoying the special. Instead, we sat back and realized that no one goes home hungry after mac and cheese and crab dip. We paid and left. Some people really like LeeLyn's, which other Yelpers love and which made BillZ's well-reasoned "Nearly Best" list in the Live in Howard blog. But I have been to Woodberry Kitchen. Everyone can't match that place, but the "small plate" magic comes from freedom. If I'm picking a bunch of plates, the kitchen is free to offer dishes that are simple or seasonal or electrically unique. A roasted pear with salt and honey. A flat bread with blue cheese and mustard cream. I smile just writing out the names. Iron Bridge Wine Company pulls off that imagination. My wife still talks about a "burger, fries and shake" of bite-sized meat and the perfect burst of strawberry. LeeLyn's doesn't charge any less than Woodberry or Iron Bridge, and it serves up some good food like the salad's chicken topping -- somehow blackened, still juicy, and sliced beautifully thin. I'm just not sure why the menu had a dozen pub favorites, but nothing seasonal and nothing that I hadn't eaten somewhere else. Take my disappointment in context. I'm disappointed, in part, because LeeLyn's offers itself up as special and because it's a charming place with some cozy spots and a patio. There is an opportunity for places to serve small plates that aren't a huge investment. Creating an imaginative menu is certainly beyond my skills, but I hope that someone will come along and give it a try.
(2)
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Address :9495 Old Annapolis Rd
Ellicott City, MD, 21043
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot 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 Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Julekha D.
This is a cozy gem of a place. It may just become our go-to place in the neighborhood. I got two of the small-plate specials - tuna flatbread and rock shrimp hash. Both were excellent. The flatbread had slices of jalapeno and lots of cilantro and a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinaigrette - an interesting sweet/herby/spicy combination of flavors. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable. We sat in the bar, but the dining room looks nice too. Must sit outside in the summer as they have a big deck.
(4)Dad F.
Yuck. One of the worst overall experiences you can imagine! Food was barely average. Way over priced and the worst part was the service. The service was dreadful. Why ever go back I couldn't tell you! To top it off, I thought I left my phone and ran back. I started to enter what I believed was a back entrance and almost went into the kitchen. DISGUSTINGLY FILTHY! I saw a tray of chicken breasts sitting out on a tray. Its obvious they pre-cook the chicken!!!!!
(1)Michele H.
Loved this place! Like other reviewers, we've lived in Columbia for a long time and just found out about this place. We went for dinner on a Saturday night and sat in the lounge where they had a live jazz trio playing. The place had a great vibe. The food was delicious, the service was great and the atmosphere was fabulous. We will definitely be going back soon!
(5)Josh G.
I enjoy Leelynn's. The atmosphere is casual but nice, and the menu has some good offerings and is reasonably priced.There aren't a lot of vegetarian selections, but otherwise, I tend to enjoy their sandwich selections most of all. The crab cake entrée or sandwich and chicken pasta are good too. Service is generally attentive and I've enjoyed my experiences here.
(4)Wade E.
I've only been here once, but our experience was great. We shared the crab dip which was creamy, cheesy and full of great crab flavor, and they served it with a soft warm baguette. We then both ordered the burgers which were big, juicy, fresh and delicious. My wife had it served with the fries which were great, and I had the house made chips which were also great. The patio area was nice and relaxing. We've wanted to come here ever since we moved to columbia since our favorite wine and beer store is right next door! I would definitely come back here for lunch or dinner.
(4)Summer C.
Love this place. We try to get back there often. Great food. Good wine & beer selection. Great service. Relaxed atmosphere. Clean. Casual, laid back. Love to grab a spot on the leather couch with my sweetie and relax. Have recently moved but will make the trip back for LeeLynn's Go there!
(4)Tiffani N.
I went looking for a brunch menu (no longer offered) but left satisfied with appetizers and lunch. This is a cute little bistro-like restaurant near Centennial Park. I've noticed it for years but never took the time to try it out until now. We sat outside because it was an awesome day for October so I didn't have a chance to check out the decor in the actual restaurant. The tables and chairs are plastic, but the gazebo and trees keep the area shaded nicely and give you the right ambiance to dine alfresco. The waitress was a gem and suggested several items. We settled on the mild buffalo wings, chicken quesadillas and soup & sandwich. The soup I ordered was their delicious Cream of Crab. It is amazing and I'm very picky about my Cream of Crab! Filled with jumbo lump crab meat, sprinkled with old bay and the best buttery, creamy stock. I'd go back just for this soup when it's colder because they brought it out steaming. I love when I actually get my soup hot and not lukewarm! I paired it with the Turkey Club and it was a lot for just a half sandwich. I had to take some home. The wings were also very good, with enough meat and a bit of kick to the sauce. The quesadillas were a real surprise. We liked them so much we added another order. They were nice and crisp on the outside with marinated, blackened chicken, tomato dices and cheese blend. The chipotle ranch and fresh pico de gallo (filled with cilantro) added even more flavor. Great neighborhood restaurant right off 29.
(4)Chris G.
I like their food, but twice now, both times when sitting outside on their lovely patio, we were forgotten and had to chase down the hostess to get us service, utensils, etc. Ironically, as we were finishing up our meals, service came alive and the busboy tried to take our meals away from us!
(2)Peter H.
Really don't understand the raves for this place. Tried the burger, just okay. The Mac and cheese, uhm....okay. The chicken...poor, had that frozen chicken taste. After this week of dinning out I am ready to stay home and cook and enjoy better meals.
(2)Adrienne M.
I found this place on yelp when searching for a vegetarian restaurant for my brother-in-law and we decided to check it out.it has a handful of things for vegetarians and more meals for the Reston us! My in-laws live nearby and new about it but hadn't tried it until tonight! The place was great! Thumbs up by all. The wait was about 30 minutes for a party of 5 on a Friday night (not bad) and we enjoyed waiting in the comfortable lounge- where many folks were eating. Everyone enjoyed their meals, the small plates were great, perfect salads and the powerhouse sandwich was a big winner! My father in-Law will get it again! The bar staff and wait staff were great! You should try it too!
(5)Jon M.
Great food and specials.
(4)Bill W.
I have come to enjoy going here and have never been disappointed. Fine dining? No. But a good meal? Yes. Try the Cream of Crab Soup. Very good! A meal itself.
(4)Jeremy J.
Went back again today. The salmon club sandwich was very good (bacon, chipotle mayo). We prefer to go here for lunch because their sandwich selection is varied and interesting, plus they have a really nice outdoor patio area. My kids love their mac-and-cheese.
(4)Natalie F.
Came here for dinner last week with my friend and her daughter. This place looks like it could be really really good. There are things on the menu that sound amazing. Unfortunately I wasn't really impressed with what I got. It was a shrimp salad sandwich on a butter croissant, which I found to be messy and didn't really make sense to me. The shrimp salad was a little bland and could have used some more old bay. The coleslaw was fabulous. My friend got breaded eggplant which was fantastic! I should have gotten that. The other interesting thing about the menu was that they offer "small plates" which basically entails only about 3 to 5 bites. Their "small plates" where like small entrees! I think they got the tapas thing a little backwards. We did have a delicious apple crisp dessert that was divine! The atmosphere is a little older and sub duded. They have a quite little outdoor patio with a beautiful bar, it looks like it would be a lot of fun for happy hour in the summer. Service was pretty good but overall, kind of eh.
(3)Leeann D.
LeeLynn's is a neighborhood find for sure. It does not look like much from the outside because it is attached to a liquor store and sits right on 108 but once you are there it is quite nice on the inside and on the patio. Arrived at 8 pm on a Friday night so we waited about 35 minutes in the bar. The mixed alcoholic drinks were in a very small glass. You do not get much for your money. The sangria is strong and delicious and the on tap beer selection is good for so few options. Sat in the patio for dinner. Started our meal with the muscles and they were bland at best. The bread was good and made great toast for dipping in the sauce. The sauce lacked flavor. For dinner I had the Powerhouse sandwich. It is a vegetarian sandwich with homemade hummus. It was very light and very good. My boyfriend had the blackened chicken penne pasta. The chicken was not blackened and the sauce lacked flavor. It needed spice...so much so that we asked the waiter for some red pepper flakes and he said they did not have any. We should have asked for the blackening spice they put on the chicken but I am afraid they do not make it fresh as the chicken did not have any spice on it. I would describe this restaurant as freezer to fryer. It do not think they take the time to make a good meal. The food seems to be slapped together quickly. The service was terrible. He was a young kid that had a section inside and outside. He tried to do a good job but his section was too big. I blame management for this, not our waiter. The table next to us was clearly over served. I do blame the waiter for this. He kept bringing these 3 men beer. The were loud and laughing that one of the men could not walk. He was slurring and he drove out of the restaurant. This experience makes me sad as this restaurant is in my neighborhood and i have many guests coming in from out of town and was looking for a great restaurant to show off Columbia. LeeLynn's is not it.
(2)Chris V.
talk about hidden! i've lived in the area for 7 years, never knew it was here. Once i finally found it i can say it's a favorite. good food, good service, and nice decor. i like that it's hidden so it does'nt get packed. yes i've had better food and yes i've been in better looking places but it's a fair price and i'm usually a few drinks in before the food arrives so i'm usually pretty happy. great place for outdoor dining andhave a few.
(4)Mike F.
Giving 4 stars because the food is well prepared. Service can be slow, but this isn't a fast food place. Take your time and enjoy the outdoor dining. The leelynn burger and wings - great!!
(4)Mike H.
1st time here and won.t be the last. I make a great burger but if I need a burger fix I'm on the way to LeeLynn's
(5)Brian S.
While the desserts and main courses were quite good during our visit to LeeLynn's, We were pretty disappointed with the appetizers and wine selection. Our appetizer of humus was pretty generic and the wine list varied greatly from the superior list posted online. It looks like the restaurant has kept a 2011 wine list online judging by the vintage of the white wines listed online. The wine selections available at our dinner were either marked up bottom of the barrel wines available by the glass (Eco Domani Pinot Grigio, Blackstone Merlot, etc.) or over $75 bottles of wine.
(2)Cindy C.
will defently be back there again. Must have fish taco's. also had the roasted squash penne and crab dip. all of it very good. the penne had lots of flavor and was just really nice to have something that was not just strong in one flavor. the fish taco's i could go on about. fish was moist i felt healthy eating it.
(4)Emily L.
I've been a longtime fan of Leelynn and have enjoyed a wide variety of foods here. I have had some good things, and some not so good things, but the majority of the food items have been very good. One of my favorite items is their cream of crab soup. It's one of the best I've ever had. It's a nice creamy, crabby, but flavorful soup that I just suck right down. It has a nice hint of sherry, which really highlights the crab and the cream. It also has the right consistency, which many places sometimes fail to provide. I also enjoy their burgers, especially the Leelynn's burger. It's a nice big slab of meat that is cooked perfectly to your request (I prefer mine medium rare) and has a lovely set of toppings. I particularly like the onion straws and the sauce that goes on the burger. Their fried green tomatoes are to die for!! I just love the goat cheese that is crumbled on top and in between the tomatoes. It's just heaven. Now I did mention that there have been some things that I didn't like there. I had their fish tacos and while the fish itself was prepared nicely, I didn't like the toppings put on it. They were just bland and not very flavorful. I don't know if they still have it, but at one time they had a delicious brownie sandwich that had mint chocolate chip ice cream in it. I haven't looked at their dessert menu in a while, so they might not have it any more, but it was so good!! (Leelynn's owner/manager, if you see this and the mint chocolate chip ice cream brownie thing is not on the menu, please bring it back.) It is that good!! I really enjoy the outside eating area of Leelynn's. It's such a nice little patio that isn't too overpowered by 108 just a couple hundred feet away.
(5)Yvy A.
Left church hungry for some "real food" (no Outback or Friday's, ya know?) and Yelp came to the rescue! The pictures looked legit so we gave it a whirl. I don't know why this place doesn't have five stars. First off, don't let the location or exterior throw you. Once you walk in, the outdoor patio is awesome! Next, the food was amazing. The crab cake was super lumpy and full of flavor. The cream of crab soup was just as delicious. Our server was friendly and attentive. We'll probably be back every Sunday!
(5)Eric T.
This location was a welcome surprise during my long stay in Columbia. Located just off of Columbia Road and Old Annapolis, its a hidden gem that you have to sort of either look hard for or accidentally discover. In my case, it was the latter. Parking at night can be sort of cumbersome. Although the lot is large, it is quite dark in some areas. I parked closer to the restaurant in a space at an awkward angle. Entering into the restaurant during the evening hours can be slightly confusing, considering that you don't know if there is a hostess area or not. Since I was dining alone, it wasn't hard for me to figure out where the bar area was. The customer service at the bar area was stellar! The draft selection was hoppy, and the pasta entree was exceptional. One of the best that I've ever had in Maryland, and was cooked thoroughly and served promptly. Kind of saddened that I discovered this location on my final night in the Columbia area. Otherwise, I would have been here more often.
(4)Jane A.
Decided to meet my boyfriend for a drink before we took his sister to dinner in Columbia. This place sounded nice and reasonable. The door is really hard to find if you're walking from the parking lot. I was confused but someone at an outside table pointed me in the right direction. I was seated at the bar by a female greeter that clearly did not want to be there. I grabbed the corner seat knowing my boyfriend was coming, plus there were either people sitting or staking their claim on most other seats. I ordered a margarita just before happy hour ended. It was very good. While I sat and waited another man sat with me and we got chatting, as he was waiting on his friend as well. A few minutes later my boyfriend arrived and grabbed the seat to my left. Our new friend stepped to the restroom. His drink was in plain view and everything, however the hostess told this couple that that seat as well as the one next to it were open. I ended up standing in order for this guy to have a seat when he came back. The attention to detail was lacking but I guess she didn't care. The place was a lot louder than I expected. There was a guy on the guitar, the bartenders were too busy meaning they needed help, it was eclectic for sure. It wasn't what I was looking for originally but it did the trick. It was near impossible to get the bartenders' attention to order another drink or get the check. We get the check and they put our tab together with the tab of the guy and his friend. It took almost 15 minutes to get their attention and get it sorted out. The menu looked good, with a lot of gluten free options, and the drink was good but I think the service could be better.
(3)Jackie A.
Cuts corners, feeds you frozen & overpriced. Truly a disappointment. I started my meal off with their crab soup - lacking any depth, a bag of frozen veggies, the juice of canned tomatoes, the barest hint of spice and not Old Bay, topped with a clump of appealing, lump crabmeat; the star of this appetizer. Pork Schnitzel, at $11, arrived as three (varying in size, from small to smaller) barely there thin slices of a fried hard, crusted pork, served atop mushy, sickening sweet cabbage and tiny bits of apple. At about this time, I was thinking that a McDonald's cheese burger would taste real good right now. The homemade chips on the hubby's plate, were hard, crunchy& tasteless, curvy cardboard chips. This meal left me feeling gipped.
(2)Anita W.
I tried Leelyn's for the first time this past Saturday and I have to say I was not disappointed. My friend and I sat outside in the courtyard/patio area and it was so nice and quaint. We had the crab dip, which was amazing and I got the quesadilla, which was also very good and she got the Leelyn's burger and that was good also. For dessert we shared the heath bar bread pudding, which is to die for. We also tried the orange crush cocktail, which was delish. Everything that we ate and drank at this place was so good. My only complaint is that the hostesses seemed a little unorganized and took to long to seat patrons even though there was plenty of seating available. However, the food was worth it and our server was great. Will definitely go back!
(4)Sandy H.
First time today for lunch with Hubby and we both had the Leelynn's Burger which was very tasty. We sat inside instead of the patio area due to the humidity. I would definitely go back again. The only downfall - I had an half hour lunch break and the service was a bit slow, however you can't rush good cooking and good food. Absolutely worth giving a try if you are looking or a tasty burger for lunch. I haven't tried any other items yet from the menu, since this was my first time.
(4)Nichole Y.
To be completely honest I only come here for the LeeLyns's burger but it's good enough to be the only reason. The burger comes with house made chips that are equally as yummy. In the spring and summer the outdoor patio is a perfect little spot with the exception of rt 108, just ignore it, there are no cozier options in Columbia. Burger and a beer are a safe and delicious bet here.
(4)Larissa J.
This place was a bit hard to find but once we got there it was pretty tasty and I am not sure if that is only because we had a pitcher of Sangria before our meals! All I can remember is that the homemade chips were pretty dang tasty and we also dined with two young ladies (3 and 5) and there were enough options for them as well so I would say we may go back. Love that they had an outdoor option as well!
(3)Ms B.
I finally made it here after living down the street for 8 yrs. The reviews made me come. Once we found the entrance, the server came to greet us. It was empty in the dining room so I knew our food would come quickly. Nothing special about the decor so I focused on the menu. There was a nice amount of options. We chose the cream of crab soup. This soup was amazing. I'm going to forget about the rest of what we ordered because that part was average. That Leelynn burger and order of old bay wings were just ok. The soup was the winner. We loved it!!! They put crab meat on top and the soup was hot. The flavor was perfect. I've been places that served it with half the container of old bay in it. I'm from Baltimore and we love old bay but too much of anything can ruin a dish. My cream of crab was made perfectly. Other restaurants need to come here and learn how it should be done. I will return for the soup.
(4)Chris L.
Don't judge a book by its cover, when you first roll up here the only thing you see is Allview Liquors LOL! Sharing the building is a nice bar/restaurant with a large outdoor patio. Expect food much better than pub grub. LeeLynn's offer some fine beers on tap including Maryland's Flying Dog and Delaware's Dogfish Head 60min IPA, but $6.50 for a pint wasn't cheap. Full bar, and on Wednesday evenings all bottles of wine are half price. I highly recommend the house-made potato chips! Five bucks gets you a large basket of rosemary scented fresh hot chips with a side of chipotle mayo, so yummy salty delish with the beer. Ok I confess I have a thing for potato chips, but never mind me. LeeLynn does indeed specialize in last year's trend of small plates, altho I found them not especially small nor especially cheap at $10ish each. I made a meal of two small-plate weekly specials: fried oysters on a fruit/veg relish, and a pappardelle pasta with summer squash, sausage and goat cheese. Both were excellent, this was gourmet food served in a bar, not some old pub grub. My dining companion had the LeeLynn salad, a huge bowl (not even remotely a small plate :) of mesclun, peppers, beans, corn, tomato and onion with cheese and blackened chicken on top, a meal in itself and quite a bargain at $13. Our waiter wasn't memorable in a good or bad way, just OK. If you can manage it, visit during happy hour (for half-price beer) on a not-so-humid day (for a table outside).
(3)Reezle W.
Leelynn's is a beautiful little out of the place with great patio seating. It is elegantly decorated and intimate. We started with a hummus platter which came with pita, and generous helpings of kalamata olives, roasted red pepper and cucumber. I got the daily soup, a smoky tomato abd basil soup and wow! It had a great smoky flavor. My fiancee got their burger with bacon and I had a bite. It was so delicious. I couldn't tell at first which layer was bacon and which was burger there was so much bacon. Their homemade chips were super crunchy-that elusive burnt chip you dig for in the store bought brands. They weren't very salty, which I suppose can go either way, good or bad. I enjoyed them. I had their power house with avocado. It was very well made, every thing was balanced. I really enjoyed the side salad it came with. It was fresh and not just an obligatory side.
(5)Ann K.
I have lived around here for several years but never stopped by Leelynn until last night. I like the entrance stucco into the patio area. It reminds me of a restaurant in Napa Valley with grape vine draping the cover sans vineyard view. The patio area was nice but we got the table inside. I like the idea of sharing small plates tapas style with my family so we can try several things without overeating. We enjoy the fried calamari and shrimp and crab tostadas. I am disappointed with fish taco. The fish was too dry. The green paste on top is not so appetizing. I expect more vegetable and pico de gallo. The Creme brûlée is the best. I wish they offer a more selection of wine and serve it in a nice glass like my fav iron bridge down the road. I like the jazz music. It is a nice place to come after a round of golf at Fairway hills or Hobbit's Glenn golf courses.
(3)Samuel C.
Looking for something to eat after I did afternoon errands!! Did not have much time looking for a place I want to go. So hungry, that it this place is closest to my home. The food was great. The services was good and friendly..!
(3)Larry H.
Strange location in a residential neighborhood with no direct exit from the highway that it's right beside... Somewhat odd little menu of seasonally rotating small plates style dishes along with exactly 5 entrees and 5 sandwiches... Outdoor patio seating not far from cars whizzing by on the nearby highway... And located right next to a liquor store... But somehow it works! LeeLynn's is one of those oddball little local neighborhood places that somehow is better than the sum of its individual elements. If you want a little out of the way escape from suburban chain restaurants, with reasonably good food, incredibly friendly wait staff, cold drinks, and outside seating... LeeLynn's has a loyal local following and is definitely worth a try.
(3)Jody Z.
Cute restaurant, looks like it would be a great spot for an outdoor happy hour in nice weather; however, for dinner I was not crazy about the menu options. There were a handful of sandwich and entree options, but nothing really stood out to me. Tons of appetizer "small plates", but I want dinner not wings and dips. I had a crabcake sandwich, which was good but no comparison to Timbuktu. My husband had a fish dish that he liked. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't memorable. I would like to go back for happy hour sometime when I'd be up for sharing some of those appetizers.
(3)Milton H.
Fish tacos were fan-tas-tic!! I recommend them highly. Even though it is not a stuff to capacity taco jt is sufficiently filling. Get it!!
(4)d s.
food is good, but bartenders , have personality of table grape and not very freindly and they acted like they were swamped and look confussed and not nowing what they were doing. and di not treay customers very nice. Customer service is very importent,
(1)Risa H.
The food was really good! The food was flavorful, fresh, and plated with flair. Our server was very nice and helpful as well. I will definitely return.
(4)Cesca N.
I really like this place. Went on a Saturday night, loved the outdoor seating with couches. One couple had their dog with them, I'm not even a dog person and I thought this was fab. Got the fish tacos, fabulous. Even my leftovers the following day were fab.
(4)Feather D.
Love this place. Dinner has never been spoiled at lee Lynn's. They have a great menu, love the Lee Lynn salad and Lee Lynn burger. My husband share both and always have leftovers. In the spring, summer and fall you can enjoy dinner outside. In the winter you can choose between the dinner area or the lounge. We prefer the lounge. Whatever your preference, atmosphere is great. Highly recommend.
(5)Pam B.
LeeLynn's is one of our favorite local restaurants. We always sit in the lounge/bar area because of its warm, lovely atmosphere. It has a neighborhood feel with excellent wine and delicious food. I especially like the small plates - my very favorite is the Ahi Tuna. It's the best I've had anywhere.
(5)SL F.
In an effort to have dinner at a local, non-chain restaurant for once, after Googling a couple of possibilities in Ellicott City and checking out the Yelp reviews for LeeLynn's, I decided to give this a go. Our server was polite but non-existent, and the overall customer service of our experience left my boyfriend and I disappointed. They didn't even have menus or glasses for us when we arrived because they apparently ran out, and when we ordered, the food left much to be desired. The old bay wings appetizer was overly fried, extremely dry, and just didn't taste good. I didn't finish them and didn't even take the remaining wing home, which is super uncharacteristic of me because wings and pizza are my thing, and I hate to throw food away. I'm someone that even eats aged food and risks food poisoning because I hate to waste it (and I have been a victim of food poisoning on multiple occasions). When our food came, my boyfriend felt ok about his crab cake, but I had to send my hamburger back because the bacon on it looked raw. I asked for a new order without bacon, from another server since our server was nowhere to be found. Once the new burger came, it simply didn't do anything for my taste buds and I also left the rest of it at the restaurant for the trash. The temperature of the burger was lukewarm at best; the fries tasted good, but what fries don't. Our server never asked how everything was or if the new burger was better. The only thing I enjoyed was the ambiance; the jazz musician playing nearby (we sat outside) was a real nice feature. I will never come here again nor would I recommend it to anyone. Honestly, I would have had a better experience at one of your run-of-the-mill, fast-food chain such as Chick-fil-A. As others have noted, the location is a bit strange as well.
(1)Lori R.
This place is kind of a hidden gem in Dorsey. They have a great selection of food and beers. Their crab cakes a phenomenal and the staff is really nice! I have come here several times now and plan to keep going. They also have trivia cards on all the tables which are a lot of fun!
(5)K D.
The LeeLynn buger is awesome! Never had any issues. Love it. Wings are good but when I ask for extra crispy...that is what I want. I dont think its only a LeeLynn issue. This seems to happen 99% at places that serve wings. Dont get me wrong, LeeLynns is a great place to dine in Columbia. One of the better choices. I just want items served how I order them. I and my family are LeeLynn fans.
(4)Lisa B.
We have been going to LeeLynns for several years. The food is very good, especially the crabcakes. I'm a Maryland girl and these are the best! The burgers are also good. I subtracted 1 star because the service is spotty - sometimes good, sometimes not so good. They tend to freak out if it's very busy and get orders wrong or service becomes very slow. But the food still brings us back. We like the atmosphere in the bar area.
(4)Kia L.
Okay, I work there, so this may come off as very biased, but its NOT! Leelynn's is definitely the hidden gem of Ellicott City/Baltimore. My roomate found this place for us off of craigs (for job openings) otherwise I would've never known the greatest mac n cheese known to man. And what a sad (wo)man I would've been. But yes, the mac n cheese (with tasso ham) is EXTRAORDINARY. There has been one time where it wasn't up to my standards, but for the most part its perfectly cooked and gooey. The ham and pepper jack is such a unique blend of flavors. I really cannot describe the kind of orgasm my mouth experiences when I eat this. It's a huge portion, too! GET IT! They have some of the tastiest and favorite food I've ever had in my life. I've tried a couple of things from there, but I definitely recc: quesadillas (best I've ever had and I hate tomatoes, but I devour these things like it's my job), blackened chicken wrap, smoked gouda mashed potatoes. chicken and proscuitto pannini (LUNCH ONLY..one of the best sandwiches I've ever had), and their bbq salmon (although, the execution could be more inspired, still yummy). It's a tiny little restaurant, but it's intimate and has outdoor seating which gets really popular during kind seasons. I love eating here and I love working here!!!
(5)Robert S.
We like the food! Little pricy, but not unreasonable. But... service is exceptionally spotty. Sometimes it's good, but most of the time we have to ask repeatedly for items, endure exceptionally long waits for simple things (the check!), etc. Servers are polite, but slow and prone to disappearing acts. It's very local for us, and we want to like it... yet we're always just a little disappointed. If you're going to drive anyway, Victoria's Gastro Pub is a much better bet.
(3)Harry E.
a wonderfully interesting little cafe type restaurant. An eclectic mix of small plates keeps the menu fresh and tantalizing. We got the hummus and mixed veggies with peta, blackened chicken quesadilla. Both very tasty but the Hummus was the winner by far. Also every crab dish was out of this world! Crab soup with huge honks of crab, jumbo lump back fin crab cakes also very fresh and tasty. Cannot wait to return!
(5)Matt B.
Have been a regular until recently. The new menu lacks the variety and originality of the former one and the wine by the glass prices have gotten too boring an pricy.
(2)Kelly J.
I don't dislike this restaurant but I don't love it either. I normally come here to meet and catch up with old co-workers. I love the unique menu and though I am not a picky eater I do know a few people who are and they don't offer anything on the menu for those kinds of people. They had a buffalo chicken salad that I fell in love with but the next time I went they said it was only a one time item. I understand that happens but I hate it was a restaurant does a special once in a blue moon and then you fall in love with it...oh well, I'll just have to hope it's back again the next time I meet up there. If it wasn't for my group, I don't think I would have picked this restaurant on my own. I enjoy the dishes but not enough that makes me want to come back. The staff is a little rude and non-existent at times. It took us 35 minutes one night to get our check after we had asked for it twice.
(3)Brandon B.
Will have to try and go back, I don't remember what we ate, but it was good. Service was very friendly also.
(4)K Sera S.
To say this place has evolved from its GL Shacks days is like saying that humanity has evolved from our single-cell amoeba days. So, umm...yes, it has really changed! Although they saved some "Shacks favorites" on the menu (wings, and good ones), they have created totally new menus for both the lounge area and the more formal (but not stuffy) dining room area. I can only speak for the lounge and patio, but can't imagine the dining room is all that much different. They have very good happy hours, a fine selection of microbrews and a surprisingly nice selection of wine (not incredible, but solid). The homemade potato chips ought to be outlawed--they are so good and so hard to stop eating. The sandwiches are generously stuffed, and so will you be! The patio is a relative rarity in the Columbia area, so it's quite popular.
(3)Rodge B.
The ONLY reason to go here is for the Shacks wings carried over on the menu from the days when it was GL Shacks. Top 5!
(4)Carolyn M.
A client took me to dinner in Ellicott City, MD and I feared for the standard chain restaurant. I thought we had to go to Olive Garden - oh the fear in my heart - but was delighted to pull up to LeeLynn's a local establishment who my client remembers as an old liquor store back when she was a kid. I was pleased with the menu that offered many vegan/vegetarian dishes like tempura veggies, hummus platter, roasted vegi platter, numerous salads, and the power sandwich which I had. The Power Sandwich was stuffed full of mixed greens, sprouts, avocado, and tomato. A big side salad was served with it and the bread was full of whole grains and very fresh. Enjoy this power dinner if you are ever in the area. Eat well, Carolyn be well, carolyn
(5)Veronica V.
I ate here for the first time last night and over all, I was very pleased. First of all, it's a great place to eat dinner with family or close friends because the idea is to get a bunch of small plates and to share everything; I love this because I'm the kind of person who has a hard time deciding what to get and this way I get to have a little bit of everything. But even if you go here with a co-worker or something (ie. sharing food would be weird/inappropriate), the small plates are designed so that you can eat two or three on your own. My favorite dishes were the cream of crab soup and the crab tower (which was AMAZING.) My family also ordered the scallops (they were delicious too), the mac n' cheese (I didn't have any but they loved it), and the pork special (again, didn't have it, but my brother enjoyed it.) I also had the creme brulee for dessert and I think I made the right choice because it was far better than what the rest of my family ordered (the raspberry chocolate mousse and the brownie sundae.) The only thing I could really complain about was that service was a little slow, but they did look sort of understaffed so that might've been the reason why. I'd definitely eat here again though.
(4)Matthew K.
Came for dinner with friends (they love the place), and they introduced us to this little place shoved into a random corner in ecity. Our friends ordered for us, since they were familiar with the menu, but it ended up being a very very rich/heavy meal. mac&cheese - fantastic. the chips... yummy. the crab dip - standard but good. the beef was ok, as was the tuna. nothing incredibly memorable, but good. great wine list, and we picked a great argentinian wine. the ambience was great, and the waitress knew exactly how much to interact with us. we ended up spending 3 hours talking and eating and drinking, and i never felt like we were waiting for the waitress, but she was always there when we needed her. I kept my expectations pretty low coming in after reading the reviews, but besides everything being way too heavy, i left very satisfied. 3 for food, +1 for ambience and service.
(4)HowChow B.
I ate delicious macaroni and cheese at LeeLyn's Dining Room in Ellicott City, but I wish that I had had something more. There is nothing more exciting or ephemeral than the trend of "small plate" restaurants. They're not just for tapas anymore, and little dishes -- with smaller prices and the chance for imagination, simplicity or surprise -- invite you to make your own magic dinner. LeeLyn's offers itself up as our local upscale "small plate" joint, and we started strong with mac and cheese was really delicious. Creamy and thick without grease. That's fun eating, but the magic never picked up again. We ate the crab dip. The pretzel bread was interesting. But we didn't finish the salad -- something that got lost when the greens acquired the Latin touch of corn, onions and beans, the almost-Asian topping of almost-crisp noodles (tortilla strips?), and a drench of creamy dressing. I had sat down with high hopes and really wanted to order something more. But we were $30 invested already, and Mrs. HowChow pointed out that the menu wasn't "small plates." It was appetizers. Good appetizers, maybe. But nothing more than wings, crab dip, tuna, tempura vegetables, and on. I almost split a crab cake because other folks seemed to be enjoying the special. Instead, we sat back and realized that no one goes home hungry after mac and cheese and crab dip. We paid and left. Some people really like LeeLyn's, which other Yelpers love and which made BillZ's well-reasoned "Nearly Best" list in the Live in Howard blog. But I have been to Woodberry Kitchen. Everyone can't match that place, but the "small plate" magic comes from freedom. If I'm picking a bunch of plates, the kitchen is free to offer dishes that are simple or seasonal or electrically unique. A roasted pear with salt and honey. A flat bread with blue cheese and mustard cream. I smile just writing out the names. Iron Bridge Wine Company pulls off that imagination. My wife still talks about a "burger, fries and shake" of bite-sized meat and the perfect burst of strawberry. LeeLyn's doesn't charge any less than Woodberry or Iron Bridge, and it serves up some good food like the salad's chicken topping -- somehow blackened, still juicy, and sliced beautifully thin. I'm just not sure why the menu had a dozen pub favorites, but nothing seasonal and nothing that I hadn't eaten somewhere else. Take my disappointment in context. I'm disappointed, in part, because LeeLyn's offers itself up as special and because it's a charming place with some cozy spots and a patio. There is an opportunity for places to serve small plates that aren't a huge investment. Creating an imaginative menu is certainly beyond my skills, but I hope that someone will come along and give it a try.
(2)