Phoenix Emporium
8049 Main St, Ellicott City, MD, 21043
Phoenix Emporium Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Ellicott City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Ellicott City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Ellicott City for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
8049 Main St
Ellicott City, MD, 21043 - Phone (410) 465-5665
- Website https://www.phoenixemporium.net/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
- Mon : 11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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NoCal N.
If you are looking for a quick and affordable meal, then this is your place. The crab cake sandwich is better than you would think, the burger and pasta are very tasty. Great little find with good food. FYI, the beer selection is also sneaky good. Chimay is available.......
(5)Trish A.
4 stars for food, deduct one star for the really slow service - don't go here if you're in a hurry. My mom and I went here for lunch on a Tuesday. There were about four other tables occupied and one guy manning the bar and serving the tables. I don't know if it was the kitchen or the fact that the guy was overloaded, but it took us forever to get through lunch. I got the portabella burger (Grilled Portabella Mushroom on Toasted Focacia Bread with Provolone Cheese, Roasted Red Peppers, Sautéed Red Onions, Pesto and a Roasted Red Pepper Mayo). It actually came on a bun, which was fine with me. I asked for a side salad instead of fries and they subbed it no problem. It was a great choice because the salad was great (and the croutons were AMAZING). The burger was admittedly the best portabella burger i've ever had. It could have been a little less oily but all the flavors came together so well that I really can't complain. My mom enjoyed the crab quiche and said it was like someone dumped a bunch of lump crab meat in a pie tin and poured some eggs and cheese on top of it. Which apparently is a great thing. We waited for a few minutes for the guy to come back with our silverware before I had to get up and get it myself. Drink refills were also pretty hard to come by. I know we're not the only ones who felt this way about the service because I was talking to a friend today who said he experienced the same super slow service. I'd go back because the food was great, but I won't be recommending this to friends who want to grab a quick bite to eat.
(3)Fred A.
Plus: Good food. The burger I had was tasty. Minus: No draft beer!? Music way too loud.
(3)Calvin Y.
It's restaurants like these that make me wish that Yelp had a half star system. Although I can't give them 5 stars, I'd give them 4.5 if I could. I've been going to Phoenix over the past few years, and both the restaurant and the bar are solid components that could easily stand on their own. Put them together, and you've got a pretty awesome spot to kick back, relax, and grab a good drink and decent food. The food here is pretty standard fare for a restaurant in terms of variety, and the prices are more than fair. The restaurant as well as the bar has a very extensive beer list, and they have one of the better and more extensive happy hour specials that I know of in the area. The bartenders are pretty nice and friendly, and the place has a fair number of events, such as trivia night and karaoke.
(4)Adam J.
Pretty decent food, lots of different beers. The scene there on the weekends is dumb, some fat bouncer, Karaoke, and college kids. I don't hang here, usually get food to go, due to the scene I don't want to stick around. Went to the bar one night and talked to a girl who was pretending to be the girl from the movie failure to launch, which was entertaining for me (she was yelling at the tv which had a tennis game on it, said she ran a match making business, like the movie), but pretty sad overall for the bar and herself, bless her little heart.
(3)Daniella H.
Service--Fabulous! The waiter made great beer selections based on our taste preference and was very attentive. Parking--This whole in the wall pub is in Old Ellicott City, so as can be expected...either the lots and walk, or get lucky with a street stop! Food and Drink--YUMMMMMMMMY! Fabulous beer bottle selection and meat from Treuths..... We'll be back!
(4)Rosangelie T.
Great food (fish and chips were awesome) and they serve my favorite German beer too!!
(4)John W.
Great burger from local butcher. No draft beer, thank god! After talking to a guy who cleans delivery systems for draft beer l will never drink draft again Next time you ask for a draft ask when the system was cleaned . You will get a deer in the head light look .
(4)Standards H.
For having such a good beer selection, it's a shame they can't find better servers. The last time I visited Phoenix, the server brought out everyone's food and mysteriously forgot my husband's. We waited a few minutes thinking she would bring it out at any moment. It never came so my husband asked her and she said, "oh, you ordered food?" So there he sat at a table of 6 people being the only one with no food. Then she took his order for the second time only to bring out the WRONG order! She gave a half ass apology and offered to comp his iced tea!! lol! The combination of tragically average (and below) food and terrible service outweighs the beer selection. I suppose it might be worth the stop if you are going to sit at the bar just drink, otherwise, don't waste your time.
(2)paul s.
overpriced. Ordered from the dry-erase marker board behind the bar showing special beers. Like the printed menu, it lists alcohol content but not price for any of the beers. Call me a cheapskate, but when I found out I just paid eighteen dollars for a 22 oz bottle of beer, I feel like i've been clipped. I mean, it was good beer, but come on. give me a break. Ridiculous.
(1)Doug M.
Poor service. Bartender couldn't remember who ordered what drink seconds later. She would take your order and come out mere seconds later with someone else's food asking if it was yours. Ordered a burger done medium and received a flavorless charred patty. It's a shame because I have heard so many good things about his place.
(2)R A.
I will NOT go back. Astoundingly bad service. Though, my sister put it like this: "I'd say this was bad service, but I can't, because there was NO service!" Also: first time I've seen a baby's diaper changed straight up IN a restaurant before. SUMMARY: - wrong orders - never brought out our drink order; we had to cancel it - long wait time that they delayed and delayed and delayed, & no apology or professional acknowledgement of the shortcoming - larger parties that arrived after we did received drink and food before we did - no apology or professional acknowledgement of the atrocious "service" / neglect - know how bad it was? We left NO tip, because we received NO service. It was essentially hour-and-a-half carry-out. First, the good -- err, less-horrible stuff: FOOD: tasty, though almost entirely wrong. The gave us our food almost as wrong as you can get while claiming it's the same menu item. For instance: - ordered a sandwich, add raw onions, mayo on the side; received sandwich w/ sauteed onions, mayo on the bun, pesto on the side; - ordered a sandwich, asked for NO onion, lettuce, or tomato; received onion, lettuce, and tomato; - both sandwiches supposed to come with Old Bay fries, according to the menu. They did not. AMBIANCE: other than watching a family change their baby's diaper *right next to* the table where restaurant staff said they were going to seat us -- yes, straight up in the dining room of the restaurant, amidst other diners and within a spitball distance to the bar -- -- -- but, hey, who wants to miss even a nano-second of the game, or the riveting conversation of your lunch companions with whom you just sat through an entire meal?? Anyway, bar-turned-changing-table aside, ambiance was warm and cozy enough for a community sports bar on a brisk November day. SERVICE: --- What service? 1. Wait time: LONG, lies, & NO apologies "How long is the wait?" "10-15 minutes" 15 minutes later: "5 more minutes" Then: "Just give us a few more minutes." ....[waiting].... We spot an empty table: "May we possibly have that empty table over there?" "oh, we're going to seat you over there [pointing], they've paid their bill, they should be out soon" .....[waiting]..... (Why didn't we leave? Our guest was set on this place. And, we had invested so much time, she felt she couldn't give up now.) -- Oh. Look. They're changing their baby's diaper....next to our future table. FINALLY seated. It's been 40 minutes. 2. Wait time, this time to place an order: 5 minutes. Then another 10. Someone comes over after a few minutes: "are you our server?" "um, I think so, I'm not sure, yes" (huh??). Several minutes later, makes her way back to us to check that she got the order right. (Don't think that second trip helped any.) 3. Wait time, this time to get our food, and we ask if it can be rushed because we're on a time restriction now -- "oh sure, no problem, I'll be sure to let them know": FOREVER. Two additional parties, both larger than ours, were seated, served drinks, AND served food before we got food or drink. 25 minutes later: Canceled our beer order, because it never came out. Asked for food to be brought out in to-go containers, because we had to leave. There are plenty of good places in Historic Ellicott City for beer and / or food. Go to one of those! Don't go here! Save yourself the trouble, and give your business to people who care (or at least act like it).
(1)Laurie K.
Meh this place was just ok. We came in for a late lunch on a Sunday afternoon after walking on the Trolley line. When we walked in we were told we could sit anywhere we would like. As soon as we sat at a table i kind of noticed the place wasnt that clean, it looked like someone had not wiped the walls down near the tables in a very longgg time, and just pretty much turned me off right from the start. I had the cream of crab soup ( it tasted ok but was very runny and did not have any large lumps of crab). I also had the BLT club sandwich which was very good. My husband had the cheeseburger with french fries, he liked the burger and the fries were very crisp and yummy. All in all i probably wouldnt return, too many other places in this small historic town to try, hopefully with a cleaner and more enjoyable environment.
(3)Allie K.
From the outside (and inside actually), this place looks pretty nondescript - local diner/watering hole & convenient place to grab a bite... However, the menu is certainly anything but ordinary. Very interesting and varied selection of food and specials featuring lots of crab dishes and appetizers. We got the Crab Skins to start; baked potato skins with crab dip and cheese melted on top. Mmmmm. I got the ahi tuna wrap from the specials menu which was garnished with a spicy wasabi mayo and came with delicious Old Bay seasoned fries. My meal was delicious but there were about 10 things I was choosing between on the menu so I would definitely like to go back and sample more of what they have. Also a very extensive beer menu with a huge international selection and 2 pages of microbrews listed by state. Quick service and a nice place to sit and watch the street traffic in the Historic District.
(4)ryan r.
This is honestly my favorite bar. My "Cheers", if you will. Everyone knows my name (with the exception of a couple bouncers who refuse to acknowledge that they know me). Occupying a corner location in historic Ellicott City, the Phoenix has been in operation over 25 years, though the building itself is much, much older. You're greeted with a sign claiming that "Proper Dress" is required. Don't be fooled, just wear what's comfortable to you. The sign is a relic, probably over a hundred years old. During the day and evening, the crowd at the Phoenix Emporium tends to be older. Usually couples and families browsing the antique scene in Old Ellicott City. You can even browse the inside of the restaurant as you eat. A lot of the decor, including tons of old Baltimore stained glass, are for sale. All the food is good, but I usually go for the crab dip or Chesapeake wings, covered in Old Bay. Visit after 7 PM on Thursday and they're only 25 cents each. The crowd changes a bit around 9 PM, as the dinner and drinks crowd leaves and the bar crowd arrives. The Phoenix offers over 150 bottled beers. Some of these are included on 'The List'. Drink 99 beers at the Phoenix and you get a plaque on the wall, and a discount. 20% off everything and 50% off on Sundays. I finished my list a little under a year, but legend has it that it was once done in 2 weeks. A constant stream of new seasonal beers appear every week or so, so the selection never gets boring. Ask for Star, Patrick or Jessie if you want a suggestion. If you haven't been here, this place is definitely worth checking out. If you have visited, then you already know what I'm talking about.
(5)Scott P.
Went here for lunch during a daytrip from D.C. We came in and stood around like jerks until we asked a waitress to serve us. We sat down, ordered drinks, and waited for a good 15-20 minutes to get served. I had "The Sandwich" which was bland and uninteresting. The beer was decent, but the fact it was incredibly hot that day had a lot to do with that. Terrible service and dirty. Would not come back.
(1)Philip H.
We just ate here and were very happy with just about everything. You could not ask for more of a beer selection, though they did not have any on tap. The food menu was pretty much typical upscale bar food at a good price. The food came out quickly and we had very good service. Our server even recommended some very good beers for us to try. Parking is tough but you can do street or walk from a couple lots. Nicely located in Old Elliott City We would come back again very soon!
(4)Pete J.
My type of place. Beer beer beer. I'm sure they can make a cocktail but there was no sight of the currently popular and ubiquitous cocktail menu. Unfortunately I could only come in with my wife to eat and not drink but look forward to doing so in the future. Had a chance to thumb through the beer menu and I was impressed. Huge variety of beers from all over the world from many differant breweries. Suck it InBev. Our waiter was Paul. Good waiter, attentive and polite. I ordered the fish tacos and my wife got the chicken santa fe sandwich. I enjoyed the fish tacos, and I really enjoyed the spicy chipotle sauce that came with the tacos. My wife enjoyed her sandwich and we both liked the fries. I will be back here soon to grab a few brews. I wish I lived close to a place like this.
(5)Jen M.
We were in for a quick pint on a lazy afternoon of window shopping and had a great time. Solid atmosphere, nice bartender, and a good selection of beers. Next time we'll stick around for a bite and a few more rounds, but we're definitely going to be back.
(3)Karlee B.
Pretty basic food selection but there are some good options. Try the Roasted Toasted Crab Dip sandwich. Good beer selection.
(4)Jackie S.
One of my all time favorite restaurants. The appetizer crab dip is to die for, and their cheeseburgers are incredible. A great local place with good service. The only negative is that they don't have hostesses so it's tricky to find yourself a seat on a busy night. Nice atmosphere right on main street. Overall good service, it can just be tricky to get the servers' attention sometimes. Sign up for the email list-they send out great coupons!
(5)Kathryn C.
So I returned to this spot for a friend's birthday. We were at the bar all night. No food this time, just drinks and dancing. The DJ was on point. I really like this spot for small, casual gatherings. I don't need anything fancy. Good drinks, decent prices, great for just dancing and hanging out with friends. At closing (1am on a Friday night), they turn the lights on and it feels like Mom & Dad just crashed your house party. But I don't mind because it's pretty funny :)
(4)Staxx O.
This place is a hole. Which is why i love it. Crowd can get pretty stupid late night. Awesome beer selection. Beer club. Even their menu is pretty decent! Its just bar food, but there are no illusions about that either. Comes fast, evenly priced and usually pretty tasty.
(4)Don M.
Love this place! Friendly folks and everything we had was excellent! Tried the chilly, cream of crab soup, burger, and the mushroom burger. Came on a Saturday for a late lunch. They have a huge beet selection but we did not partake. Nice area too.
(5)Veronica V.
Love this place. When friends come visit from out of town, I usually take them here because to me, it's so authentically Maryland. There's so many crab dishes to choose from and they're all to die for, plus they have a great bottled beer selection. Tends to be loud and crowded at night, but that should be expected since it's a bar. Parking has never been an issue for me since you can always park in the lots. It's a very chill environment and perfect for unwinding with friends after a long work week.
(5)Adrian F.
Who could give this bar any less than 5 stars??? Amazing beer selection... Entertainment EVERY night of the week... Damn good food for a bar... What else could you ask for?? The Phoenix Emporium will always hold a special place in my heart as my favorite bar in Maryland! I even completed the beer list and got my name on a plaque! Quite the achievement!! The owner Mark is super friendly... anytime we bump into each other here he's quick to strike up conversation and sometimes even buys me a drink! This bar is nestled in quaint old Ellicott City, so it's rich in history and full of antiques (most of which have price tags, because you can actually purchase them)! What's not to love?
(5)Peter A.
This place is awesome. Ryan R commented above that this is his "Cheers" place and I totally get that vibe. Also agree about the bouncers. They're cool, you can have a conversation with them, and next day they card you. Oh well, there are worse things. I'd rather that than go to a place with a short beer list. Speaking of which, join the beer club. 99 beers gets your name on the wall, a deep discount on food and drinks and bragging rights. Working on my second one now. In fact, let me go check off a beer or two and check in to keep my Duke status!
(5)SB M.
I have eaten and hung out at the Phoenix for a few years. I love this place. Last weekend we had our wedding reception in the upstairs room, and the staff was amazing. They were so flexible, helpful and the food was amazing. Many of our friends and family commented on how great the party was, the bartenders were awesome, the drink and food price was very reasonable and the food was great. I would recommend the phoenix for your next party, or if you just want to hang out and have some great food and beer.
(5)Mike A.
The food here is pretty terrible, to be honest. I went there and ordered the fish and chips and they served me this huge (12+ inches long) single piece of barely-battered fish that was rock hard at the edges and dry as hell throughout. The service was also extremely slow and the staff not nice at all. Avoid at all costs when there are plenty of other restaurants in Ellicott City better than this place. I went home to send in an email letting the management know how bad the food was when I found an email that I had sent 3 years prior about another bad experience I'd had there and forgotten about. Management never responded.
(1)Jan E.
Good selection of beer. Enjoy the portabella burger, land to sea platter and the crab dip appetizer - very tasty. Service can be a little sporadic.
(4)Rob N.
Good beer. Horrible food. Traditional bar/tavern at the end of Main St. in old Ellicott City offers a classic pub experience. Which is to say, it's an adequate boozer, but the food is better left alone. I had a turkey sandwich... thing... here once which was atrocious - near-gone-off deli turkey breast with not much else to improve it. Burgers are OK-ish, but this place isn't really about the food. The vibe of the downstairs bar is slightly speakeasy-ish, and the beer selection's not bad. It's got a classic pub vibe, so long as you stay away from the frat-ish deck bar. Come for the bar, stay for the beer, run from the food.
(3)Troy W.
After seeing the wide variety of beers available, I decided to drop in. The bar was almost empty, but it took a while to get served. Maybe it was just bad luck, but the first 3 beers I ordered were out of stock. It took 15 minutes to finally get a drink. The waitress seemed overwhelmed, despite the low number of patrons. After she forgot the order for my second drink, I just asked for the check. Unfortunately the check I received belonged to someone else. Overall, this was big disappointment. I hope others have a better experience.
(2)Ginger W.
I have been going here since I was in college, and I still try to stop in when I can. The bottle selection is surprisingly diverse and the food is delicious. Definitely worth checking out.
(4)Steve C.
Good menu of tasty bar food. Done right. But very loud, especially on trivia night
(4)Marilyn K.
Good choice in beer and they have a decent happy hour, which is a prefect time to try one of their appetizers. The crab dip is pretty good.
(4)Victoria S.
Ellicott City is random! Like an old mining town an hour away from DC metro. I do like the feel of the place. Phoenix is a cozy place with live music and small bar space and tables for eating. Bartenders were nice and helpful. The best part is the prices...we drank about 8 beers and it was only $42 and had a few micros in there. Cheap. No cover. I would say it's a good local hang out place.
(4)Sean H.
This place has what an old tavern needs. Dim lights, old crap all over the place, and lots and lots of beer to get you drunk. They have a pretty great selection of beer and a free club that lets you get a sweet plaque once you drink all the booze on the list. The food is better then you'd expect. I would say the burgers are solid and the wings are decent but I've had better. I had the buffalo popcorn shrimp too, and they were just slathered in sauce and all soggy but still nom worthy. It's a great place to eat, drink and talk. I don't know if I'd go here just for a dinner outing. What mattered to me: -The bartender was a real cut up, and I enjoyed a little back and fourth with her. -The waitress was the same way. -The trivia crowd was cool. -The beer was cold and served quickly. -The food was tastey and came out fast. Over all: It's a very good bar to hang out in. It has no hidden motives, no frills, just does what it does and well.
(3)Chelsea L.
The Pheonix is definitely most famous for their humongous beer variety. Come here to try new beers and meet awesome bartenders like Sierra and Priyanka.
(5)Malarie B.
This place is pretty awesome, considering the area. Not overcrowded, pretty good beer selection, and attentive bartenders. Plus, the live music was good every time. Good casual place, but it does get a bit loud... what with the loud music. Worth checking out if you are in the area.
(3)Brian G.
I've only ever had the Crab Dip and the Cream of Crab soup here in my multiple visits... but that's because they're so absolutely amazing that I don't need anything else to leave feeling amazing. Minus one star for overly embracing the "old pub" feel and having a sketchy bathroom. Seriously vile looking.
(4)J J.
BBQ Pork sammich and delicious fries. Awesome beer selection. Probably the best place for food along downtown Ellicott City.
(4)Asante H.
Been here for the thursday night 30 cent wings. Delicious, twelve wings at a time, three flavors. Also specials on beers ($2) and mixed shots ($3-5 I believe). Usually at 10 a DJ comes out and starts up karaoke. It's a good time with good food. A shame more UMBC area kids don't know about it. Only downside is that seating is first-come-first-serve, but waiting for a spot to open up is completely worth it
(4)sindi e.
Great Fish tacos! Generous serving and full of flavor. It was very loud the night my 3 companions and I had a light dinner, but it's a younger crowd and suited the place. I'd go back on a weeknight just for the fish tacos!
(4)Ryan D.
Been coming here for the past 10 years...I've completed the "99 beers on the wall" list twice..the food can be somewhat inconstant but the fish tacos always deliver as does the cream of crab soup..it is an acquired taste for a bar...its real old so its real small and it had one stall bathrooms...good people and a great staff
(5)Ashley H.
If you're looking for a large beer selection, this is a great place to go. They have local, domestic, and foreign brews as well as a full bar. There's a pretty decent food selection too. The actual menu was a bit sparse, but there was an insert with a page full of specials menu items (including a portobello sandwich which was awesome) that more than made up for it. I was surprised by the variety and quality of food this little place had to offer. The atmosphere is very laid back. You walk in and seat yourself. The building is quaint and definitely old, but quite charming.
(4)Brandon B.
Penne Russo. Portabela Burger. Was a great place to eat after walking around Ellicott City.
(5)Ernest P.
Very casual place, which is nice and relaxing. Tons of beers to choose from too. The food for me is merely something to accompany my beers. With that said one of my dining companions got a cheeseburger that looked really good. The Reuben looked pretty decent too. I got the Ahi tuna wrap which wasn't horrible, though the dressing was straight out of a bottle and dripped all over the place. In any case, for the price not bad. I would strictly stick to sandwiches though. On a final note the crab dip was 4 star worthy though as per usual could have used more bread. A request for more bread is an additional charge, so i have heard.
(3)Kate M.
The beers are cold and the food is delicious for a dodgy looking tavern. The old bay fries are delicious as well as their burgers and pulled pork sandwich. I love the anitquey decor so fit for the location. The old stained glass address signs add to the atmosphere.
(5)C B.
2 Cheeseburgers for late-night snack: $22 Good thing I had my MasterCard!!! This is a basic test - NOT getting ripped off would be a nice start
(1)Chris B.
Nice break from the large commercial restaurants. They have live music pretty regularly, and it is a nice cosy place for summer or winter. Good food, good beer, good music!
(4)Jeff C.
Looking for some variety? Beeriety? The Phoenix Emporium has a large selection of beers, ranging from local brews to imported you've never heard of em's. They've got a typcial bar setup as well as a little seating area, with enough space to get a small group together. Their food menu is pretty decent, with typical burgers and fries, to crab dip platters. They've also got a few entree style items as well. My only gripe with the place is their lack of on tap beers. In fact, regardless that they have something like 50+ different beers, they don't keep a single keg. Because of this, you're paying a bottle price which can be higher than a typical pint at another joint depending on what you order. That being said, I'd highly suggest giving it a go. It's got some atmosphere to it, and is great for an after work brew.
(4)Ian S.
They had a sign that said happy hour(half off appetizers among other specials) until 8. But when the bill came the waiter said that the deal was only for those who sat at the bar. The sign DID NOT say that. Also, I ordered mozzarella sticks and every one of them were hollow(no mozzarella). They did not make me pay for them though. They do have a large and varied beer selection at decent prices, and their reuben is good (prices are average around eight to twelve dollars).
(3)J P.
"The Phoenix" is a quaint bar in quaint historic Ellicott City. The beer selection is actually quite varied. A decent selection of both international and domestic bottled beers (no taps here, therefore no draft beer. Even the Guinness is canned). A rotating selection of "seasonal" beers will bring the locals back to try something new every so often. The liquor selection isn't all that impressive, with a noticeable lack of variety in some categories. The food is a whole different matter altogether, and honestly it's hit or miss. The kitchen stays open until 1am, but beware if you order anytime after 9. Most of the items that come out after that time appear to be reheated, or quick fried. The menu itself has some potential, but does need to be updated. Some of the items, such as the fish and chips, are actually quite well done. Some of the items, especially the crab dip, leave a bad taste in your mouth and you will regret ordering them. All in all, the Phoenix doesn't try to be an upscale restaurant. It's achieves it's purpose, that of a corner bar in a quaint historic town serving a local night crowd and touristy day crowd. A good beer selection at reasonable prices brings back the locals, and bar food is just that, bar food.
(3)Alan D.
Been coming here with my dad for years, for a quick bite. Food is fairly good for the average bar fare. Late nights its really laid back, a place to shoot the breeze. Beer selection is fairly extensive, if your into trying new things. The railroad museum is across the street i believe. Do walk around Main street when you get a chance, its very quaint.
(5)Chad M.
I loved this bar. Amazing selection of beer
(5)Joseph S.
Went here last Saturday for a late lunch. Chose it because we had an Entertainment Book coupon for buy one, get one free entree. They were happy to honor the coupon. Tried the crab soup sampler (servings of both regular crab soup & cream of crab soup). As I mentioned before, the bf is a Baltimore native so he uses crab soup as a barometer of the food at restaurants. Both soups were spot on for him. I got the shrimp tacos, they were nicely prepared and delicious. We also tried a couple of craft beers. The good: Friendly waitress, fun & funky atmosphere. Food was delicious and was served hot & fast. Beer was cold and served quickly. Fair prices. The bad: Nothing was really bad to be honest. It wasn't a busy time of day when I was here though (3pm on a Saturday) so I can see how the place could be overrun during busy times. Bathrooms were kind of funky but nothing gross. I'll go back.
(4)Alyssa S.
I've been here late night several times and sat at the bar for a drink during Ravens games and weekday nights. I had never ordered food until this past Friday night, granted when I'm in the Ellicott City area I get food at the Rumor Mill, Pure Wine, or Tersiguel's. But it was 10:30 at night and Phoenix is what was serving food, I confirmed this with the bouncer before coming in. Our server was not friendly and not attentive at a time when the place was not busy. After she brought us menus and we had closed them. She walked past empty handed about 5 times,it took about 15 minutes before we had to stare her down to get our order taken. My turkey sandwhich came out ridiculously fast and was delicious sans the fact that ketchup wasn't initially brought out with fries and that required another flagging down. My friend and I were drinking Deep Eddy's with sprite and would have probably ordered a few more rounds if we weren't left sitting with empty glasses for 15 plus minutes at a time, also no water glasses were offered. No refills were offered the entire night, service was absurdly slow when we could visibility see the waitress not doing anything, and a friendly word was not uttered until we abruptly asked for the check and she said thanks ladies as we were walking out. I have no complaints with the drinks, food, atmosphere, or prices but the service alone cannot merit this place more than 3 stars.
(3)John D.
Very casual bar and restaurant. Had lunch there recently and the service was good. I got the Crab Dip Sandwich which is pretty decent. Basically its a toasted roast beef sandwich with their crab dip on it; its simple enough but it works. The beer selection they have is very strong as they have a lot of different kinds of beers and breweries to try from all over the US.
(3)Dale J.
This place is AWSOME!! Great food and the scenery is amazing....I had the crab cake and Natty Boh. Loved it!! A++++
(5)Elizabeth O.
Our fourth and final stop on an Ellicott City pub crawl. Downstairs is your typical long bar and restaurant seating combo. What gave this place another star was that upstairs they have a second bar and dancing. DJ was decent and the dance floor wasn't crowded or covered in spilled beer. It was a pleasant surprise and helped me work off some liquid diet calories.
(4)Omar S.
Update: After ten years, I still find myself returning regularly to the Phoenix. I've changed during that time, but still find this colorful location in historic Ellicott City very satisfying. Sporadic musical acts have given way to reliable schedules of DJs and Karaoke, and those guys are surprisingly talented and entertaining, drawing loyal (and energetic) crowds. On weekends, the second floor (separate entrance) is open as well. The staff is unusually competent, the drinks are strong and well-made, and the beer selection is extensive (a large part of that list rotates). The kitchen turns out solid pub-grub, including some holiday menus (the cinco-de-mayo tacos and tamales are standout). Pricing is reasonable, and downright cheap if you're used to going out in DC or Baltimore. Staff turnover is low, and you'll see staff relaxing there on their days off. Folks familiar with the hospitality industry will know this is a very good sign. The crowd varies a lot from day to day, but has a consistent mix of regulars / locals / industry folks, and people "passing through". For locals like me, that makes for a nice mix of a small-town vibe and a big-city venue's flow of new energy. The only weak spots in the bar lineup are minimal tequila and wine selections (but this is really a place to do beer or mixed drinks). The historic main street (which includes a few other bars and restaurants) is a lovely place to stroll, and it's easy to make Main Street a date-destination without the hassle of downtown parking/traffic. Highly recommended.
(5)Carolyn C.
"Warm Beer, Lousy Food, Bad Service." This is their hilarious motto. Though you make think their motto is true from the looks of the place and their overly sarcastic bartenders, however, the bartenders and servers here are great and this bar has one of the largest beer selections I have ever seen. My fiancé and I tend to frequent this spot often due to our occasional Main Street Bar and Restaurant hopping dates, we literally start with wine tasting down the street and walk into every place until we get here. The reason we stop here last is because it is the only place that serves until 1:00am every day of the week! Special Mentions: MONDAY after 8pm $2 Miller Lt, Bud Lt, Bud, Yuengling $3 Margaritas $3 Shooters $5 Bombs TUESDAY after 9pm Buy 1 get 1 Free Miller Lt, Bud Lt, Bud, Yuengling & Rail Drinks $3 Shooters $5 Bombs WEDNESDAY after 9pm $1 Miller Lt, Bud Lt, Bud, Yuengling & Rail Drinks $3 Shooters $5 Bombs THURSDAY after 8pm 25cent Wing Night $2 Miller Lt, Bud Lt, Bud, Yuengling $3 Shooters $5 Bombs Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 4pm-8pm $2 Domestic Bottles $2 Rail Drinks 1/2 Price Glasses of House Wine 1/2 Price Appetizers *You can book their upstairs for private events and parties.
(4)Aimee B.
- tons of beer selection (although nothing on tap) - pretty good food (crab dip is amazing, mozz sticks not so much) - warm and attentive staff (even though the business wide joke is that you may not) if the weather is nice and it's a weekend you'll proba
(4)Audrey B.
Typical pub atmosphere. Loud, but not so loud that I couldn't hear my friend while at the bar. The male bartender I had was friendly (but not creepy). He made suggestions for food and beer and even told me I looked nice while I was messing with my hair. Food was also the typical greasy pub fare, but they had a surprisingly good selection of local craft and seasonal beers.
(3)Emily L.
I came here with the boyfriend after deciding, "Hey, I've never been here! Let's go!" Walked into a rustic tavern like room with old wooden tables. Seems promising. Walk in to a friendly waiter who told us to sit where we pleased. I always like that. It's good to have choices. The same waiter who greeted us served us, and she was very attentive. We didn't get any drinks besides water, so we can't comment on the quality of the drinks, however, my boyfriend seemed interested in pursuing the beer options at a later date. I spotted the cream of crab soup and decided to order that as a starter, while the boyfriend ordered a caesar salad. The soup was ok. Nice bits of crab, but it was a little bit gelatin like, but not too bad. My boyfriend really enjoyed the caesar salad though, especially the croutons, he said they were "nice and crunchy, but not overdone." For our main meal I ordered the crab quiche and boyfriend ordered the rockfish po'boy. My quiche came with a very generous portion of side salad, which was really quite good and fresh. The quiche itself was quite good, although the crust was a bit chewy. My boyfriend had the best dish though. I kept stealing his old bay fries and I just loved the rockfish po'boy. A nice big sandwich with lots of yummy good stuff in it. Next time I go there, I'm getting the rockfish po'boy. This place looks like it would be a great place to bring my friends too and we can have a few bites and hang out. Definitely coming back.
(4)Kerri M.
Decent bottled beer selection. Cozy little bar. Perfect for a first date - wasn't too loud, so could have a decent conversation. Sat at the bar, service was ok, but nothing remarkable. Eh. Didn't get any of the food, so can't really comment on that. Just brews. Bathroom was clean, which is always a plus. Will come back if I am ever in the area.
(3)Heidi F.
This is a local bar and restaurant and whenever I'm here I really like it. My past visit was really fun. The bar downstairs has a great selection of craft beer and mellow pop punk music. It's a nice atmosphere, also good food! The upstairs is like a completely different place. A DJ was playing some cool music and the dance floor was the place to be. Definitely a place to hang out and even dance!
(4)Caitlin C.
The service is always very laid back, to the point of it being semi-rude and slow. There are no draft beers here, and be prepared for them to be out of every bottle they have listed on their menu.
(2)KATRINA W.
The stuffed shrimp are amazing! Service was ok. Nice atmosphere. I had the spinach which was sautéed with onions and peppers along with a baked potato!
(5)Lauren S.
The beer selection here is pretty diverse, and they always have specials. I joined the 99 Beers Club (you're supposed to try 99 different beers and you get a prize). I gave yet to complete it, but it's helped me go out of my comfort zone with beer. The food is pub style. Some of it's not great, but some of it is. The service here is good too. This is a solid spot to come hang out.
(4)Maria P.
Perfect diner in the heart of Ellicott City. Menu might not be huge but they have a nice variety of sandwiches and appetizers. Lots of great beers.
(5)Lindsay H.
I've been going to the Phoenix for a couple years now. I've always had excellent service, decent food, and according to friends, a decent beer selection. Rewinding back to early November of 2014, I came here to celebrate my birthday. Opened a tab, had a few drinks. Their policy is tabs left open overnight will be automatically charged 15% gratuity. Understandable. Fast forward a bit towards closing: a few miles down the road a tipsy me realized I forgot to close my tab. No big deal, we'll call the place and make sure they have my credit card. They say that they don't. To me, this seems a bit impossible and, uh, kind of scary. We drive back there anyway. A huge group of policemen are out front, and so we politely ask if we could go up to the door and ask about my credit card. They said it was fine. We open the door and immediately get cursed and yelled at by the bouncers and bartenders. I explain the situation, and one of the bartenders says, "I already told you we don't have your f**cking card." A few minutes later, a woman bartender gets my information in the event that my card is found, and they'll give me a call. Ridiculous. We wait a few more minutes, and low and behold, the same bartender who yelled at me gave me back my card and a receipt. Now, I called the next afternoon to speak with the owner. I'm unsure if he was even the owner. I explained the situation, and all he could do was apologize. That's fine. I just wanted him aware of the problem, i.e. one of his employees. Fast forward yet again to about 2 weeks ago, and my friends are being harassed by the same bartender about what happened. We let it go. He must have been inebriated to actually approach CUSTOMERS in that manner. This man is not a manager, but a bartender, and he was telling us that we were "banned." The bouncer refused to give a name of the bartender, but also refused to let us be kicked out by the bartender. We left soon after. I've already left a review on their Facebook page regarding this issue, which was then deleted soon after. I have yet to speak in person with the owner or an actual manager, mostly because they seem to not care. I plan on telling everyone I know who goes to Old Town often. My only wish is that the management wises up and fires the bartender who not only kept my credit card out of carelessness, laziness, or greediness (automatic 15% gratuity) or whatever other POSSIBLE reason he could have for keeping my credit card, and then changing his mind, but also harassed my friends two months after the situation occurred. If you decide to spend your money and time on this place, be aware of the carelessness of some of its staff and management. Unbelievable.
(1)Danielle N.
The food is good enough, but it is special to me because there kitchen is open late. So they are my late night local carry out go to. They are busy too even late. The salads look like they have seen better days. The soup is good, but one time they gave me cold cream of chicken soup in carry out. Yuck! Burger meat is supposedly from a local butcher. It was dry. Chicken tenders are that funny meat. Bleh. One of their specialities is crab dip. It's always good. Crab quiche on the other hand is not so good. Stick to safe food and your ok.
(3)David E.
Great food and fun. Stopped in for lunch after a little antiquing, lots of bottled beer and a nice menu. Wife and I went with the roast beef and turkey club which was very good. Came with pickles and chips. A little friendly back and forth banter between Steeler fans (me) and Ravens fan (our bartender and server) capped off a very nice lunch.
(4)Joanna R.
Phoenix Emporium has all the makings of a divey bar, chock full of quality craft beers, that I would thoroughly enjoy. However, the sub-par food and overly flakey service fell short of expectations. My best friend and I ducked in to Phoenix Emporium on a rather rainy Sunday afternoon, no plans except for catching up on family gossip and whatnot. The place seemed great- not too loud even though the TVs all were playing the Ravens game, not too crowded with rowdy fans, and most importantly no waiting for tables. From the beginning we could tell our server was a bit off, but we were hungry so we brushed off her aloofness. We stuck with ordering a handful of appetizers to share- baked brie and some soup (French onion and crab bisque) seemed the best to warm us up. Everything else was typical pub fare. Apparently the burgers reign supreme and in hindsight wish I had ordered one. I slightly drooled over the other patrons burgers when they came out and the fries looked nice and crispy. Oh well... The soups were ho-hum, rather bland. Baked brie is kind of hard to mess up so no complaints about gooey delicious cheese in a flaky pastry crust with craisins. One saving grace, the beer selection is extensive and moderately priced. Not sure if I would trek here from DC again, but if you need a break from antiquing in Ellicott City, it's not an awful choice, just not the best.
(3)Joe K.
Phoenix Emporium offers beer bottle only service with more than 100+ different ales on hand from all around the world. To that note, the pricing is just as good as the beer selection. I had one of the best flemish sours in the world for only $7.75 - compared to most bottle bars that is a steal. Our service was a little confusing, mainly it was the lack of enough people on hand to handle the Saturday evening rush. Once we did get approached, our service was friendly, but it was apparent she was overwhelmed by everything going on that night. We ordered a few items off the food menu and felt mostly everything was average to below-average quality. Potato skins were cold in the middle, soggy from sitting the puddle of oil remaining on the plate (likely unracked) and though they looked ok they were below average. The Maryland cream of crab was ok - not too thin, but the soup had a strange taste. The sandwich we ordered was slightly too dry, as if there was condiments missing, but the fries which were paired with the sandwich made the dish a slightly better as they were crispy and fresh. One thing that makes this place a little confusing is the lack of individual pricing next to each bottle - Max's Taphouse in Baltimore does this and it helps a lot when you are deciding if that Belgian Tripel will cost you $7 or $14 or if you should get a different ale. The interior is pretty cool, but gives off a divey feel since it is in the historic housing area. Tv's are old and some are nearly falling down, but overall everything is clean and a tavern like feel. 3 Stars - A-OK.
(3)Patrick C.
This is one of the best "local" pubs in and around the Ellicott City/Columbia area. The food is good (they have a decent gluten-free offering for my wife), the ambiance is awesome and the beer selection is top notch. In my younger years I probably would have lived here! This place rocks!
(5)Dave W.
Service was great. Beer selection was impressive. "The Sandwich" was a 4 out of 5. Overall, definitely a cool spot. It was a slow day, so maybe will try again on the weekend or a busier night.
(4)Aladdin I.
I really like this place overall, and a frequent patron. Kitchen: Open late!! Saturday & Sunday: DJs upstairs! And sometimes different events. Thursday & Sunday: Karaoke! Sunday: Industry night (50% off for people in the industry) And if you finish the beer list you get a discount every visit. ~~Beer: vast selection, and I have only heard great things about it. ~~Food: Wings are pretty darn good!! Crap dip: one of the best I've had! (Normally have to get an extra side of bread though) Steamed Shrimp: my friends like it. I haven't tried it. Chicken Tenders: good Quesadiallas: yummy! Bartenders: Very friendly, attentive, and helpful. Also very knowledgeable Servers: Most are very friendly and helpful. Bouncers: On point! They are no joke, and are aware! The location is very helpful if you want to have a party or something, they will host private events upstairs, work on specials, and overall just great. The one thing I have a problem with the Phoenix, isn't their fault. I don't like the amount of young patrons that come, It's too small of a location and gets crowded very quickly and I am claustrophobic.
(4)Melissa N.
I tried hard to give this place the benefit of the doubt, but not anymore. The only draw to this place is that they have a lot of different kinds of beer. The entire staff just seems to be there to hang out with each other, actually a.) serving food or drinks b.) serving more food or drinks and c.) getting people their bill and cashing them out seem to just be favors they kindly perform for us eating there in between conversations. The food is meh, the burger I got and ordered medium was bleeding (I was so happy to actually get my food I didn't send it back) but the crab dip was ok. Tonight, every. single. thing. I ordered I had to flag down someone since no one would wait on me (they walk around looking through people the whole time) and every. single. time. the person seemed downright annoyed that I did so. Message received Phoenix Emporium! I apologize for trying to buy things at your bar and promise to try not to let it happen again! On the flip side, their terrible service has been quite a good conversation starter with other bar goers, thanks..I guess?
(1)Stephanie S.
Considering this is listed as a bar, it gets 5 stars, as a restaurant I'd probably give it a 4. The beer choices are amazing, the prices are a little steep but not for domestics. If you go on a Wednesday domestic bottles are only $1 and so are rail drinks. They have awesome deals pretty much every single week day and you can always get something for cheap. The food is okay but most importantly a basket of fries is only $3 and is available until 1am. Try some of the awesome imports but also don't forget all the varieties of local beers. Flying Dog and Heavy Seas are personal favorites with a style for every type of beer aficionado.
(5)Keefe H.
This is one of my favorite local spots in Ellicott City. There is a quaint dive feel to the place, and that makes it feel comforting. Stop by and you'll see folks of all ages, well-dressed to super casual. The Phoenix doesn't put on any airs about itself. Its just a great place for friends to meet and share a drink or a meal. The beer selection is amazing. They have plenty regularly in stock, but constantly bring in new beers, often seasonal. The bartenders are well-versed and can help you find a brew to fit your taste and style. The crab soup, both Maryland and Cream of, are fantastic, but ask for them to be mixed for an extra special treat. Their crab dip is exceptional as well. As a lifelong Marylander, every restaurant seems to have a take on both crab soup and crab dip, with very few getting it right. The Phoenix does it for both. The burgers are amazing, as the meat is fresh from J.W. Treuths, a butcher a mere 1.5 miles away. I'm always torn between a burger and the crab dip sandwich. The staff is super friendly and even when the place is packed, they still have a way of making sure you're well taken care of. Don't pass by this little gem on the corner of Main St.
(5)Darrius P.
Excellent sandwiches. Both the cream and Maryland crab soups were awesome. While the crab cake was too small for the roll, it tasted great. And our waitress was excellent and attentive. Nice old building too.
(5)Devin A.
The place isn't too shabby. It's in a nice part of Ellicot and the prices here are reasonable. My partner and I went during football season so it was expectedly loud as all hell (when whatever team made a goal). This place is great if you're a drinker as they have quite a large variety of alcohol. I'll come back again... just not when there's a game playing.
(3)Chris W.
If you crave a luscious hand crafted burger look no further. Phoenix Emporiums burger with bacon and smoked Gouda is a true rainmaker! Perfect ground chuck mix cooked to perfection every time (ordered mine Medium). Not sure what was messier, my drool or the juicy yum pouring down my chin after each bite. Alas, a burger which truly humbled the senses...BOOYA!
(5)Nikki K.
Sundays is half off EVERYTHING! The bartenders know our order. Food is delicious and the beer selection is vast! I get the fish tacos every time. They are pan-fried deliciousness and the chipotle sauce stings my lips so good for at least an hour. Crab cakes are nice and meaty. Plus there is karaoke!
(5)Jessica A.
Phoenix, you and I have had our differences. I still think the Mr. spends far too much time here, but who could blame him with your super friendly staff and massive beer list. I too have been taken in by your ever changing seasonal list of yummy new brews and delicious bacon cheeseburgers and wings. While the hubby works on his second 100 club beer list, I practice looking awestruck when he points to the name plaque he received for finishing the first one. Marvel at each name-plaque-studded beam by the bar, for they are shining monuments of alcoholic achievement. If you decide to join the ranks and start a beer list, wave to the Duke for me and he may just buy you your first round.
(4)Nic E.
If I could give this place zero stars, i would. First, while I don't expect every small bar to have a full vegan menu, I would expect them to have more than one option for someone who doesn't want to eat meat, seafood, or cheese. The only thing I could order was a house salad, since the server looked at me funny when I asked if other things contained animal products. The Asian dressing wasn't bad, but 1/2 of the lettuce was rotten and slimy. My friends had crab soup that was too salty to eat, and chicken that was very dry. The place didn't seem very clean, either. I'm sure it's fine for a greasy burger, but I would not recommend to anyone with any sort of dietary restrictions.
(1)Erin O.
4 stars for a good bar atmosphere and good bar food. Really, it is one of the better places (casual/bar type places) to eat on Main Street, from having eaten at all of them at least once. My husband and I live nearby and if we're in the mood for some beers and casual food, this is our first choice over all the other places in the area. Been here a bunch of times and the food is consistently good. The amount of beer to choose from is overwhelming and working on the 99 bottles beer club is fun. The service is ok, can be hit or miss when it's busy but it's nothing major. The bathroom is not good. Typical dive bar bathroom, but other than that no complaints! Really like the rockfish sandwich and their crab dip.
(4)Tina S.
Was here on a repeat visit recently, food is consistently good, the BLT was VERY generous with the bacon, and at $7 a great value. also had the buffalo chicken wrap with a good level of spice and blue cheese. My daughter had the kids chicken fingers which she loved. Service was slow, considering it wasn't very busy, but I think the Phoenix represents a great value on Main St., since there isn't any fast/casual places left anymore.
(4)Edward L.
Been here twice: first time just for drinks with the wife on a Saturday night and second time for a Tuesday dinner with another couple. Saturday night drinks: The place was small and packed (at least on the first floor; don't know if there is a second floor). Very mixed crowd as far as age group. Service wasn't good. The bartender seemed more content to talk to her friends than scan the bar for ppl wanting to order drinks. Tuesday night dinner: We came on New Years to meet up with friends we hadn't seen in a while. We found a table right away. The server acknowledged us right away and handed us menus and took drink orders. Nearly 10 minutes passed before she returned with the drinks and to take our order. The place had maybe 3 other parties there but it appeared she was the lone server so no biggie. Food finally arrived and it was decent. Above average for a bar. Would definitely come back to eat here if in the area and had time to spare. Sounds like from other reviews that service here isn't speedy but I'd rather have my food cooked properly than it be fast. Did notice one couple come in after us that ended up getting up and leaving after not being cared for quickly enough by the server.
(3)James E.
Bartender (female) rudest ever. The guy was courteous and friendly. But the other one was rude and kept like she had a better place to be. Very disappointed
(1)Christopher B.
I've been here a few times over the years, usually just for a drink. Normally there's a sparse crowd and we enjoy ourselves. Well, Wednesday night must be college night, I didn't see another patron other than myself and my date over 22 - all drinking beer on special - and the place was packed. If you're not familiar, there's a bar on one side, a dividing wall down the middle with maybe 10 tables on the other side. There was someone standing around with a beer in their hand on every square foot of floor space. I literally had some slacker's hoodie zipper hit my ear while I was taking a bite of my Po Boy. And those fat-ass bouncers kept letting people in, it was ridiculous. Crowd surfing to the commode was an experience all in it's own. By the way, no draft beer??? Everything is in a bottle. The one (!) waitress was very efficient weaving through the sheep to deliver food and beverage, and the afore mentioned Po Boy wasn't bad. The place is just too small for the business they get - on a Wednesday night!
(2)