(08/17/2012) Haven't been to Linwoods for a while, decided to check it out again for Restaurant Week. I think the peak has passed and I missed it. The menu these days appeals to the aged, moneyed, suburban set; just "modern" enough (at least new since the 90's) to seem somewhat adventurous. The Restaurant Week menu was even more stripped of personality. My Caramelized Sea Scallops & Grilled Duck Salad with Oranges, Hazelnuts, Baby Greens, Citrus Vinaigrette was probably the boldest thing on menus. Scallops were large, tender, not sandy, perfectly cooked, nice crust, but very salty; duck was medium well, mildly seasoned (maybe just salt), drizzled with a sweet-tart BBQ sauce. The bitter mixed greens (somewhat overdressed), orange supremes, toasted hazelnuts did lend some flavor interest to the whole dish. The crab cake looked lumpy, had little filler, was pronounced "very good"; the filet was cooked to order (medium), good crust, somewhat stringy, demi-glace salty, as well. Sides were simple and done sufficient: potato gratin was shredded potatoes in cheese and butter; shoestring fries, thin and crisp. Desserts were good, as expected: mango sorbet (fruity, tart) with fresh berries; chocolate bread pudding (sugary overkill) with coffee ice cream; ice cream sundae. The best of the three was the sundae, housemade hot fudge, vanilla and chocolate chip ice cream -- not too sweet, creamy, smooth. Interior is upscale, service is professional. The overall experience was pretty neutral, was neither impressive nor offensive.
(3)
Sue P.
Tried this restaurant this past weekend and it was really quite nice. I've hesitated on coming for so long and not sure why.. It really is a great neighborhood gem. The staff was extremely nice and attentive. The food- md crap soup .. Good pieces of jumbo lump crab but the flavor was lacking a bit. I had to add some salt & pepper which helped the taste. I ordered the BBQ salmon which was good but my boyfriend got the beef Bourgogne which was really tasty.. I was a tad jealous of that entree. Dessert however, I enjoyed my sorbet with berries and he had the sundae which was also delicious .. Romantic cozy atmosphere. I'd definitely come back .. Overall good experience
(4)
Alex G.
Really good food!!! Really good service. Nice place. Upscale.
(4)
Josie F.
Linwood's is my family's go-to restaurant for special occasions. We were there last Friday for a family gathering. Here is what we ordered: pea salad (delicious but a little heavy handed with the dressing), crab cake (small but absolutely perfect) with delicious coleslaw and overly salty chips, simply prepared salmon (perfect, according to my sister), tenderloin sandwich, fried clams and vegetarian sushi. Coffee was excellent, as was the service.
(4)
Michael G.
We frequent Linwoods on occasion the food is almost always good to excellent depending on what you order. New chicken dish on prix fix was good, my halibut, though "plain" was very tasty. Service sometimes gets spotty and given the upscale price range, it should be close to perfect. Drinks we had at the bar before dinner were fine and prepared with care. In short, given the price range, if there is criticism here, it is that work is needed on the little things that take a restaurant from very good to outstanding. But we shall return as Linwoods is one of Baltimore's better establishments.
Linwood's is among the top 10 restaurants in the Baltimore area. We started our Saturday evening dinner with the Pea Salad and the Spinach Salad. The Pea Salad had five different variations of peas, and exuded freshness and taste. The Spinach Salad also had bacon, cheese, and croutons and made it easy to eat spinach. For entrees, we had the Peruvian Chicken dish, the Salmon entree, and Salmon on a Caesar. The chicken is marinated for 24 hours and my wife said it was the best chicken dish she had ever had. The Salmon entree was amazing, on a bed of orzo with feta and olives, with a pesto sauce on top--amazing. The Salmon on Caesar was also amazing. For dessert, we had the Peanut Butter and Chocolate concoction--rich enough for the three of us. Our server was Jesse, and he was perhaps the most professional server I have ever had, making appropriate suggestions, and detailing the ingredients (naming all five pea variations in the Pea Salad, for example) when asked. Most importantly, he paced the dinner perfectly, not like he was turning over the table to get tto he next diners. We dined far longer than a couple a few tables over who were seated the same time as us, and it seemed that the pacing for both tables was perfect (Jesse was the server for both tables). The coffee and cappucino were a perfect end to a perfect meal. When the ambience, food, and service are amazing, the meal is memorable!
(5)
Nina U.
The food is fabulous! The ambiance is a bit fancy for me with the white table cloths and diners dressed in coats but I was very pleased with the service and quality. I consider this the best dining in Owings Mills and possibly the best restaurant meal I've had in years. It's a bit hidden in a little parking lot set not far from 695. They don't advertise much but they do offer an excellent catering menu. You should check them out. They have a healthy number of tables filled even during the week. Prepared perfectly: - Whipped Butter with the bread - Spicy Tuna Tartar - Simple arugula salad - Grilled Hamburger - Simply prepared fish Not the best but not the worst: - French Onion Soup
(4)
Juli B.
I have always heard great things about Linwoods, wanted to try it, and lunch it was. I love french onion soup, if its on the menu I'll order it, which I did. Maybe it should be called Baltimore onion soup, when it arrived it was pippin hot, melted cheese and the spoonful of what the hell, the broth was not beef or if was it was little on beef and lot on tomato. Had lots of onions, but the broth was tasteless and just not good. This was $9.00, pricey for a hot mess. Got a spinach salad, with bacon and feta, Wendy's does better, no presentation just oily spinach, tablespoon of feta and three strips of low quality bacon snipped up. That too was $9.00 and it was disappointing. I won't be back, just average food, I was a chef for many years and just will be scratched off places to eat list.
(3)
Shelley B.
If you want to have a leisurely dinner (by that I mean you are in NO rush, enjoy the wait time between courses, and don't mind not being checked on by your waiter/waitress) then this is the place! But if you want to have your meal in about 60 minutes, don't bother. As a single diner, I was there 90 minutes for three courses (salad, entree, dessert). That's a lot of wait time. The reason it's getting four stars instead of three is the food is VERY GOOD. Fresh, made with care, flavors are carefully designed, and the presentation is lovely. I ordered the prix fix meal which included a salad, a entree, and a dessert for $38.15. I got the spinach salad with heaps of yummy bacon and feta cheese, the grilled salmon was moist and perfectly done over a bed of fresh cut veggies, and the classic ice cream sundae. I also ordered a dirty martini, one of the best in a long time. The martini leftover in the shaker was actually given to me and it almost amounted to two glasses! So my review of the meal is very high. Atmosphere is subdued and traditional. The patrons tend to be 40+ in age so not your young, hip, jumping scene. It appeals to people who enjoy fine dining and have the money to enjoy a good meal. Entrees range from $25-38. A glass of wine averages $12. I walked away satisfied with the meal, but thinking that the extra 45 mins I waited for food (sitting by myself) could best be spent doing something else.
This is perfect place for occasions. Good food with nice ambiance. This is best place for your evenings if you are not interested in driving far
(4)
Alli Z.
One word. Excellent! I almost missed going to Linwoods the night I dined there because I had a previous committment. I'm so glad that got cancelled, because this restaurant was great. I ordered the prixe fixe menu and got crab soup with lump crab, tenderloin, and a delcious sundae with coffee and chocolate chocolate chip ice cream. Everything was fantastic. The crab soup tasted fresh and you could tell it was real lump crab in the cup that I had. The tenderloin was so flavorful with shredded creamy potatotes underneath and very tender asparagus. The sundae topped everything off. Even my wine was great. Defintiely going again!
(5)
Rachel K.
I attended an event on 6/13/15 and everything was amazing. The staff was so helpful and courteous...they went above and beyond. The food was great too! If you're ever at Linwood's and the soup of the day is Tomato, get it! Best tomato soup ever!
There is a line in a song that goes "there is room at the table for everyone", however Linwood's is not that place. Quite the contrary, if you are not a part of the upper 10%, you are not welcomed here! The hostess was rude and offensive, our server was even worse, and it was clear that other patrons with deeper pockets received the lion's share of courtesy and service. Although my dish was dry and a bit over cooked, everyone else at my table said their dinner was good. The chefs in the kitchen make this restaurant 2 stars.
(2)
Ryan S.
Can't say I have EVER had a bad experience here. Hands down had the best Soft Crabs in my life here. If not the best a very close second to only Blue Hill Tavern in Canton, Baltimore MD. Last time I had the pleasure I had their seasonal Venison dish and a steak tar tar for starters. The service was flawless and I love the open kitchen concept. For a great first date or birthday experience, try sitting at the bar overlooking the kitchen. Chef Rick invited a group of us for my Mother's birthday last year. We had BLAST! Thank you!
(5)
Timothy C.
Legit fine dining with ultra small portions. Cocktail, salad and entree and I left hungry. Ok the plus side shrimp and grits had more shrimp...spoonfuls of grits in the dish, spoonfuls. Ricardo was great. I will not go back.
(3)
Bill P.
In a word excellent all the way around. We had reservations at 6:00 PM but arrived early. We were greeted by the host and seated immediately. We all had the prix fixe menu. The cocktails were superbly prepared in more than ample portion. I enjoyed the Maryland crab soup....the best I've ever had in my 61 years! Big chunks of lump crab meat, not one or two but the entire bowl was brimming with succulent crab. The main entree was also crab cake with great sides including freshly made chips with a side of broccoli. The meal was topped off with an ice cream sundae. Service was also seamless and unobtrusive. I would highly recommend this true neighborhood gem in North Baltimore. The best dining around for sure. Others commented on a "tired" atmosphere. I disagree. Great ambiance and wouldn't change a thing.
(5)
My N.
Spicy tuna tartarte is something I would come back for. The blackened scallops had amazing perfect texture but taste wise it was okay. And surprisingly enough, their spinach salad was the best salad I've ever had. Made me really wish there was more! We had a variety of the salmon (which was like a taco), tuna, and the steak; my favorite being the steak. Make sure to get dessert, definitely great here.
(5)
Artem A.
Price-quality ratio is really bad. The food is not up to par, service is mediocre. There are much better places in this price range. The 45 dollar steak was thin and dry, nothing close to a juicy rib eye it should have been. The personnel thinks they are doing you a favor. I would choose prime rib steak house or troia cafe any day over this place.
(2)
Cindi M.
Great Location and Parking. The food is delicious and their martinis are fabulous! We ate at the bar and Josh was our great bartender. I would definitely recommend it. Not the typical chain restaurant atmosphere.
(5)
Kenneth T.
Excellent food at a reasonable price Try the price fixe for 38 The s'mores dessert was crazy good Service was ok A definite return for us
(5)
Miriam B.
Great contemporary American restaurant in Owings mills. This was our first time dining at Linwoods. We were impressed with the food. Service left much to be desired though. Hence giving it 4 stars instead of 5. But the food is amazing. I loved my filet mignon served atop potatoes with Demi glace and blue cheese. Also enjoyed the home made fudge sundae here. This will be a new go to place for me :-).
(4)
Chris V.
Terrible. Don't waste the time or money. Hostess is horrible and waitresses have attitude problems. I'm clueless how they stay in business. Food is very average at best. Actually took the bar stool I was sitting at for a "regular" that wasn't even there yet. Just so it was next to his friend way in advance. Totally inappropriate and BS.
(1)
Lauren H.
I probably visit Lindwoods at least Three times a month if not more. I think its a great spot for lunch more than dinner. Its a neighborhood gem so many of the people who have lived in the area for a while are always seen there. I almost always see someone I know when I go. It doesn't get the hype I think due to the area and crowd that comes in. The atmosphere is upscale, there are many law firms and doctors offices around so the place is always full of people in business meetings. Its not casual but not overly dressy. I am always delighted with the food I order. Their French Onion Soup is best I have ever had. Its a favorite. Their menu has a great variety of options. You honestly cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, it is all very well prepared and flavorful. The staff is extremely attentive with impeccable service even when the whole place is packed and every table is full. Dessert menu is great, The Banana cream pie is also amazing. I don't think I have ever had better. I would recommend Lindwoods to anyone. For one person you may spend anywhere from 30-60 dollars
(4)
Jeremy S.
Linwood's is one of the best restaurants in or around Baltimore. The food is consistently GREAT! Doesn't quite get the hype of wood berry or ouzo bay but that's because it's not a trend. It's a 20 plus year, Baltimore county staple that continues to serve up incredibly tasty and thoughtful plates year after year. Chefs Linwood and Jay are top class! If you haven't tried them out you need to.
(5)
Daniel H.
Linwoods is a very delightful restaurant. In fact, as I write this review a day after my visit, I am fighting a food coma! The decor is very modern and classy (but not stuffy, just really cool and hip!) Before being seated, my wife and I enjoyed a couple nice drinks at the bar. Thanks to Josh for mixing up some very nice drinks. Once we were seated, we were greeted and served by the wonderful staff. The food was amazing, simply amazing! The menu is full of dishes that are very simple and clean. The chef really proves that it is possible to provide a wonderful dining experience without very pretentious techniques. This being my first time at Linwoods, I am not sure if the atmosphere my wife and I experienced is the normal atmosphere. It was very nice to enjoy a wonderful meal AND wonderful conversation. There was no blaring music OR extra loud patrons. (I hate hearing other people's conversations.) This place is definitely a great place for date nights.
(5)
Santana Ross W.
The decor was elegant, the service was excellent, and the food was mediocre. I had the Lobster tempura with honey butter and the soft shell crab. I enjoyed the atmosphere therefore I will be back.
(3)
Keith C.
We went for restaurant week and am not sure if I will return due to service. Food was good, but our table being right next to the bar area was far from convenient since we had a horrible view of patrons backsides or people standing around our table hovering for a seat at the bar. Service was SLOW as it appeared the staff was shorthanded and I believe the manager was helping out. It took 10-15 minutes just to get water served to us after we were seated and another 5 minutes before the waitress came to the table. The food itself was done really well in preparation and presentation, but for the prices charged and the atmosphere provided. Linwoods failed to be a good dining experience.
(2)
Smith S.
We like sitting at the Grill Line for dinner when there are just 2 of us, and did so on a Wednesday night without a reservation. Our server (Stacey) was superb; she was perfectly accommodating, helpful, knowlegeable and provided just the right amount of attention. She gave us a perfect wine recommendation to accompany our two diverse meals. And the meals were excellent; perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. We are never disappointed in Linwoods and highly recommend it when one is looking for an outstanding meal.
(5)
Jason K.
The waiter only made eye contact with my date and wouldn't look at or address me- rather rude and obnoxious. He also (in my opinion) neglected our table. Perhaps he was just off his game that night. The food was so-so, certainly not worth the price. I had the blackened trout over vegetables. The fish was perfectly cooked though the blackening seasoning lacked taste. The vegetables were smothered in bits of ham, far too much for my tastes and it ruined that portion of the dish. The vegetables were very fresh and cooked well aside from the overcooked cherry tomatoes. My date said she really loved the crab cake. I do not plan to go back though it would be difficult to completely write this place off given all of the positive reviews.
(2)
Jack N.
3.5 stars?!? Is there a better restaurant in Baltimore County?? Of course not. Top notch service and quality. Too bad there is basically nothing to compare this restaurant to, outside of the City. I'd call this a "hidden gem", just based on the fact that it's located in a business center in Owings Mills.
(5)
Joy G.
Tonight, the food was not up to par. The Autumn salad was lacking in flavor . My husband had the shrimp and grits entree. He did not like it and he loves southern grits. The grits were soupy, shrimp flavorless. I had the rockfish on risotto . The small portion of the fish was bland and overly encrusted. I would never have guessed it was rockfish. The risotto was just o.k. They like to put bacon on almost everything. We have eaten here several times and suggest you stay away from any dish that the waitress encourages you to order, like the rockfish. Service was o.k., but the waitress and "busboy" seemed not care; just going through the motions. The bartender, where we had a cocktail, was pleasant. This place is not cheap, so very disapointed.
(1)
Demond B.
Linwoods is a top quality place to dine. I first visited on New Years Eve and I'm glad we went early. Their food is phenomenal their rack of lamb is great. The service is pretty consistent a paraprofessional. The sweet mashed potatoes are so good it's crazy, saffron and something else in the ingredients. I love their pairings; they really know how to cook and always make food fresh for you in their open kitchen. Be prepared to spend a bit more than your average restaurant. The experience is always pleasant and the atmosphere is usually mature. Favorites: Lamb Chops Sweet Mashed Potatoes Pecan Tart Duck Chesnut/vinagrette Salad Seared Sea Scallops
(5)
Fat T.
Service was spectacular 5*. The food was good 4*. The food didn't blow me away but it's one of the top 3 restaurants in Baltimore County.
(5)
Zayka Z.
From the succulent steak to the super fresh tuna tar tar- my entire dinner was excellent and i can see how this place can easily become one's favorite dinner spot;). Lobster tempura was great and so were the sweet and sour calamari. Chocolate bread pudding was not as I expected nevertheless it was enjoyable ;)
(5)
Allison S.
Not terribly impressed with the food, especially for the price. The dessert tasted like it was from a box. The meat was cooked perfectly, and then doused in BBQ sauce. Really??
(2)
Colleen B.
I've been to this establishment twice and both times were excellent. The first time I was with someone who had taken too many pain meds and was nodding out. I'm not kidding. It was awful but the waitstaff was very professional. Great crab cake. Longest dang lunch of my life. The second time was great as well.
(5)
Will A.
I visit Baltimore (or rather the suburbs of Baltimore) about once a month and eat here at least once every time. Really strange location but worth seeking out. The duck and scallops are excellent as is the steak. The crab soup is the best I have had but not being a local probably puts me at a disadvantage in gauging that one.
(4)
Lee S.
All around good food and okay atmosphere, but nothing incredibly special. I would go again if nearby or in a pinch, but I wouldn't make it a new go-to place. I ordered a watermelon salad and espresso rubbed steak while my girlfriend ordered the french onion soup and a scallop and duck salad. The french onion soup (ordered without bread) was very interesting. It was based in a veal stock and I would definitely recommend it. The steak was very good, but it wasn't of as high a quality as I expected for the price we paid. It was basically just a steak slathered in barbecue sauce with some baked beans. Because my girlfriend has dietary restrictions we didn't get desert, in part because our waitress told us that she could probably only have was the ice cream, which was made by Haagen Dazs. I would go back, but I feel like there are probably much better places to spend $120 on food for two in the Baltimore area. Now, if I had to rate the place in terms of accomodation to food allergies (at least to Celiac/gluten free) it would get 5 stars, easy. We said that all my girlfriend's food had to be gluten-free and the waitress said we could order just about anyting on the menu and substitutions would be made so that it didn't contain gluten. She didn't have to be reminded about anything when we ordered our main course or (asked about) dessert, and actually knew enough to say that there was only one fryer, so nothing fried would be okay. If you're a celiac looking for an easy dining experience, I would highly reccomend Linwoods.
(3)
Sean B.
Had a birthday reservation for my partner at the dreaded 7:30 on a Saturday hour. First visit for me, 2nd for him. He chose the place and we both were looking forward to our night out. Greeted warmly at the host stand. Table not quite ready so we walked over to the really nice bar and ordered a drink. Less than 30 seconds later the table was ready but the drinks hadn't arrived. The the hostess went back and forth from us to the host station 3 times, not ever quite completing a sentence so we didn't know what to do. My wine arrived with lipstick on the rim and we couldn't quite make the hostess understand that we didn't want to stand at the busy bar trying to get the tender's attention as she stood there with menus. She couldn't quite grasp the notion that we wanted to be seated and someone could just bring a new wine over when they got to it....She kept mumbling, "But you already paid for it." Not the best start. Nice greeting by a very busy server...she had 2 six tops, at least 2 other 4 tops and our nice, cozy deuce by the bar. She was busy hence, not real warm and didn't make eye contact; her eyes were constantly darting around the room. She didn't mean to I'm sure but the impression was that we needed to hurry with ordering, eating, etc. Impression of the dining room: Not too large a space well laid out. Noise level was buzzy but not overbearing. Open Kitchen was practically silent - How do they do that?! and fun to watch. Table had nice cloth, quality flatware and dishes and handsome glassware. In my opinion, wine list was very pricy. $50 for a 2009 Pino Grigio? Some lesser priced whites available. Don't drink reds but nothing stuck out as a bargain. Partner loved his fried oysters...why do restaurants insist on serving fresh or sliced tomatoes out of season? Personal pet peeve. Menu says Beefsteak tomatoes. Pale, hard slices of tomatoes in early March are not okay. My Med, salad was a disappointment. Warm romaine with very strong dressing that the server described as cilantro was actually oregano. limp and overdressed on a warm plate. Did not read as fresh at all. Partner loved his Venison steak accompanied by mashed potatoes and grilled portobella. only comment from him was that there wasn't enough sauce. Meat was 'damp' but no juice to have with the potatoes. I wasn't super hungry so I tried one of the pizzas because I am a sucker for a wood fired oven. Crust was nice, seemed to be cornmeal. carmelized onions were perfect (I always burn mine) but the whole thing was dry and hard to eat. no moisture/oil/sauce. Seemed to be crust with cheese and onions on it. Server seemed a little relieved that we didn't want coffee or dessert. We were out of there from start to finish in 1 1/2 hours! Really quick and not by choice. Like I said, we felt a little rushed. I usually like to have a slower pace. Not sure I would drive across town for Linwood's again. So many other nice places to eat downtown.
(3)
Eddie C.
What an amazing evening we had at Linwoods for our 1 year anniversary. The staff was great and very helpful in coordinating a surprise revealing of our top layer wedding cake for my wife and I for dessert (they catered our wedding). Linwoods is a gem and the wine list is particularly impressive. Definitely a great place for special events but also casual fine dining. Hats off to all of the staff at Linwoods.
(5)
Jackie W.
My husband surprised me with a birthday dinner. The ambience was relaxing. The meal was flavored and tasty. The wait staff was attentive. I really enjoyed my first visit. I would definitely visit it again. This is a real upscale restaurant.
(5)
Paul S.
This was perhaps one of the best meals of my entire life. It is a very dressy/fancy restaurant with fancy restaurant prices, but well worth it. Not everything was perfect, but the key components that matter most truly delivered. I ordered the Steak au poivre. It had a thick and rich peppery sauce that made you want to lick the plate and the steak itself was a huge portion. thick, juicy, perfectly cooked. I opted out for the french fries for the potato gritan but it was difficult to cut and was very oily. However, the creamed spinach with it was divine. I usually hate spinach and I actually used the words loved eating this. Thick, creamy, nicely seasoned and not overcooked. The atmosphere was dark, its not very kid friendly, this is very much a place for adults even though there is food for kids its nothing that special. they give you one piece of bread at a time the size of a muffin, if it cools down it turns into a hockey puck. But at a place like this do you really want to fill up on bread? If AI had money to burn id certainly dine here every night.
(5)
S S.
This was my first time dining at Linwoods. I have passed this place for years but never stopped in because it's between a lot of medical offices. My sister had dinner there once and she raved about it. My partner and I celebrated his retirement. It was the perfect choice. He said this will be our little secret spot when we want a quiet dinner. Service was exceptional. I don't usually chose the "prix-fix" menu but they had great choices. We both had the shrimp cocktail (exceptional) but for my entree I choose the crab cake, cole slaw and fries and he had a tenderloin. We both cleaned our plates. My choice of dessert was the chocolate bread pudding with coffee ice cream and he had a sundae. Um mm ummm good. The drinks were great also. Who would have thought, a place so close yet so good. We have a tendency to travel. Linwoods is my new "go-to" restaurant when I have visitors from out of town.
(5)
Arthur R.
"Great place to take a client to lunch." This was my first time to Linwoods and I was overall impressed. Lots of space to spread out. The menu has something to offer everyone. The fish dishes looked awesome as did the MD Crab soup. I had the chicken salad. Fresh chicken, fried onions, potatoes, and salad. Parmesan dressing. The bread was freshly baked and the service was decent. I highly recommend. I would like to go back for dinner.
(4)
Tatyana M.
After 3 times of disappointment with food and service by waiter named Charlse (warning: if you can help it do not sit in the left section of the restaurant or you definitely will be served by this slow, forgetful and ignorant individual). To be fair the front of the house was not much better than the waiter. We arrived on time, were made to wait for 10 minutes to be seated next to 5 available tables around us. Now the food: we definitely witnessing decline from what it was 3-10 years ago. Very disappointing! It was our favorite spot back then, but now we can't recommend it to anyone who are looking for enjoyment from gourmet food and professional service. If they make us feel not welcomed, we do have other choices where to spend our money.
(1)
Steve M.
The food was great but the service was not as great. The wait staff kept themselves busy by checking the cleanness of the glasses at empty tables, but they would not refill my drink until I flagged one of them down. It was after 10:30PM on a Saturday btw... I will eat there again if I want to eat somewhere fancy.
(4)
Matthew B.
Fancy, without being snobbish, Linwoods is an absolute star of fine dining in Northern Maryland. Their constantly-evolving menu has had a few items that were less than stellar, but they've never lasted long, and the waiters will usually try to steer you clear of subpar items, if you give them the opening to do so. They've got a pretty nice, and decently priced (or, to be more precise "restaurant typical" pricing, as bottles seem to be mostly marked up 100% over retail), wine list as well - I was thrilled to find the 2004 Lancaster Estate Cabernet among the selections. If you're not sure what to pick, the waiters have always been able to provide good suggestions, in my experience. Their mixed drinks are also excellent - if I don't have to drive, I'm always sure to enjoy one of their Old Fashioned cocktails before dinner. For me, appetizers are the star of the evening at Linwoods. The diver scallops are my favorite, but the lobster tempura is always tempting as well. The Maryland crab soup is celestial, with plenty of super-fresh veggies, and any of their salads are sure to please -- for me, the classic iceberg wedge with bleu cheese and bacon is mandatory. The entrees, though quite good, are outshone by the neighboring courses in my opinion. I like to stick to beef here - steaks and burgers are uniformly delicious. Try the carpetbagger-style strip steak for a unique take on "surf and turf". I can't stress strongly enough that you should save room for dessert, as this is an area where Linwoods especially shines. I've never had a bad one here - depending how hungry you are, the Creme Brulee (relatively light), Pumpkin Bread pudding (moderate), and Linwoods Ice Cream Sandwich (hope you're hungry, or sharing!) are all outstanding. I would never hesitate to take a date or business contact here (unless, perhaps, they happen to be a vegetarian!). The service and food are consistently excellent, and the atmosphere is pleasantly upscale, without being intimidating.
(5)
Mike W.
Haven't been there in a while, but the bar was top notch. Grab a drink or two, then sit at the food bar and watch them whip up your food in the open kitchen.
(4)
JO' G.
The Bellini martini was the best part of the evening (besides my charming compadres, of course). I should have had another instead of the "Winter Tasting" dessert, which claimed to contain pears but really didn't.
(2)
TJ O.
Definitely an older crowd, most people seemed to be in their 60's and 70's on a Saturday night. The tenderloin sandwich was good, but like most of the menu was pricey for what you get (our bill for 4 was $165). We tried a 'Winter tasting" dessert that, while good, was not inspiring. The biggest hit of the night was the Bellini Martini --- Peach Schnapps, Cointreau, and Champagne.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Upscale Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
A. C.
(08/17/2012) Haven't been to Linwoods for a while, decided to check it out again for Restaurant Week. I think the peak has passed and I missed it. The menu these days appeals to the aged, moneyed, suburban set; just "modern" enough (at least new since the 90's) to seem somewhat adventurous. The Restaurant Week menu was even more stripped of personality. My Caramelized Sea Scallops & Grilled Duck Salad with Oranges, Hazelnuts, Baby Greens, Citrus Vinaigrette was probably the boldest thing on menus. Scallops were large, tender, not sandy, perfectly cooked, nice crust, but very salty; duck was medium well, mildly seasoned (maybe just salt), drizzled with a sweet-tart BBQ sauce. The bitter mixed greens (somewhat overdressed), orange supremes, toasted hazelnuts did lend some flavor interest to the whole dish. The crab cake looked lumpy, had little filler, was pronounced "very good"; the filet was cooked to order (medium), good crust, somewhat stringy, demi-glace salty, as well. Sides were simple and done sufficient: potato gratin was shredded potatoes in cheese and butter; shoestring fries, thin and crisp. Desserts were good, as expected: mango sorbet (fruity, tart) with fresh berries; chocolate bread pudding (sugary overkill) with coffee ice cream; ice cream sundae. The best of the three was the sundae, housemade hot fudge, vanilla and chocolate chip ice cream -- not too sweet, creamy, smooth. Interior is upscale, service is professional. The overall experience was pretty neutral, was neither impressive nor offensive.
(3)Sue P.
Tried this restaurant this past weekend and it was really quite nice. I've hesitated on coming for so long and not sure why.. It really is a great neighborhood gem. The staff was extremely nice and attentive. The food- md crap soup .. Good pieces of jumbo lump crab but the flavor was lacking a bit. I had to add some salt & pepper which helped the taste. I ordered the BBQ salmon which was good but my boyfriend got the beef Bourgogne which was really tasty.. I was a tad jealous of that entree. Dessert however, I enjoyed my sorbet with berries and he had the sundae which was also delicious .. Romantic cozy atmosphere. I'd definitely come back .. Overall good experience
(4)Alex G.
Really good food!!! Really good service. Nice place. Upscale.
(4)Josie F.
Linwood's is my family's go-to restaurant for special occasions. We were there last Friday for a family gathering. Here is what we ordered: pea salad (delicious but a little heavy handed with the dressing), crab cake (small but absolutely perfect) with delicious coleslaw and overly salty chips, simply prepared salmon (perfect, according to my sister), tenderloin sandwich, fried clams and vegetarian sushi. Coffee was excellent, as was the service.
(4)Michael G.
We frequent Linwoods on occasion the food is almost always good to excellent depending on what you order. New chicken dish on prix fix was good, my halibut, though "plain" was very tasty. Service sometimes gets spotty and given the upscale price range, it should be close to perfect. Drinks we had at the bar before dinner were fine and prepared with care. In short, given the price range, if there is criticism here, it is that work is needed on the little things that take a restaurant from very good to outstanding. But we shall return as Linwoods is one of Baltimore's better establishments.
(4)Lewis C.
It had been a while since I last ate at Linwoods. The service is still top notch, we were seated right away. The hostess sat us at the bar that oversees the kitchen, which was a very enjoyable and entertaining place to sit for our dining experience. The chefs are focused and high energy, constant movement. The food was fantastic... Although my spinach salad had way too much bacon, it hit the spot and the veal porterhouse was cooked to perfection. My gf had the tenderloin that was covered in sautéed onions and gruyere cheese... Absolutely fantastic. The head chef checked in with us during our meal, always a classic touch. All in all, good service and food = a good experience. The only reason I took off a star is the decor has not changed and is very dated.
(4)Fred C.
Linwood's is among the top 10 restaurants in the Baltimore area. We started our Saturday evening dinner with the Pea Salad and the Spinach Salad. The Pea Salad had five different variations of peas, and exuded freshness and taste. The Spinach Salad also had bacon, cheese, and croutons and made it easy to eat spinach. For entrees, we had the Peruvian Chicken dish, the Salmon entree, and Salmon on a Caesar. The chicken is marinated for 24 hours and my wife said it was the best chicken dish she had ever had. The Salmon entree was amazing, on a bed of orzo with feta and olives, with a pesto sauce on top--amazing. The Salmon on Caesar was also amazing. For dessert, we had the Peanut Butter and Chocolate concoction--rich enough for the three of us. Our server was Jesse, and he was perhaps the most professional server I have ever had, making appropriate suggestions, and detailing the ingredients (naming all five pea variations in the Pea Salad, for example) when asked. Most importantly, he paced the dinner perfectly, not like he was turning over the table to get tto he next diners. We dined far longer than a couple a few tables over who were seated the same time as us, and it seemed that the pacing for both tables was perfect (Jesse was the server for both tables). The coffee and cappucino were a perfect end to a perfect meal. When the ambience, food, and service are amazing, the meal is memorable!
(5)Nina U.
The food is fabulous! The ambiance is a bit fancy for me with the white table cloths and diners dressed in coats but I was very pleased with the service and quality. I consider this the best dining in Owings Mills and possibly the best restaurant meal I've had in years. It's a bit hidden in a little parking lot set not far from 695. They don't advertise much but they do offer an excellent catering menu. You should check them out. They have a healthy number of tables filled even during the week. Prepared perfectly: - Whipped Butter with the bread - Spicy Tuna Tartar - Simple arugula salad - Grilled Hamburger - Simply prepared fish Not the best but not the worst: - French Onion Soup
(4)Juli B.
I have always heard great things about Linwoods, wanted to try it, and lunch it was. I love french onion soup, if its on the menu I'll order it, which I did. Maybe it should be called Baltimore onion soup, when it arrived it was pippin hot, melted cheese and the spoonful of what the hell, the broth was not beef or if was it was little on beef and lot on tomato. Had lots of onions, but the broth was tasteless and just not good. This was $9.00, pricey for a hot mess. Got a spinach salad, with bacon and feta, Wendy's does better, no presentation just oily spinach, tablespoon of feta and three strips of low quality bacon snipped up. That too was $9.00 and it was disappointing. I won't be back, just average food, I was a chef for many years and just will be scratched off places to eat list.
(3)Shelley B.
If you want to have a leisurely dinner (by that I mean you are in NO rush, enjoy the wait time between courses, and don't mind not being checked on by your waiter/waitress) then this is the place! But if you want to have your meal in about 60 minutes, don't bother. As a single diner, I was there 90 minutes for three courses (salad, entree, dessert). That's a lot of wait time. The reason it's getting four stars instead of three is the food is VERY GOOD. Fresh, made with care, flavors are carefully designed, and the presentation is lovely. I ordered the prix fix meal which included a salad, a entree, and a dessert for $38.15. I got the spinach salad with heaps of yummy bacon and feta cheese, the grilled salmon was moist and perfectly done over a bed of fresh cut veggies, and the classic ice cream sundae. I also ordered a dirty martini, one of the best in a long time. The martini leftover in the shaker was actually given to me and it almost amounted to two glasses! So my review of the meal is very high. Atmosphere is subdued and traditional. The patrons tend to be 40+ in age so not your young, hip, jumping scene. It appeals to people who enjoy fine dining and have the money to enjoy a good meal. Entrees range from $25-38. A glass of wine averages $12. I walked away satisfied with the meal, but thinking that the extra 45 mins I waited for food (sitting by myself) could best be spent doing something else.
(4)Ericka G.
My mom used this venue to host a thank you party. We had our own entrance & restrooms. There was a bar and plenty of space for seating & a dance floor. A prix fix menu was selected and we provided dessert. The food was hot, flavorful, plated expertly & was made of high quality ingredients. My mom arranged for a DJ and TWO line dance instructors. One before the meal & one after. Everyone danced. Even those with canes & arthritis. The staff was expedient & professional. The meal was served seamlessly. The bar staff was friendly & accommodating. Everyone enjoyed themselves and was very much impressed. I will definitely return for dinner & I'd love to have my own soirée there.
(5)Ian M.
Fantastic as always
(5)Nidhi S.
This is perfect place for occasions. Good food with nice ambiance. This is best place for your evenings if you are not interested in driving far
(4)Alli Z.
One word. Excellent! I almost missed going to Linwoods the night I dined there because I had a previous committment. I'm so glad that got cancelled, because this restaurant was great. I ordered the prixe fixe menu and got crab soup with lump crab, tenderloin, and a delcious sundae with coffee and chocolate chocolate chip ice cream. Everything was fantastic. The crab soup tasted fresh and you could tell it was real lump crab in the cup that I had. The tenderloin was so flavorful with shredded creamy potatotes underneath and very tender asparagus. The sundae topped everything off. Even my wine was great. Defintiely going again!
(5)Rachel K.
I attended an event on 6/13/15 and everything was amazing. The staff was so helpful and courteous...they went above and beyond. The food was great too! If you're ever at Linwood's and the soup of the day is Tomato, get it! Best tomato soup ever!
(5)Niran A.
Legitimate fine dining is near impossible to find in Baltimore County. Sure, there are plenty imposters, but Linwoods is not one of them. The bustle of patrons on a frigidly cold Wednesday night is a true testament to their winning formula - quality ingredients, a rather innovative menu, and excellent customer service. As ritzy as some of the clientele can be, Linwoods' menu isn't pretentious and pairs ingredients together that make sense, such as the autumn salad. This salad featured roasted carrots and baby tomatoes in a caraway salt mixture, which was then served with bib lettuce, torn croutons, a rustic dressing and finally topped with crispy goat cheese balls. The flatbreads are also a great option if you are looking for a lighter dish to pair with your cocktail. The pugliese is especially good, with an artisan three cheese blend, caramelized onions and an almost cracker like crust made of cornmeal. The tuna fiorentina entrée was also very noteworthy. Tuna can be mundane and overdone, but the interesting pairing with rosemary made this perfectly cooked piece of fish an excellent dish. The menu also features several steak options, which all looked delectable as they flew through the open design kitchen. The cocktails at Linwoods are also excellent. All cocktails are around $12, but feature top shelf liquor and are poured tableside through a miniature Boston shaker. The wait staff leave the shaker on the table so you can re-up on your beverage when you get low - a wonderful touch. All in all, Linwoods impresses. Even frequent patrons of many fine dining Harbor-East restaurants will be pleasantly surprised by the food at Linwoods.
(4)Jacqueline O.
There is a line in a song that goes "there is room at the table for everyone", however Linwood's is not that place. Quite the contrary, if you are not a part of the upper 10%, you are not welcomed here! The hostess was rude and offensive, our server was even worse, and it was clear that other patrons with deeper pockets received the lion's share of courtesy and service. Although my dish was dry and a bit over cooked, everyone else at my table said their dinner was good. The chefs in the kitchen make this restaurant 2 stars.
(2)Ryan S.
Can't say I have EVER had a bad experience here. Hands down had the best Soft Crabs in my life here. If not the best a very close second to only Blue Hill Tavern in Canton, Baltimore MD. Last time I had the pleasure I had their seasonal Venison dish and a steak tar tar for starters. The service was flawless and I love the open kitchen concept. For a great first date or birthday experience, try sitting at the bar overlooking the kitchen. Chef Rick invited a group of us for my Mother's birthday last year. We had BLAST! Thank you!
(5)Timothy C.
Legit fine dining with ultra small portions. Cocktail, salad and entree and I left hungry. Ok the plus side shrimp and grits had more shrimp...spoonfuls of grits in the dish, spoonfuls. Ricardo was great. I will not go back.
(3)Bill P.
In a word excellent all the way around. We had reservations at 6:00 PM but arrived early. We were greeted by the host and seated immediately. We all had the prix fixe menu. The cocktails were superbly prepared in more than ample portion. I enjoyed the Maryland crab soup....the best I've ever had in my 61 years! Big chunks of lump crab meat, not one or two but the entire bowl was brimming with succulent crab. The main entree was also crab cake with great sides including freshly made chips with a side of broccoli. The meal was topped off with an ice cream sundae. Service was also seamless and unobtrusive. I would highly recommend this true neighborhood gem in North Baltimore. The best dining around for sure. Others commented on a "tired" atmosphere. I disagree. Great ambiance and wouldn't change a thing.
(5)My N.
Spicy tuna tartarte is something I would come back for. The blackened scallops had amazing perfect texture but taste wise it was okay. And surprisingly enough, their spinach salad was the best salad I've ever had. Made me really wish there was more! We had a variety of the salmon (which was like a taco), tuna, and the steak; my favorite being the steak. Make sure to get dessert, definitely great here.
(5)Artem A.
Price-quality ratio is really bad. The food is not up to par, service is mediocre. There are much better places in this price range. The 45 dollar steak was thin and dry, nothing close to a juicy rib eye it should have been. The personnel thinks they are doing you a favor. I would choose prime rib steak house or troia cafe any day over this place.
(2)Cindi M.
Great Location and Parking. The food is delicious and their martinis are fabulous! We ate at the bar and Josh was our great bartender. I would definitely recommend it. Not the typical chain restaurant atmosphere.
(5)Kenneth T.
Excellent food at a reasonable price Try the price fixe for 38 The s'mores dessert was crazy good Service was ok A definite return for us
(5)Miriam B.
Great contemporary American restaurant in Owings mills. This was our first time dining at Linwoods. We were impressed with the food. Service left much to be desired though. Hence giving it 4 stars instead of 5. But the food is amazing. I loved my filet mignon served atop potatoes with Demi glace and blue cheese. Also enjoyed the home made fudge sundae here. This will be a new go to place for me :-).
(4)Chris V.
Terrible. Don't waste the time or money. Hostess is horrible and waitresses have attitude problems. I'm clueless how they stay in business. Food is very average at best. Actually took the bar stool I was sitting at for a "regular" that wasn't even there yet. Just so it was next to his friend way in advance. Totally inappropriate and BS.
(1)Lauren H.
I probably visit Lindwoods at least Three times a month if not more. I think its a great spot for lunch more than dinner. Its a neighborhood gem so many of the people who have lived in the area for a while are always seen there. I almost always see someone I know when I go. It doesn't get the hype I think due to the area and crowd that comes in. The atmosphere is upscale, there are many law firms and doctors offices around so the place is always full of people in business meetings. Its not casual but not overly dressy. I am always delighted with the food I order. Their French Onion Soup is best I have ever had. Its a favorite. Their menu has a great variety of options. You honestly cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, it is all very well prepared and flavorful. The staff is extremely attentive with impeccable service even when the whole place is packed and every table is full. Dessert menu is great, The Banana cream pie is also amazing. I don't think I have ever had better. I would recommend Lindwoods to anyone. For one person you may spend anywhere from 30-60 dollars
(4)Jeremy S.
Linwood's is one of the best restaurants in or around Baltimore. The food is consistently GREAT! Doesn't quite get the hype of wood berry or ouzo bay but that's because it's not a trend. It's a 20 plus year, Baltimore county staple that continues to serve up incredibly tasty and thoughtful plates year after year. Chefs Linwood and Jay are top class! If you haven't tried them out you need to.
(5)Daniel H.
Linwoods is a very delightful restaurant. In fact, as I write this review a day after my visit, I am fighting a food coma! The decor is very modern and classy (but not stuffy, just really cool and hip!) Before being seated, my wife and I enjoyed a couple nice drinks at the bar. Thanks to Josh for mixing up some very nice drinks. Once we were seated, we were greeted and served by the wonderful staff. The food was amazing, simply amazing! The menu is full of dishes that are very simple and clean. The chef really proves that it is possible to provide a wonderful dining experience without very pretentious techniques. This being my first time at Linwoods, I am not sure if the atmosphere my wife and I experienced is the normal atmosphere. It was very nice to enjoy a wonderful meal AND wonderful conversation. There was no blaring music OR extra loud patrons. (I hate hearing other people's conversations.) This place is definitely a great place for date nights.
(5)Santana Ross W.
The decor was elegant, the service was excellent, and the food was mediocre. I had the Lobster tempura with honey butter and the soft shell crab. I enjoyed the atmosphere therefore I will be back.
(3)Keith C.
We went for restaurant week and am not sure if I will return due to service. Food was good, but our table being right next to the bar area was far from convenient since we had a horrible view of patrons backsides or people standing around our table hovering for a seat at the bar. Service was SLOW as it appeared the staff was shorthanded and I believe the manager was helping out. It took 10-15 minutes just to get water served to us after we were seated and another 5 minutes before the waitress came to the table. The food itself was done really well in preparation and presentation, but for the prices charged and the atmosphere provided. Linwoods failed to be a good dining experience.
(2)Smith S.
We like sitting at the Grill Line for dinner when there are just 2 of us, and did so on a Wednesday night without a reservation. Our server (Stacey) was superb; she was perfectly accommodating, helpful, knowlegeable and provided just the right amount of attention. She gave us a perfect wine recommendation to accompany our two diverse meals. And the meals were excellent; perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. We are never disappointed in Linwoods and highly recommend it when one is looking for an outstanding meal.
(5)Jason K.
The waiter only made eye contact with my date and wouldn't look at or address me- rather rude and obnoxious. He also (in my opinion) neglected our table. Perhaps he was just off his game that night. The food was so-so, certainly not worth the price. I had the blackened trout over vegetables. The fish was perfectly cooked though the blackening seasoning lacked taste. The vegetables were smothered in bits of ham, far too much for my tastes and it ruined that portion of the dish. The vegetables were very fresh and cooked well aside from the overcooked cherry tomatoes. My date said she really loved the crab cake. I do not plan to go back though it would be difficult to completely write this place off given all of the positive reviews.
(2)Jack N.
3.5 stars?!? Is there a better restaurant in Baltimore County?? Of course not. Top notch service and quality. Too bad there is basically nothing to compare this restaurant to, outside of the City. I'd call this a "hidden gem", just based on the fact that it's located in a business center in Owings Mills.
(5)Joy G.
Tonight, the food was not up to par. The Autumn salad was lacking in flavor . My husband had the shrimp and grits entree. He did not like it and he loves southern grits. The grits were soupy, shrimp flavorless. I had the rockfish on risotto . The small portion of the fish was bland and overly encrusted. I would never have guessed it was rockfish. The risotto was just o.k. They like to put bacon on almost everything. We have eaten here several times and suggest you stay away from any dish that the waitress encourages you to order, like the rockfish. Service was o.k., but the waitress and "busboy" seemed not care; just going through the motions. The bartender, where we had a cocktail, was pleasant. This place is not cheap, so very disapointed.
(1)Demond B.
Linwoods is a top quality place to dine. I first visited on New Years Eve and I'm glad we went early. Their food is phenomenal their rack of lamb is great. The service is pretty consistent a paraprofessional. The sweet mashed potatoes are so good it's crazy, saffron and something else in the ingredients. I love their pairings; they really know how to cook and always make food fresh for you in their open kitchen. Be prepared to spend a bit more than your average restaurant. The experience is always pleasant and the atmosphere is usually mature. Favorites: Lamb Chops Sweet Mashed Potatoes Pecan Tart Duck Chesnut/vinagrette Salad Seared Sea Scallops
(5)Fat T.
Service was spectacular 5*. The food was good 4*. The food didn't blow me away but it's one of the top 3 restaurants in Baltimore County.
(5)Zayka Z.
From the succulent steak to the super fresh tuna tar tar- my entire dinner was excellent and i can see how this place can easily become one's favorite dinner spot;). Lobster tempura was great and so were the sweet and sour calamari. Chocolate bread pudding was not as I expected nevertheless it was enjoyable ;)
(5)Allison S.
Not terribly impressed with the food, especially for the price. The dessert tasted like it was from a box. The meat was cooked perfectly, and then doused in BBQ sauce. Really??
(2)Colleen B.
I've been to this establishment twice and both times were excellent. The first time I was with someone who had taken too many pain meds and was nodding out. I'm not kidding. It was awful but the waitstaff was very professional. Great crab cake. Longest dang lunch of my life. The second time was great as well.
(5)Will A.
I visit Baltimore (or rather the suburbs of Baltimore) about once a month and eat here at least once every time. Really strange location but worth seeking out. The duck and scallops are excellent as is the steak. The crab soup is the best I have had but not being a local probably puts me at a disadvantage in gauging that one.
(4)Lee S.
All around good food and okay atmosphere, but nothing incredibly special. I would go again if nearby or in a pinch, but I wouldn't make it a new go-to place. I ordered a watermelon salad and espresso rubbed steak while my girlfriend ordered the french onion soup and a scallop and duck salad. The french onion soup (ordered without bread) was very interesting. It was based in a veal stock and I would definitely recommend it. The steak was very good, but it wasn't of as high a quality as I expected for the price we paid. It was basically just a steak slathered in barbecue sauce with some baked beans. Because my girlfriend has dietary restrictions we didn't get desert, in part because our waitress told us that she could probably only have was the ice cream, which was made by Haagen Dazs. I would go back, but I feel like there are probably much better places to spend $120 on food for two in the Baltimore area. Now, if I had to rate the place in terms of accomodation to food allergies (at least to Celiac/gluten free) it would get 5 stars, easy. We said that all my girlfriend's food had to be gluten-free and the waitress said we could order just about anyting on the menu and substitutions would be made so that it didn't contain gluten. She didn't have to be reminded about anything when we ordered our main course or (asked about) dessert, and actually knew enough to say that there was only one fryer, so nothing fried would be okay. If you're a celiac looking for an easy dining experience, I would highly reccomend Linwoods.
(3)Sean B.
Had a birthday reservation for my partner at the dreaded 7:30 on a Saturday hour. First visit for me, 2nd for him. He chose the place and we both were looking forward to our night out. Greeted warmly at the host stand. Table not quite ready so we walked over to the really nice bar and ordered a drink. Less than 30 seconds later the table was ready but the drinks hadn't arrived. The the hostess went back and forth from us to the host station 3 times, not ever quite completing a sentence so we didn't know what to do. My wine arrived with lipstick on the rim and we couldn't quite make the hostess understand that we didn't want to stand at the busy bar trying to get the tender's attention as she stood there with menus. She couldn't quite grasp the notion that we wanted to be seated and someone could just bring a new wine over when they got to it....She kept mumbling, "But you already paid for it." Not the best start. Nice greeting by a very busy server...she had 2 six tops, at least 2 other 4 tops and our nice, cozy deuce by the bar. She was busy hence, not real warm and didn't make eye contact; her eyes were constantly darting around the room. She didn't mean to I'm sure but the impression was that we needed to hurry with ordering, eating, etc. Impression of the dining room: Not too large a space well laid out. Noise level was buzzy but not overbearing. Open Kitchen was practically silent - How do they do that?! and fun to watch. Table had nice cloth, quality flatware and dishes and handsome glassware. In my opinion, wine list was very pricy. $50 for a 2009 Pino Grigio? Some lesser priced whites available. Don't drink reds but nothing stuck out as a bargain. Partner loved his fried oysters...why do restaurants insist on serving fresh or sliced tomatoes out of season? Personal pet peeve. Menu says Beefsteak tomatoes. Pale, hard slices of tomatoes in early March are not okay. My Med, salad was a disappointment. Warm romaine with very strong dressing that the server described as cilantro was actually oregano. limp and overdressed on a warm plate. Did not read as fresh at all. Partner loved his Venison steak accompanied by mashed potatoes and grilled portobella. only comment from him was that there wasn't enough sauce. Meat was 'damp' but no juice to have with the potatoes. I wasn't super hungry so I tried one of the pizzas because I am a sucker for a wood fired oven. Crust was nice, seemed to be cornmeal. carmelized onions were perfect (I always burn mine) but the whole thing was dry and hard to eat. no moisture/oil/sauce. Seemed to be crust with cheese and onions on it. Server seemed a little relieved that we didn't want coffee or dessert. We were out of there from start to finish in 1 1/2 hours! Really quick and not by choice. Like I said, we felt a little rushed. I usually like to have a slower pace. Not sure I would drive across town for Linwood's again. So many other nice places to eat downtown.
(3)Eddie C.
What an amazing evening we had at Linwoods for our 1 year anniversary. The staff was great and very helpful in coordinating a surprise revealing of our top layer wedding cake for my wife and I for dessert (they catered our wedding). Linwoods is a gem and the wine list is particularly impressive. Definitely a great place for special events but also casual fine dining. Hats off to all of the staff at Linwoods.
(5)Jackie W.
My husband surprised me with a birthday dinner. The ambience was relaxing. The meal was flavored and tasty. The wait staff was attentive. I really enjoyed my first visit. I would definitely visit it again. This is a real upscale restaurant.
(5)Paul S.
This was perhaps one of the best meals of my entire life. It is a very dressy/fancy restaurant with fancy restaurant prices, but well worth it. Not everything was perfect, but the key components that matter most truly delivered. I ordered the Steak au poivre. It had a thick and rich peppery sauce that made you want to lick the plate and the steak itself was a huge portion. thick, juicy, perfectly cooked. I opted out for the french fries for the potato gritan but it was difficult to cut and was very oily. However, the creamed spinach with it was divine. I usually hate spinach and I actually used the words loved eating this. Thick, creamy, nicely seasoned and not overcooked. The atmosphere was dark, its not very kid friendly, this is very much a place for adults even though there is food for kids its nothing that special. they give you one piece of bread at a time the size of a muffin, if it cools down it turns into a hockey puck. But at a place like this do you really want to fill up on bread? If AI had money to burn id certainly dine here every night.
(5)S S.
This was my first time dining at Linwoods. I have passed this place for years but never stopped in because it's between a lot of medical offices. My sister had dinner there once and she raved about it. My partner and I celebrated his retirement. It was the perfect choice. He said this will be our little secret spot when we want a quiet dinner. Service was exceptional. I don't usually chose the "prix-fix" menu but they had great choices. We both had the shrimp cocktail (exceptional) but for my entree I choose the crab cake, cole slaw and fries and he had a tenderloin. We both cleaned our plates. My choice of dessert was the chocolate bread pudding with coffee ice cream and he had a sundae. Um mm ummm good. The drinks were great also. Who would have thought, a place so close yet so good. We have a tendency to travel. Linwoods is my new "go-to" restaurant when I have visitors from out of town.
(5)Arthur R.
"Great place to take a client to lunch." This was my first time to Linwoods and I was overall impressed. Lots of space to spread out. The menu has something to offer everyone. The fish dishes looked awesome as did the MD Crab soup. I had the chicken salad. Fresh chicken, fried onions, potatoes, and salad. Parmesan dressing. The bread was freshly baked and the service was decent. I highly recommend. I would like to go back for dinner.
(4)Tatyana M.
After 3 times of disappointment with food and service by waiter named Charlse (warning: if you can help it do not sit in the left section of the restaurant or you definitely will be served by this slow, forgetful and ignorant individual). To be fair the front of the house was not much better than the waiter. We arrived on time, were made to wait for 10 minutes to be seated next to 5 available tables around us. Now the food: we definitely witnessing decline from what it was 3-10 years ago. Very disappointing! It was our favorite spot back then, but now we can't recommend it to anyone who are looking for enjoyment from gourmet food and professional service. If they make us feel not welcomed, we do have other choices where to spend our money.
(1)Steve M.
The food was great but the service was not as great. The wait staff kept themselves busy by checking the cleanness of the glasses at empty tables, but they would not refill my drink until I flagged one of them down. It was after 10:30PM on a Saturday btw... I will eat there again if I want to eat somewhere fancy.
(4)Matthew B.
Fancy, without being snobbish, Linwoods is an absolute star of fine dining in Northern Maryland. Their constantly-evolving menu has had a few items that were less than stellar, but they've never lasted long, and the waiters will usually try to steer you clear of subpar items, if you give them the opening to do so. They've got a pretty nice, and decently priced (or, to be more precise "restaurant typical" pricing, as bottles seem to be mostly marked up 100% over retail), wine list as well - I was thrilled to find the 2004 Lancaster Estate Cabernet among the selections. If you're not sure what to pick, the waiters have always been able to provide good suggestions, in my experience. Their mixed drinks are also excellent - if I don't have to drive, I'm always sure to enjoy one of their Old Fashioned cocktails before dinner. For me, appetizers are the star of the evening at Linwoods. The diver scallops are my favorite, but the lobster tempura is always tempting as well. The Maryland crab soup is celestial, with plenty of super-fresh veggies, and any of their salads are sure to please -- for me, the classic iceberg wedge with bleu cheese and bacon is mandatory. The entrees, though quite good, are outshone by the neighboring courses in my opinion. I like to stick to beef here - steaks and burgers are uniformly delicious. Try the carpetbagger-style strip steak for a unique take on "surf and turf". I can't stress strongly enough that you should save room for dessert, as this is an area where Linwoods especially shines. I've never had a bad one here - depending how hungry you are, the Creme Brulee (relatively light), Pumpkin Bread pudding (moderate), and Linwoods Ice Cream Sandwich (hope you're hungry, or sharing!) are all outstanding. I would never hesitate to take a date or business contact here (unless, perhaps, they happen to be a vegetarian!). The service and food are consistently excellent, and the atmosphere is pleasantly upscale, without being intimidating.
(5)Mike W.
Haven't been there in a while, but the bar was top notch. Grab a drink or two, then sit at the food bar and watch them whip up your food in the open kitchen.
(4)JO' G.
The Bellini martini was the best part of the evening (besides my charming compadres, of course). I should have had another instead of the "Winter Tasting" dessert, which claimed to contain pears but really didn't.
(2)TJ O.
Definitely an older crowd, most people seemed to be in their 60's and 70's on a Saturday night. The tenderloin sandwich was good, but like most of the menu was pricey for what you get (our bill for 4 was $165). We tried a 'Winter tasting" dessert that, while good, was not inspiring. The biggest hit of the night was the Bellini Martini --- Peach Schnapps, Cointreau, and Champagne.
(3)