Spike! Crush! Rock on! Bare Bones brought in Spike (of Never Never) on Thu Apr 30th (2026)! Our absolute-favorite rock lead, here with his duo on acoustic night! He puts on a great show, and if he recognizes you he'll say hi. As far as i know, this is his first gig at Bare Bones. I hope he joins the rotation! Then on Fri, Crush! Killer classic rock! Every song we know, plus some that we're a little vague on. We danced all night! Note: I dance like no one is watching, and believe me, you're better off dancing than watching me dance. But we sure have fun! Thank you Spike! Crush! Bare Bones! read more

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Be aware. They charge you to use your credit card. There is no signs telling you ahead of time. I looked. Twice. Nothing at front door. None at check in counter. Nothing on the menu. Nothing on table. No verbal notice from wait staff. Nothing. We only found out as we paid at the table. This was very upsetting. We didn't bring enough cash to cover a four person dinner. Which was expensive. The food was ok and the service was ok. Not great but not bad. After seeing that we got charged extra to use a credit card we will not be back. At least have a sign at the front door so customers will be informed. read more

My husband and I visited this place nearly 18 years ago when we were just dating and decided to stop by on a whim. I've teased him over the years because I'll never forget his drink order from that Happy Hour visit. While that drink is no longer on the menu, my favorite, the apple martini, still was. Since it was Happy Hour, I ordered two. The first one was delicious, but the second was missing something -- still, it was okay. I had the house salad, which was tasty and full of veggies that my body often craves. The garlic parm wings, although flash-fried and not usually my favorite, were just okay. Unfortunately, the onion loaf wasn't very good, so we sent it back. Our server was pleasant, and the new owner, Sonny, was friendly as well. The atmosphere was lively, and they were preparing for a live music performance, though we didn't have time to stay for it. Even though we had to send some food back, I'm not ready to write the place off. I'd like to see the new owner and his team win! so we might give it another try sometime -- not sure when, though. read more

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Love this neighborhood bar and restaurant. We usually come for happy hours and to watch local musicians play on Friday nights. Friendly service. The food is great. read more

I have a problem. With restaurants that charge a fee for using a debit card. The Onion loaf was not cooked all the way it had raw batter in the middle of it like usual I might add they need to cook it all the way till it's done. Let's talk about the ribs that were overcooked to the point they had a hard crust on them read more

My wife and I met friends of 50+ years at Bare Bones, under new ownership, I was told. New owners hacked up the once pleasant interior into an ugly-upped dive maximized for alcohol consumption and floor space for live bands. Our young waitress, long blonde hair, with the personality of an oyster, took way too much time and had little to say or recommend. The food we ordered was very slow in coming... very slow. But the best was to come. I ordered a Grande Nacho and what arrived was far from anything grand. It was sloppy. Being hungry, I started to eat the GRANDE salad and by my fourth fork (the chips were too sloppy to pick up the filling) I found myself removing a long blond hair from my mouth. Long. Blonde. At least 12 inches long. GRANDE GROSS! Of course the GRANDE HAIR NACHO was taken back, but never a word of apology from ANYONE in the Beer Joint of Bare Bones. Not a word. The GRANDE HAIR NACHO was removed from the bill. After a little more conversation we left the establishment. Will I ever go back? Nope, Nein, No puedo. The atmosphere is beer joint bland, the food we received at our table passed for End-Of-The-World eatable, with the exception of my GRANDE HAIR NACHO. And again, the long blonde hair waitress with the manners and personality of an oyster should consider other employment. P.S. My wife later informed me that it is the waitress who prepares the salads, not the kitchen. Hummm, Grande Hair Nacho. read more

i have been going to Bare Bones since it opened in 1988. moved out of State to PA.. Recently, our family traced to Bare Bones to celebrate a milestone birthday. craving a Bare Bone Salad, I ordered! i paid for extra chicken, what a mistake ! New owners changed receipt of teriyaki sauce and it was horrible! it didn't even stick to chicken! It also tasted like it was prepared in microwave! I paid $25 for this salad. My guest were not pleased with their less than average meals. Prices on menu were extremely expensive ! We were there on a Friday night at 6 and the dining room was empty. Maybe because locals have already figured out the quality of the food and the prices are not worth it. Back in the day Bare Bones was always on a wait because it was so good! New owners, dropping the ball. A tradition no more! Sad! read more

My Absolute favorite salad. The teriyaki chicken is full of flavor and pairs great with the salad and dressing. The service is great and the food always comes out super quick, hot, and fresh. I've never been here and had to wait for an astronomical amount of time to get my order. The ambiance is great as well, with plenty of seating and, a bar area with seating as well. They also have live music on the weekends which adds another nice touch of ambiance. read more

Bare Bones Grill and Bar - Bare Bones Special Salad - Barbeque Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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On a whim, we decided to stop for a quick drinks and snacks on a Sunday afternoon. Besides they advertised HH all day Sunday! We went in, got seated right away. The place was relatively quiet- only 3-4 tables that were occupied. We waited about 15 minutes before being acknowledged ( we almost left ). Then another few minutes before our order was taken. We ordered Nachos Grande - good portion, heavy on the toppings, & Boneless Wings which were good size meaty pieces & very flavorful. Our drinks however were not very good . Quite watery & tasted funny - we figured it was from the soda sprayer. Our server though was very efficient . read more

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Customer service was great. The hostess and waitress were fantastic and attentive. However, that's it. The food had good portions but was subpar, lacked flavor, and was overall uninspiring. I didn't finish most of it because it was just bland even with adding salt and by the time I got to the car my stomach felt off and I was slighly nauseated. The prices are a little higher than expected and for the taste and quality I wouldn't return. read more

Bare Bones Grill and Bar - Barbeque Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

The best place to hang with friends and meet new ones. Just held a 49 year class reunion there and it was the best. From the food everyone raved about, to the personal service and attention we were given. They made it so very easy to plan this event with them. We have already decided to do it again and I am just as happy to go back to Bare Bones and do it all over again! Very comfy, causal, come on in and have a seat community establishment. read more

I love this little local gem! Service, staff and atmosphere are so fun. Live music Thursday-Saturday and the bands are always good. The new owner, Sunny is great and does a lot for the community. He is taking big strides to turn this place around! You will see him when you're in there coming around to the guests making sure you're good. He says Hi every time. Working my way down the menu, but so far I'm a big fan of the Barebones Famous Salad, Crab Pretzel & wings! Really good wings! Check it out next time you're in the mood for good vibes and good music! read more

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This totally was not on our radar at the start of our day but somehow we ended up here. The restaurant is pretty spacious. We were seated in a booth in the bar. The waitress was very pleasant and efficient. We started with the starter ribs. It was delicious, so tender, and falling off the bone. My husband got the chicken wrap and I got the crab cake melts. The crab cake melts were on the special menu. Both were winners. This place is not right around the corner from us but definitely would consider this as an option if we are in the area. read more

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It was 15 dollars just for. Four skinny tenders. Same thing with the rest of the meal also I said now sauce but it still got sauce and it spilled over everything. read more

My first time here and was really hoping the marginal reviews were wrong, but unfortunately, they were true. I was here to see a live band play and was starving when I arrived and also wanted a cocktail or two. I ordered a mule, and it was 90% water and 10% ginger beer. Zero alcohol and a rotten lime. Ew, David! I figured chicken tenders were probably a good bet, as they probably come from a big bag of frozen and are just popped in a fryer. They were okay. The chips and dip was literally chips from a bag and queso from a jar with some pickled jalapenos on the side. Buffalo wings. Meh. House Salad? It was surprisingly fresh and good. Yay for the salad being decent. The venue for bands and dancing is very small, but the crowd (definitely middle to upper age) had fun. Service was excellent until we wondered aloud about one of our entrees being on our friend's separate ticket, which she was going to pay for anyway - until the server ripped both bills out of our hands and rerung them. Aggressive! No plans to return unless to hear another band, but will plan to eat and drink prior. read more

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To begin - we went for an early dinner Sunday, restaurant was fairly empty. Our server, a nice female, was very attentive, and very quick (almost too quick - the kind who asks a questions and if she doesn't get an answer immediately, keeps moving. But attentive nonetheless). The apps - the onion rig loaf was good; but the potato skis were dry and flavorless. The ribs were good, the crabby burgers just ok (no crab or krab flavor to speak of), the margarita flatbread was average, per my mother), and the BB Salad was loaded with the core of the iceberg lettuce - not good. It's not the first time I've been there - it's been a minute; but it may be the last. It was average at best - a huge order of starch and carbs, that only had decent flavor because of the oil. A bit disappointed; but not going to complain. Service was nice, the bus boys were very good! read more

Everything in this place can be reconstructed. My daughter says " try it again, new owners" I'm sorry that I did. There is nothing new here. The server was no where to be seen for a very long time. When our server finally arrived he looked at us and then walked away. Another 12 minutes passed by just for him to ask us about a drink order. Apparently he was too drawn to the bar side where the music was playing. I wanted to leave, but my daughter was hungry. We ordered potatoes skins and honey bar b q wings. The skins were dry and we never received the extra sour cream, the wings did not have favor were a little under cooked, I was so dissatisfied with the food. The burger was overcooked and the roll was hard. I'd say I would have sent things back but our server just disappeared long enough to the bar area that it was a disservice to then complain. Then another 20 minutes to get the check, it finally arrived as I was getting up to go to the door. No "Sunny " ever came by to ask us how we were doing. I guess you have to be a drinker on the bar side, good friends with "Sunny" or whatever to have good food or good times at this place. Never ever again! read more

I haven't been to Bare Bones I. Quite some time. On this particular Tuesday I attended a sip and paint event hosted by Maryland Craft parties. For a Tuesday it was pretty crowded inside. There is a large shared parking lot in the shopping center where it's located. The event was in a private room located in the rear of the dinning area. The hostess was kind enough to show us back. Wait staff was friendly and took our drink orders shortly after we were seated. It was half price on wine so that's what we chose for the table. I ordered a shrimp quesadilla that arrived about 10 minutes after ordering. Sorry I had paint all on my hands and couldn't get a photo before digging in. It was very tasty and well seasoned. Had a great experience and for all the food and drinks it came out to about 22 dollars per person. I was more there for the sip and paint so I will have to come back for a proper dining experience. I even saw a fellow yelper there for the sip and paint. read more

Sunday happy hour ALL DAY. What a treat. Stopped in and as one of the only table there we did not receive any attention for 10 minutes until one of us said a little loudly we were getting ready to leave. I think the waiter heard that and finally came over. They were out of the mango wheat beer on tap which was disappointing, and the margaritas had a strange taste to them. The boneless chicken wings were good, and at a good price during HH. The nachos were also tasty and filling. read more

Bare Bones Grill and Bar - two plates of food - Barbeque Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

What a fun place! Lots of music and activity. Food and drinks were great! Try the steak bites and the Bare Bones salad.. delicious! And make sure to get an espresso martini also. Staff was friendly and helpful! read more

I visited Bare Bones last night and had an okay time. I enjoyed listening to the band, Sharon and the Dukes. My meal which was fried flounder with crabmeat on top was just okay and my margarita was fair. The young man who served us was polite and extremely nice but never told us his name. I'm sure I will give the restaurant/bar another try just not certain when. read more

Please ignore my previous r review. Today I took my receipt to Bare Bones and a Manager was very apologetic and gave me a credit for more that the amount of the tip. She claims that the new computer system has small buttons and therefore, it is easy to make mistakes. read more

This is a great neighborhood bar & grill. While I can't speak to much to the restaurant portion of this location, the bar area is great. They share the same menu so if space is tight in one, feel free to head to the other. The drink and food menu were solid. Service was a bit slow but given that they may not be fully staffed because of COVID, they did well. We went on a Saturday night and I was excited to see a band performing. It felt almost normal. read more

Bare Bones Grill and Bar - Bar area - Barbeque Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

I appreciate that the lunch size portion of ribs is on the dinner menu. And the service was great!

Back when we first moved to the area, we enjoyed coming to this place. We hadn't been in very long time & now remember why. Management & front staff try hard to please, no compliants there. Food just so-so & decor is super dated. read more

This is a fun bar to hang out at. The bartender was funny and nice. I need to come back and try the food! The menu looked yummy! They have a great take out/drive up delivery option. read more

Bare Bones Grill and Bar - a lighted christmas tree - Barbeque Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

Very good food. Filling & delicious. We ordered Burger, Pulled Pork, Fries, Corn Nuggets & Salad. Also a Cheesesteak but I didn't like it. But I will be returning to this place. Good food & sides! read more

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Food and service was good. Slightly overpriced, however. The happy hour deals are great though and well worth it. I would go back.

Prime rib...check Butter beans.....double check Beer wine check Live band....70s blues...double check Finished meal before Band started, so had to stall to see what kind of music. Started off with George Benson....or someone of that caliber...I forget by now. Still sipping Now on to some Blues. . read more

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Food: My friends suggested this place as a good takeout spot for a double date. I had never been before but I was willing to give it a try. I ordered the cream of crab soup and the Caesar salad. I was also able to try some of the fries that I stole from my boyfriend. I enjoyed the fries. I thought they were well seasoned and weren't too soggy, especially from a takeout order. the soup was a little disappointing for me. I couldn't really find any crab in there. Every bit seemed to have more bread than soup or crab. I did really like the caesar salad. I thought it was a little heavy on the dressing but the lettuce was nice and crunchy. Overall, the food wasn't terrible but it was not the best I have ever had. Bare Bones is your standard American food establishment. I think I would give them a second chance but only if I was going to eat inside. Service: I called to place my order around 5 pm on a Friday. The employee on the phone was very nice and patient with my and my long order. The food was ready in 20 minutes which was impressive for a Friday night. read more

Bare Bones Grill and Bar - Caesar salad & crab soup, steak sandwich fries & corn fritters, bean burger w/ fries & corn fritters, bacon cheese burger w/ fries - Barbeque Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

It is crazy to think, a place that I have supported since the late 80's has landed on my places not to go over the owner's mishandling of some people laughing. My friends and I go there twice a week, pay and mind our business. The owner decided on his twice-a-year visit to tell us to quiet down in the bar area. He was well within his rights to ask, but you do not cowardly stand between two women and say it so quietly that the men can't hear. And then go back down to the corner of the bar and tell your friend how you handled your brown patrons. They kept looking down with a smirk on their faces. A man says something to the husband, not the wife. We were laughing, no cussing. Some of the other regulars came over asking what happened, that's how awkward it was. I will tell you, the bartender and GM have always treated us great but this rubbed us the wrong way. read more

Great Service, Comfy Dining, Safe Parking Lot, Plentiful Menu. Food... Mediocre. We ordered the The Brewmeister Steak, Chicken Chesapeake and Grilled Salmon. The Steak was average. The shoe string onions on top were bomb. The Chicken Chesapeake was a hit. Grilled Salmon had a great appearance. A little dry. Advertised w lemon butter sauce. I saw it but didn't taste it. I would return if a group was interested otherwise, I'd explore other local options. read more

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Since three months ago, prices up again, hamburgers are smaller and a 2.5% CC surcharge has been added.

Bare Bones never disappoints. Every time we come here I try something different and I enjoy it. Service is always good. They're friendly and they check on you regularly. Don't forget their SPECIALS. There's always a yummy item in the special menus and it changes so your taste buds won't get bored! There's a BAR and they have happy hour and sometimes you'll find entertainment of a live band. ORDER: Grilled Salmon smothered in butter and white wine topped with crab meat. Two sides - Broccoli (veggie of choice) and a baked potato. The salmon was perfectly cooked and the crab meat on top made each bite absolutely delicious. Ribs and Crab Cake - can't forget the ribs! The meat falls off the bone. The crab cake is pretty good. Two sides - baked potato and broccoli. We always come here when we want a nice rack of good bare bones. Parking - there's a lot of free parking in the parking lot. This is located in a shopping center off of route 40 and St. John's. read more

Bare Bones Grill and Bar - Barbeque Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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Ordered a dinner take out. Won't patronize Bare Bones again. Over-prized for what I got and they mis-represented their product. I got the combination platter of ribs (lunch size portion) and what were called "large grilled" shrimp. (On the full menu on their website they are called "jumbo."). Sides were butter beans and cole slaw. 1. The shrimp were very small and not grilled. They appeared to have a rub or were marinated. Although the email said the order was ready at 5:52 and I sat down at home to eat at 6:15, the shrimp were not chilled exactly but were not even room temperature. No way they had just been grilled. See photos for their size. 2. This was a dinner entre yet the sides were in containers that I would expect to get a sauce or other condiment in. The cole slaw container had dried cole slaw stuck to the outside of the container. Very unappetizing. 3. Ribs were ok portion but bbq sauce almost tasteless. I did not finish them. 4. I asked if there was tartar and cocktail sauce for shrimp in the carry out bag and was told "yes." There were not. All this for almost $33. For that amount, I can usually get enough delicious food for two meals from other restaurants in the same neighborho read more

Bare Bones Grill and Bar - Ribs, shrimp, two sides - Barbeque Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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I ordered a bacon cheeseburger medium rare for pickup to eat for dinner at my work for the day. I was given a burger with wilted lettuce and thr burger seemed more medium well than rare. No pink visible on the burger. I get that its only a burger but for $15 I expected fresh ingredients and a medium rare burger like requested. Had received apple sauce as a side dish and it was very acidic as well to the point it was not worth eating for future stomach ache. read more

Bare Bones Grill and Bar - Dry bacon Cheese Burger - Barbeque Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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I have been sitting here for about 45 minutes waiting for an appetizer. We asked a bus boy with special needs who said he would go to the kitchen to check on the food. Finally got our food. read more

Pretty satisfied with everything I ate here, but the real star of the show was the corn nuggets. I know that's weird but I am helpless to resist a corn nugget, & theirs were particularly good, so crispy! also you can choose them as a side! They were able to accommodate a large party with reservations, and service was fast and friendly, with frequent drink refills. Everyone crushed everything on their plates; I don't think there were any leftovers at all. I had the salmon and I will say I think it was slightly overcooked. It's not the type of place that asks how you want it cooked but this was very well done for my taste. I didn't try the crab cakes but everyone who had them enjoyed them and I also noticed they were a pretty good market price that day considering recent crab prices: i think $25 for the dinner platter with one crab cake and $35 for two; something like that. Potato skins were delicious. Desserts looked good but I didn't get that far. Next time. read more

The services was just a tad slow but we had a large party! The steak and potatoes were good and the steak was good to my specifications. All the food was very savory. Would go again! read more

Bare Bones Grill and Bar - Steak and Potatoes and a portion of Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

I got so sick an hour after leaving this place. I ate the cream of crab soup, the pretzel with crab meat and the Caesar salad. I'm the crab meat on the pretzel tasted like it was rotten. The soup was clumpy, the salad was sub par at best. Stay away from this place. read more