BMB always delivers a reliable, delicious meal with friendly service. Tucked in the historic, but renovated, post office in Garret Park, the restaurant is quaint, if not a cool spot to gather with a spouse, family or friends. Without a reservation, we knew a Friday night table would be tough to get, but we optimistically showed up for a later dinner at 8pm and were fortunate to be seated in 15 minutes. There was a great artist's display in the waiting area and the short wait allowed our table of four to critique and be amazed by the talent of the local self-taught painter. Our mains included Shrimp & Grits (always a crowd pleaser), and the Steak Frites. Also got the shrimp po'boy and the burger (a bit salty from the regular style, especially the onion rings). read more

See all

Always great experience, solid and delicious entrees in neighborhood setting ....more words here

I've been here twice over the last year while visiting family in the area. I enjoyed the food, the service and the atmosphere on both occasions. They have varied offerings for dinner, I've had the crab cake and most recently the halibut, and very much enjoyed each. They also have great desserts, which we've shared. If you're looking for a nice place to have a good meal, make sure to try this place. read more

Black Market Bistro - Outside - New American Near Me - Garrett Park, Maryland

We stopped in with our granddaughter this past week for lunch. The restaurant is a beautiful Victorian building and everything is perfect inside as well as out on the front porch. We had salmon cakes and our granddaughter had pasta off the kids menu. The meal was fresh and delicious. The serv was excellent! Kelly was our host and she was outstanding and super sweet! It was a great visit and we will get back soon. read more

Located in residential area near Garrett Park Very homey place. Waiter Octavia was excellent. Butternut soup in cup good amount for starter. Great texture taste and aroma. Salad was one order split in two. Very fresh more than enough for two. Tuna was big even half portion and well baked in medium rare. Trout was bone out but has head and tail remain as shape. Was able to get so much tender meat. Sauce was right texture with almond. Vege was good amount and right texture. Not so mushy or overdone. Margarita Pizza was thin crust with good cheese. Wish it had a bit more basil. Food came out one after the other as ordered. Waiter kept checking how much we had left and brought the next order. So attentive! No rush there. Cream brûlée was a good addition at the end with very light coffee! read more

As I was driving through the Garrett Park neighborhood, I assumed that Apple Maps gave me the wrong turn-by-turn directions. Powering through and trusting my phone, led me us to Black Market Bistro. The restaurant looks like a house/B&B that has been converted into a restaurant with three dining room. I'll say this design really give the bistro a nice down-home, comfy, come one, come all vibe. Black Market Bistro has a varied menu of food, wine, and beers, so groups with mixed appetites should be able to find something great to eat. In addition an an extensive food choices, Black Market Bistro (at least during our visit) had about 4-5 dinner specials. Unfortunately, I have to admit that I stopped listening after the 3rd special. *Shame on me, but I was exhausted from a long day*. For my dining pleasure, I went with the Mediterranean Grain Bowl and Oyster Shrimp Po' Boy. The grain bowl was stuffed with farro, quinoa, veggies and a large serving of Greek yogurt on the side. While it's advertised as an appetizer, it's definitely large enough to share with another person or to have as an entree. It's a good thing that the person with whom I was dining and I decided to order one appetizer. Overall, I thought the po boy was pretty on point taste-wise. However, I wish the po boy would have had 2-4 more oysters. Having lived in New Orleans for four years, I have been spoiled by oyster Po Boys that have been STUFFED with oysters. That said, Black Market Bistro's Oyster Po' Boy does come with a generous side of French Fries. Our servers were great and very friendly. Since we were sitting at the bar, one server took some time to make small talk while we were dining. While the prices might be a little higher compared to other similar spots in the area, I would say that the quality and portions of the food (as well as the ambiance) are worth it. In fact, we were so full from our shared appetizer, bottle of wine and individual entrees that we could not even think about dessert. The Black Market Bistro definitely will go on my "Must Try Again" list. For my next visit, I'll be sure to be well-rested so I can listen to ALL of the dinner specials. read more

See all

Our go to place before shows at Strathmore. Delicious entrees in a nice old house off the beaten track. Reservations only by phone, can't do online. read more

Service was great. Food, (lunch), for the most part, for a party of four, was okay. Two of us ordered a lunch special - chicken salad sandwich on wheat toast. Big disappointment. Children salad was room temperature, toasted bread was barely toasted, nothing unique, celery, onions, etc. Crab-cake sandwich was a hit. Squash soup was - basically squash soup. We meet several times a year with friends here. This time, all were in agreement, hope next time is better. read more

Had a really good meal here! I had the hanger steak with fries, BF had an oyster poor boy. Another person had the shrimp and grits. Everybody was quite happy with their meal. The hanger steak was really tender for a hanger steak, and I ordered it rare, and it came rare! I would come back here anytime! read more

I have been a big fan of all the Blacks family of restaurants and Black Market Bistro is no exception. It's in a big old Victorian house which is perfect for Garrett Park as it fits right in! There seemed to be ample parking. There are some funny little rooms in the house that they use as dining rooms that I thought were strange- I think I'd feel weird in there with other strangers! We sat right next to the main bar and it was very busy and bustling on a Friday night. I always wish wine lists had a NZ Sauv but I know I'm probably not in the majority. I liked a lot of the options they had. We had a Chenin blanc to start and a Malbec with entrees. Everything one of the four of us ordered was really great. My friend and I split a prosciutto and arugula pizza that was dynamite. The mussels were some of my favorite. Don't sleep on this little neighborhood spot! Their menu isn't large but the things that are on it are on point! read more

Mussels and salad were FANTASTIC! This is my favorite salad anywhere. Fries were great. Steak was alright read more

Black Market Bistro - New American Near Me - Garrett Park, Maryland

See all

Delightful, delicious, darling. I was charmed from the moment I drove through a picturesque neighborhood to get here, after wanting to get off "the main drag" in town. Set in an old house, the three main dining areas are separate rooms, each as charming as the next. With a varied menu, wine and cocktail list, attentive service, fresh ingredients, well prepared food, and nothing pretentious about the place, this gem has landed itself on my faves list, easily. read more

See all

Came for a friends birthday lunch. Food was on point as usual. We had burgers, salads, Chicken sandwich and desert. Desert was amazing chocolate flowerless cake. Soups are always good as are flatbreads and burgers. Excellent service today. Way better than the last time we were there. Our server was fantastic! read more

Party of four for Saturday lunch. Service was mediocre at best. Couldn't even get basic correct such as getting the food for all of us at the same time. Food was considerably worse. Cubanos with dry and unappetizing protein, way over cooked hamburger etc. We had recommended the place to friends who dined with us and ended up having to apologize profusely for the experience. read more

I love this place! It is tucked away in the Garrett Park neighborhood and located right next to the train tracks! The restaurant is in an old house with lots of charm. The menu has choices from burgers and sandwiches to fancier entrees. Everything I have had here is top notch. The wait staff is friendly and attentive. Definitely save room for dessert because everything is very tasty! read more

This is a long time gem of a place tugged away in residential Garret Park, right on top of an old style post office and next to train treks. I have not been back for a while and recents went for a weekday lunch. We were a party of three and ordered a burger, a pizza, a Cubano sandwich and shared a buffalo mozzarella with grilled asparagus. The pizza and Cubano were good. The burger a tad overcooked. We sat at the coveted porch area on a late summer day and it was perfect for conversation. Service was good and there's plenty of parking. Best part is you can take a leisurely stroll in a tranquil setting after a full meal. I would recommend this place for delightful get together as with family and friends. read more

See all

Everything that we ate was well executed: we had butternut squash soup, trout, lamb, and the toffee pecan dessert, along with some delicious well curated white wines. No complaints whatsoever and that is rare. The service was attentive and helpful. The location is tucked away in a historic landmark with really interesting art and a cozy ambience. read more

See all

Always a delight dining here. 4 of us dined before a Strathmore event Saturday night. Service was prompt, although there seemed to be only one server who seemed to be overwhelmed. He forgot my water with no ice. I ordered the trout which came with fingerling potatoes and green beans, all quite tasty but nothing really special and a bit "too saucy" for my taste since the trout and sides all came under the sauce. Love the ambience though in the charming house with small dining rooms. Especially love to dine on the porch in warm weather. read more

I went for brunch recently with a group after a hiatus of 3 years. It used to be a favorite place for me esp. in light of the charming location in Garrett Park. Unfortunately, food quality just not up to previous standards. Got the veggie burger (not good-tasted like pureed black beans) and fries. Oddly, they charged us an extra dollar to get ketchup on the side. I have never heard of charging for ketchup esp. when you order fries and a burger. Just not the same quality as the Black Market Bistro of the past. BTW, I'm giving it 3 stars as the beignets still good and location charming. read more

This restaurant has been a fave of mine for 20+ years. What happened tonight? Ordered our usual, Black Market salad and what used to be delicious wood fired pizza. Squid still salvageable, but salad was drowning in dressing, and pizza was worse than any I've ever eaten in years. Gooey cheap cheese, some weird jalapenos from a jar atop what was supposed to be sausage... where was the meat? I hope it was just an off night at what will again be one of my fav places to eat. read more

My son and daughter-in-law brought me here for Sunday Brunch on my birthday. We had come last year when I also visited them for Thanksgiving and then stayed for my birthday. They asked if I'd like to go back again this year and I said a Definite Yes! The food, service and ambiance were all great. read more

Food is great, I am a big fan of the their burger, autumn squash soup and mussels. Staff is very friendly and reservations are recommended, especially for the weekends. They have multiple rooms that can separate for larger parties. Only down side, it does sit next to train tracks and it can become loud. Worth it if you are in the area! read more

I moved to Garrett Park in 2020. A large part of my early years in GP were spent around Black Market Bistro. Since I was younger they would give me and my new friends free drinks. Me and my family would go there for dinner weekly and me and my friends saved up money to get a joint dessert after basketball. The Black Market Burger is an amazing burger and is a must have, the Root Beer Float aswell. What a time to be alive. But then. Black Market Bistro got new management. The drinks then costed $5 compared to the free drinks (once we got older they charged $1). The whole menu changed and Black Market Bistro became an utter disappointment. The service has generally remained the same, but it has become a bit more of a "Millenial Burger Place". The ambiance of Black Market Bistro has always been the same except after a few resignations from servers and the establishment became a dry place with no soul, since then it has regained it. Black Market Bistro has a long history with me and has changed. But for the worst. (Shoutout to Juan) read more

If you order a side salad. It will only be greens. I asked for a few tomatoes and few cucumbers and I was told no. This is what their side salad is. I have been here many times and never found anyone rude. This was the manager. Very disappointing. read more

Weekend lunch date with friends was wonderful. Love the all day menu. Soup of the day and a fried oyster sandwich. Yum. A train rolls past the dining room, nestled in a nice neighborhood. Good service. read more

This should be a 5 star review. I had a great time from the beginning. I arrived to meet a friend over a few drinks and lunch at 2pm. This was my first time here (unfortunately last time too). I was not greeted by anyone and found my way to the bar. The bartender Octavio was phenomenal. He was on top of things and personable. I paid over $200 for a lunch tab with some drinks. I tipped $40 and was excited to come back with my wife and tell folks about this place. I frequent high level restaurants all over DC, MD & VA. I have never had a situation like I had tonight. As a successful business owner myself I felt offended with how my experience ended. I asked for another beer after I closed the tab. My bartender told me the manager on duty said I should be cut off and couldn't get another drink. I was confused because I didn't have that many drinks and was completely sober and professional the whole time as I always am. I also never had the manager check in with me once. Had no clue who this "manager" was. I can only assume it was because I was wearing a hat and a sweater and didn't seem like a typical customer even though my shoes were worth $1000 alone. Anyhow, I was excited about this place but felt offended and unappreciated when it was all said and done. Unfortunate. My issue with this place boils down to professionalism and customer service. There are nicer spots in the area that show up better overall and make you feel welcomed. Not worth the money based on what I experienced today. read more

We had an extremely disappointing experience this restaurant recently. We had a reservation for a larger group, but at the last minute 2 friends weren't able to join. When we arrived (and were ignored for 5 minutes), we told the asssociate who seated us that we only had 4 for dinner. The host rolled her eyes and said, "you'll have to wait. I have to separate the tables." Ok I admit it was a pain, but she was downright rude. We were seated, brought water, and ignored. No drinks, no specials. We finally asked someone to send the waiter over, we wanted to order. When our friends arrived and were looking at the menu, the waiter stood there and tapped his foot and sighed loudly as our friend was trying to make a selection. Our friend was so insulted and he didn't order anything! After we ate and had dessert, one of the staff told us we had to leave because they needed the table!! read more

My husband and I celebrated his retirement with an amazing New Year's Eve dinner. We usually shy away from the more expensive, special menus for holidays, but this dinner was well worth it. Slow-braised short ribs were primo! Proud to have Black's as part of our greater community. It demonstrates how special Garrett Park is, with regular customers and all. There is one larger dining area and 2 small dining rooms. It all makes for cozy ambiance. Special shoutout to all eating establishments: Use Tri-Mark Eco-boxes for leftovers and carry-out food, as does Black's. Bonus: Our server asked if they could wrap my leftovers. A refreshing change to essentially throwing a plastic container to customers. Spread the word: Plastic containers of all kinds are a huge source of waste and pollution. read more

Tried the salmon on Caesar salad again. Glad I did! Last time I didn't specific temp / cook desired. This time I did and it was amazing! Everything was amazing (again). This place is always busy - lunch and dinner - and it is easy to see why. Yet despite the business, the staff is friendly and the service is excellent. read more

See all

Great food and service. Fresh soups each day. Wonderful small place with small deck with a couple of outside tables. Below the restaurant is the local Garrett Park Post office. There a are a couple of walking trails and a train station within 1/2 mile of the property. read more

Charming tucked away Bed-and-Breakfast-esque restaurant with good food and great scenery.

It is an amazing place, and the food is of a high standard. This is the perfect place for a date or celebrating an anniversary. read more

See all

Everything was great. The service, food and atmosphere. I ordered butternut squash soup with roasted pumpkin seeds and shrimp pesto linguine. Was absolutely delicious. Definitely will go back again and highly recommend this local gem of a restaurant. read more

This place always delivers. My parents live near Garrett park so Black Market is a natural choice for birthday dinners and casual evenings. It's located in an older building by the train station, above the post office. The ambiance is always on point: beautiful porch in the summer, Christmas decorations around the holidays, lovely all year round. The menu is not large but it works and is consistently good for brunch or dinner. The service is always fast and friendly. Keep in mind that this place is a neighborhood staple so make sure to make a reservation a month in advance. I recommend asking to be seated in the smaller room on the side (more intimate) but the main area is great too. Can't wait to come back! read more

Great service at brunch and my shrimp and grits was delicious! Had a great oat milk cappuccino and grapefruit mimosa as well.

We've been to this place multiple times and really like it. We make an effort to come by early on pleasant evenings to dine on the porch before all the Garrett Park residents stroll up. It's relaxing to be on the porch with a drink in the shade of the porch and mature trees. While the menu isn't large, there are a lot of delicious options. The burger and chicken sandwich are really flavorful and they can be served with shoestring fries which are my favorite. We've also tried the Mediterranean Grain Bowl and it's so flavorful! The pizza is a popular option and we plan on trying it soon. It makes me wish I could afford a home in Garret Park so it could be my local hangout spot read more

This is turning out to be one of my favorite places! Wide menu price range, high quality food, friendly service.

Usually such a great spot but bookended with terrible service on my recent visit. When I arrived, the hostess shrugged at a table behind her. I had to ask her if that meant I should sit down there and she more or less muttered "yeah." Then as we were waiting for the server to run our cards the manager (I suppose?) came up and told us to "wrap it up" with a dismissive twirl of his wrist. Not cool. I hope this place recovers some of its lost charm. read more

We have a small child -- 15 months old. We called ahead to ensure that the restaurant would seat us. We were settling our bill at the end of the of the evening -- by that point the restaurant was nearly empty, of course. Our child was tired and made some noise. One of the restaurant staff chose that moment to complain and ask us to "keep the child quiet." We responded that if he would process our bill, we would leave. What was the point? If children aren't welcome, he need not have taken our reservation. We have visited many restaurants before and since and never had an experience anything like this one. read more

Delightful lunch in a lovely setting. Good service. Nice menu but a little sparse. Get there early for parking.