Had dinner here on 9/12/24 while visiting Towson University for an event. Several people had recommended the chicken and waffles, which made me very excited as in NY, this dish done well is hard to find. Sadly, our server, Hope, I think, said the item had been taken off the menus despite many requests for it from patrons over time. While our other selections, crab cakes, salads, were very good we had been psyched for the now "86ed" chicken and waffles. The waitress recommended I reach out to Steve, as manager, to add the C&W on the menu, at least as a special occasionally. I would happily return to sample it, if this were to happen. Thanks. Good ambiance, pleasant staff. read more

Stopped by for mid week happy hour meal. Drink specials included $5 wine and had house red sangria. Great pour and very good. Only food specials were half priced pizzas so ordered same. It was not good at all. Advertised thin crust was not thin at all and reminded of cardboard. Toppings were not much better and we agreed it was average frozen pizza quality. Pretty much a waste of calories and carbs. We have had better food from here from regular menu and wished they would offer specials from that. Towson just seems a bit sad these days and this place kind of feels same. A shame since it was on our regular rotation many years ago. read more

Bread and Circuses Bistro and Bar - Bars Near Me - Towson, Maryland

The ambiance and food are the reason to come here. It takes a long time to actually get your food but it was worth the wait. The servers were wonderful and knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. The menu is small and everything we ordered was delicious. The dining area is also small and intimate. read more

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Passing through Towson. Stopped in to have dinner. Friendly service. Ordered two appetizers (the skinny dip and the seafood dip), served with vegetables and pita tips, both quite good. Chicken dishes delicious. Limited selection of beers, nicely priced. Recommended. read more

Bread and Circuses Bistro and Bar - Bars Near Me - Towson, Maryland

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The staff kept apologizing for not being able to help us. We asked for silverware to go with our food. A customer went and finally got our silverware. Plain cheese burger came out missing the bun. We told the waitress a plain cheeseburger burger with just cheese and burger and the bun. read more

Service was good, the waitress helpful and friendly. The Garden of Allah mocktail was so creative and delicious! The menu items seemed like they would be tasty. The problem was the execution in the kitchen. Our flaming cheese appetizer was cool and firm, even after the flames subsided, steak was served medium rather than medium rare, as ordered, and the chicken & waffles entree consisted of a bowl of reheated pieces of fried chicken served over a half of a waffle. Not an appetizing presentation. In summary, I think the bar and wait staff were great, but the kitchen staff need some retraining. read more

I just moved to towson and I have heard so many things about this restaurant! I had to check it out.. I walked in and the ambiance was very relaxing. I was fortunate to be welcomed in and served by Kevin. Service was wonderful, the restaurant was pretty empty only because it was around opening time, but Kevin made sure to make sure I was okay at all times. The sandwich itself blew my mind! I am not really a fig-jam kind of girl so I asked for it on the side. It did not disappoint! The saltiness of the prosciutto, with the sweetness of the fig jam as well as the crunch of the cucumber was just so savory! Definitely recommend! read more

Bread and Circuses Bistro and Bar - The Gore Vidal (prosciutto, burrata) - Bars Near Me - Towson, Maryland

This place is consistent and solid. I like the brunch. I had a veggie omelette and it was so good. This visit the bacon was a little off and tasted funny so I didn't finish that. Also they didn't have any champagne for mimosas :( overall service was good and it was quick and reasonably priced. I'll def be back. read more

In my previous review, I gave 1 star because no one waited on me for 15 minutes and I had to eventually leave. The next time I came by, they were closed due to a kitchen electrical issue. Third time is the charm for getting to actually eat! This time, I entered and the host again told me to go to the bar as there was no one to seat me out front. Fortunately this time I was seated and paid attention to in a timely manner. The food was decent overall. I ordered the twin crab cake entree. The French fries were hot, crispy, and flavorful. The coleslaw was ok. Nothing special but not bad. I would not be surprised if it was from a can/jar. The crab cakes were disappointing... They looked and smelled fantastic! They were well browned, and since I wasn't offered a choice I assume they were pan fried based on the appearance. Unfortunately they were waaaaaay too wet. The crispy seared exterior masked a gross soggy interior. The crab cake mix had too much liquid... Mayo and/or retained water from the crab meat. The taste was decent and the crab meat was a mix of lump and cheaper meat. The crab cake texture is an easy fix... Reduce the liquid! Don't increase any bread/cracker filler. You want this to be mainly crab meat and not a bunch of breading. I don't know if I'll come back... If someone else wanted to come, or if I was really in the mood for something else on the menu, I guess I'd be willing to give it a shot. read more

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We sat at the bar for 15 minutes. The two bartenders did not acknowledge our existence. We had to ask to have a dirty bowl removed from next to where we were sitting. We left without ever being offered water, a drink or any food. Maybe try some customer service training. read more

Great bartenders and atmosphere. Friendly staff and the food is good. Good selection of whiskeys.

A decent spot. Tucked off the main drag of Towson is Bread. A place I hold fond memories of hilarious first dates to red wine at 1am, Bread never lets you down. It's a quiet restaurant that is bigger than you think, with two fully stocked bars at your service. My most recent trip here was for a work lunch and it was a wonderful time. They were able to accommodate our party and gave us a catered menu. The food was solid and the service was good. The summer wind dip and mussels are wonderful seafood options to start your meal off and are equally delicious. My Steak Frites came perfectly medium rare and the bistro sauce that accompanied it was so good. This is a great place to take your parents if you're in college or go on a chill first date. The cocktails are always good and reasonably priced. read more

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Nice little restaurant in the heart of downtown/college town Towson. Brought here by my boss to have lunch. Was not crowded, yet alone busy because I usually see this place packed. Immediately greeted and seated. Our server was great. The food came out timely. Overall great experience and definitely worth visiting. We also ordered the maple bacon brussel sprouts but we inhaled them they were really good. read more

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Really good food. Very cute and quaint with clever menu item names. Definitely not a college bar - which is not easy to find in the heart of Towson. We really enjoyed ourselves. Service was great. Try toning down the lighting in the dining room. Recommend! read more

I have been there several times. Never received the same food item the same. No consistency. The Fish sandwich and the Roman Sangria are never the same. Fish sandwich was to come with a special tartar sauce. Never got it. Different size and quantity of fish every time. Taste of fish is awful. Hope I do not get sick. Now they are adding a 3% credit card fee without telling you. Most likely will not go back again. read more

Service was great. The appetizers were so so. The green eggs and ham I wouldn't get again. The Brussels were good. The salmon blt was very good. I think it's called another name. But it was fresh salmon and everything on it was tasty. They have daily happy hour specials which I thought was neat. I would go back to try one. read more

Bread and Circuses Bistro and Bar - Happy hours/days - Bars Near Me - Towson, Maryland

This restaurant is unique to describe. Looks like an old house, it's rustic yet reminiscent oof 40s-50s decor and charm. Some of the decor gives a 60s-70s vibe but I like it. Has 2 bars and in between them is a dining area. I sat at one of the bars so it gave me a good vantage point to people & plate watch. As I sat and waited to order, I watched massive plates of food being served and each one looked delicious even though many of the items are foods I don't eat. The bartender was personable and made a mean & tasty strawberry mint lemonade. Ordered the onion & leek soup, and the house salad was delicious. Really like the vibe of this place and plan to return. read more

I just adore this restaurant, its food, charm and service never disappoint. The eggs benedict is next level with lump crabmeat, fried green tomatoes and chorizo crumbled over the delicious hollandaise sauce. Its a generous portion. Our server, Hope was delightful adding to our experience. Kudos to the Cheff and kitchen! read more

Sat at the bar near the door since the other bar had a private party. Cozy place! Servers were very nice and worked together to get our food and drinks. Had some happy hour bubbly, beer and brussel sprouts. Really delicious! We shared a fish dish that was well seasoned and perfectly cooked! It was nice meal with my hubby who also enjoyed this place. We will definitely be back to sit at the larger bar and try more delicious bites!! read more

Bread and Circuses Bistro and Bar - Happy hour at the bar!! $5 drinks and half off brussel sprouts and truffle fries!! - Bars Near Me - Towson, Maryland

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What you will see here is the truth and nothing but the truth. My husband decided to take me out for dinner on a Saturday night. We didn't know what to expect since this was our first time dining here. Upon entry, we noticed that this small restaurant was packed and anticipated to wait to be seated. On the contrary, the young hostess advised that table was available since the other party left and was set up. The last party was served water and bread before leaving... umm I informed the hostess I hope we will be served fresh water, but she stormed off. So I went to the bar and expressed my feelings over the hostess behavior and asked for fresh items. No one wants to drink or eat something that was breathed on by others. At this point, the table was cleared and we were only served fresh water and new glasses, but no bread. (I am not upset about it; but would've loved to experience the service). We got to glance at the menu, and after undisclosed minutes a server came and asked if we wanted anything to drink. Hubby ordered an Ouzo, for me I was I was happy with the water. After the drink was served we still were looking at the menu trying to figure out what to order. But it took the sever nearly over 10 minutes or longer to come back to check on us to see if we were ready to order. When she did come we placed our order. Hubby ordered the mussels for an appetizer. For his entree, he ordered the Steak Frites and I had the Expresso Rubbed NY Strip which came with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans. The wait for our entrées took nearly 45 minutes to be served. Before our food was served, we watched most of the servers enjoy themselves entertain their friends and family, including the cooks and hostesses take selfies while working. During the wait, we could smell cigarette smoke. At first we thought it was coming from inside, but it was from the patrons who stepped outside the opened door which was not far from our table. The smoke blew inside and started to make me sick. At that point we were so ready to leave. Overall the steaks were cooked to our satisfaction. The mashed sweet potatoes were not my favorite, so I just chowed down on the steak and green beans. Hubby said the fries were too salty. Over all I would average give the food 3 stars, but service 2 stars. My husband said, I guess we have to be friends or family of the staff to get quick service and impeccable service. A party that was seated after we were served got everything in seconds. We watched the server and the party spend over 5 minutes chit chatting and scrolling through photos. I was willing to give this place another shot, but hubby was like there is no way we will return back. read more

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Service was just ok. Was never checked on for another drink or how our food was. Food was mediocre at best. Bar has no heat and we sat with our jackets on. read more

We had brunch today. The food was delicious. The drinks were good. Service was on point. The decor needs to be updated. Parking can be an issue. It was my first time eating here. I will definitely come back. read more

Atmosphere was cool. Service was great. Food was meh. Coffee was awful. I wanted to like it

This is tucked away in a cute old building behind the larger buildings Towson has grown into. There's an open parking lot right next to the restaurant with self-pay parking that's only a few bucks for a few hours. I met a friend here for happy hour - it was $5 rum Thursday - and it was a really cheap night with all the HH specials! The bartenders were very friendly but oddly not attentive and we had long waits for drinks because all the bartenders seemed to be otherwise occupied. They were really friendly, though, so I'm willing to chalk it up to the shift change and everyone prepping. The Bacon Brussels appetizer was sooo delicious and the portions were generous. We also ordered the Steak Frites and really enjoyed them and the sauce that came with it. read more

Had dinner with friends last night. The food was good, service a little slow but the server was also the bartender and hostess. Appreciate her hard work! read more

Amazing service; Hadley was so attentive. Best mushroom ravioli ever! Great atmosphere- fireplace! read more

Bread and Circuses Bistro and Bar - Bars Near Me - Towson, Maryland

This is my first time returning to Bread and Circuses after the begin of pandemic. Service: it seems there was just one waitress taking care of all the tables, and during dinner hours there might be a few more minutes of waiting for drinks, refills, orders etc. The waitress was quite friendly though. Starters: Lobster bisque---one of my favorites of the house. Maintained the standard. Wish there was a bit more lobster meat in the soup though. Beer lover's plate---if you are enjoying one of the draft or bottled beers offered in this place, make sure you order this. The sausage was nicely cooked and the savory meat flavor would go well with any beer. Harvest spaghetti---the vegetarian pasta dish. The tomato sauce tasted great with rich sweet and sour flavor, and the vegetable toppings had generous portion. The issue might be the pasta. If I had remembered correctly, the dish used to be fettucine or linguine that could absorb all the flavorful sauce. Now they seemed to use angel hair or vermicelli; the thin pasta could not take up much sauce, and it tasted more like a Vietnamese vermicelli. I wish they would return to using thicker or flatter pasta. read more

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Love the food and drinks here, definitely recommend. I usually get the steak frites and they never disappoint. Our server, Campbell, was really attentive and made great drink suggestions. read more

Neighborhood favorite for Towson. If you want American/seafood with a foodie twist, great wine and cocktails, bread and circuses is your place. The salads are always generous portions for the price and service is consistent. Situated in an old house off the main college row in Towson, makes this a place for professionals and makes a great date night. read more

Service was excellent and bad was welcoming. Food was mediocre for the price. No wait on a Sunday evening but I heard it is busy most other nights. Food took over 30 min to arrive on a night that wasn't busy. read more

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We visited here on a Monday night. It's a cute place. We had high hopes for a unique dining experience but honestly it fell a bit short. There were only a handful of people in the restaurant. We asked the hostess about drink specials since we had seen it online. She had no idea. We were seated at a cute table. Our waitress admitted she was new but didn't seem too excited to be working. We watched her on her phone most of the time standing by the bar. We did order martinis, which were on special and were tasty. For dinner we ordered the seafood dip- which was quite rich and soupy with only small bits of seafood. Also it was supposed to come with crudite which turned out to be cucumber. We also had sesame cauliflower which was heavily breaded. It was just okay. Our final dish was mushroom ravioli which was the best dish of what we had. Overall if was a mediocre experience. Looking back we should have eaten at the bar and it might have been more engaging. read more

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My friends and I were looking for a cozy spot to eat good food that would be open late in Towson. We didn't want to do Cheesecake Factory. So my friend looked up a few restaurants and found this one. From the cocktails, appetizers, entree and dessert everything was delicious. The maple bacon Brussels sprouts were perfection. I wanted to order another round but knew my entree was coming soon so I didn't want to get too full. The mushroom ravioli with the sage brown butter was superb. I never had pasta melt in my mouth. I didn't want it to end. And then to top it off the tirimisu was everything. I have traveled to Italy and tasted all kinds of amazing tirimisu, this was by far best outside I ever had outside of Italy. Our wait staff Preston, Hadley and Parker were very warm, inviting, and attentive to our party. I highly recommend this restaurant. And the fire place and church pews gave it a warmth and coziness we were looking for on a COLD winter night.​​ read more

Absolutely enjoyed my meal at Bread and Circuses. The Oscar Wilde Mushroom Ravioli was in a brown butter, but I think it was missing the pumpkin seeds which would have really topped it off. For an appetizer I ordered one of the bruschetta with poached pears and it was a delicious way to start my meal. The service was great as well. I am excited to return. read more

Bread and Circuses Bistro and Bar - Oscar Wilde Mushroom Ravioli - Bars Near Me - Towson, Maryland

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As it stands, my first experience here was 5 stars. On a Saturday morning at 11:30, only about 20 minutes before the Saturday brunch crowd started to flow in, I had the most amazing salmon club sandwich. This review might be based on the sandwich alone! The salmon was cooked perfectly and the flavor profile was so on point. I asked for wheat bread instead of the original bread it came on, and I was in love. I was full off of half the sandwich and fries, and enjoyed the other half as a snack later. Aside from the sandwich, the service was decent and the space was cute as well. The coffee was good and the prices were decent. I really am looking forward to trying other menu options and determining if this place is really allll that I have claimed it to be based off on one sandwich ! read more

Bread and Circuses Bistro and Bar - The Salmon Rushdie - Bars Near Me - Towson, Maryland

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I've been here so many times. Always had a great experience. But our last visit - about 2 weeks ago - has changed my view. Our main courses were great. Can't complain. But - the service was really spotty, and it was NOT busy. And the entire place actually felt a bit grungy. The bathroom smelled like a urinal. And our desserts were NOT good. This used to be a go to spot for us. Not anymore. read more

We don't love the food The service has been great / but how Carlos is gone One of the better ambiance places in Towson Great spot / in theory / parking is hit and miss read more

Fantastic spot for cocktails in Towson if you want to avoid the college kids. Good sized bar with a few TVs and generally not very crowded. If you want to go some place a bit sophisticated and where you can hear the person next to you, this is your spot. Also, the food is pretty darn good. A tad pricey, but good food anywhere is pricey these days. read more

i've gone here with family visiting and on dates, it's amazing every time. can't recommend highly enough!

Great service...great food...I'm going back...and I'm bringing more people with me...best compliment I can give an establishment...I'm coming back with a willingness to increase the per table revenue read more

Excellent in every way. Great ambiance; food was delicious and well prepared. Good selection of up scale items. Wonderful service!