After finishing a great lunch upstairs in the historic Bayard House, we wanted to check out the Hole in the Wall bar in its basement. Looking through the glass panes in their door at the bottom of the steps leading to the back yard and C & D Canal, it appeared that the lights were off and that it wasn't open for business at 3:00 p.m. The door wasn't locked, so I opened it to step inside to try for a better look. It was then I saw a woman behind the bar who appeared to be setting up for business. She also saw me and asked if she could be of service. I asked if the place was open? She explained that it was, and she would be happy to make me a cocktail, however, they rarely had customers this time of day midweek, and that if I was hungry the restaurant above would certainly be happy to take care of me. The conversation continued briefly as she explained the two businesses had a common owner and shared a kitchen with a slightly different, but mainly overlapping menu. The large dining room next door was shared, although there were several tables in the shadows as well as a few barstools. The darkness seemed appropriate; like a cave where many things could be hidden from view and likely to instill a sense of secrecy and even conspiracy, for example, a perfect stop for the Underground Railroad or a speakeasy during Prohibition. Realizing I was taking up her time, and that she had better things to do than listen to a stranger's fantasies, I excused myself and exited the door I had just entered. She smiled and nodded, as she continued wiping the glassware in preparation for the night's guests. read more

Hole in the Wall - Pubs Near Me - Chesapeake City, Maryland

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This place used to be one of my favorite stops. I understand there is new ownership.... So. We arrived yesterday around 1:45 to watch the Eagles. The bar tender was very nice, very courteous . Then the issues began to emerge. Keep in mind what time it is and there are only 6-7 people in the bar. The men's bathroom was filthy. Like there was excrement on the wall, trash cans over flowing and toilet paper on the wall, stuck to it. All over the floor. The bar tender said something to the manager and the excuse was that it was the bait parade the night before. They have had over 12 hours to clean the bathroom. The nachos were absolutely gross. Poured cheese, 3 jalapeños, cold chicken. Two years ago it was a mix of cheese and smoked chicken, and delicious. I hope the owners read this and take note. Your saving money on cheap ingredients will lose clientele. A gross bathroom should have you shut down. Do better. You have a great location and a special little bar. read more

Small bar in the lower level of the Bayard Restaurant. Highly recommend the Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders. They were one of the best I've ever had. read more

Carole and I went to Chesapeake City for their annual Haunted Victorian Macabre walk. Who knew the C&D Canal has been around since the early 1800's and that Chesapeake City, formerly known as Bohemia, was a cool little town? After the walk we are headed over to the Hole in the Wall. The Hole in the Wall is in the basement of the Bayard House. The kitchen was closing in 15 minutes so we ordered the first thing that popped out at us and it was a cheesesteak. A pretty darn good cheesesteak. The roll was standard. There was a good amount of good meat. There were plenty of fried onions and they added flavor. There was a good amount of cheese but it was melted on top. I get the look they're going for but you really needed bite discipline to make sure you got cheese and meat in each bite. read more

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I planned to spend Sunday afternoon listening to an acoustic performer while sipping wine and having a snack. I looked at the online menu to get an idea of the wine offerings and saw a champagne split available. When I arrived I sat at the bar and also took a peek at the print menu. I saw there was a Prosecco split offered instead of Champagne - no problem. However, when I asked the bartender for the split, he had no idea what a split was. I explained to him that it was a small bottle and even showed him the approx size. He got a disgusted look on his face and said "We don't carry anything like that" and WALKED AWAY from me without offering or asking for an alternate choice. I had to flag him down on one of his passes to ask for a glass of chardonnay. Later I ordered a cup of chili that I saw on the menu "cup of chili $7". A delicious crock of chili was brought out by staff. I had to get napkins from the drink napkins on the bar, since the bartender didn't give me any utensils or napkin. When I finished my glass of wine later, I pushed my glass over to the edge of the bar so he could see it needed a refill. By this time a second bartender came on to help, but neither one was making eye contact with customers. People were holding their empty glasses up to get their attention. After 25 mins of being ignored, I said to a passing bartender "Can I have my tab?" This is not a large busy bar. Two bartenders should have been able to service all customers. I got my bill and saw "Chili $13". I explained to Bartender #2 that I ordered a cup of chili, not a bowl. His response was "We only sell one size, its $13." Completely unapologetic. At this point I just wanted to leave, and made a mental note to never return or recommend this place. read more

I was recently in Chesapeake City for the day and stopped here for lunch. It was a little pricey and I didn't find the food to be worth it. I ordered a burger medium-well and it was very well done. When the bartender asked how my food was and I shared that info, his response was, "Yeah, the kitchen isn't very consistent with burgers." WHAT?! You also can't sub out the fries for anything healthier, like a side salad or veggie, even for an upcharge. The bartender was friendly and I've always loved the ambiance of this place, but I wasn't impressed with the menu or paying almost $7 for a draft pint of Miller Lite! read more

We sat outside overlooking the canal on one of the first warm days of spring. Service was prompt and friendly, and the crab cake and onion rings were very good. Biggest crab cake I got on the entire trip, nice large lumps, not much filler, very tasty. The onion rings had a nice thin crispy coating and were clearly house made. read more

Patrick made our party the best margaritas! Wonderful ambiance for this bar established in 1780. Definitely not a hole in the wall. read more

Enjoyed a wonderful Sunday lunch here seated at a table overlooking the canal. The crab cake sandwich was wonderful! We will definitely be back. read more

Great spot for locals to come when you get tired of the summer crowds across the canal. Small, but cozy. It's like drinking in your buddies basement. Great staff, and always a fun crowd. The food comes from the Bayard House kitchen. Outside there is an umbrella bar and seats next to the canal. So pull up and a seat and enjoy the company and the view. read more

We came to this beau town to enjoy the scenery and people. We came to this place because it was so cute but I have to say the service was horrific. The bartenders were rude, snippy, unwelcoming and to be honest we felt like we were bothering them. We waited 15 minutes while they ignored us and when we asked for help they were so nasty and rude I felt uncomfortable. We won't come back here again. read more

We had pear and blue cheese flat bread and the best burger! Have been at the Bayard House before but never at their outdoor bar. Great views, low key. I f you are tired of three hustle and bustle of the CI, stop by here. read more

Stopped by this place on Sunday with our group of six, and have never seen such awful treatment of guests. This was the first time I have ever been here, and I will Never be back. It was a nice warm day, so town was busy with people walking the shops, and of course stopping by the other bars. We decided to take a walk here after lunch at another stop. When we entered, we sat at the Bar and waited about 15-20 minutes. We had watched the Manager/Bartender be very busy and knew she was short staffed. We weren't in a hurry, but her waiting on the "regulars" that would walk up and ignoring us was uncalled for. After another 15 minutes, she yells, " I'm just going to shut the doors, more people keep coming in... I really hope they don't expect service." So, after hearing this, and never even being greeted we left. I completely understand that it was an unseasonably warm day, but it was on the weather report all week-- so, maybe be more prepared? Or, maybe not open the outside if you can't staff it? Very unfortunate that this is what the Manager says in front of guests. To many other great places to go where we get treated better! read more

Under new management and food and drinks were wonderful!! We enjoyed the stuffed peppers, fish tacos and hot roast beef sandwich. Great little place to stop into and enjoy with friends! read more

Delicious food and a friendly server, made for a nice lunch. Miss the Hole in the Wall feeling... but the open & airy dining area was very pleasant. read more

Located under the Chesapeake City's Well known "Bayard House Restaurant", is a Cozy, Charming, Intimate, little Gastro Pub. A popular hang out for locals, this little pub is a warm, inviting spot to hang out. The food is GREAT, service is GREAT, atmosphere is COZY, & INTIMATE. There's a separate room facing the Canal, where you can watch the ships go by. Daily Specials make their "Happy Hour" hard to beat. Thursdays Boast $4 Glasses of wine "The Mondavi Line", and Half Priced Clams & Mussels. I Suggest the Drunken Mussels-served in a Tequila Lime Broth, with Andouille Sausage. Served with the "BEST" Garlic bread I've ever had. The Crab Bisque is Creamy, and DELICIOUS! I chose the Fried Oysters and Shrimp platter. Enough for two people, Plump, Juciy, and Tender, the Shrimp and Oysters were fried perfectly. The Sea Salt Caramel Cake served with Ice Cream was to die for! The Helpful Bar Staff will help you make the proper decision on what to order. Staying at the Cottage, approximately 30 steps away, was an Excellent Choice for lodging in the area! The Cute Fishermans Cottage, circa 1849, can be rented at the Bayard House Hostess Desk upstairs. This is an EXCELLENT, LOCAL, WINTER GETAWAY!! Local Unique Shops all within walking distance, along with winter events in the town, including a public Ice Skating Rink! From South Jersey, it's approximately 40 minutes from the Delaware Memorial Bridge. A Great Getaway! I can't wait to go back. ENJOY!! Chef Gary Curry read more

Killer spot, favorite of my dad's! We hit this place up every time we visit DE. My wife and family enjoyed half-price Clam night (WED, I think). Huge crowd, the night before Thanksgiving! The guys that run this place are down to earth and lots of fun. Full of great recommendations and conversation. The clams hit the spot and they kept them coming. If you are in the Chesapeake area, this is a must hit spot! read more

Super cute and lots of fun!! Great atmosphere, much better than the Chesapeake inn and marina, which is a bit touristy.

My husband and I rode our motorcycle to Chesapeake City; previously we had only been there by boat. We had our dog with us, so we had to find a place with outdoor seating. It is early in the season, but they happily served us outside. My husband had the crab cake sandwich and was pleased that the fries were very hot. I had the lobster salad on a croissant with sweet potato fries. I could not stop eating them! We will return. read more

My husband and I have been coming here for about 20 years. It is a very pubby bar in the basement of the Bayard House, but not divey. You can see the canal which is fun. My husband loves the crispy oysters. The burgers are delicious as are the sweet potato fries. Taylor makes a killer Old Fashioned. Decent wine selection. Raw oysters always taste good, but sometimes they are shucked well and other times they are full of shells and dry - hit or miss on the raw oysters. read more

Stopped in on a quiet afternoon. Only customer in the place and she got my order wrong. Poor service. For a nice place, the service was unacceptable. Totally felt like a waste of money and time. read more

We have been coming here for years, love to sit under the huge umbrella, nice crowd and usually good service. I mean, sitting at the bar, two bartenders are normally right on top of things. Not last night, took almost 10 minutes to get a drink, it was NOT that busy, girls seemed to be busy but not getting much done? Had not seen either before so perhaps this was the problem. One had VERY long hair, had it in pony tail and it was swishing everywhere, over the ice, bottles. Whenever she turned it would fly outward, rather gross. Nice girls, finally got an app. order and drink. Sat there forever again and decided to go to Chesapeake Inn for food at upstairs bar. Always fun, Tommy takes care of his bar and a friendly fun place to be. Sorry, Umbrella bar, very disappointing. We will probably go again, we love the view, hoping for better service. read more