Father-in-law was looking for oysters, and Middleton came recommended in the Examiner (for once I'm glad I didn't check the Yelp reviews first). The patio area is nice, but there are way too many tables for the size of it. Getting in or out was a bit difficult, and the staff was quite rude about letting guests out of the aisle as opposed to blocking it themselves. Our server was very nice, but coordination between different areas in the restaurant was a bit off. Our oysters came first, then my mother-in-law's dessert, and then, 10 minutes later, my husbands clams casino. Apparently different areas are responsible for different parts of the meal, but the guest shouldn't know that. Two of us got beers, and 10 minutes later, the third beer came. The oysters were HUGE and delicious. But a bit pricy. The cheesecake was good, but the clams casino was TINY for the cost. Five clams. $14. Shwaaaa? While it wasn't a *bad* experience, I might look elsewhere next time I was looking for a pit stop in Annapolis. read more

I was initially glad to be here for Annapolis' Restaurant Week - two courses for $15. Plus that free oyster shooter with an itty bitty side of beer? Cha-ching! But then it all started going downhill from there. My fried calimari was actually quite tasty. But the clams rockefeller was basically 90% sauce and 10% oyster, which was disappointing. Believe it or not, though, our apps were the highlight of the meal -- never a good sign. My salmon main dish was overcooked and a bit flavorless, and my partner's cod was acceptable albeit boring. We both ate all our veggies, though. Yay? The service was OK... a bit slow. I witnessed a couple get angry because they basically put baby in a corner and didn't wait on them for a good 20 minutes since they were first seated. I realize it was busy, but I don't really blame the clientele for getting up and moving over to the bar. If we had somewhere to be, I wouldn't have been so thrilled with the shenanigans either. All in all, convenient location, a bit tourist trap-y, maybe try to eat upstairs vs downstairs? Not sure I'd come back again, but if I do, I'll be sure to check in on Yelp to get that complimentary oysta shoota. :-) read more

It was an unseasonably warm December day so we asked to sit outside. Middleton's has overhead heat lamps on the patio and there were other patrons eating outside. After 15 minutes, nobody had come by to greet us or take our drink order so we left. The menu looked outdated and overpriced anyway. read more

I've been to Middleton so many times but I don't know why I kept going back. The food is decent, the service isn't very good and the price is a bit high. I keep hoping they try better because its a very nice older establishment. I do have to mention the bar area is really nice. read more

If you like dining with roaches, Middleton is your place. I have a photo of the roach that was climbing near the bar area but it blended in with the wall. There were at least 3 flies flying around the bar area. The fruit tray that holds the cut lemons, limes, and other fruits was nasty and covered in dried fruit juice. When I bar tended, I always cleaned out that fruit tray (the entire holder). The person behind the bar that was prepping the oyster shooters (not bartender) was eating shrimp between prepping trays. I didn't notice him or the bartender washing their hands once even though they're handling food, drinks, credit cards, and/or cash. The prices are outrageous for mediocre food. The French Dip was AWFUL. The bread wasn't toasted and it was missing cheese. So I basically got a roast beef sandwich with no toppings for $12.25. The iced tea was $3.50/glass. The lemonade doesn't have refills (and it doesn't taste like its from scratch so not sure why.) Middleton's = Rip off. This place is dirty with awful food. You also have to walk up 3 flights of stairs to use the bathroom. Fail. read more

My advice would be: skip this place, find someplace else in Annapolis. My wife, son and I had lunch at Middleton Tavern on September 7th. We were taken upstairs, where no one else was. The decor is dated, wallpaper peeling, carpet dirty. On the plus side: Crab cakes and crab balls were good On the negative side: Indifferent service Mushy, tasteless vegetables Fish & chips-was expecting fresh fish, got uniform sized pieces that I would bet were frozen, pre-formed pieces read more

Hey! This place is terrific as well as historic. Friendly, helpful, quick staff at back bar. Steamed mussels are delicious and extra buttered frenchbread to soak up the delicious juice plentiful. Steamed shrimp is more expensive than Dock Street Bar and Grill, but also very nice. Also, Middletown Tavern (back bar) is much more attractive. Place is bright and cheerful. Clientele at the bar always sociable too. I have been coming here for years and found each experience to be wonderful. This is a great place for a beer, a snack, or a good meal. Locals and regulars love it. read more

Fantastic happy hour. We had 7 of the 10 happy hour specials. Every single one was delicious. Mussels are AMAZING!!! $1.75 oyster shooters. Oyster ale is fantastic as well. Must try read more

Middleton Tavern - Seafood Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

We were there for a Sunday lunch, and the place was packed. As an old establishment, Middleton Tavern has a lot of characters to observe. I thought I would see a lot of US Naval Academy students here, but seems like more like a touristy place instead (even our USNA host had no idea where this restaurant was, and we had to explain it to him). Unfortunately I had to skip the oysters here, but I've heard it is very good. I had a burger and fries instead, but nothing really memorable from the experience. Staff was friendly, and our waitress was helpful. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't extremely good, either. Would I go back? Maybe, if I'm in town, but I don't feel the urge of eating here again if I'm in town. read more

The good things about this restaurant were the location and the outdoor seating. Everything else was mediocre at best. The crab balls were just kinda mushy, greasy, and flavorless. The steamed shrimp were disgustingly overcooked. Everything was overpriced, even for Annapolis. The bathroom was less than impressive, also. read more

Definitely had to finish this review. Was in Annapolis for a wedding (back in 5/2013, started this review but never finished it) and went with a group for brunch. Just walking in - we had a feeling this wasn't the place though plenty of people were there to eat. The group persisted and we ate. No meal is ever started off right when there is a smell coming from around the bar area that was borderline debilitating (apparently only a couple of the group were getting that). It seems they have a brunch there solely because most of the places in Annapolis do brunch of some sort. The food was on par with a Holiday Inn continental breakfast spread but more expensive. This place may be good for a brew later at night but I'd steer clear for brunch. read more

Great bartending service and heavy drinks poured. Oyster shooters do not contain vodka, but nevertheless still bomb. Didn't have food but had a relaxing time enjoying drinks read more

Middleton Tavern - Drinks - Seafood Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Overpriced and sloppy. Pics should speak for themselves! Crab and shrimp salad swimming in mayonnaise. Oysters, Luke warm floating in water. Disgusting. read more

Middleton Tavern - Seafood Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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Absolutely terrible! Went for a late lunch on a September Saturday. We ordered a Rueben and a seafood Caesar salad. The Rueben is a grilled sandwich so should be hot-it was barely warm. The salad had shrimp that tasted like chemicals and old romaine that had turned brown around the edges and they even included the root end of the lettuce. So many good places to eat in Annapolis- this is not one of them. read more

First time here. Didn't have too many expectations going in as I've never heard about it but I've threatened to come in a zillion times. I ordered the complimentary oyster shooter. It was delicious . I gave back the beer chaser cause the flavor was sharp and smooth at the same time. No need to chase! Hubby ordered steam shrimp and I ordered muscles. Both were delicious and fresh. Left after appetizers not so much due to the restaurant, but the clientele. An elderly couple came in with a dog. They allowed the dog to lick on the lady's plate. Hubby and I are allergic to pet dander. He began to sneeze uncontrollably. Instead of complaining we left at the start of our meal. That's why the three stars. Management is too pet friendly for us. We need a warning that we are dining with dogs. read more

Middleton Tavern - View inside - Seafood Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Tonight we came in to celebrate our 25th anniversary and we had an amazing experience! The manager, Aaron, was very accommodating. When we were too late get a crab dip, he bought us a couple of oyster shooters. Meaghan, the bartender, was sweet and efficient. We will definitely be back! Xoxo read more

Middleton Tavern - Seafood Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Very, very mediocre and below average. The first thing you may notice as soon as you enter the restaurant is how bad it smells. You know when a cleaning rag/towel hasn't been cleaned in awhile or when you forget about your wet clothes in the washer? It smells like that. The service was fine. The food was very below average. I mean, it was fine but I was like ...... are you serious? I had heard good things about this place but it was like... uhhh.. those are the skinnest and wimpiest asparagus sticks I'd ever seen served to me in a restaurant. The butter that came with the rolls tasted really funny. I really like bread and butter, but the butter tasted funky and sour. It was yuck. The oysters were very meh as well. Waste of money. read more

First time in Annapolis this past week...had an impromptu lunch here on the way home from Tilghman Island (after our honeymoon). It was a beautiful day so our restaurant requirements were "something crabby" and "something outside". When we passed Middleton Tavern, there appeared to be a seat or two open on the super packed patio area. After a quick peak at the menu, we promptly asked the hostess for a seat before they got gobbled up on this happening, 80-something degree, Easter Sunday in Annapolis. Our server was Shannon or maybe Sharon or something. Very sweet and efficient. We got crab dip to share - which was very creamy. Tasty, but not the kind of crab dip you'll want if you're looking for some serious lump o crab. After our app, we each got a crab cake sandwich. YUM! very crabby and very delicious. Plus, it came with steak fries which are pretty my much weakness. AND the house Chardonnay was the perfect complement to the crabby goodness. Definitely wouldn't mind stopping here again one time but I'd prefer to try a new place just for a new experience. read more

The three of us had lunch at this historic tavern. The tavern was very nice and well situated. Service was good - not too busy that day. We had fish and chips and corned beef reuben. The fish was small in size and way undercooked. The corned beef reuben was very fatty and tough. We all left disgusted with the overall experience. We should have read the reviews prior to going. Stop in for a drink but pass on the food. read more

From the outside, one of the better looking buildings in historical downtown Annapolis. Great location. Large crowds come to place regularly, but I really can't figure out why. Food is better than mediocre, service is slow, and yet I seem to come back here. Maybe because everyone knows it and it's one of the few places that hasn't changed it's name and ownership. It's not bad; but with all the great eating establishments in this city, I would try some of the other places in town. read more

Middleton Tavern - Seafood Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Well I should have checked Yelp before I ate here. After coming from a long morning for I-Day, my mom politely started conversation with the seating hostess by saying "Happy I-Day." He looked at her like she was crazy, and then asked "What is I-Day?" My mom explained it. He then muttered "well I've only lived here for 25 years..." We should have walked out at this moment, but we didn't. Don't make the same mistake. We ordered food that did not fit the description that was overpriced and a long wait. The food gets a solid C, the service a D, so I'm going to leave this guy with 2 stars. Walk one block further. You will be glad you did. read more

This is a review of their service... Because we never got sat and didn't end up eating their food. The short version of this review... Hostess FAIL. More detailed review... My FIL was out for a visit and we brought him down to Annapolis to enjoy the nice Sunday lunch... Asked the hostess to seat us outside, she put us as the first name on her list (a random piece of paper) and told us that she'd get us. Went to the bar... 40 minutes (and a check in to confirm that she didn't forget us) later, she had seated other people and didn't have anything for us. Because she assumed there were 2 of us and didn't think to write it down when we said THREE PEOPLE multiple times. And there were no other tables moving any time soon. I won't be going back to try the food. read more

Long waiting times for subpar food. We waited 15 minutes just to get our check back. Servers were very slow and there were many clumsy mistakes made. read more

Best mussels I have ever eaten!! Steamy hot and lots of time. Tasty. And the crab balls were all crab and tons of flavor. Cheryl and Mattie perfect waitresses. A definite 5!!! read more

Middleton Tavern - Seafood Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

I came here twice. The first time, I came with my cousin and had the crab cakes for dinner. I shocked since it was all crab meat with very little stuffing. We also had some mussels which were also very good. Seating was difficult at night and waited a while. Parking was a bit hectic since it is free after 7 or 8. The second time, I came with my parents and we had the crab cakes for lunch. I was a bit disappointed since it was smaller. However, my mom had the seafood chowder which was really good. read more

It's an old pub, a piece of history in this navy town. Food is eh, service is delightful. But the banana chocolate chip cake is moist, decadent and oh so wonderful! I don't do pubs, so I went because the class folk went to reminisce about their glory days. Great wine list for a pub. Did I mention the chocolate chip banana cake!? OMG! Maryland crab soup was, eh, oysters were warm and bland, the crab sliders were decent. But that cake?! read more

Oysters were good but a bit pricey, $19/ doz. Oyster Ale draft beer was flat. Steamed shrimp tasted great but we're a tad over cooked. With all the other options, we will go elsewhere next time. read more

It was okay. I didn't love it. We were seated right away for lunch on Friday, which I know was lucky because it seemed like every table inside and out was packed. Our server was very pleasant, a little space cadet-y though. I asked for an extra glass of water (I'm 9 months pregnant and they had those little glasses of water on the table) and she assured me they'd be by to fill me up frequently. Literally never got a glass of water after my first two gulps finished my glass. Flagged her down for another diet coke, she went about her business and had to ask her again 10 minutes later after she shot the breeze with another table. Pregnant ladies get thirsty!! Prices - pretty steep, but you're absolutely paying for the location. A burger went for $9.50 if you got cheese, it was cooked well, not a huge burger, and you got about 17 fries. All of it was REALLY tasty, just a little small for the price. Husband got the oyster po boy and enjoyed it, Mom got the crab cake sandwich which was ominously listed as "market price" - For three moderately priced sandwiches, and a beer...lunch was $55. So there you go. If we had been able to snag a table outside, I probably would have just shut up, but inside is a little dark, server is medium (in competency, not demeanor), and the bathrooms are all the way upstairs and gross! The manager (or perhaps he was the owner?) was super friendly, as was everyone else. I won't be running back, but I'm not harboring any ill will towards Middleton. read more

In such a quaint, tourist friendly town, one would expect a better experience, but this was kinda ehhhh.... Unimpressive. We jumped off the late afternoon lunch with the Tuna Tartare. Not bad! But it was served with soggy, boring crackers. Buzz killer. The French Dip sandwich was also, for lack of a better description, boring. The meat was dry and there was no special flare to it, no kick, no cheese, no nothing, just boring. I'll give the Bartenders Cobb Salad the gold medal for the day. They're generous with the fresh veggies! read more

Slowest service ever! We waited 20 minutes for someone to ever welcome us and take the drink order. Ridiculous

Decent seafood food. We had the New England clam chowder (pretty good), oysters sellman (don't think oysters are meant for bacon and cheese), beet salad (excellent! covered with feta and pistachio crusted goat cheese), crab sliders (also excellent, the cole slaw is great and it doesn't need the tartar sauce), crab middleton (good, but the side of rice and veggies are bland), and fish & chips (heavy breading on the fish). I like that you can sit outside at this one (more places need outdoor seating). read more

A historic property near the city dock in Old Town Annapolis, that works well in summer (you can take advantage of the covered terrace) and in winter when it feels suitably snug. The property has a homely feel to it, and service has always been good when I've been there. Menu is mainly seafood focused, and on high side of mid-price, which is to be expected given the location. Live music some nights. read more

I'm giving this tavern a high rating because of the service and staff. Good stories of george aka rolland...yes this bar is haunted.

This is apparently one of the oldest continually operating pubs in the country; George Washington and Thomas Jefferson have been customers. And me, too, so that's some pretty distinguished company you keep if you go there. A great place that offers a good beer selection, a pretty extensive brunch menu (including crab eggs benedict) and the requisite pub food. I had an excellent crab soup and the "crab balls," which are miniature crab cakes. (The crab cake platter is market-priced, and was $32 that day. My crab balls (heh heh) were $14 and just as delicious.) We ate at the bar rather than wait 30 minutes for a table. Bar service was friendly and good, although a bit slow -- but they were busy. I like the place, although I wondered how many times in its storied history it has been gutted and renovated. From the inside, it doesn't quite look like it's as old as it is. I don't know, I think I'd rather it look as much like it did in the 18th century. Take out the electric lighting or something -- let's go seriously old school. (Like Lafitte's in New Orleans.) Prices range. You can get out of there for cheap, or you can get the full-on dinner menu, which can run in the $30s for a main. read more

She said..." Tried to find a cute place in Annapolis to eat for my moms birthday, however, we picked the wrong place! Looks cute from the outside, but I am sure there is much cuter and tastier places in the area. The decor was very old and dirty looking. The service was not great and the food was not something worth coming back for." He said..."Eh... $10.95 for a $4 burger...sorry not for me, I'll go to Hardee's for a better burger next time." read more

My friend and I ate here this evening. The host is either going through a rough time or very rude. This place is way way overpriced. The food was mediocre at best. We shared the calamari which came with weird sauce on it. I had a caeser salad and it was terrible. There was hardly any dressing on it. We both had the filet and both were way overcooked. I asked for medium and my friend asked for very rare and both came out medium well. I would not came back here based on the "greeting" from the host, the food, or the prices. read more

Steampot, steampot!!! Come here to get your hands dirty! It's not an upscale place, there's benches on the porch, but it's a great place to get crabs and people watch from the porch. Can't wait to come back! read more

I have been to Middleton many times over the years and the food has always been solid in my experience. Steaks are top notch and my kids have never had a bad meal there. Some may call the service slow, but remember, this is not a chain restaurant and the whole meal is made to order. So when I see people clamoring about the slow service, I say...slow down and enjoy life a little. If you have a drink in your hand and a nibble on the table...enjoy each other's company. But, my review is on what I learned was a new crab cake. I have not been a seafood fan..well forever, and was pressured to try their new crab cake. Without knowing what the old one tasted like..this one was impressive. Good sized lumps of crab and there was something different (in a good way) about the filler. The sauce was also very mild and worked well with it. Our server told us that the crabs were local crabs, so that is a plus to support local fisherman and businesses. My dining partner also had the crab cake and does eat them a lot and she said it was one of the best ones she has had in a long time and compared it to Edgewater Restaurant that I have heard is "the bomb" for crab cakes. She said it as just as good...and maybe a wee bit better than Edgewater. So take that for what it's worth! I personally still prefer the landlubber offerings, but will definitely not shy away from the crab cake here. I am not absolutely sure how new the recipe is...I suspect less than a month, but was told that it is the recipe that they now use on all their crab dishes. read more

The crabcakes were OK but the service was unbelievably bad PLUS I got day old ice tea and a bug in my ice cube. Getting the waiter required getting up from the table to hunt him down. A little on the dirty side (including the bathroom). $35 for a bowl of chowder, crabcakes, a beer, and lemonade... There must be better places in the crabcakes capital of the US? read more

We popped in here for Happy Hour on a Friday. It's not a bad spot to grab a beer and a snack... steamed shrimp and raw oysters. There's live music. But nothing really stands out about this place. It is standard and exactly what you would expect it to be. Side note: I unintentionally abandoned my phone at the bar when we left and the bartender rescued it and kept it behind the bar for me until I realized the error of my ways and went back to see if it was there. An extra star for saving my phone. read more