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    Phoenix Upper Main

    4.2 (130 reviews)
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    PHOENIX UPPER MAIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Chicken Quesadillas
    Mary K.

    Came in for a quick bite and drink, and had a great time! Bartender was great, there is a lot of space (they have two floors). We sat at the bar and order some beer, they had some great ones on draft! Ordered the deviled eggs, roasted toasted crab dip, and chicken quesadilla. Had a bite of all and they were all great!

    Grilled Jerk Chicken Sandwich
    Vincent L.

    Came here for lunch on a Saturday and what a wonderful surprise in Ellicott City. The place reminds me of an upscale log cabin. Our server Katie was great. She provided recommendations and answered all of our questions. All of our food was great. The Chesapeake wings are worth the return trip. The burger was huge and flavorful. If you find yourself hanging out in the area you should check this place out. You won't be disappointed.

    PHX Phoenix Nachos
    David W.

    Another great time in Ellicott City and we're so happy to see that the Phoenix is still rollin, so the customer service was outstanding and we really enjoyed our waitress she was awesome. The crab dip potato skins absolutely incredible and we can't believe it's not on the menu when everyone in the restaurant seemed to be ordering them. The nachos very very good as well, now we also got the fish and chips that we had last time and that was delicious as well but the only negative was the fries and that's why I only gave 4stars because Phoenix you have to get better fries looking around at customers plates they aren't enjoying them, fish and chips with those fries come on. But great looking place it's warm and comfortable Ali to a nice place to watch the games. We will come back but definitely will be checking to see if they change fries.

    pretzel bites
    El P.

    summary: elevated American-style bar food located in Old Ellicott City's main street. One of the few establishments left in the town that still feels lively and my experience there was great. The service was great from the moment we walked in. We were greeted by hostesses and seated pretty immediately. They have two levels in their venue (we sat in the lower one that you walk into through the entrance). Our server was very attentive, kind, and personable. As far as the food goes, everything came out after about 15 minutes of placing the order. Everything was tasty and passed the "kids test." The Bear sandwich was also very tasty with lots of good flavor. My only nitpick would be that the bread wasn't quite toasted enough for my liking so the sauce made it kind of soggy (maybe it'll be better if you eat it faster). They have Happy Hour specials on drinks and some food items I believe on Weekdays only. As far as accessibility is concerned, their front/main entrance has like 3-4 steps that are relatively steep. However, they also have a entrance around back that has a ramp (you may need to talk to a staff member to get entry). All in all, a very pleasant experience located in the heart of OEC.

    Kids Chicken Tenders
    Michael S.

    If you know, you know....we call this restaurant "the Phoenix." It doesn't matter if this place was down the hill or on the top, where it currently is located. This place has really delicious food and our server tonight was amazing. He was very friendly and was great with my kids. That's very important for families! This restaurant has had a beautiful remodel since it was a different restaurant. The unsung hero, the main event, the hidden menu sandwich, which has been on the menu for a long time, is the Reuben. It is fantastic! I know what you are saying, "really a Reuben here???" Yeah that's exactly what I said. This is the most tender corned beef that you will have including all the delis in the area. Yeah I said that and you need to come to "The Phoenix" and try it!

    Fish and chips
    Kaneka R.

    This is a really cool spot with lots of charm. You have lots of free parking. There's a bar area downstairs. Service was really good! I sat at the bar since I was solo. I had the fish and chips $19. It was a very huge serving, perfectly fried, crispy on the outside, and light and flaky on the inside. The french fries were seasoned very well, and I love that the server recommended some additional dipping sauces, which paired perfectly with the french fries. It was so good that I cleaned my plate. I also had the Port City Optimal Draft beer $7.50. It paired perfectly with the fish and chips. If you love dessert, you must try the smores cheesecake $8. SO GOOD!! That was the best cheesecake I've had in a long time. It was rich creamy and just a perfect treat for late evening. Overall, I would recommend this as a place to dine.

    Crab dip

    Their cheese burger is pretty good, too overpriced for the quality in my opinion. I also got their crab dip (took it home to see if I would like it better later), it was not good at all, very obviously microwave-thawed crab, extremely fishy taste. Worst crab dip I ever had.

    Phoenix Upper Main - Italian Beef Sandwich and house made chips. Split into two plates.
    Diane H.

    The Phoenix restaurant in historic Ellicott city is located on Main Street. On this particular weekday lunch, business was brisk and other patrons looked like they were enjoying their meals. My dining companion wanted to try the Italian beef sandwich. We requested it be split into two plates. What we did not expect was a double order of Housemade chips to go along with it. The portion size was excellent and certainly enough for two people. I ordered a cup of crab soup, which tasted like perfection. The soup was tomato based and had nice chunks of crab on top and was served with saltine crackers. Service was swift and they checked back with us. This is a great lunch option in Historic Ellicott City.

    Roasted Toasted Crab Dip Sandwich
    Tom P.

    A Nostalgic Return to The Phoenix It had been a while since I visited The Phoenix, especially after their big move from the bottom of the street to Upper Main. I used to frequent the original spot for trivia nights and happy hour specials, so nostalgia brought me back to check out the new location. The atmosphere is fantastic--if anything, it's even better than before. The larger space offers more comfortable seating and expanded bar seating, creating an inviting and lively vibe. While a few nostalgic touches are missing--like the legendary beer card challenge and some happy hour staples like the tuna wrap and shrimp plate--the essence of The Phoenix is still very much alive. The beer selection remains impressive, with an extensive list on tap and an equally notable variety of cans and bottles that honor their roots. My Roasted Toasted Crab Dip Sandwich was a delicious nod to Maryland flavors and a satisfying reminder of what makes this place special. All in all, The Phoenix delivered a great experience, blending the best of its past with exciting new updates. I'll definitely be back--and more often this time.

    Chicago-style Italian Beef sandwiches and fries

    We've been here several times, and have tried several dishes. Coming from the Midwest & their fish fries, and specifically Chicago & their Italian Beef sandwiches... Phoenix's fish fry & Italian Beef sandwich are legit!! Our only "I wish" is that the Italian Beef's aus jus please cut back on the salt! Their fries are crisp & hot, and their soups and salads are also good. I always get their flights of craft beers on tap, while my wife gets no-booze cocktails, which have almost always been delicious! Note that for parking, recommend parking behind the restaurants across the street in the free parking lots. These lots do get full on weekends, so you may need to go to the next free lots another block down.

    Delicious fresh pretzels.
    Karen F.

    My niece brought me here for a birthday lunch, and I really enjoyed it. Seating is in a small room right next to the bar, and though it was getting busy, we were sat right away and had menus brought to us. I had scoped out the menu online, and was surprised to find what I was there for - crab cakes - wasn't actually on the menu. Fortunately, it was a special of the day, so both my niece and I decided on that. I love that they have other options than just french fries for a side dish - I went with a side salad. We started with the Bavarian Pretzels, which came as an order of three, with homemade beer cheese and house made horseradish mustard. These pretzels were delicious! And clearly very popular, because we noticed them on every table around us. Nothing like a fresh hot pretzel. The crabcake came out shortly afterwards, and this also was excellent. Chock full of crabmeat and not filler. The side salad was just okay - I'm not a fan of arugala, so I didn't end up eating it. All in all, a wonderful lunch with a friendly efficient server and delicious food.

    Beer
    Keyser S.

    At this bar on Main Street, the evening unfolded with the slow inevitability of hunger meeting its temporary end. A burger, heavy with bacon and blue cheese crumbles, sat beside chips that served as both companion and afterthought--crispy, ephemeral reminders of mortality. The Nepenthe Space Jellyfish IPA glowed like a small captured sun in its glass, hazy and indifferent, a liquid galaxy contained by fragile transparency. Later, a Hendrick's martini arrived, garnished with cucumber slices that floated like pale moons in a clear sky, a drink both austere and quietly decadent. Service was attentive, almost conspiratorial, with Allie guiding each order as though the rituals of pouring and placing were tiny acts of salvation. Around, the room hummed with warm light, laughter, and the faint suspicion that time was passing quicker than the drinks could be finished. In such moments, one remembers that joy is brief, but so is despair, and both dissolve equally into the last sip. It is a rare gift when food, drink, and care align into something that feels, if not eternal, then at least enough for the night.

    Mark H.

    I stopped by Phoenix Upper Main for a quick lunch before my haircut appointment. I sat at the bar, and ordered a beer and some fish & chips. Fish was really good. Thin, crispy crust covering perfectly cooked piece of fish. Beer was great. Service was excellent. The bar area is a really nice space. The upstairs area is really nice too. Buy why do you start the tip suggestions at 20%??? I've always been a good tipper, but this tipping culture needs to change.

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

    They have GREAT FOOD, awesome staff, and a gorgeous patio area to enjoy your meals safely. An Old EC staple in a new location.

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    6 years ago

    Excellent people, excellent atmosphere, and just a great place to grab dinner and relax.

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    Sapwood Cellars Brewery

    Sapwood Cellars Brewery

    4.6
    (96 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    My wife and I first learned about this brewery several years ago when they had a collaboration with…read moreAstro Lab next to us which became Third Hill. We love trying new breweries where we go and this seemed like the best one in Columbia we haven't been to. I had high expectations but they by far exceeded it. This may be the best brewery we have been to. They have so many offerings and we loved everything. Some of the stuff is barrell aged and expensive but worth it. We also loved their taco offerings which includes some fun vegetarian options like like spicy fried mushrooms and fried avocado as well as our first ever bison meat taco along with mahi mahi, chicken tinga, and carne asada. We did not expect it but it may be the best tacos we've had. We had their seasonal strawberry margarita which may have been the best margaritas we have had along with an excellent local rose wine. Ambiance is nice and upscale for a brewery and our service at the bar was very quick and some of the most attentive we have had. We certainly look forward to returning.

    We were staying at a hotel not far from here and needed dinner and saw that a Mexican taco joint…read moreoperated out of this brewery (see separate review for Albura Taqueria - very good). The place was packed on a Friday evening and we eventually got two seats at the bar with the help of a friendly patron. The place is large, loud and lively. One of the side rooms is weirdly as bright as a school room. Speaking of weird this brewery is located in the back of an office park... The staff was friendly and hustling. I must say most of their beers are not my favorite. Too many sours and other beers that feel like they are trying too hard to be exotic. I tried their Shore pilsner and even that was a bit odd. I like lighter beers like pilsners, kolsches and hefeweizens so if I lived here I would try some of their non-beer options because I would be back for the food.

    Photos
    Tacos! Shrimp and barbacoa... both good!
    Tacos! Shrimp and barbacoa... both good!
    Sapwood Cellars Brewery
    Private room in use for a birthday

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    Private room in use for a birthday
    Rathskeller

    Rathskeller

    4.4
    (328 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$

    My wife and I have dined at the Rathskeller a few times now and we will definitely return; we even…read morebrought friends for their first experience. We started with Potato Cakes with crème fraiche, they had a nice crunch, a tender interior with subtle flavor. I'd never had them with crème fraiche, it was a nice change and the mild tanginess with the creamy texture complimented the Cakes well. I ordered the Main Street with Weisswurst, a Pretzel and plain Spätzle. It was my first, the veal's flavor is understated in comparison to Bratwurst or Knackwurst (not on the menu) and was a pleasant changeup. The Pretzel was little disappointing while it was a decent pretzel, it lacked the crisp crust and distinctive flavor I expected. As evident by the rating while worthy of note, it's not a game changer. I'd ordered a large plain Spätzle, which was two regular portions, but was served Spätzle with cheese I tasted it and it wasn't my thing, which is not to say it was bad, I just don't care for cheese in dishes like that. Our server swapped one cheese for plain (my wife had happily stolen the other) and enjoyed the replacement. I found that the grilled onions gave it a nice homey flavor. Mistakes happen and it turned out to be a win in the end. We shared a couple of desserts and by far, my favorite was the Black Forest Cupcake. It's on the large side, they might be able to cut on the weighty crème icing, the chocolate cake and soaked cherries were a delight. The cherries are a significant improvement over the Marchinos I had before, if only there were more. Rathskeller can get a little loud, as it is a relatively small space with hard surfaces so voices reflect, it wasn't packed this afternoon, so it wasn't an issue. Waitstaff dresses very casually, it pleasant and fairly attentive.

    Ratskeller is exactly what you hope to find when you're craving a true German beer hall experience…read more If you're looking for great beer, authentic German food, and a fantastic atmosphere, this is the place. The food is hearty, flavorful, and everything you want from traditional German cuisine. The beer selection is excellent, and the lively atmosphere makes it easy to settle in and enjoy yourself. One word of advice: come hungry. The portions are huge, and you'll definitely get your money's worth. Whether you're stopping in for a quick pint or a full meal, Ratskeller delivers a memorable experience.

    Photos
    Downstairs Bar
    Downstairs Bar
    Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)
    Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)
    Roasted Broccoli

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    Roasted Broccoli
    The White Oak Tavern

    The White Oak Tavern

    3.7
    (488 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    This was a return visit for me and our women's group…read moreselected The White Oak Tavern for our monthly dinner outing. Overall it was a pleasant experience with good food and a welcoming atmosphere. Parking was easy and conveniently located directly in front of the restaurant. There is also outdoor seating available during good weather, and they even offer a dog-friendly menu for your four-legged companions. I would recommend calling ahead to confirm whether the dog menu is available year-round or only when the patio is open. Inside, the dining area is spacious and comfortable, making it a good option for both small and larger groups. They offer daily and weekly specials in addition to their regular all-day menu. Tuesday wing specials seemed to be especially popular with several members of our group. The food was the highlight of the evening. Everything brought to the table looked fresh and flavorful, and I did not hear a single complaint about anyone's meal. A few people ordered the wings and thoroughly enjoyed them. The biggest challenge during our visit was the service. Our server was friendly and clearly trying his best, but with a larger group and separate checks, things became a bit scattered and confusing at times. Orders and checks needed a few corrections before the end of the evening. In fairness, the general manager stepped in to help resolve an issue with one meal, which was appreciated and helped improve the situation. Overall, despite a few service hiccups, the quality of the food and the comfortable atmosphere made this a worthwhile visit, and I would return again.

    Average food, average service, loud and surprisingly lots of kids for a Tavern , but then again…read morethey do have a kids menu. they do have a lot of gluten free options tho, including desserts , so good for folks who don't eat gluten. We had fried chicken sandwich and shrimp salad sandwich , cheese parmesan fries and fried calamari appetizer and GF brownie - all typical bar food and nothing to write home about. we stayed away from fresh vegetable due to the cyclosporiasis outbreak in the news as we were traveling this week ;)

    Photos
    Stage
    Stage
    Brisket Stroganoff
    Brisket Stroganoff
    View from entrance.

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    View from entrance.
    HoCo Brew Hive

    HoCo Brew Hive

    4.0
    (103 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    Drinks: loved all the beers I tried! Big Truck Cherry Wagon was a delicious sour, Allagash white is…read morealways a hit, Devil's Backbone vienna lager was pretty solid, and the Rogue Honey Kolsch was smooth. Food: please try the crab dip pretzels, they were 5/5! In terms of the wings: the size for a $1/wing Monday special (starting at 20 wing orders) was great, but I wanted more buffalo sauce on my buffalo wings. The buffalo garlic parm mix was awesome (you can mix and match flavors), and the sweet heat was also 5/5. Please add a lemon pepper option! Service: 5/5 server was personable and attentive for my party of 9, no issues at all. Ambiance: for sports, this place is solid; there are a bunch of TVs, even one in the bathroom so you don't miss a single play! This place is family-friendly, and there was this one group of kids that was super rowdy but otherwise the ambiance was great. Not too crowded.

    I put this in the Dive Bar category. A little hard to find. It's in the back of a small shopping…read morecenter. The staff is super friendly and hustles the whole time. Plenty of TVs for a sports bar vibe. I saw a deck outside but the threat of rain kept us indoors. The food is what you want for a bar food menu. I had the Pub Burger with fries (Thurs special $15) it hit the spot. My wife went with the Horseradish steak wrap. She ate half and brought the rest home for lunch tomorrow. There was a decent Thursday night crowd. We got there an hour before the NFL season kickoff. Next time I come will be for the Monday wing special. 20 wings $20, dine on or take out. Can't beat that

    Photos
    Hidden entrance
    Hidden entrance
    Hive cheese steak
    Hive cheese steak
    Orange crush

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    Orange crush
    The 3rd Floor Chambers

    The 3rd Floor Chambers

    4.0
    (2 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    A nice intimate space upstairs! I'd be interested in coming back…read more Went to Judge's Bench on a double date so we could try out some whiskey flights. My wife and I decided to check out the speakeasy upstairs. I wish they had longer hours; as of this writing, they are only open from 8:00 p.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Does that exclusivity add to the mystique? A bit, yes? Does that make it less likely for me to return any time soon? Also yes. The ladies behind the bar and the owner were upstairs chilling and greeted us as soon as we ascended the steep staircase. The dimly-lit Chambers has a lot more space to sit than I had anticipated, so you could come with a bunch of friends. There are tables, but also couches and lounge chairs. True to the speakeasy vibe, they have a bunch of signature cocktails, but they also make classic cocktails and likewise serve wines and beer. We had hoped to get a little food. It's mostly small-plates of food to pick at. The charcuterie plate sounded good, but the one bartender said it would take 15-20 minutes to prepare (surprising, because we were the only ones in there) and we had already kept our babysitter waiting too long, so we just did drinks. I got one of the seasonal signatures - the "What'd I say?" which had a citrusy boozy thing going for it, sort of reminiscent of a Sidecar. My wife got something warm, like an apple toddy. It was a bit too sweet for me, but otherwise tasted great! As mentioned, I wish they had longer hours. They've only been open two years, so maybe someday they'll expand beyond late-night on the weekend. But more folks came in as my wife and I wrapped up our evening, so maybe it's as sustainable level of popular for now. If you like cocktails and a speakeasy vibe, definitely check this place out.

    Great drinks , service was friendly and efficient. The place has great ambience the lighting was…read morenice and dim as should be , To earn Five stars would be easy, just one import item and a second to step it up . Number 1. Music, the background music was terrible, nobody ( except the staff perhaps ) wants to hear modern music at a speakeasy . I asked politely if they could play some roaring 20's type music , Boardwalk empire soundtrack, anything , even classical music . But they simply said they have no control over the music ?? I could have put my phone on a Spotify list and it would have been 10 times better . Will try again and hopefully management or owners will change their tune! The ambience could also be helped with a little more character, old Ellicott city B/W pics , some antiques? Lastly they have cool outside deck too , will def be back .

    Photos
    What'd I Say cocktail
    What'd I Say cocktail
    View of the bar
    View of the bar
    Entrance from the 2nd floor of Judge's Bench

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    Entrance from the 2nd floor of Judge's Bench

    Phoenix Upper Main - fishnchips - Updated July 2026

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