It tends to slip our minds to dine in Leonardtown even though we're always in the area-we usually end up picking somewhere familiar when we find ourselves in the area and are wanting something to eat. However, yesterday we were extremely intentional about wanting a sit down dining experience somewhere in Leonardtown that we haven't been. We happened up on Sweet Bay. My husband made mention that a coworker of his said the food was really good here (he's formally in the restaurant industry so we trusted his opinion). Upon arrival we asked for a table for two but nothing was available. We were offered bar seating-which we accepted. Now to know me is to know while I enjoy a good cocktail, for me, sitting at the bar is never my first choice. The seating at the bar can be a bit uncomfortable; especially for the experience that we come to have. And when it's a new place we're trying, we like to run the full gamut-appetizers, mains, cocktails, and sometimes even dessert. We were really looking forward to a full dining experience here, and that would mean sitting here for a while, but we wanted to try the food out so we still decided to dine in. We were greeted by the bartender..his name is Josh. He was attentive without being overly so, he made great recommendations and he was really personable and commanded that bar. He explained the specials and he really was in tune with patron's needs. We started off with two appetizers-the oysters cargot and the spicy shrimp and my husband got the cream of crab soup. While they were all great, for me, the soup could benefit from some seasoning; specifically salt and maybe chive and/or even a sprinkle of old bay atop. The soup was creamy and rich and the sweetness of the crab definitely came through, but one or all of those additions would have elevated the soup. The only other ask I would have is that same bread that's served with the soup, be served with those oysters. I snagged some of my husband's bread and dipped it in the sauce that houses the oysters and it was a perfect bite and accompaniment to that dish. For our mains, my husband chose the special which was short ribs and a couple sides that came with that and I chose the Faroe Island salmon that came with pineapple, salsa, and cilantro lime rice. Both of our meals were fantastic-tens across the boards...wouldn't change a thing. The food was flavorful, cooked to perfection and well proportioned. We were so thoroughly impressed with this meal and while we normally wouldn't opt for dessert, we did-well my husband heard key lime pie and that was all it took. I of course take a couple of bites and can say with confidence it was probably the best Keylime pie that I have ever had...and I'm not the Keylime pie lover in the relationship, my husband is-but it left me in awe, and he loved it as well. I liked it so much that I got one to go for my mom, another Keylime pie lover, because I knew she would just love it. Spoiler alert, she did! Besides the food we opted for water and I enjoyed the strawberry spark cocktail I think it was called and a Long Island iced tea-both of those were executed flawlessly as well. Josh is great at what he does. All of the staff was friendly. The environment was cozy and intimate, and was reminiscent of the five dining experiences we have in Georgetown, downtown Bethesda and the like. It was such a great space. I am so happy we came in and we cannot wait to do it again. I would even sit at the bar again to chop it up with Josh! read more

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The pork ribeye is f***ing delicious. Even the green beans (which is an abomination of a vegetable) were good. Get it. read more

SweetBay Restaurant & Bar - Pork Ribeye - Bars Near Me - Leonardtown, Maryland

SweetBay is a great choice for creative cocktails, elevated seafood, and fun specials. The staff were great and the dining room and bar were lively on the Saturday night that I visited. This is a great choice for date nights and special occasions! I ordered a cocktail, the tuna poke nachos, and the scallops that came with a squash risotto. Everything was quite nice! read more

I highly recommend Sweetbay restaurant. The service was absolutely wonderful and the food matched the service. The drinks were lit. We truly enjoyed a nice evening in a very relaxing atmosphere. Don't sleep on Sweetbay. Its worth the trip. read more

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Nov. 28, 25 Sweetbay -- My wife and I drove down to Leonardtown for a late lunch/early dinner. We arrived just after 2 PM and were told they were closed until 3 and fully booked with reservations. We explained we had just driven 45 minutes to come eat here, and as we were walking away, the host told us if we came back at 4, he'd make sure we got a table. Fair enough. We walked around town for a bit -- the streets were closed for a Christmas event, and vendors were setting up -- then decided to head back at 3 and sit at the bar instead so we wouldn't need a table. As always, we ended up meeting another couple, had a great time watching football, and enjoyed a few drinks. We ordered the cream of crab soup and a salad to start, and I had the Fig it for my drink. The soup and salad were excellent, like always. For the main course, we ordered the steak special -- and OMG, it was incredible. A perfectly cooked medium sirloin steak with peppercorn gravy and French fries. The steak was very tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The only thing I would change is I wish I had asked for extra gravy. The fries were crispy and delicious as well. Of course, we had to finish with dessert since everything else was so good. We ordered the vanilla crème brûlée, and it was just as fantastic as the rest of the meal. Our only disappointment is that Sweetbay is so far from home. We really wish they'd open a location in Calvert County -- Prince Frederick could definitely use a restaurant like this instead of all the fast-food and chain places. Can't wait to come back. read more

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SweetBay was a discovery that my wife and I were pleased to have tried. Busy on a very warm Friday evening, but we were able to get seats at the bar immediately and had a fabulous server bartender, who was attentive yet allowed just the right amount of privacy. We enjoyed the zucchini appetizer as well as entre cob salad with filet and a house burger. This is not a quiet place as the crowd was happily engaged in conversations, but it was what we were looking for as we visited town. We both enjoyed our visit and would recommend SweetBay for a nice meal hosted by relaxed and smiling hosts. read more

The food is never disappointing. The staff are professional and friendly. I love the decor and the place has a nice vibe.

This is a very calm, inviting environment at lunchtime and at dinner time it is louder but not too rambunctious. Both are great experiences. For us signing out is about the experience we can eat anywhere we can even cook at home and prepare the food the way we want, but when we eat out it's so that we can relax and have a good experience. We felt that we got a great experience here a few times that we've been. Lunchtime are quiet setting and the staff attentive (tuned to your needs). Dinner time is a little more crowded noisier and staff can be very busy at times, but still a great experience just different. Every experience we've had here the food has been rich with flavor and amazing. We recommend this place and will be back ourselves, keep in mind we live about an hour away. We find it can be more relaxing and nicer to head south than going up into DC. read more

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Top restaurant of St Mary's rivaling DC's restaurant scene. Been multiple times and love it.

Food was good. We had the special-shrimp and pineapple rice served in the pineapple. Service was fantastic with Kenny! You should ask for him We sat outside and it was perfect. Ambiance was great! Price is a little high, but I get it for upscale dining. read more

SweetBay Restaurant & Bar - Shrimp special - Bars Near Me - Leonardtown, Maryland

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First time visiting this restaurant in Leonardtown. They have indoor and outdoor seating and are located right on the square in the middle of the heart of town. Decent street parking in the area. It appears to be a location where some people dress up, but also plenty of people were comfortable with being dressed down. We were definitely in casual wear and nobody batted an eye. Menu was pretty well contained, but had plenty of variety to choose from. We shared the tuna poke nachos and the sweet and spicy shrimp apps, which were well prepared. As a table we had the paella, stuffed mushroom caps, and caprese salad as entrees. Everything came out quickly and correctly. Flavor profiles were good but light on spiciness for us. The portions are large! The paella could easily feed two. Would definitely come back. read more

SweetBay Restaurant & Bar - Sweet and spicy shrimp - Bars Near Me - Leonardtown, Maryland

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Key lime pie is hitting. One of the best Key Lime pies I've tasted outside of FL. It's a nice drive but it is worth it. The food was good but the key lime pie wow!!! read more

We have been eating at SweetBay since it opened. The food is well prepared and with a nice presentation. The staff is beyond friendly and very attentive. The ambiance of the restaurant is great with both indoor and outdoor seating. I highly recommend this lovely restaurant. read more

Went to dinner in Leonardtown. Drinks were happy hour prices except the Old Fashioned and La Dolce Vita. I decided with the La Pantera Rosa, it kind of had a Paloma vibe. It was a good drink. The oysters appetizer with crab imperial was also good. We ordered oysters even in the wrong month. It like a mini crab cake on an oyster. The crab cake could have had a little more crisp. The main course was the crab cake special. Overall it was good. It was solid but it was lacking a little flavor. There was crab was solid and held together nicely. Same comment that the crab cake could have had a little more crisp. The service all the way around was very good from the sever to the folks brining the meals. It was a solid/good dinner. My real struggle was the price. The crab cake special was $55 the appetizer was pricey as well. The meal with dessert (drinks were on a separate check) was north of $100. While it was solid not sure the price point was justified. read more

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Located in the heart of Leonardtown, the ambiance and service of Sweetbay are excellent. The food is simply mediocre. Not horrible, but certainly not very good. read more

One of the better upscale dining spots near Leonardtown. It's nicely decorated, with intimate tables perfect for a date night. If you're a bigger person, seating can get tight. The food is great - especially the appetizers. I really enjoy their burger, as well as their truffle fries. Servers and staff are always friendly, and the service has always been 10/10. read more

Great service (Mary was our server). Truly the best roasted carrots I've ever had - I hope they don't remove those from the menu - the feta sauce was delish! Great oysters and salmon belly with curry as well. read more

SweetBay Restaurant & Bar - Roasted Carrots, Salmon Belly, Oysters - Bars Near Me - Leonardtown, Maryland

Had dinner here by myself and came during a time that is before the reservation rush comes in so was hoping to be in and out pretty easily but it took about 10 minutes for a server to come over for my drink order and to fill my water. I am an avid water drinker so I really love when my water glass is filled upon sitting at the table but that did not happen. Once my server did come over, she did not tell me the specials or anything - which I didn't know I was missing out on until the other tables around me were sat and the specials listed off...I would have liked to have known them. Even when I asked her what her recommendations were, she didn't think to tell me the specials. Oh well. I had the cream of crab soup to start and I love that they brought the bowl out with the crab meat in the center first and then poured the liquid on top - that way you could see that there was real crab in the soup! And that bread, yum! Not sure if you can see the dirty martini in the picture but it comes with bleu cheese olives and it was cold and delicious! As for the main course, I completely forgot to photograph it because I was pretty hungry but it was the mushroom ravioli and I guess I didn't read close enough because it came topped with bacon which was surprising because o told my server I didn't eat meat so not sure why she wouldn't have pointed that out but oh well! Overall, a good meal, a great drink, and a comfortable booth in which to enjoy it all. read more

SweetBay Restaurant & Bar - Crab soup - Bars Near Me - Leonardtown, Maryland

I've been here 3 times and I'm delighted each time! Absolutely delicious and creative dishes, wonderful atmosphere, great friendly staff.

The pork chops and the seafood linguini the chops are a new menu item - Get them! You won't be disappointed....so moist and delicious and the fresh fruit topping/salsa (can't remember the name) was sweet but didn't overpower the pork flavor. The potatoes were just okay, the texture was terrific but the flavor was too mild for me, even when salted (and I love vegetables with limited seasonings). The green beans were perfect, not overcooked. This dish could easily serve two people since there are two pieces of pork. If you have a big appetite, this dish fits the bill. My hubs got the seafood linguini and raved at the amount and variety of seafood in the dish. Our friends ordered the salmon and an Old Fashioned made with top shelf liquor and had a second because it was so well done. Our waiter was attentive to our needs during our entire visit. This is our favorite restaurant in Leonardtown. read more

SweetBay Restaurant & Bar - Boneless pork chops - didn't remember to photograph the menu for the description- it's a new menu item. - Bars Near Me - Leonardtown, Maryland

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Made a reservation for 6 since my Mom was in town and I knew I wanted to give. Her the SweetBay experience. They did NOT disappoint. This meal was so special because this place has been a consistent topic in my immediate family ever since they treated me so well during summer 2020 when I turned 30. This is all to say, that my mom got the experience I associate with SweetBay, showing their consistency remains top quality. They sat us in a cozy corner with enough space to spread out while remaining intimate. The food was SPECTACULAR. We shared the Brussel sprouts, truffle fries and the appetizer special (zucchini fries) before ordering our main meals. The majority of us when with the special: crab stuffed shrimp over a risotto. My boyfriend got the pork chops which he said was to die for. The real star of the show was our waitress, Joanna. She was attentive, sweet, personable and delivered a unique experience my mother (and the rest of our table!) will never forget. Thank you!! read more

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The food, service and ambiance is terrific. It's DC quality without the drive and traffic.

This restaurant had a modern look to it! The host and servers were all so nice and interactive with us. The food was delicious and came out quick! If you're looking for a nice restaurant in Leonardtown this should be your #1 pick! read more

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5 stars! Unbelievable a place such as this exists in downtown Leonardtown! Wow! Great food! Wonderful Service! Lively Atmosphere! The CHEF'S PAELLA is on point along with Appetizers Truffle Fries with the dill ranch dip ....whattttt and the Brussel Sprouts App is BaBa Banging! Good work SweetBay! read more

Wow that was terrible. Food wasn't bad service was terrible. Hella expensive and yes, it didn't taste bad, but my God was the service slow. Our bill for 5 was around $300 and the food was not worth the price read more

Service was excellent! Hamburgers delectable! Truffle fries amazing! Atmosphere- open but cozy! Very enjoyable! read more

Fantastic cocktails, and the food quality is astounding. But this place is masquerading as a DC restaurant in Leonardtown. It's extremely overpriced, and there is an air of pretentiousness when you walk in. read more

What a lovely place! Nice service, everyone were very friendly. I had very good time. Smoky old fashion was a nice start! Food look delicious. I had a paella , it was a little more soupy that the original Spanish version, but reach of sea food. Perfect place in the small Leonardtown. read more

SweetBay is a cool new addition to Southern Maryland. I really enjoyed our cocktails here especially the pear martini with fresh pear preserves and a cinnamon sugar rim. I had never seen that before and loved it! We also ordered the shrimp appetizer, truffle fries, and a Caesar and (I think?) House Salad. The Caesar was the star, with homemade dressing and the lettuce cut into the perfect-bite sizes. The other food didn't particularly excite me, but was good nontheless. Definitely a fun addition to Southern Maryland and I can't wait to return to try more cocktails! read more

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This place is a nice little gem in Southern Maryland. Located right on town square. Very interesting menu. Had a fried pork chop. I had doubts when I ordered it, but when placed, it was nicely sliced and the breading was just right. Extensive drink and beer menu. Sat outside one time and inside on the second visit. Both are great. Sweetbay brings a nice upgrade to southern Maryland dining. highly recommended! read more

Menu was interestingly eclectic, drinks were good, wine list acceptable. A bit pricy, but a good value overall.

The food was excellent--very very good --service was extra special --Sofia was truly the best --always checking back --she is one in a million--she cared about the folks and the food --thank you Sofia --very nicely decorated--very comfortable--Thank you for a pleasant evening-- read more

After several recommendations from coworkers I tried SweetBay. I loved everything! The service was spot on, the food was incredible, and the space on the square made for a complete experience. I can't wait for an excuse to return to Leonardtown. I got the duck, which was tender and delicious on its own plus the sauce made it even better! Make a reservation just to be safe and order with confidence because they will not disappoint. read more

SweetBay Restaurant & Bar - Menu - Bars Near Me - Leonardtown, Maryland

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Been to this restaurant several times, and I have never been disappointed. For this area it's one of the best "fancy" places to eat. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the food is delicious, and the owner is present, involved, and proud of the establishment. The quality of the food is definitely worth the price, which is pretty reasonable. read more

So... food is mediocre. The main issue is with the staff. It's almost like it's a high school clique? ALSO!!! The manager is weird when it comes to young brunettes (and blonde.... No discrimination)! He hits on these girls, getting them intolxicated to the point where they are inebriated, and nearly unconscious... and I'm slim shady.... Anyway, fuck this place, fuck Peter ... and fuck the hierarchy read more

At the end of the Square across from the REX. We had Chicken Piccata and the House Salad with blackened salmon Several craft beers on tap and signature drinks. Free parking on the Square. It gets crowded in the evening so you might want to call to see if a reservation is needed. A little pricey but very tasty. Enjoy! read more

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The fries here are addictive. The key lime pie is a wonderful treat and the service is spot on too. Went for lunch recently and enjoyed the mushroom ravioli. The wagyu burger was a little on the dry side but not bad. I would definitely go back to try more of the menu! The ambiance inside is nice but maybe it was the festive holiday decor that made it seem lovelier? Either way, I enjoyed the experience. read more

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Sweetbay is our favorite restaurant in SMC. We've never had a bad meal or service here. I highly recommend making a reservation as it's small and can get busy. Some of their menu items are seasonal, with that said we love the tuna tartare appetizer, spicy shrimp tacos, buffalo cauliflower, and oysters Rockefeller. For entrees I usually go with either the house salad and add scallops or salmon. The salmon is always cooked perfect (ask for it medium). Or the shrimp and grits. Every drink I've had is well balanced but my favorites are the blue cheese martini, spicy raspberry margarita or the espresso martini. My husband loves their old fashioneds. It can get a little loud but it doesn't bother us. read more

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Came here to kill some time while my boys were in college camp, place i'd easy to find. Not a whole lot of items that were "interesting" to me, so I opted for the cream of crab soup and a peach caprese salad. The soup was really good - salad was realllllly small for the price ($15). He ambience was nice- there was a tv by the bar and wasn't crowded during that time. I can't see myself returning - but for others - give it a try and make your own judgement. read more

SweetBay Restaurant & Bar - Sit at the bar - Bars Near Me - Leonardtown, Maryland

Went here as a recommendation and so glad we did. Everything about this place we enjoyed; ambiance, service, and food. Started off with the sweet and spicy shrimp and i could have left happy with just that. We then ordered the snake-river burger, beet salad, and crab soup. All were amazing. Normally i would want to try something different next time, but how do we top those?! read more

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