Grump's Cafe — Restaurant in Annapolis

Visited on a Sunday lunchtime at 1pm and this should be a case study on inefficiencies. You get seated with a menu, find what you want and then go stand in line to place your order at a counter. There was one cashier working who couldn't get orders right and took an average of three and a half minutes to take the order. It took more than twenty minutes standing in line to be able to order food. It looks like there are maybe nearly thirty tables at the place inside and out, depending on whether you separate out four tops into two smaller tables of two. On a Sunday lunch time each table was non-productive for twenty minutes and not earning a penny because you weren't waiting on food, you weren't eating, you were waiting to place an order. Knock twenty minutes off the time a table takes to complete it's transaction from being seated to leaving means you could turn many more tables and make much more money. Instead your customers have to stand in line like a bunch of muppets instead of having an enjoyable meal.

Last time going here, not even going to comment on the food, because the mismanagement of their tables and ordering system means I have no desire to stand in line for twenty minutes doing nothing. Don't go, or go when it's completely empty and you don't waste half your visit trying to...

This is a family owned and operated restaurant is in a small shopping center a couple of miles from downtown Annapolis that is frequented mostly by locals. It's very casual--as you walk in, you'll be told to remember a number, which will correspond to a number printed on a plastic toy; then you will go up to the counter, the clerk will ask you the number you were given, and then you order and pay. After paying, look for the little plastic toy with your number on it, which a staff member will have placed on a table, thereby reserving it for you. The server who brings the food to you will spot you by the number on the toy, and will remove the toy after giving you your food. The food--particularly the burgers and the breakfast and lunch items--is well-prepared and served promptly, including all-day breakfast. The chef is flexible, so if you want a different twist on a menu item, don't hesitate to ask. Most of the staff members have worked there for years, and the owner, "Mr Grump," is frequently there and runs a tight ship. Prices are excellent--arguably the best deal in Annapolis. TVs hung from the ceiling and a full bar featuring specialty drinks encourage customers to...

My husband and I have been to the Grumps location in Crofton several times and have always been pleased. So, when we were in the Annapolis area and wanted to go to breakfast, we figured we would try their Annapolis location.

We arrived just as they opened and we were treated immediately. The hostess gave us menus and explained we would be ordering at the register and then the food would be brought to us. This was something we were already aware of since they do the same in Crofton.

My husband ordered the biscuits and gravy and I ordered the banana chocolate chip pancakes.

Both of us found our food to be good. The coffee is also very good!

My main feedback is that the restaurant became very loud very quickly. I don't know if it's just because of the layout and shape of the restaurant, but we found it very difficult to have a conversation despite the restaurant not even being very crowded. It made the meal a little less enjoyable.

Again, the food and service was absolutely fine. However, if you're looking for a place to be able to enjoy a slightly more quiet environment and actually be able to hear the person you're with, you might want to go...