The Kitchen at the Imperial — Restaurant in Chestertown

My husband and I had been looking forward to dining at The Kitchen after reading good reviews last year, but they were closed for renovations at the time. During our vacation this year, we made a point to go — unfortunately, it wasn’t worth the wait.

We arrived around 6 p.m., and from the moment we got there, the experience was underwhelming. Although there was space to seat us, we felt unwelcome for not having a reservation and were led to a table in the very back, next to a windowsill covered in dead flies. The curtains were held back with zip ties, the lights above us flickered nonstop, and the space, despite supposedly being renovated, looked tired and worn with scuffed and dented walls.

My husband started with the crab soup, which he said was almost flavorless — a disappointing start that unfortunately matched the rest of the meal. We both ordered the filet mignon — at $44 each — and were underwhelmed by the lack of flavor and overall quality. I had specifically requested no mushrooms, but they were still included on my plate, which felt careless and frustrating. The mashed potatoes were dense and heavy, not fluffy, though the green beans were a bright spot — fresh and perfectly cooked.

I also ordered a cocktail that, unfortunately, tasted like an ashtray. Since we were only checked on once — at the very end of the meal — I didn’t even bother mentioning it. At that point, we just wanted to leave.

Given the long wait and cost, we decided to stay and eat despite our disappointment. At that point in the evening, leaving to find another restaurant didn’t seem like the best use of our time or energy.

For the price we paid, the food and service fell far short of expectations. We left feeling unwelcome, disappointed, and certain we won’t...

My husband I and recently moved to the area. We have frequented your restaurant a few times. My husband made reservations for 7p Valentine Weekend. We arrived 10 minutes early. We were greeted by a waitstaff that stated the hostess would be with us shortly. She did come to the desk and said that the table we were to be seated at still had patrons and offered the terrace area, but stated it was still cold. We walked back and saw two other patrons eating with their coats on. We were told that we could go to the bar. We went to the bar and there was a seat at the bar, but the bartender told us to sit at the table in the front window and a waitress would be with us to take our drink order. We sat for over 10 minutes with no one coming to ask us for our drink order. Meanwhile, the bartender continued to look over at us and ignored the fact that we were sitting there with no assistance or drinks. After and additional 20 minutes, we still were sitting in the bar area with no drinks and no waitstaff to address us. The bar area is very small. Even another patron in the bar area noticed us sitting there and suggested that my husband go to the bar. My husband said "no" he told us we couldn't sit at the bar!!! At this point, we were done! We got up went to the hostess, who stated she was the manager and told her we were leaving. She offered to buy us a drink to stay. We said "no thank you" we just wanted service. Thankfully, we had 98 Cannon's right down the street and although were crowded; they were more than willing to accommodate us. Steve, after seeing these reviews, you have not corrected the issues with your staff. This is a shame because your food is superb. All the best to you. I hope that you can continue to...

We spent the weekend on our boat in Chestertown. We came in from Kent Narrows. We had dinner Saturday night at The Kitchen at the Imperial. We were seated immediately in a quaint table for 2, in the front, by a window, charming. Our waitress arrived on time, but when we started asking her about the menu she quickly, and almost abruptly said "I have only worked here for 4 days". Hmmm we thought. She came back with waters. I asked her what the house bourbon was for Old Fashioneds. She said "I dunno, I do not drink" Hmmm, again.

I ordered a drink special, an espresso bourbon drink. She could not tell me anything about it, said she could get the bartender for me. I did not want to do that so I took a chance. It was not good at all, probably more my fault as it tasted like strong coffee, and should have known. After one sip I told her I did not like it, it was not her fault, could I please have an Old Fashioned. We were surprised to she she charged us for the drink when the bill came. We paid for it without saying anything.

We had double crab cakes and a salmon wrapped in a pastry with goat cheese. Bother we very good and fresh. The side portions were small, we both had 4 asparagus stalks. My gf had maybe 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes.

It took the waitress a while to return to clear our plates, and then to bring the check. We were only one of two tables in the room. During this time we were able to hear another waitress describe the specials, much more appealing than our waitress unfortunately. And the desserts as well, which our waitress never described to us.

I am assuming this is a coivd staffing issue. However, if your doors are open and we are paying the same price we expect the same...