The Farmhouse Gambrills — Restaurant in Crofton

I was visiting from New York City and took my twin eight year-old granddaughter’s here for dinner on July 4. We had early reservations, and only had to wait a few moments for a booth. Our waitress was rather young, barely greeted us, and did not seem pleased that she was given a table with one adult and two children. At times these girls who are very well schooled in the art of dining, order from the adult menu. After reviewing the menus, they both ordered from the children menu- the macaroni and cheese and apple. We ordered a side of fries for them to share. We declined the sparkling water which received quite a frown from the waitress. I asked for flat and she never offered me flat water in a bottle, so we have tapwater. I ordered the fillet tip salad with the meat the side to share with them, along with an Arnold Palmer. The Arnold Palmer was served basically warm with minimal ice in a canning jar. I get the farmhouse theme but the presentation was not appealing to me at all. The salad was huge, practically falling over the large plate and steak tips served on the side. The steak was done nicely, the salad was swimming in dressing. The waitress never asked me how I wanted to steak tips cooked. I had to call our waitress over to the table as a food runner brought our food. I asked for a fresh cracked pepper, and she looked at me like I was speaking a different language. Finally, she brought a Peppermill That looked quite dirty, and set it on the table. I told her she could wait we just wanted it a little bit on top of the mac & cheese and the salad, but it was empty. She went and had it refilled, and again set it on the table, expecting me to crack my own pepper over my Salad and to reach across the table and do the same for my granddaughter. Never in my life have I had this happen to me! Lack of comprehension of serving skills like this. No one returned to check on how the food was. My granddaughter discovered a hair in her water class. I asked the passing young lady who was running the food to get a new glass of water for us as there was the hair in the glass, she brought a new glass of water and left the dirty on the table. Basically we were ignored, never once was I asked if we wanted dessert, coffee, or anything else! I did tip 18% as I know the tips are shared. I spoke to the manager afterwards and he said he would speak to the server. I don’t understand if someone is that unhappy with her job why they’re even doing it. If I had had proper service a larger tip would have been given. I certainly would have tipped her more because I understand children’s meals are not that expensive, but that really gave her no right to minimize our experience. Unfortunately, staff sometimes equates the size of the table to the size of the tip. As a single diner often in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, I can tell you this is not true and it would be wise for all wait staff to understand this concept. The girls were excited and had put on fancy nice dresses. Fortunately, they did not understand how we were minimized, especially compared to the other tables the waitress was serving. I expected more from...

When walking into the restaurant it seems promising however that is where it stops. Our server did not know anything about the menu. The service was friendly however was not ready to be serving people in a restaurant that charges those prices. Ordered two steaks asked for medium rare on both. One came out medium rare and the other came out well done. So I had to find someone to help me to fix it. Server never checked on us till it 2ad time to leave no water refills not asks. We would of ordered dessert however was never asked and after our experience would not have wasted our time or money. I got to watch my wife eat her food for 10 minutes before my plate came back to me. Now onto the food quality and taste. Had a crab and corn dip appetizer and it was hot below and cold up top. Only thing good was the bread that came with the dip. Was not cooked all tje way through. Then Brought me corn bread with syrup and butter prior to main course that was just ok. Was a bit odd not sure why that was added. The steak and green beans were bland or no taste at all. My wife and I both had to add salt and pepper just to get through the steak. The green beans were picked and put right on my plate. I grew up on a farm and have never seen green beans served this raw with a steak dinner. Very under cooked. My wife's garlic mashed potatoes were OK which is why they got the one star. No one ever apologized no manager ever asked how the food was even after walking past us multiple times. No offer for a comp with a dessert or not even a im sorry for such bad food and service. My dinner for two cost me 165 for two steak dinners an appetizer and a few drinks. Everything way over priced. You are better off going to a basic chain restaurant then going here. To make matters worse leaving we walked right past a glass room full of management and one was standing.right.by the door and did not even say thanks come again or bye. Very rude and very much obvious they are not concerned about customer service. The couple came in next to us and were not even greeted by a server until 15 mins after arriving. We heard they were from out of town and the server apologized for them sitting so long without being noticed. We noticed when they were done eating they barely touched their food. When time for the check I had to find someone to get the bill and then a different server noticed we were still waiting on our server to come get the bill so I could leave. I have traveled all over the world and have eaten at restaurants every where. At this price this has to be one of the worst I have experienced. I do not expect them to be in that location long unless they change their ways. I do not...

Still celebrating my birthday and a friend wanted to take me out for brunch. As we've never been to The Farmhouse and they just started serving brunch last week, we decided to check it out. Being familiar with the Blackbarn brand we expected a buffet brunch when we arrived, but we ok with a plated meal.

The brunch menu is limited and the prices are reasonable based on the portion size. So far you'd expect why only a 2 star. Let's get to it. We arrived about 12:30/12:40 & were informed there was a 45-60 min wait unless we found seats at the bar. The bar was pretty empty so we sat there. The bartender who never gave her name came over immediately with menus and was quite friendly. We perused the menu and placed our orders. I ordered the Farmhouse platter (3 eggs, a side, potatoes & toast) and hot tea. All the sides were the same price, so I asked for fruit as I don't eat meat. He ordered the steak and eggs. He wanted rye toast, but they only had wheat and sourdough. The bartender stated the cornbread was good and she could bring him that. A mini pitcher of warm water and a box of teas. Yes warm, not hot it couldn't even dissolve the sugar, but I'm trying to give grace. 35/40 mins later the food comes out. We're seated at the bar and the kitchen staff is serving our food from behind us. Farmhouse platter with burnt eggs and bacon, no that's not ours as he proceeds to give me the plate. He calls to the bartender who confirms the seat numbers and that the fruit was my side. Server serves the other dish and heads to the kitchen then goes behind the bar and tells the bartender the kitchen says she has to re-ring my order. 30 mins later, my friend has finished his food and my watermelon and my food is JUST coming out, eggs, potatoes, fruit but no toast. After the initial 20 min wait for a replaced meal we did ask for a manager who stated there was a large party, the kitchen was backed up & she would comp my $16 meal. The original bartender NEVER came back. We both had water, no refills, no checking on us AT ALL. The dirty tea cup, used napkins and lemons sat in front of me until we asked the other bartender for a manager. He was cleaning it up which availed the opportunity to ask for a manager.

I'm so mad I didn't take a pic of the sign on the bar talking about how they pride themselves on the service. Not sure if I need to make a trip to Crofton for...