Sweetbay Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Leonardtown

After dining at Sweatbay four or five times in the past, my wife and I decided to revisit this restaurant after more than a year away. Unfortunately, our experience left us disappointed, with a noticeable decline in the overall atmosphere and quality that we had previously enjoyed.

We reserved a table for 4:45 PM, dressed for a nice night out, and arrived to be greeted by two hostesses with a less-than-enthusiastic “Can I help you?” This wasn’t the warm welcome we expected. After confirming our reservation, we were seated in the back of the restaurant in what could only be described as the worst seat in the house. The restaurant was nearly empty at this point, with just two tables dining and one couple at the bar, which made this seating choice all the more puzzling. While I should have spoken up about it, I didn’t—so I’ll take some of the blame there.

Things went downhill quickly. Within 10 minutes of being seated, the back section of the restaurant filled up with large parties and small children, complete with high chairs being brought out on both sides of us. So many so that one group was told there were no more high chairs available. At this point, the atmosphere had completely shifted—gone was the refined, cozy vibe we had previously enjoyed. Instead, the lighting felt cold and cafeteria-like, making the setting feel far less inviting.

We decided to push through and ordered three appetizers. First, the tenderloin with crispy Brussels sprouts appetizer was priced at $21, but the portion size was disappointing. Three (awkward to share) small, square pieces of meat, each about the size and thickness of a silver dollar. The second appetizer, crab-stuffed mushrooms, had a better portion size, but the crab flavor was so minimal that it might as well not have been there. The glazed carrots, however, were excellent—probably the highlight of the evening.

Unfortunately, between the owner/manager (I think) physically moving a table into ours (calling it a “buffer zone”) and children crawling on the booth next to us, we decided to leave before ordering entrees.

In the past, Sweatbay impressed us with exceptional dishes like their shrimp and grits, and scallops—which are no longer on the menu. While the food was expensive back then, the flavors and cozy atmosphere made it worth it. This time, the high prices, small portions, and lack of ambiance made the experience feel like a poor value.

We were hopeful for a nostalgic return to what was once a great dining experience, but unfortunately, Sweatbay seems to have...

Service was above average, our servers Sara and Allison were attentive but unobtrusive. Watched other servers and food runners, all seemed eager to satisfy customers. Food was prepared and delivered in a timely manner, didn't feel rushed or waiting too long between courses. The house was full so we were prepared for a wait for our selections. Presentation was nice. The tenderloin first course is as described, t'loin in red wine demi with blue cheese. Was good, wasn't overwhelmed. Tuna tacos were okay. Big for a 'starter'. Described as seared tuna but had no sear seamed more steamed and heavy on the soy flavor. A smaller taco and hard sear on the tuna and these would be much better. I had the scallops over mushroom risotto. Very tasty. Scallops had a nice sear and risotto had a nice bite, not overcooked. The beurre blanc was a bit citrusy and conflicted with the mushroom but didn't ruin the plate. The scallops weren't whole, but cut in pieces which was odd. Husband ordered the pork chop, cooked medium, and it was great. Cooked perfectly, nice crust and medium throughout. The arugula and grilled peach salad on the plate was tasty as well. The basmati rice with it was bland, needs herb butter or maybe ginger and cilantro. The sweet mustard sauce with the pork was nice, not overly sweet or too piquant. The wine selection is limited but very nice. Listed as by the glass only, I didn't ask if bottles were an option, next visit I will. The noise level is a major issue. I think the pub up the street is quieter. We were there from 5:15 to 7, we're not fans of having to speak in raised voices to hear one another. Thankfully, we were seated in the back of the restaurant and it seamed a bit quiter than the front 2/3 of the space. I can't blame Sweetbay entirely for this, while the low ceiling and configuration have a lot to do with it, diners need to realize their obligations too. The noise level is the reason for four not five rating. Having a table by the kitchen enabled us to see the plates coming out, all looked good with nice presentations. We will go back, probably on a weeknight. And I applaud Sweetbay for being open in Sunday, can be hard to find a nuce meal out on Sunday...

This place is a hidden gem in the DC Metro area! I took my wife there for a Saturday Mother's Day early dinner. We had reservations so we where seated immediately. My wife enjoyed her cocktail drinks and I enjoyed my red wine. The appetizers were delicious (calamari and grilled scallops). Tasty Grilled Wedge Salad for her and Grilled Cobb Salad for me. For our main course she had the Jumbo Crab Cakes that were outstanding! Too much to eat so she brought home the second one. I had the Chef's Paealla. The paealla flavor was exquisitely spicy, but not overbearing. It had an abundance of protein (Shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, chicken, andoille sausage and prosuito) intermixed with the rice. Normally since my time spend in Spain enjoying authentic Paealla which would also have squid and maybe a baby octopus as the centerpiece, the ric ewas always the base of the dish and not quite soupy as the Chef Paealla. It actually appeared as more of a Louisiana Gumbo dish rather than a Paealla. My wife concurred and although she hasn't been to Spain and sampled one there, the Paealla she did have in South Beach Miami was much closer to the original Spanish version. Dessert was Keylime Pie for her and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake and was a wonderful closeout to our meal. For the two of us it was a bit pricey ($250 with tip included), but to celebrate her on Mother's Day weekend is worth the day out dining together. I give them an A-. They should consider changing the name of the Chef's Paealla to the Chef's Gumbo since the influence of the dish is more Creole than Spanish....