Bistro 91 — Restaurant in Maryland

A mixed bag. It was a first time visit, and we ordered takeout. First issue was that they would not enforce their COVID-releated requirement for only one person inside at a time for pickup. My wife followed the directions (as did the people in front her), but the several people behind my wife did not and they crowded in behind her into the narrow area. She requested the person at the counter to request the others to go back outside but her request was simply ignored. The person did mention then that they have curb-side pickup, so definitely recommend using that (my wife was not informed this was an option when ordering).

The lasagna ordered by two people was pretty good, and it was very appreciated that it was all-beef versus a pork/beef mix. It was something we'd definitely reorder. But, the Maryland Crab soup had ALL of the salt (so much that it was inedible) so definitely do not recommend that. That was a disappointment as, unlike many other restaurants, there wasn't a pool of grease on top so we had high hopes. Get that salt level way down and it might be pretty good.

I ordered the chicken chesapeake, and it was a total disappointment. It was so greasy (pools of oil were present), and the sauce was extremely bland. The chicken was very overcooked. The pasta was fine. The portion was very large and made for two meals at least. It was far below the quality of dish and cooking at many other local restaurants. Especially given the $20+ cost, this was a big thumbs down!

For dessert, we ordered a turtle pie, a cheesecake, and cannoli. The turtle pie and cheesecake were pretty good and would definitely recommend. The cannoli had a nice flavor, but the cheese filling was a bit on the grainy side. So, not perfect, but okay.

The bottom line we learned is that they do okay with the basics of an Italian place, so stick to that and you'll likely not be disappointed. Don't order any of their higher priced specialty items as they just aren't up to snuff. I'll probably keep it simple and get a chicken parm sub...

I use to love eating at this restaurant and ordering carry out or delivery but I guess times are changing. Here are my two most recent experiences that will forever keep me from patronizing the FINKSBURG J&P again. This review is ONLY about the FINKSBURG J&P and a manager named Kim.

I have ordered the COBB salads there quite a few times and they had mozzarella cheese along with bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and chicken. I ordered the usual last week 2 Cobbs and a Greek This time no mozzarella. I call and speak to Kim. KIM says she is the manager. I tell her what's wrong with the salads and she proceeds to tell me Cobbs are ONLY made with FETA cheese. I said I like it the way I had been getting it and she said we don't ever make it that way. She says "I will bring you out a salad and you give the one you have to the driver". I had already eaten part of it and SHE WANTS ME TO GIVE IT BACK?! That is unsanitary and just illogical. But I gave it and the one my son had mostly eaten back. She said next time ask for mozzarella special which actually made sense.

So today I did just that. We get our COBBS with GLOBS of mozzarella; no problem but where is the bacon? Lol. By this time I am thinking Cobbs aren't meant to be anymore for us. I call them and KIM answers the phone. I told her we are eating our salads but they normally have bacon on them. She said she will drive me out some bacon. I politely said by the time you get here the salads will be gone. She then proceeded to say "What did you do just call us up to complain about our salads?" I was astounded at her response. She said that...then HUNG UP on me. To all the GOOD managers in the world God bless you! I caution everyone about being able to approach the manager at this Finksburg New York J&P. She was rude to me and didn't handle the situation professionally at all but I can only assume she tried her best. Eater beware if there is anything wrong...

I'm giving 3-stars to be generous just because we've ordered their pizza and shrimp salad sub to be delivered and both were really good.

On the other hand, this past Monday night we came in and ate in with another couple. We ordered drinks and an app (breaded mushrooms) and they came out. They were all good. Then, in the 25 or so minutes until we got our entrees, our waitress was MIA to refill our drinks (I had to ask after she brought our meals). I walked back to use the restroom and she was just eating a meal on the counter near the kitchen. That's fine and all, but check on your customers. Then the worst part came, the food. I ordered a sirloin steak with 2 vegetables. The steak was clearly marked on the grill and then sat under a heat lamp for 20ish minutes. My medium steak was well done to say the least. The thin asparagus was also overcooked and mush. My wife got Seafood Manicotti and said the scallops were overcooked (or old) and the sauce tasted "off". When we got home later, she got sick (about 2-3 hours after eating). The other couple got Lasagna (which he thought was really good) and a Salmon Caesar Salad. She said the salmon was way overcooked (dry). Overall, a pretty poor eat-in experience. The only thing I can think is that we got more unconventional meals they aren't used to preparing.

I love to give positive reviews to local places, but I can't this more than 2 and a half stars. Maybe stick to the...