Grump’s Cafe Crofton — Restaurant in Maryland

I try not to let my husband being at work stop me from braving the world with our small children. Going out to eat with them is always daunting for me, even with his help. They’re usually ok with shopping but I had never taken them to a sit-down restaurant by myself. I went yesterday with the 4yo birthday boy and the other turning 1 in a few days. If you know, you know. That was a risky move, but I wanted to get out and enjoy my time off with them. As soon as we entered, we were greeted and seated as there wasn’t too big of a crowd on a late Tuesday morning. It did fill up a bit after we arrived. The high chairs are amazing!!! If you have very small kids, these high chairs have a high back and attached eating surface. The best!!! Anyway, everyone we met was nothing but kind and patient (both staff and customers). It felt like we were visiting a friend and all three of us left happy and full. The food was great! I highly recommend the bacon stuffed waffle, and the child pancake order came out Mickey Mouse shaped - you know the big circle with the small circle “ears”. They also have a kids breakfast sampler. I think it was called The Ones. 1 egg, 1 meat, 1 pancake or French toast (if I recall correctly). It was a great way for the baby to enjoy different flavors and textures. Adorable! I couldn’t wait to tell my husband about how great a time we had and we will absolutely become regular faces. The table next to us ordered what looked like maybe a club sandwich that looked absolutely perfect. I’m looking forward to eating my way...

I visited the DMV for the weekend and searched for restaurants on the way to BWI. This place came up with really good reviews, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. Upon arrival, I found it to be a mom-and-pop atmosphere, very casual. The employees were wearing pajama bottoms with the restaurant logo on a T-shirt.

I was a bit confused about the ordering process when I walked in, but thankfully, a regular customer ahead of me kindly explained how it worked. Once someone finally came over to assist me, they asked if I was sitting inside or outside and how many were in my party. Since it was just me, they marked a table with a toy animal that had a number on it. At the register, I told them my table number, and that’s how they knew where to bring my food.

The atmosphere wasn’t too loud, filled with the conversations of the people in the restaurant. I don’t recall any music playing, and if there was, it was very low. The inside space wasn’t big, with only four booths. It’s family and dog-friendly due to the outside seating.

Although the menu was overwhelming, I initially wanted crabcakes but changed my mind upon arrival. I ended up ordering a pumpkin waffle with cinnamon butter, two scrambled eggs, and crispy potatoes. The food was okay, nothing extraordinary. I wouldn’t go back here, not because it was bad, but because it didn’t leave a lasting impression. I prefer trying new spots rather than returning...

We went on a Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago. We'd only been one other time, during COVID. Thought we tried out again. I accidentally went in the wrong door. Will let's just say what a mistake that was. A young redhead started screaming at my husband and I, and didn't stop for like 5 minutes. Had no idea why I came in the wrong door, or even what to do about it as we thought just walking to the back of the line was enough. But she proceeded to tell pretty much everyone that worked there, and then glared at us the entire time. I was serious afraid she was going to spit in our food and then stood and glared at us the entire time. I was serious afraid she was going to spit in our food. Though everyone else seemed particularly nice, she was completely obnoxious and made our stay horrible. Will never go back.

And I will add that another hostess explained to us why we would should have come in the other door, where everybody was eating. Which is what made me uncomfortable about going in that door to begin with. It was because they give you the seat assignment there. But that hostess were gracious and took care of it, without having to yell at us and tell 5 people working at the restaurant and talk about us when we were standing/sitting right right there!! So yes if I were to come back I would know the right door next time. But after the redhead, that won't happen! And the food...