Happy Harbor Restaurant — Restaurant in Maryland

My wife and I have been here twice. The first time was last summer mid-week in the afternoon when the A/C made the lower part of the place very comfortable. Waitress was exceptional (attentive and friendly). Relaxed atmosphere for sure with history that goes back to the 1930s according to overheard conversation. Food was very good with nice portions (shrimp basket and fish basket). We don't drink alcohol so can't speak to that. The bar was full however so they must be doing something right. Our second visit was on a Saturday evening about a month ago and the restaurant section was busy but not crowded. Service was much slower and what should have been an hour visit turned into a 90 minute marathon. It appeared as if there weren't enough servers to go around. Ordered the special of the day prime rib and it was the fattiest piece of meat we've ever seen. Couldn't trim all the marbled fat away with the provided knife so eventually got a to-go box so we could take it home and eat it with our fingers. Disappointment for sure since our first visit had been so exceptional. If it hadn't been so busy we most assuredly would have complained and gotten something different to eat but didn't want to risk causing a scene. HOWEVER, that negative experience has not dampened our enthusiasm for this charming, cozy place. In fact, we are heading over for another shrimp and fish basket today! We consider the prime rib fiasco to be an anomaly. We have company coming from the Pacific northwest in a couple months and can hardly wait to take them to this slice of local...

First night in on vacation my husband found this place—it was pretty darn good! We sat outside over the water (quite striking during the day/evening I’m sure, but we were there late). There’s an outdoor bar and string lights, we were right out by sleepy boats and overall it was quite serene while we were there. Parking mostly across the street from what we found, but seeing as how it isn’t a busy street there really wasn’t an issue with crossing. Food was good—my husband got the fried oyster basket with fries and green beans; I got the crab cake with fries and pasta salad. Fries were absolutely fantastic, crispy and hot. Crab cake was surprising in texture (not like “lump” crab like I had imagined, more like a creamy crab salad, deep fried in a super flavorful breading: unexpected but no less delicious! I got a side of the tartar sauce which brought a really nice brightness to a very rich dish. The fried oysters were super crispy and spiced really well. Menu had a wide variety of options, from steamed crab legs with butter to burgers and even soups, so there really is something for everyone. Our server, Jen, was so super sweet and kind—stuff came out fast, which was awesome because we were hungry! My husband got a few of their drinks—he really liked one (which I don’t remember the name of) but only somewhat cared for a pineapple one called the “Tipsy Mermaid”. To each their own! Overall, really great experience. Photo of some of the outdoor area—again, it was dark, so not a...

On New Year's Day 2023 American Legion Riders from Post 82, La Plata, MD took our annual "Polar Bear Ride". This year's ride took us to Deale and Happy Harbor Restaurant. We had called ahead with an estimate of 15 for a late lunch but unseasonably warm, dry weather brought a stronger than usual turnout of 22 people. The staff at HHR didn't bat an eye but led us to our tables on the porch. The two ladies who served is were super friendly and amazingly efficient. It didn't faze them that we asked to pay seperate checks, seemed like just another day for them. They got our drinks out to us quickly. I was particularly impressed that they remembered who ordered what made sure we all got the correct drink.

Just like the drinks, our food orders went in and came out quickly and each to right person. Given that there were other customers in the restaurant and that there were only two cooks in the kitchen, I'd say the food came out exceptionally fast. Everyone enjoyed their meals!

Thanks to the staff at Happy Harbor and God's blessing of great weather, our group had a fantastic day riding and fellowshipping. I will definitely be back and will bring friends to share...