The White Oak Tavern — Restaurant in Maryland

We just got home from a visit to White Oak Tavern, having arrived on Sat March 2 just after 6 pm. My husband and I and our two young children did not have reservations so we were prepared that there could be a wait for a table. When we walked in, we were greeted by two front desk staff. The young man told us that they were full tonight and only happened to have a table because a large party had just cancelled. I am not quite sure what the implication was - it almost felt like he was suggesting that we would not be permitted to wait for a table given that they were full for the night. Staff were separating a 10 top table into 2 four tops with a 2 top in between. We were the only folks waiting near the desk. Once the tables were set, the young woman lead us to the four top closest to the door. Because it's winter and we had two young children, I asked if we could be seated at the other four top, three tables back from the door. We were told no because those tables were taken. I gently pushed back a bit because we were watching them break down a larger table into smaller tables and no one else was standing and waiting for these newly available tables but she declined to allow us to move. She was not very pleasant about this. Several min later, another 4 top was lead to the table we asked for. I worked both the front desk and as a server to put myself through grad school so I consider myself familiar with front of the house issues. The only reason I could see for refusing to allow us to have the other table was because she did not wish to move the menus two tables down. Unfortunately, this interaction set the tone for our meal; I didn't appreciate being treated as if we were lucky to be permitted to eat there. As far as the meal itself, I will say that the brussel sprouts were excellent, and the beer list is extensive and fun. Our server, Curt, is also good at his job. We asked for our children's milk to be delivered with their food, and he remembered to do so. I appreciate this as I know it messes up the server's "flow" and is an odd request that can be difficult to remember later. I also noticed that he kept a close, unobtrusive watch on his tables; he was discreetly coming past his tables often to keep an eye on things. I suspect he's one of the those quiet servers who's good at his job but may not get a lot of attention for that because he does a good job of blending into the background, while being attentive. I would have shared our experience with a manager, had one of them come by during our time there, but although I saw what looked like two managers on the floor, no one stopped over. I'm not sure we...

IN RESPONSE TO OWNER'S REPLY BACK TO MY WIFE - You are ABSOLUTELY INCORRECT! There was no "attempt to break the rules" or try to manipulate anything. Your GM implied my wife was lying. Your manager (Andy? - dressed in a plaid shirt) said the cards COULD BE USED if they were purchased in a different transaction to the main check. He further explained that the $20 card could not be used until a return visit as that was the "free" promotion. He SUGGESTED that I purchase the cards from the desk - hence what I actually did. Your offer has an asterisk after the free $20 giftcard (i.e. promotional item and according to a dictionary definition is an incentive for the purchase). Your GM and partner EVEN CONFIRMED that the giftcards could be used same day if they were purchased as a gift and the recipient comes to use them that evening. In no way were we trying to use the promotional $20 gift card. You were guaranteed at minimum 2 return visits from our transaction, which is the entire point behind offering a promotion (at least that is according to your partner). When I tried to take the time to explain loyalty analytics (as I was the Director of Business Intelligence for Fishbowl Marketing for several years), your partner's response was "Good for you". Hardly someone who cares to hear that they could be doing something harmful for the business. Your GM is rude and dismissive, and it doesn't take long to look through his responses to many negative reviews that he IS NOT interested in actually trying to correct problems. For the record, what was enjoyable about last evening was the music. White Oak is responsible for securing the artist - he is NOT your talent and would not have even been there if not for the fact that his previous engagement was cancelled. My son's french fries had two long, dark hairs in them, one of them was adhered to a fry. So, you are absolutely incorrect that everything was "picture perfect". I made an honest attempt to educate your partner and not only was he rude, but he was completely unwilling to listen. My suggestion would be that you ask Andy to recall his discussion and suggestions he made. If he is honest, you will quickly realize that you are in the wrong. While I hardly anticipate an apology to any member of our party, you can be certain that we will widely publicize the horrendous customer service and the attitudes of your establishment. If you were genuinely customer focused, it would be wise to listen and digest, not assume you know it all. We are not the only 1 star review. If you take a long, hard look you will...

The White Oak Tavern has a seasonal menu based on what's locally available, and despite their farm-to-table approach, is pretty unpretentious. I've been going there intermittently for about a decade now, and have consistently liked the place. Their kitchen takes a great deal of pride in its work, and they make their own ketchup, sausage, pickles, etc. This is a bottomless mimosas with fresh squeezed OJ kind of place.

If you haven't been lately, well: ten years ago, they didn't have salt or pepper on the tables and really got upset if you asked for alterations to dishes. That's rough when the place serves, well, eggs at breakfast. It also made things difficult for me in light of serious food intolerances; bell peppers, for instance, will make me feel miserably hungover for days more effectively than any five libations from their excellent beer selection could. So I'm happy to say, if folks had unpleasant experiences in the past, things have lightened up a bit - but they still don't like to change their creations. That kind of culinary pride exists in a precarious balance with their identity as, basically, a sports bar - but they're good enough that it works for them. I highly recommend trying things that sound adventurous there.

In fact, if you're a foodie and prefer to eat local, you'd be hard pressed to find a better place to eat.

My vegetarian sister and brother-in-law always find dishes they're delighted with, as does my omnivorous side of the family. Everything from small plates through dessert is thoughtfully and well made. The service is always great, too, and in the halcyon days of my relative youth I met some of my favorite beers there.

If I could change something about the place, it would be the noise level. Even when there's not a band playing, sound ricochets around this place like crazy, which can make having a conversation around the table really difficult. There's got to be something that could be done to acoustically improve the space; other places of similar size do not generally share this problem. But what's frustrating to me might be soothing for you, or provide good cover when you don't like your in-laws as much...