Ruse — Restaurant in St. Michaels

The restaurant is cute and trendy. The man on the phone taking reservations and the woman at the front greeting guests were both very professional and friendly.

But Honestly, the food is overpriced by about 30% and the restaurant is way too loud.

Acoustical panels on the ceiling would go a long way. We sat at the table right by the kitchen door and that was a serious bummer. It’s really busy and every time the door opens there is a lighting change.

My husband had old fashioneds and they weren’t the best. Not bad but they should be poured with more alcohol not a straight 1.5 oz pour. They also should be served with a brandied cherry. When someone orders a double, it’s not standard to charge them double. It’s typically an up charge…

The chicory salad should be removed from the menu. $14 for dressed greens in ridiculous but the greens are way too bitter for nothing else to be on that plate. Offset the bitter with an easy green and some nuts and fruit. My husband couldn’t eat his portion citing that is tasted like stomach bile. I didn’t have that strong a reaction but I would never order this again. I honestly should have sent it back.

Peach burrata was delicious but $18 is too much for a meatless appetizer. (I expect to pay $18 for a full plate of oyster Rockefeller or seared scallops). The beets do not add anything to the dish. Another slice or two of peach would have been much better than beets.

Moving onto entrees… the duck stole the show and was the best part of our meal but again $44 for a tiny duck breast and no carbs is not right. I had the scallops which were cooked perfectly, but the polenta is not good. The consistency is between grits and polenta which means it was soupy and lumpy. That was unappealing enough, but it being sweet, instead of savory was the nail in the coffin for me. Not a good flavor combination in my opinion.

Overall we would give 3/5. Had we been outside, we might have bumped it due to the noise alone, however we were generally unsatisfied after dropping $200 for two people. Most likely we will not come back based on cost and...

A Delightful Dining Experience at Ruse in St. Michaels, MD Ruse in St. Michaels is an absolute gem. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is stunning—both the indoor and outdoor spaces are beautifully designed, making for an inviting and memorable dining experience. The service was impeccable, with the wait staff being exceptionally courteous and helpful. Our server, Brittany, was beyond amazing. She made our experience even more enjoyable and is one of the main reasons we’d return and recommend Ruse to our friends. As for the drinks, the mocktails were outstanding—citrusy, refreshing, and thoughtfully crafted. They were the perfect complement to the meal. The raw Wellfleet oysters were a standout—meaty with an intense brine flavor that was absolutely fantastic. The Roasted Wild Diver oysters were also very good, though I do hope the restaurant recycles the rock salt they’re served on, as otherwise, it seems like a bit of a waste. The Apple and Endive salad was a highlight—so fresh and well-balanced that I wish I could find it closer to home. The steak tartare was another winner, offering a complex and well-portioned dish that impressed with every bite. The only dish that didn’t quite resonate with me was the Chicken Liver & Foie Gras Parfait. It had a PB&J-like quality with a chickeny flavor, which I’m sure many would enjoy, but as a foie gras purist, it wasn’t my personal favorite. However, the Porcini Mushroom Lasagna more than made up for it—rich, flavorful, and an absolute must-try for mushroom lovers. Overall, Ruse delivers an incredible dining experience with top-notch service, beautifully prepared dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere. We’ll...

Ruse, nestled within the stylish Wildset Hotel in downtown St. Michaels, has quickly earned a reputation as a culinary hotspot, even garnering a James Beard finalist nomination. My companion and I decided to experience the hype firsthand, choosing Valentine's Day to sample their legendary weekday happy hour (4-6pm). Arriving right at 4pm proved to be a wise decision, as the bar filled to capacity within the first fifteen minutes. Clearly, the word is out. The happy hour menu is concise but perfectly curated. We started with half a dozen baked oysters, Ruse's elevated take on oysters Rockefeller, and they were simply fantastic. Next, we opted for the happy hour burger and fries. These are scaled-down versions of their main menu counterparts, offered at a fraction of the price, and both were outstanding. The burger features a miso Dijon that adds a layer of umami complexity, elevating it far beyond your average bar burger. The fries were the epitome of shoestring perfection, sprinkled with rosemary for an extra touch of flavor – the ideal accompaniment. Intrigued by the main menu, we also ordered the anchovy toast. The combination of piparra peppers and cultured butter perfectly balanced the saltiness of the anchovies, creating a harmonious and delicious bite. To drink, we enjoyed a few glasses of the house white Pinot Gris, and a well-made Manhattan. The staff at Ruse were incredibly attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, making our happy hour experience at the bar truly exceptional. From the quality of the food and drinks to the impeccable service, Ruse is clearly doing great things. I can't wait to return and explore the rest of...