RockSalt Grille — Restaurant in Westminster

First off, let me say I enjoyed dining here. And I’ve dined enough places to understand there can be problems with the coordination between the kitchen and the service of the staff.

The food was delicious. The drinks were delicious. The food was priced reasonably and was of a very good quality. Yet something was wrong here and it diminished the overall dining experience.

Our party of three sat down to dine around 5 PM Yesterday, October 13, 2024. We were interested in having oysters on the half shell. We ordered a dozen immediately along with cocktails and beers.

We planned a leisurely dinner to catch up between friends from distant places. Ultimately, we accomplished that goal, but not without some challenges.

Two of us ordered the crabcake sandwich, and one of us ordered the rock salt burger. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes.

Our drinks and beers arrived quickly enough, and we sat and talked catching up as we discussed events from our long friendship. The fried green tomatoes arrived and were fantastic! If I return, I’ll probably order two of these, they were the best that any of us had ever had.

Our server, Brady, was on top of things, and was diligent at keeping up with whatever we needed. At all times he kept us informed, and there were many opportunities for him to do that, Particularly because the oysters that we ordered at the outside were long delayed.

The crabcake sandwiches and burger arrived, but keep in mind We had waited a long time to put these because we were waiting to be served oysters. The crabcake is in the top three that I have ever had, and the other friend of mine who had the crabcake was very much impressed. My friend who had the burger likewise, was impressed. My crabcake came with a side of potato salad, at my selection and request, and it was amongst the best potato salad I’ve ever tasted.

However, even though we ordered the oysters as an appetizer at the outside with our cocktails and beers, it was long after our courses were served that the oysters finally arrived at our table. This was disappointing, and took away from the dining experience. I want to add that the oysters were shucked very nicely, and a miniongnette and horseradish cocktail sauce were quite good.

So we had completed having a couple drinks, fried green tomatoes, and dined on delicious crabcakes and a burger, when the oysters finally arrived. I would estimate the time from having ordered the oysters until they arrived at at least one hour, probably a bit more, but I want to be fair. We enjoyed very much the food that we were served while we dined.

The cocktails were expertly prepared and oh so delicious. Two of us had something called that gin drink, and one of us had a couple martinis. Everyone was happy with the drinks that they were served, no problem there at all, at least so far.

Our server, Brady, provided incredible service to us. He kept us informed at all times, and apologized many times for the lateness of, and delay of service of the oysters that we had ordered at the very beginning of our evening. Brady did a fantastic job.

For dessert, we opted for a few options from the incredible dessert presentation tray. Additionally, we ordered drinks, including a coffee with a shot of Cointreau, and an Irish coffee.

I had the Irish coffee, and although it was delicious and well prepared, it was served in a glass reminiscent of the 1970s. You can probably picture that. It didn’t take away from the taste or the enjoyment of the drink, but it just felt that something here needed to be updated and changed in terms of the overall service goals of this Very nice establishment.

I wouldn’t hesitate to dine in here again. But, something is amiss when it takes over an hour to be served an order of 12 oysters on the half shell and are paying premium prices. You simply can’t fault Service for a delay like this, and we went out of our way to make sure the server understood, and was compensated fully based on the total amount of the check. There’s no way Brady could be held responsible for...

Rocksalt Grille specializes in seafood prepared in the customary styles of the Chesapeake Bay area. They are deservedly well-known for their raw oyster bar, offering a wide variety. The oyster menu explains the differing qualities of the varied offerings. In addition, they have steaks that are prepared to your true preference. The sandwich menu includes large hamburgers in a variety of styles. There is a full-service bar. Rock Salt Grille is fully wheelchair accessible, including the Family Rest Rooms (see my photos. )

My husband and I have enjoyed several meals at Rocksalt and found each to be of the highest quality, as have our several guests. The restaurant is relatively new to Westminster and very quickly established a reputation for excellence in both food and service. Their only flaw in my view is that they have already outgrown their available space. The manager told me that the owner is planning to open a second location. On the day of the review, my husband and I took his father to Rock Salt to celebrate his 84th birthday. We each had a different soup - Maryland Crab, Cream of Crab, and Oyster Stew. Each was loaded with seafood and seasoned to our enjoyment. Our entrees were: lobster tail stuffed with crab imperial with sides of green beans and red potato salad. The lobster tail was very large, sweet and nutty, and buttery. The amount of crab imperial stuffing was the most I've seen in many years and taste was heavenly. This is coming from a woman who gradually developed her own recipe over the course of 15+ years of tweaking to get it just right. The green beans were a great balance of thoroughly cooked and crunchy with tasty seasoning that wasn't overwhelming. The potato salad, another recipe I have developed myself, had bite-size potato pieces were neither mushy nor too hard. The dressing had a pleasing light touch of sweet, tart, and earthy herbs in the dressing. My father-in-law had an oyster sandwich, which he declared very fine - high praise from him. It came with a huge portion of perfectly cooked fries. Ketchup was automatically brought to the table with the fries. I don't understand why they don't do this everywhere. Finally, my husband had the broiled scallops, a family favorite. Scallops can be tricky at times with an occasional one tasting bitter. There's no warning sign, but the best way to avoid it is by buying only the best product from the cleanest waters. At Rock Salt they clearly have a very reputable regular supplier because the Broiled Scallops are always large, tender, and buttery - never fishy or bitter. He had the green beans and cole slaw, which he enjoyed very much. If you're in the mood for a crab cake, but want to try something different, you can add a crab cake to any meal for $8. It's...

My recent dining experience at RockSalt Grille in Westminster, Maryland was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I walked through the door, I was enveloped in an ambiance of warmth and sophistication. The restaurant's chic yet cozy interior sets the stage for a memorable culinary journey.

The highlight of my evening was undoubtedly the Sweet Petite Oysters - a culinary masterpiece that left my taste buds dancing with delight. Sourced fresh and bursting with the flavors of the sea, these oysters were impeccably prepared, showcasing the chef's expertise and dedication to quality. Each bite was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to serving the finest, freshest seafood available. I was genuinely impressed by the oysters' tenderness and the way their natural sweetness was perfectly accentuated.

Additionally, I had the pleasure of enjoying my meal at the outside bar, an area that radiates charm and relaxation. The outdoor ambiance was simply enchanting, with soft lighting and a vibrant atmosphere. The bar staff was not only skilled but also incredibly friendly, mixing cocktails with precision and a smile. It was the perfect spot to unwind, sip on a handcrafted drink, and savor the delectable oysters.

Beyond the exquisite food and inviting atmosphere, the service at RockSalt Grille was unparalleled. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring a delightful dining experience for every guest. Their recommendations were spot-on, adding a personal touch to my evening.

The menu at RockSalt Grille is a testament to the chef's creativity and dedication to showcasing the best flavors of the region. The diverse selection of seafood, along with other culinary delights, catered to various palates and dietary preferences. It's evident that every dish is prepared with precision and a deep appreciation for culinary artistry.

In conclusion, RockSalt Grille in Westminster, Maryland, is a true gem. The restaurant's commitment to excellence, from the heavenly Sweet Petite Oysters to the inviting outside bar and impeccable service, makes it a five-star dining destination. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply looking for an exceptional dining experience, RockSalt Grille is a culinary haven that promises a gastronomic adventure like no other. I eagerly anticipate my next visit to indulge in their culinary...