Over winter break, I had the chance to try a highly recommended local restaurant located at 588 Baltimore Pike in Bel Air, MD. The restaurant, Barretts on the Pike, was the perfect place for a calm dinner night with my coworkers as we caught up and relaxed over the break. I dressed in casual attire to match the setting and vibe of the restaurant. Upon entering, I immediately noticed how clean and neat everything was, which is something I really value when dining out. The restaurant was nicely decorated with a white and gray color scheme, accented by a pop of cool, deep blue.
At the front of the restaurant, there was a wine and alcohol bar where guests could sit and enjoy a drink or wait for a table. When my coworkers and I were escorted to the back to be seated, our waitress handed us menus so we could decide on drinks and appetizers before ordering our meals. I also noticed the fun colors of the chairs at our table; some were dark blue, while others were black and white with playful printed patterns.
The menu was carefully designed and very organized, making it easy to navigate and find exactly what I wanted. I wasn’t in the mood for anything sweet, so I kept my drink simple and ordered water. Although the restaurant offers a variety of drinks, most of the options were wines, cocktails, and other alcoholic beverages. However, they also had nonalcoholic options such as soft drinks, water, and iced tea. The restaurant seems more geared toward young adults and adults, but it is still a welcoming place for families looking to enjoy a nice evening out.
For appetizers, my coworkers and I decided to split one and ordered the crab dip. We also placed our main course orders at the same time to shorten the wait. I ordered the blackened pasta, which included penne noodles, tomatoes, peas, cream sauce, parmesan, and grilled chicken, with the option to substitute shrimp if preferred. On the side, I ordered a Caesar salad with salmon on top instead of the chicken that was offered. My coworkers ordered the Pike Burger and the Salmon BLT. Each meal ranged from about $18–$22, though the menu also featured more expensive options such as Fresh Market Fish, New York strip steak, and Black Angus center-cut filet, which ranged from $35–$38.
The service was great. Our waitress was kind, attentive, and did an excellent job answering our questions and bringing our food out quickly. There was also a good number of staff on the floor, which made the service feel efficient and well-managed.
When our food arrived, it was hot and fresh, except for my salad, of course. The blackened chicken pasta was creamy and flavorful without being overly sauced, and the chicken was grilled just right. The salmon on my salad had a smoky, seasoned taste and paired well with the crisp lettuce, making it easy and enjoyable to eat. After we finished our meals, our waitress brought us boxes and our bill.
Overall, I would rate my experience at Barretts on the Pike a strong 9/10. It’s a great place to enjoy good food in a comfortable, stylish environment and a relaxed setting perfect for conversation. I would recommend it for dinner with coworkers, friends, or family when you want something a little nicer but still comfortable.
