Sunset Restaurant & Lounge

Personal Review {February 2003}:
My wife and her friends were having another of their annual gatherings at the Sunset. This time, they were seated, even with reservations, in the supposedly non-smoking section, right next to the open door to the bar where smoking is allowed. I came in to meet them and talked very briefly, but had to leave because of the incredibly overpowering smoke. They wanted to move when they first got there but were greated to a very terse, uncooperative response that if they did they would have to wait a long time for another table. They endured, but it was not without the consequences of having smoke filled clothing and, though they enjoyed their time together and the food, all were questioning whether it was worth going back again. Tough choice for what used to be such a nice environment with great food and service. We'll see what happens, but if we ever go back together...we will demand a table on the other side of the building!

Personal Review {15 January 2002} :
I tagged along with my wife and her friends for a Christmas/Birthday night out at the Sunset, a favorite haunt of theirs, last week. Unfortunately, our visit this trip was marred by the excessive smoke filtering throughout the restuarant. Smoking is allowed in the bar area, but on this night, even though we were in a separate room, the smoking penetrated the room through the open doorway (no door to close) forcing us to ask for another table away from the door. This helped, but was not perfect. Our coats were hung in the cloak room which, as it turns out in so many cases, was near the bar...along with the restrooms. We had to hang our coats out to air when we got home to avoid getting sick. What a horrible stink. I think, despite the fine meal and service, this episode has convinced my wife's group that they should find another place to gather in the future. A disappointment to say the least.

Although the meal was generally as good as usual, there were some problems. My wife had the lobster tail which was slightly overcooked giving is a 'rubbery' taste. The peas she chose for her vegetable were almost grey and mushy they were so overdone. I chose for my meal the stuffed shrimp which consisted of 3 large prawns covered with a pile of crab imperial. It was very good, and more than I could manage to finish. The side dishes of mashed potatoes and gravy and cut green beans were good...not great, but acceptable. The others in our group had fried shrimp, crab cakes and broiled flounder. All were very good from all reports. The highlight of the meal was the cream of crab soup with a small flask of sherry to add to the flavor at your chosing. This was a wonderfully thick and creamy soup and has become a must for the group. The prices were a bit high for the meal given the less than perfect quality of the side dishes and smokey environment. Entrees ranged from $16 - $23. They have a good variety of seafood, beef dishes and italian dishes from which to chose. Unfortunately, however, it doesn't look like we'll be going back anytime soon.

Personal Review :
The Sunset has been a long time favorite since we moved to Maryland 15 years ago. Although we don't live close by any longer, we do make a point of stopping by when we get a chance. The Sunset is a very nice, generally quite and popular location in Glen Burnie. It sports lots of interesting decor including fine woodwork and memorable paintings throughout the several available rooms. The service is usually quite good, though a little slow on occasion and the food is very good American style with selections of seafood, crab cakes, steaks and the odd Italian or Mexican style dish. You'll seldom get a bad meal here. It's a great place to get together with friends. Prices for sandwiches are typically in the $4-6 range while luncheon specials can go from $6-11. Dinners will run a bit more, but not out of sight. The several different rooms available will allow you to stay away from the bar where smoking is allowed (rather pungent at times...and nothing can ruin a good meal quicker than a lot of cigarette smoke wafting by your nose as you're savoring your special dish). However, the crowds are pretty big most weekend evenings making it difficult to get a table away from the smoke, let alone a parking place. Enjoy.