Johnny’s Bistro on Main is a hidden Maryland gem.  Now let me warn you, there is some active engagement involved in this dining.  No singing or drawing on paper table cloths, but you will have to get up and order yourself.  And I hate that!  But I usually hate it because there is no alcohol.  Here, there is alcohol!  I must also admit the waitstaff would be more than happy to bring your order to the kitchen for you.  Which is confusing.  There is a 2 minute period where you sit and wait to see if someone will come and help you – and after those 2 minutes, you walk to the kitchen window, head down and spirit distressed.

We ordered the potato leek soup – it tasted as if it has started as a powder mix.  Not good not bad, thank you Knorr.  I ordered The Philly – “An Italian style sub made with capacola, hard salami, pepperoni, provolone and topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, olive oil and herbs.”  I’m from Philly – we would call this a hoagie.  And it was quite delicious with a wonderful crusty bread.  And, surprisingly, the perfect amount of shoe string fries – just enough to be tasty but not too much.  My manpanion ordered the reuben – on pretzel bread!

All in all, a wonderful lunch!  Ellicott City has the feeling of Harpers Ferry, WV – without the large river or gorgeous forest expanses.  If you are looking for an afternoon of antique watching and lunch eating, this is a place to try!

AEK