Wednesday 25th of June 2014 09:49:00 PM

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The most noteworthy thing about Ruddy Duck Brewery is its geographic remoteness. Unless you have cause to travel to the area, or if you are an insatiable beer hunter like myself, it is unlikely that you'll have the opportunity to try the Ruddy Duck beers. Nevertheless this restaurant brewery is not some backwater hole in the wall tavern, but is a vibrant and popular brewpub. The building exterior is brick and stucco with a high roof line and thick wooden beams flanking the entrance, and they have a large dedicated parking lot. Inside the decor is nautical themed, and the place is loud with a large dinner crowd. Half of the building is occupied by the bar area, which has a 15 chair wooden bar, several high top tables, and a small space for live music. My only complaint is that the bar area seemed a little too warm and humid. The other half of the building is for family friendly dining. The food menu has a great variety of appetizers, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, Maryland cuisine entrees, plus a few Argentine inspired dishes. The rushed servers seemed stressed by the crowd but managed to deliver. They have 8 house brews and a few guest taps. Their brewing vessels are visible through windows. Their beers are well crafted across a variety of styles, though none were exceptionally bold. If you're within a 30 minutes nearby, I highly recommend visiting for dinner.

Tuesday 29th of January 2013 11:29:07 AM

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We were there for a Valentine's Day package. The beers overall were okay without any standouts although there was a good selection. The food was from a pre-selected menu to go with the package. The beef was good as was my girlfriend's dinner. The service was prompt and friendly. They had a pretty cool "lobster grab" tank. I wouldn't mind taking another crack at this place sometime to see if it has improved and to check out the regular menu.

Tuesday 1st of January 2013 02:26:30 PM

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I stopped in with a co-worker while on a business trip. We only stopped for a few drinks, and since it was a Monday night it happened to be a bit crowded for their Trivia Night. The server was very nice, knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere was appealing.

But, it definitely seems more like a restaurant that happens to brew their own beer, more than a typical brewery. I tried a brown ale and wasn't too impressed with it. I don't recall what the person I was with had, but his reaction was similar. The selection of beers was comprehensive, but unfortunately the couple beers we tried on our short stay had room for improvement.

Saturday 6th of February 2010 04:32:49 PM

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This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

Award winning beer recipes that are quick rotate. There is always a new beer to try. Service is super friendly. Owner is passionate and nearly always greeting guests. My favorite beer was the Christmas honey mead ale, and a close second is their oatmeal stout. Dan's favorite is the IPA, solid. x o x o x o x o x o x o x o x o x o x o x o x o x o x o x o

Monday 18th of January 2010 03:41:24 PM

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Brewpub is situated off highway, but the building is free-standing and, thus, is allowed its own unique lay-out. Interior of brewpub is fairly large and simply decorated. With its name, you'd think that there'd be a heavy 'duck' theme throughout, but it's more broadly an homage to the area's nature and water-based heritage. There is a separate bar area with hi-def TVs for sports fans.

The food was good. Seafood was particularly tasty, but I had a sausage plate which was very sumptuous, as well.

Suppose I should have sampled more, but I had a taste for IPA that day that needed to be quenched, so I'll likely not know what the other brews taste like. However, they had a fair selection to select from, including a pilsner, a porter, and a standard pale ale (amongst others).

My only disappointment was that they did not have signature pint glasses.