Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant

I've eaten here many times in years past and have always very much enjoyed the quality of the food and the unique colonial atmosphere.  I had a chance to return last week with friends and we were all a bit disappointed.  The place is still as cute as ever and they have an awesome selection of beers on tap.  We were in the mood for wine and their wine menu provides virtually no details about their wine selection (not even price) and their wait staff is not well trained to be able to make recommendations.  The burgers we ordered were dry, no cornbread buns as promised on their menu, and the fries were served cold and without ketchup.  When we requested ketchup and a dipping sauce or maybe a salsa to improve the dry burgers, the wait person could only offer us 2 different bottled steak sauces.  Maybe they were just having an off night?

Stopped here again on our way back to NJ from MD and were not disappointed, as usual. Make no mistake, this is not fine dining but you will enjoy whatever you order.

Their beer selection is quite large and the bartender very knowledgeable. When I asked to order a certain item, he told me it wasn't up to their normal standard and suggested the Sheperd's Pie, which was huge and delicious. Definitely a two meal item. My wife had a burger as well as a salad and enjoyed both.

A nice, little place in which to decompress during a long drive. It is kind of nice to see the interaction between the locals and the waitstaff - but we always feel welcome.

A historic building, with an old time tavern feel, Jessop's has been featured on several TV shows for its ghostly inhabitants. However, it should have been featured for the great food it serves, and the great atmosphere! The wait staff are kind, humorous, and made to wear period garb if your into that kind of thing.

For starters, we had Sweet Potato fries and a caramel dipping sauce, very tasty, crispy, and a nice balance of salty & sweet.

For entrees,  I had the Chicken pot pie and my Girlfriend had the Beef and Beer pot pie. Both were served in a pewter pot, filled to the brim with root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, some celery, and turnips), good sauce (Especially the beer & beef as it had a very deep dark flavor). The buttery crust was laid over the pot and left to rise until golden brown.

The only con I could bring up is that I noticed the place is only open until 10pm and its a small space for large crowds. The size can't really be helped though, seeing as the building is historic, and can't be changed too much.