Holiday overbooked and slow, slow, slow.
Kaufmann's food is pretty good, if you can afford plenty of time to get served.
Our party of six had a reservation for 8 PM, didn't get seated until after 9 PM, and were served (well, most of us) just after 10 PM. One of our appetizers (stuffed mushrooms) did not show up when the others were served, they just "discovered" they were out. Then the same problem occurred when an entree suddenly came up "unavailable" as the other five of us were served our food. My daughter's second choice didn't show up until twenty minutes later, despite being told it would only be a "couple of minutes." I had enough time to finishing off an excellent medium-rare 16oz. prime rib before her chicken arrived. The rather small baked potato was served with about 2 tsp. of sour cream, which I guess was about right considering the size of the spudlet. My promised green beans had a funny orange tint that I recognized as un-doctored canned carrots, and the bread service was a no show until after my daughter’s food arrived. The wife's broiled crab cakes looked (very) fried. What can I say, the coffee was excellent, but the clear-stemmed glass cups were small and cooled quickly.

Owner James King assured me that our unfortunate experience was an exception, but seemed unaware that the party of eight just a table over from us had been seated before us, and received their food after us. Other customers told me the same problems existed last New Year's Eve. I had seen Mr. King all over the dining and bar area actively supporting the staff in their attempt to keep up with the customers, so he certainly should have been aware of problems.

I asked about the links to website "Kaufmannsrestaurant.com" that are rolling over to www.gtesupersite.com and he assured me he was speaking to Verizon about the "server being down," and that he expected the website to be back up by Monday (Feb.17 - credibility check).

It is my opinion that the restaurant was overbooked and understaffed and the kitchen was obviously not stocked for the number of reservations accepted. In all fairness, it was Valentine's Day... and Mr. King pointed out that they only had this problem four days a year, and that if I came back any other day I would see a different story. Mr. King... that is exactly the point. If you know you have this problem four times a year... and you know when it is.... fix it! Mother's day is coming up you know! I'm willing to give you another chance, but I can't say the same for my wife, daughter or the other members of our pa    [15 Feb 2004 01:46:52]

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Recommended Dishes: crabs and prime rib

     ­-don-   

Kaufmann's Tavern is Excellent
I recently visted Kaufann's to try their prime rib. At Kaufmann's they offer 3 sizes a King cut, Queen cut and English. I chose the English and was very happy with the size. The prime rib itself was moist and tender and well marbled but not too fatty. Accompaning the prime rib is one of the best gravys I've ever had. The baked potato was cooked just right too.

The staff is friendly and professional without being uptight. Kaufmann's is the kind of place you could visit for any event.    [07 Mar 2005 10:31:00]

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Recommended Dishes: Prime Rib

     ­Anthony D.   

great Afternoon at kaufmann's
We had a large party in to watch a football game. Apps and beers turned into a dinner party with everything from chicken tenders for little Joe, to a FANTASTIC Surf and Turf for me. My friend had crabs and loved them. They seemed to have a little of everything. The staff was attentive and the General Manager stopped by to say Hello several times.
All in all, a great day and we will be back.    [24 Dec 2005 18:25:00]

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Recommended Dishes: Crabs or Surf and Turf

     ­Skins Fan   

Nice Dinner-great crabs
Good food, great service. Nice, professional staff. We came in for crabs and were delighted. When the General Manager stopped by to say hello (Which is refreshing in a very busy place), we told him that are crabs were tasty and only one out of a dozen was light. He proceeded to go get us a replacement crab that he hand picked. WOW!!!
We will return this Spring to sit outside on the patio!!
Thanks Joe-Job well done!!    [03 Feb 2006 21:55:38]

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     ­Anonymous   

Surprise in the Boonies
My husband and I recently moved to the Annapolis area. Dinners out in downtown were really a parking nightmare, so a friend suggested Kaufmann's in Gambrills. What a treat! The staff was really nice and the owner was present and accounted for (that's hard to find these days with corporate ownership, etc.) When we learned he was the same guy that had Tony & Joe's in DC for years, it all clicked. The menu was big, but not a laundry list. The portions were generous, but not ridiculous. The food in general was yummy. We can't wait for the garden to open in the Spring!    [07 Mar 2006 16:04:26]

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Recommended Dishes: prime rib, appetizers

     ­Annapolis Sailor   

No Place for lunch
I have been patronizing Kaufmanns for 30 years, less now than before. Today I brought a friend who remembers it from long ago but not now. OUr lunch was terrible, she ordered a $15 Crab cake broiled and it was burned badly, only that and FF were on plate. I ordered a softshell crab sandwich which was o.k. but not the best I have had in past. Also only stark FF served with same. No Tomatoes and Lettuce, no tartar sauce until asked for. My friends meal was unedible but we had to chase waitperson to kitchen to complain.
Your restaurant is in my neighborhood and has always been a top pick of mine, never again. This was not good at all, appearance bad, taste fishey and someone was playing in the kitchen I think as you have to work hard to burn broiled food.
You have lost two customers and recommendation.    [01 Oct 2008 15:29:38]

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Recommended Dishes: None today

     ­Anonymous