Upscale local pub
With it's balance of "lite fare" and fine dining "The Tavern" as it known to the locals attracts a diverse crowd and has an equally diverse menu. In one sense it is truly "the local" in that it has a bar which attracts the same samll group of characters night after night.
When the food is good it's terrific but that's the problem: consistency. Service is always A-1!    [30 Aug 2002 09:28:40]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance: -   Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: the Manorburger and the gumbo, especially the gumbo.

     ­The Black Carerra   

Just Average
Recently reopened after suffering minor fire damage, the Manor Tavern continues to exhibit only average quality fare. The Ahi Tuna appretizer was overcooked and unimpressive. The Filet Mignon ($25) was also unimpressive (and overpriced). The Hibachi Grilled Swordfish and mashed potatoes were good at best. The Creme Brule, which our server stated was the most poular desert choice, was not bad, but served rather on the cold side.

The server was pleasant, however retuned at lease a half dozen times to ask if everything was alright. When we mentioned the tuna was not great, the comment was dismissed abruptly.

Our table was very unstable and upon investigation, we found that one edge was being held in place by the wainscoting on the wall!

Our meal tab totalled over $100 (including a bottle of wine and gratuity) and was not at all worth the money.

Quality continues to be an issue at the Manor Tavern, but it's really the only restaurant in the area so the owner has no reason to change.

Stick to the lighter fare ("bar food") and you won't be disappointe    [10 Jan 2003 11:47:02]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Country Dan   

Was wonderful!
I was suprised at Country Dan's comments, as we had a wonderful meal. My husband had the Rockfish with a crabcake on it. He raved about it. I had a lobster special and it was light and very tasty. The salad special was wonderful -- the dressing did not overpower the mixed greens. We had an Ahi Tuna appetizer which was cooked perfectly. Desserts of Key Lime Pie and Apple pie ended the meal with a flourish. Our server was experienced and really described the specials well. While on the pricey side, you can use the sandwhich menu and eat more budget consciou    [10 May 2004 10:49:37]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Sieros   

Thanksgiving Dinner at Manor Tavern
It was JUST GREAT! Think we have found a new tradition to have our turkey dinner from now on with the very nice folks at the Manor Tavern. The service was good; we were not rushed in the least, and the waiter was a delight.
Made for a very Happy Thanksgiving for our little family. Thanks for a nice time.    [25 Nov 2004 20:39:56]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Turkey Dinner and the Rockfish with crab cake.

     ­Anonymous   

Sieros (see other review)....you obviously have connections with this establishment.
Hmmm… Manor Tavern – thoughts of wonderful fine dining in horse country…. Yeah, RIGHT????? I suppose it is too close to Harford County, as it is permeated with hints of Edgewood & Joppatowne. Maybe our expectations were too high, as we do enjoy actual FINE DINING in more cosmopolitan settings, and their website lead us to believe that we would be dining, not merely eating. Step in the front door and you are greeted by the stale smell of smoke from the adjacent bar. Yummy. Walk further into the dining room(s) – (there seems to be many rooms, curiously separated by overly-worn steps) and the smell of smoke lessens, but turns into a general staleness. Hmmm… Maybe it is an old building – formerly a stable - but the renovation work was clearly designed by a contractor….. thus saving significant sums by eliminating professional services of a real architect. So much for ambiance. Anyway, our room was very long, near the outside and had several painted closet doors propped up to separate our group of tables from the majority. We have no idea why the separation, and why it so poorly done. The décor was quite dated and lacked any level of sophistication. We felt like we were in our grandmothers’ dining room. Our table was wobbly. Teenage help seemed to roam through oogling us. Khakied kids imported from nearby Fallston High School, joking with each other as they passed. Our waitress seemed nice enough, but again, lacked the air and sophistication that we normally associate with fine dining. I had spied a dish on the website which lured us there. It was sadly not on the menu. I will not waste much more of your – or my - time on this review. I think you have the overall idea. But, the food: The tuna was horrible overcooked. The presentation of the dishes was unimaginative and forced – like someone came up with their own ideas after watching too many episodes of Iron Chef. Our wine was pored into a huge ridiculous decanter – a total first for us after dining throughout the world. And then she never bothered to top us off. What were they trying to do? Just leave us the bottle, damnit! Never were offered any water, even though a pitcher of water and iced tea was aging of a near-by window sill (fine dining or Diner?). Took my plate away before we were both finished. The entrées were huge. Way too much food. The amount of food made us wonder – is the quantity making up for the quality? Sadly, it was. But in the end, we spent $135 with tip for the two of us – which is ½ to 1/3 of what we are used to spending on a dinner. So if you do not have expectations of actual fine dining, love huge unimaginative over-cooked entrees, find a well-worn environment comfortable, don’t mind a complete lack of attention to details, and embrace Harford County sophistication (voted best County to dine at national chain restaurants), the Manor Tavern is your kind of place    [24 Jul 2005 08:47:34]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Cosmopolitan Couple   

AWESOME
The Manor Tavern has long been known to be a wonderful place to dine. Unfortunately, people who live in cramped city apartments, buy LV pocketbooks and and wreak of snob will not appreciate this place. This is definately horse country. Lovely prints adorn the walls. The menu is fantasitic and the staff is superb. The people in the lounge/bar area are more than friendly and the best bloody mary is made right here! The Four Seasons (for "cosmopolitan couples")doesn't even compare. This place is warm, welcoming, friendly, great food, great prices and I will continue to visit again and again.    [25 Sep 2006 09:48:05]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: EVERYTHING

     ­Thoroughbred for fine dining   

Loving It
I have tried many of the dishes at Manor Tavern and have loved them all. The more casual lunch time sandwiches, like the cuban flatbread were great and for the price you can't beat it. The bar drinks are some of the best around, as well as the help(especially in the bar). "Cosmopolitan Couples" probably wouldnt appreciate this establishment and areas rich history in shaping the greater Balitmore district. It seems the couple had their minds up before they even entered the restauraunt. And just a quick tip when writing a review for you guys, you cant judge a restaurant by the county that their located in, thats just obsured    [21 May 2007 13:40:03]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Rockfish with crab(dinner) cuban flatbread with pineapple salsa(lunch) Mojito(drink)

     ­Anonymous