Before I begin reviewing the next restaurant on the list of GoodEats, I’d like to thank all of you. I’ve now been operating GoodEatsMD for almost 10 months and the support has been unbelievable. Without all of your help, I wouldn’t be where I am now. So, this post is dedicated to all of you, my fans. Without further adieu here is my newest recommendation.
Ryleigh’s Oyster House, the fresh seafood house in Federal Hill, has now opened a second restaurant in Hunt Valley. Located off of Padonia Road (accessed by York Road), this favorite restaurant of mine has a beautiful new home. The restaurant is chic and very modern. The interior is highlighted by a huge dining room with a focal point around the massive oyster-shucking bar. Patrons sit around the bar and watch the action. The restaurant also includes a full-service bar inside and one outside, as well as a huge outdoor dining area.
The inside dining room of Ryleigh’s including a look at the outside dining. Photo by yelp.com
The menu is focused around seafood, starting with the specials, which lists the daily local oysters available on the half shell. Ryleigh’s compiles a hefty list of local oysters, somewhere around a dozen different types ranging in brininess, texture and size. I went with the Hollywood Oysters, a local, sweeter oyster from St. Mary’s County, served with all the fixings (hot sauce, vinegar, cocktail sauce and horseradish).
Half Dozen of the Hollywood Oysters served with all the fixings. Photo by Taylor Seidel/TU Student.
A Hollywood Oyster up close and personal. Photo by Taylor Seidel/TU Student.
The appetizer list was extensive, featuring some bar favorites and seafood classics. I went with the crab dip ($13). A hot and cheesy dip served in a cast-iron dish accompanied with crunchy bread perfect for dipping. The dip was all lump crab. The waitress also suggested the crab pretzels ($11), warm crab dip served on soft pretzels.
Cast-iron Crab Dip. Photo by Taylor Seidel/TU Student.
The entrees and sandwiches carried a similar theme, providing several seafood options. The first thing that caught my eye was the fish tacos ($14): three huge tacos served with a chipotle sauce and pico de gallo. The fish was fresh and flavorful. The fish and chips ($15) made with Atlantic cod and hand cut fries was also suggested. My friend, also a Marylander, holds crab cakes true to his heart. He went with the crab cake sandwich ($15), served with lump Maryland Blue Crab and a homemade slaw. The sandwich was huge and featured a plump crab cake.
The Crab Cake Sandwich served with a tangy Tartar Sauce. Photo by Taylor Seidel/TU Student.
Ryleigh’s Oyster House had some great food. Whether you are in the Hunt Valley area or downtown by Federal Hill and are in need of some great Maryland seafood, give Ryleigh’s a try.
Fish Tacos served with house made Pico de Gallo. Photo by Taylor Seidel/TU Student.
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Until next time. I wish you GoodEats.
Edited by Jared Kurlander.
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