If you’re anything like me, your mind is constantly on where to eat next! While I may not have the most refined palate, I can appreciate a unique restaurant with incredible ambiance and food that I would be hard-pressed to make myself. Although the restaurants at Deep Creek may not be the most refined, I truthfully think that part of what makes this lake town such a great destination is the variety of dining options and the quality of the food choices.
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite from the restaurants in Deep Creek because they are all vastly different in presentation and price. Therefore, I’m going to run down most of them to give you my honest opinion. If there is one that you don’t see on this list, feel free to ask me about it!
Deep Creek Lake Restaurants for Lunch and Dinner
Dutch’s at Silver Tree
Owned by the same people who own Dutch’s Daughter in Frederick, MD, this is without question the nicest restaurant in Deep Creek. I’ve been going here ever since I was a child, when they served old-fashioned ice cream for five cents. Unfortunately, those days are long past. The food here has only continued to increase in price. Between drinks and dinner, you could easily spend $100/person.
The good news is, it’s worth it! Make this your special occasion night and go because the food is refined and scrumptious, and the ambiance is beautiful. In the past year, since COVID, they have built a charming covered patio with outdoor seating. And don’t miss the newly remodeled Harbor Bar, which is all stone and wood and the prettiest place to drink by the lake! When it’s all said and done, though, I still love the feel of the inside, which is elegant with a touch of old-fashioned class.
UNO Pizzeria & Grill and the Honi Honi Bar
Two different dining options, one expansive place to play for kids and adults alike! This is the place to be during the day at Deep Creek Lake. Drive your boat up and park at their dock, then let the kids burn energy playing on the pirate ship playground and climbing the giant beach chairs and elephant. Meanwhile, the adults can grab a drink at the festive Honi Honi Bar, then play a game of cornhole on the lawn.
UNO and Honi Honi are technically separate, but you’ll find the same food menu at both. This is great if one of them has a wait – you can always go to the other. At UNO, you’ll find old-fashioned family fun in the form of deep-dish pizza (and a million other options as well!) The food and service are almost always reliably good. There is some outdoor seating, but the inside is much larger and invokes that old pizza parlor vibe. If you want the outdoor scene, eat at the festive tables at the Honi Honi Bar. If you go on a weekend, you’ll hear some live music as well! While it’s not like eating at the Silver Tree, your belly (and your wallet!) will thank you. My recommendation would be to come for lunch as it can get very crowded in the evenings, especially on a weekend.
Mountain State Brewing Company
This is probably my favorite restaurant in Deep Creek. On the Wisp-side of the lake, down Sang Run Road and in front of a gorgeous field of sunflowers (or just a field, depending on the time of year), sits this lone structure. It’s exactly what I think a mountain restaurant should be: warm, woodsy, and focused on beer! It’s not just for beer drinkers, though – they also have specialty cocktails and wine. They have a local feel, with trivia nights and other events for the regular crowd. It’s the type of place I could go on a snowy day and sit at the bar for hours.
The food is elevated bar food – excellent in its own way for when you’re hungry and have had a bit of alcohol. Their flatbreads are their specialty, and they’re delicious, but beware one thing – if you want a burger, this is not the place! Oddly enough, they don’t have them. Another tip – call ahead or book online for a reservation during popular weekends. They’re a popular place.
Pine Lodge Steakhouse
If you want a nice dinner outing that won’t break the bank, Pine Lodge Steakhouse is a good option. Right in the middle of the lake, near the Black Bear Tavern, you’ll find this woodsy, whimsical restaurant that smacks of Western Maryland. All year long the restaurant remains tastefully decorated for Christmas. It’s a fun, pleasantly loud place to go with kids, and casual even though the name sounds fancy.
You can find a variety of menu items and prices to suit whatever you’re feeling that day, and the food is decent to good, depending on what you order. I highly recommend the crab dip. Ask for extra fried bread crisps if you can. They may not look overly appetizing, but they were the best thing we ate! As of this writing in August, 2021, I have noticed that some of their recent reviews have been not so great. Similar to many restaurants, they are experiencing swings in food costs and the availability of waitstaff. However, I have been going here for many years. I can’t stress enough that you should give them some grace, and even a second chance if need be.
Moonshadow
If you want something different from the popular mountain lodge vibe, hit up Moonshadow for a decidedly unique environment! Having only been here once, I cannot give a comprehensive review. However, in my experience, the vibe was cool, the food was more creative than the standard fare at most other Deep Creek Lake restaurants, and the service was attentive. We had the kids with us and it didn’t strike me as being as kid-friendly as most of the other restaurants I’ve reviewed. My kids were fine, and they do have a kids menu, but it was quieter and smaller than many of the other restaurants. It’s more of a laid-back cafe with a bar and occasional live music. If you are into an adult lunch or dinner with some vegetarian and healthier fare, this is a great option.
Black Bear Tavern and Restaurant
First, let’s be clear. This really should be called Black Bear Tavern and Nite Club. The “restaurant” part of this is questionable! Now, let’s be clearer – this is also one of my favorite places in Deep Creek Lake. But, only if I’m in the mood to watch a sports game, drink not-so-great beer, play bar games, or go out with my girlfriends for a good laugh and some goofy dancing.
I actually think the food at this place is pretty good (for a bar.) Nothing healthy, nothing original, but it makes my taste buds happy nonetheless. It’s the service that makes its restaurant status questionable. Once in a while, you may get lucky and get all your food in a reasonable amount of time, but more often than not, you’ll end up wondering where that beer or side of fries you ordered twenty minutes ago went. This is not an issue if you’re watching a three-and-a-half-hour football game, but if you’re trying to feed your cranky kids, that’s another story. So go here on your guys/girls weekend. Play pool and smoke a cigarette if you’re into that. Enjoy some decent bands and some sweaty dancing. Go here because it’s the only place open until 2 AM. And as far I’m aware, this is all still true – even during COVID.
El Canelo
Unfortunately, there is no good Mexican food in Deep Creek Lake. Fortunately, Oakland is just a short drive down Route 219. There you will find the gem that is El Canelo. In a motel on the side of the road, you walk in, and it’s everything you want for your Mexican food vacation experience. Margaritas, chips, dips, and giant portions of cheesy enchiladas, burritos, you name it. The atmosphere is festive, albeit in a small interior, and the waitstaff is friendly. My kids loved it, and we rolled back to Deep Creek Lake with sleepy grins.
Deep Creek Lake Restaurants for Breakfast
Canoe on the Run
This cozy little breakfast spot is one of my favorite go-tos in Deep Creek. Unfortunately, since the pandemic, they are only allowing dining on their porch, which makes me sad because their interior is so cute. However, if it’s a nice day out and you can find a spot on the deck, I highly recommend doing so! Their coffee is second to none, and the breakfast sandwiches are fresh, satisfying, and healthier than many other breakfast options at the lake. My favorite way to start off any day is to have breakfast at the Canoe and then head down the road to the Schoolhouse Earth to do a little shopping!
Deep Creek Lake Restaurants for Dessert
Lakeside Creamery
You absolutely cannot go to Deep Creek Lake and not hit up the creamery at some point! I am not an ice cream person (sacrilegious, I know!), but even I love the ice cream at this place. There are so many flavors, sundaes, and milkshakes to choose from that you will find something you like. And I guess there’s just something about the cows around DCL because the smooth, creamy taste is out of this world.
That being said, the creamery can also be a pain. The lines for this place can get insane, and because of the accommodating workers who let everyone have as many taste tests as they want, the line also moves way slower than it could.
This line, at 7:00 at night on a nice Tuesday evening, took about 45 minutes from start to finish. So heed my advice: DON’T go before lunch or dinner! The best time to hit up the creamery is right when it opens at 11 AM or in the middle of the day, around 3 PM. Don’t be surprised if you still have to wait, though. Another tip is to get the quarts of Lakeside Creamery ice cream that are sold next door at Deep Creek Donuts. However, don’t think you can be sneaky and avoid the creamery altogether – the flavors next door are limited, and there is nothing like getting a cone or sundae directly from the source!
More Deep Creek Lake Restaurants
Brenda’s Pizzeria – I’ve eaten here once, and while the interior is nothing special, the food is what makes this the #1 rated place to eat in Deep Creek for as long as I can remember. Get the takeout and bring it back to your comfortable Deep Creek lodging – then enjoy!
Ace’s Run Restaurant and Pub – It’s been too long since I’ve been here for me to give it an honest review, but this place has been around forever. Since it is consistently ranked in the top restaurants in Deep Creek for the lake views and food, I want to go back soon!
Deep Creek Seafood – I’ve never been, but I can say, based off the reviews, it’s definitely a must-try for me next time I’m in Deep Creek!
JG’s Pub – My brother and I are desperate to check this hole-in-the-wall place out, but every time we try to go, it’s closed! Their hours are odd to say the least – they were only open Thursday-Saturday I think when we were there, even though a web search said differently. Call before you go to make sure they’re open, but based off the reviews, sounds like a fun little watering hole.
If you have any other suggestions for Deep Creek Lake restaurants, please send them my way!
Want More Deep Creek Lake Info?
- Where to Stay in Deep Creek Lake
- Whitewater Rafting near Deep Creek (with kids!)
- Shopping in Deep Creek Lake
- State Parks Near Deep Creek Lake
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