Maryland is famous for crab cakes and the bay, but head west into the mountains and dinner comes with a completely different kind of scenery. Out here in Garrett and Allegany counties, restaurants sit on ridgelines, lake shores, and hillsides where the view is half the reason you show up.
Some overlook Deep Creek Lake, others watch the sun drop behind Sugarloaf Mountain, and a few give you windmills and rolling ridges through the windows. If you love good food with a big open sky above it, these seven spots deliver both.
Here are seven Maryland mountain restaurants where the dining room floats above the treetops.
1. Mountain State Brewing Co, McHenry, MD
Wood-fired flatbreads and house-brewed beer meet a wide open hillside at this laid-back brewpub in the Garrett County highlands. The back patio is the main attraction, with plenty of outdoor seating pointed toward the scenery and sunset.
The menu leans into flatbreads with playful names like Fire on the Mountain, the Firefly Farms Flatbread for vegetarians, and the Crooked Crab Pizza Shark. Bar favorites round things out, including Cheeseburger in Paradise, Carolina BBQ, and a warm Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Located at 6690 Sang Run Rd, it keeps a casual, cozy vibe with live music and trivia nights mixed in. Dinner runs until 9 PM most days and 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Plan on around $20 to $30 per person, and expect the biggest crowds Friday evening and Saturday afternoon into the evening. Dogs are welcome outside, and parking is usually easy to find.
2. Sand Springs Saloon & Steakhouse, Frostburg, MD
Family-owned since 1994, this Western-themed steakhouse in Frostburg puts the mountains right in the windows. The dining room overlook gives you a wide view while you work through a plate of steak.
Beef is the headliner here, from prime rib to steak tips, and the Prime Rib Burger has a reputation for serious flavor. Sides and starters keep things interesting too, with Chesapeake Fries, a Crab Pretzel, and Steakhouse Poutine on the lineup.
Find it at 188 W Main St, where the atmosphere stays casual and family-friendly with a fireplace inside and outdoor deck seating for warmer days. It is a solid choice for watching sports or gathering a group.
Hours run Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday noon to 8 PM. Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
Most meals land between $10 and $30 per person.
3. Hen House Restaurant, Frostburg, MD
The long wrap-around deck is what sets this roomy spot apart, giving you a front-row seat to the wide mountain ridgeline and the windmills spinning in the distance. Perched high along the National Pike, it makes outdoor dining feel like an event.
Down-home American cooking fills the menu, with a strong seafood streak. The Seafood Platter, Fried Shrimp, Chicken Chesapeake, and a New York Strip cover a lot of ground, and the Hen House Special is a house standby.
Located at 18072 National Pike, it pairs a big indoor dining area with that famous deck, so weather never really cancels the view. The setting works well for groups and families passing through the area.
Note the limited schedule: closed Monday through Thursday, open Friday 5 to 9 PM, Saturday noon to 9 PM, and Sunday noon to 7 PM. Reservations are accepted, and plan on about $20 to $30 per person.
4. The Comus Inn, Dickerson, MD
Sugarloaf Mountain rises right beyond the tables at this historic farmhouse in Dickerson, giving dinner an elegant countryside backdrop. The setting mixes old charm with a relaxed, welcoming feel.
Outside, there is more to do than eat. Lawn games like ping pong, cornhole, and Connect 4 keep things fun, while a basement bar offers even more games for a cooler evening.
You will find it at 23900 Old Hundred Rd, where the atmosphere runs from cozy to romantic depending on the night. Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean this one covers just about any table, and live music sometimes fills the space.
Hours are limited, so plan ahead: closed Monday through Thursday, open Friday 3 to 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday noon to 8 PM. Brunch and dinner reservations are recommended, and meals generally run $20 to $30 per person.
Dogs are welcome outside.
5. Lakeside Grille, Flintstone, MD
A floor-to-ceiling glass wall is the signature feature here, framing the lake and the surrounding mountains from nearly every seat. Set within Rocky Gap in the Evitts Mountain area, it turns a meal into a scenic event.
The kitchen serves a wide range, from steak to salmon, with cocktails to go alongside. The Wedge Salad is one of the lighter menu picks if you want something simple with the view.
Located at 16701 Lakeview Rd NE, the atmosphere is casual and modern, and it works well for groups or a stop while exploring the resort grounds. Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates.
One of its biggest perks is the schedule: open daily starting at 7 AM, closing at 10 PM most nights and 11 PM on Friday and Saturday, so breakfast through late dinner is covered. Prices range widely from about $10 to $50 per person, and dinner reservations are recommended.
6. Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub, Oakland, MD
Deep Creek Lake stretches out below the deck at this contemporary New American spot, and the water view alone brings people in. Sitting on Garrett County’s mountain plateau, it blends a lodge feel with a lively bar scene.
The menu covers a lot of favorites, including Blackened Tuna Tacos, Jumbo Garlic Buttah Shrimp, the Marsh Mountain Burger, and Chicken Chesapeake Pasta. There is a full vegan and full vegetarian menu too, plus a salad bar and small plates for lighter appetites.
Find it at 20160 Garrett Hwy, where the setting stays casual and family-friendly with a fireplace for cooler months. Deck seating is the move in warm weather, giving you some of the best lake views around while you eat.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Saturday evening is the busiest stretch.
Expect about $20 to $30 per person, and reservations are accepted.
7. Pine Lodge Steakhouse, McHenry, MD
Log cabin walls, fireplaces, and a view of Deep Creek Lake give this McHenry steakhouse a true mountain-lodge personality. It is the most upscale stop on the list, with a quiet, romantic feel to match the scenery.
The menu is built for a serious steak night. The Trail Boss Porterhouse and Oak Barrel Steak anchor the list, joined by Crab Cakes, a Lobster Tail and Filet combo, and the house French Onion Soup.
Located at 1520 Deep Creek Dr, it keeps a rustic but polished atmosphere, and there is outdoor seating plus a tavern side for a more casual visit. Dogs are welcome outside.
Hours are 4 to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 PM Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 PM Sunday, with Saturday evening the busiest. This is the priciest pick at roughly $30 to $80 per person, so dinner reservations are recommended.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.