The outside of Seibel’s Restaurant in Burtonsville, Maryland, is humble, the last “a” missing from the word “Restaurant.” But upon entering, one can tell what Seibel’s really is: a welcoming family-style restaurant bent on perfection.
Seibel’s is celebrating almost 70 years in buisness. In addition to pictures drawn by children up front, the walls and wine rack are covered with awards and newspaper clippings. The walls also hang vintage advertisements and posters that match the décor of the entire space.
The food is mainly American cuisine. However, a recently hired head chef has diversified the menu greatly. It contains everything from spaghetti and meatballs to Crab Imperial, from chicken tenders to golden grilled salmon.
Seibel’s is probably best known for its desserts; a dessert bar up front houses 14 different ice cream flavors, as well as many delicious cakes and delectable pies. Their milkshakes are another staple of the meal; a quick glance around the restaurant finds most people sipping one of these frosty delights.
The appetizers range from soups and salads to chunks of fresh crab meat. The cream of crab soup was full of mounds of crab. The appetizers are so lavish that they could pass as small meals by themselves.
As for entrées, sandwiches are the most popular; they are the main foods on the menu. A particular favorite is the grilled cheese sandwich, which comes with your choice of various cheeses and breads. It is even possible to have mushrooms or bacon melted inside of it. If sandwiches are not for you, the menu also has a vegetarian section, with a particularly good Portobello mushroom burger, as well as 13 different salads.
Though the menu is fairly fixed throughout the year, monthly “special menus” throw a twist into Seibel’s routine. Each month, a different ingredient-themed miniature menu is added to the standard menu in a small leaflet enclosed in the regular menu.
The ingredient featured most recently was chicken, but these little surprise gifts can be centered around shrimp and crab (when in season) or even ice cream in July, when your choice of ice cream comes in any one of a number of delectable styles.
If you prefer a little more fun in your dinner, Seibel’s has cards for Keno, a lottery game, at most tables. Seibel’s has two television sets, one in each dining area, so you can play while you eat.
There is so much to try in Seibel’s, both on and off the menu, that it will have customers coming back for 70 more years. Regular patrons can apply for a Frequent Diner Number and get a discount for every meal at Seibel’s.
Seibel’s is on Spencerville Road in Burtonsville, and is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 8a.m. to 9 p.m.