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The Back Porch Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants American (Traditional) Breakfast & Brunch, American (Traditional) [Edit]
980 Awald RdSte 201
Annapolis, MD 21403
(410) 268-3222
- Hours:
Wed-Sun 8 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
44 reviews for The Back Porch Cafe
Review Highlights
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"It was a creme brulee french toast with berries." In 5 reviews -
"...Back Porch Cafe as well as Ken's Creative Kitchen Catering." In 4 reviews -
"...salt and pepper roasted beef tenderloin sandwich was simply..." In 3 reviews
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44 reviews in English
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Review from Jeanie C.
Olney, MD
2/13/2012
Love this place. Great ambiance and the food was fresh and delicious.
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Review from Nina U.
I could just imagine waking up off my house boat, washing my face, maybe swooshing some mouth wash around just to be polite and walking up to my front porch overlooking my boat with a white table cloth and a fresh little bouquet of flowers. 0800 is definitely the best time when they first open and the wrap around porch is all mine. I want some eggs to order, scrambled please, or maybe over easy if I'm in a toast dipping mood. I would watch the rest of the boaters slowly moving about down below because their dogs needed a walk, and the older couples who showed up to get a table before the rest of the world woke up and got out of the house. Then my plate and all it's glory would show up with fresh potatoes, a little bowl of fruit, toast and bacon. I would sip on my coffee and slowly enjoy my breakfast. Everything tastes so much better when it looks pretty.
Now how do I make this a reality? Oh wait, this is my reality! I just need a house boat. And I think this would get really expensive if I came to eat here every weekend. Or maybe I would get bored of the simple menu? Nah. I like simple. It's hidden away along the water, just keep driving, keep driving. Better check it out while the weather is still nice because they'll close up for the winter.Listed in: Caffeine Addiction (MD)
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Review from sarah p.
10/10/2011
We hit up the Back Porch Cafe on our way through Annapolis on the last weekend of the season. Read a lot of reviews that said it was hard to find, but we found it pretty easily as there is lots of signage. When we arrived, there was nowhere to sign in but everyone was just hanging out in line in order. We arrived at about 1:30 pm but were told that as long as we were in line by 2 we were fine.
We had fun in line - super nice people go to this place, and the wait was fun as we watched the beautiful boats go in and out.
When we were seated, we were a little disappointed to find out they were on a full lunch menu with one exception, but all of the food looked delicious. The one exception was the crab cake benedict which Zac ordered - two softball sized buttery crabcakes over the standard poached eggs, old bay hollandaise.
I had the crab quesadilla with pico, guacamole and sour cream and I thought it was wonderful - great crispy edges to the quesadilla. We shared a bowl of the cream of crab soup which was velvety and speckled with lumps of crab -very rich!
Great view, friendly staff, a little hidden gem of wonderfulness. -
Review from Gerry H.
6/30/2011
O.K, it's staffed by some rather vapid, college aged waitresses(OOPS did I say waitresses? I meant food service engineers), it's somewhat difficult to find, the parking sucks, there is only a locked communal restroom that requires a pin code to enter, and the que is undefined and confusing. BUT, and this BUT is bigger than Queen Latifah's-the old school Queen latifah- the food, drink, and ambiance are out of this world!!!
I'm a guy who drinks a lot of Arnold Palmers, and I must say that the one that I had here was the best I've had. It's difficult to pinpoint the source of the magnificent flavor-a touch of mint perhaps?- but it was perfectly concocted.
And the food.....The sea salt and pepper roasted beef tenderloin sandwich was simply magnificent. My wife's lump crab quesadilla was reported to be superb as well. And as I've mentioned before, my wife was raised in Annapolis and is a rather vociferous critic of crab based culinary concotions.
The key lime pie that I indulged in for dessert was really tasty, and my wife loved the berry sampler with homemade whipped cream.
And the view, by the way, is quite lovely. -
Review from Irem C.
Glen Burnie, MD
LOVE this place!!! So adorable! Creme Brule french toast and Crab cake eggs benedict were delightful! Great service and beautiful view! Cant wait to go back.
I do wish they served bruch a little later and had mimosas but otherwise awesome! -
Review from Liam D.
Washington, DC
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great little place that's pretty far off the beaten path. As everyone describes, it's a big wrap-around porch right on the marina that offers beautiful views of all the fancy sailboats without the hoards of crowds you find downtown. And by off the beaten path, I mean WAY off. Felt like I was treasure hunting to find it. Then, when we pulled in, two girls were waiting in two vans to escort us back the way we came so we could drop our car off in a nature observatory parking lot so they could drive us back to the porch. Apparently the boat owners don't take kindly to all us common folk parking in their marina during peak season.
Comments about the line were accurate. We waited about 20-30 minutes for a table. I was eagerly anticipating the menu after all that build up - a nice little drive, a personal escort via van, and then a 30 minute wait must mean this place is absolutely the best place on earth, right? Not exactly.
Much to my dismay, they stop serving breakfast at 11am on Sundays. Perhaps it's because I'm from DC, where brunch goes well into 4pm on Sundays, but who does that? I specifically sought this place out on Yelp BECAUSE it was ranked one of the top breakfast & brunch places in Naptown. So that was kinda disappointing, but we'd already sunk 30 minutes in line, so we stayed.
The lady had a Crab & Mango tower that looked pretty fresh and was a substantial size. I can't eat crab, so I only had 3 or 4 options (not The Back Porch's fault, obviously). I chose a Granny Smith Apple & Bacon grilled cheese sandwich, which was tasty but nothing really worth writing home about. The views were great and the service what you'd expect from some college kids. The views were spectacular and overall it's a relaxing environment, but I wouldn't go back. The food & view don't make up for the drive + wait. Next time i'm in Annapolis, I'll go to the more reviewed Boatyard, which I'm hoping serves eggs into post-meridian time. -
Review from Tierra J.
6/12/2011
Ok, I see all the 4 and 5 star reviews. I get it. The food is excellent.
I was here yesterday with my boyfriend for lunch. It was my birthday and we were spending the day in Annapolis.
The hostess that seated us was super friendly. She asked if we minded sitting at a 4 top table. We told her we didn't.
Seating is outdoors with a great view of the water, hence the "back porch" thing.
Paige was our server. She just seemed very awkward. She was very cold and stiff. Now, I've been a waitress before and I know that if a table is giving you cold stiff vibes, you tend to be less friendly with them. So yes, I know. So that's why when I go to a restaurant, I'm always pretty friendly to the server, because I get it. Paige wasn't really getting that too well. She was, however, very much into her other tables. I could speculate on what I think it was, but I'm not really one to do that. Suffice to say that no matter who you're serving, there are tips to be earned.
We ordered. I asked for a crab quesadilla and boyfriend got a crabcake sandwich. We also got unsweetened tea.
Now, the food took awhile to come out. That was fine. But I do think someone could have said something or even made sure we had iced tea. It was really, really hot and a cold drink would have been great.
Finally the food arrived. It was awesome! The sandwich was HUGE and yummy and my quesadilla was great. On the table, along with the salt and pepper shakers, there is a shaker of Old Bay. I love that!
Paige hardly attended to us during the meal. Service was really lacking on her part. And here's what pissed me off to the highest level of pisstosity (yeah, I'm not inclined to use real words when I'm THIS pissed off). A server comes over and asks us if we are expecting anyone else. We tell her no. She takes a chair. There's another chair and my purse is in it (I don't like to set it on the ground or table). She comes back and begins to grab the other chair and says, "That's a nice bag. Why don't you put it on the table?" Seriously?!? So I did, but was highly annoyed.
So go for the food, definitely. But the service . . . . well, I'm sure there are better places. Service means a lot to me. -
Review from Jason B.
Downriver, Detroit, MI
9/25/2011
I don't normally take the time to post reviews on the Internet, but I felt that this cafe was worth the time, and since I wouldn't have known about it without the Yelp app...here we are.
The service was excellent, the staff was friendly, the location, although a little hard to find, is perfect, and the Creme Brûlée French toast was probably the best breakfast food I have ever had the pleasure of tasting.
If you're in Annapolis you MUST eat here.
Side note: keep in mind that your GPS will get you close. You actually have to enter the marina to find the restaurant. -
Review from Geoff G.
3/7/2011
Ken Upton is one of those guys that just knows how to turn things to gold..... well, not without some ridiculously hard work involved. Ken is the owner of the Back Porch Cafe and his emphasis on breakfast and lunch is consistent with any other successful restaurant in the industry: QUALITY FOOD.
If you ever get to know Ken, he may boast about the awards he wins each year for best food in magazines, or how many times he has catered a White House event. But you know what? I would too if I was able to grow such a small company 30 years ago into what it is today.... the best kept secret in Annapolis.
This review is a combination of the Back Porch Cafe as well as Ken's Creative Kitchen Catering. Both deserve to go in the same review because both have many things in common. 1st- the 5 stars I would attribute to each. 2nd- The delicious food you can get at both (and many of the same items.) 3rd- A dining experience that makes you leave so happy you just can't wait to go back the following weekend to do it all over again.
The beef tenderloin sandwich is prepared medium rare unless you specify otherwise (trust me, don't.) and the crabcakes are the BEST in the entire country. Many people say Maryland knows how to make a crabcake, but I disagree. Ken knows how to make a crabcake at the Back Porch Cafe. Once you devour this all lump masterpiece, you will not eat crabcakes at another establishment in Annapolis..... well, you may still pay double the amount for crabcakes at O"Leary's if you wish because those may be ALMOST equally as good.
Ken is catering my wedding on October 1st 2011 and we cannot wait to show off his delicious food to our family and friends. The Back Porch is the best of the best year after year for a reason..... and this review is 1 more reason to convince the first time goer to stop delaying on a trip to this neighborhood gem.Listed in: Top 10 Places to Eat in…
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Review from Lisa C.
Middletown, NY
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
My family of three visited here during our visit to Annapolis This place was highly recommended by Yelp users. It was really out of the way. We received out door seating which was beautiful we had a clear view of the ocean and dock. As we arrived a female customer clutched her purse as we walked up to be seated. I guess they weren't comfortable with people of color! While the woman was a customer this made my family very uncomfortable however we stayed anyway. We had driven about 20 minutes to get to find the place.
The menu was very limited and pricey we intended to have breakfast but learned that we were too late--So we settled for lunch.I had was they claimed to be their famous Maryland Crabcakes which was very tasty. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. On an overall the food was great, the setting was great with the exception of the of racist customer. -
Review from Blaine S.
Ashburn, VA
7/14/2011
The line is worth the wait! Great food, great view, and they even have a courtesy van that will take you up the hill.
Everyone has said it, but I'll repeat it, Creme Brûlée French Toast!!! We actually had the Crab quesadilla and the Roast beef sandwich with horseradish sauce. (were talk'n thick slices off the warm roast!) and had the French toast for dessert. First time, but we will be back many many times! Enjoy this place! -
Review from Tiffany L.
Silver Spring, MD
7/10/2011 1 photo
Review from June 2010:
I randomly ended up here when looking for a place to eat in Annapolis one rainy morning. The atmosphere was very casual, they allow you to bring your dog onto the porch? I ordered slow cooked scramble eggs and my boyfriend ordered the French toast which was recommended by a local couple. Both meals tasted homemade and made from real, fresh ingredients.
Four stars because I would consider IHOP a one or two and House of Pancake a three or four for their extensive menu. Back porch cafe has a small menu and seems to care about quality more than other breakfast places I've been to. If you are around the Annapolis area during breakfast or brunch time, I recommend stopping by. The view is probably beautiful when the weather is nice, but I didn't get to witness it. -
Review from Kristina M.
Annapolis, MD
2/27/2011
If you want to sit on the porch, with an ice tea in your hand, overlooking the water, then this is the place for you!
We went here yesterday for lunch and had a wonderful experience. The curry chicken salad was delicious.
They don't accept reservations but the line moved rather quickly. They are only open until 2. We were in line at 1:30 so we were worried that when we got a table it might be very close to 2. They said as long as they have food they would serve us!
I would definitely go back!!! -
Review from Audra H.
Baltimore, MD
10/4/2011
My boyfriend and I went here for lunch after reading the great yelp reviews, and we were not disappointed! The food, staff, and view of the harbor were fabulous. We ordered the crab dip and crab cake sandwich, paired with Arnold Palmers (lemonade and iced tea), and we very happy. We live in Baltimore, and don't make it down to Annapolis that often...but I can't wait to go back and try their breakfast menu!
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Review from Bernadette N.
Annapolis, MD
10/11/2010
This is, without a doubt, the best breakfast spot in Annapolis. Too bad it's only seasonal - they close mid-October and don't reopen again until spring.
The location is a bit hard to find, a marina at the end of the world - but that only made me like it more. Once you get to the parking lot, you know you're at the right place because there will be a line. And it's worth waiting in.
The food. I had the best french toast I've ever had. I'm dying to get this recipe to see how they make it so crispy on the edges, and so creamy and sweet in the middle. It's not "stuffed". It's like they take a loaf of white bread, cover it with deliciousness, then bake it in the oven for 30 minutes. My serving was easily 8 pieces or more. It was sweet enough that I barely touched the maple syrup. The rest of my group equally loved their scrambled eggs and maryland crab/eggs dishes. I loved the fresh fruit cups - all was very ripe and delicious.
The only "negatives" were the bathroom situation (in a different building and smelled) and the lack of alcohol (virgin bloody marys are offered though).
Still, the quality, setting and service award this as one of my very few 5 stars in Annapolis. -
Review from Linda W.
9/21/2011 2 photos
This place is Annapolis best kept secret! My husband planned a weekend getaway to MD in honor of my birthday. We arrived in time for breakfast and arrived to a southern belle cafe nestled by the beautiful marina. The backdrop of the waterview of Back Creek and Chesapeake Bay was absolutely breathtaking! Fun Fact: The cafe is actually part of Ken's creative kitchen which is part of the outstanding restaurant in MD.The waitress reminded me of Paula Deen, she was a complete sweetheart. Nothing like Southern hospitality to make you feel at home! ;) She winked at us and seated us near the waterview, " I promise you won't be disappointed!" A table draped over black & white gingham pattern & fresh cut flowers awaits us. When she brought our coffees over, she let us in on their signature dishes on the menu- Crème Brulee French Toast & Jumbo Lump Maryland Crab Omelet. We were sold!
The omelet had huge chunks of crabmeat with spinach and Gruyere cheese over vidalia onions with a side of breakfast potatoes and a fresh cup of seasoned fruits and berries. And whole wheat toast. The french toast was amazing. Sweet but not overly done, it was fluffy, warm, and creamy topped with fresh berries and honey glaze. Toast was served with a small pitcher of syrup.
I could sit here for hours watching the sunrise/sunset. Everyone should sit for the full experience of the spectacular gaze of the waterview. Kudos to my husband for a wonderful surprise!!!Listed in: Southern Comfort
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Review from Alex K.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2011 3 photos
There really aren't words in the English language to describe Ken's Back Porch Cafe. The location is perfect, away from the craziness of Dock St and the tourists. The view of the harbor is amazing. But let's talk about the most important part, the food.
I got the slow cooked scrambled eggs with bacon, wheat toast, and potatoes. They were the creamiest eggs I've ever had. My girlfriend had the creme brulee french toast which was more like french cake, absolutely spectacular. Food was easily a 10 out of 10.
If you are in Annapolis for Sunday brunch and you don't go here, you're doing something wrong. -
Review from Rodney R.
Quantico, VA
11/24/2011
May-Oct only??? Not open today. Website link misleading, I think it's for the catering side "ken's kitchen". I think they are only open mid-may to mid-october??? Signs were still up. They should cover those for the winter if they are closed. Looked like great reviews...wish they were open.
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Review from Anne F.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2011
The Back Porch Cafe is as good as breakfast gets in Annapolis. The food is freshly made to order, promptly served by a local staff, and genuinely cares about creating a great dining experience. The fruit is cut daily from fresh, ripe, melons and pineapple. The crab is delivered daily, fresh from the bay. The secret to the restaurant is a menu that is not too complex with a special touch of professionalism.
They've catered the White House. Come to eat breakfast / lunch like a president.
Full disclosure: I used to work for the catering side of this company and would occasionally help out with the food in the safe. That said, I DID chose to work here because of the high quality of the food and did not even know that the safe existed until after I started working here.Listed in: My favorite places in…
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Review from Amey Y.
Brooklyn, NY
9/29/2010 2 photos
Amazing breakfast spot. That about sums it up. I came here on a recent weekend trip to Maryland and this place has it all: delicious food, attentive staff, and beautiful scenery.
The place is very adequately named as it is... on the back porch. Overlooking the water so you can see boats and enjoy the fresh air. The tables are big and roomy with checkered tablecloth and the place is not too cramped. The waitress was very sweet and would stop by to check if everything was okay often.
I got the Eggs Maryland (like Eggs Benedict but with crab!). Oh I crave them now. So delicious. The two eggs come with a small fruit bowl and potatoes (look at my photo for a view of the plate!). My table also had a plate of fruit with yogurt dipping sauce as a starter to share. The fruit was fresh and yummy.
For dessert I had the vanilla creme brulee (also in the photos!). I'm a big creme brulee fan and this was one of the best I've had.
Big five stars! Will definitely come back next time I'm in Maryland! -
Review from Melanie S.
Brooklyn, NY
9/27/2010
This place is pretty much breakfast done the right way. The atmosphere is gorgeous but I'm biased since I love any place with a view of the water. The view puts Sheepshead Bay back in Brooklyn to shame. Very relaxing and calming place to eat.
I can't begin to describe how awesome breakfast was here. Best eggs ever. The fruit was fresh and tasty. The staff is super friendly and attentive. The wait wasn't long at all. Back Porch Cafe=Happiness -
Review from Katrina W.
Annapolis, MD
7/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Suggest getting there early the line forms pretty quickly due to limited seating. My husband and I have heard from other locals this is the place to go for a delicious breakfast. Also, please note this place is only open for the summer. It is also a bit tricky to find. I suggest keep going down the street until you see a line of people. This is how you know you got the right spot. Hurry up to try this local gem before is closed for the season.
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Review from Daisy L.
Washington, DC
9/12/2011
Crab cakes!! And the view is excellent, minus all the bugs and fleas, but I can overlook that for once. Didn't enjoy the bathroom situation, or the weird parking, but at least they provide a shuttle.
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Review from kelley s.
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautifully set on the marina. Amazing views and an awesome menu. We went there for brunch and it was ssssoooo good!!!! I had the crab omlette, wow! their special for the day was creme brule french toast, it looked amazing and my friend that had it said it was unbelievable. The staff is great, very friendly, very casual and I hope to go back soon! There is a very nice breeze on the porch so if you tend to get chilly, even in the summer i would bring a light sweater :)
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Review from Jeffrey S.
Arlington, VA
8/17/2009 2 photos
On a weekend in Annapolis, MD, my girlfriend and I looked for a place to have breakfast. Thanks to Yelp on my iPhone, I managed to find The Back Porch at Ken's Creative Kitchen!
Staying just off Main Street in Historic Annapolis, We had to take a 20-minute water-taxi ride to the Annapolis Landing Marina, which would have been a 4-mile walk. There were no complaints as it was a beautiful, sunny day for a boat ride. We got to see the many sailboats and watercraft that were also enjoying a day on the water. The water-taxi picked us up on Main Street and was $7 per person each way.
Sitting just off the docks on a hill at the Annapolis Landing Marina is this quaint little waterfront café. Just as the name implies, the restaurant is just that... a back porch. There is no inside seating. The dining area stretches across the covered porch of this beautiful white house. Inside the house is the kitchen and offices of Ken's Creative Kitchen, the primary catering company from which The Back Porch restaurant is derived. The place is only open for breakfast and lunch, from 8am-2pm.
There was a healthy line of patrons and a 20-minute wait when we arrived around 11:30am. Unfortunately, we were a tad too late for the breakfast/brunch offerings. Although I was really craving breakfast, we had ventured out far enough away from any other restaurant that we opted to stay and have lunch. One thing that I immediately noticed was that most of the patrons here knew each other by first name including Ken, the owner who showed up while we waited in line to chat with his guests and show them to their seats. Ken momentarily disappeared only to come back with extra chairs for us waiting patrons to sit on including a pregnant woman behind us.
The linen-covered, bistro style tables were strategically placed along the rustic wooden porch that overlooks the water and marina. Atop each table were freshly cut flowers in a small vase. The porch, as it should, had a very comfortable, relaxing, "homely" feel to it. And on what seemed like the hottest, most humid day of the year, it was quite comfortable under the shade with a nice breeze blowing from the bay. The view was of the beautiful sailboats docked at the marina and on Back Creek. In the distance you can even make out the Bay Bridge behind dozens of boats along the Chesapeake Bay.
The menu offerings were fairly simple; soups, salads and sandwiches. For this perfectly lazy Sunday, we both ordered a refreshing Arnold Palmer with fresh mint and a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Sandwich that came "highly recommended" from a local patron who we had a brief chat with while waiting in line. Service was genuinely hospitable with Ken, the owner even coming by to say that he was glad our wait didn't take as long as he thought. Our server was charming, friendly and efficient.
As we waited for our food, I caught a glimpse of the Jumbo Shrimp Salad Sandwich that our server delivered to the table next to us. It looked absolutely divine and a good sign of what was in store. The crab cake sandwiches we ordered was advertised as "Annapolis' Best" and it proved to be a worthy contender. As a matter of fact, it was probably the best tasting crab cake sandwich I have ever had! The crabmeat was sweet, fresh, tender and succulent with very little binder/filling. It was served with a mesculin mix side salad tossed in a vinaigrette dressing. A German style potato salad complete with a fresh rosemary sprig also accompanied the meal. The plate was beautifully presented.
Everything about this place makes The Back Porch a true hidden gem in every sense of the word. I actually almost considered not writing a Yelp review as I'd love to keep it Annapolis' best-kept secret for a peaceful, quiet and relaxing breakfast/lunch in a picturesque setting. -
Review from Beth K.
Alexandria, VA
7/4/2010
Definitely a hidden gem in Annapolis. We came here on a very nice Saturday for lunch (we tried for breakfast but arrived too late due to lack of parking). We did have to wait in line for about 20 minutes, but what can you expect when the food is this good.
For food: I got the apple, bacon and cheddar sandwich. It had some sort of red onion aioli that was just amazing. My fiance got the beef tenderloin sandwich with the horseradish aioli and he said it was the best lunch he had in a while. From the bite that I had, I would have to agree. The sandwich came with a salad on the side which was just so-so (dressing was really bland), and a small cup of potato salad came with it also. From the few bites I had the potato salad seemed very good.
The reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because we have tried to come here about 2 other times and could never find parking, we had to park about a ten minute walk away on the main road in order to get here. Good luck finding a spot (seriously). -
Review from Christine C.
Annapolis, MD
Location, simple, unique. This place is exactly what is says it is... a back porch cafe. You drive to the end of the road to find a beautiful marina tucked away and as you walk up you can smell a lovely breakfast cooking. You walk up the ramp and sure enough it's a large wrap around porch you see full of diners and a few casually dressed waiters and waitresses scurrying about. We arrived just before 10 am on a Sunday and were able to score a table with a wonderful view of the bay and the channel. We watch sailboats come and go and the Watermark boats depart for the day as well.
As for the food, it was great... well my french toast was! It was a creme brulee french toast with berries. It was tasty, crunch and soggy in the middle. Just the way I like it! It was delicious, I would probably ask for it a little more toasty on the outside next time but that is a personal preference of mine.
Neil had an arnold palmer ice tea/lemonade which was delicious and a muffin with sausage and egg - he was delighted mostly with the scenery! The breeze here on the porch was also very welcome as the weather is heating up.
Get out there and check this place out! It was worth finding it!
Open 8am-2pm Wed thru Sunday from May 13 until the boat show in the October.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Janet K.
Annapolis, MD
Updated - 9/22/2010
I usually go to the Back Porch for breakfast--which is delicious, but once in awhile I will get there for lunch. For some reason I've never ordered their crabcake. Probably because I am SO picky about crabcakes and I just couldn't imagine that this little place that is not a get down dirty crab kinda place could measure up. Well, let me stand corrected! I had one for the first time the other day and oh, my, my, now I have to re-examine my best crabcakes in the area list.
So, for all you Yelpers on the quest to find the perfect crabcake, give this place a try and let me know what you think. But hurry, they close for the season in a month or so....1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/6/2009
You just have to give this place a 5 star for location alone...it is simply the BEST! (OK, maybe… Read more »
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Review from Amy B.
Solana Beach, CA
8/1/2011
Omg amazing. No alcohol, well behaved dogs ok, extraordinary food. Fantastic view. The wait will be insignificant when you take your first bite!
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Review from Doug M.
Arnold, MD
8/9/2011
I agree with most of the other reviewers - pros: the food is great, the view is amazing. Cons: It's tough to find on your first visit, service is spotty.
My wife and I lucked out on our visit - there was no line for a table. We had a delicious meal (I had the crab omelette, she had slow-cooked eggs with goat cheese).
The table next to us had the creme brulee french toast, and I'm definitely going to get that the next time I go. Looked delicious! -
Review from Amanda P.
Baltimore, MD
11/11/2011
Unfortunately, we missed brunch, so I was only able to order lunch. The breakfast looked amazing and probably would have got 5 stars. It is a great location, tucked away in a marina surrounded by a residential area. You can sit on the patio and watch the boats while you eat. I ordered the crab cake sandwich; our waitress highly recommended it! You can order it on a roll or on top of a salad. You can tell the crab was picked that day, everything was very fresh. It came with potato salad that had regular and sweet potatoes - awesome. They have great coffee! The food was really good, but a bit rich. You could tell the crab cake had a ton of mayo in it, and then is topped with tarter sauce (more mayo), and on a brioche bun, which is pretty rich itself. Next time I would opt for the salad instead of bun. It was a really good meal and great atmosphere. Ken was there and walked around and chatted with the tables, which made us feel super cool. I wish they served breakfast longer for us young'ins that like to sleep in on Sunday, but I will definitely be back next year!
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Review from C. F.
Annapolis, MD
6/6/2011
I adore this place! Charming, quiet, scenic -- and delicious to boot! Great place to take guests to get a taste of the locals' Annapolis.
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Review from Julie K.
New York, NY
5/17/2010
How have I missed this place when I use to live in Annapolis?! I mean talk about hidden gems. I took my parents here while I was visiting them this past Saturday morning. It was a bit chilly at 10am, so bring a sweater just in case. My mom went as far as to say that this was the best breakfast in Annapolis.
Ambiance: Absolutely gorgeous! Literally sitting on a large porch staring at this fantastic view of the water and boats. I felt like I could be transported back 50 years ago even. It was tempting not to go jump on a boat and sing "I'm on a boat" and hope T-Pain would appear. In fact, I may have annoyed the waitress by singing this over and over again.
Service: The waitress always made sure to fill my coffee cup when it was only half full (trying to stay optimistic). Service was friendly and fast overall.
Food: My mom had the oven roasted vegetable frittata, served with potatoes, potatoes and bowl of fruit (none of that canned cocktail crap). I had a bite and it was firm on the outside and creamy inside. She loved it and said the potatoes had a bit of a kick.
My dad ordered the special for the day: bacon onion cheddar omelet and I ordered the creme brulee french toast. Both were great, especially my french toast. The menu described it perfectly, crunchy on the outside but soft and moist inside (and that is what she said). The secret? Nice large pieces of bread. Mmm.
Now, how can we have this transported to nyc? -
Review from Matt C.
12/1/2010 2 Check-ins Here
By far the best breakfast in Annapolis! It's all the skill of a master chef put into amazing food. The servers seem a bit disinterested in being there but the second your meal arrives you forget all about it! Try the creme brulee french toast!!!
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Review from Jenny C.
Annapolis, MD
1/30/2011
You can't beat the location and view. Always good food and good service.
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Review from Apple C.
Astoria, NY
10/9/2010
The Back Porch Cafe is an amazing breakfast spot with a breathtaking view. I am from New York City and I came to this place with my three friends. This place has what you are looking for, for a perfect breakfast: attentive and friendly staff, mouth watering food, and the beautiful and relaxing scenery.
The atmosphere is laid back out in the open with fresh air. Your taste buds will explode with every bite you take. I had one of the Sunday breakfast specials which was Maryland Benedict (I think) which consisted of an English muffin, topped with flavorful crab meat, and two poached eggs. There was a sauce too but I asked for that on the side, which means this place caters to your needs. Their deserts were magnificent! My favorite, which I shared with my friend was Chocolate Chip cookies and milk. The cookies were warm, which made me feel cozy on a cool morning.
If you live in, by, or visiting Annapolis, I highly recommend this place. -
Review from Chris G.
Alexandria, VA
12/31/2010
I'm a fan of going there but unfortunately they are closed during the winter. Seemingly they open again in May of 2011.
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Review from Heidi C.
New York, NY
6/15/2009 2 Check-ins Here
If you can find your way to this purposely-private spot then you've earned the delicious breakfast or lunch that you're about to receive. Owned by Ken Upton, who is also the illustrious owner of Ken's Creative Kitchen Catering, this delightful spot is only open in the warmer months, as there are no indoor seats. There is simply a porch with tables. Arrive after 10am on a weekend and you may find yourself with a short but pleasant wait. The porch looks out right into one of Annapolis' harbors with sailboats drifting silently and elegantly past your view. The menu is fairly simple, and all of the food comes out of the kitchen tasting like happiness. Ken himself is an extremely warm man who has always made us feel so welcome.
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Review from Sean L.
Manassas, VA
6/15/2010
It is a rare day that I will give a restaurant 5 stars, but this one deserves it. Everything is home made, from the bread for the grilled bacon, cheddar and apple sandwich to the absolutely delicious key lime pie.
We arrived at 1:00 PM. and were expecting a wait, but luckily there were tables available. Maybe because of the hot weather (90 degrees) not too many people wanted to eat outside. Our table was over looking the river and bay. View was gorgeous and set the tone for something special. We both ordered soda, which arrived in cans and was poured into glasses at the table. Good for soda quality, but bad for those whom like to drink copious amounts of bottomless beverages. For those people, I recommend the iced tea which is served from a pitcher.
My wife ordered a curried chicken salad with fresh fruit. It was very good and came with loads of fresh fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, melon slices and more. All of the fruit and greens were fresh and impeccably clean. I had a grilled cheese, bacon and apple slice sandwich. It was actually cooked on a grill, rather than the customary griddle. It was accompanied with a potato salad and mixed greens salad. The potato salad consisted of small new potato halves tossed in fresh rosemary, capres, garlic, olive oil and probably a tarragon wine vinegar. All came together offering me different aromas and flavors with each bit. The salad greens were crisp and fresh.
I finished off with the key lime pie, which was promised to be home made. It was, and it was good! The crust was a buttery graham cracker crust. Cooked nicely so that the caramelly flavor of the butter came out. The filling was not too sweet, even a little tart. Perfect with the crust. The garnish of whipped cream was real cream, and not the light fluffy stuff that comes out of a can.
Bonus: One of the patrons broke out into a few lines of an opera. Delightful! -
Review from G T.
Wayne, PA
6/25/2010
A great place to pop in and grab lunch, especially if you like fresh made sandwiches and salads. Driving to it is a pain - but from the water it is an easy find. Ask about the "Heidi Bread" and see if you can buy a loaf of the cinnamon raisin - you will not regret it!
