Salisbury MD restaurants--Cactus Taverna, Grill Kabob, etc.
I'm on a lengthy visit to my original hometown of Salisbury, MD, so here's my comment on the current state of food here. It's just 30 miles west of Ocean City MD, so if you're in O.C. and everything's too packed, or you're staying in Salisbury b/c you can't find a hotel in O.C., here you go.
Probably the best restaurant in town is the excellent Cactus Taverna, located on U.S. 13 on the busy north side of town, across from the Centre at Salisbury Mall and just north of the Business-Bypass 13 split. They have very good Mexican, South American, and Mediterranean food. The specials are the best, but maybe a bit expensive depending on your budget, as they generally run about $20 or so. Just last night we had outstanding tuna (ask for rare), rockfish, and paella. The guy who owns the place is actually from Lebanon, I think, but there's really nothing Middle Eastern there except for the occasional Mazza appetizer special, which we also had last night and which was really great. He's probably correct to think that Salisbury is not sophisticated enough to dig Middle Eastern food, as a whole. I was born there and grew up there and most Salisburians just aren't into anything offbeat at all. (I'm surprised a Barnes & Noble dared to open in this town. It'll fail.)
If you just want regular Mexican fare, though, there's a much cheaper option, La Tolteca. Very cheap and above average, on Business U.S. 50 near the intersection with East Main St.
Brew River gets a lot of hype, and it's not bad, but Cactus Taverna is much better.
Boonie's is very good but it's a serious detour down MD Route 349 to Tyaskin (15-20 minutes from Salisbury).
Hunan Palace (Business Rt. 13 a few blocks south of Salisbury University) has good Chinese food and very good sushi.
And for really excellent Pakistani/Indian cuisine, there's Grill Kabob. Somebody please support this place. I don't think it gets much business. It's really more a lunch or takeout place because there isn't much in the way of decor. But it'll do for a very tasty and inexpensive dinner if you don't need any ambience. Call ahead for faster service (about 30-40 minutes) because they don't make the food quickly.
Everything is made to order, which is why it's so good. The number is 410-341-6767. They're at 203 E. Carroll St., at Business U.S. 13 (catty-corner from the hospital, PRMC). The chicken marsala is especially good.
Ike
Jul 06, 2003 09:34PM
I was doing research for my upcoming book and came across this posting. You seem to be very familiar with the area, so I thought I'd ask for your recommendations on restaurants in historic buildings. The eateries don't have to serve historic food -- they just have to be housed in something around 100 years old or more, where at least part of the building looks like it did way back when. If you have any input, I'd really appreciate the insight from a local.
Thanks.
Permalink | Reply
I agree with the above statement... for the most part... the grill kabob, while a below average looking restaurant, has some of the best food in the area. The food is best if you order in and eat it there. Take-out just doesn't do it here. Kahn and his wife cook the food from scratch, so it will be slow. Very few people support this place because it is run-down looking, but don't let that stop you. Chicken Vindalo, Chicken Masala, Biryani, are all tasty. Tell them Bryan sent ya!!
Permalink | Reply
I agree with the above statement... for the most part... the grill kabob, while a below average looking restaurant, has some of the best food in the area. The food is best if you order in and eat it there. Take-out just doesn't do it here. Kahn and his wife cook the food from scratch, so it will be slow. Very few people support this place because it is run-down looking, but don't let that stop you. Chicken Vindalo, Chicken Masala, Biryani, are all tasty. Tell them Bryan sent ya!!
Permalink | Reply
To update my post, Grill Kabob has closed, but now there are two other Indian-Pakistani restaurants in Salisbury, both of which are just as good or better than Grill Kabob was. See these posts:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/348311#2133277
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/187324
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/354047
Enjoy!
Permalink | Reply