Ethel’s delivers exceptional value, a mountain of delicious seafood and sausages for only $21. Usually the liquid is the main star of gumbo. At Ethel’s, it’s milder, a supporting character to enhance the flavors of the protein. The food’s warm, nourishing, and gentle. And, somehow, you don’t get tired of it.
The atmosphere’s charming and well taken care of. Everything’s spick and span.
The service needs to be a bit slower paced, though. It is well-intentioned, meant to be highly attentive. However, when plates get cleared without asking as soon as they’re emptied, and then the check gets dropped as soon as everyone finished their food, it can come across as softly kicking us out of the restaurant.
Overall, a highly recommended dining destination in Baltimore.
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If I hadn't been before, I probably wouldn't be back. I've eaten at Ethel's dozens of times over the years, but this last visit was underwhelming.
The server was awkward and lacked confidence. My mother ordered a cocktail, and the bartender spent the next ten minutes goofing off with the server. We were one of two tables so they weren't busy. Also the bartender never washed her hands even after clearing napkins that had people's saliva on them. My wife blew her node in one. Wash your hands. Disgusting.
Food went down a notch. The jambalaya was swimming in sauce, which was odd. There was only about 6 pieces of sausage in a pile of rice. The muscles The gumbo was served over an entire chicken breast, which was odd. The crawfish dip had too few pieces of bread with it so we ended up eating it with a spoon. The fried oysters disappeared from the menu, which was sad. They used to have the best fried oysters, and it was a major reason we chose to go there.
Overall the staff was nice, but amateur. The food had great flavors, but served poorly. As previously stated, I wouldn't be back if I hadn't been before especially for the cost. I still highly recommend Ethel's, and we'll be back as I'm sure this was just an off night.
Ethel's has to be the one of the best creole restaurants in Maryland hands down. I have never had such good creole food in my 30 years in Maryland.
The gumbo, crab cake, shrimp boat, and jambalaya were all so distinctly delicious. The corn bread with scallion butter is to die for!! The scallion butter is such a mind blowing experience as it brightens up the savory corn bread. The balance of spice, seasoning, and savoriness was divine. The prices correspond with the quantity of seafood and portions that are given. The small quaintness of the restaurant made me feel like I was teleported outside of Maryland into a creole restaurant in Louisiana.
A must try for anyone who thoroughly enjoys creole food.
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