Mark’s Score 8.4
I have a soft spot for this restaurant as a consequence of an act of kindness a few years back. My dog, Katerina, needed specialized reconstructive surgery in Wilmington, DE. On the way home from her follow-up exam we stopped at Abbott’s for lunch. I had no idea if they allowed dogs, but they did have an outdoor patio…so I was hoping. It was a slow day so they allowed us to sit out on the patio. When the waitress heard Katerina’s story, she brought her a bowl of water and a hamburger. In spite of her pain, she was the happiest dog in the world on that day.
Abbott’s is located in the center of Laurel, the type of town you pass through on your way to someplace better. I have only one reason to travel to Laurel, Abbott’s. They don’t define their cuisine style, but I would classify it as modern southern cuisine. They have the traditional southern dishes, crab cakes, grits, ribs, fried green tomatoes, shrimp, and catfish. But their dishes have their own modern twist. My two favorite dishes at Abbott’s are the short rib pot roast and the Cajun meatloaf. I also love their starters. Sometimes I just order a couple of starters and skip the main altogether.
Their décor is a bit too austere for my taste. I also find their lighting to be off-putting. It is too bright, and too harsh. It makes me feel like I am sitting on a stage under spot lights. Who needs that, when you are well past 60? However, when the weather is nice, the back patio is salubrious. The patio faces Broad Creek. The creek isn’t much to look at, but there is a little park on the opposite side, so the patio provides a bucolic and pleasant view.
Due to inclement weather, I sat in the bar on this visit. When I am dining alone, I often sit at the bar, and given there were only two other customers I was able to strike up a conversation with the bartender. The pot roast is her favorite too. I haven’t been to Abbott’s in a while, so I ordered the pot roast. They have changed the recipe for this dish since my last visit, and I have to admit that I prefer the older version. But I will grant one concession about the new version. The “Sweet and Spicy Brussel Sprouts” that accompanied the dish were excellent. I have an unrequited love of Brussel Sprouts, and it is rare to see Brussel sprouts in a pot roast dish. The combination was a pleasant surprise. Who knew?
I didn’t order it this time, but if you do visit this restaurant, you have to try the key lime pie. You won’t regret it.
Leave a Reply