Ever wonder about where the people who catch fish in Southern Maryland go to eat? You can best believe that after waking up before dawn and braving the elements for hours on end, people who fish and crab aren’t putting on ties or cocktail dresses when day is done.
Scheible’s is in Ridge, Maryland (St. Mary’s County). It’s been a casual place to eat since 1946. Whether you’re in the bar area or the dining room — which has karaoke nights — you’ll find a relaxing, come-as-you-are setting. If you’re staying in Scheible’s motel rooms with a bunch of friends or fishing by yourself, Old Man and the Sea style, you’ll enjoy walking back to civilization in a friendly environment right on Smith Creek. During weekends, they’re even open for early breakfast. I’m glad I got the chance to try it!
The restaurant uses as much local seafood and produce as possible. Southern Maryland and the Northern Neck of Virginia just across the Potomac have quite of bounty of things to eat and have for hundreds of years.
You’ll find most of your favorite Maryland specialties on the menu, like a rich, fresh crab dip seasoned with Old Bay, Chicken Chesapeake with lots of crab, sweet and onion-y hush puppies, fried fish, fresh rockfish, fried oysters with a crunchy and hearty batter, crab cakes, etc. They have raw oysters on the menu, but they were out when I was there. Unlike some places that limit choices of sides to coleslaw and fries, Scheible’s has fresh local veggies like sauteed spinach, as well. The portions are quite huge and even the “lite fare” size will keep you well fed.
Luxe & Down-Home Cuisine/Culture/Travel/Style 