For those of us who have been in Reisterstown for years, we can remember being saddened when Maria's in the Cherryvale Shopping Center. We drove by that empty space and remembered all the great times we had there. Then one day we saw movement in that location, and the sign that came up reading "Playoff Sports Bar and Grill" certainly piqued the community's interest.
The interior is spacious and inviting. The dark wood floors and comfy seating create an easy and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of fun events. Thursday nights are college nights featuring beer pong and a DJ; Wednesday nights offer karaoke; Tuesday nights feature team trivia; Friday and Saturday nights feature live music. Monday through Friday, Happy Hour begins at 3 and ends at 6 p.m. and features both appetizer and drink specials. On Sundays they offer a brunch menu that is superb.
They also offer daily specials. Teachers get a 10 percent discount Mondays through Fridays during happy hour. Monday's special is wings and a pitcher of Yuengling for $15; Tuesday's is $3 off burgers; Wednesday's special is $2 off all pizzas; Thursday's special is $1 tacos, $3 Margaritas and Coronas, and $10 for a pizza and a pitcher.
Ahi tuna, crabby fries, cheeseburger sliders, mussels, BBQ bacon fries, Oriental Beef Napoleon, El Paso egg rolls, fried calamari and steamed shrimp are just a few of the appetizers on their starters menu. All the appetizers are wonderful.
In the mood for a tasty lunch? I highly recommend the Chicken Caprese pizza, which is white pizza topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil and chicken drizzled with garlic oil. If that doesn't suit your fancy, you could try the crab pizza, a white pizza topped with fresh mozzarella, their homemade crab dip, diced tomatoes and sliced onions. They also have a chicken ranch pizza as well as a number of other unique pizzas.
Have a taste for a burger? They have a variety of interesting burgers that include a crabby patty — a handmade burger with lump crab meat and cheese on top — or chili burger, which is a half-pound burger topped with a fried onion ring filled with homemade chili, bacon and cheddar cheese. Their "Playoff Burger" — my personal favorite — is a mouth- watering half-pound burger topped with your choice of cheese and served with lettuce and tomato.
Care for a healthier choice? They have a range of delightful salads, including a chef salad, a blackened chicken cob salad, a Greek salad, a Waldorf salad and a Caesar salad.
Their entrees include a Flounder Imperial, a sirloin, Chicken Piccata, and of course a crab cake. Or if you prefer a sandwich, their sandwich selection has a pulled Carolina pork BBQ sandwich, a crabby chicken sandwich, a turkey club and a BLT, to name a few.
Last Sunday, I decided to give their brunch menu a try. I had a most delightful sandwich called a Monte Cristo, which they describe as French Toast stuffed with ham, turkey and Swiss cheese. I have to say it was totally amazing.
Playoff Sports Bar and Grill is located at 11706 Reisterstown Road, Reisterstown, MD in the Cherry Vale shopping center.
Terry Chaney is a Reisterstown resident and can be reached via email at antter95@yahoo.com.
