The Comus Inn at Sugarloaf Mountain

This was quite disappointing. I had not been here for a long time. We had a coupon and decided to try it. The atmosphere is very nice. The staff is very nice and attentive. The place was empty for a Saturday which we wondered about. .
I ordered a fish dish. It was extremely salty and smothered with so much tomato and sausage you could not find the fish. Pretty bad. That was bad enough but it was so salty that it had no taste and it was very very spicy. The menu doesn’t tell you that either. So Sorry .I would stay away from here. I do not think they will last long.

We made a reservation for Thanksgiving day at 11:30 and received an email confirmation. The day before we received a call to confirm our reservation and we’re told the time was 10:30!!! We offered to forward the confirmation email saying 11:30 but we’re told not to. There was no offer to contact Open Table where the reservation was made or try to accommodate us since it was the fault of their reservation system. We were told to take 10:30 or cancel. We canceled.

This place has really gone downhill. The food was awful. Never ever going back until they fire the cook and hire someone new.

What a disaster dinner we just had. We ordered 3 porterhouse stakes and were all chewy and tasting horrible. We mentioned to both the waiter and the manager that the steaks were horrible and they did not do anything to accommodate. Will never go back again and would not suggest this place to anyone.

This was a crazy disappointing disaster!!!
1. I went on line and no tables were available until 8pm… we got there and the place was nearly empty!!!
2. We went to celebrate — we ordered 3 steaks Porterhouse $ 42 a steak and
it was like you picked up a grainy steak from Giant and threw it on the grill
and put a mountain of mushrooms on top — very grainy and no taste!!!
3. We informed our waitress and she went and got the manager — he proceeded to tell us he had «a special kind of grainy beef!» — what the what? we all sat there stunned!
4. The bill was not adjusted with such awful food — it was to be such a special night and nothing was said or done! The manager quickly went out of sight…
the poor waitress was left with us — she was not the problem… THE MANAGEMENT NEED TO GET A CLUE — GET A NEW CHEF!!!
5. The wine list was pathetic — we asked with the beautiful winery right down the street, why isn’t their wine on the list… we were told they had a «disagreement» — that is unfortunate as JLohr was the best they had which is a low end wine.
Unless real changes happen — this restaurant is a huge disappointment — which is sad because the ambiance is nice and the view is incredible.

Our entire experience here was really great. We showed up for a spontaneous bring post hike and the host was really nice and accommodating despite our not being as dressed up as other guests and not having a reservation.
Great food and service, good mimosa! Would love to come back for a special event dinner.

This place is beautiful. With a great view of the mountain. I think this place is a hot spot for weddings and receptions as well. The day I dined there was a set up for a wedding that was suppose to be happening later on. However, I did not enjoy my brunch. They did us a favor to sit us after they weren’t accepting walk ins anymore and they were very gracious but I guess the cooks didn’t bother to season my food. I got the mushroom omelette with potato hash but it just wasn’t appetizing. I couldn’t finish it. I took about three bites and gave up. That was probably one of the few times where I let a plate go to waste.
Well this place seems to be a hit in the area and amongst regulars. Will I go back? Probably not. I live in Texas and I doubt if I will ever find myself in that part of the country. But cheers to those who do love this Inn.

Delicious Sunday brunch with variety of a la cart menu options (breakfast, salad, and lunch option). Beautiful views of the Sugarloaf mountain and surrounding countryside. Service was top-​notch. Very memorable experience.

The rehearsal dinner for my son and future DiL was the most amazing event thanks to the incredible food (tasty prime rib, hot and delicious shrimp alfredo, moist and tender chicken saltimbocca), the wonderful service (Rebecca, Mark, Nate and more) and the gorgeous setting in the Grand Room overlooking the barn, fountain and Sugarloaf mountain. I’d had lunch here twice before booking and everything was superb then as well. This place is amazing — and I’m VERY hard to please!

Good thing I rated them previously. They would get 2 stars this time. My date went to considerable trouble to secure a reservation with a table overlooking the mountain. Instead, we were placed at an elongate table with a distant view of the mountain. We were seated several feet apart and it was difficult to hear each other. So much for a special evening out with each other! The salad was still terrific. Especially the one with the citrus dressing. The salmon entrée was also excellent. Put it on your to do list. The heavy spicing in the catfish completely overwhelmed this entrée. It is not recommended. We weren’t as lucky with our wine selection this time though it wasn’t bad. We are debating whether to give it a third chance or leave well enough alone.

Bottom Line: Overall good experience though not amazing food for being so far away from any form of civilization. Food seems more Chesapeake Bay than their actual surroundings. Check out their calendar as they do have good entertainment events.
The service was good but from the get go they were out of the first two beers we ordered. Annoying. The view from the main room of Sugarloaf Mountain was a big plus as we waited to see what beer they did have in stock.
I have a severe seafood allergy and was quite disappointed at the few dinner options I could actually eat. Plus their specials of the night were nearly all seafood in some form so that was nice (sarcasm). I could understand that in Baltimore or Annapolis but out in the boonies by a big mountain?! Mix it up a bit! I highly doubt people are going over the river and through the woods to come HERE for seafood when they likely live much closer to all of the great seafood Maryland has to offer. I don’t say this to be mean spirited but my ancestors are several namesakes of the surrounding towns and I know they surely weren’t cooking up oysters and crab. If they stuck with the cuisine of their historical surroundings they’d likely get four or five stars. The culinary talent and creativity is there but it just needs some tweaking. They were accommodating to my allergies and I enjoyed the medallions I decided on. Ridiculously expensive at $ 35 for a restaurant that isn’t a steakhouse. For that price I could have gone to one of the well known steakhouses in DC and saved $ 35 on gas for the roundtrip drive alone!
The major thing that weirded me out about this place was when I was using the women’s bathroom a male staff member tried to come inside. When I said I was in there he creepily waited outside of the bathroom. Sure it’d be ok during off hours or during the day if he’s the only person there to clean but this was prime time Saturday night when many female staff members were working. It irked me out and wasn’t the best way to end my night at the Comus Inn.

We first went early on a Friday without reservations on a whim. What treat! We were seated near live jazz vocal entertainer and had a wonderful meal while looking out onto Sugarloaf Mtn. We recently returned for a charity event and were reminded of the delicious food served and the pleasant setting. We agreed that although it is a bit a drive for us, we need to come back more often.

Every few years we give this old place a try, and every time we are extremely underwhelmed. Nice atmosphere, pretty place, wonderful views, but that doesn’t fill your tummy. Overpriced, over ambitious. Waffle so hard it could drive nails, one small sausage link, high school kids plopping plates on your table, not what one expects at these price points. Best thing about brunch was a decent price on a bottle of Veuve. Everything else, well, Let’s just say Golden Corral does a better breakfast. Don’t think we will return.

Pleasant surprise! Upscale restaurant with excellent food, great wine and drink selection and very attentive service. High marks for quality and beautiful view from dining room. Nice place for special dinner The sunday brunch is great. Made reservations for Easter brunch, can’t wait!

The place looks nice, so plan for fancy dress if you go. No meals served at the bar, so plan did a sit down meal. They’re also not keen on having you if you don’t have a reservation, even if the place looks empty so plan ahead before you go.

Wow. The food and service was amazing. We arrived by surprise and they seated us immediately. The restaurant is high class, elegant and super pricey. It was worth every bite of it down to the dessert. I will be coming back again.

Two and three quarters Unilocal for a restaurant that left me feeling poorer after eating there. And not every table has a view — we had a view of the parking lot, where I could comment wistfully on the scenic Prius in front of us. Add that to the fact that the room we were in was a gigantic echo chamber, and I can’t say we’re returning.
The key word is «overpriced,» which is basically the keynote of this restaurant. They’re at the upper limits of the three dollar sign mark here ($ 31-​$ 60). There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the restaurant; their food is decent, but it’s not really gourmet enough for them to be charging what they’re charging.
For example, they have a wonderful fresh-​baked pie a la mode, but it’s $ 12. $ 12 is what I’d expect to pay for three-​star desserts downtown, not good pie in the distant suburbs. It’s delicious. It’s also $ 12.
The duck was fine. A little rubbery even for medium rare (would suggest medium well for the duck), but the sauce was tasty and the grits were fine. I would have gladly gone back for a second attempt, except it’s $ 32. Salmon was perfectly fine, but also $ 32, and it’s not like it’s Alaskan King Salmon — it’s just plain old Atlantic pink, with fingerling potatoes. Really?
Not everything is overpriced. They had a very nice wedge salad that was NOT overpriced and was the best thing I ate (would highly recommend it; the tomato jam mixes beautifully with the ranch and the fresh bacon). They have an amusing house Zinfandel blush (from Maryland, nonetheless!) that’s $ 6.50 a glass, and the other house wines are not out of financial bounds. They will bring you as much fresh-​baked bread as you want with honey butter; it tastes like Pillsbury but I LIKE Pillsbury.
In all, I wouldn’t go unless you have a coupon (which we did) or an expense account, and unless you can guarantee yourself a view. I will say this: it would be a fantastic place to have your wedding catered — everything on the menu reminded me of really good wedding food, and the service was lovely. I wouldn’t go, but I won’t specifically tell you not to go.

Went to my good friend’s wedding luncheon. It has been snowing a little the drive from Rockville to Comus Inn was maybe 15 – 20 mins. It was a scenic drive especially with the snow I mean I understand why people live out in the area. We were escorted by the very friendly hosts to the basement floor function room. The room was beautifully set up the attraction was definitely the backdrop. It was the most scenic land with the Sugarloaf Mountain and covered in white snow. Also we loved the wedding cake and a Terps cap cake made for the groom. The cocktail hour was awesome we had mimosas. There were an assortment of appetizers and the buffet was a variety of American favorites including a macaroni and cheese bar. After lunch we had cakes and there was a sundae bar! So much fun!

The Comus Inn will always hold a special place in my heart because it is where my fiancé and I will be getting married in October. However, we would never have picked the Comus Inn had we not been so completely impressed with their service, offerings, and cuisine. We did not pick this place lightly; we have eaten there half a dozen times over the course of the past few months alone. We have met the General Manager, Event Coordinator, and, of course, the wait staff.
When you arrive at the Comus Inn, expect to be greeted by a friendly face. Usually, Jessie is right up front, and he will make you feel like a VIP! Ask him about the story behind the Comus Inn — it’s a Civil War era building turned into a restaurant, and it has a lot of history! Strike up a conversation; you won’t be disappointed. If you have the time (and if a wedding isn’t going on), ask to see the upstairs of the building. It’s a gorgeous place with American history clearly laid into its walls.
My fiancé and I have come here only for brunch and lunch as we are generally morning people and not keen on dinner dates. Besides which — our wedding will be a morning affair, and we wanted to know what their brunch food would taste like. I can tell you — we have never been disappointed. My favorite thing about the Comus is that they have a real chef, which means that their menu changes for special occasions, seasons, or when the chef runs out of an ingredient (as once happened for me – he whipped me up something unique! and delicious).
My other favorite thing is that their food is locally sourced! I am so glad to pay a little more to have my food come from small local farms and businesses. And — the proof is in the pudding — it tastes better too.
The wait staff are wonderful here. They are always happy to answer questions (and quite knowledgeable about the food). The view is impeccable if you are fortunate enough to get a seat out on the balcony area (ask for one when you make your reservation; it’s worth it! Especially if there’s not a wedding going on – wedding tents block the view).
For those seeking a venue for an event of any nature, I highly recommend the Comus. Cheryl, the Event Coordinator, is amazing, kind, organized, communicative, professional, and just the type of person you know that you can trust with your event. I am so happy to have her helping me coordinate my big day.
Events are typically held in the bottom portion of the building (which you should also check out of you have time). I’ll be including a ton of photos with this review, so hopefully that shows you just how elegant this place is. The bottom area is complete with its own full bar finished in polished dark woods — it’s gorgeous, really. There’s even a small wine room that offers elegance and sophistication to the atmosphere.
Should your event require a tent, the tent that they use is amazing. I’ll be including pictures of this too — but imagine drapings coming down to cover the ceiling of the tent — and chandeliers to add to the beauty and make you totally forget that you’re actually under a tent roof.
The white barn that lies behind the Inn is finished inside now, and if you check out the Comus Inn’s Facebook page, you’ll be able to see pictures. It’s the perfect place for a groom’s party to get ready — I can’t wait to take pictures there. It adds so much character to the venue!
From what I’ve heard, the Comus Inn closed down for a few years — and this new management has taken it to the next level. I cannot recommend this place enough. If you are looking for somewhere to celebrate anything or just have a wonderful meal that makes you and everyone you’re with feel special — look no further. The Comus Inn absolutely has my recommendation.

Beautiful location, excellent service, but the food was pretty unexciting (especially for the price). Everything was decent enough, but it was really just mediocre. I had the wedge salad (Iceberg Wedge Salad, Buttermilk Lime Dressing, Comus Sweet Onion Tomato Jam), which was just that. A large hunk of lettuce topped with croutons, cheese and dressing. I didn’t care for the tomato jam with it; it tasted like putting salsa on lettuce and wasn’t particularly appealing. Bacon was available, but I requested not to have it included with mine. The honey butter was tasty, but not worth the calories.
I enjoyed the leek and potato soup (soup of the day), but it was very heavy and I suspect made with some sort of animal product (bacon grease or beef stock?) because it left a bad taste in my mouth and I left with indigestion.
We shared the Strawberry Bruschetta with Jalapeño Cornbread Toast, Goat Cheese Crumble and Berry Balsamic Reduction and while tasty, the cornbread toast didn’t taste much like cornbread, but more like a whole wheat toast of some sort and vaguely of jalapeño. The goat cheese and strawberry balsamic topping were generous however and of all of the items that I sampled, this was the tastiest.
Finally, for dessert I had the Dark Chocolate Torte Caramel Mousse, Praline, Blood Orange
Caramel and Chocolate Sauce. It honestly tasted like an enormous hunk of dark chocolate with a bit of sugary caramel icing. It was really just a large Lindt dark chocolate truffle in my mind. It was very heavy and rich, but was rather dry and unexciting. I wouldn’t order it again.
This would be an excellent place to grab a glass of wine, a snack and enjoy the impeccable service and views of the country, but I wouldn’t eat here again.