Weekly reviews of crab cakes around the MD and DC area

Dark Horse Saloon Chesapeake Grilled Cheese

Dark Horse Saloon Chesapeake Grilled Cheese Dark Horse Saloon Chesapeake Grilled Cheese Crab Cake Review

The Dark Horse Saloon in Bel Air has been around since 2010 and features southwestern favorites and authentic, award-winning barbecue.  (There is another location in Canton as well, but may be under different ownership.) The original building dates back to the post civil war era, having served as the home to John's barbershop, a watch repair store and the original headquarters of the Aegis newspaper.  The decor pays homage to this rich history, keeping with the Western theme and including relics of days gone past.  So you normally wouldn't expect a southwestern place to serve crab cakes.  But when they do, they go all out.  In addition to crab cake platters and sandwiches comes the Chesapeake Grilled Cheese.  Is it as amazing as it sounds?  Continue on and see for yourself!

The Chesapeake Grilled Cheese is a jumbo lump crab cake served on Texas toast, with sliced tomato and provolone cheese.  Comes with a side of fries or tots.  (Feel free to insert Napoleon Dynamite references about tots here)

The crab cake is comprised of jumbo lumps and some broken pieces, and is Maryland style, which has a breadier texture.  Judged by itself, the crab is very tasty, and the breading offers a plentiful amount of spicing.  The cake is very moist, and has a consistency that reminds you of Thanksgiving stuffing.  

As for the sandwich, everything just works together in delicious harmony.  The Texas toast is nice and firm, strong enough to hold all of the soft and gooey contents together without falling apart.  You don't notice the tomato much, but the provolone cheese adds some nice complexity to the ensemble.  

With everything together, the saltiness of the spicing comes off as a bit much.  Not too much that it ruins the experience, but you'll certainly know it's there.  Otherwise the sandwich is very good, and is worthy of a repeat order.  A regular crab cake sandwich will never be the same again!

Dark Horse Saloon Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Additional Info

  • Restaurant Name: Dark Horse Saloon
  • Address: 119 S. Main Street Bel Air, MD 21014
  • Neighborhood: Bel Air
  • Restaurant Type: Local
  • Review Date: 06/23/2012 8:25pm
  • Atmosphere: Moderate to Busy
  • Item(s) Ordered: Chesapeake Grilled Cheese
  • Cooking Style: Broiled
  • Other Styles Available: Yes
  • Available by mail order?: No
  • Price: 13.99
  • Order Type: Sandwich
  • Crab Content: Jumbo Lump
  • Filler: Average
  • Spice: Average
  • Overall Impression: Very Good
  • Rating (out of 5 crabs):

    4h-crab