Miss Shirley's Cafe, Annapolis

The only reason this restaurant doesn't get 5 stars is because there is an expectation with "the best restaurant in Maryland" which gives it expectations to live up to.

With that said, Miss Shirley's does a fantastic job catering to customers dietary restriction and allergies. I gladly bring my allergic-to-everything, gluten-intolerant, vegan friends here, knowing they will find something tasty on the menu and my eat-everything-ever friends will not be disappointed or left hungry. I certainly like the menu variety, the playful twist on classic breakfast items.

The only things I don't like: Prices and lack of reservations.

For a 20-30$ breakfast, I find it's a bit steep and makes this restaurant a treat, rather than a regular occurrence (but you're paying for quality; not to mention, with lines out the door, I suspect they have no reason to lower prices to draw a crowd.)

And to my second point: Miss Shirley's does not take reservations; this is an inconvenience when arriving hungry, seeing and smelling what sweet and savory specials they have to offer, only to be teased for an hour waiting. I feel Miss Shirley's is a high enough caliber restaurant to offer reservations to streamline the customer waiting experience.

But, all in all, it is worth it to try. The food is clearly made in house, with interesting and tasty combinations I never thought possible. The kitchen does an incredible job balancing sweet and savory and the wait staff goes out of their way to make sure the dining experience is perfect... I just wish the wait experience was also more perfect. Would highly recommend, and would very much go back.

Awesome food, service, ambiance. Parking always sucks but hey, its Annapolis. Waitress and host were very helpful. Suggestions were spot on and everything came out amazing. Not cheap but the value is definitely there. BBQ bloody Mary was spot on with the bacon topper and the everything biscuit was too die for! Always recommend them!

I know the potential of this establishment! I'm in town and couldn't wait to visit. I ordered the challah raisin French toast. It was... boring. Literally just three pieces sitting there with syrup next to it. I know Miss Shirley's Cafe to be decadent, sophisticated, and creative. My dish reflected none of this... nostalgia? Seafood corn chowder was good and savory.

The family and I went here for brunch. No reservation and seated in a very timely manner for a large party. The atmosphere was very nice and the bathrooms were CLEAN! The food was excellent with very large portions. Can't forget about the service was on point as well. Will be coming back here for dinner ????.

I mean, I hear raves about this place pretty often. We've been twice now, and both times we left disappointed.

Service was great, and food came quickly.

My poached eggs needed a bit longer, but it was forgivable. Chives were a nice touch, as well as the tiny rounds of toast underneath to soak up the yolk.

The country potatoes that I asked to be crispy, however, were not. They were soft and extremely bland, seemingly devoid of any seasoning. I barely touched them.

My bacon tasted good, but again, was very soft. Who likes bacon that isn't at least SOMEWHAT crispy?

The everything biscuit, while certainly interesting, didn't quite gel for me either.

Overall, for a place with such a seemingly eclectic menu, I struggled to find something that clicked, so I went with a safer bet...and even that was a let down.

Unfortunately, I don't think Shirley's will get a third try from us, two strikes was enough. It wasn't terrible, it was just unremarkable and boring.