O'lordan's - Westminster

**Atmosphere:** The restaurant has an Irish pub theme, and we initially thought we'd prefer sitting downstairs. However, our server guided us to a quieter upstairs area that was free from music and TVs. We had made a reservation in advance, since it seemed quite popular based on Google reviews and what others had said. The upstairs had a different ambiance compared to downstairs, offering a more relaxed dining experience with its painted walls and decor inspired by Irish lore. The seating arrangements were varied, with a mix of tall bench backs and small alcoves designed for groups of 10-15, creating an intimate feel, even though the space could accommodate 60-80 people. The photos really showcase how lovely the space is (except for the floating mantel above the faux fireplace). We ended up in a high-backed bench that resembled a loveseat, with a height of about 5 feet and arms on the sides. It felt like it could easily have hosted a few romantic moments or served as a cozy spot for students from nearby McDaniel College to take a nap after a late night. The photos highlight this unique piece of furniture, and there was another similar one nearby. It almost felt like a special VIP seat one might find in a movie. However, the cushion wasn’t as plush as it appeared, which seemed intentional to keep guests from getting too comfortable. There was also a central room featuring several wooden "Lord" chairs along the back wall, adding to the elegant, old-world atmosphere. **Service:** We interacted with three staff members. The hostess greeted us warmly, took our name and reservation, and introduced us to another young lady who took us upstairs. After we were seated, she provided us with menus and then left. Our server was a young man who was also attending to a large party of two families dining nearby. He managed their needs well, even though they were deep into their meal when we arrived. He helped us with our order, answered our questions, and brought out our food promptly. He seemed a bit uncertain on how to react to our comments about the food being "interesting." **Food:** We started with the Brown Ton onion rings, which were by far the highlight of our meal. The breading was just right—not too thick or crunchy—and the horseradish sauce was fantastic. For our main dishes, we ordered the Shepherd's Pie and the Beef Guinness Stew, along with a Dirty Rum to pair with the food. The drink was delicious. Unfortunately, the Shepherd's Pie was a bit disappointing; it had an unconventional amount of tomato and not nearly enough mashed potatoes, which may have been due to our Midwest expectations. While the presentation was great, the flavor was… interesting? It was worth trying, but we probably won't order it again on our next visit, especially since there were many other enticing options on the menu. The Beef Guinness Stew was thicker than I anticipated and better received than the Shepherd's Pie. We finished our meal with a chocolate-bottomed crème brûlée and Apple Bread Pudding to-go, leaving us quite stuffed. It was an enjoyable experience, and we’ll likely return to explore more of the menu. **Parking:** For parking, we used a garage next to the restaurant. It operates as paid parking during the day, but it's free at night.

This restaurant is my favorite place to go in Westminster! I love the food, it is the best. For many years they have done a great job maintaining the highest levels of food, service atmosphere.

The food was good. So that's the reason for the 3 stars. Service was great.

A true Irish pub. Great guinea and awesome service.

Lovely meals, great service. The alcohol wasn't as strong as many other places we've been whilst in America.