Bar Review: Quarry House Tavern in Silver Springs, Maryland

The Quarry House Tavern in Silver Springs, Maryland lives up to its motto, "Beer. Burgers. Basement." You'll miss it if you aren't paying attention because it's just a dark set of stairs. If you're across the street from Piratz Bar then you're at the right place. Just walk right in and grab a seat. Most of the seats around the bar area are self serve but if you keep walking there is a dining area that also features live music. Most bands go on after 9 pm. The bar has a massive selection of beers to choose from and I will go ahead and say the best Silver Springs has to offer. Even the prices aren't that bad for the selection. Probably the only upper class dive bar I've ever been to. I really like this bar and wish it was closer to me so I could make it my regular bar.

Atmosphere

Dank basement dive bar with a stale warmness to the air. Remember field trips as a kid to historical places. Same air quality. It actually adds to the charm after a few beers. It's a great place for groups. If you're from out of town and want to meet people this bar makes it easy. Sitting at the bar I made friends fast with a bunch of friendly locals and even band members from The Transporters who played later that night. It's a hip local place that I kept finding myself at.

Food/Drink

Full bar, but why bother when you have an amazing selection of beers to choose from. If you want it they got it, except for some nasty domestic beers like Coors and Miller. Treat yourself and get a real beer. I stuck to the lager list and it served me just fine.

Burgers for what they claim them to be aren't that great. Café Nola in Fredrick, MD still holds the top spot in my heart for great burgers. Tater tots however have a new king. Just a big heaping pile of them, crisp and hot every time. I didn't even know tater tots could be this good, but I was wrong. Dead wrong.

Service

I found it funny that when the place was packed I got better service than when it was nearly empty. If you're just looking to drink sit at the bar, but if you're having a meal, go past the bar and get a table because then you'll get a server. Don't ask them any questions though. I asked if they were showing the World Cup game and I am still waiting for an answer.

Cost

Some of the beer is a tad overpriced, but really you're paying for the selection. The burgers are completely overpriced for what they are. Save your money and order double tater tots and you won't regret it.

Other

Watch yourself in the restrooms. There are steps up and down at different points. This isn't a problem until after a few beers. Also for those of you in the 6' club watch your head as well.

Live music almost every night, but it's not so loud that you resort to yelling.

Quick Facts

-Location: 8401 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

-Metro: Silver Springs (Red Line)

-Phone: 301-587-8350

-Currency: Cash, Cards

-Smoking: Outside

-Bar: Full Bar

-Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:00pm - 12:00am

Friday-Saturday, 5:00pm - 2:00am