Hello dear
Welcome to Jennings Cafe, a beloved American dining spot in Catonsville, MD. This cozy cafe captures the essence of comfort food, offering a menu brimming with homestyle classics like Ms. Wanda's Fried Shrimp and rich homestyle meatloaf. With a casual, divey ambiance, it's perfect for families, groups, and anyone craving hearty meals in a neighborhood setting. Outdoor seating enhances the experience, while happy hour specials and thoughtful service make every visit special. Patrons rave about the flavorful dishes and inviting atmosphere, making Jennings Cafe a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Come, eat, and feel at home!
About
Welcome to Jennings Cafe, a beloved culinary cornerstone nestled in the heart of Catonsville, Maryland. This cozy American eatery, located at 808 Frederick Rd, is a delightful blend of casual charm and comfort food, making it the perfect spot for lunch or dinner with friends and family. Whether you're looking to indulge in a hearty meal or simply enjoy a refreshing drink during happy hour, Jennings Cafe captures the essence of neighborhood dining.
For those craving a comforting meal, the menu showcases an excellent selection of sandwiches, including the must-try Turkey Avocado Club and the classic Chicken Salad Sandwich. Each dish is crafted with care, using quality ingredients to ensure every bite feels like a taste of home. Customers rave about the French Dip Sandwich, a crowd favorite that is both hearty and perfectly prepared, proving that Jennings has mastered the art of satisfying hunger.
One of the standout features of Jennings Cafe is its inviting ambiance—a divey yet cozy setting that encourages guests to sit back, relax, and savor their meals. With moderate noise levels and attentive service, it's an ideal spot for gathering with family or catching up with friends over shared plates and spirited conversation.
As you step into Jennings Cafe, you're greeted not just by the enticing aromas wafting from the kitchen but also by a warm sense of community. The place is filled with familiar faces and friendly staff, making every visit feel like coming home. The old-style tavern decor and cozy seating invite you to linger over your meal, creating a memorable dining experience time and again.
Whether you're a local or visiting Catonsville for the first time, a trip to Jennings Cafe is a must. With its focus on quality, comfort, and community, it's more than just a restaurant—it's a place where great food and friendly faces come together to create lasting memories.
For reservations, takeout, or to explore the full menu, give them a call at (410) 744-3824. Take a step into Jennings Cafe; you won’t just be having a meal—you’ll be partaking in a local tradition.
“ Great happy hour with deals on wine and appetizers. Great service and wonderful neighborhood bar/ restaurant ambiance. Quick service and reasonable prices. ”
“ This is a cute neighborhood bar with good food. We had crab dip with pretzel bites and celery. It was a good crab dip!! Then we weren't that hungry after the app so just wanted soup. We asked the waitress which soup she would recommend and she said the French Onion Soup. It was delicious. The cheese was well done and stretchy! We shared the Smith Island Cake for dessert and the frosting was very fudgy!! Would definitely come back! ”
“ I love Jennings ! It has been here for a long time, and keeps the wonderful food always . I call it comfort food, it tastes like my grandmother used to make . The best thing to me is the sour beef and dumplings .I can never find a place that has them These were great a huge meal, so I enjoyed it for 2,days Expensive , but it was 2,days of food . I have tried most things and it is always good. Service is great, atmosphere cozy and busy . And the ambiance was sheer comfort ”
“ After two visits to Iamps at Jennings Cafe, I can definitely say that they have the best French Dip sandwich I've ever had. Both times, the sandwich has come out fast and hot, and cooked just right. The staff has always been friendly, and I've never had to wait for a table. The decor reminds me of an old style tavern, with the bar taking up a lot of real estate. The furniture is worn to perfection, and is quite comfortable. They have a nice mix of music playing at a reasonable volume, so my conversation isn't drowned out. The servers are VERY attentive, without being intrusive, which is a big plus for me. Street parking is available, and there are a few lots within walking distance. Outdoor seating is available, but I usually sit indoors. ”
“ We love "Iamps at Jennings" - formerly Jennings, long time Catonsville spot, owner retired and new folks took it over (years ago), if anything its better than ever. We go often, gets a bit crowded and the bar trade raises the volume a bit, try to get a seat on the left side of the front door.... Local recipes and traditional Baltimore fare, you must try to fried shrimp platter - best ever - made from scratch, and the fried chicken is great. Sour beef, the usual array of foods, never had an unsatisfactory meal. Service usually good, it does get busy though, the TVs show sports mostly, a true local gem A few parking spots in back, but street parking is usually not too bad, summertime there is outdoor seats in back ”
“ I've avoided this restaurant for years because it's small. It sits right on Frederick Road, where traffic is usually heavy and parking is tight and metered. My sister in law gave us a gift card for Jennings last Christmas so we finally tried it. We both got the sour beef and dumplings and it was the most legit, delicious meal I've had in years. If you've ever eaten at the old Demitris down the road, the recipe is the same. Totally worth the trip if you're craving tender sour beef. ”
“ I visited fire the first time today and had a wonderful meal. I went on a weekday afternoon. I heard that at prime time they are often packed with people. I decided on the Original Fried Chicken Platter. My friend got the Jumbo Fried Shrimp Platter. Both came with your choice of 2 sides. I got pickled beets (yummy) and cole slaw. The service was friendly and professional. The decor was classic sports bar. The Fried chicken was hot, flavorful and crispy. This may sound strange but the pieces of chicken (breast,wing, though, leg) were just the right portion size... that is to say, normal, not the super-sized raw chicken portions you see in the grocery store these days. It was nicely seasoned without being overly salty like some fast food joints. My friend's shrimp were likewise nicely breaded, seasoned and fried crisp but juicy inside. She got beer battered onion rings on the side and the portion was generous without being over the top obscene of you know what I mean. They were crisp,hot and flavorful. Overall it was a pleasant experience and satisfying meal and I look forward to returning to try out other items on the menu. ”