Ellicott City is the kind of Maryland small town where adventure can happen around nearly any corner. There are all kinds of places to explore, food to taste, and history to discover in this historic district that it can be positively overwhelming at times. Luckily, if you’re hungry after a day of wandering up and down Main Street and are just looking for a comfortable, homey place to sit and have lunch, Ellicott City has you covered. Just over the bridge across the Patapsco River, the Trolley Stop Cafe waits for you with its down-home diner cooking and a friendly atmosphere that will certainly bring you back for more.
The Trolley Stop is located in a historic building, built in 1833, that used to serve as a tavern and inn along the #9 trolley line running from Ellicott City to Catonsville. The trolley made its last stop here in 1955, but the name of the diner has stuck ever since.
The simple and historic interior feels a bit like home for me, as I’ve been coming here with my family since I was very young. The atmosphere is so casual that it’s practically impossible not to smile and relax when you enter.
One of the standout traits of the Trolley Stop is that they make an excellent hurricane, the classic New Orleans cocktail that is as delicious as it is dangerous. There aren’t very many places in Maryland that’ll make this drink, which is a personal favorite of mine!
The classic diner fare, like the tuna melt, are staples of the Trolley Stop’s fantastic menu. The melty cheese, flavorful tuna, and toasty bread all come together to bring you that first-ever tuna melt feeling.
The french dip sandwich is so popular with my family that it’s practically become a tradition when we visit. The roast beef is done perfectly and the baguettes are always fresh!
The Trolley Stop’s culinary dreamscape doesn’t end at the sandwiches, however. Desserts like this fantastic blueberry bread pudding are excellent finishers and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Be sure to check out The Trolley Stop’s website if you’re curious about the menu, or the history of the beautiful building. You can also follow them on Facebook if you want to find out more about their events – karaoke happens occasionally, so keep an eye on that.
The history of Ellicott City is rich and fascinating. If you want to learn more about it, check out this listing on bookshop.org!
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