It’s been a minute since a lunch made me want to turn right back around and order dessert, but The CD Cafe in Solomons did exactly that. This little spot on Solomons Island is one of my favorite finds down in Calvert County, and Robby (@nomtasticfoods) and I genuinely enjoyed every single thing we ordered.
It’s a New American kind of place, creative and seafood-leaning, and the seared scallop app was SUCH a strong start that it set the tone for the whole meal. Prices sit in that comfortable moderate range (most of our plates were around $17 to $19), the setting’s cozy and intimate, and the service was on point from start to finish. If you’re spending a day on the water in Solomons and you want a lunch that punches above a typical casual spot, this one’s a must. Here’s everything we got and what you should order.
And if you want to make a full day of it, No Thyme to Cook runs hands-on waterfront cooking classes right on the island.
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What Makes The CD Cafe a Standout Restaurant in Solomons
The CD Cafe’s been a Solomons staple since the ’90s, and these days it’s a chef-driven kitchen that cooks with way more ambition than the beachy tourist spots you might expect down here. It’s a small, intimate room, only around ten tables, so it’s got that neighborhood-gem feel where you’re not lost in a giant dining hall. The menu leans New American with a heavy seafood lean, which makes sense given you’re right on the water in Solomons. What sets it apart is that fine-dining-level cooking comes in a totally casual, unfussy setting, so you get creative, from-scratch plates without needing to dress up. That combo’s exactly why people drive in from all over, some folks even come down from the DC area for it.
What to Order at The CD Cafe
We came for lunch and, real talk, we ordered like we hadn’t eaten in a week, lol. Here’s what we got.
Scallop BBT ($19)
This was SUCH a strong start, Nomsters. Think perfectly seared scallops served with bacon, basil, tomato, parm, and a saffron aioli on toasted French bread. You get 4 per order, and we crushed all of them. The scallops were seared just right, and that saffron aioli was a really nice touch. If you order one thing here, this is the dish I’d point you to first!
Popeye Burger ($19)
They cooked this to a perfect medium rare like I asked, and the meat itself was cooked unbelievably well, probably one of the juiciest burgers I’ve had in a minute. It’s a half-pound wagyu patty topped with wilted arugula, Boursin cheese, and green goddess dressing on a corn-dusted kaiser roll. Really tasty and comforting, though I’ll be honest, it was so rich I found myself craving a little acid to cut through it. Still a very solid burger.
Gyro ($17)
A super yum gyro topped with the usual fixings, and the tzatziki was great. Our server was kind enough to bring us extra tzatziki to dip the fries in, which, by the way, the fries were BOMB. Little touches like that are exactly what made the meal feel so easy and fun.
We were way too full for dessert, which honestly just means I have to go back, lol. For the record, they’re also known for their seafood-forward plates and homemade desserts, so a few things on my list for next time:
- Their crab dishes (the crab cake and jumbo lump crab risotto get a lot of love)
- Corn and crab hush puppies
- Homemade desserts like the key lime pie and flourless chocolate lava cake
Service That Made the Meal
I have to give a shoutout to Jessica, our server, because the service here was genuinely impeccable. She looked after us the whole time, brought us that extra tzatziki, and made the whole lunch feel welcoming. It’s the kind of service that turns a good meal into a standout experience, and it’s a big reason I’d come back. When a spot’s food AND service are both this dialed in, you already know it’s a keeper.
The CD Cafe’s vibe is cozy and low-key, which I love, it’s a small, intimate room that feels more like a chef’s neighborhood spot than a touristy island cafe. It works great for a relaxed lunch, a casual date, or a meal after a morning exploring Solomons. There’s a connected lounge (the Next Door Lounge) that opens later in the afternoon for cocktails, beer, and wine, and they do live music on Tuesdays, so there’s a little something depending on when you go. Because it’s on the smaller side, weekends can fill up fast.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 14350 Solomons Island Rd S, Ste 201, Solomons, MD
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 11AM to 8PM, Friday 11AM to 9PM, Saturday 10AM to 9PM, Sunday 10AM to 3PM
- Reservations: they use a priority seating system rather than standard reservations, so calling ahead at (410) 231-2078 is smart, especially on weekends since seating’s limited
- Parking: free off-street and street parking, plus a lot in the rear
- Dietary: vegetarian-friendly with some vegan and gluten-free options available
- Good to know: there’s a connected lounge that opens in the afternoon, and they host live music on Tuesdays
- Menu and info: thecdcafe.com
The CD Cafe’s easily one of my favorite spots in Solomons, and it’s proof you can get creative, fine-dining-quality food in a laid-back island setting without breaking the bank. It’s a must if you’re spending a day down in Calvert County, and it’s just as good for a casual date as it is for a family lunch. Make a whole day of it too, if you’re planning your Solomons trip, the Calvert Marine Museum is a fun, budget-friendly stop right there in Solomons.
So there you have it, Nomsters, add The CD Cafe to your Solomons list and thank me later. Have you guys been yet, or is there another spot down in Calvert County I need to check out? Let me know in the comments, and save this one for your next trip to the water.