Bare Bones Grill & Brewery

Its like someone was asleep at the wheel when they concieved this place. I mean, don't get me wrong, it does a ton of business, like anywhere else that happens to serve food in the overcrowded York Road corridor. But talk about ZERO atmosphere. The bar, no matter when you go in, makes you feel like you're in the lounge of the local ramada. Shuttered windows, carpeted floor, cheesy pine-stained bar and zero decor. The beers are crap. I usually try to find some highlight and focus on that, but there really are none. Their wheat beer tasted like Busch Light, no joke. Its really like someone bought a "My first brewpub" kit (haha if it exists) and went to work. Additionally, their selection is odd... When I was there, they had a Porter, a Pale Ale, a Lager, a Light Lager and a filtered wheat beer. Maybe its just me, but thats pretty weak. If the place has a redeeming quality, its the free food buffet during Happy Hour. But I really wouldn't bother.

Bare Bones Cockeysville is not hard to get to off of I-695 to 83 and a short stretch on Padonia Road. The restaurant itself is nice enough, but not impressive, and it seems a little bit like a dimly lit Denny's. There are several dining areas and the bar is mostly kept separate. The service is about as adequate as you might expect, and it can occassionaly be quite friendly at times. The brewhouse is on display to the outside as you enter, and the fermenters are visible when you arrive in the bar area. There you'll find a nice "L" shaped bar with a black marble top and brass rail with a tiled floor around it. Tannish-brown carpets and a drop ceiling complete the scene. So... atmosphere is at a minimum. Fortunately, the food is pretty good and the beers aren't too bad either.

Snacks and Starters include Nachos or a half an Onion Loaf for $3.99, Potato Skins or Cheese Sticks for $5.50, a Crab Pretzel (don't ask) or Baby Back Ribs for $6.99 or their very good Crab Dip for $7.99. A simple Garden or Caesar salad is only $3.50-3.75, but their more extravagant works (Taco Salad, Cajun Caesar, Shrimp Salad) will run you between $7.25 and $8.95. Soups include their delicious Cajun Gumbo($4.99 small/6.99 large... and worth it), Cream of Crab $3.50/4.50, and Bones' White Chili made with chicken, navy beans and herbs and spices for $3.50/4.99. Burgers are $6.50 to $6.75 and sandwiches are in the $6.50 to $8.95 range. The BBQ Beef or Pork stand out, as does their Louisiana Chicken! Entrees start at $12.99 for their chicken dishes, and run up to $21.99 for their awesome Maryland Crab Cakes (very good!). Grilled Salmon, BBQ Shrimp, Rib Eye, Prime Rib and BBQ Baby Backs are in the $15 to 19 range. A few combinations are available as well, and the Crab Cakes and Ribs is a stand out for the hungry man at $19.99!

There are 5 regular beers and 2 seasonals on tap (and a small selection of macros and imports). The regulars are Hunt Valley Light, Tiber River Red, Old Ellicott Ale (English-style pale), Patapsco Gold and the very tasty Savage Mill Porter. They're far from being knock-your-socks-off beers but they're clean and enjoyable alongside a rack of ribs. The seasonals, in fact, can be even better! And, if someone in your party wants liquor or wine they can accomodate you as well.