Photography by Bill Whaley
Photography by Bill Whaley
Located in Stevensville, Rams Head Shore House takes pride in offering delicious food, flavorful beers, live music, and friendly service. The restaurant, which opened in 2006, is part of Rams Head Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant and entertainment company founded in 1989. Other Rams Head restaurant locations in Maryland include Annapolis, Crownsville, and Glen Burnie. Although the four locations are unique, they all exude a lively atmosphere where guests feel at home.
“Rams Head Shore House is a festive local tavern, offering a full menu for dining along with live music and entertainment throughout the week,” says General Manager Jason Rasmussen. “It’s a true reflection of Eastern Shore hospitality and local flavor. From Chesapeake-inspired dishes to the warm, family-friendly atmosphere, a visit to the Shore House is a great way to experience the unique charm of Kent Island.”
To learn more, we recently talked to Jason.
What makes Rams Head Shore House different from other Rams Head locations? The Shore House offers two different dining options for our guests: a cozy dining room—perfect for relaxed, intimate meals—and a casual tavern—ideal for laid-back gatherings or a delicious lunch or dinner. We serve breakfast seven days a week. Watermen can fuel up after a morning on the Bay, and nine-to-fivers can grab a quick bite before work. On the weekends, we welcome families as well as friends gathering to celebrate with our popular make-your-own bottomless Bloody Mary and mimosa bar.
Tell us about your background in the restaurant business. I’ve been in the restaurant business since the late 1990s, starting at Phillips Seafood in Annapolis as a server. Next, I moved into management, opening Greystone Grill on Westgate Circle. Other noteworthy stops along the way included Boathouse Canton, where I operated a 350-seat restaurant on the water; Mad Chef in Turf Valley, where we experienced critical acclaim for our culinary accomplishments; and Bluejacket Brewery in Washington, D.C., where we handled a very high volume of business, including the 2019 World Series.
Photography by Bill Whaley
What are some of your top-selling dishes? Some of our top-selling dishes include fish and chips, wings, and cheesesteaks. Our fan-favorite Dynamite Burger starts with an eight-ounce blackened Angus beef burger and is topped with lettuce, tomato, chipotle aioli, and American cheese. What makes this dish unique is our house-made candied cayenne bacon and the fried jalapeño on top! Chesapeake Rockfish is one of our most popular dishes, paying homage to the rich flavors of the region. Served with rice pilaf, roasted corn salsa, Old Bay, and grilled asparagus, this combination offers a perfect and pleasantly surprising complement to the rockfish filet.
Do you source your ingredients locally? We purchase many of our products locally. All of our beef, including filet tips, ribeye, and burgers, are sourced from J.W. Treuth, a premier purveyor of fine meats established more than 100 years ago in Catonsville. We also buy from Teddy Bear Fresh Produce (Easton) and E. Goodwin & Sons (Jessup).
Tell us about your large selection of beers. We serve beers from Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company, which brews four staple beers for us, including Copperhead Ale and Gypsy Lager (30-plus year-old recipes), Rams Head IPA, and Big Horn Pale Ale, as well as a rotating seasonal that is released during a “Beer Release Party,” where guests can take home a commemorative glass. We also recently partnered with Heavy Seas Brewery.
Photography by Bill Whaley
What type of musical entertainment and special events does the Shore House offer? We provide live music on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights and trivia on Thursdays. Our trivia night is one of the most popular in the area. It’s always well attended and features great prizes. The Shore House has always hosted premier local musicians, many of whom have gone on to record albums and tour nationally. We also frequently host private events.
How would you describe the ambiance at the Shore House? The ambiance changes with the seasons, offering something special year-round. In the winter, guests can start their day with a warm breakfast in our cozy dining room. As spring and summer arrive, cold drinks provide a refreshing escape from the heat. The Shore House offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere by day and a vibrant, energetic nightlife with local live music once the sun goes down.
What is the most rewarding part of working at Rams Head Shore House? We’re more than just a team. We’re a family that’s deeply connected to the community. One of the ways we give back is through our regular “Give Back Nights,” where we donate 20 percent of food sales to the host organization of the evening. There’s something truly meaningful about serving people you know and care about.
Rams Head Shore House | 800 Main Street, Stevensville; 410-643-2466; ramsheadshorehouse.com
