True Chesapeake

Went there for a dinner date night with the wife as we’re staying away from Atlas restaurant group locations for a while. We’ve been wanting to come here for a while and we were pleasantly surprised. We noticed how busy it was , so we were a little worried that the service was not going to be good. Our server was very busy at first but she rallied through and was amazing for the rest of our stay. I got the oysters and they were the biggest oysters I’ve ever had and they were tasty. Loved the assortment of condiments that came with them. Food was amazing as I was very happy to see snakehead on the menu. I would love to see them cook a fried version of this dish. Prices were really good for the quality of food and the ambiance was amazing. We will definitely be back with our friends.

We had a great time here with friends for a Saturday early happy hour. The happy hour menu is a steal! The oysters were fantastic and the cocktails were amazing. I would totally go for happy hour again. I do love their dinner menu however the portion is slightly on the less side. You have to order a bunch which makes the bill kinda high, also on top of that they automatically charge 20% plus the kitchen fee 2%. The food quality was no doubt tho. Everything we ordered was fantastic, the balance of flavor and richness was just spot on. I enjoyed everything very much! They serve beer bread as well, which was also my favorite kind of bread. Overall it was such a great restaurant. I highly recommend it for special occasions due to the portion and the price, or just simply go for happy hour only.

What an amazing experience! It was our first time visiting this restaurant, and we were truly impressed. We ordered the freshest oysters (they actually cultivate them themselves!) and a burger that was simply spectacular. But what really stood out was the service: the owner himself came over to our table, chatted with us, and made us feel right at home. Such a kind, humble, and genuine person! You can feel the love and dedication they put into every detail. Without a doubt, a place worth visiting over and over again. 🌟

Great atmosphere! Pat was our bartender and he was phenomenal, great recommendations and attentive service even with a bunch of tickets at the bar. Pat the owner was great too, great conversation with both of them. Delicious food, oysters, steak tartare and blue crab and bone marrow were great. Could not recommend the place enough! Brown Sugar Bourbon ice cream is out of this world.

We had a great meal here. They were very accommodating as we started at the bar , then moved to our reserved table a little later than planned to take advantage of the HH drink specials. Our server (Alyssa?) was on top of everything as we ordered more drinks, apps, oysters, and entrees at various times and she graciously split the check Into 3 couples. All of the food came out in a timely fashion and was delicious! The old bay roasted oysters may have been the best cooked oyster I’ve had. The raw oyster selection was great, as expected. The map of the oyster locations was a nice touch. The ramp and pea dishes were fresh and nice for spring. If I have to find fault, the Caesar Salad was a bit heavy on the dressing, but it was still very good with the fried oysters adding great flavor and texture. Will definitely return.

All the oysters we tried were good from the raw to roasted. Steak tartare was a little chunky but not bad. Blue crab and marrow dip was delicious. Service was great but the atmosphere became loud. Restaurant tipped themselves even though we only had 4 people in our party and the kitchen also took a 2%. No one informed us of that. I would prefer to tip ourselves instead of force tipping.

True Chesapeake Oyster is an absolute vibe! From start to finish, our experience was incredible. The cocktails were perfectly crafted, the oysters fresh, briny, and local! Every dish we tried—from the scallops to the ribeye and duck confit—was unforgettable. The food quality is insane, and you can truly taste the passion behind every bite. The service was top notch—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. A special highlight was when the chef personally came to our table to share the rich history of the building. It added such a meaningful touch to an already perfect evening. We ended on a high note with a dessert that blew us away. Can’t wait to return

I came here for a date night and enjoyed our time here. We came during winter restaurant week which gave us a chance to try multiple menu items. We ordered the roasted oysters and oyster Caesar salad as appetizers and the NY strip steak and spaghetti for entrees; all the food was delicious. For desert we ordered the sorbet and apple crumble, which was a good way to end the dinner. The wine pairings were great and we sat at the bar and got a couple drinks after dinner. The bar area is spacious and our server was very helpful. I would definitely return here!

Came here for restaurant week and was very pleasantly surprised since often restaurant week is disappointing. But we liked the options and added oysters Rockefeller, and so glad I did because theirs are extra delicious. Three of us shared but doubled up on spaghetti with clams, snakehead, and peanut butter chocolate pot de creme. Got one wine pairing and the wines were really good too. Service was polite and attentive and atmosphere loud but classy. The one little snafu was the snakehead came on top of mussels which wasn't on the menu, and the server didn't ask about allergies. Husbands has a bad intolerance so we got a plate, put the fish on it, and hoped for the best. We shall be back even when it's not restaurant week!

What a wonderful experience. Enjoyed several different types of fresh oysters, and the softshell crab sandwich was perhaps one of the best I've ever had, and I've had many. Light, crispy, and oh so flavorful. We ate early so the dining room was still light (bar was packed for happy hour - inexpensive oysters and wine. The owner and oyster farmer Patrick, stopped by to say hi and offered a wonderful Maryland rose to complement our meal. I was quite impressed as I had not heard much about MD wines, but this one was the perfect wine to go with the oysters and appetizers. I was also very pleased to see a wonderful Finger Lakes wine from Ravines on the white list. Overall, an impressive display of food and wines. The highlight of our trip to Baltimore.

I finally made it back here for brunch !! Plenty of free outdoor parking. Many seating options from indoor to outdoor. I knew once we had our Yelpie Awards here in December 2024, that I would return, and today turned out to be the day. Open seating in 1st dining area, bright, large, inviting bar area. Beautiful windows and décor. I was greeted by Lily after taking a seat at the bar. She was cordial. Professional. She was able to answer my food and beverages. Collectively I ordered the following. Blue Catfish Sandwich: Very fresh. Not too flavorful. Great consistency. Crunchy batter. Potato Wedges: A lil overcooked. Good, simple flavor. Empeacee: Amazingly concocted, very attractive, and delicious. Overall, I'd visit again. I think I'm gonna try their HH or dinner next time. Keep up the great work True Chesapeake!!

Came here during restaurant week and had a very lovely dinner. The star of the show was the spaghetti w clams (AMAZING, would come back just for this). The snakehead was great as well but a little too oily/buttery for my taste. A pretty large selection of oysters to mix and match with ($3 ish each) and they were fresh and tasty. I love the vibe of the restaurant so much, I love that it's a bit secluded with a classy rustic feel. Our server was also so friendly, as was all of the rest of the staff who checked in with us during our meal. Also found out they have happy hour with $2 oysters, I def plan on returning.

Once again, fellow Yelpers led us to a great place! The happy hour was perfect! Great old fashioned for only $6! We also had a dozen of the house oysters raised on their own farm, having been harvested only two days prior. Don't miss out on the roasted oysters! Baked with Parmesan and old bay! Perfect! We then moved to our table for dinner. We had the bone marrow and crab with toasted bread. Wow! We also shared a bowl of the oyster stew which had crispy onions on top. Again, delicious and decadent. My wife had the snakehead fish which was meaty and was like a steak! The sauce was on point. Lastly, I had a soft crab sandwich which was fresh and juicy with a garden-fresh slice of tomato. The perfect meal and the vibe inside was perfect the whole time!

We had a nice meal here. The oysters were delicious and not overly priced at about $3 per. Their mignonnette was very good. The crab cake sandwich, kids Mac and cheese, and kids burger were also good. The snakehead (which is a fish) was tasty but could have used a bit more flavor. The boiled shrimp were good but again lacked some flavor. The service was a bit slow, the water was warm, and the burger was initially undercooked and took a while to redo so some things to improve on but we'll come back.

This was my third time here and I always have a good experience. The oysters are my favorites. I got the crab cake sandwich and I'd say that was a solid 4/5 it was missing something.

We came here for a friends birthday party. Er came during happy hour. It was busy but the service was great. We were able to order and receive our food quickly. We tired the roasted oysters and they huge and delicious. For only $2 an oyster, I thought it was great price. We also tired the blue crab mac n cheese. We were surprised because it didn't actually have any crab in it, But the flavor was great.

We celebrated my aunt's birthday at True Chesapeake and had an excellent experience despite the restaurant being short-staffed. We started at the bar for happy hour with fresh, house-made margaritas and top-tier oysters--especially delicious with the bourbon hot sauce and watermelon mignonette. For dinner, our waitress recommended the Northside, a refreshing NA mojito-style drink, alongside seared scallops (gluten-free, prepared with care to avoid cross-contamination) and the blue crab & bone marrow dip, which my aunt loved. Dessert was a rich peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow creation--wonderful but very sweet. Great service, nice ambience, thoughtful recommendations, and fantastic seafood will have me back before summer ends.

One star for the roasted oysters and the initial drink This is long, sorry ahead of time. I've attended several Yelp Elite events at True Chesapeake and had been looking forward to returning for HH. I especially love their roasted oysters & told so many friends & coworkers about them, along with the overall vibe of the place. When I found out their oysters come from the same creek where my family owns land, it felt personal. That connection made it feel even more special After waiting so long, I finally had the chance to go back. Unfortunately, it was on a very difficult day. I had just received heartbreaking news from the vet that my doggie baby was nearing the end of his life. With everything going on, I was really looking forward to happy hour at True Chesapeake as a way to lift my spirits. It was less than a 10-minute drive from the vet, and I was determined to make it before happy hour ended. Parking was a little tricky, but I eventually found a spot. A manager kindly held the door open for me, and I thought things were off to a good start as I sashayed on in. I was eventually given a regular menu and had to ask about the HH specials. The only food item on the happy hour menu was the $2 oysters, either roasted or raw, along with a few select cocktails like old fashioneds, daiquiris, and margaritas which all had their own dedicated section in the binder. Already having had such a rough day, I decided on no alcohol so I didn't get more depressed, but as I flipped through their full cocktail menu, one drink caught my eye. The El Diablo which included ginger syrup, crème de cassis (I quickly googled and found out it was a french liqueur made from blackcurrants) and reposado. Now these are ingredients I love. I ended up ordering that and half a dozen of roasted oysters. I let the bartender know I was going to the restroom so my drink could be made in my presence. However, when I returned, my drink was already sitting on the bar. I debated on asking for another since I feel completely safe drinking it but chalked it to the game. . . . The oysters arrived quickly and were absolutely delicious! I didn't remember exactly how they taste it I just knew that they were phenomenal and again, the same. The cheese was perfectly browned, the oysters were juicy and flavorful, and I made sure to enjoy every last drop. I even had friendly conversations with the people sitting next to me about them. Everything about the food was exactly what I had hoped for. Still hungry, I ordered another round of both the oysters and the El Diablo. This time, a different bartender made my drink, and it tasted noticeably different--lighter, almost like it was made with ginger ale instead of syrup. I asked about it and was told that it was me the same way although I visually got to tell it wasn't the same and the garnishments for different as well. I again chalked it and sipped while enjoying the oysters. When I asked for my check, I was shocked to see it was over $60. The cocktails hadn't been given happy hour pricing. I mentioned it to the bartender, and she explained that the El Diablo wasn't part of the happy hour menu. I was surprised, especially since I had asked for the happy hour offerings at the start and assumed the drink I picked was included. She said she would talk to her manager to have a discounted and walked off. A manager I recognized from a past event came over and I explained the confusion and was immediately dismissed. She offered no understanding or acknowledgment and told me it was my fault for ordering something that wasn't on the happy hour menu. Her tone felt condescending and cold, and I was left speechless. I wasn't arguing over the price since I accepted that I made a mistake. What I didn't expect was to be treated so dismissively. After she said her speil, my mouth hung open and the only thing I could reply was the bartender said that you could discount it for me. She stated she would go ask her manager and quickly returned stating that the pricing was clearly listed and there was nothing they could do. I didn't ask to speak with whom she'd spoken with, if she indeed did, because I was informed Patrick wasn't there when I inquired earlier after not seeing him and I wasn't familiar with the other manager although I had seen him before. She asked if there was something else she could help me with, and I simply said, "I guess not" and quickly paid. I walked to my car feeling hurt and embarrassed, with literal tears running down my face. I had been looking forward to this moment for so long. I needed comfort, and instead I felt dismissed and disrespected. True Chesapeake had been one of my favorite spots. I was genuinely excited to return and share the experience again but after how I was treated, I no longer feel comfortable recommending them. The oysters are still fantastic, but no meal is worth being made to feel like that.

Normally a dinner customer but today decided to try brunch... OMG! The crab Benedict is my new favorite meal! And the coffee is legit French press. The peach Bellini are so fresh. We sat outside and it was a perfect day to do it. The patio has umbrellas but still open. At this point I have a reason to be here for every meal.

I frequent this restaurant especially during happy hour. the oysters are to die for! The service is always great and the food never misses!!! I certainly enjoyed the braised short rib dish, all the flavors came together very nicely and melted in my mouth. There was a surprise green veggie underneath the sweet/savory meat and once I scooped everything onto my fork I was pleased! The ambiance is quiet and classy with a mix of casual. Expect an upscale experience. Be sure to clarify what drinks are included with the HH specials bc I think the menu changes sometimes.

True Chesapeake again for the win! Saturday happy hour (5-7PM) did not disappoint. $6 cocktails- Daiquiris, Martinis, and Old Fashioneds - and $2 oysters. Service was prompt and friendly. Parking is free and plentiful. It gets a little busy so get there early.

İ love the atmosphere! And the most important thing is they growing oysters in the their own factory! I am glad my friends brought us to the place. We came here for having oysters and drink before the dinner. I only didn't like the bread! It's like plastic! I prefer mor gourmet bread. It's more get match for this place... I really enjoyed it! Next time we will come here for dinner. Service was also very good!

Lovely establishment lovely views outside .... Brought my mom and daughter they both loved it. They do offer a kids menu. My 7 year old even went as far to say this is the cleanest restaurant bathroom I've ever seen lol .... Our service was fast and attentive working the room. Saw Patrick the owner when we were leaving he's very friendly and talk to my mom about old clipper mill ..... we got both options of crab cakes I would suggest the lump crab cake the other one had more filler I needed cocktail sauce but everything was good even that. My daughter at her entire burger patty she never eats an entire anything. Oysters fresh and shucked to order. Same as the roasted oysters.

My first time at True Chesapeake was at a Yelp event, I knew I had to return because it was so awesome. My friend and I stopped in for happy hour and it didn't disappoint per usual. This is my 5th visit and I've had not one complaint. Drinks & oysters are always top tier

This was stop # 3 on our Woodberry food tour, so we were pretty stuffed by the time we got here. I'll definitely have to come back to have a full dinner! GLOWS: -The crab cake sandwich was really good. I don't believe it was lump crab meat, but flavor and texture was superb -The wedge fries!!! My favorite! -The ambience was very nice. Dimly lit and perfect for a date night, but still casual enough for a drop in. -Service was effective and friendly GROWS: -The blueberry cobbler dessert was weird. It had whole blueberries inside and the crust was very hard on top, instead of soft. It wasn't a horrible flavor (just more tart than I would prefer), it just could have had better execution. -The mushroom tart was beautiful, but I was not a fan of the flavor combination. I was expecting a warm and savory vibe, but it was very tangy and I did not enjoy it.

I've been to True Chesapeake before, but usually during an event, such as with the Pratt Contemporaries, so this past Saturday, 8/31, was my first time at True Chesapeake just for me. However, on previous occasions, I noticed the lovely interior of this venue. I love how it's dimly lit and has a nice rustic sailor vibe. I sat at the bar and took advantage of the happy hour menu. I ordered some $2 oysters (both broiled and raw), plus a really good cider. For my main, I went with the steak, medium rare. All the food was exceptionally good, IMO, well seasoned and decent portion sizes, and I couldn't argue the presentation. As a bonus, sitting at the bar, all the staff working there were super helpful and provided input for me to make my best food decisions. They were personable and made the evening infinitely more enjoyable. Highly recommend and I shall return.

We came for our 1st visit after some day drinking Guilford Brewery. Lily our bartender was spot on with all of her recommendations. Happy Hour 5-7, great oyster and drink specials. Started off with raw oysters from their own oyster farm Then tried the roasted oysters and finished with the cut spaghetti with clams. Drinks were Old Fashioned and a Dirty Martini

This was my 2nd time here. I was excited to try some oysters again. So I started off with the Huckleberries.. They were fresh & delicious.. Then I had the Roasted Oysters & also very good.. I then had the fried oysters & these are delicious .. The Blue Crab Mac & Cheese was amazing.. I got dessert which was The Baltimore " Boom" Pudding.. It was good but too much chocolate for me. The restaurant was clean.. I sat at the bar & service was amazing.. Bartenders were very knowledgeable about the oysters. I had 2 glasses of Moscato

Amazing. We arrived later than we had planned and they got us seated quickly. Our waitress was slammed because it was a full house and we were concerned about missing our next event. However, when she came by and we explained the conundrum, she assured us that the timing would work out. My cocktail was amazing, we devoured the charbroiled oysters, and all of our meal. The oysters are the best I have ever had. I will drive across town to have them again. This place is truly 10/10. The ambiance manages to be elevated yet, chill at the same time. I felt great in my little black dress but could also wear jeans and grab a seat at the bar or back patio. We were in and out in less than an hour and we didn't feel like our food flavor nor presentation suffered. Additionally, they did not have to accommodate us when we were running late so it speaks volumes to the type of customer service they provide. We were grateful. They have such a collaborative, coordinated staff. Definitely stop by and hear the happy hour is great too.

I don't think you can beat True Chesapeake for happy hour! Great food & prices, beautiful bar, and PARKING?! What more could you ask for? I've been a few times to True Chesapeake for happy hours. I'm not sure that I would go any other time because I am a sucker for good deals, haha. They have $6 select cocktails and $2 oysters. My husband is a big oyster fan so we always get a couple dozen raw oyster and a few roasted oysters as well. I've tried a selection of their menu food - oyster Caesar, oyster stew, their burger. Everything is solid! Service at the bar is always great and they are happy to answer questions and provide recommendations. 10/10!

Came for restaurant week - 3 courses. Mill repurposing is a big turn on so the ambiance is sick. Look at the oyster I had watching over me. Wish I had explored more of the place Apps - Chesapeake Caesar & Hand cut spaghetti, I loved my spaghetti so juicy and clams are great Entree - mushroom risotto on acorn squash bowl - super savory and the whole thing was edible so that was great. GF had the Snakehead in a curry which was MAGICAL that was a good curry for sure Dessert - Pumpkin cake & Apple Galette, the cake was nice and crumby but the galette took you on a nice hot, crunchy trip. We like that one

My favorite place for happy hour and oysters, I love their oysters and how fresh they are. The drinks are super delicious. Lots of parking because they have their own lot.

If you're a fan of seafood, this place is an absolute must-visit! The freshness of the seafood is truly unmatched. You can tell that the ingredients is sourced with care and prepared with expertise. I started with raw oysters, which were incredibly fresh, tender, and full of flavor. Shared the soft crab dish with the person next to me! But the highlight of the meal was definitely the catfish--cooked to perfection and packed with so much natural flavor. For someone who never eats catfish, it was SO GOOD. It's clear their seafood is of the highest quality, and the preparation was simple, letting the freshness shine through. The variety on the menu is also impressive, with plenty of options to satisfy all seafood cravings--from delicate fish fillets to hearty shellfish. The accompaniments and sauces were thoughtfully chosen, enhancing the seafood without overpowering it. You can really tell that they're passionate about serving only the best. The staff was also friendly and knowledgeable, offering great drinks recommendations and making sure I was taken care of throughout the entire meal. If you're looking for truly fresh seafood in a welcoming atmosphere, this is the place to go. Best happy hour in ALL of Bmore. I said what I said =)

The happy hour! If you like oysters, you must go to this place. The best oysters and the best martinis for happy hour. Customer service was absolutely amazing and the ambience was great. We sat at one of those long communal tables and got to meet the people next to us. It was really fun and we met new friends.

I discovered this place at the 2024 Yelpies Awards and vowed to return so I could enjoy dinner and cocktails with family for New Years Eve. It was easy to get a reservation and our table for four was ready upon arrival. The place was packed and our server, Phillip, was not shy about showing his stress level. Being curious about one of their specialties, Roasted Snakehead, I asked our server to describe it. He pointed to the menu, no words. My dinner companion asked if it was a fish dish, as we were not familiar with "Snakehead." Phillip said it's like Halibut. Sold! Two of us ordered it and it came with spaghetti squash in a butternut squash curry broth. Pretty tasty. The Farm Greens Salad with apples, candied pecans and local greens was very good. Clean and fresh. Some of us enjoyed a huge platter of raw oysters, as well as a crabcake. The Buffalo Brussels Sprouts were delicious and very spicy! One of our party was visiting from Vienna, Austria for the holidays and discreetly asked Phillip to give her the check so she could treat us. They had an awkward interaction at the table and he became irritated and short with her. Our bill was close to $400 (before tip) so it would have been nice to have service with a bit more levity and patience. At one point during dinner, when one of us asked if the dessert was on the way (after waiting a long time), he responded that he had "200 people" he was waiting on. All in all, glad I tried this place and introduced some others to it. Not sure if I'll return, but I can now say I've tried Snakehead and even enjoyed it.

This is where I recommend all oyster lovers go! Especially if you can catch the happy hour, which has $2 oysters and other great specials on food and drinks. It does get crowded for happy hour sometimes, and can be on the pricey side for entrees, but the quality and service make it well worth the cost. The old fashioned (made by one particular bartender here) was one of the best I've had before. The ambiance was vibrant and transported me from the cold, rainy weather outside into a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I look forward to going back when I'm craving oysters again!

Yelp Fam!!!! Hi haters I'm back off hiatus! This is my first review in a bit. I had the pleasure of taking my wife out on a date over the weekend. I picked True Chesapeake Oyster Co., located in Hampden inside the Whitehall Mill. (great food hall! Btw) We have been here a few times, it's become one of my favorite spots in Baltimore. The ambiance is very chill, the decor is nice, Great spot for a Date. (Fellas Take notes!) We arrived for our reservation and got seated promptly, Jen was our server. She was very nice and accommodating. They were pretty busy but we made it in and out in an hour. Ok now for the food. This spot obviously has oysters but these are the freshest ones you can get in my opinion. The Order Drink- the Singapore Sling is a certified Banger. This is a gin-based drink, I usually don't go for Gin, but the Mixologist at TCOC has the cocktail game on lock. Truly every drink I've gotten here has been top-notch. Caesar salad- (split into 2 for us to share) Half a dozen oysters- fresh and tasty. Def try some of the sauces they offer for the oysters. Especially the hot sauce! My wife had the hand-cut spaghetti parmesan, cured egg yolk, bacon, muddleseck clams- her favorite dish on the menu. This was confirmed by the manager who brought out our food, it's his as well. I decided to go for the gold & got the New York Strip with mashed potatoes & grilled pear. I got it medium & it was delicious. This was my first steak in a long time and it really hit the spot. We skipped dessert but they had some nice options. Overall we had a great evening & will be back soon!

Lovely setting, relaxing dining, dinner was delicious! I liked the appetizers that we ordered and my steak was seasoned nicely! I would return.

True Chesapeake has been one of my favorite spots in Baltimore. They have the best oysters for a great price. I highly recommend coming during happy hour when the oysters, both raw and roasted, are only $2 each. Select wines and draft beers during happy hour are $5-6. Tuesdays they have a special tropical cocktail menu that you can try as well. I recommend getting the bone marrow and crab dip, which is rich in flavor with an accompaniment of bread. The steak tartare is a must try as well. It has a smoky flavor from the oyster aïoli and a nice texture from the caviar. It also comes with their homemade potato chips. The beet salad is a nice light starter that has juiciness from the beets, a nice crunchy texture from the pistachios, and a savory touch with their blue cheese mousse. The service is always great and the ambience is upscale, with affordable menu items. Be sure to make a reservation on OpenTable, however, note that happy hour is only at the bar and on a first come first serve basis.

Came on a Sunday for brunch. The restaurant is definitely tucked away, but has parking. We sat at the bar, right next to the oyster shucking station. It was entertaining to watch all the oysters being shucked. Everyone was so friendly and attentive. It's an industrial feel there, but very nice and welcoming. All of the oysters we had were so good! I was disappointed that the portion size was 5 and you have to pay extra for one more oyster to not fight over the last one and trust me you will fight about it. We also had the mushroom tart, I could have had 15 of these, it was so delicious! Do yourself a favor and get one or two because it's just that good. The drinks are top tier the bartender gave me exactly what I asked for everytime and it was always well balanced! I can't wait to visit again and have more great oysters

4.5 star! Very good. We ordered: beet salad (good! pool of liquid cheese and huge beets) three different raw oysters (all non-TC-farmed because those were already sold out for the evening. They give you all five accoutrements even if you just order a few oysters, which is awesome) oysters Rockefeller (perfectly balanced flavors, addictive) fried oysters (absolutely delicious, my favorite of the night. They are huge!) roasted snakehead (with squash/cabbage cake, curry broth; this was a solid main. I enjoyed it but wouldn't order again. I will come back to try their next snakehead preparation when the menu changes, though, such an interesting fish) seared scallops (pork belly, turnips, pea cassoulet -- YUM. Scallops were perfectly cooked, cassoulet was texturally fun). Dessert: PB chocolate marshmallow pot de creme -- big, definitely a shareable dessert. The peanut butter part was like a thick pb cream ganache. If you're a fan of this flavor combo, you will enjoy it. Drinks: Acqua Panna Goose (spirit-free cocktail; one of the best NA drinks we've ever tried; made with expertise) Palmer Thyme (NA cocktail, pretty simple and just ok) Dirty martini (the single misstep of the evening; not cold enough, gin tasted mid, not very 'dirty' either) They have a great wine list, including lots of Maryland wine, so I'll probably stick to that next time. However, would absolutely get the Goose again! Other notes: There was not a single piece of grit or shell in anything we ate. There was a large class reunion party in the lobby area, but the actual restaurant was well-insulated from the sound, so noise levels were perfect. Service was good. Parking area is kind of dark at night, but they have a lot of spots. Have been here before and will definitely come again!

I came here for Happy Hour and it did not disappoint. The roasted oysters are $2 on the Happy Hour menu. These are absolutely my favorite. I also ordered the wedges. I've had a lot of potato wedges in my lifetime but this was by far the best potato wedges I've ever had. They were so crispy and seasoned just right. The Daiquiri wasn't my favorite. I'm a sweet drink person and this wasn't sweet enough for me. I've heard great things about the Na Baltimore non alcoholic drink. I will certainly try that next time. The servers were great. As soon as I sat at the bar I was handed a menu. The food comes out pretty quickly. The best part of the place is that it feels intimate. It's tucked away in the back. The lighting is dim. It's a perfect spot for a date night. There is a 2 sided bar. Don't walk but run to come to True Chesapeake.

Came for happy hour with a friend after seeing that TC was highly recommended for the happy hour. We got there right at 5 and it was not too busy, so we were able to find bar seeing right away. You cannot beat the happy hour specials. $6 cocktails and $2 oysters. I placed several orders of the roasted oysters. That's how good they were. The daiquiris and dirty martini were delicious. We also had the best bartender, Russell who was able to entertain us throughout the night. I will definitely be back soon!

Love the happy hour. It's great. Oysters and martinis. Only problem is happy hour prices don't apply on the outdoor seating. Excuse moi? There's a beautiful deck and an outdoor bar on the jones falls river. Gimme my martini outside and I'll change my review to 5 stars. Happy hour needs to apply to the outdoor seating or you aren't allowed to call it happy hour anymore. You have to change it to "OK hour featuring famous indoor oysters" happy hour has no limitations- happy hour is a state of mind - MAKE HAPPY HOUR OUTSIDE AGAIN

What an amazing hidden gem in the Hamden area! The happy hour here is absolutely to. Die. For. Featuring two dollar oysters on half shell, five dollar glasses of wine and six dollar cocktails, what more could you ask for an evening out? At the bar were absolutely wonderful. So pleasant, so social, and so attentive. We had a group of four come for the happy hour, and we so enjoyed our time here the entire time! Oyster shooters, which definitely isn't my thing, but apparently they were delicious, I'll trust my friends judgment on that one. The oysters on the half shell were fresh, shucked right in front of us. The bone marrow crab dip is a must try as well. Don't let this hidden slip away, the patio is gorgeous, the inside is beautiful. Find your way to Chesapeake, especially during the spring and summer season.

The ambience of T.C. is great, and I love the White Hall Mill. I wanted to love the food, but True Chesapeake left me wondering what all the fuss is about. First, the good. We ordered a dozen oysters, and then ordered more. The highlights, for us, were the chunky dunkers. Large, but not enough to gag a donkey, with a delicate brine. They came with cocktail sauce, horseradish, some bourbon barrel-aged hot sauce, and a light mignonette. Very fresh and very tasty. The craft cocktails also sang, though the waitstaff wasn't super sure about some of the ingredients. Still, I liked the Washington Boulevard and the Figgy Smalls. Unfortunately, the entrees were less spectacular. My son had the entree portion of the clams with spaghetti, which looked pretty but had a ton of sand/grit. My oyster stew needed a bit more seasoning and my oyster caesar salad was underdressed. Though the fried oysters on the salad were delish. The best entree on the table was the scallops, which stole the show. For dessert, the Baltimore Bomb Pudding hit the spot, with the panna cotta a close second. I think we will return to True Chesapeake, but maybe for happy hour instead of dinner. Though that requires sitting at the bar or a hightop. 3.5 stars. For the price, I expected a bit more.

Finally made it to this restaurant. The atmosphere is awesome. The staff and owner are super accommodating and very attentive. The drinks were great. Our appetizers were great we had raw oysters & steam shrimp. For dinner we both had the jumbo lump crab cake ,it was disappointing there were shells in the crab cake and wasn't very tasty. If the crab cakes were better and had no shells I would have gave them 5 stars. I will definitely try this restaurant again.

Food was so good that we came here twice during the weekend. Ate here Friday night then came back for a quick Sunday brunch. Love the big open area, didn't feel too crowded. Oysters were fresh, prices are reasonable. It def satisfied our cravings for oysters! My husband and I were searching for a good oyster restaurant back home and decided to take a trip to Maryland instead. Well worth the drive and will come back again next time! Fave: raw oysters, French onion oysters, true and blue onion shooters, crab and bone marrow toast.

Getting here was a little sketchy and I wasn't sure if I was headed in the right direction. The sign posted is covered with graffiti so it's hard to read, unfortunately. Once you arrive, the restaurant looks very welcoming and is tucked away in a hidden area. The outside patio and bar area were very clean and fans were going to circulate air for the customers. The inside was decorated very nice. Restrooms was very clean. Now food & drink... delicious! Our host was great, very helpful, and knowledgeable about the items on the menu. My partner started off with a Blue & True Oyster Shooter, which comes with their house skinny dipper oyster, Green Machine IPA, and I had a Bijou cocktail. These were all delicious. For an appetizer, we ordered oysters on the half shell to try from the surrounding area and really enjoyed the Toms Cove Salt, to us this had the most brine. For the main course we shared the French onion oysters, seared scallops, and a 5 oz blue crab cake. The French onion oysters were different and yummy! They're a little soupy but not messy, very mindful, very demure. You have to try them. Risotto on scallop dish needed a little salt, however, the scallops added just a hint of salt. I could have used a tad more though. The crab cake was tasty and we enjoyed this. Wouldn't change a thing. This is a great date night spot and a perfect location for a group dinner.

The oysters were amazing with the hard cider from the waiter's recommendations. I only ate off the happy hour menu but may go back for dinner in the future. The place is open and airy. It puts you in the mind of open concept modern bar.

This place is known for its oysters. The oysters are great. But if you order oysters at True Chesapeake Oysters, You are out of your blinking blinking mind. Sure the oysters are fine. But everything else coming out of the kitchen is so much better. Oysters just can't compete with what the chefs of True Chesapeake cook up themselves. The mushroom tart is one of the best quiche-like dishes you can possibly put in your mouth. The mushroom tart is warmth and happiness and love. Try saying that about an oyster. * * * (Okay, if you are French, then oysters are about love. If you like your love cold and clammy, then you are in business.) * * * The blue crab mac and cheese is decadent. The beet salad reaffirms the holy truth that every borscht maker has been telling you for years. Beets are wonderful. The herbed potato puree? These Potatoes are gods. Worship and find divinity. The eggplant with pine nuts. If you only eat eggplant in Greek restaurants, You are missing out on the good things of life. * * * I just got a text from Yelp management. They say that all the readers of the True Chesapeake Yelp page Really really really want to have oysters. In deference to popular opinion, I'll walk it back. If you really really really want to have oysters, and you also want to enjoy what an absolutely fantastic kitchen can do ... True Chesapeake has COOKED oysters. * * * Do the math.

Really lovely brunch spot! Made a reservation to dine here on a dreary Sunday afternoon but it was unnecessary as there was no wait for a table. Maybe this place is more of a popular dinner spot? We sampled the skinny dippers, the mushroom tarte and the blue crab bone marrow dip. All were excellent! We also split the blue crab benedict (very yummy!!) and the server graciously split it on two plates without us having to ask. Service was also fast and efficient. Great experience- will be back to try out their amazing happy hour and dinner menu!

Great people and great food. I called late before a holiday looking for oysters. I had missed the deadline and failed to plan ahead but they were awesome trying to help me out. When we have eaten there we have all loved the food, ambience and service. I love how they serve invasive species. The cauliflower gratin is a dish I think of often.

I don't know why I waited so long to come here, but I have been missing out because everything about this place is fabulous! The food was great, especially the roasted oysters, the service was excellent (both at the hostess stand and at the bar. Speaking of the bar, the drinks were outstanding! The decor was rustic and it was decorated for Christmas. The trees were beautiful and had beautiful oyster shell ornaments. So cute! Anyway, check this place out for sure! It's a little out of the way but so worth it!

Its been a while since i last went to True Chesapeake, i may have gone last yr or maybe two years ago. Anywho, decided to drop in for H/H. $6 daquiris hit the spot, oysters were cool, looking back at my 2019 review of the burger, i was spot on, nothing special, i didnt even finish it. I am not a fan of automatic gratuity, even worse when the is auto gratuity is for H/H, you have to be kidding me. I have never seen that before.

Went today for brunch and they have the BEST fried oysters!!! Also, their raw oyster selection is very solid.

Great happy hour! The oysters are amazing and the staff are very friendly! My dirty martini was perfect. The vibe is very cute and romantic, would definitely recommend for a girls night, a date night or a solo bar night.