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The Rumor Mill Reviews List
The Rumor Mill
The building may be historic, but the food and drink at the Rumor Mill Fusion Bar & Restaurant is all modern. Join us in the heart of Ellicott City's quaint historic district and enjoy globally-inspired small plates, house-made desserts, a smart beer and wine list and Maryland's only fusion vodka bar. Open for dinner daily and for lunch and dinner on Saturdays.
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57 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 57 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(41)
- neighborhood gem(30)
- special occasion(23)
- romantic(21)
- good for groups(19)
- great for lunch(10)
The Rumor Mill Reviews List
Review 1 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
An Unexpected Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had seen The Rumor Mill many times while walking up Main Street in Ellicott City, but always thought it was a just small bistro. Were we ever wrong! It's very spacious and has lots of charm and character. Food is OUTSTANDING. We had a tomato puree tartlet that was out of this world. For the tipsy they also have a great selection of infused vodkas - I had a Bloody Mary with jalepeno infused vodka. The closest I can come to a complaint - they don't have ketchup if you order something with fries (or at least didn't that day). However, by time our waitress came back to us with that news, we had already eaten all of the fries, which are really delicious..."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"So impressed with the Rumor Mill, from start to finish. The food is well-crafted and interesting; it's easy to tell that everything is done from scratch, and with care. Drinks were great. And the people were so friendly: our server was enthusiastic and helpful, but it wasn't just her that made us feel cared for. The hostesses were nice, patient as we got our group together, and both the chef and his wife came out personally (at separate times) to make sure that everything was good. They didn't just stop by the table, either - they seemed really interested to hear about our experience there. We took our time, had everything from appetizers to dessert (homemade ice creams were awesome) and will definitely be back soon!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Mother's Day lunch!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I brought my mom here for Mother's Day. We started w/ the yellow beets. The blue cheese medallions added a nice kick. Next we had the calamari blt - our fave dish. The calamari was cooked perfectly w/ a nice, light breading. We followed w/ the fried oysters. The sauces really brought out the flavors.
We ended w/ the baked brie & the choice of spicy bacon marmalade or peach compote. We requested half/half, but were told that wasn't possible. When it came out the topping was just spread on; so they could have easily accommodated our request. We ended up going w/ the bacon. It was good, but we would have enjoyed a taste of both.
Our server was friendly and the pace of the meal was perfect. We really enjoyed our experience & will visit again."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service and food excellent.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Try the cilantro beef or if daring the BLT calamari."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The tapas was spectacular! Also loved the dessert."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious gem!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I dined here for NYE and the food and drink concoctions are to die for! So happy to find a "foodie" restaurant in historic EC. Great place to go too if you're just looking for a unique drinking experience - they specialize in infused house-made vodkas!"
Dined on 12/31/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant was a wonderful find. Great infused vodkas and wonderful tapas style meals. We'll be back."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 8 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Finally got to go
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been wanting to come to The Rumor Mill for awhile and could never find reservation times that suited me. Finally, I was able to get a time that worked for me.
My wife and I had a great time, even though we sat next to a table with 2 screaming kids.
The food was delicious, baked brie and duck with cherries and the kobe beef sliders. The crab dip was good but not exceptional.
The real treat were the infused vodkas! I had a Pistachio vodka on the rocks and it did not disappoint. The wife had White Peach vodka which was excellent as well. The chef/owner surprised us with chocolates at the end of the meal. It was a great touch and much appreciated. Parking can be a bit tricky, as it is all street or pay lots."
My wife and I had a great time, even though we sat next to a table with 2 screaming kids.
The food was delicious, baked brie and duck with cherries and the kobe beef sliders. The crab dip was good but not exceptional.
The real treat were the infused vodkas! I had a Pistachio vodka on the rocks and it did not disappoint. The wife had White Peach vodka which was excellent as well. The chef/owner surprised us with chocolates at the end of the meal. It was a great touch and much appreciated. Parking can be a bit tricky, as it is all street or pay lots."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 9 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful food menu set up
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful food menu set up by the chef, the only downfall was some items were unavailable because they were switching their menu over. I had the lamb t-bone special an it was complexly delicious. The server seemed a little frazzled and forgot a thing or two, but she was very attentive and friendly. Food was delivered whenever it was ready which was kind of neat! Will definitely be returning here to sample the new menu, cheers!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 10 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Can't wait to go back!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My group of 4 was celebrating a big birthday, and we were treated like rock stars! I can't say enough about the service or the food. We loved everything we ordered (and we ordered A LOT!) and had such a great time that we closed the place down at midnight... and our reservation was for 7:30! Chef Matt spent time with us at the end of the night and explained a bit about how our food was prepared, and he was very excited about some new things he has planned. You can tell this man truly loves what he does, and it shows in his food."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The infused vodka bar is amazing
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The infused vodka bar is amazing and creative. In addition to the delicious food, you won't want to miss it."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 12 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyed the tapas style meal.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Enjoyed the tapas style meal. Interesting novelties along with some solid comfort food. The french fries were a surprising hit with my family."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 13 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything we ate had so much
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything we ate had so much flavor! Combinations I never would have thought of were amazing. All 3 in our group loved the food, ambience and service. The owner even came to the table to make sure all was good. Definitely recommend this place."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, enjoyed the small
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, enjoyed the small plates."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 15 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I liked the food here for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I liked the food here for Valentine's day however I didnt check that they had a special Valentines menu. That part i didnt like - it was $65pp which was extremely expensive. The food was good and quantity was a little on the light side (especially for the toppings - some i wished there was more of).
I do have to apologize to my fiance for the unexpected expense."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 16 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoy the tapas like menu
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We enjoy the tapas like menu that allows us to sample a number of different items. The menu is interesting and the food is fresh and well prepared."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 17 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I'll be back...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pleasantly surprised by food, service and ambiance - a TRUE neighborhood gem!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food and drink. The
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and drink. The bar service was excellent. I told the bartender what I like and he made a drink for me that was perfect for my tastes. We ordered nine different items to share between the four of us and we enjoyed them all. I would suggest however, they explain their menu to new customers."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 19 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We've been to the Rumor Mill
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We've been to the Rumor Mill before, but the Sunday evening following Valentines Day was exceptional. My wife and I ordered several small plates to share, and everything was fantastic. We could not have had a nicer dinner."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 20 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The service was exceptional.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was exceptional. Waitstaff was conversational and friendly. We did have a dish that was under-cooked, but it was sent back and returned quickly, with apologies from all the staff. I would recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 21 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Satuday night my husband and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Satuday night my husband and i went to the rumor mill restaurant in historic ellicot city for our valentines day dinner. it was amazing!!!! we had the duck and cherries, the lamb special, the fish and chips and the sweet potato pie with home made caramel sauce. i have always been afraid to try duck hearing things like "its greasy". i thought that if there was ever a place to try it it was here. it was so delicious, tender, and not greasy at all!! my husband said that "it is like getting punched in the mouth with flavor" when he ate it. he hates cherries and he even ate and liked the cherries on that were in the dish!! The lamb was so tender and flavorful. It came with french style lentles and home made potato chips. both were very good chri"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 22 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A nice local place. Very subdued
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A nice local place. Very subdued lighting and excellent service. Stick to the vegetarian dishes."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This place was super cute!!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place was super cute!!! I mean a true hidden gem!!! My wife picked this place for Valentine's Day so the menu was limited and we ALMOST left (so glad we didn't)!!!! We had the rockfish and lamb and it was so so so good... and since the restaurant wasn't packed at all... it seemed like we had the whole place to ourselves. I can't wait to go back and try their regular menu."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It could be great
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place has potential. The food is creative. The servers are very nice, but they need to gain some experience."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
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Review 25 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Overall I thought the food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Overall I thought the food was pretty good, but overpriced. I'm ok with paying a premium for tapas style but the food quality just didn't match up."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2012
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Review 26 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delightfully delicious!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place is truly amazing. The vodka infusions alone make it worth the trip, a taste of cinnamon roll, coconut, berry, hot peppers...and the tapas presentation and taste are by far the best we've had in at least the neighboring three counties. Whether you are there for a special occasion or have a penchant for a new experience, this is the restaurant you do not want to miss!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always Cosistant.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Enjoyed went for restaurant week but prices are always reasonable."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 28 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This place has excellent small
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place has excellent small plate fare great for sharing. We had several dishes among us. Wide variety of dishes without being overwhelming. The staff infuse their own vodkas for a one of a kind bar experience."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 29 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Would love too see a little
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Would love too see a little bit bigger menu. I miss the rice balls too"
Dined on 01/17/2013
2013
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Review 30 for The Rumor Mill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic as always. Our favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic as always. Our favorite restaurant in Baltimore never disappoints."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Rumor Mill
Based on the average of (27) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
2 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate