My family has a tradition for my father to take my grandmother (his mother) to Nick’s Airport Inn in Hagerstown, MD each year for Mother’s Day. In the past, I generally haven’t joined them because I was celebrating with my Mother. However, this year, I was lucky enough to be included. I actually celebrated with my Mother on Saturday, so I was free for the Sunday celebration.
Nick’s Airport Inn in Hagerstown, MD has long been regarded as one of the best restaurants in Hagerstown, MD. It is known for being an upscale place to dine, with incredible food and excellent chefs. Nick’s Airport Inn is somewhere you take your prom date, somewhere you go for an extra special event, and somewhere you take your Mother for Mother’s Day. For those of us on a budget, this isn’t somewhere you can afford to dine every day, or even every week. This is a place saved for the best, most important days in your life.
The establishment does have many regulars. The reputation and food keep people coming. Even with the new restaurants that pop up in Hagerstown every so often, Nick’s has continued to remain an exclusive restaurant for the area.
The atmosphere of Nick’s Airport Inn in Hagerstown, MD is impressive. When you walk in, you can see that the establishment has been upgraded over the years and maintained in superb condition. The walls look freshly painted, the decor new, and the design current. I particularly enjoy the “sunroom” areas of the diningroom. The south and east sides of the restaurant are like a greenhouse- the walls and ceiling consist of glass. This means you can see outside and feel as if you are on a patio (but you are indoors!) This is a great draw for Nick’s Airport Inn.
The atmosphere is very relaxing. When you come here, you won’t get a sense of being rushed as soon as you sit down. We spent over two hours dining here on Mother’s Day. Noone once made us feel like we should hurry through the meal to open up the table for someone else.
Nick’s Airport Inn in Hagerstown, MD is in a somewhat attractive location. It is good because it is near the Hagerstown Airport, which means that local travelers can catch lunch before departing on a trip or enjoy a nice dinner once arriving from their flight. Nick’s is also close to Interstate 81. Those traveling through the area can easily get off of the Showalter Road exit, and then make a right onto Route 11. Nick’s is less than two miles off the Interstate. Nick’s is also close to the North End of Hagerstown, MD and less than three miles from the Longmeadow Shopping Center. A bowling alley and host of stores are found at Longmeadow.
The location is somewhat unattractive in that it is outside of town, and to the North of the city. Anyone living in the South End would have about five miles to travel to reach the destination. THis does mean that Pennsylvania residents have less of a travel to dine in Hagerstown, MD if they choose Nick’s Airport Inn.
The service in this restaurant is awesome. The waitresses and waiters actually pay attention to your needs and refill your drinks when you need them as well as bring you what you ask for. In many restaurants in this day and age, it seems like service has been forgotten. You pay a hefty sum to dine at a restaurant, but you can’t get anyone to greet your table for ten minutes. THis is not the case at Nick’s Airport Inn in Hagerstown, MD. When you sit down, you are greeted promptly. The food comes out on time, even when they are busy. The waitstaff is dressed nicely and everyone is friendly and attentive to your needs.
The one negative comment I have about the service is that I believe our waitress may have been fighting a cold. She seemed to sniffle a good bit and I heard her cough. I don’t know for sure, but I hope they wouldn’t allow someone to work that might endanger someone in getting sick.
The menu selection was very pleasing. You could order a filet mignon, which is the best steak on the market. Crabcakes and fresh fish were served, as well as fried shrimp. The price of filet mignon and a crabcake was $26 for the special menu served for Mother’s Day. I ordered crab-stuffed flounder, for $18. I was incredibly awed by the fresh fish. I immensely enjoyed how tender and moist my fish was, and the sauce it was in. I would have liked a bit more of a spice to the sauce, but it was good.
My grandmother ordered fried shrimp. She quoted that her food was “great!” She has never been disappointed. (She even had in her purse a Mother’s day gift the restaurant gave her for their twenty year anniversary about twelve years ago- a compact mirror with light inside.)
We each had a salad. I chose two dressings on the side. The raspberry vinaigrette was memorable, but the French dressing they use is just the Kraft creamy french. I expected either homemade dressing, or at least an exotic brand, from such an establishment. The French dressing selection is definitely one recommendation for improvement I would have to make.
I had french onion soup as a starter. This was about the best I have had anywhere. The flavor was rich but not too strong. The cheese was a different kind, but tasted great on the homemade croutons.
For dessert, three out of four of us had the coconut cream pie. I personally don’t see the attraction to this dessert. I find it too sweet. But, apparently this is a tradition for them to order this dessert, and they have it every year. The whole family loved it! I had creme brulee. I found myself very satisfied with this selection, and would have it every time I get to return here.
The menu price in general was $14 to $26 for a main course. Selections include steak, seafood, chicken and pasta. A salad and side come with each meal other than pasta (no side.) An appetizer ra n about $8 to $10, and the desserts were $4 to $6. The bill for four people with only one having an appetizer and noone having alcohol was about $150. Add a tip and you are looking at around $180. This averages $45 per person.
I greatly enjoyed dining at Nick’s Airport Inn in Hagerstown, MD. I have only been lucky enough to dine here twice in the past- for my junior prom and for my graduation dinner. I don’t know when I’ll get to come back, but I can’t wait! I will have the crab-stuffed flounder and creme brulee again. I recommend this restaurant very highly to anyone with a special occasion or the pocketbook to afford it. The price is worth it!
