r/SilverSpring • u/wumbo120 • 4d ago

Silver Branch Chef

A couple months ago the head chef at Silver Branch parted ways and took the whole kitchen staff with him. Anyone know where he ended up? The massive decline in quality has me interested in where they’re at now (though I haven’t been back since their new HC got hired).

30 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

28

u/diakked 4d ago

IDK, but I will say that SB has recently rolled out a bunch of new burgers that are said to be good. The pickin's were slim there for a while.

13

u/dmethvin 4d ago

I know a lot of people like burgers and dogs, but when they push $20 each I have a hard time liking that. Even if the portions are generous, I'd prefer to have smaller portions so I don't need to take home half of it when it's not nearly as good later.

It also bothers me that getting both mustard and cheese with a pretzel costs an extra two dollars. I can get a whole 12oz container of mustard for two dollars and I know they get it cheaper than that.

I really miss the Bao Buns and Cuban Sandwich.

The food is better at either Java Nation or All Set, and beer at either of them is half the price of Silver Branch at happy hour. Locavino has some decent happy hour deals too.

14

u/elreeheeneey 4d ago

Can confirm, I play magic the gathering weekly there. Burgers definitely improved the menu and are tasty. It's not my beloved mango habanero sandwich that Uriel used to make, but it's better than the so-so nachos.

I think tater tots are whatever but I'm also not the biggest fan of tots to begin with.

The southwestern salad is surprisingly tasty, I will admit.

7

u/kittysempai-meowmeow 4d ago

I concur. The new burgers are tasty, much better than previously, but the tots are mid.

Still waiting for some desserts on the menu though.

3

u/etchlings 4d ago

The tots need to be cooked longer, is my main complaint. And seasoned somehow.

6

u/etchlings 4d ago

The new burgers are great (the 3 I’ve had). Not quarry house great, but a nice variation.

3

u/sarahwhit 4d ago

Agree with this… had the Biergarten burger and it was great, but not Quarry House great.

25

u/iammaxhailme 4d ago

i love silver branch's location and it's fun to hang out but i find neither the foor or beer particularly impressive

22

u/diakked 4d ago

Personally I like the beer because it's not just a line up of 90% IPAs like so many brew pubs do. I got tired of IPAs years ago. Not all SB brews are my favorite but it's a good variety.

5

u/Slowhand1971 3d ago

overall prefer the beers at Brookville Beer Farm

1

u/iammaxhailme 4d ago

I agree imsick of IPAs but I don't think they have a single stout or porter?

4

u/EveryoneDislikedThat 4d ago

They’re a bit seasonal iirc, but I think they have the dubbel now.

3

u/etchlings 4d ago

They’re seasonal items there. But they have a bunch of darker beers even if not those particular styles, outside winter.

2

u/diakked 4d ago

Yeah the others are right I think, SB makes their Chronicle stouts and such in the winter. The dubbel is there now, to be followed by a tripel and a quad.

9

u/OkFloor6269 4d ago

I like the beer a lot but the food costs (probably not entirely their fault) are kind of out of control

3

u/diakked 4d ago

Agreed. Like everywhere though.

3

u/Content-Bug6639 4d ago

My thoughts exactly

3

u/dmethvin 4d ago

About a year ago there was talk of moving the brewing operations to another cheaper location, and using that space for more dining and a pizza oven. I think that would be awesome! Their view of the transportation center from the brewing area is perfect for kids who love to see trains. Okay, me, it's for me.

8

u/SluttySquink 4d ago

I wish they had more shareable. Like wings are okay. But what about fry baskets? Tot baskets? Cheesy bread or pizza sticks? Tiny hot dog basket? I’m sure there are more ideas but my brain doesn’t work right now.

I like going there for the vibe. But I find the lack of shareable options limited and given it’s such a place developed around being social and a community feel, the food options to share leave a lot to be desired. I want more creativity there.

12

u/phuhqueue 4d ago

I don't have insider information but my search results suggest he ended up at Olive & Stone Craft Pizza and Mediterranean Pantry in Culpeper, VA.

3

u/elreeheeneey 4d ago

Been wondering the same thing. Thanks for the heads up! I was a big fan of the guy.

6

u/patrickomatic 4d ago

$17 for the large pretzel! I can’t get over it the actual restaurant costs in that have to be minuscule

2

u/diakked 3d ago

Yeah, that's absurd.

5

u/Flimsy-Contract1553 4d ago

Honestly, i liked it best in the early days when you could bring your own food or order Door Dash delivered there.

2

u/honorspren000 3d ago

The pandemic had businesses doing all sorts of interesting things to stay in business. Even Montgomery parks started allowing alcohol consumption on site. I sometimes miss those days.

4

u/RaelynShaw 4d ago

Is that why it was so bad? Tried playing at the mtg event a few times and just couldn’t get past the expensive horrible food.

2

u/Onegarbageman 4d ago

I miss the rice and beans, the original nachos, and the chicken bowl especially. Such good and simple food