Welcome to Founders Tavern & Grille
Founders Tavern & Grille, located in Pasadena, MD, is a cozy neighborhood eatery that emphasizes comfort food with a modern twist. Established in 2013 by Chef Steve Sumner and his wife, Janet, this welcoming space draws inspiration from American history to create a communal dining experience. The menu boasts locally-sourced, fresh ingredients, offering everything from perfectly seasoned Surf/Turf specials to their delightful homemade desserts. Popular among families, the tavern features a robust whiskey selection and craft cocktails, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere. With attentive service and a commitment to quality, Founders Tavern & Grille is a must-visit for anyone seeking a satisfying meal.
- 8125 Ritchie Hwy Unit P, Pasadena, MD 21122, United States Hotline: +1 410-544-0076
Step into the heart of Pasadena, Maryland, and discover a hidden gem tucked away in the Festival at Pasadena—Founders Tavern & Grille. Here, history and community intertwine in an inviting ambiance that beckons both families and friends to gather for a memorable dining experience. Established in 2013 by local food enthusiasts Chef Steve Sumner and his wife Janet, along with their close friends, Founders epitomizes what it means to enjoy good food in a warm, welcoming environment.
As you approach, you’ll notice the rustic charm that defines this modern-day tavern. It's not just about food; it's about creating lasting memories, reminiscent of times when great minds of history gathered around food, laughter, and camaraderie. Here, it's not merely about dining; it's about savoring the flavors of life.
What makes Founders Tavern & Grille stand out? The answer lies in its unwavering commitment to using locally-sourced, organic, and fresh ingredients. With partnerships established with respected local suppliers—from Chesapeake Seafood to Bear's Honeypot—the menu is an ode to the rich culinary heritage of Maryland. Each dish tells a story, crafted with love and a passion for quality.
Whether you're indulging in their renowned Surf/Turf special—with perfectly cooked meats complemented by delectable garlic butter—or sharing a delicious plate of Maryland crab soup, every entrée shines with flavor. Diners rave about the pork belly appetizer and fried chicken paired with creamy macaroni and cheese, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
But it doesn’t stop with the hearty fare. Feel free to sip on one of their over 100 whiskey and bourbon selections, or enjoy a handcrafted cocktail bursting with fresh herbs and seasonal flavors. The commitment to exceptional beverages is paralleled only by the delightful comfort food that draws guests back time and time again.
As local reviewer Lynnea Alcaraz aptly puts it, "Taylor was amazing!!" Showcasing the attentive and friendly service that accompanies every meal at Founders, the staff makes you feel right at home. It's a place where you can unwind after a long day or celebrate special occasions with those you cherish.
In summary, if you're searching for a laid-back spot that offers not just good food, but also a connection to history and community, look no further than Founders Tavern & Grille. With its unpretentious charm, flavorful dishes, and commitment to local partnerships, you're sure to leave with satisfied taste buds and a smile. Cheers to good friends, great food, and the pursuit of happiness!

Taylor was amazing!! Gave great recommendations and felt like fast friends by the time we left. The Surf/Turf special was so good, cooked and seasoned perfect, and that garlic butter...WOW! Meatloaf and potatoes was also very, very good. Really worth the visit.

Food here is ALWAYS delicious, service is always attentive, and ambiance is welcoming. I typically get something different every time I go to Founder’s and have enjoyed everything I’ve ever tried. Highly recommend if you are looking for a laid back place and tasty comfort food.

Founders is a great neighborhood spot for a delicious meal. We stopped in on a Saturday and it was busy, with lots of folks waiting for tables. They have outdoor seating in the warmer weather and a full bar. We saw lots of families with small children and some larger groups too. We waited around 20-30 minutes for a table, and grabbed a drink at the bar while waiting. Karina was so friendly and very knowledgeable about all things whiskey! We ordered the pork belly appetizer, a wedge salad, Maryland crab soup, the burger, chocolate cake and their apple dessert. Everything was delicious. Very friendly staff and attentive service.

Tucked into a mega-strip mall that includes a Walmart and BJs Warehouse, so who expected such good food or friendly services? It’s rustic and casual with a great beer and bar selection. If it is crowded, please ASK what comes out quickly. This is real food. Some of it takes just a little time. (I’m talking to you, Rush Hour Dad ordering 5 meals lto go like the place is a drive-thru)

We had an amazing experience! We are out of towners and this was recommended by our host. I had the short rib and it was delicious! My family liked their meals as well. And they all stole bites of mine and wanted more. The waitress was so sweet and was great with our ordering and refills.

Explore Maryland - Founders Tavern & Grille Located in: Festival At Pasadena Address: 8125 Ritchie Hwy Unit P, Pasadena, MD 21122 Hours: Open Closes 9 PM · More hours Phone: (410) 544-0076 Menu: toasttab.com Our Declaration Good Friends, Great Food & the Pursuit of Happiness! One hot 4th of July, under the dappled shade of a huge elm, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams sit together at a picnic table sipping cold beer, discussing the pure benefits of food & spirits, while their families relax and play around them with laughter. George Washington turns from the hot coals of the fire with a platter of burgers, “Who’s hungry?”—and the feast begins. That’s how we’d like to think it happened. This scene conjures that sense of family and friends, gathering for fun in our own backyard, and chowing down on some great food, sprinkled with love for history, the pure beginnings of the Founding Fathers, and the birth of this great country. This is what Founders Tavern & Grille is all about! While we give a nod to that history, Founders Tavern & Grille lives in the modern day and was established in 2013 by local business owner and executive chef, Steve Sumner, and his wife, Janet, along with their good friends, the Lane family. We designed and created a space that is warm and welcoming—a place where friends and families could gather, relax, feel at-home, and enjoy some good ol’ fashioned comfort food, taken to the next level of course. Our recipes are carried down from family, perfected through years of cooking and a passion for fresh ingredients. There's something on our menu to please everyone. We pride ourselves on our fresh ingredients, and as much as we rejoice in the friends we have around us, we also rejoice in the food we have around us. The best and freshest food is what's grown closest to you... we hold this truth to be self-evident! That is why Founders strives to provide the best quality, locally-sourced ingredients to our customers, and work with those who share in our same philosophy and support the same mission. We have partnered with local meat and seafood suppliers, Chesapeake Farm to Table, Bear’s Honeypot, Schillinger’s Farm, Maryland Seafood, Dudek Butchers, and even get our organic coffee and teas from Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company who started an H2O initiative contributing a portion of their sales to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. Our commitment is to source local, organic & GMO-free. Our beef is all fresh, no steroids, no antibiotics. Our bacon is nitrate free. Our eggs & chicken are free-range & hormone-free from the Eastern Shore. All fresh local ingredients wherever possible to give back to the community. We make our own homemade sauces, dressings, desserts, nothing frozen; we actually have no freezer on the premises. Our pizza dough and bread are made in-house fresh daily from our own unique recipes. We bake our bread fresh every morning. As a modern day tavern we also have the honor to offer over 100 Whiskey & Bourbon offerings for your merriment. We offer fine wines, and over 20 craft beers. Our signature craft cocktails are made with fresh herbs, seasonal spirits, and premium ingredients; because when you come to Founders we want you to share in a unique fun tasting experience. We truly are that neighborhood Tavern. So won't you join us, raise a glass, and toast... to Good Friends, Great Food and the Pursuit of Happiness! Hope you enjoy the offerings Cheers!

Great bourbon selection. The bourbon salmon is fantastic. We had several people who ordered different burger options and all of them were very satisfied. We enjoyed the crab dip and the fries too!

If you're in the Pasadena area, Founders is a great place to eat. We had the pork belly appetizer, which was great. If you like thin crust pizza, you'll love theirs. We also had the fried chicken with the mac and cheese, which was delicious. No complaints. Also, the Founders is pet friendly. So enjoy the afternoon with your four-legged friend. Last but not least, the Crushes were lite and refreshing. I highly recommend the Cherry Lime and Watermelon Mint!