Founders Tavern & Grille Menu (Update 2025)
Introducing the menu at Founders Tavern & Grille, located in Pasadena, MD, embodies a celebration of local flavors and comfort food with a twist. Established in 2013, this welcoming neighborhood tavern strives to create a culinary experience reminiscent of family gatherings and historical camaraderie.
The menu is a testament to fresh, quality ingredients; from homemade sauces and dressings to in-house baked bread and pizza dough. Highlights include mouthwatering options like the pork belly appetizer, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and the famed surf/turf special. Signature craft cocktails and an impressive selection of over 100 whiskeys complement the meal, ensuring a drink for every palate.
Whether you’re enjoying a laid-back atmosphere with friends or celebrating a special occasion, Founders Tavern & Grille promises a delightful culinary journey punctuated by attentive service and a strong sense of community.
FOOD MENU - Beginnings
Tavern Fries
fresh hand-cut fries, creamy cheddar cheese drizzle, Founders bacon crumble & green onions
Boneless Wings
fresh cut boneless chicken breast, choice of Chesapeake, BBQ, Buffalo style, Sweet Chili, Garlic Parm, with bleu cheese or ranch
Crab Dip
homemade spices, creamy cheddar blend, topped with fresh blue crab & served hot in a homemade bread bowl
Detroit-Style Cheesy Bread
homemade deep dish, thick-cut strips, garlic butter, mozzarella & Parmesan, with a side of Founders tomato sauce
Hot Honey Pork Belly
seasoned crispy pork belly, over arugula, served with hot honey drizzle
Founding Father
tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella & Founders tomato sauce
Papa Pepperoni
Large sliced pepperoni, mozzarella & Founders tomato sauce
John Adams Cheese Pizza
mozzarella & Founders tomato sauce
Fried Chicken & Gravy
Founders fried chicken, mozzarella & sharp cheddar, homemade gravy sauce, with a hot sauce drizzle
Louisiana Purchase
Founders fried chicken, andouille sausage, red onion, green & red peppers, mozzarella & chipotle cream sauce
Young Gardener
spinach, mushrooms, green & red peppers, red onions, mozzarella & Founders tomato sauce
Northern California
homemade honey ricotta, thin slices of lemon, mozzarella, roasted garlic & olive oil, topped with fresh arugula
FOOD MENU - Pizza-Pies
FOOD MENU - Smash Burgers
Tavern Burger
fresh Angus beef, pickle, lettuce & tomato on a homemade knot roll
Bacon & Bleu
fresh Angus beef, Founders slow-cured bacon, bleu cheese, pickle, lettuce & tomato on a homemade knot roll
Steakhouse Burger
fresh Angus beef, mushroom, Swiss, A1, pickle, lettuce & tomato on a homemade knot roll
The Alamo Burger
fresh Angus beef, Southwest chili seasoning, fresh sliced avocado, homemade Pico with cilantro & red onion, on a homemade knot roll
The Bunker Hill
fresh Angus beef, American cheese, Founders seasoned pastrami beef brisket piled high on top, finished with our special Bunker Hill Sauce... it’s a Triple, so big it’s staked with a knife! on a homemade knot roll
Cup Of MD Crab Soup
homemade, vegetable medley in a rich tomato broth, blue crab, seasoned with Old Bay GF
Bowl Of MD Crab Soup
homemade, vegetable medley in a rich tomato broth, blue crab, seasoned with Old Bay GF
Farmhouse Salad
Romaine, Parmesan, red onion, hard-boiled egg, pepperoncinis, tomatoes, basil & oregano, homemade red wine vinaigrette GF
Colonial Caesar Salad
Romaine, shaved Parmesan & garlic croutons, tossed in homemade Caesar dressing GF if no croutons
New England Wedge
Quartered iceberg, bacon crumbles, red onion, tomatoes, homemade bleu cheese dressing, drizzled with balsamic glaze GF
Chopped Apple & Candied Walnut
Baby spinach, diced apples, candied walnuts, bleu cheese crumble, with our homemade balsamic vinaigrette GF
Sesame Ahi Tuna Salad
fresh chilled, served rare, sesame-encrusted ahi tuna, mixed greens, carrots & strawberries, served with a ginger soy vinaigrette
FOOD MENU - Soup & Salad
FOOD MENU - Mains
Dakota Range Steak
certified 100% angus cattle, from Creekstone Farms, 10 oz. Dakota Strip, seared & finished in the oven, with Yukon mash & veggie of the day GF
Shrimp & Grits
white stone-ground SC grits, large sauteed gulf shrimp, extra sharp cheddar, bacon crumble, green onion, with homemade southern gravy GF with no gravy
Bourbon Salmon
baked fresh salmon filet, homemade bourbon glaze, with Yukon mash & veggie of the day
Founders Meatloaf
baked fresh Angus beef, onion, tomato, panko bread crumbs, homemade seasonings, with Yukon mash & veggie of the day
Williamsburg Half Chicken
slow roasted chicken, seasoned with thyme, salt & pepper, served with Yukon mash and the vegetable of the day
Beef Short Rib
72 hour short rib, braised in our homemade demi-glace, slow cooked, finished in the oven, over Yukon mash with side of sauteed spinach
Open-Faced Roast Beef
slow roasted, sliced bottom round roast, horseradish aioli, green onion, open-faced over country white bread, topped with side of hand-cut fries & homemade southern beef gravy
Open-Faced Roast Turkey
slow roasted turkey, horseradish aioli, green onion, open-faced over country white bread, topped with side of hand-cut fries & homemade southern chicken gravy
Spring Chicken Sandwich
chicken breast, arugula, provolone, citrus mayo, on homemade knot roll with one side
Broken Shrimp Tacos
Old Bay seasoned gulf shrimp, homemade Pico with cilantro & red onion, shaved lettuce, avocado infused sour cream, on two flour tortillas with one side
Portobello Mushroom Sandwich
Portobello mushroom, olive oil, balsamic & soy sauce, Swiss, red onion, tomato, avocado & baby spinach, on homemade knot roll with one side
Brunch Special
FOOD MENU - Sandwiches
FOOD MENU - Cast Iron Pasta
Tavern Meatball
homemade Italian meatballs, Rigatoni baked in our homemade tomato sauce with mozzarella, provolone & Parmesan
Chicken & Sausage
Founders fried chicken, andouille sausage, red onion, green & red peppers, Rigatoni baked in a chipotle cream sauce with mozzarella
OldBay Shrimp Scampi
Old Bay seasoned shrimp, Rigatoni, baked in an olive oil, garlic-lemon, white wine sauce, with fresh shaved Parmesan & lemon drizzle
Blacksmith Chicken Alfredo
sliced blackened chicken breast, Rigatoni baked in a creamy Parmesan Alfredo, topped with sundried tomatoes & fresh shaved Parmesan
Fried Chicken Chesapeake
our famous Maryland Crab Dip, homemade spices, lettuce and tomato
Nashville Hot
double fried chicken breast with a spicy cayenne & brown sugar hot sauce, pickle
Battlefield Chicken
chicken breast, bacon, American cheese, red onion, lettuce, tomato, pickle with Bunker Hill Sauce
Buttermilk Ranch
chicken breast, cheddar cheese, bacon, pickle, buttermilk ranch drizzle
Fried Chicken 2 Pc Dark
2 piece dark meat -- includes one thigh, one leg, and 2 sides
Fried Chicken 2 Pc White
2 piece white meat -- includes one breast, one wing and 2 sides
Fried Chicken 4 Pc DOUBLE Up Chx
4 piece chx -- includes one breast, one wing, one thigh, one leg and 2 sides
Fried Chicken 16 Pc For The Table -- Our Family Bundle
16 piece -- includes four breasts, four wings, four thighs, and four legs, and 4 family size sides
FOOD MENU - Fried Chicken
FOOD MENU - Kids
Kid Grilled Cheese & Fries
Country White Bread, American cheese with handcut fries
Kid Chicken & Fries
Fresh cut boneless chicken breast, fried with hand-cut fries
Kid Mac & Cheese
kids portion homemade macaroni & cheese
Kid Pasta & Meatballs
Dececco Pasta & Homemade Meatballs, with Founders tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese
Hand-Cut Fries
Hand-Cut Fries
Mac & Cheese
homemade macaroni & cheese
Side Caesar Salad
Side Salad
Side Garden Salad
Side Salad
Slaw
Homemade Cole Slaw, mayo, vinegar, not overly sauced
Veggie Of The Day
Veggie of the day
Yukon Mash
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
Extra Bread Side
Extra bread option
Extra Sauce Side
Extra sauce option
Cheese Sauce
Side portion of our homemade beer cheese
Gravy Chicken
Side portion of our homemade chicken gravy
Gravy Beef
Side portion of our homemade beef gravy
Bourbon Whip
FOOD MENU - Sides
FOOD MENU - Dessert
Apple Crumb Pie
Apple Crumb Pie
Salted Caramel Cookie
Salted Caramel Cookie
Chocolate Cake
Colonial Cheesecake
Homemade Creme Brulee
Cup Of MD Crab Soup
homemade, vegetable medley in a rich tomato broth, blue crab, seasoned with Old Bay GF
Bowl Of MD Crab Soup
homemade, vegetable medley in a rich tomato broth, blue crab, seasoned with Old Bay GF
Farmhouse Salad
Romaine, Parmesan, red onion, hard-boiled egg, pepperoncinis, tomatoes, basil & oregano, homemade red wine vinaigrette GF
New England Wedge
Quartered iceberg, bacon crumbles, red onion, tomatoes, homemade bleu cheese dressing, drizzled with balsamic glaze GF
Chopped Apple & Candied Walnut
Baby spinach, diced apples, candied walnuts, bleu cheese crumble, with our homemade balsamic vinaigrette GF
Dakota Range Steak
certified 100% angus cattle, from Creekstone Farms, 10 oz. Dakota Strip, seared & finished in the oven, with Yukon mash & veggie of the day GF
Colonial Caesar Salad W/ No Croutons
Romaine, shaved Parmesan & garlic croutons, tossed in homemade Caesar dressing GF if no croutons
Shrimp & Grits W/ No Gravy
white stone-ground SC grits, large sauteed gulf shrimp, extra sharp cheddar, bacon crumble, green onion, with homemade southern gravy GF with no gravy
FOOD MENU - Gluten-Free
Beginnings
Tavern Fries
fresh hand-cut fries, creamy cheddar cheese drizzle, Founders bacon crumble & green onions
Boneless Wings
fresh cut boneless chicken breast, choice of Chesapeake, BBQ, Buffalo style, Sweet Chili, Garlic Parm, with bleu cheese or ranch
Crab Dip
homemade spices, creamy cheddar blend, topped with fresh blue crab & served hot in a homemade bread bowl
Detroit-Style Cheesy Bread
homemade deep dish, thick-cut strips, garlic butter, mozzarella & Parmesan, with a side of Founders tomato sauce
Hot Honey Pork Belly
seasoned crispy pork belly, over arugula, served with hot honey drizzle
Founding Father
tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella & Founders tomato sauce
Papa Pepperoni
Large sliced pepperoni, mozzarella & Founders tomato sauce
John Adams Cheese Pizza
mozzarella & Founders tomato sauce
Fried Chicken & Gravy
Founders fried chicken, mozzarella & sharp cheddar, homemade gravy sauce, with a hot sauce drizzle
Louisiana Purchase
Founders fried chicken, andouille sausage, red onion, green & red peppers, mozzarella & chipotle cream sauce
Young Gardener
spinach, mushrooms, green & red peppers, red onions, mozzarella & Founders tomato sauce
Northern California
homemade honey ricotta, thin slices of lemon, mozzarella, roasted garlic & olive oil, topped with fresh arugula
Pizza-Pies
Smash Burgers
Tavern Burger
fresh Angus beef, pickle, lettuce & tomato on a homemade knot roll
Bacon & Bleu
fresh Angus beef, Founders slow-cured bacon, bleu cheese, pickle, lettuce & tomato on a homemade knot roll
Steakhouse Burger
fresh Angus beef, mushroom, Swiss, A1, pickle, lettuce & tomato on a homemade knot roll
The Alamo Burger
fresh Angus beef, Southwest chili seasoning, fresh sliced avocado, homemade Pico with cilantro & red onion, on a homemade knot roll
The Bunker Hill
fresh Angus beef, American cheese, Founders seasoned pastrami beef brisket piled high on top, finished with our special Bunker Hill Sauce... it’s a Triple, so big it’s staked with a knife! on a homemade knot roll
Cup Of MD Crab Soup
homemade, vegetable medley in a rich tomato broth, blue crab, seasoned with Old Bay GF
Bowl Of MD Crab Soup
homemade, vegetable medley in a rich tomato broth, blue crab, seasoned with Old Bay GF
Farmhouse Salad
Romaine, Parmesan, red onion, hard-boiled egg, pepperoncinis, tomatoes, basil & oregano, homemade red wine vinaigrette GF
Colonial Caesar Salad
Romaine, shaved Parmesan & garlic croutons, tossed in homemade Caesar dressing GF if no croutons
New England Wedge
Quartered iceberg, bacon crumbles, red onion, tomatoes, homemade bleu cheese dressing, drizzled with balsamic glaze GF
Chopped Apple & Candied Walnut
Baby spinach, diced apples, candied walnuts, bleu cheese crumble, with our homemade balsamic vinaigrette GF
Sesame Ahi Tuna Salad
fresh chilled, served rare, sesame-encrusted ahi tuna, mixed greens, carrots & strawberries, served with a ginger soy vinaigrette
Soup & Salad
Mains
Dakota Range Steak
certified 100% angus cattle, from Creekstone Farms, 10 oz. Dakota Strip, seared & finished in the oven, with Yukon mash & veggie of the day GF
Shrimp & Grits
white stone-ground SC grits, large sauteed gulf shrimp, extra sharp cheddar, bacon crumble, green onion, with homemade southern gravy GF with no gravy
Bourbon Salmon
baked fresh salmon filet, homemade bourbon glaze, with Yukon mash & veggie of the day
Founders Meatloaf
baked fresh Angus beef, onion, tomato, panko bread crumbs, homemade seasonings, with Yukon mash & veggie of the day
Williamsburg Half Chicken
slow roasted chicken, seasoned with thyme, salt & pepper, served with Yukon mash and the vegetable of the day
Beef Short Rib
72 hour short rib, braised in our homemade demi-glace, slow cooked, finished in the oven, over Yukon mash with side of sauteed spinach
Open-Faced Roast Beef
slow roasted, sliced bottom round roast, horseradish aioli, green onion, open-faced over country white bread, topped with side of hand-cut fries & homemade southern beef gravy
Open-Faced Roast Turkey
slow roasted turkey, horseradish aioli, green onion, open-faced over country white bread, topped with side of hand-cut fries & homemade southern chicken gravy
Spring Chicken Sandwich
chicken breast, arugula, provolone, citrus mayo, on homemade knot roll with one side
Broken Shrimp Tacos
Old Bay seasoned gulf shrimp, homemade Pico with cilantro & red onion, shaved lettuce, avocado infused sour cream, on two flour tortillas with one side
Portobello Mushroom Sandwich
Portobello mushroom, olive oil, balsamic & soy sauce, Swiss, red onion, tomato, avocado & baby spinach, on homemade knot roll with one side
Brunch Special
Sandwiches
Cast Iron Pasta
Tavern Meatball
homemade Italian meatballs, Rigatoni baked in our homemade tomato sauce with mozzarella, provolone & Parmesan
Chicken & Sausage
Founders fried chicken, andouille sausage, red onion, green & red peppers, Rigatoni baked in a chipotle cream sauce with mozzarella
OldBay Shrimp Scampi
Old Bay seasoned shrimp, Rigatoni, baked in an olive oil, garlic-lemon, white wine sauce, with fresh shaved Parmesan & lemon drizzle
Blacksmith Chicken Alfredo
sliced blackened chicken breast, Rigatoni baked in a creamy Parmesan Alfredo, topped with sundried tomatoes & fresh shaved Parmesan
Fried Chicken Chesapeake
our famous Maryland Crab Dip, homemade spices, lettuce and tomato
Nashville Hot
double fried chicken breast with a spicy cayenne & brown sugar hot sauce, pickle
Battlefield Chicken
chicken breast, bacon, American cheese, red onion, lettuce, tomato, pickle with Bunker Hill Sauce
Buttermilk Ranch
chicken breast, cheddar cheese, bacon, pickle, buttermilk ranch drizzle
Fried Chicken 2 Pc Dark
2 piece dark meat -- includes one thigh, one leg, and 2 sides
Fried Chicken 2 Pc White
2 piece white meat -- includes one breast, one wing and 2 sides
Fried Chicken 4 Pc DOUBLE Up Chx
4 piece chx -- includes one breast, one wing, one thigh, one leg and 2 sides
Fried Chicken 16 Pc For The Table -- Our Family Bundle
16 piece -- includes four breasts, four wings, four thighs, and four legs, and 4 family size sides
Fried Chicken
Kids
Kid Grilled Cheese & Fries
Country White Bread, American cheese with handcut fries
Kid Chicken & Fries
Fresh cut boneless chicken breast, fried with hand-cut fries
Kid Mac & Cheese
kids portion homemade macaroni & cheese
Kid Pasta & Meatballs
Dececco Pasta & Homemade Meatballs, with Founders tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese
Hand-Cut Fries
Hand-Cut Fries
Mac & Cheese
homemade macaroni & cheese
Side Caesar Salad
Side Salad
Side Garden Salad
Side Salad
Slaw
Homemade Cole Slaw, mayo, vinegar, not overly sauced
Veggie Of The Day
Veggie of the day
Yukon Mash
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
Extra Bread Side
Extra bread option
Extra Sauce Side
Extra sauce option
Cheese Sauce
Side portion of our homemade beer cheese
Gravy Chicken
Side portion of our homemade chicken gravy
Gravy Beef
Side portion of our homemade beef gravy
Bourbon Whip
Sides
Dessert
Apple Crumb Pie
Apple Crumb Pie
Salted Caramel Cookie
Salted Caramel Cookie
Chocolate Cake
Colonial Cheesecake
Homemade Creme Brulee
Cup Of MD Crab Soup
homemade, vegetable medley in a rich tomato broth, blue crab, seasoned with Old Bay GF
Bowl Of MD Crab Soup
homemade, vegetable medley in a rich tomato broth, blue crab, seasoned with Old Bay GF
Farmhouse Salad
Romaine, Parmesan, red onion, hard-boiled egg, pepperoncinis, tomatoes, basil & oregano, homemade red wine vinaigrette GF
New England Wedge
Quartered iceberg, bacon crumbles, red onion, tomatoes, homemade bleu cheese dressing, drizzled with balsamic glaze GF
Chopped Apple & Candied Walnut
Baby spinach, diced apples, candied walnuts, bleu cheese crumble, with our homemade balsamic vinaigrette GF
Dakota Range Steak
certified 100% angus cattle, from Creekstone Farms, 10 oz. Dakota Strip, seared & finished in the oven, with Yukon mash & veggie of the day GF
Colonial Caesar Salad W/ No Croutons
Romaine, shaved Parmesan & garlic croutons, tossed in homemade Caesar dressing GF if no croutons
Shrimp & Grits W/ No Gravy
white stone-ground SC grits, large sauteed gulf shrimp, extra sharp cheddar, bacon crumble, green onion, with homemade southern gravy GF with no gravy
Gluten-Free
WHISKEY WEDNESDAY - WW Cocktails
Manhattan Whiskey Wednesday
Old Fashioned Whiskey Wednesday
Manhattan Whiskey Wednesday
Old Fashioned Whiskey Wednesday
WW Cocktails
ST PADDY's Day MENU - Irish Grub Food
Guinness Fish & Chips
Guinness Beer-Battered fresh Atlantic Cod, served over a pile of our homemade hand-cut fries
Corned Beef Reuben
piled high slow-roasted Corned Beef, homemade pickled cabbage, Swiss cheese, with our homemade thousand island sauce, served on marble rye
Corned Beef Cabbage
a heaping portion of this Irish Tradition slow-roasted Corned Beef, Cabbage & Root Vegetables
Shepherds Pie
Seasoned Ground Beef, Roasted Root Vegetables, Baked & Topped with Homemade Garlic Mash Potatoes
Homemade Rice Pudding
Our Family recipe, Medium Grain Rice, plump Raisins, cream, dusted with cinnamon
Guinness Fish & Chips
Guinness Beer-Battered fresh Atlantic Cod, served over a pile of our homemade hand-cut fries
Corned Beef Reuben
piled high slow-roasted Corned Beef, homemade pickled cabbage, Swiss cheese, with our homemade thousand island sauce, served on marble rye
Corned Beef Cabbage
a heaping portion of this Irish Tradition slow-roasted Corned Beef, Cabbage & Root Vegetables
Shepherds Pie
Seasoned Ground Beef, Roasted Root Vegetables, Baked & Topped with Homemade Garlic Mash Potatoes
Homemade Rice Pudding
Our Family recipe, Medium Grain Rice, plump Raisins, cream, dusted with cinnamon
Irish Grub Food
MOTHERS DAY MENU - Mothers Day Food starts 2pm!
Rockfish Chesapeake
fresh Pan-Seared Rockfish, Lump Blue crab, blistered cherry tomatoes, in a lemon butter sauce, served with veggie of day & garlic mash
Chicken Oscar
Founders fresh breaded chicken breasts, over asparagus, topped with Lump Blue Crab meat & hollandaise sauce, served with garlic mash
Mama's Seafood Linguine
Baby Scallops, Gulf Shrimp, PEI Mussels, in a creamy rose sauce over linguine
Fried Green Tomatoes Louisiana
fresh fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, roasted red peppers, scallions, with a creole mustard drizzle, over arugula tossed in red wine vinaigrette
Cup Cream Of Crab Soup
Rockfish Chesapeake
fresh Pan-Seared Rockfish, Lump Blue crab, blistered cherry tomatoes, in a lemon butter sauce, served with veggie of day & garlic mash
Chicken Oscar
Founders fresh breaded chicken breasts, over asparagus, topped with Lump Blue Crab meat & hollandaise sauce, served with garlic mash
Mama's Seafood Linguine
Baby Scallops, Gulf Shrimp, PEI Mussels, in a creamy rose sauce over linguine
Fried Green Tomatoes Louisiana
fresh fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, roasted red peppers, scallions, with a creole mustard drizzle, over arugula tossed in red wine vinaigrette
Cup Cream Of Crab Soup
Mothers Day Food starts 2pm!
FATHERS DAY MENU - Father's Day Food
Watermelon Caprese Appetizer
fresh local watermelon slices, stacked with fresh mozzarella, red onion & mint, drizzled with a balsamic reduction
Salmon Oscar
Seared Salmon filet served over asparagus spears and topped with lump crab & a rich Bearnaise drizzle
Watermelon Caprese Appetizer
fresh local watermelon slices, stacked with fresh mozzarella, red onion & mint, drizzled with a balsamic reduction
Salmon Oscar
Seared Salmon filet served over asparagus spears and topped with lump crab & a rich Bearnaise drizzle