Hello dear
Mountain Gate Family Restaurant, located in Thurmont, MD, offers a delightful escape into home-cooked comfort food. With a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of cherished childhood memories, it’s the perfect spot for family gatherings or a satisfying meal after a long journey. Guests rave about the standout fried chicken—crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor—making it a must-try. The extensive buffet features a variety of options, including a homemade soup and salad bar, ensuring something for everyone. Attentive staff and a cozy ambiance elevate the dining experience, making Mountain Gate a hidden gem worth discovering.
About
Welcome to the delightful world of Mountain Gate Family Restaurant, nestled in the picturesque town of Thurmont, Maryland. Located at 133 Frederick Rd, this family-friendly establishment is a haven for those seeking hearty, home-cooked comfort food. Whether you're stopping in for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, Mountain Gate offers an inviting atmosphere that feels just like home.
As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a warm, welcoming environment that many have described as nostalgic—a place where cherished family memories are made. The staff is not only attentive but genuinely cares about your dining experience, ensuring every guest feels special. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a simple lunch with loved ones, the ambiance here amplifies the joy of shared meals.
Now, let’s dive into the menu, a true feast for the senses. The culinary highlights include a variety of enticing options that cater to every palate. Indulge in their heavenly fried chicken, a customer favorite that boasts a crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy meat inside. It's the type of fried chicken that, according to Ken Enecio, reminds you why simple, well-made food can be utterly irresistible. For those seeking something different, the robust selections of hamburger steak, veal cutlet, and roast turkey are sure to satisfy. Don't overlook the buffet bar, brimming with a delicious array of choices that allow you to sample multiple dishes in one visit.
The restaurant also caters to the younger crowd with its Kid's Corner, featuring options like grilled cheese and chicken tenders, ensuring even the pickiest eaters leave satisfied. Adding a refreshing twist, their salad offerings range from hand-tossed side salads to chef salads, perfect for those looking for lighter fare or a fresh addition to their meal.
Reviews from satisfied customers echo the sentiment that Mountain Gate is a hidden gem worth visiting, with many vowing to return despite long distances. Maria Doinoff’s experience, for instance, highlighted the charm of a time-honored family tradition, enhanced by the fantastic lunch buffet that consistently exceeds expectations. Meanwhile, families like Selena Rumpf’s find themselves drawn back time and again for both the exceptional food and the outstanding service, particularly praising staff members like Bridget for their attention to detail and kindness.
Overall, Mountain Gate Family Restaurant presents a treasure trove of flavors and memories, making it a must-visit spot for anyone in or passing through Thurmont. With every bite, you’re reminded of what it means to enjoy good food in the company of great people. So, if you're searching for a place that offers heartfelt meals in a friendly environment, look no further than Mountain Gate. Come and experience the comfort of family dining done right!
“ Wonderful atmosphere! Celebrated my mom's 78th bday here! The staff is very delightful. Food is delicious and cooked upon ordering. They have a buffet bar; salad bar; dessert bar ”
“ Mountain Gate Family Restaurant in Thurmont, MD, is a hidden gem for anyone craving hearty, home-cooked comfort food. But let’s talk about the real star of the show—the fried chicken. It’s nothing short of perfection. Crispy, golden, and seasoned just right, every bite is a delightful crunch followed by juicy, flavorful tenderness. It’s the kind of fried chicken that reminds you why simple, well-made food is unbeatable. Beyond the chicken, the buffet is packed with delicious options, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it feel like home. Whether you’re stopping by for a meal with family or fueling up after a road trip, this place delivers. If you haven’t tried their fried chicken yet, you’re seriously missing out! ”
“ Our family has a tradition of visiting the Grotto in Emmitsburg during Holy Week, and this year we decided to try something different for lunch, and I’m so glad we did. Instead of our usual McDonald’s stop, we found this charming restaurant that felt like stepping into a time capsule. It instantly reminded me of a childhood core memory, when restaurants had that warm, homey atmosphere. The lunch buffet selection was fantastic! I sampled almost everything except the pies (though I did try the shoo fly pie, it was delightful!). At first glance, the chicken looked a bit dry, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was incredibly flavorful and tender. I even went back for seconds! Everyone on the staff was extremely polite and professional, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. You could tell they genuinely cared about their service. For the price and quality, this place is a gem. Despite living two hours away, I’d happily return. In fact, we’ve decided to make this restaurant part of our yearly Holy Week tradition. It’s that good. ”
“ This place is great the shop is tidy and filled with good stuff. It’ll definitely catch your eye. Every worker is welcoming and attentive. The food quality you get what you pay for. It’s not the best or the worse. The fried chicken is delicious!! Was the best thing I ate there. Being a local and not having much options this is a great place to go to. ”
“ This place is great!! Whenever my family is in Thurmont, we almost always end up here. We get the buffet every time we come, and it’s pretty good. The service is amazing, especially from Bridget. The last two times we’ve gone she’s waited our table, and has done an incredible job doing so. Has a kind smile on her face, polite tone, and she’s complemented me many times. The atmosphere of this place is very pleasant. If I had to put it into words, it’d be the feeling you get when you go to a restaurant you always used to go to as a kid with your family. ”
“ Good food, great customer service. It has a nice down home feeling and everyone is really friendly! The ice cream was a perfect finish to a good meal. 5 star experience all around! ”
“ What a wonderful dining experience. Our server was amazing and the food was delicious. We browsed through the gift shop before exiting and came home with some nice gifts. We look forward to our next visit. ”
“ Contrary to some of the latest reviews hands down the best service and buffet I have had in years. I was also visiting as part of a large student group on way to DC. Having worked in the food industry the fact your team was able to get the drink orders and have enough food (hot and cold) constantly ready to serve over 300 is amazing. I truly wish I lived closer and could visit more often since the variety of hot food options and dessert bar blew my mind. Keep up the great work and if you ever expand to Ohio let me know, I’ll be your first customer ”