I don't know how it happened, but the other day, Amy and I found ourselves in Wheaton. In Wheaton, I'm totally out of my element -- I mean, it's probably a whole 10 minute drive from DC. Seriously though, I don't get to Wheaton much. But, I could recall the Royal Mile Pub, a Scottish pub with some pretty interesting food that some good friends of ours first introduced us to a few years ago and we've returned to a few times since.

It had been a while since we last visited, but the dining room was just as I remembered it - kind of gloomy and dimly lit while some regulars sat at the bar having lunch and watching football. I don't believe I've ever been to the Royal Mile when there was a wait and this time was no exception for we had our pick of tables. Scottish tartans hang from just about every wall.

The Royal Mile is the only restaurant that I know of in the area with a Scotch list, and quite an extensive one at that. Where else are you going to get your Glenfarclas fix. I don't know anywhere else. On Thursday nights, the Royal mile offers a Single Malt Tasting Menu. The beer list isn't quite as extensive but you'll find a few Scottish Ales that you probably wouldn't typically find elsewhere.

If you've ever been to a restaurant with Celtic food, then you know that the food tends to be on the heavier side so order wisely. Unless you're really hungry, don't go ordering both a huge appetizer and entree. Take it easy. Share a course with a friend.

For dinner, my favorites so far are the beer-battered fish and chips or the beef and Guinness Pie. Both are pretty heavy but pleasing guilty pleasures of mine. I can't honestly say that I've ever had anything bad at the Royal Mile, but keep in mind that I'm no Celtic food expert by any means. I have yet to be brave  enough to try the haggis.

The other day for lunch, we had the Welsh Rarebit as an appetizer, which Amy loves and I'm a bit less enthusiastic about. Welsh Rarebit is basically toast topped with a blend of cheeses, beer, mustard, and tomatoes...oh, and throw a little heavy cream into that cheese mixture as well. The corned beef reuben that I ordered (which the Royal Mile calls the "Wandering Willie") was as good as any other reuben that I've ever had with lean beef, some great sauerkraut, and creamy swiss. Prices are pretty reasonable and wont break the bank. Our lunch was a little over $20 for both of us.

I should also point out that the Royal Mile has free WiFi, not that I generally take my computer around with us and test to see that restaurants have WiFi, but if you're looking for a place to hang out and do a little work while eating a slow meal, you might want to consider the Royal Mile.

Royal Mile Pub
2407 Price Avenue
Wheaton, MD
Map
(301) 946-4511
Web Site

Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 3:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Friday – Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Closed: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day