Thinking about Annapolis food brings to mind “Old Bay” seasoning, crab cakes, and the historic downtown docks’ salty, maritime-heavy dishes. However, a restaurant across from the Annapolis Towne Centre is quietly reinventing Naptown comfort food. Julep Southern Kitchen & Bar is a Southern BBQ and “low country” soul restaurant, not a seafood restaurant.
On entering, you would never guess that this place used to be a generic Bertucci’s. Carefully transformed into a pleasant, rustic-industrial “gathering spot” that feels modern and lived-in. Its open floor concept and large bar have made it the community hub Parole people have been waiting for, where you can see a joyous family brunch or a group of locals trying one of the fifty-five bourbons.
Many restaurants use “upscale comfort” as a marketing buzzword, but Julep lives it. Julep proves that Annapolis may have a Southern accent with its award-winning pecan-smoked wings that take hours to prepare and hospitality that makes you feel like you are at a family BBQ.
Let’s explore fun and interesting things to do in Annapolis’s southern soul, Julep, with Zavros Place!
Upscale Comfort Meets Local Hangout
When you enter Julep Annapolis, you know they wanted to create a community gathering space, not just another restaurant. After its franchise restaurant days, the interior is now a cozy, rustic-industrial space that feels elegant and lived-in.
The Vibe & Design
- The Layout: An open floor design creates a cozy yet airy atmosphere.
- The Bar: A spacious central bar in the space is ideal for getting drinks or relaxing in the evening.
- The Atmosphere: Its versatile ambiance is what people love the most. Though elegant enough for a romantic night, its welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for a family dinner.
The “Slow and Low” Philosophy
Chef Bob Krohn’s Southern cooking gives Julep Annapolis its soul. This is not just “fast food” BBQ; it took a lot of work and love.
- Pecan-Smoked Excellence: Meats are flavorful and smoked over pecan wood for 3 to 12 hours.
- Freshness First: Small batch cooking maintains quality, but popular foods may run out by late evening. This is a good sign since it signifies everything is served fresh from the smoker, not processed.
A True Locals’ Secret
Julep is ideally located near the Annapolis Towne Centre, away from the narrow, expensive streets of downtown Annapolis. Some people who know about it go there to get away from the crowds on Main Street. Best of all? Its plentiful free parking simplifies Naptown nightlife planning.
The “Must-Orders”: A Guide to the Julep Annapolis Menu
You should be hungry when you go to Julep Annapolis. With dishes from both the Chesapeake and the Deep South, the menu is a love letter to the Lowcountry. Here is a plan for your first visit. These are the meals that make people its regulars.
The Iconic Starters
- The Biscuits: You have to get these when you go to Julep Annapolis. These biscuits are not like most side dishes; they are huge and soft on the inside, and have a buttery, crunchy crust. The homemade sorghum/honey butter and the sweet-and-spicy pepper jelly that goes with them are both very tasty.
- Southern Egg Rolls: You can not get more Southern than this. They combine collard greens, black-eyed peas, and pulled pork, wrap them in jack and cream cheese, and fry them until crispy. It all comes together when you dip them in the side of jalapeno ranch.
- Crabby Fries: On top of these brined and twice-cooked fries are lump crab meat, parmesan, cheese, truffle oil, and a hint of sherry for a local twist.
The Smoked Main Events
- Smoked Fried Chicken: The star of the show is the smoked fried chicken. It is rubbed with a special Julep mix, smoked over pecan wood for three hours, and then cooked quickly to get the right “crunch.”
- Blackberry Chipotle Thighs: If you like food that is a good mix of sweet and spicy, this is the dish for you. Smoked, flash-fried, and covered in a sour blackberry chipotle glaze are three big, juicy chicken legs.
- The Julep Sampler: It is great if you cannot decide what to eat. This platter has two sides and a lot of meat, including pulled pork, beef, ribs, wings, andouille sausage. It is big enough to share or eat all by oneself.
Don’t Skip the Sides
Side dishes matter too. The Cheesy Cheddar Grits are smooth and warm, and the Texas Chili, which is made with nine kinds of peppers and chunks of brisket, is great for a cold night in Annapolis.
For the Bourbon Lovers: The Bar Program
Julep’s bar program is definitely its soul and the food is its heart. You can get a drink there, but it is also an experience for people who like the “brown water” of the South.
A Collector’s Catalog of Bourbon
With more than 55 different bourbons, Julep has one of the best whiskey collections in Annapolis. The list is huge and full of different drinks, so both casual drinkers and serious aficionados can enjoy it.
- The Heavy Hitters: Brands like Buffalo Trace, Basil Hayden, and Eagle Rare are always a hit.
- Rare Finds: For those seeking something unique, the menu features renowned brands such as Blanton’s, E.H. Taylor, and even the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle range (offered in flights).
- Whiskey Wednesdays: Wednesdays are Whiskey Wednesdays, when all whiskey-based drinks are 20% off. If you like deals, go on a Wednesday.
Signature Cocktails with a Twist
The drink menu changes often to reflect the seasons, but there are a few “stars” that make Julep Annapolis what it is.
- The Smoked Old Fashioned: This is just for fun. It is smoked with fresh cinnamon right at the bar, giving the air a warm, spicy smell. It is made with rye, bitters, and demerara sugar.
- The Namesake Julep: Their Mint Julep is a must-try before you leave. Crushed ice, mint syrup, and your choice of bourbon make up this famous drink. The price changes by $1 depending on which bourbon you choose.
- The Sunday Paper: A unique drink with chicory bitters, barrel-aged maple syrup, and Buffalo Trace.
More Than Just Whiskey
The bourbon is the main attraction, but the rest of the bar is also good. There is a carefully chosen range of changing craft drafts, including many popular beers from Maryland and Delaware, such as Crooked Crab and First State Brewing. Wine lovers will be pleased to know that the list is surprisingly long and includes everything from a crisp Santa Marina Prosecco to a bold Hall Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa.
Their Craft Mocktails, like the “Missed a Beet” (beet and carrot sauce with clove-infused honey), are just as carefully made for people who do not want to drink alcohol.
When to Visit: Brunch and Happy Hour
The overall vibe of your visit to Julep Annapolis can change a lot depending on when you go. There is something for everyone, whether you want a loud Sunday morning with a Mimosa Tower or a quiet drink after work during the week.
The Sunday Brunch Scene
If you want to see Julep at its busiest, go for brunch on Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM. It smells like fresh baked items and maple syrup, and the menu has some of their most inventive “comfort” foods.
- The Waffled Pig: A lot of people really like this one. Toppings include a cornbread stuffing waffle, creamy mashed potatoes, and a lot of their 12-hour pulled pork, all covered in gravy.
- Chicken & Waffles: They put four pieces of their famous pecan-smoked fried chicken on top of a fresh Belgian waffle and serve it with butter and maple syrup.
- Mimosa Towers: These big, cold towers hold enough sparkling wine and orange juice for ten drinks, so you can make your own cocktails right at the table. They are great for groups.
- Sweet Treats: You should not miss their huge cinnamon rolls covered in brown butter icing or the Banana Bread French Toast with berries and pecans.
Happy Hour: The Bar-Only Secret
From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Julep Annapolis has a great Happy Hour where you can relax and save money. Remember that these deals are only good in the bar area.
- Drink Deals: All drafts are $2 off, domestic bottles are $3.50, rail drinks are $6, and their famous drinks are $7.
- Discounted Snacks: Many of their best-selling items, like the $9.50 Smoked Wings, $8 Southern Egg Rolls, and $7 Burnt End Tacos (made with red chili adobo beef), are now cheaper.
- Local Favorites: Enjoy cheap Crabby Fries or Pork Sliders for $7-$8 while watching a game on the bar TVs.
Location & Logistics
Parking is usually one of the hardest things about going out to eat in Annapolis, but that is exactly where Julep shines. It has all the high-end feel without the hassle of parking lots or metered street spots because it is just outside of downtown.
Finding the Spot
Right in the middle of the Parole area, at 2207 Forest Drive, Unit #2, you will find Julep Annapolis. This is a great spot for people who live near or are visiting the Annapolis Towne Centre.
- Landmarks: You can find them between Home Depot and Outback Steakhouse.
- Parking: There is a parking spot right there, and there is plenty of room. In case you are going with a group, you can even park your bus there for free.
Operating Hours
Julep is open every day as of early 2026, though the hours change a bit based on when you want to go:
- Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (great for a late-night bourbon)
- Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (brunch starts at 10 a.m. sharp)
Reservations & Seating
For smaller groups, Julep usually works on a first-come, first-served basis. Yet, if you are making plans for something special, we suggest the following:
- Call Ahead: Calling ahead at (410) 571-3923 is always a good idea if you want to get the best seats or bring a big group.
- Big Groups: Julep is great for big groups and offers private and semi-private dining choices if you need to hold a big party.
- Accessibility: There is designated parking, bathrooms, and entrance ramps at the restaurant so that everyone can use them.
Catering & Events: Julep on the Go
One of the best things about Julep is that you can enjoy the pecan-smoked goodness even when you are not there. They offer Southern hospitality for small family reunions and large business gatherings through their catering and events department.
Catering for Every Scale
It is surprising how readily available Julep’s off-site catering is. They can plan everything from small birthday parties in people’s yards to big weddings and award events.
- Huge Capacity: For parties that take place off-site, they can serve up to 1,000 people.
- Menu Flexibility: You can pick from different types of meals, such as buffets, family-style meals, food stations, and even passed or standing starters.
- Package Deals: For groups of 15 or more, they have easy-to-use packages for each person that come with a variety of meats (like brisket or pulled pork), multiple sides, slider rolls, sauces, and all the plates and cutlery you need.
Bringing the Hits to Your Party
You can get most of the “must-orders” we talked about earlier delivered. You can get a lot of their award-winning wings (about 39 for 25) or their famous Chesapeake Crab Dip to wow your guests. They also offer “Set Up” with disposable chafing dishes and Sterno to keep the BBQ hot during your event.
Hosting at the Restaurant
Julep Annapolis’s 7,100-square-foot area is perfect for big groups if you do not want to host at home.
- Private Dining: They have private and semi-private dining rooms for big groups, which makes it a great place for holiday parties or rehearsal dinners.
- Personalized Service: The staff works with you to make sure that everyone, even those with special dietary needs (like gluten-free or vegetarian choices), is well fed.
- For event planning, contact their catering manager via their website or by phone. Just remember that bigger “to-go” orders of more than six items require 24 hours’ notice so the kitchen can remain ahead of the smoke.
Is Julep Annapolis Worth the Hype?
After trying the menu and environment, the major question is: Does Julep Annapolis live up to the buzz? We think it exceeds expectations and establishes a new standard for Annapolis comfort dining.
Annapolis is known for its seafood, but Julep is a much-needed option that feels both high-end and very real.
- Craftsmanship You Can Taste: This place doesn’t compromise on quality. The smoked fried chicken and massive, pillowy biscuits are both flavored with hours of pecan smoke.
- Consistency is Key: The quality stays amazingly consistent whether you go for a lively Sunday Brunch with a Mimosa Tower or a quiet “Whiskey Wednesday” with 20% off rare bourbons.
- Local Soul: The restaurant has a “neighborhood hub” feel that big chains just can not match because it is family-owned and was started by brothers Bob and Mike Krohn.
One last thing to keep in mind if you are going to Julep: the food is fresh, not fast. They smoke meat in small batches for up to 12 hours, so during busy times, they can (and do) run out of the most popular things, like brisket or burnt ends. It is not much to pay for a BBQ that has not been sitting under a heat lamp all day.
Does it live up to the hype? Of course. Julep Annapolis serves food that makes you want to take it home and plan your next visit. Highly recommended for anyone who thinks kindness should be as warm as a new bowl of cheddar grits.