Little Orleans, Maryland
End of the Line
September 2023
Article and photos by Polly Dean
En route to fish the Savage River in western Maryland, we stumbled upon a delicious and memorable cafe, located on the National Pike in Little Orleans less than an hour from our destination. We needed fuel and were getting hungry, and had noticed signs for the Oak Barrel, a cafe, bakery and deli, that would suit our needs. We soon learned that the Oak Barrel Cafe would exceed our expectations, and for good reason it was a very popular stop for many other travelers.
At first glance, it looks like just a gas station. While still pumping gas, it has grown with success and is bursting at the seams, with even an outdoor dining area. The menu is appetizing with everything made fresh, from antibiotic-free chicken, never frozen beef burgers, wraps. grain bowls, flat breads, wings, and salads, including what enticed me – the chicken BLT. It was delicious! Also available are their signature subs, such as French Dip, Shrimp Po’ Boy, Baja Chicken and more.
If the deli’s delicious offerings doesn’t suck you in, their bakery surely will. Homemade cheesecakes, carrot, coconut and what they call “Best Ever Cake” are just a few of the desserts they offer. Cheesecakes and brownies in various flavors are also on the menu. Pies made of apples, peach, cherry, coconut cream, lemon meringue and plenty more are also prepared daily. With ice cream cakes, breads and rolls, all visitors will go away satisfied and happy. This is truly not your run-of-the-mill food stop!
The patio out back offers plenty of open space for enjoying your meal or treats. You may linger as long as you want, but this satisfying stop is also amenable and efficient for those that prefer to enjoy a delicious and tasty meal without adding a lot of time to their travel schedules. If really needing to save time, you may even place your order online to be ready for pickup when you arrive.
Also, the Oak Barrel hosts a car show the first Saturday in the months of April through October from 4 to 9 p.m.
The Oak Barrel market and fuel pumps are open all day, every day. The cafe and bakery closes each evening at 9 p.m. If traveling in northwest Maryland, be sure to stop and visit the Oak Barrel, and as they proclaim, it’s about the “Simple Pleasures in Life.” Visit their website for more details.
