After reviewing cheesecakes across countless restaurants over the years, it takes a lot to genuinely surprise me. But Potomac Street Grill in Brunswick, Maryland, did exactly that—and in the best way possible.

Walking through the door, I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what to expect. The restaurant’s name and interior gave off more of a no-frills, local bar vibe than anything resembling a culinary destination. But that’s where first impressions can be misleading. The evening was beautiful, and seeing a few diners enjoying their meals outside, I opted to do the same.

Then came the menu. What I anticipated would be standard pub fare turned out to be a creative blend of American and Middle Eastern influences. Unsure of what to order, I took our server’s recommendation and tried the Reuben with a side of grilled vegetables. And let me just say—it was the best set of grilled vegetables I’ve ever had. The Reuben was no slouch either, with a perfectly toasted exterior and a balance of corned beef and Thousand Island dressing that felt thoughtfully crafted.

Needless to say, my expectations for dessert skyrocketed.

I asked our server about the cheesecake, and her response was modest: “It’s pretty good.” Let me assure you—it was more than pretty good.

The cheesecake was presented on a modern oval dish with a small dollop of whipped cream and a generous helping of mixed berry topping. While the plating wasn’t over-the-top, it had just the right amount of elegance to match the experience.

Now for the star: the cheesecake itself. The filling was rich and dense—everything you want from a traditional New York-style slice. The graham cracker crust? Flawless. It held firm, carried a deep toasted flavor, and added a perfect textural contrast to the creaminess of the filling.

But the real surprise was the mixed berry topping. Sweet, tangy, and clearly made in-house, it blended seamlessly with each bite of cheesecake and cream. It elevated what was already an excellent dessert into something truly special.

And the price? Just $6. In a time when many average slices go for well over $10, this felt like a hidden gem.

I’ve been accused lately of being a little too generous with my “Best of the Best” designation—but when a place nails every aspect of what makes a cheesecake memorable, what else can I say? Potomac Street Grill didn’t just exceed my expectations—they blew them away. Welcome to the Best of the Best.

Flavor – Original
Price – $6.00
Rating – 10/10

If you would like to try it for yourself, the location is below: