Sputnik Cafe

Unfortunately I can't give a review because Sputnik closed in 12/2007(?). It has been replaced by Lures Bar & Grille and been totally renovated. With due respect to the people who ran Sputnik and it's fans, Lures appears to be a great place as well. I'm sorry I never got to check out Sputnik, but at least it wasn't replaced by a Starbucks or something. 5 Stars for what it should have been.

This place has changed hands and is now called the Purple Poppy. It underwent a TOTAL rehab on the inside. It is very well done. I visited today for the first time for lunch. Lunch was great. Staff is very friendly and the food was great. This is a much needed establishment for Crownsville. It is going to give the Ram's Head some competition.

I had made reservations online with open table and had been looking forward to my "date" with my fiancee for over 2 weeks! When we stepped foot inside, we were not even acknowledged by the staff. As I stated, I had made reservations online and I finally said hello to the bartender and told him that we had reservations. He pointed to another gentlemen and said, "Yeah, he'll help you" and countinued to go through some paperwork at the corner of the bar. Finally we were seated but no one seemed to care if we had a reservation or not. I am handed a menu which looks like a 5th graders 2 page book report. The plastic that covered the menu was sticky and crumpled and the selection was extremely limited. I understand the whole concept of this modern style unlike any other, but honestly, for the price range, I expected sophisticated modern not garage art. I ordered one of their specialty drinks only for it to be forgotten, which the server later realized and we were then given my drink as well as a slice of pumpkin cheescake on the house. I have always heard that the food was great to which I must say was interesting and I did enjoy. Overall, I will not be returning to this restaurant, nor will I be suggesting a "date" night for any of my friends.