Stephen, Kate, Fred & JT Collins
Anyone familiar with our area knows just how much it has changed over the years, but one thing that has remained constant is the great food and friendly atmosphere that have made JG’s Pub a favorite among locals and visitors for 30 years. JG’s retains the flavor and fun of Deep Creek days gone by and, on any given night, you’ll find a fun mix of locals, tourists, and second home owners enjoying the camaraderie and delicious home cooked food.
The pub was founded by John Ambrose (J) and Glen Lyons (G), two long-time friends that had a love of Deep Creek Lake and a dream of owning a friendly little pub that served cold beer and good food. They opened JG’s in June of 1988. In 1989, John bought out Glen’s share in the venture and became sole owner. From the very beginning John’s daughter Kate helped out with the venture and was soon doing all the cooking. Their reputation grew as a place for quality, well priced food, friendly service and fun conversation. Kate and her husband Fred Collins bought the business in 1998, when John decided to retire. Sadly, he passed away just a few months later but many long-time regulars remember John for his quiet nature and quick wit.
While Kate and Fred have made upgrades to the building itself, much of what made the place so popular remains…and that includes wonderful food. You’ll find great appetizers like their popular zucchini planks, deep fried macaroni and cheese wedges, pub style nachos, mouth-watering crab dip and more. Try their homemade Maryland Vegetable Crab soup or special recipe coleslaw, also made in house. Their salads are meals unto themselves and include their Pub Salad featuring the freshest greens and veggies topped with dressing of your choice or try one topped with crispy, grilled or buffalo style chicken, meatballs, crabcakes or their take on the traditional Pittsburgh style steak salad featuring 7 oz. of grilled sirloin and topped with fries.
Of course, their pub menu includes 12 flavors of yummy wings, traditional sandwiches like hot dogs and hamburgers or their famous hoagies including jumbo fish, Italian Grinder, meatball hoagie, crab cake sandwich, or local favorite Cheese Steak. They also have delicious thin crust pizza and dinners including grilled chicken, “Balls in a Bowl” (homemade meatballs with marinara and melted cheese), fried Pollack filet, Garrett County’s BEST Jumbo Lump Crab cake and their feature Steak Cuts of the week. JG’s is famous for their daily special which can include anything from homemade meatloaf to chicken pot pie to broasted chicken, whatever is in season…always fresh, always delicious.
JG’s is also home to some of the area’s most cherished events including their Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party, their Holiday Pajama Party (one for kids, another for adults) and the upcoming Kentucky Derby Party (this year falling on Cinco de Mayo for double the fun!) Each October, former restaurant owner Ruth Beitzel cooks up an authentic German Dinner for their Annual Oktoberfest.
Kate and Fred do much for our community. JG’s is also the home of the “Unofficial” Post Dunk Party, held each February after the Deep Creek Dunk. They even sponsor a team, which raised over $13,000 for Special Olympics Maryland this year, which was 2nd place in the Teams category. They have paired with local chef Doug McClive in years past to raise money for The Dove Center and partner with HART for Animals every May as one of the hosts for HART’s Guest Bartender Challenges. That happens on May 1st, when the folks from Taylor Made Vacation and Real Estate take over the bar and donate all their tips to HART.
Kate and Fred’s sons JT and Stephen, both firefighters with the Deer Park Community Fire Department, also raise money for Cindy’s Fund each year by participating in their “Evening with the Stars” benefit held this past April. Kate and Fred hosted a special fund-raising evening for the boys by holding a “Pie in the Face” competition where patrons could vote with dollars on which bartender should get “pied”.
JG’s is open Tuesday through Saturday at 4 PM with the kitchen opening at 5 PM. In addition to the fully stocked bar and five beers on draft, you’ll find a pool table, internet Juke Box and great conversation. Try some “Freddie Juice” while you’re there…Fred’s very own “almost famous” concoction which is available by the shot, glass or jug to go.
JG’s Pub is located just one mile south of Deep Creek Lake at the intersection of Rt. 219 and Mayhew Inn Road. Stop by soon and spend some time…you’ll quickly be part of the JG’s Family.