PORT TOBACCO, Md. — Port Tobacco Restaurant, formerly known as Port Tobacco Marina (PTM), will now welcome guests by reservation only during the winter season, following approval from the Charles County Board of License Commissioners at its Dec. 11 meeting.
The change, which took effect Dec. 5, 2025, allows the waterfront restaurant at 7536 Shirley Boulevard, Port Tobacco, MD 20677, to open primarily for special events — including holiday meals, themed dinners based on demand.
To stay in line with alcohol licensing rules, the restaurant will also open every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., even if no reservations are made. The board confirmed that this consistent hour satisfies operating requirements for businesses with seasonal schedules.
The request came from Sandy Southern Maryland Marina LLC, represented by attorney David Martinez of Jenkins Law Firm, on behalf of owner William T. Sandy. Sandy shared that reservation size has varied, with recent groups around 10 guests. Staffing will be adjusted based on confirmed bookings.
“We don’t want to be totally seasonal,” Sandy told the board, explaining that knowing reservations in advance allows them to schedule efficiently and cut down on unnecessary costs.
This shift to reservation-only dining allows the restaurant to remain open during the slower months, rather than shutting down entirely for the off-season as many waterfront businesses do. In addition to meals, they’re hosting small-scale community events such as ornament-making workshops and seasonal gatherings.
The restaurant, known for its casual coastal fare — including crab cakes, steamed shrimp, rockfish platters, and seasonal seafood specials — recently underwent renovations aimed at enhancing the waterfront dining experience. Updates included refreshed outdoor seating, interior improvements, and an expanded events calendar.
Originally proposed through April, the board extended the arrangement through May 2026 to better align with the waterfront reopening season. Regular hours are expected to return at that time, with notice to the board when service resumes.
Learn more at ptrwaterfront.com or follow along on Facebook.
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