UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK–This review is written as part of a continued series aiming to review all similar establishments across UMD’s campus. This time, our head reviewer gives their thoughts on Mowatt Garage.

Location: 6/10

Establishment is conveniently located next to a residential area, which makes for easy transportation. The open-air seating is a nice touch. Still, the location is held back by the presence of nearby construction, making detours frequent and transportation less convenient.

Atmosphere: 7/10

Claims of ‘theft’ or ‘destruction of property’ are overblown; none such occurred during my stay. Multiple floors give many options for seating and ensure each patron has personal space. Car entrance/exits help build appetite. However, the facility is held back by frequent noise pollution from other patrons.

Pricing: 10/10

All food was free.

Cooking: 9/10

Cooking was truly superb. Excellent crunchy, metallic texture, well-complemented by the rubbery, warm tires. Hearty fare, with great quantities prepared at a time. Sublime, oily aftertaste. Side dishes such as windshields and motorcycles were prepared very well. My only complaint was that some tires were somewhat stale, but this was a relatively minor issue.

Service: 3/10

No employees were present during my stay, despite hours indicating the establishment was ‘open.’ Food was still easily accessible, somewhat limiting the issue. Still, conflicts with other patrons could have been resolved more easily if staff had been present–one registered a complaint regarding the fact that I was “eating their car,” and I had to resolve the complaint of my own accord. With a wrench.

Overall: 7/10

Location and atmosphere were passable, with issues in service more than made up for by excellent cooking and free food. I would recommend this establishment to others and would likely return. Still, the restaurant did leave some things to be desired. If you want a higher rating, you may be better off visiting Michelin Tires.

Next up for our series of reviews: Stadium Drive Garage.

Image Credits: Kenlynn Ingham