Before living in Asheville, North Carolina, I lived and worked in Frederick, Maryland. It’s a great small city (about 70,000 people live there) with close proximity to Washington, DC and Baltimore. It’s also got enough of a fun food scene that you don’t really need to leave to get a great meal. Here are our best places to eat in Frederick, Maryland:

Ayse Meze – Greek, Lebanese and Turkish food. Nice little spot for happy hour.

Black Hog – This is where you go to get your barbecue fix in Frederick. If the smells from the parking lot don’t have you drooling by the time you hit the door …

Brewer’s Alley – It’s fun to sit out on the patio and people watch while you eat and drink. The burger is good and so is the crab dip.

Cacique – Really good margaritas. Almost always get the chips and salsa (add guacamole!)  Nice little happy hour menu.

Cakes to Die For – Brownies, cake, cookies … get one while you stroll up Market Street.

Family Meal – Fried chicken, the burger, the duck fat fries and dipping sauces … oh and brunch is good here, too. Easily one of the best restaurants in Frederick. Plus the parking is easy.

Firestone’s Culinary Tavern & Raw Bar – They have a steak there that cuts with a butter knife. Don’t want to spend a lot? Go for the steak salad or the chophouse burger and fries.

Frederick Coffee Co. & Cafe – Love the black bean burger (it comes with a small side salad). The breakfast bagels are good, too.

Glory Doughnuts and Diner – Get there before the sell out. The flavors are unique and the doughnuts are vegan! (They’ve also expanded their menu beyond doughnuts so you can order things like salads and Banh Mi Tacos).

Il Porto Fine Italian Restaurant – Romantic, intimate atmosphere. Solid Italian food. Ziti for me please.

Jojo’s Restaurant and Tap House – Big menu of American food. Pretty much something for everyone. They also have happy hour drink specials and live music.

Isabellas Taverna and Tapas Bar – Asparagus fries, goat cheese fritters, mussels. So many good small plate things to eat and share here. The paella is good, too!

La Paz Mexican Restaurant – [EDIT] The outside patio and margaritas are good but the food seems to be a hot topic. Seems like people are really passionate about the place – they either love yet or hate it. I honestly had no idea people felt so strongly about it one way or another! Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts.

Lazy Fish – Always had a great experience at this sushi restaurant but I never think about it! Could be because it’s upstairs location isn’t at eye level?

Lucky Corner Vietnamese Restaurant – Probably my favorite restaurant in Frederick. The chicken pho is so damn good. Also love the vegetarian spring rolls.

Pistarro’s – Wood fired pizza. You can build your own or pick from one of their specialties. One of my favorite pizza places ever. This will probably spark a debate but I think it’s one of the best restaurants in Frederick.

Sabor De Cuba – Can’t really go wrong with anything here though I’m partial to the Ropa Vieja (pulled flank steak) and the Papa Rellena (a mashed potato stuffed with ground beef) YUM.

Sumittra Thai Cuisine – Lots of stir fries, some soups and a red, yellow and green curry on the menu. I almost always get pad thai and they give you so much there’s enough for lunch the next day.

Tasting Room – One of the fancier places in town. Filet with lobster whipped potatoes. Yes, please. (Cover photo is of the Tasting Room).

The Orchard – Their homemade tomato tamari dressing is delicious – tangy and light. Start with the hummus appetizer (it comes with homemade flat bread) and get the crispy southwest chicken sandwich or one of their amazing stir fries!

The Wine Kitchen – Locally sourced food. Never had a bad meal here. Be careful how much wine you pair with the food lol.

Volt – Beautiful presentation. A place to go for a fancy date or celebration. Tasting menu is $125.

Places we are looking forward to visiting after hearing about:

Hootch and Banter

Pho Basil

White Rabbit Gastropub

Doner Bistro – been there once when they first opened. Eager to go back.

Best Places to Eat in Frederick, Maryland Recap

How many of these places have you been to? Did we miss any of the best restaurants in Frederick? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below.