Photography by Turner Photography Studio | Posted on 02.16.17

 

Twenty-five years seems like a long time, but it can feel like the blink of an eye. Think about how differently Frederick County looked 25 years ago—the places, the economy, the culture—and how it also feels like yesterday for many people.

At Frederick Magazine, we have been looking back at 25 editions of our “Best of Frederick” awards. In some ways, it feels like a lifetime ago; many of the early winners no longer exist, and some fixtures-to-be on “Best of Frederick” were years from opening their doors. But the years also feel like they have gone by quickly, with many familiar names appearing year after year. Could this really be our 25th “Best of Frederick” already?

In keeping with the retro vibe, we are going back even further than 25 years to the days of discos, mirror balls and far-out fun to present this year’s winners, both on these pages and at our annual Best of Frederick Bash, which will be held Feb. 25 at the Frederick Fairgrounds. (www.bofawards.com). We hope to see you there to celebrate the winners … and Frederick.

Despite its age, “Best of Frederick” is hardly set in its ways. It changes every year, mostly because of comments from readers. Categories have been added and deleted, and we are always looking at ways to present the winners in a way that is engaging and entertaining. If you would like to see new categories added next year—or have other suggestions about “Best of Frederick”—please let us know.

Now, let’s get to the winners!

OVERALL RESTAURANT: THE TASTING ROOM

2nd Place: The Wine Kitchen

3rd Place: VOLT

 

SPECIAL OCCASION/ROMANTIC: THE TASTING ROOM

2nd Place: VOLT

3rd Place: Dutch’s Daughter

 

STEAK: THE TASTING ROOM

2nd Place: The Red Horse

3rd Place: Madrones

 

DESSERT: THE TASTING ROOM

2nd Place: Madrones

3rd Place: Cakes To Die For

 

SERVICE: THE TASTING ROOM

2nd Place: VOLT

3rd Place: JoJo’s Restaurant and Tap House

 

NEW RESTAURANT: HOOTCH AND BANTER

2nd Place: Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar

3rd Place: Silver Diner

 

ITALIAN: NIDO’S LITTLE ITALY RISTORANTE

2nd Place: il Porto

3rd Place: Pistarro’s

 

PIZZA: IL FORNO PIZZERIA

2nd Place: Pistarro’s

3rd Place: Coal Fire Pizza

 

ASIAN: LUCKY CORNER

2nd Place: China Garden

3rd Place: Lazy Fish

 

SUSHI: CHINA GARDEN

2nd Place: Lazy Fish

3rd Place: Old Dominion Grill and Sushi

 

LATIN-AMERICAN: LA PAZ MEXICAN RESTAURANT

2nd Place: Cacique

3rd Place: Mexicali Cantina

 

BURRITO: LA PAZ MEXICAN RESTAURANT

2nd Place: Chipotle Mexican Grill

3rd Place: Cafe Bueno

 

SEAFOOD: DUTCH’S DAUGHTER

2nd Place: May’s Restaurant

3rd Place: Avery’s Maryland Grille

 

CRAB CAKE: DUTCH’S DAUGHTER

2nd Place: May’s Restaurant

3rd Place: Avery’s Maryland Grille

 

SUNDAY BRUNCH: DUTCH’S DAUGHTER

2nd Place: Madrones

3rd Place: Firestone’s Culinary Tavern

 

BREAKFAST: FAMILY MEAL

2nd Place: Cafe Nola

3rd Place: Barbara Fritchie Restaurant

 

BAGEL: BEANS & BAGELS

2nd Place: Zi Pani

3rd Place: Panera Bread

 

COFFEEHOUSE: DUBLIN ROASTERS

2nd Place: Frederick Coffee Co.

3rd Place: Cafe Nola

 

SPECIALTY: AYSE MEZE LOUNGE

2nd Place: Roasthouse Pub

3rd Place: Isabella’s Taverna & Tapas Bar

 

LUNCH: MADRONES

2nd Place: Brewer’s Alley

3rd Place: Rex’s Downtown Grill

 

DELI/CARRYOUT: CRABAPPLES NEW YORK DELICATESSEN

2nd Place: a.k.a Friscos

3rd Place: 7th Street Sandwich Shop

 

SANDWICH: A.K.A FRISCOS

2nd Place: Crabapple’s New York Delicatessen

3rd Place: South Market Sandwich Co.

 

HAMBURGER: WAG’S

2nd Place: Brewer’s Alley

3rd Place: Madrones

 

HOTDOG: WAG’S

2nd Place: North Market Pop Shop

3rd Place: Rex’s Downtown Grill

 

OVERALL BARBEQUE: BLACK HOG BBQ & BAR

2nd Place: Famous Dave’s

3rd Place: CarterQue BBQ & Grilling Co.

 

BARBEQUE RIBS: BLACK HOG BBQ & BAR

2nd Place: Famous Dave’s

3rd Place: Madrones

 

CHILI: HARD TIMES CAFEÉ

2nd Place: Wag’s

3rd Place: Black Hog BBQ & Bar

 

KID-FRIENDLY: ROY ROGERS

2nd Place: Family Meal

3rd Place: Silver Diner

 

FRIED CHICKEN: ROY ROGERS

2nd Place: Giant Eagle

3rd Place: Trout’s Market

 

CHICKEN WINGS: GLORY DAYS GRILL

2nd Place: Black Hog BBQ & Bar

3rd Place: Buffalo Wild Wings

 

WORTH THE DRIVE: ANTRIM 1844

2nd Place: The Inn At Little Washington

3rd Place: Big Cork Vineyards

 

BAKERY: CAKES TO DIE FOR

2nd Place: Angelcakes

3rd Place: Stone Hearth Bakery

 

ICE CREAM/FROZEN TREAT: JIMMIE CONE

2nd Place: Yogi Castle

3rd Place: Rita’s

 

CHOCOLATE: THE PERFECT TRUFFLE

2nd Place: Zoe’s Chocolate Co.

3rd Place: Candy Kitchen

 

OVERALL BAR: BUSHWALLER’S

2nd Place: Brewer’s Alley

3rd Place: Firestone’s Culinary Tavern

 

HAPPY HOUR: THE TASTING ROOM

2nd Place: Isabella’s Taverna & Tapas Bar

3rd Place: Wag’s

 

COCKTAIL: THE TASTING ROOM

2nd Place: Hootch and Banter

3rd Place: Firestone’s Culinary Tavern

 

SINGLES BAR: THE TASTING ROOM

2nd Place: Firestone’s Culinary Tavern

3rd Place: Brewer’s Alley

 

DANCE CLUB/BAR: BUSHWALLER’S

2nd Place: Champion Billiards Sports Cafe

3rd Place: Olives Ristorante and Lounge

 

SPORTS BAR: CHAMPION BILLIARDS SPORTS CAFE

2nd Place: Buffalo Wings & Beer

3rd Place: Buffalo Wild Wings

 

BILLIARDS: CHAMPION BILLIARDS SPORTS CAFE

2nd Place: Hard Times Cafe and Cue

3rd Place: Belles’ Sports Bar & Grill

 

LOCAL BEER: MILKHOUSE BREWERY

2nd Place: Barley and Hops

3rd Place: Flying Dog Brewery

 

LOCAL WINE: LINGANORE WINECELLARS

2nd Place: Black Ankle Vineyards

3rd Place: Elk Run Vineyard and Winery

 

LIQUOR STORE: GATEWAY LIQUORS

2nd Place: Riverside Liquors

3rd Place: Ye Old Spirit Shop

 

CATERER: CANAPÉS

2nd Place: The Savory Spoon

3rd Place: Renaissance Chef

 

RECEPTION VENUE: CERESVILLE MANSION

2nd Place: Springfield Manor

3rd Place: Dutch’s Daughter

 

CHARITABLE/SOCIAL EVENT: PINK RIBBON 5K RUN/WALK

2nd Place: Family Fundraiser FUNomenon

3rd Place: Catoctin Affair

 

FESTIVAL/EVENT: THE GREAT FREDERICK FAIR

2nd Place: In The Street

3rd Place: Festival of the Arts

 

BEST ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS

2nd Place: Maryland Ensemble Theatre

3rd Place: Holiday Cinemas

 

THEATER TROUPE/GROUP: WAY OFF BROADWAY

2nd Place: Maryland Ensemble Theatre

3rd Place: Comedy Pigs

 

ART GALLERY: THE DELAPLAINE VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION CENTER

2nd Place: TAG/The Artists Gallery

3rd Place: Griffin Art Center

 

MUSEUM: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR MEDICINE

2nd Place: Roads and Rails Museum

3rd Place: Rose Hill Manor Park and Children’s Museum

 

COVER BAND: THE REAGAN YEARS

2nd Place: Guys in Thin Ties

3rd Place: Vinyl Rhino

 

ORIGINAL MUSIC BAND: HARD SWIMMIN’ FISH

2nd Place: Higher Education

3rd Place: The Muddy Crows

 

BLOG: HOUSEWIVES OF FREDERICK COUNTY

2nd Place: Pursuit of it All

3rd Place: Frederick Local Yokel

 

RADIO STATION: FREE TALK 930 WFMD

2nd Place: 99.9 Free Country

3rd Place: Key 103

 

RADIO PERSONALITY: BOB MILLER, FREE TALK 930 WFMD

2nd Place: Dina Carole, 106.9 The Eagle

3rd Place: Tom Whalen, 99.9 Free Country

 

HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND: LINGANORE HIGH SCHOOL

2nd Place: Gov. Thomas Johnson High School

3rd Place: Tuscarora High School

 

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TEAMS: WALKERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

2nd Place: Oakdale High School

3rd Place: Linganore High School

 

PARK: CARROLL CREAK LINEAR PARK

2nd Place: Baker Park

3rd Place: Gambrill State Park

 

HIKING TRAIL: GAMBRILL STATE PARK

2nd Place: Cunningham Falls State Park

3rd Place: Sugarloaf Mountain

 

SWIMMING POOL: SPRING RIDGE COMMUNITY POOL

2nd Place: Frederick High School

3rd Place: Edward P. Thomas Jr. Memorial Swimming Pool (Baker Park)

 

GOLF COURSE: CLUSTERED SPIRES GOLF CLUB

2nd Place: Maryland National Golf Club

3rd Place: Whiskey Creek Country Club

 

FITNESS CENTER: IN-FIT STUDIO

2nd Place: YMCA of Frederick County

3rd Place: Sport & Health

 

PERSONAL TRAINER: KIP JAWISH (IN-FIT STUDIO)

2nd Place: Rick Davis (Achieve Fitness)

3rd Place: Barbie McCarron (Player’s Fitness & Performance)

 

YOGA STUDIO: YOGAMOUR

2nd Place: IN-Fit Studio

3rd Place: Sol Yoga

 

HAIR SALON: THOMAS SCOTT SALON & SPA

2nd Place: New York, New York Salon and Day Spa

3rd Place: Sam Wong Salon

 

NAIL CARE SALON: THOMAS SCOTT SALON & SPA

2nd Place: New York, New York Salon and Day Spa

3rd Place: Rose Nails

 

DAY SPA: NEW YORK, NEW YORK SALON AND DAY SPA

2nd Place: Thomas Scott Salon & Spa

3rd  Place: NUVO Salon & Spa

 

BARBER SHOP: WASTLERS’ BARBER SHOP

2nd Place: WT Mills

3rd Place: Citizen Frederick

 

TATTOO PARLOR: MARKS OF THE SPARK TATTOOS

2nd Place: Time Bomb Tattoos & Curiosities

3rd Place: Classic Electric Tattoo

 

DRY CLEANERS: ZIPS DRY CLEANERS

2nd Place: Rainbow Cleaners

3rd Place: Prospect Cleaners

 

CARPENTRY/HOME IMPROVEMENT: TALON CONSTRUCTION

2nd Place: Topper Construction

3rd Place: Dorman Home Remodeling

 

MEN’S FASHION: JOS. A. BANK

2nd Place: Macy’s

3rd Place: Men’s Wearhouse

 

WOMEN’S FASHION: SHABBY CHIC CREATIVE STUDIOS & BOUTIQUE

2nd Place: Velvet Lounge

3rd Place: Macy’s

 

WOMEN’S SHOES: DSW

2nd Place: Boscov’s

3rd Place: Off Broadway Shoes

 

FINE JEWELRY: COLONIAL JEWELERS

2nd Place: Gold Thumb Jewelry Creations

3rd Place: Yaneth Reyes Jewelry

 

ANTIQUES: S.A. LITTLE & CO.

2nd Place: Emporium Antiques

3rd Place: Great Stuff by Paul

 

HOME FURNISHINGS: GLADHILL FURNITURE

2nd Place: Fitzgerald’s Home Furnishings

3rd Place: Wolf’s Furniture

 

GIFT/SPECIALTY SHOP: THE MUSE

2nd Place: Flower Fashions

3rd Place: Retro-Metro

 

BOOKSTORE: CURIOUS IGUANA

2nd Place: Barnes & Noble

3rd Place: Wonder Book and Video

 

COMIC BOOK STORE: BRAINSTORM COMICS & GAMING

2nd Place: Beyond Comics

3rd Place: Wonder Book & Video

 

GROCERY STORE: GIANT EAGLE

2nd Place: Wegmans

3rd Place: Common Market

 

FARMERS MARKET: WEST FREDERICK

2nd Place: Shab Row

3rd Place: YMCA of Frederick County

 

GARDEN CENTER: THE DUTCH PLANT FARM

2nd Place: Meadow Farms

3rd Place: Stadler Garden Center

 

FLORIST: EN MASSE

2nd Place: Abloom

3rd Place: Flower Fashions

 

LANDSCAPING: CLEARWATER LANDSCAPE & NURSERY

2nd Place: Haga Lawn

3rd Place: Landscape Concepts

 

HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING: N.E. “BOB” WALTZ PLUMBING & HEATING

2nd Place: Frederick Air

3rd Place: Tri-State Home Services

 

ELECTRICIAN: PROVIDENT ELECTRIC

2nd Place: Little Sparkie Electric

3rd Place: Tri-State Home Services

 

PLUMBING: TRI-STATE HOME SERVICES

2nd Place: N.E. “Bob” Waltz Plumbing & Heating

3rd Place: Putnam Plumbing

 

COMPUTER TECH/REPAIR: COMPUTER ENHANCEMENT SYSTEMS

2nd Place: Geek Squad

3rd Place: Mac Business Solutions

 

AUTO REPAIR: 40 WEST AUTO CARE & TOWING

2nd Place: Carriage House Automotive

3rd Place: Spectra Auto Services

 

CAR WASH: FREDERICKTOWNE AUTO SPA

2nd Place: Frederick Shell

3rd Place: Riverside Car Wash

 

CAR DEALER: SHOCKLEY HONDA

2nd Place: Frederick Motor Company

3rd Place: Fitzgerald Auto Mall

 

HOTEL: MARRIOTT

2nd Place: Hampton Inn

3rd Place: Homewood Suites by Hilton

 

DOCTOR: DR. JOHN VITARELLO

2nd Place: Dr. Stephen Williams

3rd Place: Dr. Brandon Steinbar

 

DENTIST: DR. NILS OLSON

2nd Place: Pediatric Dental Center of Frederick

3rd Place: Frederick Pediatric Dentistry

 

LAWYER: JOHN HANRAHAN

2nd Place: David Weaver

3rd Place: Andrew Murphy

 

BANK: FREDERICK COUNTY BANK

2nd Place: My Bank! First United Bank & Trust

3rd Place: PNC

 

FINANCIAL PLANNER: KEY FINANCIAL GROUP

2nd Place: Murray Financial Group

3rd Place: McCaskill Financial

 

VETERINARY: BUCKEYSTOWN VETERINARY HOSPITAL

2nd Place: Linganore Veterinary Clinic

3rd Place: CARE Veterinary Center

 

PET STORE: PETSMART

2nd Place: Petco

3rd Place: Paws in the City

 

PET-FRIENDLY VENUE: BAKER PARK

2nd Place: Downtown Frederick

3rd Place: La Paz

 

NEIGHBORHOOD: WALKERSVILLE

2nd Place: Spring Ridge

3rd Place: Downtown Frederick

 

BEST “I WISH FREDERICK HAD”: AQUATICS CENTER

2nd Place: Downtown hotel

3rd Place: Less traffic

 

BEST “I WISH FREDERICK WOULD BRING BACK”: SNOW WHITE GRILL

2nd Place: Frederick Towne Mall

3rd Place: Freez King