Best of Frederick 2017 Winners

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