Best of Frederick 2018 Winners

Photography by Turner Photography Studio | Posted on 02.12.18
It’s that time of year again—time to honor the best of Frederick County (and, in some cases, beyond).
It’s probably no surprise that we receive much feedback from readers throughout the year about our annual “Best of Frederick” awards and suggestions on ways we can improve conducting the poll and presenting the results.
Many of the suggestions come down to categories we should add. As a result, you will see some new awards this year in categories honoring distilleries, photographers, dance studios and services for seniors, among others. Even with the removal of the award for best dance club—because, sadly, there just aren’t that many places left to dance—this is the largest “Best of Frederick” in our 26-year history of the contest, with 113 categories. That total doesn’t include our popular “Editors’ Picks,” which are also back this year.
And “Best of Frederick” will likely continue to grow and change. We are always looking for ways to improve the poll and to present the winners in a format that is informative and fun. If you would like to see new categories added next year—or have other suggestions about “Best of Frederick”—please let us know.
Now, on to this year’s winners!
OVERALL RESTAURANT: THE TASTING ROOM
2nd Place: Madrones
3rd Place: Dutch’s Daughter
SPECIAL OCCASION/ROMANTIC: THE TASTING ROOM
2nd Place: Dutch’s Daughter
3rd Place: VOLT
STEAK: THE TASTING ROOM
2nd Place: The Red Horse
3rd Place: Madrones
SERVICE: JOJO’S RESTAURANT AND TAP HOUSE
2nd Place: The Tasting Room
3rd Place: Madrones
NEW RESTAURANT: WHITE RABBIT GASTROPUB
2nd Place: Taco Bar
3rd Place: Ragin’ Reef
SPECIALTY: AYSE MEZE LOUNGE
2nd Place: Serenity Tearoom
3rd Place: Isabella’s Taverna & Tapas Bar
ITALIAN: PISTARRO’S
2nd Place: Nido’s Little Italy Ristorante
3rd Place: il Porto
PIZZA: IL FORNO PIZZERIA
2nd Place: Pistarro’s
3rd Place: Manalù Italian Restaurant
ASIAN: LUCKY CORNER
2nd Place: China Garden
3rd Place: Modern Asia
SUSHI: LAZY FISH
2nd Place: China Garden
3rd Place: Old Dominion Grill and Sushi
LATIN-AMERICAN: CACIQUE
2nd Place: La Paz Mexican Restaurant
3rd Place: Café Bueno
BURRITO: CAFÉ BUENO
2nd Place: La Paz Mexican Restaurant
3rd Place: Chipotle Mexican Grill
SEAFOOD: AVERY’S MARYLAND GRILLE
2nd Place: Dutch’s Daughter
3rd Place: May’s Restaurant
BREAKFAST: CAFE NOLA
2nd Place: Glory Dough & Diner
3rd Place: Family Meal
CRAB CAKE: DUTCH’S DAUGHTER
2nd Place: May’s Restaurant
3rd Place: Madrones
SUNDAY BRUNCH: DUTCH’S DAUGHTER
2nd Place: Alexanders at Buckeystown
3rd Place: Firestone’s Culinary Tavern
BAGEL: ZI PANI
2nd Place: Beans & Bagels
3rd Place: Panera Bread
COFFEEHOUSE: FREDERICK COFFEE CO.
2nd Place: Dublin Roasters
3rd Place: Beans & Bagels
CHICKEN WINGS: GLORY DAYS GRILL
2nd Place: Buffalo Wild Wings
3rd Place: Black Hog BBQ & Bar
DELI/CARRYOUT: CRABAPPLES NEW YORK DELICATESSEN
2nd Place: a.k.a Friscos
3rd Place: 7th Street Sandwich Shop
SANDWICH: CRABAPPLE’S NEW YORK DELICATESSEN
2nd Place: Wag’s
3rd Place: a.k.a Friscos
LUNCH: CRISAFULLI’S CHEESE SHOP
2nd Place: Roasthouse Pub
3rd Place: Madrones
HAMBURGER: WAG’S
2nd Place: Beef ‘n Buns ‘n Paradise
3rd Place: Black Hog BBQ & Bar
HOTDOG: WINDY CITY RED HOTS
2nd Place: North Market Pop Shop
3rd Place: Beef ‘n Buns ‘n Paradise
FRIED CHICKEN: ROY ROGERS
2nd Place: Trout’s Market
3rd Place: Giant Eagle
OVERALL BARBEQUE: BLACK HOG BBQ & BAR
2nd Place: Mackies Southern Barbecue
3rd Place: PIGS
BARBEQUE RIBS: BLACK HOG BBQ & BAR
2nd Place: Famous Dave’s
3rd Place: Madrones
CHILI: WAG’S
2nd Place: Beef ‘n Buns ‘n Paradise
3rd Place: Black Hog BBQ & Bar
KID-FRIENDLY: ROY ROGERS
2nd Place: Silver Diner
3rd Place: Family Meal
WORTH THE DRIVE: BAVARIAN INN
2nd Place: Antrim 1844
3rd Place: Mrs. K’s Toll House
BAKERY: THE BUZZ
2nd Place: Stone Hearth Bakery
3rd Place: Cakes to Die For
DESSERT: THE MAIN CUP
2nd Place: Cakes to Die For
3rd Place: Madrones
ICE CREAM/FROZEN TREAT: MENCHIE’S FROZEN YOGURT
2nd Place: Yogi Castle
3rd Place: Rita’s
CHOCOLATE: THE PERFECT TRUFFLE
2nd Place: Candy Kitchen
3rd Place: Zoe’s Chocolate Co.
HAPPY HOUR: BREWER’S ALLEY
2nd Place: Wag’s
3rd Place: Madrones
BILLIARDS: CHAMPION BILLIARDS SPORTS CAFE
2nd Place: Belles’ Sports Bar & Grill
3rd Place: Orioles Nest 331
COCKTAIL: HOOTCH AND BANTER
2nd Place: The Tasting Room
3rd Place: Madrones
OVERALL BAR: BUSHWALLER’S
2nd Place: Firestone’s Culinary Tavern
3rd Place: Brewer’s Alley
SINGLES BAR: FIRESTONE’S CULINARY TAVERN
2nd Place: Brewer’s Alley
3rd Place: Bushwaller’s
SPORTS BAR: THE BEACON
2nd Place: Champion Billiards Sports Cafe
3rd Place: Glory Days Grill
LOCAL BEER: STEINHARDT BREWING COMPANY
2nd Place: Smoketown Brewing Station
3rd Place: Flying Dog Brewery
LOCAL WINE: LINGANORE WINECELLARS
2nd Place: Big Cork Vineyards
3rd Place: Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
DISTILLERY: TENTH WARD DISTILLING COMPANY
2nd Place: McClintock Distilling
3rd Place: Dragon Distillery
LIQUOR STORE: RIVERSIDE LIQUORS
2nd Place: Ye Old Spirit Shop
3rd Place: Gateway Liquors
CATERER: CANAPÉS
2nd Place: Love and Dishes Catering
3rd Place: The Savory Spoon
RECEPTION VENUE: CERESVILLE MANSION
2nd Place: Big Cork Vineyards
3rd Place: Antrim 1844
FESTIVAL/EVENT: THE GREAT FREDERICK FAIR
2nd Place: Frederick Wine Festival
3rd Place: In The Street
CHARITABLE/SOCIAL EVENT: CLUTCH THE FUTURE
2nd Place: Catoctin Affair
3rd Place: Kidstock
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: SURELOCKED IN ESCAPE GAMES
2nd Place: Weinberg Center for the Arts
3rd Place: Maryland Ensemble Theatre
THEATER TROUPE/GROUP: WAY OFF BROADWAY
2nd Place: Maryland Ensemble Theatre
3rd Place: Fredericktowne Players
ART GALLERY: THE DELAPLAINE VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION CENTER
2nd Place: McGuire Fine Arts Gallery & Framing
3rd Place: NOMA Gallery
MUSEUM: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR MEDICINE
2nd Place: Rose Hill Manor Park and Children’s Museum
3rd Place: Roads and Rails Museum
COVER BAND: THE REAGAN YEARS
2nd Place: Guys in Thin Ties
3rd Place: Vinyl Rhino
ORIGINAL MUSIC BAND: HARD SWIMMIN’ FISH
2nd Place: Middle Kid
3rd Place: Sticktime
BLOG: DECORATING DATE NIGHT
2nd Place: Housewives of Frederick County
3rd Place: Pursuit of it All
RADIO STATION: FREE TALK 930 WFMD
2nd Place: 99.9 Free Country WFRE
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: Middletown High School
3rd Place: Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TEAMS: WALKERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
2nd Place: Oakdale High School
3rd Place: Linganore High School
PARK: BAKER PARK
2nd Place: Gambrill State Park
3rd Place: Cunningham Falls State Park
HIKING TRAIL: GAMBRILL STATE PARK
2nd Place: Cunningham Falls State Park
3rd Place: Appalachian Trail
SWIMMING POOL: EDWARD P. THOMAS JR. MEMORIAL SWIMMING POOL (BAKER PARK)
2nd Place: Spring Ridge Community Pool
3rd Place: Braddock Heights Community Association
GOLF COURSE: WHISKEY CREEK COUNTRY CLUB
2nd Place: Clustered Spires Golf Club
3rd Place: Maryland National Golf Club
FITNESS CENTER: IN-FIT STUDIO
2nd Place: Gold’s Gym
3rd Place: Planet Fitness
PERSONAL TRAINER: KIP JAWISH
2nd Place: Barbie Markey
3rd Place: Rick Davis
YOGA STUDIO: SOL YOGA
2nd Place: Ananda Shala
3rd Place: Yogamour
DANCE STUDIO: 24/7 DANCE STUDIO
2nd Place: Dance Unlimited
3rd Place: Elite Feet
DAY SPA: THOMAS SCOTT SALON & SPA
2nd Place: NUVO Salon & Spa
3rd Place: New York, New York Salon and Day Spa
HAIR SALON: NEW YORK, NEW YORK HAIR SALON AND DAY SPA
2nd Place: Thomas Scott Salon & Spa
3rd Place: Sam Wong Salon
NAIL CARE SALON: NEW YORK, NEW YORK SALON AND DAY SPA
2nd Place: Rose Nails
3rd Place: Thomas Scott Salon & Spa
PHOTOGRAPHER: KATIE MAIN PHOTO
2nd Place: Davis Studio
3rd Place: Engin Photography
BARBER SHOP: WASTLERS’ BARBER SHOP
2nd Place: All About Men Barbershop
3rd Place: Gentlemen’s Choice II
TATTOO PARLOR: KEY CITY TATTOO
2nd Place: Time Bomb Tattoos & Curiosities
3rd Place: Marks of the Spark Tattoos
CARPENTRY/HOME IMPROVEMENT: TALON CONSTRUCTION
2nd Place: Dorcus Construction
3rd Place: Dorman Home Remodeling
DRY CLEANERS: ZIPS DRY CLEANERS
2nd Place: Town Cleaners
3rd Place: Magic Touch Cleaners
MEN’S FASHION: HUNTING CREEK OUTFITTERS
2nd Place: Men’s Wearhouse
3rd Place: JoS. A. Bank
WOMEN’S FASHION: VELVET LOUNGE
2nd Place: Talbots
3rd Place: LuLaRoe on the MountainSide
WOMEN’S SHOES: DSW
2nd Place: Off Broadway Shoes
3rd Place: Boscov’s
JEWELRY: COLONIAL JEWELERS
2nd Place: Gold Thumb Jewelry Creations
3rd Place: Yaneth Reyes Jewelry
ANTIQUES: EMPORIUM ANTIQUES
2nd Place: Cannon Hill Place
3rd Place: Great Stuff by Paul
HOME FURNISHINGS: FABULOUS FINDS
2nd Place: Wolf’s Furniture
3rd Place: Gladhill Furniture
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
GIFT/SPECIALTY SHOP: OIL & VINEGAR
2nd Place: Retro-Metro
3rd Place: The Muse
GROCERY STORE: WEGMANS
2nd Place: Common Market
3rd Place: H-Mart
FARMERS MARKET: CITY MARKET
2nd Place: Middletown
3rd Place: YMCA of Frederick County
GARDEN CENTER: THE DUTCH PLANT FARM
2nd Place: Barrick Garden Center
3rd Place: Thanksgiving Farms
FLORIST: EN MASSE
2nd Place: Frederick Florist
3rd Place: Abloom
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: BRANDENBURG ELECTRIC
2nd Place: Provident Electric
3rd Place: Horn Electric Service
COMPUTER TECH/REPAIR: COMPUTER ENHANCEMENT SYSTEMS
2nd Place: Geek Squad
3rd Place: Mac Business Solutions
AUTO REPAIR: CARRIAGE HOUSE AUTOMOTIVE
2nd Place: East Side Auto Services
3rd Place: Fountaindale Auto Center
CAR DEALER: FREDERICK MOTOR COMPANY
2nd Place: Shockley Honda
3rd Place: Fitzgerald Auto Mall
CAR WASH: FREDERICK SHELL CARWASH
2nd Place: Fredericktowne Auto Spa
3rd Place: The Detail Shop
PLUMBING: TRI-STATE HOME SERVICES
2nd Place: N.E. “Bob” Waltz Plumbing & Heating
3rd Place: All Around Plumbing
HOTEL: MARRIOTT
2nd Place: Hampton Inn
3rd Place: Clarion Inn
DOCTOR: DR. ALI AFROOKTEH
2nd Place: Dr. Kevin Hohl
3rd Place: Dr. Edward Fisher
DENTIST: DR. DAVID MORRA
2nd Place: Dr. Amaris Little
3rd Place: Dr. Lori Andochick
ALTERNATIVE CARE: HOLISTIC HEALTH ASSOCIATES
2nd Place: Hauser Health
3rd Place: Frederick Meditation Center
LAWYER: DAVID WEAVER
2nd Place: Scott Alan Morrison
3rd Place: Arthur C. Crum
ARCHITECT: CMW GROUP
2nd Place: Bates Architects
3rd Place: Woodsboro Bank
BANK: FREDERICK COUNTY BANK
2nd Place: Sandy Spring Bank
3rd Place: Woodsboro Bank
FINANCIAL PLANNER: MCCASKILL FINANCIAL
2nd Place: Murray Financial Group
3rd Place: Key Financial Group
REAL ESTATE AGENT/REALTOR: PAUL HUDSON
2nd Place: Stacy Reno
3rd Place: Barbara Davis
VETERINARIAN: BUCKEYSTOWN VETERINARY HOSPITAL
2nd Place: Linganore Veterinary Clinic
3rd Place: Kingsbrook Animal Hospital
PET STORE: PAWS IN THE CITY
2nd Place: Pet Valu
3rd Place: PetSmart
PET-FRIENDLY VENUE: BAKER PARK
2nd Place: La Paz
3rd Place: PetSmart
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY: HOMEWOOD
2nd Place: HeartFields Assisted Living
3rd Place: Buckingham’s Choice
SENIOR LIVING SERVICES: FREDERICK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AGING
2nd Place: Frederick Senior Center
3rd Place: Visiting Angels
NEIGHBORHOOD: SPRING RIDGE
2nd Place: Walkersville
3rd Place: Downtown Frederick
“I WISH FREDERICK HAD …”: AQUATICS CENTER
2nd Place: Trader Joe’s
3rd Place: The Cheesecake Factory
“I WISH FREDERICK WOULD BRING BACK…”: FREEZ KING
2nd Place: Xhale
3rd Place: White Star hotdogs