Posted on 02.01.23

Change, as they say, is inevitable, and our annual poll of our readers’’ favorite things about Frederick County is not immune to changing tastes and styles.

This year’s “Best of Frederick” list includes many new names, including Cugino Forno (first place for New Restaurant), Frederick Social (a finalist in three categories) and That’s Sew Hillary (first place for Hidden Gem).

But many familiar faces are still here, as well. For example, venerable dining establishments like The Tasting Room, Black Hog BBQ and Dutch’s Daughter are once again repeat honorees. (Dutch’s Daughter took top honors in six categories.) Among the retail businesses and services in the county, you will see recognizable names like Colonial Jewelers, The Dutch Plant Farm and Woodsboro Bank. 

There were also some curious responses, such as Vinyl Rhino being a finalist in the Cover Band category, despite the not-so-small fact that the group no longer exists. Meanwhile, retailer Robbies Billiards received votes for Billiards, a category usually occupied by local bars; then again, we never specified billiards bar, so shame on us.

The questions and disagreements will never end, which has been the case for “Best of Frederick” for 31 years. Whenever you ask a group of people to name their favorite Asian restaurant, fitness center or coffee shop, there is a decent chance a debate will flare up. It only makes sense, then, that a readers’ poll of more than 100 categories attracts a strong response. 

So, look on the following pages and see for yourself. What are your opinions about this year’s winners? Also, feel free to email us at [email protected] and let us know what categories you would like to see added—and perhaps deleted—for the next “Best of Frederick” poll.

 

The Yummys

 

Overall Restaurant: Dutch’s Daughter 

2nd Place: The Tasting Room

3rd Place: The Wine Kitchen

 

New Restaurant: Cugino Forno

2nd Place: Frederick Social

3rd Place: Thai Meric Eatery & Bar

 

Special Occasion/Romantic: Dutch’s Daughter

2nd Place: The Tasting Room 

3rd Place: The Wine Kitchen

 

Service: Dutch’s Daughter 

2nd Place: The Tasting Room

3rd Place: Red Horse Steak House

 

Steak: Red Horse Steak House 

2nd Place: The Tasting Room 

3rd Place: Dutch’s Daughter

 

Kid-Friendly: Mountain Gate Family Restaurant

2nd Place: Il Forno Pizzeria

3rd Place: Frederick Social

 

Italian: Manalù Italian Restaurant

2nd Place: Fratelli’s Italian and Seafood

3rd Place: Cucina Massi

 

Pizza: Il Forno Pizzeria

2nd Place: Pistarro’s

3rd Place: Bellisario’s Pizza

 

Asian: Modern Asia 

2nd Place: China Garden

3rd Place: Lucky Corner

 

Sushi: Lazy Fish

2nd Place: Old Dominion Grill and Sushi

3rd Place: China Garden

 

Specialty: Jerk N’ Jive Caribbean Kitchen

2nd Place: Isabella’s Taverna & Tapas Bar

3rd Place: Analia’s Cafe

 

Vegetarian: The Orchard 

2nd Place: Hippy Chick Hummus

3rd Place: Frederick Social

 

Latin American: Cafe Bueno

2nd Place: Cacique

3rd Place: Mariachi Restaurant

 

Burrito: Cafe Bueno

2nd Place: Cacique

3rd Place: Plaza Mexico

 

Seafood: Avery’s Maryland Grille

2nd Place: May’s Seafood Restaurant

3rd Place: Ragin’ Reef

 

Crab Cake: Dutch’s Daughter 

2nd Place: Fratelli’s Italian and Seafood

3rd Place: Avery’s Maryland Grille

 

Lunch: Canapés Catering 

2nd Place: a.k.a. Friscos

3rd Place: Dutch’s Daughter

 

Deli/Carryout: Hero’s

2nd Place: Juliet’s Italian Market and Café

3rd Place: a.k.a. Friscos

 

Sandwich: Crabapples

2nd Place: Juliet’s Italian Market and Café

3rd Place: a.k.a. Friscos

 

Hamburger: Beef N Buns N Paradise

2nd Place: Wag’s

3rd Place: Oscar’s Alehouse

 

Hot Dog: North Market Pop Shop

2nd Place: Beef N Buns N Paradise 

3rd Place: Five Guys

 

Sunday Brunch: Dutch’s Daughter

2nd Place: Madrones

3rd Place: Isabella’s Taverna & Tapas Bar

 

Breakfast: Silver Diner 

2nd Place: Dublin Roasters

3rd Place: Cafe Nola

 

Bagel: Zi Pani 

2nd Place: Beans & Bagels

3rd Place: Panera Bread

 

Coffee Shop: Dublin Roasters

2nd Place: Frederick Coffee Company & Cafe

3rd Place: Beans & Bagels

 

Worth the Drive: Old South Mountain Inn 

2nd Place: Bavarian Inn

3rd Place: Antrim 1844

 

Overall Barbeque: P.I.G.S. 

2nd Place: Black Hog BBQ

3rd Place: CarterQue

 

Barbeque Ribs: Black Hog BBQ

2nd Place: P.I.G.S.

3rd Place: Carterque

 

Chili: Wag’s 

2nd Place: P.I.G.S.

3rd Place: Canapés Catering

 

Chicken Wings: Il Forno Pizzeria

2nd Place: Anchor Bar

3rd Place: Buffalo Wild Wings

 

Fried Chicken: Watson’s Carry-Out

2nd Place: Giant Eagle

3rd Place: Roy Rogers

 

Food Truck: Grilled Cheese Please!

2nd Place: Boxcar Burgers

3rd Place: In10se BBQ 

 

Dessert: Dutch’s Daughter

2nd Place: Bakehouse

3rd Place: Canapés Catering

 

Bakery: Bakehouse

2nd Place: Stone Hearth Bakery 

3rd Place: Ed’s Country Bakery

 

Ice Cream/Frozen Dessert: South Mountain Creamery

2nd Place: Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream

3rd Place: Beef N Buns N Paradise

 

Chocolate: Zoe’s Chocolate 

2nd Place: The Perfect Truffle 

3rd Place: The Candy Kitchen

 

Local Beer: Flying Dog Brewery 

2nd Place: Idiom Brewing Co.

3rd Place: Attaboy Beer

 

Local Wine: Linganore Winecellars 

2nd Place: Black Ankle Vineyards

3rd Place: Springfield Manor

 

Distillery: Tenth Ward Distilling Company 

2nd Place: McClintock Distilling 

3rd Place: Dragon Distillery

 

Liquor Store: Riverside Liquors

2nd Place: Old Farm Liquors

3rd Place: Brown’s Liquors & Deli

 

Overall Bar: Brewer’s Alley

2nd Place: Firestone’s Culinary Tavern

3rd Place: Bushwaller’s

 

Happy Hour: Brewer’s Alley 

2nd Place: JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House

3rd Place: Oscar’s Alehouse

 

Singles Bar: Firestone’s Culinary Tavern 

2nd Place: Cellar Door Restaurant

3rd Place: Bushwaller’s

 

Cocktail: The Tasting Room 

2nd Place: Hootch & Banter

3rd Place: JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House

 

The Groovy

 

Sports Bar: Champion Billiards Sports Bar

2nd Place: Belles’ Sports Bar & Grill

3rd Place: Valley Sports Grill

 

Billiards: Champion Billiards Sports Bar

2nd Place: Belles’ Sports Bar & Grill 

3rd Place: Robbies Billiards

 

Caterer: Canapés Catering

2nd Place: The Savory Spoon

3rd Place: Renaissance Chef Catering Co.

 

Reception Venue: Morningside Inn 

2nd Place: Ceresville Mansion

3rd Place: Springfield Manor

 

Charitable/Social Event: Catoctin Affair

2nd Place: Alive @ Five

3rd Place: Delaplaine Gala

 

Festival/Event: In the Streets 

2nd Place: Frederick Greek Fest

3rd Place: Greek Festival

 

Art Gallery: The Delaplaine Arts Center

2nd Place: TAG/The Artists Gallery 

3rd Place: NOMA Gallery

 

Museum: Rosehill Manor Park & Museums 

2nd Place: National Museum of Civil War Medicine

3rd Place: Roads and Rails Museum

 

Theater Troupe/Group: Maryland Ensemble Theatre

2nd Place: Other Voices Theatre 

3rd Place: Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre

 

Entertainment Value: Weinberg Center for the Arts 

2nd Place: Sky Stage

3rd Place: Surelocked In Escape Games

 

Cover Band: The Reagan Years

2nd Place: Guys in Thin Ties

3rd Place: Vinyl Rhino 

 

Original Music Band: Hard Swimmin’ Fish

2nd Place: Silent Old Mountains

3rd Place: With Satellites

 

Radio Station: Key 103

2nd Place: 106.9 The Eagle

3rd Place: 99.9 Free Country

 

Radio Personality: Bob Miller

2nd Place: Dina Carole

3rd Place: Tom Whalen

 

Blog: Housewives of Frederick County

2nd Place: RMNB

3rd Place: Out 40

 

High School Marching Band: Oakdale High School

2nd Place: Middletown High School 

3rd Place: Walkersville High School

 

High School Sports: Walkersville High School

2nd Place: Oakdale High School

3rd Place: Middletown High School

 

Swimming Pool: Edward P. Thomas Memorial Pool

2nd Place: YMCA 

3rd Place: Diggs Pool

 

Park: Baker Park

2nd Place: Heritage Farm Park

3rd Place: Gambrill State Park 

 

Hiking Trail: Cunningham Falls State Park 

2nd Place: Gambrill State Park 

3rd Place: Sugarloaf Mountain

 

Golf Course: Clustered Spires Golf Club 

2nd Place: Musket Ridge Golf Club 

3rd Place: Holly Hills Country Club

 

Fitness Center: Onelife Fitness 

2nd Place: Planet Fitness

3rd Place: Barre East Fitness Studio

 

Personal Trainer: Kip Jawish

2nd Place: Shannon Wallace 

3rd Place: Michael Colella

 

Dance Studio: 24/7 Dance Studio

2nd Place: Dance Unlimited 

3rd Place: Elite Feet Dance Studio

 

Yoga Studio: Sol Yoga

2nd Place: Yogamour Yoga & Healing Arts Center  

3rd Place: Roots & River Yoga

 

Men’s Fashion: Men’s Wearhouse 

2nd Place: Kohl’s

3rd Place: Jos. A. Bank

 

Women’s Fashion: Talbots 

2nd Place: Velvet Lounge

3rd Place: Alicia L Boutique

 

Women’s Shoes: Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse

2nd Place: DSW

3rd Place: Velvet Lounge

 

Photographer: Turner Photography Studio 

2nd Place: Davis Studio

3rd Place: 5th & Market Photography

 

Jewelry: Colonial Jewelers

2nd Place: Gold Thumb Jewelry Creations

3rd Place: InBloom Jewelry

 

Hair Salon: New York New York Hair Salon and Day Spa

2nd Place: Thomas Scott Hair Salon & Spa 

3rd Place: Belleza Salon & Day Spa

 

Day Spa: Thomas Scott Hair Salon & Spa 

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

3rd Place: Verbena Day Spa

 

Nail Care Salon: New York New York Salon and Day Spa 

2nd Place: Belleza Salon & Day Spa

3rd Place: Thomas Scott Hair Salon & Spa

 

Barbershop: Gentlemen’s Choice

2nd Place: All About Men Barber Shop 

3rd Place: Wastler’s Barber Shop

 

Tattoo Parlor: Key City Tattoo 

2nd Place: Time Bomb Tattoos & Curiosties

3rd Place: Classic Electric Tattoo

 

Antiques: Great Stuff by Paul 

2nd Place: Old Glory Antique Marketplace 

3rd Place: Emporium Antiques

 

Home Furnishings: Gladhill Furniture

2nd Place: HomeGoods

3rd Place: Bailey’s Treasures

 

Farmers Market: Middletown 

2nd Place: Frederick City

3rd Place: Thurmont

 

Garden Center: The Dutch Plant Farm

2nd Place: Barrick Garden Center 

3rd Place: Meadow Farms Nursery

 

Grocery Store: Wegmans

2nd Place: Trout’s Market

3rd Place: The Common Market

 

Pet Store: Rick’s Fish & Pet Supply 

2nd Place: Wagsmore

3rd Place: My Pet Store and More

 

Dig It

 

Veterinarian: Glade Valley Animal Hospital

2nd Place: Kingsbrook Animal Hospital 

3rd Place: Yellow Springs Veterinary Clinic

 

Pet-Friendly Venue: Baker Park

2nd Place: Idiom Brewing Co.

3rd Place: Downtown Frederick

 

Bookstore: Curious Iguana 

2nd Place: Wonder Book & Video 

3rd Place: Barnes & Noble

 

Comic Book Store: Brainstorm Comics & Gaming

2nd Place: Beyond Comics

3rd Place: Wonder Book & Video

 

Gift/Specialty Shop: Dancing Bear Toys and Games

2nd Place: Retro-Metro

3rd Place: Ec’clectibles

 

Florist: Freesia and Vine

2nd Place: Flowers by Jim

3rd Place: Flower Fashions

 

Dry Cleaners: ZIPS Cleaners

2nd Place: J&M Cleaners

3rd Place: Magic Touch Cleaners

 

Hotel: Residence Inn by Marriott

2nd Place: TownePlace Suites by Marriott

3rd Place: Clarion Inn

 

Car Dealer: The Frederick Motor Company

2nd Place: Shockley Honda

3rd Place: Fitzgerald Auto Mall

 

Auto Repair: Carriage House Automotive

2nd Place: Dynamic Automotive

3rd Place: East County Auto

 

Car Wash: The Auto Spa 

2nd Place: Rosemont Car Wash

3rd Place: The Detail Shop

 

Carpentry/Home Improvement: Dorman Home Remodeling 

2nd Place: Talon Construction

3rd Place: Nysa Construction 

 

Landscaping: Clearwater Landscape & Nursery

2nd Place: Hawkins Landscaping

3rd Place: Metro Landscape & Construction

 

Electrician: Horn Electric Services

2nd Place: Brandenburg Electric

3rd Place: Provident Electric

 

Heating/Air Conditioning: N.E. “Bob” Waltz Plumbing & Heating

2nd Place: Frederick Air 

3rd Place: Warner Service

 

Plumber: N.E. “Bob” Waltz Plumbing & Heating

2nd Place: Mick’s Plumbing & Heating

3rd Place: Charles F. Murphy

 

Computer Tech/Repair: Computer Enhancement Systems 

2nd Place: ITNeedsHelp 

3rd Place: Clark Computer Services

 

Bank: Woodsboro Bank 

2nd Place: FCB Bank

3rd Place: PNC Bank

 

Financial Planning: McCaskill Financial

2nd Place: Key Financial Group

3rd Place: RBC Wealth Management

 

Business Support: Woodsboro Bank

2nd Place: Copy Doc Business Solutions

3rd Place: Business Management Company

 

Real Estate/Realtor: Jim Bass/Jim Bass Group of Real Estate Teams

2nd Place: Marsh Realty 

3rd Place: Impact Maryland Real Estate

 

Architect: Bates Architects 

2nd Place: Proffitt & Associates Architects

3rd Place: Caddworks

 

Doctor: Dr. Edward Fisher 

2nd Place: Dr. Robert Parnes 

3rd Place: Dr. Ali Afrookteh

 

Dentist: Kopit Dental Care

2nd Place: Gilbart Dental Care

3rd Place: PearlFection Dentistry

 

Lawyer: Arthur Crum

2nd Place: Morgan Wheeler

3rd Place: Craig Habicht

 

Alternative Medicine: Holistic Health Associates

2nd Place: Namaste Studios 

3rd Place: Hauser Health

 

Senior Living Community: Homewood at Frederick

2nd Place: Buckingham’s Choice

3rd Place: Edenton Retirement Community

 

Senior Living Services: Healthy Home Living Solutions

2nd Place: Visiting Angels

3rd Place: Sunrise of Frederick

 

Neighborhood: Lake Linganore

2nd Place: Downtown Frederick

3rd Place: Spring Ridge

 

Hidden Gem: That’s Sew Hillary

2nd Place: Il Forno Pizzeria

3rd Place: Surelocked In Escape Games

 

Wish Frederick had: Trader Joe’s

2nd Place: Cheesecake Factory

3rd Place: Top Golf

 

Wish Frederick would bring back: Freez King

2nd Place: White Star hot dogs

3rd Place: Bowling alley

 

Thank you for voting!