As anyone who’s ever visited Frederick, MD, knows, it’s one of the most scenic (and historic) cities in the entire United States. Even before European settlers arrived in the area around 1730, Native American hunters and traders including Susquehannocks, Shawnee, Seneca, and others used the Monocacy River and nearby trails as an important thoroughfare.
These days, of course, most diners don’t have to rely on those intrepid hunters for their meals. Frederick restaurants rank among the very best in the state. And with that in mind, the staff at Green Goods has rounded up a few of our all-time favorite Frederick restaurants. From the bold and inventive to the simple and classic, Frederick is a great place to find yourself hungry!
Green Goods Dispensary’s Favorite Frederick Restaurants
Sanctuary: Modern Kitchen
16A N East St
Frederick, MD 21701
(240) 415-0592
This pint-sized little eatery does a bang-up job serving the growing numbers of those who want to cut gluten out of their diets. Not that you’d know it, with the long list of tempting baked goods like fluffy muffins, cookies, and fruit-filled turnovers, to name a few. And though the ready-to-eat options are limited to the standout crisp chicken sandwich, Italian-style rice fritters and soups, the restaurant does a brisk trade in takeaway entrees and much more. Even if you’re okay with gluten, chances are this little kitchen will win you over.
Black Hog BBQ Bar
118 S Market St
Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 662-9090
If an edible tour of Southern BBQ styles sounds like your jam, there’s no better place to be than this regional family of restaurants. From Arkansas brisket—smoked a la Texas but sauced a la Memphis—to Carolina-style pulled pork with spiced vinegar and St. Louis-style ribs, there’s something for everyone here (provided that “something” is meat, of course). Round out your order with classic sides like mac & cheese, “holiday” sweet potatoes, and braised greens.
Il Porto Restaurant
200 S Market St
Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 620-7480
This genuinely charming eatery brings a classic Italian spirit to downtown Frederick. With lovingly crafted dishes like veal cutlets with marsala, chicken parmigiana and fresh seafood in classic red or white sauces, you may feel a welcome and warming nostalgia taking hold. Those seeking lighter fare will fall in love with the pizzas, crisp salads and starters like fried eggplant and a standout lobster soup. Molto bene!
Lucky Pho Ever Restaurants
700 N Market St
Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 624-1005
Okay, so maybe pho isn’t exactly native to Frederick. But the Hanoi-style soup is a worldwide craze, and no surprise why: Marrying various cuts of beef with rice noodles, fresh herbs and a rich, addictively seasoned broth, it’s a comfort food that satisfies all the senses. This punnily named kitchen doesn’t restrict itself to soup, however. Crisp banh xeo crepes enfold lively fillings like ground pork, shrimp and fresh mint, and given Vietnam’s history as a largely Buddhist nation, you’ll find a great selection of vegetarian dishes as well.
Sabor De Cuba
9 E Patrick St
Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 66301036
This heartwarming little eatery brings the distinctive flavors of the island of Cuba to life with memorable style. From piquant meat-stuffed empanadas to “Grandma’s” chicken soup and a classic ropa vieja of flank steak stewed with tomatoes, olives and capers, you’ll marvel at the depth of flavor chef Angel Gattorno coaxes from humble ingredients. The artful food is mirrored by very special visuals: The restaurant is bedecked in original artworks by Antonio Gattorno, a founder of Cuba’s Modernist Movement and a distant cousin of the chef.
