Whether you’ve spent years in Frederick County or you’re new to the area, this round-up includes the best places to drink coffee, dine out, lounge in the park, and the unique museums and shrines that make Frederick County so special. If you’re considering a move to the area, start working down the list to find your new favorite spots around town!
The Best Coffee Shops in Frederick County
Need someplace local for that on-the-go cup of Joe? Check out these coffee shops in Frederick County when you want to indulge in a specialty latte or if you need a strong shot of espresso to get you going.
Frederick Coffee Co & Cafe
Where? 100 North East Street
Frederick Coffee has been a friendly neighborhood shop since 1991! The menu has a bit of everything, from breakfast options to sandwiches, paninis, and wraps for lunch. From a coffee standpoint, patrons have a multitude of options to choose from. Sip on a chai latte or enjoy a cafe au lait to get your morning started on the right foot. Specialty lattes include the Big Sky Mocha with chocolate and caramel, the French Toast latte with maple spice, cinnamon, and white chocolate, and the Ooh La-La-Lavendar with lavender and vanilla for a sweet, floral treat. You can always keep things simple with an Americano or a cold brew. During the fall and winter months, order some hot apple cider and during the spring and summer seasons, the menu adds fruit smoothies to the lineup!
Dublin Roasters Coffee
Where? 1780 North Market Street
Dublin Roasters Coffee hand roasts every bean, ensuring the perfect flavor when the coffee reaches your cup. The shop features organic and fair-trade products, as well as special and seasonal blends and flavored coffee options. Don’t want the caffeine jitters? Try the decaf Swiss Water coffee that brings you all the robust flavor without any of the effects. The menu features a variety of sandwiches of the breakfast and lunch variety and popular beverages like iced lattes and the Dirty Hippie, which combines chai spices and locally sourced honey. Try the Bulletproof coffee, which is mixed with ghee and butter. The pup doesn’t need to be excluded at Dublin Roasters Coffee, as they have a free pupaccino on the menu! There are also additional unique items for sale, such as gluten-free brownies from Sweet Lavender Bakery, mugs, dog bandanas, and children’s books.
Baltimore Coffee & Tea Co.
Where? 5209 Presidents Court
Baltimore Coffee & Tea has 120 varieties of fresh coffee and a large selection of fine tea. Whatever your favorite drink is, you’re sure to find it somewhere on the menu. There is also a selection of breakfast sweets, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Each day at the shop, there are 6 varieties of coffee to enjoy. Sip on a cafe latte or a mocha or stick to a double shot of espresso! Specialty lattes include seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice and year-round classics like salted caramel and almond joy. Whether it’s hot or cold outside, you can enjoy iced or hot drinks or kick things up a notch with a frozen cappuccino! For breakfast, enjoy fresh bagels or a bowl of heart-healthy oatmeal.
Where to Wine & Dine in Frederick County
Don’t want to mess with the dishes? No problem! Frederick County has plenty of dining-out options to choose from. Pair your meal with a cold craft beer or a glass of red and enjoy good times over good food with good friends and family.
Showroom
Where? 882 North East Street
Showroom is a modern American restaurant that’s known for its modern take on mid-Atlantic comfort foods such as fried chicken, duck fat fries, and chicken pot pie fritters. The restaurant features a seven-day-a-week brunch menu, including chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and steak and eggs! The supper menu includes short ribs, roasted salmon, mushroom risotto, and fish and chips. Save room for dessert, with a decadent selection of brownie sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, Basque cheesecake, and root beer floats! Need a drink after a long week? Try one of the cocktails such as the East St. Old Fashioned or the Spiced Apple Margarita with apple cider and warm spices.
Cafe Nola
Where? 4 East Patrick Street
Cafe Nola is welcoming of all, including vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free individuals looking to enjoy a delicious meal out. Dive into an order of hummus, wings, spinach artichoke dip, or southwest egg rolls! For entrees, you can choose from French toast, smoked hash, vegan breakfast sandwiches, and an array of eggs Benedict options. There are also sandwich options, with classics like the BLT and fried chicken or modern spins such as the Beyond burger. The menu includes coffee and espresso options, as well as brunch cocktails like mimosas, Aperol spritzes, and peach Bellinis. You can also order specialty teas and lattes like the Ninja Turtle with hazelnut, caramel, and chocolate!
Frederick Social
Where? 50 Citizens Way
Frederick Social is conveniently located in downtown Frederick and is the area’s first self-pour tap house and cafe located along Carroll Creek. This unique model allows patrons to customize their experience in a cozy environment. The tap wall is lined with various high-quality beers, wines, and cocktails. You can taste as much or as little as you want! The menu features options to satisfy vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores. Small bites such as air-fried cauliflower bites and crispy brussels sprouts are the perfect accompaniment to your drinks. There are also flatbreads, sandwiches, wraps, and bowls. Fun for all with outdoor seating, board games, shuffleboard and kids play area (six and under).
White Rabbit Gastropub
Where? 18 Market Space
The menu at White Rabbit Gastropub is sure to delight, with yummy starters like cheese steak empanadas and fried green tomatoes and award-winning Detroit pizza like In Crust We Trust with cupped pepperonis and a housemade red sauce. There’s also an extensive sandwich selection, like smash burgers, chicken parm, and a BBLT with bacon, burrata, lettuce, and tomato. Sip on cocktails such as the boozy pineapple mango slushy or the tex-mex Paloma with tequila, grapefruit juice, and cactus nectar. If you’re looking for something stronger, try the Jefferson Airplane Old Fashioned or the Sake Bomb. Don’t drink? No problem! Sample one of the mocktails, such as the alcohol-free margarita and blackberry bramble.
Madrones
Where? 7810 Wormans Mill Road
Voted as Frederick’s best happy hour, you won’t want to miss out on the deals at Madrones. Lunch specials include grilled naan bread with goat cheese, cajun jambalaya, and blackened salmon tzatziki. The dessert menu features homemade key lime pie and the Madrones peanut butter pie. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta or barbecue, Madrones has you covered with penne Toscana, spicy shrimp and chicken pasta, baby back ribs, and more. You’ll find deals every weekday, including Monday’s $12 burgers and half-price 20-ounce beers and $1 off all drinks on Tuesdays and Fridays. Enjoy happy hour snacks from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM to close every weekday, such as fried calamari, tiger shrimp, and French sliders.
Where to Indulge in a Sweet Treat in Frederick County
Need a quick dessert fix? You’re in luck! Frederick County has tasty ice cream and fudge to satisfy even the most insistent sweet tooth.
Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream Co
Where? 253 East Church Street
Known locally as “the ice cream shop with the bear,” Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream has been proudly serving up treats and smiles since 2002. The menu includes milkshakes, classic malts, homemade fudge, and a variety of sno treats. Of course, there is plenty of ice cream to choose from as well. Enjoy one, two, or three scoops of vanilla, chocolate, or twist soft serve. You can select toppings and mix-ins such as caramel, hot fudge, strawberry, almonds, gummy bears, and a variety of candy bits to make a concoction all of your own. There are also banana splits and hand-packed pints and quarts for you to take home and enjoy later. There is an upcharge for vegan ice cream but it’s available for those who want to skip the dairy.
Little Red Barn Ice Cream Cafe
Where? 4610 Lander Road
Little Red Barn Ice Cream is instantly recognizable and is one of the best spots in the county to indulge in something sweet. The restored 100-year-old barn has indoor dining and an awesome patio space, as well as a walk-up window and carry-out options. You can also select from sandwiches, chili, soups, salads, and espresso-based drinks for one stop shop for savory, sweet, and caffeinated delights! Ice cream options can be served in a cup or a cone (sugar, cake, or a homemade waffle cone) and toppings include cookie dough, Oreo, hot fudge, peanut butter, raspberry, and Reese’s Pieces. Enjoy a Hershey’s hand-dipped scoop or a South Mountain Creamery double scoop. You can also opt for a milkshake, a sundae, or a banana split with your favorite flavors and toppings.
Frederick County’s Parks & Green Spaces
Want to get out and enjoy the sunshine? Whether you enjoy getting your steps in or you want to set out a blanket and enjoy a picnic and a book — these local county parks are fun spots to hang out in.
Baker Park
Where? 121 North Bentz Street
Baker Park is a 58-acre community park located conveniently in the heart of Historic Downtown Frederick. There are jogging and bike paths, as well as multiple playgrounds and a picturesque lake. The park is also pet friendly and features a popular venue for sporting events, concerts, recreation activities, and an array of festivals and events like Frederick’s Fourth and the Summer Concert Series. Bring the whole family out to take a walk or soak in the sights and sounds of the lake. Kick a ball around or wear the kiddos out on the playground so they’re ready to hit the hay.
Carroll Creek Park
Where? Carroll Creek Linear Park
Carroll Creek Park is one of Downtown Frederick’s most treasured attractions, featuring a 1.5-mile-long park that stretches through the center of Frederick’s historic district. Over the years, the park has become a hub for unique public artwork, fountains, water gardens, live music, and community festivals. There are also an array of restaurants, outdoor dining options, breweries, and a distillery in the area. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or grab a bite to eat on a patio to soak in the sun, swing by Carroll Creek Park for a relaxed green space experience.
Points of Interest in Frederick County
Now that you’ve discovered the best places to eat, drink, and hang out around Frederick County, what else is there to do? Check out these local points of interest, both of educational and historical value!
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Where? 48 East Patrick Street
If you haven’t already, make time to visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine located in the heart of historic Downtown Frederick. Visitors will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of soldiers and surgeons as they endured the harsh conditions and personal sacrifices of the Civil War. The museum is open every day of the week, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (11:00 AM on Sundays). Adult tickets are priced at $9.50 and children 9 and under get in free.
National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Where? 339 South Seton Avenue
Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first American-born saint. She was a wife and mother and was widowed at the young age of 29 in 1803. Despite these hardships, Seton continued to do amazing work. She founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s and also began St. Joseph’s Academy and Free School. Often referred to as Mother Seton, her legacy continues to live on and her remains are entombed in Emmitsburg in the Basilica at the National Shrine.
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