Nicole and I not only extensively explore Frederick and Bend, but we also travel a lot around the world. Last Thanksgiving, we spent four days in Paris, France. Let’s just say if you like exquisite eating in your travel destination, it doesn’t get much better than Paris. The Up on Market Bistro in downtown Frederick reminds us a lot of the places we ate in Paris.
Up On Market Bistro is a lovely eatery in a historic building on the north end of Market Street. It’s become one of our favorite restaurants in Frederick, partially because it reminds us so much of eating in France.
The History Building Which is Now Inn on Market and Up on Market
Before discussing the present-day eating experience at Up on Market, it’s worth mentioning its history. The building dates back to 1745 and was the original home of Richard Potts, a Revolutionary War hero, member of the 1st Continental Congress, US Attorney for Maryland, and Maryland State Senator.
Since then, it has been an inn, a dry goods storage building, and various other stores that have taken advantage of its prominent location in downtown Frederick.
It’s been owned by Francis Skrobiszewski and his partner Michelle Fontaine since 2014. They extensively renovated the building and turned it into a Parisian-style bistro and Inn.
A Classic Parisian Bistro in Downtown Fredrick
Up on Market has a French Bistro vibe from the minute you walk in. The classic white tablecloth decor, tiled floor, and sconch lighting in the dining room are full of European and French.
This is only the beginning of the Bistro experience you are about to enjoy, as the dishes, wines, beers to follow all elegantly combine elements of French eating with a dose of Maryland.
During our recent visit, Francis, the owner himself, was our server. He described how his many years of working in restaurants in France and Europe have enabled him to bring many of their aspects of eating to Frederick.
He and Michelle have worked hard to turn Up on Market into a place with a menu and a dining experience that is all Parisian.
Up on Market Frederick: Basics
Up on Market (and the Inn on Market) is a Bistro and a four-room Inn on the north side of downtown Frederick. It’s not only a fabulous place for a meal but also one of the best places for a drink and one of the best places to stay in Frederick.
- Address: 301 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- Web: www.uponmarket301.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/uponmarket301
- Phone: +1.240.831.4847
- Price Range: $$$
- Reservations: by phone only
- Note: Open every day starting 10 am (9 am Sat/Sun for Brunch)
The Up on Market Menu: Fabulous French Classics
The Up on Market Menu has the potential to deliver the best dining experience in Frederick, so prepare accordingly! There’s French influence up and down the menu, and our usual recommendation is to stick with the menu items that a restaurant is highlighting. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.
You can start with appetizers like Duck Rillettes, Oysters, and Crab Cake. But check out the soups that are staples to French cuisine: French Onion, Cream of Mushroom, and Asparagus.
Entrees on the Up on Market menu are, well…manifique! During our last visit, Nicole and I both opted for meat entrees. In my case, it was the Lamb Chops, which were amazingly tender and favorable.
But Nicole one-upped me and ordered the Filet Mignon with Frites. It’s served with Au Poivre Cognac cream sauce, and I have to say it may be the best steak entree in Frederick (with all respect to Dutch’s Daughter, another of our favorites!).
The truth is there are so many delicious French directions you can go on the Up on Market menu. Duck Breast, Beef Bourguignon, Moules (mussels from PEI), and several inviting pasta dishes are all things I look forward to returning to try.
The Up on Market French-Inspired Wine List
Like the rest of Up on Market, the wine list is French-influenced but diverse. In fact, it’s a great wine list without being too overbearing. My recommendation is again to stay in France and get your server or Francis himself to help you choose the perfect French wine to accompany your entree.
Look, I get it. French wine is complicated and pretentious. But this is the type of place to try something from Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley, or a small strange place called Chateauneuf-de-Pape. Don’t worry—it’s French wine. It will taste amazing and make your food even more delicious.
Most people don’t think about French food and beer. But if you are beer drinking, Up on Market also makes this interesting with several interesting brews from France and Belgium (beers like Leffe that you don’t see on many menus).
The Dessert, Digustiefs, and Dessert Wines You Can't Skip
The most skilled pastry chefs on earth are French, so no French meal is complete without dessert. Up on Market has many to choose from, including the classics: Moelleux, Creme Brulee, and Tartelettes. But my personal recommendation is the Almond Cake—delicious!
The after-dinner drinks at our most recent meal at Up on Market were maybe the most interesting part. You cannot help but notice the very interesting set of foreign liquor bottles on display around the bar.
Once again, a conversation with Francis led us to him offering us a few extremely interesting and favorable digustiefs from Eastern Europe to finish our meal.
I should also mention that this is one of the restaurants in Frederick that serves dessert wine from one of our favorite area wineries: Mazzaroth Vineyards. In fact, Nicole and I’s first visit to Up on Market was for drinks and we enjoyed the Mazzaroth Tannat Ruby Red dessert wine at the bar.
What More You Need to Know About Up on Market
- There is no online reservation system but you can reserve a table by phone (+1.240.831.4847)
- The outdoor seating right on Market Street is a great option during warmer months.
- While we have yet to try it, Up on Market is known to have an incredible brunch.
- You can book a room at one of the four unique rooms at the Inn on Market.
