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We regularly check out the best places to get a cocktail in Frederick, so here’s our ranked list. This list focuses on the best bars in downtown Frederick, not the greater Frederick area.
Rankings: Best Bars in Frederick MD
Best Bars in Frederick Maryland - Map
The Underatted Nightlife of Downtown Frederick
As we’ve written in many articles about Frederick, MD, one of its best features is its vibrant downtown. The downtown Frederick bar scene comes to life in the evening, especially on weekends.
This list focuses on the best bars in downtown Frederick, not the greater Frederick area. If you are looking for a night out in Frederick, there are plenty of characteristic downtown Frederick bars to choose from.
You can also create your own downtown Frederick bar crawl with a little planning.
A glance at the map above shows that many of the downtown Frederick bars are near each other and clustered on North Market Street.
Black Hog BBQ is approximately three blocks south of Carrol Creek. Between here and Olde Mother Brewing at the corner of 6th Street, about nine blocks north, are virtually all the Frederick downtown bars on this list.
What's New in 2026 With the Frederick Bar Scene
As usual, there were several openings and closings of bars and restaurants in Downtown Frederick during 2025.
The hottest new bar in Frederick by far in 2025 was True Standard Distilling. This new rum-focused distillery adds to the growing list of distilleries in Frederick to visit.
But it’s become one of the most popular places to get a cocktail in downtown Frederick. In fact, it usually has a line out the door.
The Ordinary Hen, the restaurant that replaced a favorite (Thatcher and Rye) in 2024, closed. It was soon reopened as a new restaurant, 7th Sister, and still has a great bar.
The River Bar and Grill reopened in 2025 after shutting down in 2024 due to a fire.
Finally, in the location that used to be another Frederick Favorite Firestones, a new restaurant, Fire&Oak Cullinary Tavern, opened in December 2025.
True Standard Distiling
TrueStandardDistilling.com/ This rum-focused distillery is a must-visit if you like distillery tours. But its also become the hottest place to get a cocktail in Frederick since opening in 2025.
7th Sister
www.7thsister.com 7th Sister opened in May 2025 in the building that was previously occupied by The Ordinary Hen and Thacher and Rye. It still has a great bar!
The River Bar and Grill
RiverBarGrillFrederick.com The River Bar and Grill in downtown Frederick re-opened in August 2025 after closing in 2024 due to a fire. It's a great place for Mexican food, magaritas, tequilla, and a fun bar in general.
Fire & Oak Culinary Tavern
FireandOakRestaurant.com This is the new gastropub that has replaced the Frederick favorite, Firestone's in downtown. Great central place in Frederick for drinks.
Did we miss a place? Did we rank something too high or low? Let us know in the comments.
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1. McClintock's Back Bar
Why We Love It: Every time we write about McClintock’s Back Bar, I get slightly more anxious because I know this once obscure, secret cocktail bar will be discovered by more people. That ship has probably sailed.
MBB is the best place to get a cocktail in Frederick. Its ideal but slightly hidden location behind the parent McClintock Distillery gives it a speakeasy feel. The cocktails are exquisite, made from on-premise rye, bourbon, gin, or vodka.
The modern and comfy stools, the professional bartenders, the creative drinks….just go. But don’t tell too many people!
2. Bentztown
Why We Love It: Bentztown made a big splash in the 2024 Frederick bar and restaurant scene when it opened in the spring.
The Nashville music-themed venue has quickly become one of the coolest places to eat, drink, listen to music, or just hang out in downtown Frederick.
The bar is big, bold, elegantly decorated, and fully stocked. There’s a heavy emphasis on bourbon (you can get a bourbon flight), but the menu of other various cocktails keeps you wanting to try more.
Bentztown has the same ownership as Brewer’s Alley and Monocacy Brewing, so you, of course, see many of their flagship beers on the menu, too.
You’ll love the food. The Bentztown Smashed Butcher Burger is one of the best burgers in Frederick.
Check Out NIcole and Glenn's Visit to Bentztown!
3. Wye Oak Tavern
Why We Love It: The second big splash in Frederick’s entertainment scene in 2024 happened late in the year with the Visitation Hotel opening, along with its on-property restaurant, Wye Oak Tavern.
The Visitation Hotel is a new Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott, converted from a 1852 monastery. It immediately became the most interesting place to stay in Frederick, MD. The Wye Oak Tavern is a joint venture by celebrity chefs and brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio.
There’s so much to say about this amazing new place in Frederick. But focusing on the bar at Wye Oak alone, go check it out the next time you are looking for something upscale, trendy, and different. (It’s built on a converted church altar).
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Top Rated Hotels in Frederick
- Best Overall Hotel. The Visitation Hotel
- Best Luxury Hotel. The Visitation Hotel
- Best Bed and Breakfast. 10 Clarke B&B
- Best Downtown Location. The Wedgewood Inn
- Best Hotel for Families. Homewood Suites by Hilton Frederick
- Best Budget Hotel. Best Western Bend North
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4. White Rabbit Gastropub
Why We Love It: The White Rabbit in Frederick is a must-visit establishment! It’s an authentic gastropub full of character, with delectable Detroit-style pizza and excellent burgers. But the bar is worth visiting on its own.
One clarification: there are 2 bars at White Rabbit, an upstairs and a downstairs bar. While both are very cool, and you should fight for a seat at either, follow our recommendation and head upstairs first.
The upstairs bar is one of the best bars in Frederick. The backlit shelves, comfy stools, and highly talented bartenders make this a mesmerizing place to have drinks.
If you are a beer lover, you’re in for a treat. White Rabbit keeps ~30 local and international brews on its menu, either on draft or in bottles. It’s a great place to try interesting beer.
The cocktail and whiskey list is equally impressive, and as mentioned, the bartenders are top-notch. Love this place!
5. The Wine Kitchen
Why We Love It: The Wine Kitchen on the Creek is also one of Frederick’s best restaurants. It’s the perfect Frederick special occasion, date night, or place to take out-of-town guests, located right on Carroll Creek.
So, while we highly recommend eating there, hitting up its bar for drinks is another Frederick secret.
The place has a cool vibe, and the bar feels high-end. Maybe the best aspect of The Wine Kitchen is the flights. It has an extensive wine and whiskey list. You order these in recommended ‘flights’ (for example, “American Whiskey Flight”), each with a note card for each serving. It’s a fun way to try new wines and spirits.
Beer and cocktail lovers won’t be disappointed. The beer list is creative and locally focused, and the cocktail list is funky.
Check Out Nicole and Glenn's Visit to The Wine Kitchen!
Book Your Frederick Hotel or Vacation Rental
6. Hootch and Banter
Why We Love It: This is another Frederick Downtown cornerstone. Hootch and Banter has a small bar (it’s a relatively small place), but if you can score a high chair, it doesn’t get much better for a bar downtown.
It’s a go-to spot for Nicole and me and has some of the best gourmet sandwiches in town. Our favorite thing to do is hit the bar for a beer or cocktail, then, when hungry, order and eat at the bar! It’s also a great place to hit after a round of golf in Frederick.
Make no mistake, this is not a sandwich shop. It’s a proper restaurant with top-shelf cocktails.
7. True Standard Distilling
Why We Love It: This new rum-focused distillery opened in downtown Frederick in 2025 and became an immediate hit.
True Standard Distilling is a genuine distillery, with regular tours and tastings. But the onsite cocktail bar has gotten more attention than anything. In fact, there is often a line to get in on weekends.
Inside is a colorful and upscale cocktail bar serving a variety of fancy rum cocktails. They have regular events, and we’d recommend making a tasting and tour reservation, which then gets you access to the bar.
8. The Tasting Room
Why We Love It: The Tasting Room Frederick is one of the best places to eat in Frederick, MD, especially for high-end fine dining. But visiting the bar for drinks is also a big city experience.
It has maybe the best wine list in town, many of which are available by the glass. The cocktails on the whiskey list are also ‘special occasion’ worthy.
If you are going to dinner at The Tasting Room, or somewhere else downtown for a ‘fancy’ night, hit up the Tasting Room for a beginning of the evening drink.
9. Tenth Ward Distilling Company
Why We Love It: Frederick is lucky to have several distilleries (McClintock, Dragon Distillery, Springfield Manor), and Tenth Ward is one right downtown on Patrick Street.
That makes it a great place to visit, where you can taste its signature Maryland Rye Whiskey, Genever Gin, Smoked Bourbon, and Absinthe Nouvelle.
But Tenth Ward is also a place for cocktails! So, while you won’t find beer or wine here, it’s an excellent stop for original cocktails made from local products. The drinks rotate constantly and are seasonal, so a stop in Tenth Ward is never dull.
Happy Hours and Live Music are regular. Frederick must visit!
10. Black Hog BBQ
Why We Love It: Black Hog BBQ is a small chain of BBQ restaurants with a prominent location downtown, a few blocks south of Carroll Creek. It’s a great place for BBQ, and it also has a spacious, comfy indoor bar on the first level.
However, Black Hog underwent significant renovations in 2023, including the creation of a fabulous rooftop area with a bar and seating. It’s immediately become one of the best places to eat, drink, and hang out, weather permitting.
So hit up Black Hog if you are in the mood for authentic BBQ, but come for the rooftop, even if it’s only for drinks.
Check Out Nicole and Glenn's Visit to Black Hog BBQ!
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118 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
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11. Up on Market Bistro and Inn
Why We Love It: This is another establishment in Frederick with history. In 1792, Richard Potts, a member of the Continental Congress and the first US Attorney for Maryland, bought the building.
Today, Up on Market is a French and Belgian bistro in downtown Frederick that gives off a European vibe. In addition to being a bistro, it’s also an Inn with four rooms for rent (and one of Frederick’s best places to stay).
Nicole and I discovered this place wandering in for a drink once. We were amazed by its incredible selection of European Wines and Belgian beers! We enjoyed a local dessert wine from Mazzaroth Vineyards on our first visit.
There’s a small but very Europena bar in inside, and a great drink menu. Or enjoy a drink on the Market Street patio outside in nice weather.
12. Brewer's Alley
Why We Love It: Brewer’s Alleys is about as central as it gets to downtown Frederick. It is located in a historic building dating back to the 18th century.
Today, it’s a popular brewpub in Frederick serving its beers on-site and at its off-site location, Monocacy Brewing.
The downstairs indoor bar is a great spot, but maybe the best aspect of this place is the upstairs outdoor patio. It’s an awesome place for a beer flight in summer and, in general, is one of the best bars in Frederick.
It should be noted that Brewer’s Alley is also a great place to get a burger in Frederick and one of the better sports bars in Frederick.
Also, check out the latest venue from the owners of Brewer’s Alley – Bentztown.
13. Pistarro's
Why We Love It: Pistarro’s is another bar in this ranking highly influenced by what you feel like eating for the evening.
Pistarro’s is a well-established pizzeria and Italian restaurant in Frederick. It can sometimes have a family-restaurant feel, but in the evenings, it feels very much like a locals’ place.
When we are in the mood for casual Italian, Pistarro’s is usually our go-to, and we prefer to eat and drink at the bar.
There are plenty of Italian reds by the glass (Chianti, Montepulciano, Sangiovese), and a ton of cheesy, red-sauce appetizers and entrees to go with them. Makes for an awesome Italian, eat-at-the-bar night.
14. River Bar and Grill
Why We Love It: Every town needs good Mexican, and a good Mexican bar. That’s what River Bar and Grill provides for Frederick.
This venue closed in 2024 due to a fire, but thankfully is back open, serving up margaritas, tequila, mezcal, and lots of Mexican beers. The Mexican food is great as well.
Nicole and I also find it to be one of the better places to watch sports in Frederick, so consider it when looking for a place to watch the Ravens in Frederick.
15. Bushwallers
Why We Love It: Bushwaller’s is a classic Irish Pub, and who doesn’t love those? Also in the heart of downtown, Bushwaller’s has been a Frederick staple since 1981.
It’s a beer-and-whiskey kind of place. In fact, the draft beer list is worth a visit alone, with all the classics (Guinness, Smithwick’s, Kilkenny, Harp) paired with locals like Olde Mother Brewing. You can also get a classic Black and Tan.
Cocktail lovers will find plenty of those as well.
The American / Irish pub fare, with favorites like Guinness Beef Stew and Scotch Eggs, completes the Irish Pub experience at Bushwaller’s.
16. Olde Mother Brewing
Why We Love It: OK, I get it. Olde Mother isn’t a bar; it’s a brewery, and this is not a list of top breweries in Frederick.
But I’ve included it on the list because 1) It’s right downtown, easy to include on any Frederick bar crawl, 2) the beer is amazing, and 3) they have the best burgers in town (Fifty Fifty Burger).
Olde Mother is a great place to hang out, inside or on the patio. They frequently have events, and the craft beer is worth the visit. Simple.
17. Agave 137 Tequila Bar and Kitchen
Why We Love It: Are you a tequila or mezcal fan? If so, then this is the place in Frederick. Agave 137 serves up 70+ types of tequila and mezcal.
This also means a great selection of margaritas and Mexican-style cocktails. (FYI, the ‘137’ comes from its address on Market Street).
In addition to being the best place in Fredrick for tequila, the menu is pretty darn good as well. Highly recommend the tacos. Nicole and I found ourselves at the Agava bar many times this year, having margaritas and tacos. Amazing!
18. Cucina Massi
Why We Love It: Cucina Massi is an Italian Trattoria in downtown Frederick and one of the best places in Frederick for Italian Food. But what we love best about it is The Back Bar!
There’s a fine bar inside the restaurant, and Nicole and I have had drinks there many times, usually waiting for a table.
But I recommend skipping all that and heading straight to the back of the restaurant. There, you will find a lovely back patio with its own bar, tables, chairs, and even greenery and herbs to stare at while you enjoy your Chianti or Montepulciano wine.
In fact, heading to the back bar of Cucina Massi for Margherita pizza, pasta, and a bottle of Italian Red is one of the best eating and drinking experiences in Frederick!
19. Magoo's Pub
Why We Love It: Magoo’s is another Irish Pub right off the main downtown drag in Frederick. It’s an intimate and ornate place, great for getting a Guinness or, better yet, a whiskey.
In fact, their Whiskey Wednesdays are combined tastings and dinners that feature a different type of whiskey each month. I’ve heard good things.
Magoo’s has good pub food, with an Irish flair.
20. Cacique
Why We Love It: Another longtime establishment in downtown Frederick, Cacique is a Spanish- and Mexican-themed restaurant whose best feature might be its bar.
Nicole and I frequent Cacique because we love the paella, but it’s also a great place for cocktails downtown, especially if you like tequila cocktails.
The bar is bright and colorful, and always seems to be crowded, especially on weekends.
21. Cellar Door
Why We Love It: Sometimes we all are in the mood for that dark, intimate bar with dim lights and live (preferably loud) music. Cellar Door is that place.
Cellar Door is a happening place with regular entertainment, including live music, open mic comedy, and karaoke. It’s downtown Frederick’s nightclub spot.
There are drinks to satisfy almost anyone, and the menu offers decent food.
22. Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar
Why We Love It: One of the few chains on this list, Shuckin’ Shack has a great spot on South Market Street and has been going strong since 2015.
You almost can’t miss the place, especially its outside patio with picnic tables along Citizens Way just across from Carroll Creek.
It’s a solid place for drinks (~20 beers on tap, including locals, cocktails, and wine), great bloody marys, and one of the better sports bars in downtown Frederick. Plus, of course, seafood! Oysters are always fresh.
23. JoJo's Restaurant and Tap House
Why We Love It: If you turn east off Market Street and down Patrick Street, you will see a nice stretch of restaurants and bars. JoJo’s is one of them.
It’s a prominent, welcoming place that always seems to be bustling. There are consistently ~20 beers on draft, plus wine and cocktails. It’s a good spot if you want classic American food – lunch, dinner, or brunch on the weekends.
That big glass front has a way of inviting you in, especially at happy hour!
24. Olde Towne Tavern
Why We Love It: Classic American bar and grill. You want no frills? Olde Towne Tavern is no frills—drinks, appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and nothing complicated.
It’s a homey place on the north side of downtown. On Thursdays, there are usually specials.
25. Cafe Nola
Why We Love It: Another Patrick Street favorite, known more for its fantastic breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Don’t sleep on the Cafe Nola bar. Stop in for a beer or cocktail in a laid-back setting.
You can come back in the morning for the Migas (and cure that hangover!)
Bonus - Vintage
Why We Love It: This is one where we will ask you to travel slightly outside of Frederick to one of our favorites. Vintage Restaurant in New Market is one of our go-tos and undoubtedly one of the best places for drinks in the area.
The joint is in an old building with a cozy bar and a great drink menu. Both classic and creative cocktails are served (we’ve tried them), plus a great selection of wines and beers, including plenty of local options.
Head here on Friday or Saturday, grab a seat at the bar (or a table in the bar area), queue up your favorite weekend drinks, and have dinner. Can’t miss a night out in New Market.
Read Our Detail Reviews of The Best Bars in Frederick!
There's a New Rum Distillery in Fredrick That Everyone is Talking About - True Standard Distilling.
Brewer's Alley is a brewery, restaurant, and bar in downtown Frederick with a ton of history and maybe the most central location …
The Ordinary Hen has replaced Thacher and Rye, one of Downtown Frederick's best restaurants. How does this new restaurant in Frederick …
Bentztown Frederick is a vibrant new bar and restaurant that brings the vibes and flavors of Nashville to downtown Frederick.
The Up On Market Bistro, nestled in the heart of Downtown Frederick, is a charming restaurant that transports you to the bustling …
Read about our very overdue visit to Dutch's Daughter in Frederick, and why we recommended heading straight to the Dungeon.
