You’ve landed on this page because you are looking for the best bars in Frederick MD. We got you covered!
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.
(Did we miss a place? Did we rank something too high or low? Let us know in the comments.)
Rankings: Best Bars in Frederick MD
Explore Our Best Bars in Frederick Maryland Map
Why We Love It: Every time we write about McClintock’s Back Bar, I get slightly more anxious because I know this once obscure, secretive 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 speak easy 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!
- 35 S Carroll St Suite 200, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.825.5921
- https://mcclintockdistilling.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/McClintockDistilling
Why We Love It: We love Thacher and Rye and consider it one of (if not the) best restaurants in Frederick. It’s a big-city dining experience from a celebrity chef (Bryan Voltaggio). But it also has one of the best bars in Frederick.
Whether you choose to eat there or not, a visit to the sleek yet elegant bar is highly recommended. It’s a small bar, but the cocktail list is creative, and the whiskey collection is one of the best in Frederick.
They also feature and rotate lots of local wines and beers, including Olde Mother Brewing just a few blocks away and Old Westminster Wines.
- 228 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.240.332.3186
- https://www.thacherandrye.com
- https://www.facebook.com/thacherandrye
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 you eat there, hitting up its bar for drinks is also another Frederick secret.
The place has a cool vibe, and the bar feels high end. Maybe the best aspect of The Wine Kitchen are the flights. It has an extensive wine list and whiskey list. You order these in recommended ‘flights’ (for example: “American Whiskey Flight”) that include note cards on each serving. Its 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.
- 50 Carroll Creek Way #160, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.663.6968
- https://www.thewinekitchen.com/location/frederick/
- https://www.facebook.com/EatDrinkSimply/
Why We Love It: The White Rabbit in Frederick is a must-visit establishment! Full of character, with delectable Detroit-style pizza, its a true gastropub. But the bar is worth visiting alone.
One clarification: there are 2 bars at White Rabbit, an upstairs and 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 and 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 a ~30 local and international brews on its menu either on draft or in bottles. Its 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!
- 18 Market Space, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.240.651.1952
- https://www.whiterabbitgastropub.com/
- http://www.facebook.com/whiterabbitgastropub
Why We Love It: The Tasting Room is one of Frederick’s Best Restaurants, 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.
- 101 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1240.379.7772
- https://www.trrestaurant.com/
- http://www.facebook.com/trrestaurant
Why We Love It: This is another Frederick Downtown cornerstone. It 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.
- 49 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.732.4971
- https://hootchandbanter.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/hootchandbanter/
Why We Love It: Firestone Culinary Tavern is a Frederick favorite for a great meal, drinks, or both! Located in the heart of downtown near the corner of Market and Church streets, this long-time establishment serves “good food” and “strong drinks. “
The elevated pub food menu is one of the better places to dine downtown (sit up top on the mezzanine), and the bar is hopping. It’s usually buzzing on weekends.
It is a classic pub bar with character. It offers a great selection of beers (including locals), cocktails, wines, whiskey, and more. The wine list is impressive, all the better if you are having a meal here.
- 105 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.663.0330
- https://firestonesrestaurant.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/FirestonesTavern
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.
Its 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. Or 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 complete the Irish Pub experience at Bushwaller’s.
- 209 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.695.6988
- https://bushwallers.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/BushwallersPub/
Why We Love It: Frederick is lucky to have several distilleries (McClintock, Dragon, Springfield), 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 a great stop for original cocktails made from local products. The drinks rotate constantly and are very seasonal, so a stop in Tenth Ward is never dull.
Happy Hours and Live Music are regular. Frederick must visit!
- 55 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.360.5888
- https://www.tenthwarddistilling.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/tenthwardco/
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!
- 111 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.624.1052
- https://www.cucinamassi.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/cucinamassifrederick/
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.
- 526 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.240.877.7392
- https://oldemother.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/OldeMother/
Why We Love It: Tequilla, margaritas, Mexican beer, and tacos…need I say more? River Bar and Grill is a standout Mexican spot right on Market Street.
Its a bright and colorful place that makes you happy as soon as your walk inside. The indoor bar is roomy and fun, but maybe the best part of River is the back patio. On warm sunny days is a top spot to hang out in Frederick.
- 129 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.240.575.9318
- https://riverbargrill.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/Riverbarygrill/
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, it’s 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.
Nicole and I discovered this place wandering in for a drink once and discovered its great selection of European Wines and Belgian beers! Enjoying a drink on the Market Street patio its probably the best way to enjoy Up on Market.
- 301 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.240.831.4847
- https://www.uponmarket301.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/uponmarket301/
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, and it also has an Irish flair.
- 1 W 2nd St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.378.2237
- https://magoosfrederick.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/MagoosPub/
Why We Love It: Are you a tequila or mezcal fan? If so than 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.
- 137 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.240.439.4367
- https://www.agave137.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/Agave137
Why We Love It: Frederick Social burst onto Frederick’s food and bar scene in 2022, and there’s no place like it. It truly is about being ‘social’ as it resembles a college student union. You’ll often find people there working or studying.
But make no mistake- this is a bar with beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, and food. It’s a ‘pour your own’ system that involves exchanging your credit card for a payment card. Then, you can hit up the massive beer wall with a huge selection of drinks.
It’s different and fun, but not for everyone (for example, there’s a ‘kids play’ area). But the location is fabulous, right on Carroll Creek Park; there are frequent events, and you should check it out because it offers a different type of food and drink experience.
- 50 Citizen's Way, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.240.629.8525
- https://www.frederick-social.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/fredericksocialcafe
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 serving up its beers brewed on the property and at its offsite 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.
- 124 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.631.0089
- http://www.brewers-alley.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/brewers.alley
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 have a family-restaurant feel at times, 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 it. Makes for an awesome Italian, eat-at-the-bar night.
- 221 N East St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.378.9536
- https://pistarro.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/pistarrofrederick
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 decent food on the menu.
- 301 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.695.8460
- https://www.cellardoorfrederick.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/CellarDoorRestaurant/
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 places to watch sports. Plus of course, seafood! Oysters are always fresh.
- 41 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.240.575.9876
- https://www.theshuckinshack.com/location/frederick/
- https://www.facebook.com/shuckinshackfrederickmd/
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 big, 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!
- 16-18 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.732.5197
- https://www.jojosrestauranttaphouse.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/JoJosRestaurantTapHouse/
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.
- 325 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.695.1454
- https://ottfrederick.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/OldeTowneTavernFrederick
Why We Love It: Another Patrick Street favorite, known more for its amazing 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!)
- 4 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.301.694.6652
- https://www.cafe-nola.com/
Why We Love It: Tsunami Ramen is a favorite place for Japanese, especially ramen. But its bar and cocktail list is underrated. Also, being right downtown, it’s an excellent stop for a drink on a night out in Frederick.
The cocktail menu is super creative with Japanese influences, mainly through the use of sake and shochu.
- 20 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
- +1.240.815.6744
- https://www.tsunamiramen.com
- https://www.facebook.com/tsunamiinfrederick
Bonus List of Best Bars in Frederick MD
As you can tell from this list, downtown Frederick has plenty of options for getting a drink.
In addition to the rankings above, here are a few bonus recommended bars in Frederick for you to try.
Why We Love It: Sidecar Bar in Frederick is a small bar adjacent to Firestone’s Culinary Tavern, which runs the place. It has a bright glitzy bar, super fun to sit at and have drinks. The best attribute is the huge whisky list, most of which have bottles sitting in front of you. There are lots of craft bourbons and ryes, and locals like McClintock and Tenth Ward. The full Firestone menu is also available.
Despite being right next to Firestones in the heart of downtown, it feels somewhat off the beaten path. It doesn’t even have its own website, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
- 105 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
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 gotos and undoubtedly one of the best places to go 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 up (we’ve tried them), plus a great selection of wines and beers including lots of locals.
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.
- 8 W Main St, New Market, MD 21774
- +1.301.882.7674
- https://www.vintage-eats.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/vintageeats
Read Our Detail Reviews of The Best Bars in Frederick!
